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Alejandrina Hazel b.k.a Aleja
Sunrise: March 25, 1036 – Sunset: Aug. 30, 2009
She leaves to mourn:
1 Daughter Marie Hazel in Dom. Republic
1 Son Kalon Hazel in Dom. Republic
1 Brother Edwardo Hazel in Dom Republic
4 Sisters Anna Hazel in Dom Republic
Elena Hazel in Dom. Republic
Erena Hazel in Dom. Republic
Chiquita Hazel in Dom. Republic
Cousins: Eulalie Cooks & Family in St. Maarten
Anna John & Family in Dom. Republic
Ada John & Family In Dom. Republic
Julio John & Family in Dom. Republic
Jose John & Family In SXM
Melford Hazel & Family in SXM
Eulalie Meyers Hazel & Family in SXM
Cyril Hazel & Fam. In SXM
Sam Hazel & Fam. In SXM
Newton Hazel & Fam. In SXM
Helen Lake & Fam. In SXM
Betty Goffe & Fam. In NYC
Atrice Froston & Fam. In SXM
Irene Hodge & Fam. In SXM
Barbara, Edward, Sophie, Lynchie, Eldrine, Moyenva
And their families
Other nieces, nephews and cousins to numerous to mention.
Aleja was related to the: Hazel, Meyers, Blijden, Cook, John, Doncher, Dollison, Pries, Scot, Burns & her extended family at the St. Maarten Home
Good friends: Valerie Gieterson, Marie Richardson, Pastor Arrindell.
Special thanks to the Management & Staff, the doctors and nurses of the SXM Home, Lt. Governor Franklin Richards, Commissioner Sarah Wescot Williams, Tochi Meyers and Frankie Meyers.
Funeral Service will be held at the Emerald Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009. Viewing will be from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Service starts at3:00 pm with internment at the Cul-de-Sac cemetery.
May her soul Rest in Peace.
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Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and staff they comfort me.
Sunrise: August 13th 1986- Sunset: November 16th 2009. It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden death of Larissa Julina Peterson
She leaves to mourn: Mother: Cheryl Peterson Brothers: Lesley Peterson Leandro Peterson
Sisters: Lysandra Peterson Lettitia Peterson
Grandmother: Julia Peterson
Aunts: Barbara Peterson Elsa Peterson Janet Woodley-Peterson Brenda Peterson Linda Morrishaw- Peterson
Godparents: Christine Hodge Helmira Lloyd Franco Richardson Tod Peterson
Great Aunts: Judith Peterson Laurel Ijbrecht Marina Peterson Arlene Sprott Ann Nicolaas Agnes Scott Great Uncles: Charles Jacobs Andrew Peterson Ronald Peterson
Great great Aunts: Inez Kruythoff Harriet Salomon Christine Cannegieter
Cousins: Nicole, Michelle, Marlon, Kevin, Riami, Onira, Giselle, Robert, Sharité, Michelline, Gilberto, Nathan, Izeja, Michelle, and many more too numerous to mention.
Close friends:
- Suzanne Smith
- Shaneida Conner
- Churendy Peters
- Julisa Ellis
- Joette Richardson
- Allan Bell
- Adriano Salomon
- Julien Gumbs
- Micheline Beaupherthuy
- Juliano Gumbs
- Morella Hodge
- Eugene Hanson
- Many more friends too numerous to mention
She was related to the following families:Peterson, Jacobs, Tweed, Morrishaw, Peters, Lavesit, Bell, Severina, Hodge, Hughes, Halley, Vlaun, Cannegieter, Rogers, Richardson, Rombley, Sendar, Ijbrecht, Scott, Hassel, Marsham, Nicolaas, Lake, Salomon, Gumbs, Duzong, Vanterpool, Boasman, Lawrence, Laurence, James, Maccow, Woodley & Warner families.
Funeral service for the late Larissa Julina Peterson will be held on Tuesday November 24th, 2009 at the Praise Tabernacle Church in Cole Bay. Viewing will be from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Service will commence at 3:00pm with interment at the Cape Bay cemetery. May Her Soul Rest in Peace
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It is with deep sadness in our hearts we announce the tragic passing of Ms. Gemma Renault.
Sunrise: 29 November 1969 ~ Sunset: 11 December 2009
Mother: Vinance thomas Father: Richard Renault Sisters: Cynthia, Priscilia, Nadia, Royette & Florentine Brothers: Glenworth, Allick & Kenroy Daughters: Julie, Tricia, Rochelle & Penny Son: O'niel Nieces: Lazia, Shatis, Karine, Diana, Christina, Sheena, Sophie, Nya, Tanisha, Laurellee, Maelly & Eva Nephews: Rody, Mathew, Meddy, Geatan, Jason, Kernel, Antonio, Tristan and Stephan Grand-Daughter: Loana & Leana Grand-nieces: Naomi & Andreana Grand-nephews: Jaique, Curtis & Kiami Cousins: Antony and many other too numerous to mention. Brother-in-law: Antoine Close friends and neighbors: Mona, Louvinia, Nivonia, Shadia, Fiffi, Daniel and many others too numerous to mention. She was related to the following families: Renault, Thomas, Laroque, Eschllyes dinnard, Graham, Petris, Constant, Charles, Nicholas, Norde, Honore, Yankey Panthier and many others to numerous to mention.
Funeral service for the late GEMMA RENAULT will be held on Monday 21st December, 2009 at the Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in Grand Case. Viewing will be from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Service will commence at 2:00pm with interment at the Grand Case cemetery.
May Her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
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“Blessed are those who die in the Lord…..Yes, says the spirit they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard works; for their good deeds will follow them!” Revelations 14: 13
We regret to announce the passing of Mr Elmando RICHARDSON a.k.a Flute or b.k.a “The Kid of Taxi 182”
Sunrise: March 12th 1941 ~ Sunset: December 24th 2009.
He leaves to mourn:
* His wife: Aurélie HUNT RICHARDSON aka Lita
* His 4 children: Moran RICHARDSON aka Polo bka Upsetter Maurice RICHARDSON aka Shabba Miranda RICHARDSON BENJAMIN Moréliot RICHARDSON aka Molo
* His grand-children: Aaïsha, Tiphany, Zorah, Delano and Zorahne
* His sisters: Sarah MACCOW & family Marie ADAMS & family Doreen RICHARDSON & family
* His brother John RICHARDSON
* His daughter-in-laws: Elvia GUMBS RICHARDSON aka Dona Debra FLANDERS aka Debby Robertine CHANCE aka Founty
* His son-in-law: Delroy BENJAMIN
* His sisters-in-law: Eleonore RICHARDSON Julia RICHARDSON Amaline FORESTAL aka Marie Bernice HUNT & family aka Bundy Udélie HUNT & family aka Delly Ginette HUNT FLEMING & family Juliana HUNT FONROSE & husband aka Jule
* His brothers-in-law: Louis ROGERS & family Maurice HUNT & family Raymond HUNT & family Gérard HUNT & family aka Jack Jean-Louis HUNT & family aka Loulou
* His childhood friend: Martin RICHARDSON & family
* His close friends: Too numerous to mention
* His God children: Bericia FRANCIS & family Jean-Paul ARRONDELL & family Adeline ROGERS & family Alex HALLOMAN & family Germina FLEMING
Many Families, Relatives and Friends to numerous to mention.
He was a member of the Marigot Taxi Association, a friend, a confident and a father figure to many.
We give special thanks to the doctors and nurses of the Marigot hospital particularly Dr NOUBOU, Dr VALADE, Dr RAKOTO, Dr LOUISIA, and Dr THIBAUT family physician, the oncology service in Guadeloupe, to Eric JAVOIS and his staff at ERICK AMBULANCE.
The late Elmando RICHARDSON was related to the RICHARDSONS, HODGES, ADAMS’, HUNTS, MACCOWS, ROGERS, SMITHS, CONNORS, FLEMINGS, GUMBS’, BENJAMINS, REYS, ARRONDELLS, MINVILLES, VANTERPOOLS, SOUCHETTES’, FLANDERS’,MILLERS, HAMLETS, WILSONS, FRANCIS’, CONNERS, COCKS’ & BRYANS,
The Wake will be held from 7p.m. to 10p.m. on Sunday 27th & Monday 28th December, 2009.
The funeral services will be held at the Marigot Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday 30th December, 2009. Viewing of the body will be from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.Service will commence at 3:00pm with interment at the Marigot cemetery.
May His Soul Rest in Peace
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Mrs. Veronique Aurelia Freedom Artsen
Affectionately know as "Nica"
A sunset on earth is a sunrise in heaven. God saw you were getting tired so He called you home to rest.
She leaves to mourn:
Sister: Noeline Illidge & Family
To numerous to mention: Sisters in law, Brothers in law, and Godchildren
Nieces and nephews: Lilette Freedom & Family in SXM Cheryl Freedom in SXM Leo Freedom & family in SXM Aline Freedom & family in SXM David, Juana, and Louisa Wilmot & family in the USA Alicia Lewis & family in USA Mariane Talbat & family in France Cherrie Illidge-McKenna & family in USA Louis Illidge in the USA Justin & Francoise Freedom in France Eric Freedom & family in Guadeloupe Michel, Jean-Pierre, Jocelyn, Souprémanien & family in Guadeloupe Max Souprémanien & family in French Guyana Betty Toribio & family in Guadeloupe Ismelda Haddad & family in the Ivory-Coast Jacqueline Sylvestre & family in Guadeloupe Philip Freedom in Aruba Samuel Freedom & family in Guadeloupe Close friends: Louisy Denise & family, Bernice Gumbs & family, Bernadine & family, Gertrude, Maysy, Ebeny Daniel & family, Marva Piper & family,Noemi & Sidonie Kingsale, Justine Leivest, Jonny Gibbons, Annette Illidge, Avril & family, Viveca Giddings & family, Eveline, Caroline,Rev. Brisette & family, Rev. Seaton & family, Rev Alberic Rohan & family, Miss Vivica & family, Rev. Niles & family and Members of the Women’s League and class #5 of the Ebenezer Methodist Church.
Mrs. Artsen was related to: Freedom, Artsen, Illidge, Soupremanien, Wilmot, Gumbs, Gombs, Sylvestre, Haddad, Baly, Kingsale, Miller, Richardson, Gibbs, Toribio, Thomas, Talbat, Manuel, Lake, Wilson
Special thanks to the staff of the Louis Constance Fleming Hospital, and all those who were able to visit and spend time with Nica while in the hospital. The wake will be at her home in Cay Hill on Friday evening, 18 September
Funeral arrangements for the late Mrs. Veronique Aurelia Freedom Artsen will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Ebenezer Methodist Church in Marigot. Viewing and tributes will be from 10:00am to 11:00am, service will commence at 11:00am with interment at the Sandy Ground Cemetery.
May Her Soul rest in Peace
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Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
We regret to announce the passing of our beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather: James Nathaniel Richardson Better known as Tanie Bus Driver #88
Sunrise 17th March 1921 Sunset 21st December 2009
He leaves to mourn:
- His children
- Mrs. Edith Maduro & Family (Curacao)
- Mrs. Beatrice Carolina & Family (Curacao)
- Mr. Alvin Arrindell & Family (Curacao)
- Mrs. Evelin Arrindell & Family (Curacao)
- Ms. Iris Arrindell & Family (St. Maarten)
- Mr. Josesito Arrindell & Family (Curacao)
- Mr. Kenneth Arrindell & Family (Curacao)
- Mr. Rene Arrindell & Family (St. Maarten) Bus driver #76
- Mr. Elleck Arrindell & Family (St. Maarten) Bus driver #88
- Mr. Jerry Arrindell & Family (St. Martin) Ice Cream Truck Driver
- Mr. Otty Arrindell & Family (Curacao)
- Ms. Jesca Arrindell & Family (The Netherlands)
- His brothers
- Mr. John Richardson & Family (St. Maarten)
- Mr. Winston Harrigan & Family (Anguilla)
- Mr. Leslie Gumbs & Family (Anguilla)
- Mr. Jerome Gumbs & Family (Anguilla)
- Mr. Andrew Gumbs & Family (Anguilla)
- His sisters
- Mrs. Sarah Maccow & Family (St. Martin)
- Mrs. Marie Adams & Family (St. Martin)
- Ms. Dorine Richardson & Family (St. Martin)
- Ms. Anita Gumbs & Family (Anguilla)
- Ms. Lynda Gumbs & Family (Anguilla)
- His nieces and nephews
- Too numerous to mention here and abroad
- His brother in law
- Mr. Louis Rogers & Family (St. Martin)
- His sisters in law
- Mrs. Julia Richardson & Family (St. Maarten)
- Mrs. Aurelie Richardson & Family (St. Martin)
- Mrs. Eleanore Richardson & Family (St. Martin)
- His close relatives
- Pastor Hodge & Family
- Mr. & Mrs. John Minville & Family
- Mr. & Mrs. Laurent Minville & Family
- Mr. Hubert Berthaux & Family
- Mr. Joerup Hodge & Family
- Children of the late Pepe Richardson & Family
- Children of the late Edna Richardson & Family
- Children of the late Evelina Vanterpool & Family
- His close friends
- Lydia, Rose Adams, Didi Adams, Louis Adams and Sisil Hamlet.
He was related to the following families: Arrindell, Richardson, Hodge, Adams, Maccow, Rogers, Vanterpool, Minville, Flemming, Harrigan, Ruan, Germin, Gumbs, Carolina & Maduro families
The Funeral service for the late James Nathaniel Richardson will take place at the Marigot Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday 29th December, 2009. Tributes will be from 2pm to 3pm. Service beginning shortly thereafter. Interment will follow at the Marigot Cemetery.
The family kindly requests no visitors at the home after the funeral.
May His Soul Rest In Peace.
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It is with deep sadness in our hearts we announce the tragic passing of Master Donald Nicholas.
Sunrise: 29 February 2000 ~ Sunset: 11 December 2009
Father: Donaldson Nicholas Grand-Mother: Wilma Nicholas in Dominica Vinance Thomas Grand-Father: Richard Renault Brother: O'niel & Brandon Nicholas in Guadeloupe Sister: Julie, Tricia, Rochelle & Penny Aunts: Cynthia, Priscilia, Nadia, Royette, Florentine, Verolane, Henna Benjamin in USA & Verdan Honore in Guadeloupe Great Aunt: Katura Honore in USA Uncles: Glenworth, Allick & Kenroy Nieces: Loana & Leana Cousins: Evana Flanders in SXM, Evan Flanders in USA, Micheal FLEMING in USA, Nickael, Nicolas & Nicole Blanc in Guadeloupe, Lazia, Mathew, Rody, Karine, Meddy, Daina, Gaetan, Jason, Christina, Kernel, Sophie, Nya, Tanisha, Laurelle, Maelly, Antonio, Tristan, Naomi, Jaique, Andreana, Shatis, Sheena, Stephan, Eva, Curtis & Kiami He was related to the Renault, Thomas, Laroque, Eschylles, Dinnard, Graham, Petris, Constant, Charles, Nicholas, Norde, Honore, Yankey, Panthier and others too numerous to mention. Funeral service for the late Donald Nicholas will be held on Monday 21st December, 2009 at the Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in Grand Case.Viewing will be from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.Service will commence at 2:00pm with interment at the Grand Case cemetery.
May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace
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Psalms 23: The Lord is My Shepherd I shall not want.
It is with deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of Brian Pemberton B.K.A Banks or Presley
Sunrise: 22 October 1972 ~ Sunset: 3 Nov 2009 in Curacao He leaves to mourn: Mother- Aureta Pemberton better known as Rita Sister- Sandy Pemberton in Nevis Nieces- Latesha & Sandicia Pemberton Nephews- Sheldon and Adrian David in Nevis Delvis and Denrick Pemberton in Nevis Uncles- Eugene & Dinzey Pemberton in Puerto Rico Bernard Pemberton in Tortola Desmond Pemberton in U.K Aunts- Ena Leacock in England Judith Hodge in SXM Bernadine Pemberton in Curacao
Great Nieces- Aleshia & Kishell Kelly in Nevis Alika David Great Nephew- Zavier Stapleton in Nevis Great Aunt- Irene Pemberton in St Kitts Cousins- Clive Hodge in SXM Damien & Sylvia Pemberton in Nevis Lenroy Kelly in Nevis Denise Skeete in Sxm Jonelle & Jarisaha Jones in Sxm Alester Liburd Cornelius Kelly Frederick Williams in Sxm Heumey Pemberton Noel in Sxm Roosevelt Wattley
Special Friends: Rashida Maccou- Holland, Hydrina Aubert, Rosy Gumbs, Vernon Hodge, Marc& Marisa Brandy, Cheslyn Arrindell, Dwayne ,Chris, Fabian, Jean Joel, Simeon, Andy, Earl, Winston, Micheal , Warren, Kenneth, Daryl & Family, Chad, Shirley, Rodney, Charlie Jacob &Family, Maria ,Lydia, Rosy Huggins, Carmen Tyson, Elaine Laville, Beulah, Melda, Suzanna Francis & Cole Bay Boyz He was related to Pemberton, Skeete, Williams, Huggins, Wattley, Jones, Smithen, Kelly, David, Leacock, Hodge and Liburd families.
Many other family and friends both here and abroad too numerous to mention Funeral service for the late Brian Pemberton b.k.a Banks or Presley will beheld on Thursday 12th November 2009 at the St.Simon & Jude Anglican Church on Backstreet. Viewing and tributes will be from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.Service will commence at 3:00pm with interment at the Cul de Sac cemetery. May His Soul Rest in Peace
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We regret to announce the tragic passing of our Son, grand-son, brother, nephew, cousin & friend.
Chance Rene Davy AKA “Smallest”
Born on the 26th of August 1988 in Fr. Saint Martin and passed away on the 24th of October 2009 at the tender age of 21.
He leaves to mourn his: Father: Hodge Charles Rigobert Deceased mother: Nuñez -Chance Vina-Elisa Grand-Father: Nestor- Hubert Charles bka Pedro Step Grand Father: Glasgow Louis Alfred bka the Crab or louche Grand-mothers: Hodge Marie Germaine & Nuñez Fernandez Eligia bka Negra Step Grand-Mother: Nestor-Hubert Mabel Great Grand-Mother: Nuñez Martina Aurora Girl friend: Hodge Roseline
Sisters: Hodge Charlese in Holland Hodge Charlene in Holland Hodge Clarisha in Holland Hodge Celina Brother: Hodge Mario in Holland
Aunts: Wilson Nadine Wilson Elianette Wilson Christiane bka Mapouse Wilson Sophie bka Stress out Glasgow Marcia bka Lucita Glasgow Lucette Nuñez- Arias Maria Virgen bka Yolanda Ogando-Nuñez Yudelkis & Ogando-Nuñez Marisol in Dom.Rep Winfield Josiane in the USA Munis Mylene Uncles: Hodge Justin, Hodge Jean, Hodge Marion bka Mario, Hodge Henry bka Mocky, Wilson Raphael, Wilson Martin, Guzman-Nuñez Ramon in Dom.Rep & Nestor- Hubert Julio in the USA God-Mother: Ellis Amanda God-Father: Ellis Albert God-Sisters: Ellis Dariana Ellis Lisette Ellis Nilka
Great Aunts: Richardson Alicia Jeromus Georgette in Aruba Hodge Bernadine Hodge Jeanette Nuñez Anita, Nuñez Priscilia, Nuñez Christina, Nuñez Ramonita, Nuñez Tinita in Dom.Rep & Nuñez Gloria in ST. Thomas Great Uncles: Hodge Victor, Hodge Eric,Nestor-Hubert Richard in the USA, Nestor-Hubert Handito, Nuñez Papo, Nueñz Dermiro, Nuñez Tinan, Nuñez Chilo, Nunez julito, Nuñez Marco, Nuñez Jose-Elia & Nuñez Bien-venido in Dom. Rep Great Great Uncle: GUMBS Maurice Great great Aunt: Hyman Delphine a.k.a Ms Olette & Fleming HODGE Yvette Close cousins: Carti Jacqueline & Hugo Yudelkis b.k.a Tania And many more too numerous to mention Close friends: Tracy, Mobzy, High Tek, Bob D Builder, Kooy, L.D, Phat-pac, Pagnol, Wassa, Shane, Xavado Baly, Darren & many many others too numerous to mention. He was related to the: CHANCE,HODGE, GLASGOW, NESTOR-HUBERT, NUNEZ, HYMAN, WILSON, BEAUPERTHUY, COCKS, BROOKS, JERMIN,WOODS,GUMBS MENTA,ARNELL,ROHAN,LEGRAND,ARRINDELL,FLEMING,CLODEON & CHANDLERS Families and many more too numerous to mention. Funeral arrangements for the late Chance Rene Davy aka “Smallest” will be held on Thursday 29th October, 2009 at the French Quarter Catholic Church. Viewing of the body will be from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Service will commence at 3:00pm with interment at the Catholic Cemetery in French Quarter.
May His Soul Rest In Peace
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Mi a warda yegada di Señor mas ku guardia lus di dia pasombra serka djE tin tur grasia salbashon abundante. Salmo 130
Sra. Norma Anastasia Wilson La-Croes
Na nòmber di su kasa : Sinclair Wilson Su yunan: Naika Wilson (Hul) Milouschka Wilson Gromyko Wilson (sxm) Su nietunan: Theodore Wilson (sxm) Laneisha Webster (sxm) Zaira Maria Su rumannan: Griselda i George Lichtenberg Elsira La- Croes Stella i Herbert Kuwas Margareth i Tinus Borgschot (Na Hul) Anthony Borgschot Nerine Borgschot (Na Hul) Ciro Martina i rumanan Ruman di kriansa: Hubert (Ibi) Borgschot i rumanan demas rumannan Tanta i tionan: Ida. Fabias i famia Ivy (Shon Ma) Martinus i Famia Rudy Da Costa Gomez i famia Elsio (Echi) Quarton i famia Subrina i subrino nan: Jurgan Lichtenberg i ruman Natali Fecunda i rumannan (Na Hul) Anuska Kuwas i ruman Debby Borgschot (Na Hul) Naömy Goilo i ruman (Na Hul) Marcy Emelina i rumannan demas subrina i subrinonan Na nòmber di: Olga Francinet, Rovin Anita, Zabrina Maria Tur prima i primunan, komader i kompadernan, bisiña, amiga(u) i konosínan. Demas famianan: La-Croes, Wilson, Borgschot, Lichtenberg, Kuwas, Fecunda, Martina, Regales, Felicia, Francinet, Walle, Maarten, Maria, Francisco, Mogen, Reinita, Quarton, Da Costa Gomez, Matrona,Nicasia, Webster Si akaso den nos tristesa nos por a lubida un nòmber nos ta pidi nos sinsero Diskulpa
Akto di entiero ta tuma lugá djabierne 16 di òktober 2009 saliendo for di misa di Janwe pa Santana Katoliko di Janwe/Pietermaai . Ta kuminsa risibi bishita di kondolensia for di 1:00 di mèrdia na misa di Janwe. Promé ku entiero lo tin un santu sakrifisio di misa na Janwe. Despues di entiero no ta risibi bishita di kondolensia na kas.
Funeral Will be Held In Curacao.
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He that dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty Psalm 91:1
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Wife, Mother, Grand-mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend.
Francoise Elise Henry- Conner affectionately know as Lisette or “Sister” Sunrise: 30 June 1960 ~ Sunset: 21 September 2009
She leaves to mourn: Her Husband: Leon HENRY Better known as Bible. Her Mother: Violette RICHARDSON – CONNER in Free Town. Her Daughter: Mirlene HENRY MICHAEL & Family. Her 3 sons: Miguel, Mario & Marino HENRY. Her 2 Grand Children: Anthony & Aryana MICHAEL. Her Son-in-law: Ulric MICHAEL (Better known as Booksy). Her mother in law: Neoline HENRY LEWIS. Her father in law: Joseph HENRY better known as Bizzy in Guadeloupe. 3 Sisters: Louise CONNER CARTER (Better known as Noukie) & Family, Cheryl CONNER INNISS & Family in Saint Martin & Emilienne CONNER-SAMUELS & Family in the USA. 6 Brothers: Albert CONNER & Family, Celeste (Better known as Alex) CONNER & Family, Alain CONNER & Family, Alphonso CONNER & Family, Aristide (Better known as Steve or Buju) CONNER & Family & Victor CONNER & Family in the USA 1 Her Aunt: Eva ROGERS - RICHARDSON. 1 Her Great Aunt: Theresa Williams Duzanson Better known as Tanty Titine in Aruba. 1 Her Great Uncle: Orlando Marlin in Curacao. 3 Her Brothers-in law: Roy SAMUELS in the USA, Michel Henry (Better known as Brass) & Bernard INNISS in St-Martin. Her Sisters in law :Mathilda Henry, Sylvia CONNER, Claudine CONNER, Lucienne CONNER, Maria CONNER, Viva CONNER, Ethelyn CONNER, Bernadette LAVILLE-HENRY & Micheline RACON HENRY. Her Godparents: Carmélie ROLLAN & Raphael Baly in Texas. Her God children: JEAN Jacqueline and Stephon WALTERS. Her Sister-friends: Jacqueline Violenus, Rosette HUNT, Suzette Illidge, Arlette Duzant and Annie Lake. Close friends: Annie Lake, Gloria Alcide, Linda Luchel, Louis Questel, Amélie Richards, Alexina Barrot, Patricia Baly, Lucy Seaman, Castel Araham, Charnette Dariah, Jeanine Jean, Francilène Paines and Franciane Naejux in Guadeloupe. Her Nieces: Nathalie, Melinda and Roselyne in the U.S, Lissa, Judia, Judikaël Rolinda, Judiana, Roselia, Anoushka, Aliesha, Sylvianne, Isabelle, Yannick, Lindelle, Roselaine, Francesca, Isabelle and Ismelda. Her Nephews: Justin, Corey and Travis in the US, Sylvain, Brandon, Allenzo, Aïlle, Brian, Patrick, Jean-Pierre, Sébastien, Jocelyn, Pedro, Paulo, Jimmy, Ribert, Sidney, Loïc and Luc Many other friends and family too numerous to mention among whom are: Henriette Dormoy, Violette Richardson in St-Martin, Angèle Richardson in Holland, Esther Williams, Linda Richardson, Sandra Richardson, Astor Brooks, Edgard Baly, Earl Williams, Rosario Richardson, Michel Quillin, Antonio RICHARDSON, Joel Richardson She also leaves to mourn The Members of Morne O’Reily Seventh Day Adventist Church & the workers of the Cantine Central in Marigot. The late Françoise Elise HENRY-CONNER was related to the Conner, Henry, Richardson, Michael, Baly, Brooks, Flanders, Hodge, Richards, Novels, Laville, Samuels, Carter, Dormoy, Duzanson, Inniss, Racon, Stanford, Gibbs, Jeffry, Adams, Williams, Lewis, Gumbs, Illidge, Lewest, Jacobs, Heward, Valmy, Celliez, Andrews, Martin, Dollison, Macdonna and many others too numerous to mention. Funeral arrangements for the late Francoise Elise Henry- Conner will be on Sunday 27th September, 2009 at the Mont O’reilly/Rambaud Seventh Day Adventist Church. Viewing will be from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.Service will commence at 3:00pm.With interment at the Sandy Ground cemetery
May Her Soul Rest in Peace
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“Blessed are those who die in the Lord…..Yes, says the spirit they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard works; for their good deeds will follow them!” Revelations 14: 13
It is with profound sorrow, but with a spirit of thanksgiving that we announce the death of Rebecca Elizabeth James-Arnaud, a.k.a. Becca of the Bush Road, who was born on July 26, 1916, and died on Sunday, December 06, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Maarten Medical Center at the age of 93 years.
Rebecca Elizabeth James-Arnaud is survived by:
Her husband: Joseph James a.k.a. Fred Her stepson: Carlson James Six (6) grandchildren: Leroy James & Family Tracelyn Thomas-James & Family Tyrone James Carlson James, Jr. Carloon James Jacqueline Violenus
Six (6) great-grandchildren
3 Nephews: George Courtar & family on St. Eustatius William Arnaud a.k.a. Bill Alfred Arnaud & family in the Netherlands
3 Nieces: Jenny Arnaud & family in New York Mary Arnaud & family Margaret Arnaud & family Many great-nieces and nephews too many to mention
She also leaves to mourn her faithful and trusted neighbors and friends: Elizabeth Richardson and children, The Huggins family, Miss Millie, Leo Thompson, Rhonda Brown & family, Blondell Warner, Annette Illidge and staff, Averil Meyers, Maisie Richardson & family, Sheila Richardson, Cynthia Levenstone & family, Beena Williams, Eulalie Meyers, Miss Joe, Muriel Lake & family, Lionel Gumbs a.k.a. Lange & family, Julian Warner, her Women’s League family and her Methodist family.
She was related to the following families: Arnaud, James, Courtar, Berkel, Richardson, many on Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten
The funeral service for the late Mrs. Rebecca Elizabeth James-Arnaud will be held on Friday, December 11, 2009 at the Philipsburg Methodist Church. Viewing and tributes will be from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Service of thanksgiving will begin at 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Cul-de-Sac cemetery thereafter.
May Her Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.
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Está con la tristeza profunda de que anunciamos el paso repentino
Elionis Porfirio Martinez
Nacio: 02-02-1999 Murio: 27-11-2009
Sus Padres: Porfirio Martinez Mejia Maria Isabel Martinez Sus Hermanos: Engel, Genesis,Sean Paul y Imanol Sus Abuelos: Sarah, Susana, Casiano Sus Tias y Tios: Ana, Lilina, Angela, Mercedes, Maira, Xiomara, Miguela, Lucy, Josefina,Rolando,Julio, Morena,Elvio, Francisco, Yovani y Saul Sus Primas y Primos: Laurie, Denise, Randy, Rolandito,Cristian, Santa, Juan F, Peguey, Ileen, Anel, Cherline, Genesis, Yamal, Talia y Leticia. Auna prima especial: Betty Profesor: Coupaul Amigos: Natan, Yoel,Kelvin, Gregorios, Rinaldo, y sus companeros de la clase CM2 A sus demas familiares y amigos que son muchos, pero que no podemos mensionar sus nombres. A sus maniyers de deportes Mr.Brown, Coach Manuel,Jean Claude y sus companeros de equipo de juegos.
El funeral servicio de Elionis Porfirio Martinez será llevado a cabo el Jueves 3 de Diciembre de 2009 en la Iglesia Catolico en Marigot. La vista del cuerpo será de 2:00 P.M. a 3:00 P.M. El servicio religioso comenzará en 3:00pm con entierro en el cementerio de Sandy Ground. The Funeral service for Elionis Porfirio Martinez will be held at the Marigot Roman Catholic Church. Viewing will be held from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Service will commence at 3:00pm with interment at the Sandy Ground cemetery.
Pueda Su Descanso de la Alma En la Paz May His Soul Rest In Peace
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It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt & Friend.
Mrs. Euneal E. St.John- Webster
The wife of the late Charles Webster Born April 22nd, 1921 Long Bay Anguilla Died on October 25TH, 2009 at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital.
She leaves to mourn: Daughters: Janevia Javois, Jane Webster, Doreen Webster, Joselin Webster, Jacklin Stanford & Alma Webster of bus #9 Sons: Albelto Webster, Granville Webster & Donald Webster Daughter in-laws: Angelica Webster, Jasmine Webster & Carmoly Webster of taxi #149 Son in-laws: Robert Javois, Stanley Rogers & Adolph Stanford 40 Grandchildren 49 Great grandchildren Sister: Florence Hunt in St. Thomas Brothers: Alban St. John in St. Thomas & Jacob St. John in Anguilla Sisters in law: Anita St. John in St. Thomas, Barbara St. John in Anguilla & Patricia Richardson in St. Thomas Close Friends: Violet Conner, Martha Baly, Marie Adams, Clemance Jermin, Suzett Illidge, Neoline Landeford & Barbra Richardson She leaves to mourn many nieces & nephews to numerous to mention. And the Seventh-day Adventist congregations. She was related to the following families St. John, Webster, Fleming, Carty, Hughes, Richardson, Williams, Baly, Gumbs, Santiago & Lake families.
Funeral Service for the late Mrs. Euneal E. Webster- St. John will be held on Sunday 1st Novemeber, 2009 at the Cole Bay Seventh Day Adventist Church. Viewing of the body will from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Service will commence at 2:00pm with interment at the Marigot cemetery.
The wake will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday at her home in Rambaud Pic Paradise
Thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital and nurse Anmarie. May Her Soul Rest in Peace
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The Lord giveth and he taketh away.
With deep regret we announce the passing of Alfred Alister Duggins.
Born: January 31st 1970 ~ Passed away: September 17th, 2009
Left to mourn: Father: Alberto Johan Duggins Mother: Millicent Pinard Brother: Alberto John Duggins(USA) Sisters: Amanda Duggins & Family Kaisha Duggins(USA) Christina Duggins Grandfather: Ogeese Vanterpool (St.Kitts) Uncles:James Duggins& Family & George Duggins & Family Aunts: Yvonne Pemebrton & Family, Lily Duggins & Family,Amanda Paul & Family, Jan Thomas- Pinard and family and Janine Duzong-Pinard & Family Great Aunt:Blanche Vanterpool (SXM),Beatile Romey( St.Kitts Godfather:Martin Phillip & Walter Sprott God Brother:Giovanni Sprott Cousins: Sinclair Vanterpool & family, Franky Vanterpool & family, WilliamPemberton & family, Bobby Pemberton & family, Peter Pemberton & family, Sandy Pemberton & family,Debby Pemberton & family, Justin Arrindell,Vicky Vanterpool & Family and Ramona Vanterpool & family Friends: Anetta Johnson & family, Julian Jeffrey, Diedrek Hodge Taxi #2, Governor Franklyn Richards,Commisioners Hyacinth Richardson, Theo Heyliger, George Pantophlet & Frans Richardson & The members of St. Maarten Taxi Association. Many other family and friends too numerous to mention. He was related to the Duggins, Pinard, Marlin, James, Laviest, Richards, Fleming, Cannegieter, Mathews, Kruythoff,Vanterpool, Gumbs, Connor, Rogers, Thewett, Bell & Hughes families. Funeral service for the late Alfred Alister Duggins will be held on Friday 25th September, 2009 at the Seventh day Adventist Church in Zagers Gut. Viewing will be from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.Service will commence at 3:00pm with interment at the Cul-de Sac cemetery.
May His Soul Rest in Peace
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Raymond Leopold Simmon a.k.a (Ringo the Kid, or Pépa)
Sunrise: July 25th 1924 Sunset: November 28th 2009
Left to Mourn
Wife: Vitalis Bryan - Simmon
Daughters: Yollande Hassell, Mathilde Javois, Merlland Simmon Dormoy, Noeline Richardson & Marilyn Simmon
Sons: Roland Denis, Fernando Simmon, Servino Simmon, Rene Simmon & Elvis Simmon
44 grandchildren 36 great grandchildren
Many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention by name
Close Nephew: Carlyle Rogers
Sons in law: Alva Hassell – George Javois – Edward Richardson- Michel Dormoy
Daughters in law: Carina Simmon Chance – Maria Denis
Sisters in Law: Gabrielle Romney, Edith Bryan in St. Croix, Eleanor Bryan in Guadeloupe & Amantine Richardson
Brothers in law: Clement Bryan & Daniel Bryan
Close Family: Erica Simmon, Melissa Bryan & Constantin Richardson (TinTin)
Close Friends: Armelle Richardson – Aline Bistac in Guadeloupe – Elias Jones – Rovina Jones – Alexis Javois – Maurice Hodge
Special thanks to: Dr. Gallioti - Management and Staff of Eric Ambulance – Nurse Jean Marc
He was related to the : Simmon, Rogers, Denis, Reed, Romney, Bells, Hassell, Richardson, Bryan, Connor, Artsen, Chance, Davis,Carty, Froston, Flanders, Christian, Avastia, Powell, Warner, Haakmat and Norris families.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday December 5th, 2009 at the Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in Grand Case. Viewing of the body 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Service will commence at 3:00 p.m with internment at the Grand Case Cemetery.
Wake will be held on Friday December 4th , 2009 at his home in Grand Case from 7:00 p.m to 11:00 p.m.
In Lieu of flowers the family request that a donation be made to the Catholic Church.
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Mrs. Camelia Beatrice Peterson-Rey
Sunrise: December 26, 1922 * Sunset: December 1, 2009
Left to Mourn:
Children: Harry Peterson Odalie Lake and family George Thompson and family Rosemary Peterson Joseph Peterson & family
Son-in-law: Linton Lake Ayman Qattoum
Daughters-in-law: Dorreth Peterson – Passley Pamela Thompson
Brothers: Thomas Rey Victor Rey Millard Philmore Rey (deceased)
Sisters: Muriel Rogers Veronica Rey (deceased) Lendora Philips (deceased) Angela Rey (deceased)
Brothers-in-law: George Rogers Albear Philips
Sister-in-law: Evadnie Rey Vianie Rey
Grandchildren: Aaron Thompson Georgina Adams-Thompson Tisha Lake Natasha Fawzi-Lake Darron Lake Mitchell Peterson Ryan Peterson
Great Grandchildren: Aarya Adams Aryanne Thompson Alana Thompson
Many nieces and nephews and other family members in Anguila, St.Thomas, USA, the Netherlands and St.Maarten too numerous to mention.
Close friends: Effie Halley, Monica Hilton, Phillys Moore, Kenneth Peterson
Funeral Service for the late Mrs. Camelia Beatrice Peterson-Rey will be held on Sunday December 6, 2009 at the Cole Bay Seventh Day Adventist Church. Viewing of the body will be from 9:00 am - 10:00 am Service will commence at 10:00 am with interment at the Simpson Bay Cemetery.
May Her Soul Rest in Peace
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I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
It is with deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, daughter, sister, cousin and friend:
Mrs. Ruby Constancia Ten Have-Cornett
Sunrise September 9th 1936 in Curacao ~ Sunset September 18th 2009 in St Maarten
She leaves to mourn her Mother: Geraldine Merkman in St. Eustatius Sons: Dennis Cornett & family in The Nederlands Rudolpho Cornett & family in the U.S.A. Clarence Cornett & family in Saint Martin Alexander Lindo a.k.a. Lexie & family in the Nederlands Wilfred Cornett a.k.a. Sleepy & family in St. Maarten Daughter: Linda Richardson-Cornett & family in St. Maarten Brothers: Ruford Merkman & family in St. Eustatius Mervin Merkman & family in The Nederlands Sisters: Elfreida Maduro & family in St. Eustatius Monica Jarvis & family in St. Eustatius Sylvia Roosberg & family in The Nederlands Althea Merkman & family in St.Eustatius Son in law: Carlos Richardson a.k.a. Junkyard dog Daughters in law: Ludwina, Lorna, June, Bernadette and Ivette Stepdaughters: Vonka Ten Have & Leontine Durby- Ten Have Stepsons in law: Dr. Albert Van Der Waag & Tony Durby She had 15 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Nieces and Nephews too numerous to mention. Closest friends were Marjorie Brown, Shirly Hodge, Rose Arrindell in St Maarten and Miss Ronie Gittens and Movida Leslie in St Eustatius She was related to: Cornett, Merkman, Maduro, Jarvis, Roosberg, Richardson, Riley, Levenstone, Berkel families.
Special thanks to the White & Yellow Cross at the St Maarten Home and the Members of the Zagersgut & Belvedeere Seven day Adventist Churches, and her family doctors: Dr Albert Van Der Waag & Dr H.P. Deketh at the Maho Clinic.
Funeral arrangements will be held on Thursday September 24, 2009 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Viewing and tributes will be from 2:00pm- 3:00pm. Service will commence at 3:00pm with interment at the Cul-de Sac cemetery.
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It is with deep sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Mother in law and friend
Johanna Martina Henrietta
Sunrise: October 1st 1919 ~ Sunset: September 19, 2009
She leaves to mourn her:
Daughters: Annie Gumbs- Martina (St.Maarten) Marjorie Martina “ Mirelva Jonis- Martina “ Sons: Marcial, Richard, Ruthney & Cedric Martina (Curacao) Sons in law: Thorton (Amos) Gumbs (St. Maarten) Wilfred Jonis (St. Maarten) Ceasar Zimmerman (Curacao) Daughters in law: Magda, Geralda, Sharine & Gladys Martina (Curacao) Irene Martina Akkeeman (Netherlands) 20 grandchildren 16 Great-grandchildren Sisters in law: Lucia Henrietta Many special nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to mention. She was related to the Martina, Henrietta, Gumbs, Jonis, Roache, Maria, Tesoida, Meulens, Zimmerman, Niewman & Vlaun Families. She also leaves to mourn the congregation of the Jehovah Witness’ in St. Maarten, Curacao and abroad. Special thanks to the District Nurses, Nurse Jacky Webster and Dr.Angela Arrindell. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday 23rd September, 2009 at The Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall in Cay Hill. Viewing will be from 2:00pm to 2:30pm Service will commence at 2:30pm.
May Her Soul Rest in Peace
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C'est avec grande tristesse et beaucoup de douleur que je m'adresse à vous en ces temps supposés être de fête, d'amour et de partage ... Vendredi soir, rentrant chez moi après une journée débutée si cruellement avec l'accident mortel de Cul de Sac, je me retrouvai en présence de mes petits enfants à assister à une scène qui aurait pu être considérée peut-être banale ou anodine si mon petit fils de 4 ans ne m'avait secouée par ses mots !
En effet, nous assistions en direct à une crise que les spécialistes qualifieraient d'hystérie mais que moi, je ressentais plutôt comme de grand désespoir et de souffrance !
Quotidiennement, nous côtoyons ces hommes et ces femmes que nous surnommons les « crackés » ou « crackheads » comme faisant partie du décor naturel de notre île ! Ils se sont si bien incrustés que rien ni personne ne semble venir bousculer les choses.
De tels personnages, me direz-vous ,il y en a partout , dans tous les pays ! Hélas , c'est vrai mais Saint-Martin est mon pays et je l'aime ! Depuis quelques mois, le nombre de sans domicile fixe ne cesse d'augmenter. Non seulement, des saint-martinois mais de plus en plus de métropolitains s'installent dans cette déchéance qu'est le monde des drogués !
Je me souviens d'avoir rencontré cette jeune femme aux yeux perçants, les cheveux étincelants à l'entrée d'un restaurant de la Marina faisant la manche car elle n'avait plus d'argent n'ayant plus de travail ! Quelques semaines , plus tard, la chevelure avait disparu et un foulard lui cachait les pustules surinfectées de son visage ! Et comme, bien d'autres, elle se trimballe entre Cole Bay et Marigot à la recherche de quelques « cailloux » qui puissent lui donner quelques instants de bonheur artificiel !
A l'heure où nous passons de magasins en magasins, de boutiques en boutiques, à la recherche du plus beau cadeau pour ceux et celles que nous aimons, que faisons-nous pour ces hommes et ces femmes perdus sans aucun espoir auquel se raccrocher ? Leur acheter à manger ? Les habiller ? Les envoyer au Manteau de Saint-Martin ? Sont-ce là les bonnes solutions ??? Je n'en suis pas si sûre !
C'est pour cela que j'ai décidé de m'adresser à nos élus et nos autorités de tutelle car mon pays est malade et il est temps de le soigner. Ce qui me chagrine le plus c'est bien le nombre de femmes sans cesse croissant s'installant dans la misère de la rue ! Je pense que quelque part en France, en Europe, une maman, un papa, un frère, une sœur, une grand-mère pleurent son être cher car ils ne savent où il s'est envolé ! Et pourtant les contrôles d'identité sont toujours d'actualité, n'est ce pas ? C'est vrai aussi que la réponse « Un adulte doit être consentant pour accepter de se sortir de la misère » me fascine toujours autant ! Comment un être humain ne possédant plus ses facultés mentales saines peut-il prendre une telle décision ?
Oui, nous avons nos saint-martinois « crackés » mais ils ont presque tous une attache familiale , un endroit où instinctivement ils peuvent se réfugier en cas de détresse extrême !
Faut-il attendre que ces femmes venues d'ailleurs meurent d'une overdose ou soient sauvagement assassinées pour essayer de les aider ?
Si le grand Charles Aznavour a chanté « que la misère serait moins pénible au soleil », il ne se doutait pas que ces maudits assassins que sont le crack, l'héroïne, la coke et que sais-je encore envahiraient nos cieux ensoleillés !! Ces belles affiches dans le métro oublient de mentionner qu'elles ne s'adressent qu'aux touristes et vacanciers venus passer deux ou trois semaines au soleil ! Saint-Martin n'est plus l'Eldorado d'antan ! Les plus belles rêveries ne deviennent vite que désillusions destructrices et ravageuses !
Je m'adresse à tous ceux et celles qui ont le POUVOIR de changer les choses en vous demandant de faire un geste envers ces femmes car un homme dans la rue c'est dur mais... une femme c'est mille fois plus pénible à supporter car nous avons tous une mère , une sœur , une fille dans notre vie que nous aimons à en mourir !
Rien de plus magnifique que ces lumières et guirlandes illuminées dans les rues de Marigot mais pourquoi vouloir illuminer une ville qui devient ,à la fermeture des magasins, une cour des miracles où ne règnent que souffrance et misère ?
Aline Choisy
Great step in the right DIRECTION.....
But, still a very long way to go to convince myself and all conscious St. Martiners !
How ?
Bestow REAL honor on these great heroes and all the others, who are now DEAD by SECURING and PRESERVING their NOW living descendants, which are the CURRENT native-indigenous St. Martiners as well as their rights to be FIRST in their own country.
This should not be only rhetoric, but it should be ANCHORED in the constitution of 'Country St. Maarten'.
That would be far more meaningful than 'honoring' the dead, while betraying their LIVING descendants.
Just like Government officials show pride in fighting for the 'human rights' of (illegal)immigrants, there is absolutely NO excuse, why they can not defend and preserve the rights of the people of the land to be first-citizens in their own home-land.
If there will a 'country St. Maarten' in NAME only, but in reality some 'many culture society'...then change the name to 'Country MANYCULTURE' .
Remember, one can fool some of the people some of the time, but not all the people all of the time.
Let us get for real, 'Country St. Maarten'
Have great day,
Leopold JAMES,
Native-indigenous St. Martiners with pride, minus any apologies!
Dear Commissioner Hyacinth RICHARDSON,
Celebration SXM-Day 09...big step in the right direction
On behalf of my board, it is our privilege to highly commend you, your staff and the organizing committee for the St. Maarten/St. Martin Day 2009 for taking the celebration of this day to a 'new level'.
One of recognizing our ancestors, our people, our cultural-identity, heritage etc.on this day, specifically initiated 50 years ago to celebrate and commemorate our indivisible oneness as native St. Martin people.
It must be said, that since a very, very long time, we as St. Martiners felt that this historical day was really about us as a people and therefore worth celebrating.
It certainly gave us a feeling of finally being recognized in our own home-land and we are very pleased with that.
However, we do hope that during the celebration next year, the recognition of we the native St. Martiners, our history, our heritage as well as our rights to be preserved as such, will be presented to the people as part of the constitution of both sides of the island.
We will not only very keenly monitor the development towards such a 'next level', but we remain available to the Island-government of St. Maarten and the Collectivite of Saint Martin in partnership to contribute towards such.
While it is a great step forward for our government to have the courage and the decency to finally recognize we the native people of the island, without these nice words also being 'grounded' in legislation and in the constitution as well, they might just turn out to be lip-service, something that should be avoided at this time, because we St. Martiners are feeling replaced through genocide by substitution on a daily basis.
In ending, Mr. Commissioner, once more our sincerest compliments as well as my thanks for recognizing the work I have been doing towards the development of our island.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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Dear Editor.
I grew up very close to my uncle, the late Dr. Claude Wathey and his children, I campaigned for the Democratic Party more than anyone else through the Roots Foundation, and I got enemies because of the Democratic Party when his own children didn’t want anything to do with “The Old Man”, Claude, having anything to do with politics.
“The Old Man” and Al always accepted me as being part of the family, as well my father, the late Norman Chester Wathey. I know Theo from the day he was born, so that makes me the 1st offspring to have anything to do with the Democratic Party of St. Maarten, all others are “Johnny’s come lately”.
Today, my father’s-, Claude’s children and Theo threat me as if I do not exist, they have gotten so ignorant and greedy that as much as they know, that same greed is threatening their very own existence and the to be established “Green Machine”.
Al, Norman and Brenda can be found in the local new papers some time back presenting a check for US $. 20,000.00 to a local university, nothing against that, whether a political stunt for Theo’s future political career or not, as rather absorbitant. This does not include other donations made by Wathey companies as well as individual Watheys.
I am sitting here wondering if these persons making these contributions do realize that I, as my father’s 1st offspring, that they can get away with their deeds while excluding me from any decisions whatsoever, knowing that from day one I am also a Wathey and that these donations also require my approval before giving away money that constitutes part of my inheritance.
Today, instead of giving me my share of the estate which is rightfully mine, they persistently continue to contest my share with all kinds of poor excuses and are constantly trying to destroy me.
Let Theo and them come with a political party and I promise them that DP and NA will have a “field day” with them, simply for the fact that they (T-O and the Watheys) shut out their own blood from what is his, then they will continue to shut out you the voters from what is also rightfully yours in favor of GREED as they have been doing over the past, everything is for T-O and the Watheys, solely. As it looks to me it will be a GREED machine instead of a GREEN machine.
I wonder if anyone else who may have found themselves in my position would have thought about this the way I do.
I wonder if they would have felt about themselves the same way I feel about myself.
I also wonder if I could be wrong about thinking the way I think about myself, should I be wrong about this.
The people seem to be on my side, however.
I leave the rest for the voter to figure out for themselves come election day!
Norman C. Wathey II
There appears to be a growing consensus in the international community that the worst of the crisis is over and recovery in some economies is underway.
The current crisis according to global economist was long overdue and was a necessary correction to the global economy. At the end of 2008, when the crisis was still unfolding, there was concern that governments were not investing enough. Today, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international financial institutions have started calling for governments to consider an exit strategy.
Some Governments from the very beginning when they introduced unprecedented amounts of stimulus in special relief packages and programs 18-months ago to assist businesses and consumers to deal with an unprecedented crisis, they clearly stated at the onset that the relief would only be for a specific period of time, such as a year. Businesses and consumers knew that it was only for a certain period of time.
As governments make adjustments, the tourism and travel trade is also adjusting to the demands of consumers in order to get the business. Thomson and First Choice opinion poll in the United Kingdom (U.K.) carried out an independent online survey that was completed by about 1000 people regarding their travel plans for 2010.
Eighty per cent expect to take a 2010 break despite the current economic climate, and similar numbers also revealed that the recession in the U.K. will not lead them to change their holiday plans. About half of the respondents plan to spend the same amount of time on vacation as this year and almost a quarter aims to spend more. Many hotels have changed their products to satisfy consumer demand for 2010. U.K. travellers have indicated that they are interested in packaged holidays and all-inclusive holidays.
A leading U.K. operator Hoseasons,’ reports that bookings through agents were up by 25 per cent this year, with bookings overall rising by 30 per cent. For 2010, overall bookings were up by 70 per cent.
U.K. Sunvil Holidays director admitted to be petrified at the start of 2009 as bookings slumped by a quarter over the same period in 2008, but said business had since recovered to now be almost level.
TUI distribution director reportedly stated that sales for summer 2010 had started off strongly, leading him to be optimistic for next year, adding that people who stayed at home in 2009 will go abroad in 2010.
Another interesting thing to note is that U.K. travellers are not too concerned about pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) flu also referred too at times as swine flu, with six out of 10 expecting their holiday plans to be unchanged next year in the event of a change in the pandemic.
Overall, signs of optimism are returning to the U.K. travel industry which saw the number of visits to the island fall by nine per cent in the last 12 months compared with a year earlier. Visits from residents of Europe dropped six per cent while visits from North America fell by 21 per cent. The number of overseas visits by U.K. residents fell by 12 per cent in the 12-months to July compared to the previous year. As noted before, there are signs in travel to the U.K., where a slight improvement was recorded from May to July 2009 of two per cent when compared with the previous three months.
A poll of almost 300 leisure and business agents plus business partners shows that more than half (55 per cent) are quite optimistic for the future, with eight per cent saying they are very optimistic. Travellers are shopping around for the best packages and consumers are booking later and are demanding more price matching.
Holidays outside the Eurozone have increased in popularity and more people are booking online.
Travel trends in North/Latin American and European markets are very important for Caribbean destinations as it reveals what we can expect for 2010 as well. This type of information is very important for destination-marketing planning and with the worst of the crisis over; we would do well to research and spend our scarce resources wisely while getting the biggest bang out of it.
Roddy Heyliger
It is becoming more a reality and rather difficult for our media readers and listening audience to receive credible information on matters of interests or concerns on our little "friendly" island.
In any country the media reporting should be done professionally, independently, credibly, often and on timely fashion.
The media should act as a credible source of information in enlightening the masses to arrive to an independent opinion on matters of interests without having any appearance of subjecting the medias influence or will on the readers and listening audience.
Of course the media can have its own opinion on matters of concern printed in their opinion corner in their newspapers.
But the importance of any newspaper is that it must have the characteristics or patterns of reflecting credibility, knowledge, independence and respect for all parties involve.
Now this expectation from any self respected news media seems to be a tall order for a daily news paper who is spearheading a political position for their boss after our island attains it's separate status under the DP's administration.
• roots and reasons for resentment.
Yes, many people do have serious problems with medias who have their hidden agendas and ulterior motives in deliberately publishing news with the sole purposes such as:
1) promoting this administration on its poor and pitiful performances to obtain separate
status for the island without setting any prior conditions and guarantees on providing good governance with accountability in the first place is an irresponsible approach.
2) acting as the mouthpiece of the DP's party in distributing DP's propaganda and
defending the DP's thrash theories in their national opinion & commentary column is
a bias position for any media who wants to be considered a credible source of
information.
3) aiming at pushing the indigenous people who are legitimately standing up for their
rights in their own country called: home or the Rock farther into a corner will be un acceptable.
4) constantly mocking indigenous organizations for being vocal and vivid in defending
their credible causes on behalf of their indigenous people will only strengthen our resolve.
5) constantly being cynic and sarcastic towards anyone who has a different opinion than
them, will be rejected.
Yes, these and many more other cases of public display of their arrogance, disrespect, hostility and hypocrisy towards the indigenous people are all evidences as roots and reasons for resentment towards the bias media reporting on our "friendly" island.
• editor's egoistic ethics.
The TODAY Newspaper that has an undoubtedly close relationship with the DP's party and it's inner circle because of their boss's link to the party will always seek to chastise any author who dares attack this administration in their paper by:
a) not printing the article at all but rather take the contents of the received article apart
and then bash the author in their sacred editorial corner or column.
b) deliberately changing the author's message through adding or deleting words in
the original message and then print the change version with the signature of the
author under it.
c) purposely printing the article on a later date when it becomes then irrelevant to the
timing are all signs of their editor's egoistic ethics!!!!!
• silly and stupid statement.
TODAY, your silly and stupid statement of access denied is proven futile once more because it is rather access delayed giving readers the opportunity to still read this article at a later date, OK.
• credible conclusion.
Because of our medias interests and benefits they enjoy from this awful and amazing administration we can surely then expect:
the medias misleading messages to the masses!!!!!
E. James.
There are still positive signs in tourism and travel trends despite the global economic recession. This year, 2009, has been described as one of stagnation, according to a study compiled by IPK International for the World Travel Trends Report produced by the German trade show ITB which takes place in Berlin on March 11-15. It adds that new tourist arrival records are likely to be broken in 2011-2012.
According to the report, imminent negative developments will impact strongest on North America, Europe and the business travel sector, rather than on holiday travel. Interest in short and medium-range travel destinations will increase over the next two years. This is good news for us due to the Caribbeanʼs close proximity to the United States.
The findings indicate that the prospects for the travel market recovering vary significantly depending on the region. For example, South America could emerge from the global economic crisis by the end of 2009.
There are positive signs for Europe as well as even in times of great economic hardship people are unwilling to give up holidays. According to a Europe-wide poll for the European Travel Monitor in 2008, 48 per cent of respondents said they would definitely take a holiday in 2009, and that it was most likely they would travel more often than in 2008.
32 per cent said they would travel at least as often as in 2008, and only 14 per cent said they would travel less while only six per cent of those polled said they would not travel at all.
Figures within Europe vary considerably per country. Norwegians and Finns are eager to travel in 2009; Italians and Britons are less keen to make any plans. Europeans earning in Euro who retain their jobs during the global economic recession will find non-Eurozone destinations more affordable and are poised to choose destinations closer to home.
Germany and the UK together account for 35 per cent of total European outbound trips. With these economies in recession, destinations around the world may have to look to new European source markets such as Russia, Finland, Norway and Sweden, which according to the study all posted above average outbound growth for much of 2008.
These source markets should be looked into.
The US cruise industry organization Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) estimates that 13.5 million people will take a cruise worldwide in 2009, an increase of 2.3 per cent over 2008 that saw 13.2 million travellers take a cruise.
North America accounted for 10.15 million passengers in 2007 while the number of internationally sourced passengers is growing dramatically year after year. Through the third quarter of 2008, CLIA lines saw a 30 per cent annual increase in international passengers.
This is great news for the Port of St. Maarten that annually attracts over 1.3 million cruise passengers.
CLIAʼs 2008 Cruise Market Profile suggests that almost 34 million Americans intend to take a cruise within the next three years.
According to the CLIA, although the global economic crisis may have an impact on consumer intentions, the statistics give the cruise industry confidence that demand for cruising will continue to be strong.
Despite the enormity of the challenges we face as an island nation, there are still positive developments. As long as we do our homework and work together with stakeholders, we will be able to ride out this economic storm.
Roddy Heyliger
It might turn out to be better to be held up ten times or more, disrespected, insulted, harassed and even intimidated by police-officers than being held up just only one time by an armed criminal out on ‘patrol'.
This is about the thrust of an argument made by a caller to the midday program on PJD-2, of Mr. Lloyd RICHARDSON.
What more beautiful slogan for the police-force !
Nevertheless, the poor most popular talk-show host really got a ‘beating' from most of his callers, for him being hard on the way police has been conducting traffic controls in recent weeks.
Although, I myself and ‘Mr. Popular" certainly are not chummy, chummy friends to say the least, I understood where he was coming from and admired him defending what he believed in.
I did not hear Mr. RICHARDSON necessarily disagreeing with the need for a strong and intense police-presence and operation.
His position was, that there should be a better way than has been the case too often in recent times, when drivers had been stopped by police-officers.
From what I understood, Mr. RICHARDSON, made a strong case where the police-officers, if necessary use of force, but that such should be done with respect and intelligence and not simply by using brute and blind force, when such is totally un-called for.
In that regards, I happen to agree with Mr. RICHARDSON.
However, having stated that, it is clear that the situation presently is very difficult and un-clear for many law-abiding citizens, in terms of being sure HOW to deal with the police when stopped.
At the same time, there is a lot of pressure on the police-force as well in trying to protect the island and trying to send out a strong signal to the many criminal elements on the island.
In other words, no-one disagrees with the need for very strong police actions to ‘clean up' the island; the question is how best and most effective to get the job done.
I would like to believe that intelligence would help and not hurt in searching for the best ‘modus operandi' .
Therefore, I think that it is HIGH time for some-one in authority to bring clarity in this matter.
Some-one who can go on all radio- and television programs and explain the public in detail, what the objectives are of certain actions of the police and very importantly EXPLAIN the public exactly how they should respond to the police when stopped and questioned.
At the same time, such person in authority should also educate and inform police-officers, that we do not live in a police-state, and that many people are conscious well-educated people they can not simply ‘bark at' and threaten, because they ask questions.
That in fact people can tape or even video-tape them (without their knowledge) and have these reports aired (online), which can not only seriously undermine police authority, but can lead to people taking very serious legal actions against, cops gone mad.
In other words, it is time that both the public and police-officers as well are instructed of how to deal with each other, in a way that is productive.
Perhaps, the police can publish in the daily papers ‘manual' for the public to know how to respond to the police and what their rights are as well, such as where to complain.
I can be wrong, but I suggest the best person to come forward to educate the people on how best to respond to being stopped by police and who can also educate the police-officers how to be very professional, without being a ‘sissy' is the Chief-Commissioner of the island.
It is time, for real leadership on all levels, if we want anyone to take our ‘quest' for country-status' serious.
I also, wonder, why the police-officers on the island, never found it fit that every officer carries a badge with his or her name on it, so that the public also know who it is dealing with and if necessary in the future refer to that officer, not only to file complain, but also to commend !
Please let us get more professional.
Mr. Commissioner of Police, will you stand up and create a ‘police- public-partnership' in order to clean up the ‘Friendly island' and prevent ‘police-public-antagonism'.
Leopold JAMES
Do not despair, but join us in restoring NATIONtalk on the air.
As producer of the radio-program NATIONtalk, which was removed from the air under pressure from certain anti-St.Martin agents, it behooves me to respond to the many people who have contacted us expressing dis-belief and a profound sense of loss that this program at present no longer is aired.
No one can dispute any longer that NATIONtalk has come to represent the identity, the heartbeat, the concerns, aspirations and in fact, the very conscious soul of all native-indigenous St. Martin people.
In addition over the years NATIONtalk has earned the respect and interest of a growing number of expatriates, St. Martiners-at-heart residing on the island, as well as many foreign investors, who have discovered the potential of the program NATIONtalk as a most unique, credible and effective platform for consensus-building in the vitally important process of nation building, which is part of any overall sustainable and stable development on the island, including being the strongest and most logical basis for any new constitutional development.
Many of our former listeners are now in fact experiencing serious psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms, because the program had become integral part of their lives just like their lives had become integral part of what NATIONtalk was all about.
Especially, since the program has been off the air for a number of weeks now, a sense of frustration and anger is starting to set in, in the minds of many people.
This is exactly what the program had always tried to prevent, since it could lead to serious social consequences.
Therefore, I have decided to inform you our many supporters of NATIONtalk, that we expect to be back on the air and online in the near future.
In the interim we are in the process of checking off all viable options, including approaching various radio-stations on the island.
We will report back on their responses in due time.
However, there are other creative options, including more technological advanced ones being looked into as well.
In ending, in preparation of the 'new dawn' of NATIONtalk, we invite especially those persons, interested in becoming involved as hosts, co-hosts, contributors, IT-specialists and otherwise to contact myself or any other associates of NATIONtalk for more information.
Also, you can contact your favorite radio-stations and also make your suggestions to them directly in terms of your need for NATIONtalk as a major platform for information, education and inspiration.
Rest assured, that as long as God gives me life, together with my team, Jesse, Etique, Chris, Diane, Larissa, and many others, I will continue doing my part in promoting a new, and meaningful Partnership with relevant stakeholders, regardless of creed, color or religion to contribute towards the St. Martin nation building process, based on preservation of our ancestral rights, while embracing diversity that brings along added value to our nation.
Thank you for your support and trust.
LEOPOLD JAMES
The current global crisis has called upon nationʼs around the globe to take decisive action to address the economic situation. The global financial crisis has precipitated a worldwide recession. One regional commentator stated that one would have thought that, in the present situation, every hour counts. It is not a time for days and weeks to pass, referring to some Caribbean islands that have taken a lackadaisical attitude towards what happening around them.
Without a doubt, a concerted approach to combat the challenges which the nation faces is critical. Effort is being made. About three weeks ago a copy of the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines how all parties, including unions and other organizations, will assist in combating the global crisis was presented to Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus. After a review by government of the MOU, plans are to organize an economic summit in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce.
In the meantime, a proposal for a four million dollar tourism marketing stimulus fund to be used for a short-term intensive emergency marketing and promotional campaign in St. Maartenʼs primary and secondary visitor source markets has been put forward by the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) in conjunction with the Tourist Bureau.
For the mid and long-term, the island needs a multi-million dollar marketing/visitor relations plan to drive visitor arrivals from all source markets. This multi-million dollar campaign would take into consideration the 2009-2010 tourism season, in assuring that the fallout from that season does not be a catastrophe.
St. Maarten doesnʼt have the right to borrow on the capital markets. Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams already pointed out last week that there is no budgetary surplus to juggle things around. Antillean Central Bank President Emsley Tromp stated that to stimulate investment, government itself needs to boost the economy which possibly can only be done by acquiring cash injections from the capital markets. Our island nation has a good case to have the restriction on the island borrowing repealed, so loans could be sought. This is an unprecedented global economic crisis since World War II which requires extra ordinary measures.
Regional independent island nation governments are moving post haste to minimise the impact of the global crisis and bracing for any eventuality. The Government of Barbados is putting greater focus on tourism to ensure they get their fair share of global travellers by preparing another supplemental budget to present to the House of Assembly which would take the overall tourism budget to an unprecedented US$50 million.
The islands of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have developed a plan to maintain a level of ongoing economic activity, by supporting the tourism industry in cost reduction and marketing strategies, engaging in targeted public sector investment programmes which would have a multiplier effect and providing efficient, social, safety net programmes, to address the needs of the poor, the indigent and the vulnerable.
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has gone as far to establish a contingency team to maintain constant oversight over the developing situation, as well as to develop contingency plans should an additional crisis arise.
The Cayman Islands has presented a US$160 million capital spending budget for 2009-2010 as part of the governmentʼs economic stimulus package. The government is also bracing for the very worse of the economic fallout from the US economy to be felt in the second half of 2009.
Our nationʼs resilience package that would be in response to this crisis must be able to carry us through what has been characterized as the deepest recession in history, arising from the worst global economic decline in 60 years.
We need a resilience package that will avert an even sharper downturn in our economy due to the global recession which would lessen the more lasting damage to our economy if we didnʼt introduce such a package.
Our island nation at the same time is moving towards country status which should materialize sometime in 2010. Economic forecasters at this time say the global recession is also expected to continue in 2010. Therefore, as the birth of country St. Maarten may also coincide with the global recession, our nationʼs resilience package must also be one that puts us on track where country St. Maarten emerges with strength when the global economy recovers, therefore enhancing our capabilities and competitiveness as a service oriented economy for the long-term.
As a nation, we must remain optimistic that success can be achieved, despite the enormity of the challenges we face. As long as we work in an efficient, competitive and productive manner, our future survival in a rapidly changing and restructured environment will be assured. The urgency is now and the way we deal with the current crisis will determine how we ride out this economic storm.
Believe in yourself, have confidence.
RODDY HEYLIGER
The Island Government has introduced a revised labour policy effective January 12. It has lead to much discussion and a signature drive by the Comprehensive Business Association which calls on the Island Government to suspend the implementation of the revised policy and to reopen discussion and debate on the document.
The Island Government has established a tripartite committee with representation of business, labour and government to monitor and evaluate the revised policy and make recommendations with respect to any adjustments that should be made.
One can say that the revised labour policy is a work in progress and the same can be said for the Cayman Islands which are also going through a similar exercise. We may need to learn from other islands about their experiences since they also have to import labour in order to service their economic engine.
Cayman Islands immigration and labour officials have come to the realization that the way they have been trying to balance the work force is not working. According to Chief Immigration Officer Franz Manderson, there are approximately 25,800 active work permits, including temporary and government contracts, held by foreigners in Cayman (population is approx. 48.000).
Manderson estimates some 11,000 of those permits or contracts were held by Jamaicans, another 2,900 by Filipinos, and about 2,000 by citizens of the United Kingdom.
The majority of work permit or contract holders in Cayman come from just seven areas; Jamaica, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Honduras and India. Workers from the rest of the world's countries make up less than one-fifth of all the work permits held in Cayman.
Mr. Manderson said that, previously, immigration officials and regulatory board members have tried to even out demographics in the work force by policing the hiring within various companies. For instance, if Romanian nationals occupied 90 per cent of the jobs at a particular business that company would be encouraged to hire people who were not from Eastern Europe.
Manderson added that some flexibility would be required rather than setting arbitrary limits on either total numbers of workers from a certain country, or the types of jobs which can be held. There are also some mixed reviews with respect to national hiring quotas.
The Cayman's are introducing a new round of employment regulations which entails that companies that employ work permit holders will soon be required to become accredited by the Cayman Islands Immigration Department.
The policy initiative is to streamline work permits and immigration policies with teams dedicated to the financial services and tourism industries, and establish a third group to manage other sectors. Eventually the teams will process more than 500 per week.
The Immigration Accreditation System, as it is called, will also create separate tiers of rankings for businesses, from those that are least compliant with the country's Immigration regime to those that are most active in the community and do the best job at training and promoting Caymanians.
Under the initial plan, all businesses in Cayman that hold Trade and Business Licenses and that employ at least one work permit holder will have to fill out a form that will be available on the Immigration Department website. The form will judge the business on six separate criteria, which include: compliance with Cayman's licensing regulations, talent development programmes, employment practices, support for community programmes, Caymanian business ownership, and the company's activity in creating new job opportunities.
Based on the information provided, and research by Immigration Department officials, the companies will then either be accredited or not. If they are granted accreditation, they will then be ranked in one of six tiers by Immigration. If companies are not accredited they will not be able to get new work permits, or have any current work permits renewed. Higher-ranked employers will be given certain benefits under the islands' Immigration regime. The ranking will be based on a points system.
The rankings in the tier system are as follows: Probationary accreditation: This accreditation level is the lowest one, which confirms a company is meeting all legal requirements to operate in Cayman, including providing adequate health care and pension benefits to all its employees. These companies can receive work permit renewals only; they cannot apply for new permits.
Approximately 4,000 companies in the Cayman Islands will be affected by the new Immigration Accreditation System. The idea of the system is to firstly, help weed out unscrupulous employers that are abusing their workers and abiding by the laws of the land, and secondly, it would reward companies that are good community partners.
Companies that do not employ any work permit holders and individual households that employ people like domestic helpers or cooks will not need to apply for accreditation.
The St. Maarten Island Government's tripartite evaluation committee should look into the experience of the Cayman Islands and other islands within the region in order to develop a system that is most suitable to our own labour market. The ultimate goal is to ensure a proper balance in our workforce.
Roddy Heyliger
Mr Lt. Governor Franklin Richard, my letter is not to accuse anyone of illegal activities or to fight against the help we got from the Curaçao police who are doing a good job so far together with the KPSSS and Customs in fighting the crime by picking up all undocumented Afro-Caribbean (black) men, women and children from our island.
Mr. Lt Governor Franklyn Richards, I am telling you that there are also the Caucasian European/American/Asian and African (white) undocumented "aliens" on the island because maybe you don't know or the law enforcement thinks they are tourist but they are not. They are concentrated on the western side of the island and are not just one, two or three people but bus loads just like the Afro-Caribbean (black) people!
My main concern right now is the operation to fine people driving with tint because it violates all rules laid down in the Island Ordinance governing traffic rules - Wegen Verkeers Verordening - WVV AB 1963 -No.5.
Why I say this, let me explain, Mr. Lt. Governor. Since 1998, the police started working with this law for car control. In January 2001, the Executive Council made an island ordinance dealing with Tint - AB 2001 No. 4.
Article One of this Ordinance states in Dutch: "Onder lichtdoorlatenheid wordt verstaan: de hoeveelheid licht, uit gedrukt in een percentage, die door de ruit van een motorrijtuigen heen schijnt ten opzichte van de totale hoeveelheid licht die van buiten op de autoruit valt." This gives the definition on what percentage of light needs to get through window glass from outside to inside. Based on this as stated in Dutch, the law enforcement officer cannot use his eyes to measure if the tint is too dark or not because the eyes cannot record/measure the percentages.
Article 2 in Dutch: "Ruiten van een motorrijtuig zijn goed doorzichtig, indien de lichtdoorlatenheid gelijk is aan of groter dan: a. 70% voor de vooruit en de zijruiten voor of naast de bestuurder; b. 40% voor de achterruit of de zijruiten achter de bestuurder. Lid 2 In afwijking van het gestelde in het eerste lid, onder a, mage en strook van maximal 15 centimeter boven aan de voorruit, gerekend van vanaf de bovenkant van de voorruit, een lichtdoorlatendheid hebben van minder dan 70 %."
This article speaks about the percentage of light that is supposed to go through the windshield and the two front side windows that is 70% and 40 % for the two back windows and the back windshield. The second section deals with the front windshield and allows a piece of tint max 15 cm wide and it had to stay within the law of 70% of light going through.
Now, the law enforcement officers are making everyone to take off their tint based on an amendment that was done last year but there is no amendment on this part of the law.
Article 3: "Lid 1 - Het is verboden enig material aan, op of tegen de ruiten van een motorvoertuigen te hechten, te plakken of aan te brengen waardoor de lichtdoorlatenheid van die ruiten verminder of waardoor anderszins het uitzicht van de bestuurder wordt belemmerd dan wel personen of voorwerpen van binnen of van buiten vaag, verwrongen of in het geheel niet kunnen worden gezien. Lid 2 Het eerste lid geldt niet voor de achterruit of de zijruiten achter de bestuurder, indien het motorrijtuig is voorzien van een Spiegel met behulp waarvan de bestuurder van zijn zitplaats het rechts achter hem liggende weggedeelte kan overzien."
Article 3 first section forbids anything to be stick on the glass whereby it will drop the light percentage that going thru, or will block the view to see the people them in the car. The second section says that the first section don't count for the windows at the back and back windshield, once the vehicle has side mirrors so the driver can see from the seat the right back side of the road. This is to just bring some clarity to an article that came out in the newspaper saying that we are not allowed to put tint at all. Once you are within the law percentage, it's ok.
Article 4: "De lichtdoorlatenheid wordt bepaald aan de hand van door het bestuurscollege goedkeurde, bij besluit openbaar bekend te maken apparatuur, die deugdelijk is voor het meten van de lichtdoorlatendheid."
The machine to be used to measure the light through the glass has to be approved by the Executive Council in an Island Ordinance. So with this article, I want bring to your attention that the first week the police did their control, there was no machine on the spot and officers measured with their eyes. That is illegal, according article 1 + 2section 1 and 4 of AB 2001 No4, Officially their eyes cannot read any type of percentage to see if the tint was more than or less than 70 % or 40%. And in article 4, the Executive Council has to approve the machine to measure and not the eyes of the officers.
In the second week, police showed up to the control with Tint Meter Inspector TM200 but this is also illegal and in violation of Article 4 of AB 2001 No4 and Article 1 of AB 2001 No13. These two ordinances specifically state that is the Executive Council - "Bestuurcollege" - has to approve the machine by an Island Ordinances. The meter being used by police was not approved by the Executive Council so all fine/"boets" are illegal.
The only government department with a meter regulated by an Island Ordinance (island ordinance Article 1 of AB 2001 No13 sign by the Island Secretary and Lt. Governor on May 07, 2001) is the Control Unit that has a Pocket Detective 2.1 Window Tint Meter from New World Instruments.
In your capacity as Chief of the Police and Executive Council Chairman, I urge you to look into this matter with your Legal Affair Department to annul all fines that were given to any motorist for violating the Tint Law (Island Ordinance AB 1963 No5 "WVV") and as it has been amend throughout the years - AB2001 No. 4 and No. 13 and to request the Public Prosecutor office to look into this matter to see if it is still legal to continue their prosecution seeing that, in my opinion, the execution was not up to standard and there were some violations by the Law enforcement officer.
The officer did not notice that they was busy with an error and out of goodwill enforce the law wrongfully. I trust that you, Mr. Lt Governor, will show that good governance is very important in your policy.
I make clear to every reader that I am not a translation expert so I encourage you to take the Dutch version to an official translator to get the right translation in English.
Mr. Lt Governor, I urge you to please legalise the tint meter used by the police from Curaçao with an Island Ordinances as soon as possible and not to backdate it as it is not polite to correct an error made by the government to its benefit and punish the citizens. With the ordinance, you insure that the officers will be working within the law. Can you please publish these Island Ordinances in the local newspapers as an ad just like the civil code book request and not as a press release to avoid any problem in the near future.
I close my letter with a reminder to you to please look into how the immigration department is busy rounding up undocumented people because not only Dutch Quarter, Cay Bay, St. Peters, Cole Bay, Fort Willem, Philipsburg, Over the Pond/Bank and Cayhill have these people. They are also not only Afro-Caribbean people but also the Caucasian European/American/Asian and African (white) are in violation of the "LTU" immigration laws by overstaying and working in businesses and not every white person is a tourist.
I would love to see the Coast Guard join the Operation Trust II to make sure illegal immigrant on the sea or in the lagoon are controlled especially on the western side of the island.
Gromyko Wilson
'Let's rumble online' (www.stmartinnation.org)
It is regrettable that you are now forced to go to a very anti-Leopold, even more very anti-native-indigenous St. Martiners-newspaper to rid yourself of your 'wannabe-desires'.
Of course, you both now form a very unlikely 'anti-St. Martin tandem', brought together by your collective resentment against the 'messenger' of the revival of the pride of native-indigenous St. Martiners.
But just for the record.
Such anti St. Martin alliances, matter not, in any form or shape, mind you.
The public understands that you had to find some other 'outlet', after the Daily Herald, last week 'threw in the towel in the ring' to save your hide from more public self-humiliation.
Nevertheless, 'Ger de Melkboer', fair is fair and I like to be fair, even if others enjoy not returning me that favor...
Again no problem.
In my humble opinion, without apologies though, the core-observation in your letter to the editor (Help- Genocide in St. Maarten) made a lot of sense.
Of course, however as is your trademark, you NEVER have the courage and/or intelligence to also propose a serious solution. Obviously, you prefer to remain the 'clown', and 'the eternal wannabe so many things', which again, do not get me wrong, Ger, is perfectly 'legit' and certainly understandable, since YOU would not wage a 'tachtig-jarige oorlog' on our behalf.
No, that was good for YOUR native-indigenous 'Hollanders' back then against the Spaniards (1568 to 1648).
Also Ger de Melkboer, I like your implied 'challenge' to me, for which you know I never back down.
However, let us 'rumble' in a much bigger arena than just in a struggling, local, very biased publication.
Let's us from now on 'rumble' online.....
The audience is much bigger, and will also include people who know you very well, from your days in the wide 'Polder', which we can share with others as well, so they know what a 'deal' we got in having you in here 'Paradise', ridiculing the people of this island.
And GdB, please do not forget to prepare our family also for your new global celebrity-status, which might affect them as well.
For sure mine never complained, when you did that to them in your many 'documentations' on my person.
You set the time, 'Melkboer' and I choose the place for our 'world series blow for blow exchanges' .
The 'virtual St. Martin Nation'..www.stmartinnation.org
Meanwhile, thanks for promoting the Leopold JAMES/NATIONtalk/St. Martin Nation building' trademark and please do not stop publishing...even in the local bias publication.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Perhaps the media is also part of 'covering up' certain undesired news.
A preview of how the democracy in the coveted 'Country Status for St.
Maarten' will look like ?
More like a 'Banana-republic', where the 'people's business is made
subordinate to personal interests of politicians ?
Judge for yourselves.
--
LEOPOLD JAMES
PRESIDENT SNBF & L'ESPRIT DE CONCORDIA
In reading Mr. Brookson's as well as his Lawyer's recent press releases and open letters regarding the Emilio Wilson Estate in the local media it becomes apparent that both gentlemen seem to be (perhaps purposefully) conveniently disregarding several important facts.
The most obvious of these is that Mr. Brookson and his partners the Paas family were not the owners of the Emilio Wilson Estate in September 2005 when the Island Council first passed an Island Resolution declaring its intent to place "the estates the Industry and the Goldenrock on the list of monuments of St. Maarten" and concurrently indicated an interest in "the purchase of the property The Industry and the Goldenrock commonly known as the Emilio Wilson Estate". Nor did Brookson and his partners own the estate on June 23rd, 2006 when Government rejected the planning permit request submitted by the Emilio Wilson Estate B.V.
Brookson was also not yet the owner of the Emilio Wilson Estate on July 10th, 2007 when the Island Council unanimously passed an Island resolution in which they reaffirmed the Council's aforementioned decision of June 23rd, 2006 and decided to place the entire Industry and the Goldenrock estates, (the Emilio Wilson Estate), on the monument list.
As a matter of fact Brookson and the Paas family only obtained title to the estate one year ago on February 19th, 2008 over 2 years and 5 months after Government first indicated and motivated its intention to protect the entire Emilio Wilson Estate in September of 2005.
The only Government decision made after Brookson obtained title to the Estate is the one of July 1st, 2008 whereby the Executive Council resolved to have the entire Emilio Wilson Estate designated as a protected monument and to zone it for conservation purposes.
All of Government's resolutions and decisions related to the Emilio Wilson Estate have been well documented and publicized. Brookson was therefore fully aware of Government's intention to have the estate protected and zoned for conservation purposes when he pursued and secured a deal with the heirs of the late Mr. Emilio Wilson's brother Mr. Granville Wilson in 2008.
Statements by Brookson and his Lawyer that little seems to have been done by Government or Foundations since the Island Council passed the Island Resolution of September 20th, 2005 are misleading, considering the previously listed Island Resolutions and decisions of 2006, 2007 and 2008. Should Government have taken more measures to protect the Estate since 2005? Definitely!
St. Maarten's Environmental Foundations have however continuously advocated and pursued all feasible means of securing the protection of the Estate since at least 2005 and in some cases as early as the 1980s and 1990s. Foundation staff and board members even travelled to the Netherlands where they met with conservation NGOs as well as Funding Agencies to discuss the possibilities of purchasing the estate. International Funding Agencies, other NGOs and corporate citizens have expressed an interest in contributing towards the purchase and management of the estate but will not get involved until Government takes the initiative and allocates funding towards purchasing the property.
Upon analyzing the abovementioned chronology of events one could question why Brookson and others would pursue the purchase of property which has been clearly and repeatedly earmarked for protection by the highest council of local Government on the Island Territory of St. Maarten. One could argue that Brookson's conscious purchase of property already designated for protection constitutes an acceptance, on his part, of the estate's imminent protected status and associated development restrictions. Were Brookson's intentions honorable and did he obtain title to the estate in order to help facilitate its protection? Or was the purchase of the estate a rather unethical move Brookson undertook upon realizing the area's immeasurable historical and cultural value to the people of St. Maarten and the potential for this project to become his personal cash-cow? Taking into account the course of events the latter unfortunately seems more plausible than the former.
That Mr. Brookson became one of the co-owners of the Emilio Wilson Estate in February of 2008, (albeit with questionable intentions and in unclear circumstances) is certain and is not something which the Emilio Wilson Estate and St. Maarten Pride Foundations contest.
The Foundations, however, maintain their position of 2005 that the Emilio Wilson Estate is of vast ecological, cultural and historical significance to the people of St. Maarten as described in the Archaeological report by Dr. Haviser and several government commissioned reports.
Government would be well advised to reaffirm its commitments concerning the Emilio Wilson Estate to the people of St. Maarten through approving the "Preparatory Resolution Conservation Areas", expediting the process of zoning the Emilio Wilson Estate for conservation and recreational purposes and by securing funds to purchase the Estate from its current owners. The ball is in Government's court, their silence since July 2008 is as deafening as it is unsettling.
Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation
St. Maarten Pride Foundation
Every avenue should be explored.
Dutch Secretary of State for Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveld informed the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) last week during her brief visit to the island that additional help might be possible via funds already allocated to Netherlands Antilles Development Foundation USONA and the Antillean Co-Financing Organization AMFO, adding that this aid could come in the form of technical assistance. Funding from the European Union (EU) can also be explored the State Secretary pointed out.
The islands should take Bijleveld up on her offer with respect to what are the possibilities to cushion the impact of the global recession. However, I do not agree with Bijleveld where she mentions about funds already allocated should be used for dealing with the economic recession. These allocated funds are already destined for areas that need to be developed and are priority areas for the respective islands.
Additional funds should be made available because this crisis is an exceptional one. The first thing the Dutch Government has to recognize is that, unlike other financial breakdowns that we have seen over the years, this one is not confined to particular economic sectors, markets or regions. It is global. Our island nation has to plan well ahead taking into consideration that this recession may well extend into 2010 and one has to plan for the inevitable. This is the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression almost 80-years ago.
Even though the U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman announced last week that by the end of 2009 things may start to turn around in the U.S. economy, we still need to see ourselves through the second half of 2009 as well as 2010.
The Cayman Islands - a British dependency similar to Anguilla - will secure US$185 million in long-term financing to fund requirements for its 2008/09 budgetary year capital expenditure and investment projects. This money will be obtained on the international finance market through a bond issue to be floated by Scotia Bank and Trust (Cayman) Ltd and US-based JP Morgan.
Bridge financing has been secured from a consortium of two local retail banks - Scotia Bank and Royal Bank of Canada - and the Cayman Government has already drawn down US$90 million, with an option to withdraw another US$95 million, all of which is to be repaid when the bonds are successfully floated.
Our island nation of St. Maarten does not have the authority to seek funds on the finance market, but a dependency of the United Kingdom has this possibility. This is something that we need to think long and hard about. The Cayman Islands population is roughly the same as St. Maarten.
Despite our constitutional limitations in seeking the necessary funds that we need to fulfil our national development goals at this point in time of constitutional renewal, we must pursue every avenue available that would carry us through these turbulent times.
Roddy Heyliger
Recently, our great ‘advisor-for- nuttin', has been displaying another ‘tone' in his diatribes in the media.
His latest letter to the editor (Reprimands and free advice for Franklyn RICHARDS) in the Daily Herald of Monday, March 2, 2009, is a great testimony to that observation,
Something apparently has really ‘ticked him off', which is regrettable.
Imagine, some-one having the audacity to construct a building so high, that it is effecting HIS view in paradise !
Wattating ?
Never mind that no-one has been more the victim to the nasty side effects of the overdevelopment on the island, than its own native-indigenous St. Martin People.
But, that it now effects our ‘great free advisor' and other well-behaved bourgeoisie residents like HIM.
Do not forget that his contribution to the island has been truly ‘immense'.
One such added value is him sharing his ‘expertise' as bachata dancer of sorts with any one willing to learn this Caribbean art-form from him.
Another ‘patriotic' contribution of our great ‘free-advisor' has been to make it his personal endeavor and mission to ridicule in my efforts to stand up and defend the rights of my own native-indigenous St. Martiners.
For him that was great ‘fun', because it offered him some dubious kind of ‘popularity' only he fathomed.
Never mind that not only our ‘view', but in fact our very existence as a native people has been affected by senseless overdevelopment, mass immigration based on greed and lust for adventure by the likes as his coming from ‘the cold'.
In recent times however, our ‘free-advisor-in-chief- of-some-sorts' is becoming an unpaid social activist of a different plumage, a pathetic conversion.
According to people meeting me on the streets, it seems that the ‘advisor' is now reading from the ‘same book and page', from which I have been doing so for years, much to his displeasure and ridicule.
Reason for this obvious and blatant conversion, you ask ?
What about this ‘calculated speculation' ?
His ‘chickens too are coming home to roost'
The beautiful sight he now enjoys over the Lagoon, offering scenic, romantic and post-card sunsets, not within his reach in the ‘polder' where he used to milk cows in the dark, misty, rainy, weather is now being threatened, ending his experience in ‘paradise'.
Nothing wrong with that concern and conversion, other than it carries all the appearances of a classic example of an opportunistic response.
Finally, the ‘free-advisor', now feels what the local natives have been feeling for decades when the likes like him enjoyed a privileged comfort-zone at our expense and loathed and ridiculed our concerns, while pouring and heaping blessings on the same ‘Red' Government.
Nevertheless, to the ‘unpaid advisor' and ‘all-round wannabe', I say, better late than never.
Welcome to the club of citizens concerned and upset about the rampant, self-destructive overdevelopment.
You can count on our support, although you never empathized with our concerns of being ‘wiped out' in the name of ‘development', which at that time was in your favor, because you too wanted ‘in' on the ‘pie'.
However, Mr. ‘Free-advisor', there is at least one condition for our support to you and yours !
Publicly acknowledge and support, if you can, our moral and historical rights to be first in our own native St. Martin land.
Failure to do so in one of your future ‘free advices', will lead only to one conclusion.
As long as your ‘comfort-zone' is not threatened, you could not care less about the threats to our very existence of native-indigenous St. Martiners.
As a consequent, you therefore would be more than willing to cut any deal with the same Government you are now criticizing, should they give you your way, which should never be ruled out, because of which ‘constituents' you represent.
In that possible event, it will again turn out to be' business as usual for you
and the likes of you.
Subsequently, nothing would have changed for the native-indigenous People of this island, just another act of betrayal.
Time will tell.
Have a nice week, my dear friend and ‘free advisor of sorts'.
Leopold JAMES
That is the question! What roles will the Netherlands Antilles Central Bank (NACB) play in helping the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles mitigate the impact of the global economic-financial crisis? What role can the Central Bank play? We've read for the past six months how Central Banks across the globe have been intervening in helping to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis. What can we expect? In these times, it's not business as usual.
Just this week the Bahamas Government announced plans to borrow US$200 million from a group of banks to help the country pull through the global economic crisis. The funding will go towards a stimulus programme and offset revenue shortfall in fiscal 2008/09. The Bahamian Prime Minister Hon. Hubert Ingraham reported that the effects of the global economic crisis on Bahamian economic performance and prospects were "evident and stark," adding that there can be no broad single-stroke response to the global crisis but, rather, "measured and incremental responses must be available as the crisis develops."
Antigua & Barbuda is seeking a US$32 million policy-based loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to help the twin-island nation through the crisis.
Some island nations in the region are cautiously optimistic about the regional tourism industry in 2009/10, expecting a challenging 2009; optimistic for the short-term and for the long-term, to work hard to preserve market share. St. Maarten has to take the same approach of preserving its market share.
The events of the past six months have fundamentally changed the world. Tourism destinations will have to work harder than ever to level out the decline in visitor numbers to their destinations and this can only be done by investing in marketing and investing wisely.
Some islands are looking at the upcoming Spring Break in the U.S. With the U.S. State Department issuing a negative travel advice about travelling to Mexico due to the high incidence of drug-related crime, the Caribbean is an alternative destination for students who travel for the Spring Break (March, April). College newspapers and online papers are avenues for advertising/marketing.
Another area being looked at by one Caribbean island nation is a summer programme for professional skateboarders. Recent statistics reveal that there are now 20 million skateboarders in the United States alone.
Other areas being are the wedding and honeymoon markets for the summer months as well as family vacations which are now more important than ever before.
During times of recession when consumer spending drops, consumers will still choose to travel, but not as much as they had previously. A destination has to also remain loyal to its repeat visitors because they will help make a tremendous impact on the destination when there is no growth from new visitors.
The booking window for visitors is also getting shorter when making a reservation to go on holiday and the day you leave. On average it would be from 30 to 60 days, and this would determine for hotels and tourism authorities what the upcoming season would look like two to three months in advance. Today, it's a different ball game as travel trends have adjusted to the economic recession and many travellers are now making a reservation five days before they travel or a day before in order to get the best deals.
Some hoteliers and others in the U.S. Virgin Islands who market to tourists have reportedly said that the usually busy February hasn't turned out to be as bad as anticipated going from catastrophic to crappy.
Our nation's economic growth for 2009 will be directly related to what is happening internationally in North America, Europe and Latin America. Once these three geographic areas can turn around their economy then we will begin to see a turnaround in our tourism based economy.
Our island nation still has not felt the full brunt of this global crisis as there is still economic activity and buoyancy in the national economy. Once the (high) tourist season comes to an end mid-April early May, things we expect will change further.
The role of a nation's Central Bank is very important in times like these. The NACB Charter limits monetary financing of budget deficits to 10 per cent of the central government revenues in the previous year. This limitation must be seen in the context of an overdraft facility to meet liquidity deficits of the public sector that result from seasonal variations in government revenues.
The current times are exceptional and not business as usual and require an exceptional response. Will the Antillean Central Bank work with the islands to provide that exceptional response?
Recently commissioners are coming under fire in the form of public anger, feelings and expression regarding the manner in which certain issues are playing out.
Yes, the situation of public disgust is popping up everywhere as a sign of not tolerating any more senseless and sloppy performances by this awful an amazing administration.
The island is being daily confronted by all sorts of scams, shams, scandals and schemes condone and conducted by crafty, clever and cunning commissioners in government.
It is crystal clear to see that even in the darkest night bribes, kickbacks and favours are all undoubtedly the bottom line of government's perverted performances in this respect.
Yes, our people are sick and tired of catching the fever of disgust called enough is enough.
Yes, our people know that there is no difference between a smart thief and a stupid thief because in people's book: a thief is a thief and will remain a thief period.
• Commissioners come clean in your cases.
Now that commissioners are taking public heat of rejection by coming under fire, the microscope and scrutiny for corruptive involvements regarding the granting of licenses and permits on questionable projects we are now noticing:
a) commissioners closing loopholes to distract attention from finding traces of their
hand, foot and finger prints they left behind.
b) government closing peep holes by redistributing portfolios among the weasels in
the Executive Council in an attempt to cover up or conceal possible links to any
scandals in the making.
c) commissioners shirking, shunning and shying away from taking responsibilities by
trying to hide behind the cock and bull story of "I did not sign any permit" of course
not and the others did not sign too but you and the others approved it!!!!!
• Commissioners are all classical and compulsive liars.
It is therefore my intention to give some hard but helpful hints such as the following:
a) All commissioners lie through their teeth and because of this legacy of lying they are
all called then: classic, compulsive, diabolic, pathologic and pathetic liars.
b) All commissioners have great difficulty speaking or telling the truth such as being
members of the Executive Council that they are the only persons who collectively by
law grant or reject licenses and permits and not the Salvation Army, the Red Cross
the Fire Brigade or government departments.
c) Government departments only process and give advise to the Executive Council
but it is the commissioners who collectively grant or reject licenses and permits.
d) That the only signature that appears on licenses and permits is that of the Lt. Governor after the approval of all the commissioners including commissioner Theo Heyliger to grant a license or permit.
• Hard and helpful hints.
Commissioner Theo Heyliger with his usual smile and smirk on his face believes that:
a) he is still dealing with the Simple Simons who he can take for a ride by making
ridiculous remarks like for example "my signature is not on any permit" but so is it
the case with all the other commissioners but yet permits and licenses are granted!!!!!
b) his job is to keep people ill inform and ignorant.
c) he can continue try taking the people for granted by attempting to convince the public
that government's departments grant and reject licenses and permits and not him
together with the other commissioners and this is a lie that is far from the truth.
Can you imagine government departments granting licenses and permits but
commissioners cashing in for services they never rendered hijacking monies that
should go then to the civil servants. Thieving from Peter to pay Paul. What a
thing!!!!! This would have been called: High day robbery or a double dose of
racketeering.
• Queer question then:
With the present commotion and public uproar I am asking our commissioners what are you really having: A party, a pic nick or panic?????
Mr.Edwin James
Although this art work was signed UA., there are reasons to believe that the well-known 'Free Adviser' and 'drift-wood artist''clear clue' has a very on the real identity of the Graffiti-artist 'UA'.
Meanwhile, as we predicted many years ago, the situation is escalating to a point that it will boil down to 'We versus them', with various types of 'we's and 'thems' depending on the issue.
In this case clearly the 'We's' are the local (native?) St.Martiners versus, the 'foreigners'.
Case in point.
See also attached Letter to editor in the Daily Herald of Friday, March 13, 2009 "We accepted you !' written by Marinka GUMBS, a very professional, descent and conscious native St. Martin young lady.
What makes this case even more interesting is that this lady is the daughter of Ramona THOMAS, right hand of Commissioner and Leader of Government, Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS.
Mrs. THOMAS now finds herself at odds with residents, mainly non-St. Martiners, who are protesting her constructing a building on a property, considered too small for the building to be constructed.
Meanwhile, Government appears more and more to be stuck in a 'morass' of bad-governance and corruption as a consequence of which the island is set on a 'collosion-course', like recently in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
For regular updates on this ongoing development go to www.stmartinnation.org
Leopold JAMES
From reading the local SXM-media, it is becoming very obvious that, although for those who never expected that to happen, the proverbial 'chickens are coming home to roost'.
Gerard Bijnsdorp, the comical 'Unpaid adviser' and a number of his Simpson-residents, who long thought to be living in 'paradise' and were not as 'touchable' as the native-indigenous SXM'ers, are now trying hard to come to grips with reality and trying to figure out the 'way forward'.
Now, a number of Point-Blanche residents are set to become the next 'victims' of the diabolic and devious mentality of the corrupt SXM-Government.
A number of these Point-Blanche residents feel that having residing on the island for some 20 odd years, should be compelling enough an argument to sensitize the public.
If that were the case, how infinitely much more compelling would be our case as we native-indigenous SXM'ers ?
After all, simply consider the fact some of our ancestors were brought here HUNDREDS of years ago and not voluntarily and certainly did not live in nice homes with nice views.
Moreover, many of our ancestors suffered under the atrocities of the slave 'trade' and paid for the real development of this island and for their descendants with blood, sweat and tears ?
These remarks are not made to minimize the legitimate concerns of the residents now complaining, but to place the development of the 'Friendly island' in a broader perspective and for them to realize that while many of them were comfortable, many natives felt marginalized.
So, hopefully, reality is starting to sink in that until the ancestral rights of the native SXM'ers are recognized by ALL, sympathy for others, will not be exactly forth coming any time soon.
Time is long overdue that all residents realize, acknowledge and support the principle that charity starts at home and that the foundation to carry and maintain any form of cultural diversity, sustainable development, economic stability, safety and security and quality of life, lies in having a very viable and strong native-indigenous people and their heritage.
Until such time, more chickens will be coming home to roost.......with no end in sight.
Again our organizations are open, prepared and willing to create the platform for a true Rainbow-Partnership between all relevant stakeholders on the island.
We are convinced that without such a partnership, the country-status as presently promoted by the same politicians who have lost every once of confidence of the People, will be the beginning of a 'Wild-West- Banana- Republic'.
The choice is of the People.....
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
My good friend ‘Ger', aka as the advisor fo' nuttin'.
Allow me to hereby respectfully respond to your letter to the editor in the TDYA-newspaper of Wednesday, march 11, 2009,entitled ; ‘Theo and his R.O.B.bers ( acrime strory).
By the way ‘Ger'.
Is it through providence or form of ‘higher power' that your article happen to appear right next to mine (‘Hero Brinkman is having a good laugh') in the same paper, of the same date on the same page ?
Nevertheless ‘Ger', indeed you are undergoing a mental metamorphosis of kind; from clown to radical activist.
Wattating....
After years of you trying to ridicule me, demonize me, which obvious not only did not work, because it backfired on you, you are singing a different song.
Now you are writing letters to the editor, in fact ‘copying' the same concerns I have been expressing for years.
Back then, before your beautiful, postcard view became ‘endangered', you made it your art-form to criticize and downgrade the sentiments of my native-indigenous St. Martin people..
Now that you and the likes of yours are ‘feeing the pinch' resulting from greed, nepotism, corruption, you are crying wolf.
Talking about opportunism.
Nevertheless, ‘Ger', I always felt for you, because you knew not better back then and as intellectual, I knew your day would come sooner or later.....
That is when the proverbial ‘chickens come home to roost....'.
Still, ‘Ger', I hold no grudge toward you and I forgive you your ignorance for unjustly blasting me standing up for the rights of the native people who were residents here long before you ‘discovered' paradise and the Simpson-Bay lagoon.
People who after the evil of the slavery-trade had ceased in its original form, enjoyed the most beautiful views of the island.
From hill-tops, coastal areas, grass-lands, beaches and all the island had to offer.
There were no areas made ‘off-limit' to natives back then and we shared all we had with every visitor.
That life for us ended when the concept of the ‘Friendly island' was created by the crooks and thieves in Government, sold out our entire patrimony under the guise of ‘development & growth', which made it possible also for people like you, who did not care about us to live in paradise.
Now, after living your dreams, your view is threatened with ‘extinction', by another ‘wave' of ‘new-comers', making feel what we felt when others like yourself came before.
Still, Gerard, I admire your outspokenness and not hiding your identity, making you a man, from which many of our own native ‘name with-drawn' and ‘name known to editors' and ‘callers'.
Because the cause is bigger than you and me ‘Ger', I have no problem sitting with people like yourself and others to find common, creative, win-win solutions.
I am just a call (54 43512), an email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) away from you.
The choice is yours.
For sure, whatever such choice, it will be respected by me, but I will carry on regardless with standing up for the rights of my St. Martin people, without trampling upon any genuine rights of others.
Leopold JAMES
You know, prod native-indigenous St. martiner, without apologies, but with lots of understanding and compassion..
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
This is a follow up to my Open letter, to Mrs. Emily ELHAGE-DE JONGH, Prime-minister of the Netherlands Antilles, in which she was asked to explain WHICH 'SXM' according to her was 'doing well'.
This letter received quite some attention and support from the public at large on the island, because the Prime-ministers statement and assessment, clearly does not reflect the reality of the island, deliberately and systematically marketed as THE 'Friendly- island'.
Clearly, we who actually live a law-abiding life on the island and therefore feel the heat of the 'SXM-oven', completely refute the 'up-beat' perception created through the statements by the Prime-minister, who according to some pundits, perhaps was on the island on a 'snoep-reisje' (a 'sight-seeing tour')organized by the local Government in order to promote its 'country status campaign', because of it lacking public interest and interest as well.
Even more detrimental to the credibility of statement of the Prime-minister, is a report written by drs. A.Th. B. BIJLEVELD-SCHOUTEN, State-secretary of Interior Affairs and Kingdom relations.
This report 'Staat van het bestuur Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba' (State of Government Affairs of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba) was sent the the Chairperson of the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament on February 23, 2009, which is hereby sent as attachment.
The contents of this report, in no uncertain terms erodes the credibility of the statement that 'SXM is doing well' by the Prime-minister of the Netherlands Antilles.
Consequently, the conclusion can be drawn that, either the Prime-minister is ignorant of the real state of affairs in her own country and/or she is playing politics and trying to 'prop up' the practically non-existing credibility of the Executive-council of St. Maarten, at the expense of good Governance for the people of this island.
Therefore, any silence on her part can only mean the proverbial 'consent' in which case, Mr. Herao Brinkman, Dutch Parliamentarian c.s. should be having a good laugh, saying 'Zie je wel, ze zijn total onbetrouwbaar' (You see they are completely unreliable)
Do have a nice day.
With respect ,
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
> Retouradres Postbus 20011 2500 EA Den Haag
Aan de voorzitter van de Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal
Datum 23 februari 2009
Betreft Staat van het bestuur Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba
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www.minbzk.nl
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In uw brief van 25 juni 2008 (kenmerk 08-NAAZ-B-OlO) hebt u mij verzocht te rapporteren over "de staat van het bestuur" in de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba.
Daarbij gaf u aan dat u moet kunnen beoordelen of aan de randvoorwaarden en eisen voor de staatkundige vernieuwing wordt voldaan. De toetsing van de overheidsapparaten van Curaçao en Sint Maarten zal tijdens de slot-RTC
plaatsvinden. Dit is op dit moment nog niet mogelijk, omdat de twee toekomstige landen nog in opbouw zijn. In deze brief zet ik wel mijn zorgen uiteen over het huidige bestuur in de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba. Daarbij ga ik onder andere in op de kwetsbaarheden van kleinschaligheid, die nog sterker naar voren kunnen komen binnen de toekomstige landen Curaçao en Sint Maarten. Vervolgens ga ik in op de maatregelen die ik neem om bij te dragen aan de kwaliteit van het bestuur en het terugdringen van corruptie op deze eilanden.
Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba
Het bestuur in de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba functioneert op een aantal
terreinen niet goed. Met name over de corruptie maak ik mij zorgen. Ik vind het ernstig dat uit een onderzoek dat is uitgevoerd door het CBS van de Nederlandse Antillen (2004) blijkt dat 92% van de bevolking van Curaçao meent dat corruptie de politiek ernstig tot zeer ernstig beïnvloedt. Het WODC spreekt in zijn rapport over georganiseerde criminaliteit in Sint Maarten (2007) over een ‘gelegenheidsstructuur' voor het ontplooien van criminele activiteiten. Uit het WODC-onderzoek blijkt dat er een verscheidenheid aan faciliterende omstandigheden is voor drugssmokkel, mensensmokkel en illegaal geldverkeer die voortvloeien uit de (economische) infrastructuur. Hiertegenover staan volgens
het WODC controlesystemen en -mogelijkheden die hier niet of nauwelijks mee in evenwicht zijn. Mede door de kleinschaligheid van Sint Maarten worden leden van Pagina 2 van 7
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het Bestuurscollege direct door burgers aangesproken op de behartiging van hun persoonlijke belangen en vice versa. Daarbij zouden overheidsinstrumenten zoalsvergunningenverstrekking en het al dan niet houden van controles en het opleggen van boetes door sommige bestuurders worden ingezet om bepaalde doelen te bereiken, aldus het WODC.
Diverse onderzoeken en zaken in de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba bevestigen de genoemde kwetsbaarheden. Als recente voorbeelden noem ik de fraude bij de immigratiedienst van Sint Maarten, waarbij ook de korpschef van Sint Maarten betrokken was, en de gedeputeerde van Sint Maarten die thans verdacht wordt van corruptie en fraude. Wat langer terug speelden bijvoorbeeld de Pinnacle-zaak en de Curinta-zaak op Curaçao en de corruptiezaak Fondo Desaroyo San Nicolas op Aruba. Ik constateer dat deze bestuurlijke corruptiezaken zijn onderzocht, voor de rechter gebracht en tot uitspraken hebben geleid. Er is dus sprake van zelfreinigend vermogen op de eilanden. Waarbij ik overigens vaststel dat er een forse ondersteuning van Nederland is om dit te realiseren, bijvoorbeeld door de
uitzending van rechters en officieren van justitie, de inzet van de Koninklijke Marechaussee en de inzet binnen het Recherchesamenwerkingsteam.
Naast de strafrechterlijke kant is er echter ook een kant van de bestuurders. Ik ben van mening dat de bestuurders in de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba sterker stelling kunnen nemen tegen zaken waarin (de schijn van) belangenverstrengeling of gebrek aan transparantie twijfels doen rijzen over de integriteit van het overheidsbestuur. Ik denk hierbij bijvoorbeeld aan de gedeputeerde van Sint Maarten die met haar echtgenoot betrokken was bij een stichting die subsidie ontving van een overheidsvennootschap die onder de verantwoordelijkheid van de gedeputeerde viel en waarin haar echtgenoot commissaris was. Bestuurders moeten het voorbeeld geven in wat zij zeggen én wat zij doen. Als bestuurders niet het juiste voorbeeld geven, kunnen zij immers moeilijk van hun ambtenaren verwachten dat zij integer hun werk doen.
De hierboven genoemde problemen hangen onder andere samen met de
kleinschaligheid van de landen en het feit dat het om eilanden gaat. Zo vormt het relatief kleine aanbod van hoog geschoolde werknemers een knelpunt voor de kwalitatieve capaciteit van de overheid. Ook de scheiding van de machten en de onafhankelijke besluitvorming staan onder druk door de nauwe relaties en de verwevenheid binnen de relatief kleine samenlevingen. Bovendien gaat het om
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relatief jonge democratieën. Dit betekent dat de besturen en het democratisch bewustzijn nog in ontwikkeling zijn. Deze verschijnselen doen zich in veel kleine eilandelijke staten voor. De wijze waarop het bestuur met deze kwetsbaarheden omgaat, bepaalt in belangrijke mate de effectiviteit van de overheid. Binnen het Koninkrijk mag de kleinschaligheid geen excuus zijn voor corruptie of gebrek aan
transparantie in het bestuur. De verbetering van de kwaliteit van het bestuur en de aanpak van corruptie zijn daarom prioriteiten in mijn beleid. Ik bewandel hiervoor drie wegen:
1. Ik stel eisen in het staatkundig proces.
2. Ik bied ondersteuning.
3. Ik spreek bestuurders aan op hun verantwoordelijkheden en zonodig
informeer ik het openbaar ministerie ter plaatse.
Eisen stellen in staatkundig proces
In de toekomstige landen Curaçao en Sint Maarten kunnen de kwetsbaarheden die samenhangen met de kleinschaligheid nog duidelijker naar voren komen. In het staatkundig proces zijn daarom afspraken gemaakt om een voldoende niveau van deugdelijk bestuur, rechtszekerheid en verwezenlijking van de mensenrechten te waarborgen. Dit zijn harde afspraken. Wanneer Curaçao en Sint Maarten niet aan deze afspraken voldoen, kunnen zij geen land worden.
De afspraken hebben betrekking op:
1. De rechtshandhaving en rechtszekerheid. Op deze terreinen zal er structurele samenwerking blijven plaatsvinden, die wordt vastgelegd in
consensusrijkswetgeving. Hierop aansluitend vindt onder andere het traject
ter verbetering van de politieorganisatie plaats.
2. De openbare financiën. Het financieel toezicht, dat nu voor de interimperiode is ingesteld, zal ook in consensusrijkswetgeving worden vastgelegd.
Om het toezicht op de overheidsbedrijven te verbeteren komen er regels op
het terrein van corporate governance. Voor het monetair beleid en het
toezicht op de financiële markten zal er structurele samenwerking blijven
bestaan tussen Curaçao en Sint Maarten, onder andere vormgegeven door
een gezamenlijke centrale bank.
3. Deugdelijk bestuur. Afgesproken is dat Curaçao en Sint Maarten moeten
voldoen aan een set criteria op het terrein van deugdelijk bestuur. Deze
criteria, die ik u bij brief van 31 maart 2008 met kenmerk 31200 IV nr. 34
heb toegezonden, betreffen zowel de wetgeving als het overheidsapparaat.
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De afspraken op het terrein van de rechtshandhaving en rechtspleging en
openbare financiën worden gezamenlijk uitgewerkt en uitgevoerd.
Aan het begin van het staatkundige traject is al vastgesteld dat sterke
verbeteringen bij de politie noodzakelijk zijn. Zonder die verbeteringen kunnen Curaçao en Sint Maarten geen land worden. In de Slotverklaring van 2 november 2006 zijn daarom ook harde afspraken gemaakt over de verbetering van de politie. De bedoeling is om in maart in de Politieke stuurgroep verbeterplannen vast te stellen. Deze verbeterplannen zijn opgesteld met stevige ondersteuning van de politie Rotterdam-Rijnmond. Ook bij de uitvoering van de plannen zal de politie Rotterdam-Rijnmond nauw betrokken zijn.
De verantwoordelijkheid voor het voldoen aan de criteria ligt bij Curaçao en Sint Maarten zelf. De RTC toetst of beide toekomstige landen aan de normen voldoen.
De eerste toets heeft op 15 december 2008 plaatsgevonden. Dit betrof de
staatsregelingen en organieke wetgeving. De RTC heeft vastgesteld dat deze
ontwerpwetgeving voldoet aan de gestelde criteria (met in achtneming van een aantal aanpassingen waarover eerder overeenstemming was bereikt). Deze ontwerpen worden verder via de van toepassing zijnde procedures behandeld.
De tweede toets, die formeel tijdens de slot-RTC zal plaatsvinden, betreft het
overheidsapparaat. Om aan de criteria te voldoen moeten Curaçao en Sint
Maarten nog veel werk verzetten. Eén van de criteria is bijvoorbeeld de realisatie van het rapport Konfiansa. Dit rapport is in 1999 door het land Nederlandse Antillen opgesteld en bevat concrete integriteitsmaatregelen voor het ambtelijk apparaat en het bestuur.
De toets van het overheidsapparaat zal niet alleen maar ‘papier' zijn. Ik wil mij ervan verzekeren dat de nieuwe Landen ook echt kunnen functioneren, dat betekent dat ook de feitelijke uitvoering gereed moet zijn op het moment van overgang. Tijdens de Ronde Tafel Conferentie zijn afspraken gemaakt over de toetsing. Het presidium van de voorbereidingscommissie-RTC zal de toetsing regisseren. Ik wil met de toekomstige landen afspreken dat ter voorbereiding van de eindtoets periodiek wordt gekeken naar de opbouw van de overheidsorganisaties. Op basis van deze periodieke audits, waarbij ook deskundigen moeten worden betrokken, kan voortdurend de voortgang van de opbouw worden beoordeeld. Op basis van tussenrapportages kan vervolgens door
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de politieke stuurgroep tijdig worden bijgestuurd. Ik kan u dan ook periodiek
informeren over de voortgang.
Ondersteunen
In de komende periode zal Nederland blijven samenwerken met de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba om de kwaliteit van het bestuur te verbeteren en de rechtshandhaving en rechtszekerheid te waarborgen.
Vanuit de waarborgfunctie vindt er structurele samenwerking plaats op het terrain van de zware, grensoverschrijdende en georganiseerde misdaad in de vorm van het Recherche Samenwerkingsteam. Bestrijding van de maritieme criminaliteit waaronder drugssmokkel, mensensmokkel en wapensmokkel wordt aangepakt door de Kustwacht voor de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba, een samenwerkingsverband tussen de drie landen van het Koninkrijk. Daarnaast bidet de Koninklijke Marechaussee al voor langere tijd ondersteuning bij de grensbewakingstaken op de luchthavens en aan de politie. Voor het goed functioneren van de rechterlijke macht zendt Nederland rechters en officieren van Justitie uit. Dit alles om de rechtszekerheid en veiligheid voor de burger op de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba te verhogen. In de toekomstige staatkundige situatie zal deze ondersteuning noodzakelijk blijven en waar dat nog niet het geval is ook worden verankerd in de eerder genoemde rijkswetten Naast de ondersteuning die een min of meer permanent karakter heeft, vindt er steun plaats op basis van samenwerkingsprogramma's. In de Nederlandse Antillen dragen met name het Plan Veiligheid Nederlandse Antillen (PVNA) en de eilandelijke programma's Institutionele Versterking en Bestuurskracht (IVB) bij aan de verbetering van het bestuur, de rechtshandhaving en de rechtszekerheid.
Met behulp van de IVB-programma's zijn er bijvoorbeeld verbeteringen
gerealiseerd in het financieel beheer van de eilandgebieden. Er is gewerkt aan de grote achterstand bij het opstellen van de jaarrekeningen en het Land en Curaçao zijn druk doende met de inning van achterstallige belastingen. Op de BESeilanden zijn nieuwe financiële systemen geïmplementeerd en hebben de financiële medewerkers een opleiding gevolgd. Binnen het PVNA wordt naast de bestrijding van de geweldscriminaliteit gewerkt aan de duurzame verbetering van de organisaties van de politie, het emeenschappelijke Hof van Justitie, het Openbaar Ministerie, het gevangeniswezen en de vreemdelingenketen. Gedurende
2008 is bijvoorbeeld gewerkt aan de ontwikkeling van een nieuw ICT-systeem
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voor de vreemdelingenketen. Dit systeem is nu gereed voor implementatie. Met
behulp van dit systeem kan efficiënter worden gewerkt en wordt de mogelijkheid van fraude bij het afgeven van verblijfsvergunningen sterk ingeperkt. Specifiek ten aanzien van de uitvoering van het PVNA in Sint Maarten heb ik u gerapporteerd in mijn brief van 10 december 2008 (kenmerk 31568 nr. 7). In
Aruba is de verbetering van de kwaliteit van het bestuur onderdeel van het
Meerjarenprogramma 2006-2009. Bovendien vindt hier samenwerking plaats op basis van het Programma Rechtshandhaving Aruba.
Ik noem hier ook de ondersteuning van de gezaghebbers gedurende het
transitieproces. Juist in deze periode van staatkundige en bestuurlijke hervorming vind ik het belangrijk dat de toezichthoudende taken van de gezaghebbers goed worden uitgevoerd. De gouverneur van de Nederlandse Antillen heeft dit belang onderstreept en coördineert dit project. Concreet komt de ondersteuning neer op de inzet van tien ambtenaren die vanuit Nederland worden uitgezonden naar de kabinetten van de gezaghebbers, elk met ruime expertise en ervaring op zijn eigen vakgebied. De expertises variëren van corporate governance, vreemdelingenzaken en politiezaken tot ruimtelijke ordening. De berichten die ik ontvang over de inzet van deze deskundigen zijn positief.
Agenderen en zonodig aangifte doen
In het Statuut is vastgelegd dat elk van de landen zorg draagt voor het deugdelijk bestuur, de rechtszekerheid en de verwezenlijking van de fundamentele menselijke rechten en vrijheden. Dit betekent dat er een grote
verantwoordelijkheid bij de bestuurders van deze landen ligt. Als daar aanleiding toe is, spreek ik de bestuurders aan op deze verantwoordelijkheid. Wanneer ik kennis krijg van vermeende strafbare feiten, meld ik dit bovendien bij het
Openbaar Ministerie ter plaatse.
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Voorop staat dat bestuurders hun burgers verzekeren van democratisch en
effectief bestuur en voldoende rechtszekerheid. De toekomstige landen Curaçao
en Sint Maarten moeten tijdens de slot-RTC kunnen aantonen dat zij hierin zullen
slagen.
DE STAATSSECRETARIS VAN BINNENLANDSE ZAKEN EN KONINKRIJKSRELATIES,
drs. A.Th.B. Bijleveld-Schouten
Ever since NATIONtalk, under pressure, was removed from the radio-station 98.1 Pearl F.M., we have been constantly approached by loyal listeners, who have problems accepting that fact and who are requesting us to start up our own radio-station.
We clearly understand that there is a tremendous need for the type information we have been providing to our community as well as beyond.
Therefore we wish to inform and assure you that we are committed to serving your needs for relevant information and will not abandon our efforts.
In the interim, and without going into details, we are very busy looking into a number of options, which will allow us to return to the air, more effectively and more independently.
To those interested in being a part of us once we manage to obtain a radio-license, you are kindly requested to contact us with your ideas.
Keep in touch,
-
Leopold James
‘Which SXM is doing well.......'
Dear Mrs. Emily de Jongh-Elhage
Let is hereby be recorded that this open question to you, is certainly not based on any disrespect towards the office of the Prime-minister of the Netherlands-Antilles, nor towards your person.
Quite to the contrary.
This questioned is directed to you in order to allow you the opportunity to clarify remarks attributed to you in the media that ‘SXM is doing well...'.
While anticipating your clarification, for many people on this island, these remarks given the reality of the island certainly can not go un-challenged, nor un-answered.
Although we for now, feel obliged to give you the benefit of the doubt, these remarks as published in the media come across not only being in-correct, hurtful, and un-realistic but worse yet
They come across yet as being extremely insensitive to the every day's hardship of the people of the island, their distrust in the Executive-council of this island and therefore as defending and ‘propping up' the almost non-existing credibility of the People of this island as well as of many in the Dutch Government in the Government of this island.
Therefore, with all due respect to you, we hereby strongly and immediately refute the perception created that ‘SXM is doing well', to prevent them ever become ‘set in stone' and ‘live a life of their own'.
In addition, based on the resulting sentiments from many St. Martiners and other law-abiding residents, we are faced with no other choice than, in the strongest words refute the notion expressed by you, that ‘SXM is doing well...'.
In order for you to understand this reaction, you should come to grips with the reality that there are various kinds of ‘SXM's on this island.. yes, there are.
There is for instance the ‘SXM' of the rich, of the poor, of the malafide investors, of the bonafide investors, of the crooked-, greedy, corrupt politicians, of the few honest politicians, of the marginalized natives, of the criminals, of the illegal immigrant-community, of the law-abiding residents, of the ‘lagoonies', the ‘dumpies', the ‘Low-landers', ‘under-ground- tax-evading businesses' not to mention of the many ‘national associations', of the ‘Bombay-merchants' on Front-and Back street', of the ‘Gypsies' of the many ‘new founded churchies', just too name a few....
The slogan of this Government confirms this total lack of integration 'One country, many cultures.....'
So when you in your capacity of Prime-minister state that ‘SXM is doing well', depending on which ‘SXM' you are referring to, you might be right or wrong.
Since, however according to you, ‘SXM is doing well...' the ‘SXM' referred to here, based on the reality on ‘ground zero' can only be the ‘SXM' of the corrupt politicians...
The ‘SXM' in which with a member of Government is under indictment, possibly to be jailed, with others under a cloud of suspicion and alleged investigation ........
The same ‘SXM' in which a commissioner was involved in funding a foundation in which commissioners spouse was president and who had to report to same commissioner.
The ‘SXM' in which the ‘Leader of Government' refused to accept the resignation of the Commissioner who was involved, simply in order to stay in Government to conduct ‘business as usual'
The ‘SXM' of which members of the Executive-council use all kinds of pressure to prevent the people of the island to make good use of their own properties, but who at the same time brake every possible law in the books, to grant building permits to malafide investors with ‘long' and ‘deep pockets'.
The ‘SXM' in which politicians are un-able to represent the interest of the people, because they are allegedly are on the ‘payrolls' of those who paid for their election.
Could it be, madam that the Prime-minister of the Netherlands-Antilles de facto is also complimenting the very same ‘SXM', about which so many reports have been published, ranging from the Bakhuis-, the Pourier-report and most recently the WODC-report which are just the tip of the iceberg ?
The same ‘SXM' in whose Executive-Council, the PEOPLE have absolutely NO confidence, reason why Government is denying the people their DEMOCRATIC right to ratify the outcome of the referendum ?
Is the Prime-minister of the Netherlands-Antilles, publicly complimenting the same ‘SXM' in which there is a lot of anger, frustration, much like the situation that precipitated the social revolt in Curacao on ‘Treinta di Mei', a date I am sure has a historical significance to the people of Curacao ?
Doesn't the Prime-minister remember that before ‘Treinta di Mei', the ‘Curacao' of the ‘upper-class', the bourgeoisie and political elite were doing extremely well.........at the expense of the grass-roots ‘yu Korsow' ?
Mrs. De Jongh-Elhage, could you explain if the Prime-minister of the Netherlands -Antilles is really commending the ‘SXM' in which brazen, hard-core criminality and violence is becoming the order of the day diminishing our safety and securiy and our quality of life in general ?.
Is this the ‘SXM' that according to the Prime-minister is ‘doing well..' and ready for ‘country status'.
Gimme a break Emily and let us get real !
The people of St. Maarten are no fools and they recognize a ‘set-up' when they see it.
Show me you company and I will tell you who you, are is a saying that still applies these days.
So, now for the record, madam Prime-minister.
Let us now consider an ‘other' SXM., not the post-card one, visitors ‘fall in love with'.
A ‘SXM', perhaps even the Prime-minister does not know.
The ‘SXM' of the grass-roots, native-indigenous People, for whom ‘country-status', without guarantees and protection, means de facto their formal marginalization, final-solution, demise, and extinction by means of genocide by substitution.
Could it be that the Prime-minister feels more comfortable and compatible with the ‘SXM' of our ‘Leader of Government, of Theo Heyliger, of Maria Buncamper and of others, as opposed to the ‘SXM' of ‘we, the grass-roots people' of this island with deep ancestral roots on this ‘rock' ?
In other words, does the Prime- minister believe that ‘SXM is doing well...' , because she feels part of that ‘SXM' that excludes, abandons and betrays its own native-indigenous St. Martiners and intends to lead them to the ‘slaughter-house' by means of a ‘one-way ticket' aboard the ‘status-train'.
Dear ‘Emily', please tell us WHICH ‘SXM' in your opinion is doing so well...'
Meanwhile, time will tell that, separate-status or no separate-status, eventually on ‘ground-zero', it will not be the politicians who have sold out our birth-rights who will rule, it will be the PEOPLE.
Respectfully awaiting your clarification to the people of this island, so it will not be up to others to ‘put words' in your respected mouth.
Leopold JAMES
President SNBF /Association L' Esprit de Concordia and
One proud, native-indigenous St. Martiner without any apologies.
To publish, or not to publish Letters to the editor............prerogative of news-papers
This is a response to many who wonder why certain local St. Maarten newspapers do not always publish my letters to the editor.
Most recent example is my letter to the editor sent to the Daily Herald on Monday, March 2, 2009, entitled 'Unpaid adviser....welcome to the club'.
I too, have the same question and have experienced this decision to decline publication of letters to the editor by the local media on too many occasions to mention.
However please let me make my position on this issue clear.
I respect that it is the right of the news-paper editor to publish any such letter completely to his/her discretion.
In other word, an letter to the editor, may completely be ignored by the editor.
Also,a letter sent to the editor maybe published at a time of choice of editor.
As a result of this choice, letter in question may be published much later, making its contents completely irrelevant to the reader, thereby undermining the seriousness, the credibility and even the very sanity of the writer.In addition, newspaper's editor has the right to edit the contents of the letter to the editor, to the extent that it no longer reflects the author's original formulation, again making the reader question the mind of the writer of the letter.
Let us take it a step further.
It is also alleged that certain papers, before publishing certain letters to the editor, 'tip off' the person who is subject of the letter, and allows that person to respond and still not publish the original letter to the editor.
All of these options provide every news-paper editor with the power of selectivity, bias and prejudice.
Mind you, I do not accuse any particular news paper of any such malpractices perse.
What my intention is here, is to give an account to the many people who wonder why at times articles they know I published on our own website, www.stmartinnation.org and that are also published on www.smn-news.com NOt published in all daily news papers.
In addition, it is my intention to inform those who would like to make use of their democratic rights to express their views in a letter to the editor in the local media, what 'pitholes' might lie ahead.
In the future, I will also include the e-mail addresses of daily news-papers when I mail my letters to the editor to the local news-outlets.
Whether or not the Daily Herald or Today chooses to publish these letters in their printed news-papers is their choice and their right, which I will respect, though not necessarily agree with.
And likewise, it is the choice of the public to buy or not to buy certain news papers.
You be the judge.
In ending my thanks to the TODAY news-paper for having printed my letter to the editor in its edition of today, Thursday, March 5, 2009.
Love you,
Leopold JAMES
Native-indigenous St. Martiner with apologies.
The past year - 2008 has caused our island nation to endure, however in spite of the challenges and opportunities; our island nation has done well. When we look within the region, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia and beyond, we see the trials and hardships. The world has entered the most serious economic crisis in 60-years. Economic hardships have been gripping nations across the globe, and as an island nation with a small open economy, we have also come to grips with these global events.
As a nation we earn our living by trading with servicing the world - our tourism sector. The outlook for 2009 is highly uncertain. At each stage of the global crisis, events have turned out worse than the experts have predicted.
There is a loss of business and consumer confidence, and one thing is certain, things cannot turn around overnight. As a nation we must psychologically prepare ourselves for what 2009 will bring forth.
Our key focus must be jobs - keeping people in jobs, helping the worker who loses his or her job find a new one, and retraining them with new skills. As long as people have work, they can take care of themselves and their families.
The global financial/economic crisis will not last forever. A world in recession is not a world without opportunities. In the midst of this financial/economic storm, we must as a community, as a nation, keep pursuing new growth opportunities, and look beyond the immediate challenges and that our island nation emerges stronger after the global downturn.
Government we expect will continue to monitor closely how global events unfold and work constructively with business and labour organizations to see St. Maarten through this global recession.
Government alone will not solve the problem. Every one of us has a part to play. Companies have to work with the unions to find ways to cut costs. During a downturn, businesses should take advantage of creating new and better products and services which will pay off when things get better.
The working man and woman also have a role to play by upgrading and picking up new skills which would increase your employability. For those jobs hunting, venture beyond your comfort zone to take up the challenge of available jobs, even if they are not your first choice. In these challenging times, families must bind together. We must all fulfil our duties to our parents, our spouses and our children. We must safeguard the nation's future - our children. St. Maarteners must also take care of one another beyond our immediate families.
Despite the storm clouds over the Caribbean horizon, we have much to be thankful for and good reasons to be quietly confident. We are an island nation of ambitions and through our ingenuity and effort, we shall overcome. Our outlook on the future of our island nation should not be overshadowed by current global trends. A negative and less positive outlook should not make us less ambitious.
As a nation we must encourage each other to move in positive directions, overcoming whatever hurdles come our way and stay the course. We have overcome many previous challenges, and emerged stronger from experience. For the New Year 2009, think ambitiously; think about what a difference you can make within your community, to the further advancement of our island nation in these turbulent times.
We can meet the future with confidence.
Roddy Heyliger
Reports reaching us about police brutality from various sources within our society warrant this appeal for mutual respect and constraints on all sides of the equation.
While, we are aware of the very difficult circumstances under which our law-enforcement officers other have to operate, such must ALWAYS take into consideration the basic human rights of all, including one's dignity, whomsoever the person is.
At times a very strong enforcement of the law is called for, but NEVER should for instance young children be traumatized in the process.
Also, it is time that police-officers learn to be more professional, by being polite and identifying themselves, something many feel they are too big for.
For the record, we are not taking any sides of the reports reaching us, but prefer erring on the safe side, by issuing a caveat to our police-officers, not to ever get carried away and do unto others, what they would not appreciate police-officers doing to them, or their loved ones, if they were living in a strange country.
At the same time, we believe that it is up to the various national associations as well to inform their people about the fact that St. Maarten also has laws which should be respected and that their people should stop putting themselves and their children in 'harms way' , realizing full well that this island is in a crisis and can 'take no more' and that therefore the natives and police-officers are becoming extremely 'short-fused'.
Leopold JAMES
Preident SNBF/ L'Association L' Esprit de Concordia
Dear ‘Ger'
That you have a minority-complex, does not make you bad person....
But, just be cautious while trying to take out your inner demons on some-body else.
You know, ‘Ger', there is nothing wrong with being a ‘wannabee',
Not even, if at your over-ripe age, there might be some challenges....
It is evident, that you are not very comfortable in your skin, which is easily understandable, Ger.
You dream of being a ‘Caribbean Macho Man', huh ?
Or a wannabee ‘driftwood artist'?
A wannabee ‘Sacca boy' ? (Hmmmm...)
A wannabee ‘one o' we' (Ooops...)
A wannabee clown ? (that is the easy one by the way...).
A wannabee free advisor ?...(free yes...)and now, according to your advice to me in the Daily Herald of Wednesday, January 15, 2009 my psychiatrist...
‘Wattating'
What is next, brother ‘Ger' ?
While nothing is wrong with dreaming and fantasizing of what you ‘wannabee in real life Ger, why not start of this ‘wannabee everthing career' with ‘Who U be 4 tru ?
A non-descript, native-indigenous cow-milking Holland peasant from the Polder in short ‘Ger de Melkboer'....
What is wrong with being proud of who you really are, Ger ?
There are a lot of your fellow polder-men, who proudly state ; We benne maar klein, maar hebbe grote dade' ? or Piet Heyn, Piet Heyn zijn naam is klein, maar zijn dade benne groot ?
Anyhow GdM, glad to see your are back doing what you do best, making a clown of yourself.
Also I am so grateful to you that you did not give up writing your syndicated nonsense about my person.
Please, as I told you before, keep it up, don't you ever stop, because due to your constant promoting of my person and what I proudly stand for, the name-combination ‘JAMES/NATIONtalk is rapidly becoming commercially an extremely viable brand-name...
Just a little caveat though, Mr. Wannabee everything, but Ger de Melkboer himself', remember how in the past Terry PETERSON, made you swallow some non-sense against him that was a pure lie ?
If you want to re-live a similar experience, just write again that I, Leopold JAMES opposed the new Labor Policy.
Without proof to back up that utter stupidity of yours, it might as well be, ‘déjà vu all over again' for you.
Rest assured that your readers will enjoy it.
Take care but...
Do not forget to milk the cows....
Prouder than ever now, native-indigenous St. Martiner, without apologies and regardless of whatever Ger de Melkboer writes, thinks, says, sneezes, coughs, winks, whatever ; it simply matters not.
Once the biography on the true ‘Ikke, Ger de Melkboer' is published, his ‘wannabee-career' will be over.
Just wait and see.
To read Letter to the Editor in the Daily Herald of Wednesday, January 15, go to link COMMENTARY and click of this site.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
By means of this letter, we care to kindly, and very urgently
inform you, perhaps superfluously, that we as representatives of the
native-indigenous St. Martiners will not idly sit back, and allow for
our ancestral rights of self-determination, which have been hijacked
due to the questionable naturalization of masses of immigrants in the
past, with the deliberate cooperation of past local St. Maarten
Governments for political expediency.
We therefore hereby express very strong support for your right as Dutch
Parliament in the best interest of the People of St. Maarten, to
reserve the right to amend if possible all agreements with St. Maarten
that do not provide built-in guarantees for the rights of the
native-indigenous St. Maarten People.
We can not emphasize enough, that the politicians of this island have
lost all our trust and certainly the basic trust necessary to provide
them with more autonomy and power without checks-and-balances as
condition.
And for the record, while many of our leaders are accusing you of
dis-respecting the so-called rights of self-determination of 'St.
Maarten', most of these very same politicians have compromised and
betrayed the same rights of we the native-indigenous St. Martin People.
Also, we demand that under absolutely no circumstances, these
politicians have a mandate to take any final decisions relating to any
new status for St. Maarten, BEFORE allowing for a RATIFICATION
of all relevant documents.
In ending, caving in to these politicians, who themselves are masters
in bad governance and exploiters of the native-indigenous St. Martin
People, can result in a very regrettable situation within the Kingdom.
Copies
Parliament N.A.
St. Maarten Island-council
UN
-
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Your panel-discussion is a great step in the right direction for the island
Dear friends and fellow St.Martiners,
For me, on behalf of our organizations the SNBF/ Asociation L' Esprit de Concordia, it was a privilege and honor to share one platform with distinguished local persons as my friends, Mr. Mc SOOD, Mr. RAWTANI and of course, Mr. Elco ROSARIO.
Each of you gentlemen, as well of course as your large audience in attendance, deserve to be highly recommended for listening to the input, highlighting the angle from the side of the native-indigenous St. Martin population, which often-times is completely ignored.
You listened very attentively,with an open-mind and without any interference and prejudice while we to shared our vision with your.
Whether or not you agreed with all we said indeed is irrelevant.
What is relevant is, that you showed respect for the opinion of others, something that certain members in the local St. Martin media can learn a lesson from.
Let it hereby, once more be confirmed, that we not only remain open to, but more than ever, anxiously look forward working along with the CBA-, all the various cultural- and national organizations in an effort to contribute in a meaningful way to the nation building process of St. Martin.
Integral part of this process-, and of paramount importance is, working towards a dynamic- and harmonious balance in the socio-economic interests of all stakeholders on the island.
Again, the CBA should be highly recommended, for having the courage to initiate a public discussion on issues of very complex nature, but with a far-reaching impact on the entire St. Martin community and indirectly even on a number of regional islands.
In ending we thank the many people, from all walks of life who attended the panel-discussion and who expressed admiration, support for the work the SNBF and the Association de L' Esprit have been doing for years, under oftentimes very unfair circumstances, including unfair access to the local media.
As we have always stated and we agree with our friends Mr. RAWTANI, Mc. SOOD, ROSARIO and Mrs. Iris ARRINDELL, who also took to the floor, that UNITING- and INTEGRATING with the local native-indigenous St. Martin People via their representatives, is the most effective way to safeguard tranquility on the island, thereby protecting your investments- and interest.
Politicians come...and goes, the people remain !.
Success with your future endeavors and be reminded, that as long as you remain committed to respect the rightful position of the natives of this island, you will find a very loyal and powerful partner in us.
With respect,
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
Recently a very informative radio-program called NATIONtalk, heard all over the world, was removed from the air by the management of the radio-station 98.1 Pearl F.M..
Main motive given verbally, without any proof, was the allegation that the program 'incited hatred'.
That characterization in-, and of itself is a complete a mis-representation of the truth, and according to our sources, political motivation played a much larger role in the decision of management.
And just ate the moment when the people of this island confronting a most complex, political-, constitutional-, economical- and social crisis of which crime and immigration are the most daunting issues, their most vital voice has been deliberately taken off the air.
We need not explain you, the consequences of such a betrayal to a people, it is simply devastating and traumatic, not to be able to have a platform to communicate mutual feelings with each other as a people, while on a daily basis the number of foreigners and their influences are increasing.
In this context, we would appreciate your attention and investigation into the situation pertaining to radio-broadcast in general on St. Maarten.
Perhaps the following and other questions as well, should be an integral part of such an investigation to which we are more than willing to cooperate with you and to provide any relevant information for our investigation
1. Is it legally correct for a radio-program to be removed solely based on 'here-say' and if not, what are the courses of actions that can be taken against a radio- and/or television station ?
2. Is there any level playing field when it comes to evaluating the programs aired in foreign languages; in other words, who if anyone at all, monitors the radio-and television programs particular in the Creole-, and Spanish languages to hear whether or not they make hatred-inciteful commentaries or any other derogatory comments direction the people of this islandor whether or not they inform their people how to circumvent our national laws ?
3. Can a list be made public of the number of programs produced by Antilleans in the English, Dutch or Papiamentu languages versus those in the Spanish and Creole languages, which most native St. Martiners do not understand ?
4. Is it acceptable that, during one of the most fundamental changes to take place in the history of St. Martiners, that in fact the voices heard most and concern mostly expressed are those of expats or foreigners ?
While we look forward to your reply, the clear underlying message hereby conveyed is one of a most serious situation-, and unfair towards the people of this island, who are now completely overrun by foreigners-, and on top of that are denied access to the media in their own country.
Is it the intention, that the pent up angst and frustration of not being able to express ourselves in our own country via the media, to be forced to go underground, only to 're-appear' full force in a completely different form ?
Can there be any peace, any peaceful new 'country St. Maarten status', if the voice of the very people with historical ties to every facet of this island's existence be replaced by 'strange' voices on the air ?
What 'country status' are we building ? Everyone-else's country, EXCEPT that of St. Martiners ?
Is that what 'separate status' really is about ?
Clearly something is amiss and should urgently be corrected, before 'doomsday' becomes a reality on 'Friendly-island.
Copies
• Parliament Netherlands
• H. Queen Beatrix
• UN
• CARICOM
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Over many years, Mr. Leopold JAMES president of the SNBF & the Associated has been targeted by certain groups and members in the media as being xenophobic and the like.
In the process these critics, for their own agenda, never focused on the MESSAGE and the potential solutions systematically presented on every possible forum by Mr. JAMES.
However, slowly but surely, the 'chickens are coming home to roost'.
Increasingly, and further impacted by the slowing economical crisis, the local native-indigenous St. Martin people are realizing that the island has become over-developed, over- populated, uncontrollable, lawless and that their very existence is at stake.
Even the Island-Government, under the necessary pressure, has formulated a new Labor Policy, to be implemented on January 12, 2009.
Finally, many merchants and others are realizing that, even if they might have some legitimate reason to protest the new law, there is not much, if any sympathy at all for them among the native population.
However, we must commend Mr. Elco Rosario, who is spearheading the protest for making what we consider, the most logical and compelling argument, that can make the difference and foster a breakthrough.
The interview in which this statement is made,is published in the TODAY-newspaper of Saturday, January 3, 2008, in the last alinea, of which a copy of hereby attached.
Although he did not say it with so many words, or might not even realize it, what he mentioned is in fact, what we have been proposing for many years now; 'A MARSHALL PLAN'.
In this plan, the SNBF/Association L' Esprit has formulated a concept, in which the socio-economic interests of the main stakeholders are addressed and resolved, based on a 'win-win' approach.
Now, the SNBF/Association L' Esprit de Concordia seems to be the most coveted 'peacemaker' in this very complex and socially explosive situation.
Consequently, many who once 'demonized' the organization now realize that they might be better off involving the SNBF/Association L'Esprit de Concordiait, as opposed to having to deal with a very irrational native-indigenous population, who simply are responding based on the sentiment 'enough is enough' and a Government, that is caught between a 'rock and a hard place'.It is now left to be seen, when finally the role of the SNBF/Association L'Esprit will be acknowledged in the overall development of the island.
In the meantime, the longer that takes, the more the situation will escalate and more 'knee-jerk' new policies restricting 'foreigners' will be implemented.
Source: The TODAY-newspaper, Saturday, Juanuary 3, 2008
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
The Caribbean region continued to suffer a major decline in tourist arrivals as a result of the global economic crisis. Figures from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) show a 90 per cent downturn for the region from January to July 2009 with some destinations experiencing double-digit decline over the period when compared to 2008.
Cuba and Jamaica are the only countries that have shown minimal increases of 3.1 per cent and 3.4 per cent growth. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has said that his country must maintain an approximate 70 per cent to stay afloat, requiring a growth of 10-15 per cent annually to meet current standings because of the number of rooms that the island has as a destination.
In the meantime, Bermuda is busy negotiating with International Offshore Team Association to host the 2010 world-class powerboat race. The association is also considering Brazil for a second race in 2010. The international race series is dubbed Formula One on the water. Class 1 Powerboat series features professional race teams racing state-of-the-art boats that can hit speeds of up to 160 miles per hour.
The Formula One race has taken place in Norway, Qatar, Romania, Italy, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, so why not St. Maarten 2011? The event which last three-days featuring two race days, is said to attract a television audience of 500 million and more than 100,000 spectators. As a tourist destination I do believe we are up to it. We have the annual successful Heineken Regatta which is organized in a very professional manner, so why not Formula One Powerboat Racing in 2011?
There are real prospects for travel growth in 2010. It’s being seen in different parts of the world. News coming out of ITB Asia, a tourism and travel conference that recently opened reveals that now is the time to plan for new travel industry growth.
With St. Maarten’s new branding and marketing initiatives coming in for high praise after its launch approximately two weeks ago, attention must be paid to the long-term and also having the necessary marketing/promotional funds available in 2010 and beyond to promote destination St. Maarten which is mainly based on a one-pillar economy – tourism.
In Europe, the European Travel Commission (ETC) warns that there is unlikely to be a strong rebound from this year’s low travel demand following the worst recession since the 1930s.
However, travel is not expected to fall any further in 2010, although significant downside risks remain such as an escalation in the swine flu outbreak. The ETC reports in its third quarterly report on European Tourism 2009 – Trends & Prospects, that the downturn in travel and tourism in 2009 has been especially noticeable for long-haul travel, with a move towards increased short-haul trips and leisure trips of shorter duration. This trend is expected to continue in the short-term or until economic recovery is entrenched.
International arrivals, which fell by seven per cent worldwide and by eight per cent in Europe in the first seven months of the year, are projected to stabilize over the last four months of 2009.
The ETC reports that the rate of decline in travel demand has slowed in the last two to three months, and demand for air transport and hotel accommodation appears to be returning to levels comparable with that of 12 months ago.
With prospects in Europe looking up, the 2009/2010 season for our island nation will be one where we should cautiously see an increase in visitors. The year 2010 and the season of 2010/2011 should also further see an increase in our overall tourism numbers, but we must continue to make great strides in marketing/promotion and look at new avenues that would bring business to the island such as Class 1 World Powerboat Championship racing.
Roddy Heyliger
Fellow citizens of St. Maarten,
Since decades, many local, native St. Martin people have been feeling the negative consequences of the over-development on their very existence on their own island.
Therefore, we can certainly empathize with your present legitimate issue as a consequence of what you term in your ad, the 'illegal' (travel Inn Condos) project at the Simpson Bay Corner.
More than that, we would also love to join with you and others in making our collaborative contribution towards a more sustainable development on the island, based on a 'win-win' principle for all stakeholders on this island.
However, the ongoing personal attacks and most recently false accusation in the local media, by one of your fellow residents of the district in question, Mr. Gerard BIJNSDORP, does not exactly contribute towards our support to your petition, nor of most other local St. Martin people.
Worse yet, as long as Mr. BIJNSDORP continues to spew his vile comments towards my person, such could in fact BACKFIRE on any sympathy and support from local St. Martin people for your cause, beacuse many link him with you as a protest-group.
Consequently, any perceived link between you as petitioners and outraged citizens and the personal attacks by Mr. BIJNSDORP on Leopold JAMES can possibly implicate you in regards to possibly legal actions against his false accusations that I was the 'graffiti artist' who posted the text on the sign-board.
It is up to you to make your position clear viz a viz Mr. BIJNSDORP.
We will will respond accordingly.
In ending and for the record however, let it be known that we sympathize with your efforts and hope that our willingness to support your petition will not be undermined by persons, with personal agendas.
Wishing you success with your petition.
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Philipsburg. On Tuesday afternoon, September 15, 2009 a very interesting power-point-presentation was made on a proposed Joint public private partnership between the Island Government, the Collectivity and the grass root nation building movement, the SNBF/Association L’Esprit de Concordia.
Due to the fact that a number of officials were off-island and otherwise unable to attend, the organizers are now preparing to make a joint presentation to representatives of the Island Government and the Collectivity.
Efforts are therefore now being made to come to a consensus on a date and location for this event.
It is very clear to those who attended the event, that those in Government would do very wisely to welcome this attempt by a grass root St. Martin movement, to contribute to a situation, in which St. Martiners once more feel at ease in their own home-land.
In addition, this very unique initiative can allow them to contribute enormously to effectively dealing with many issues which affect the entire island, and which can not be tackled effectively by only the Collectivity of Saint Martin or by the Island Government of St. Maarten.
Fighting crime is one such issue that knows no border.
Given the serious socio-economic crisis the entire island finds itself in and particularly considering the escalating juvenile delinquency, refusing to accept this partnership by the authorities would send a totally wrong message to the youth.
In addition, such refusal might very well fact be interpreted by the population and young people in particular as proof of government not being interested at all in preventing social confrontations.
Needless to state that this negative signal, especial on the eve of St. Martin Day, November 11, 2009 could only aggravate an already crisis, even some in law-enforcement admit now already is beyond their control.
The public will be kept updated on the response by the authorities to meet and come to a an understanding of how to establish this vital form of partnership, which can signal a sign of hope under the current tense social situation on the island.
Transcript of the presentation can be heard on www.stmartinnation.org. Download media September 15, 2009.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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On Friday, June 5, 2009, I called a press-conference with members of the local media, in order to motivate to the public, via the media the reason for our request for a meeting with Lt. Governor, Mr. Franklyn RICHARDS and President of the C.O.M. Saint-Martin, Mr. Frantz GUMBS.
While, I certainly appreciated the effort of the Daily Herald to be present during the press-conference called by me, much is left to be desired in terms of what was reported on this event in the Daily Herald, the day after, Saturday, June 6, 2009.
First of all, the person who came to the press-conference on behalf of the Daily Herald, Mr. Daune ROBIN came late and missed out most of the statements I made and questions I answered.
In contrast, Mrs. Bibi HODGE-SHAW of the St. Martin News Network, was present ahead of time.
During this press-conference, I gave an extensive breakdown of the motives for requesting the meeting with the Lt-Governor as well as with the President.
In addition, I also gave an extensive breakdown of what we hope to achieve with the meeting with these officials.
Furthermore, I answered a number of critical and necessary questions by Mrs. HODGE-SHAW.
It was towards the latter part of the press-conference, when Mr. ROBIN of the Daily Herald walked into the session.
When I offered him to repeat the my statements, he said that that would not be necessary, because he would get that from Mrs. HODGE-SHAW.
During the press-conference, Mr. ROBIN asked no questions at all and was anxious to leave again, clearly depending on the report of another journalist to do his job.
And from the article that was published, it was extremely clear, that either Mr. ROBIN, did a rush-job, sprinkling it with some sensation to make it ‘attractive' to the readers.
Never mind that it was a very sloppy job.
For the record, everyone who knows me, knows that I always prepare my presentations and press-conferences very precisely.
In this case again, I took quite some time out to prepare this press-conference and I went to the extreme to put everything I said in a broader perspective.
Quite to the contrary, it appears, that the Daily Herald did its utmost to place everything I said OUT of context.
Whether it is for sensation, out of lack of understanding, or based on the absence of good faith and objectivity to understand, or simply in order to demonize my person, that is for their account.
While I respect the right of the editor of any publication to decide on how any letters or speeches or what have you, are to be edited and published, I too have the right to expose such un-professional and even unjust reporting, because it does not contribute to educating the masses.
It is time, that all institutions, not only Government, within our society function in a professional, and accountable manner, that also includes the media.
Oftentimes, statements and letters to the editor, are twisted, thwarted, so-called in the process of ‘editing', that the final result does not reflect and do justice to what was said and/or meant.
Therefore, it should become standard procedure when giving interviews etc. especially on complicated and sensitive issues, to (video-)tape these events for future reference and not leave the reporting completely up the reporters.
Nevertheless, I recognize the importance of the media within our society.
With respect,
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
This article is written for the sole purpose for the readers to understand the indebt meaning of the name of the article.
In order for me to do this I am obliged to give our readers the figuratively ammunition, the necessary information or the legitimate roots and reasons to arrive to the credible conclusion as to the chosen name of this article.
In keeping with many of our politicians' misled political messages, phrases and slogans which only turned out to be hollow promises I decided to take them to task by analyzing and assessing what their positions are on many cardinal issues on hand.
I have been a proponent or political pundit of supporting a new government rather than a national government because of the simple fact:
It is better to dance with a demon than to dance with devils.
A New Beginning and Dawning of a New Day means doing things differently.
• obvious options and opportunities.
Now more than ever the NA has options and opportunities at their disposal to promote, to provide and to protect:
1) the introduction of good and transparent governance with accountability.
2) the elimination of nepotism in government.
3) the elimination of conflict of interests in government.
4) the introduction of the code of ethics and conduct as a policy in government.
5) the fight to curb corruption in government.
6) the elimination on quick fix get rich schemes, shams and scams.
• convince, convert and confess.
The NA has the task in ensuring that all members of the next government's administration are:
1) on the same page regarding the government's program.
2) pointing their nose in the same direction regarding government's plans and policies.
In other words convincing, converting and allowing the other members outside of the NA circle who are now supporting the next government to publicly confess that this is:
A New Beginning and the Dawning of a New Day!!!!!
• weasels, weevils and worms are coming out of the wood works.
To these awesome and amazing "good Samaritans" who have accumulated their astonishing personal wealth at the expense of the victims of their wicked and vicious former administration I say the following:
1) a bird landing on a branch should not start singing but rather look out for their
predators.
2) don't use the NA as a shelter, safe haven or sanctuary for your next flight out to your
destination called: the NDP,OK.
3) don't think of harassing and hassling any more locals and their businesses as well as
Indigenous property owners such as: St.Maarten Port Services, mr.Rodrick Halley
etc.
4) St.Maarten is not your slave's plantation to weal, deal, steal and sell for your
families benefit.
5) our Indigenous people will fight to the tilt to protect our properties and patrimonies.
You are been seen as weasels, weevils and worms coming out of the wood works!!!!!
• credible conclusion.
Mr.William Marlin, you will be held accountable for not practicing what you preach on:
1) introduction of good and transparent governance.
2) promoting, providing and protecting especially Indigenous people and their
businesses.
3) it is A New Beginning and the Dawning of A New Day!!!!!
So, mr William Marlin you have:
The chance to change crew and course!!!!!
Mr.Edwin James.
While most politicians and some of their 'agents', against all the odds stacking up against them, are still clinging on to January 2010 as the key that will 'automatically' usher in the 'New Brave World' , called 'Country St. Maarten', the population certainly does not appear to support such wishful thinking.
Quite to the contrary !
Most people have leaned their lesson of allowing themselves to be 'sweet-talked' and manipulated into believing that a particular 'magical' date on the calendar will determine when the politicians on the 'Friendly Island' will finally acquire their so intensely coveted 'status'.
By far the majority of the populace sees the need to 'rush' in the so-called Country status by 2010 as the least of their priorities and/or daily worries.
Instead of believing in the 'super-natural' power of some date on the calendar, there is a growing consensus, that 'that' day will come, if at all, when are are ready.
So, the moment, or day that we are ready, that will be the 'birth-day' of the 'new status'.
Not one day earlier, not one day later.....
That means hypothetically, that we can get this 'Country status' much, earlier than 2010.
Realistically, no one should be advised to hold one's breath on 'that one'.
Or, we can achieve that status, RIGHT after, or LONG after, or VERY LONG after 2010, or,.....NOT EVER/NEVER.
Again we must be mindful that the 'key' to 'Country St. Maarten Status', is not a date, nor any other 'artificial' factor, but our 'readiness'.
Therefore, those who so badly want that to be soon, why not, just make sure that we are 'ready' soon as well ?.
How do we know that we are ready, I hear you say ?
Good question.
What about defining some 'parameters' that will show us the way ?
I will give you some time to come up with some examples and to discuss this within your social circles as well.
In a subsequent article, I will toss in some examples on the table.
Time to grow up.
Have a great day,
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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Dutch Secretary of State for Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveld within short will be discussing the commencement date of new constitutional relations. The date of January 1, 2010 has come into question with respect to final preparations by the various entities within the Kingdom including the parliamentary legislative process of the Dutch Chambers of Parliament and that of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
If the process is delayed by three months after the target date of January 1, 2010, let that be the case. We cannot go on and on shifting the date forward and never reaching our goal. No country in the world has had every detail in place in order to execute its full internal self-government status once the people have expressed their right of self-determination. Let's just get on with it!
St. Maarten was given the status of Island Territory back in 1983 with Saba and St. Eustatius up to the present. The island has been functioning since then under that legal status based on the Islands Regulations of the Netherlands Antilles (ERNA).
The island has a functioning legal system, judicial system, police force, etc etc. Let's just get on with it. The people have spoken loud and clear back in June 2000. The term of the current Antillean Parliament ends on March 26, 2010. On March 27, 2010, let Country St. Maarten be born!
Much can be done between now and then if everybody works diligently to get this thing done. The suggestion by Dutch parliamentarian Marijke Linthorst to have St. Maarten grow into its new status as country must be considered dead on arrival.
Linthorst proposal goes back to the colonial period and is typical Dutch European thinking. The Labour Party senator suggests a ‘heavyweight commissioner on behalf of the Kingdom Council of Ministers who would prepare and execute the necessary improvements.
Such a proposal will only further delay the people's wishes. St. Maarten needs its financial resources in order to continue to develop the socio-economic well-being of its people. A further delay is only hurting the people. The developmental challenges of our island nation are tremendous and we need our own resources that go to Curacao every month to remain here.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) recently called upon administering Powers, Non-Self-Governing Territories and the UN body tackling decolonization to continue working together to accelerate the process of eradicating colonialism.
The Curacao referendum is over and the results are well known. Let's get on with it and have country status delivered in 2010.
Roddy Heyliger
We have said it many times before, and many are now joining the ‘chorus'.
Forget Country Status St. Maarten by 2010.....if at all !
The ‘fuel' for this ‘not- yet-ready-country- status' for St. Maarten ‘ground-swell' ?
To begin with, there is a total lack of confidence by the population in the ‘body politics' in terms of being able to clean up and govern this island effectively and in accordance with good governance.
In addition, there is an escalating ‘disconnect' between Government and the people in terms of socio-economic and other priorities.
Despite the constant bickering between the ‘blues' and the ‘reds' and them consequently holding the entire island ‘hostage', for the politicians is their so coveted ‘Country status' for St. Maarten, at all cost, is their priority.
Meanwhile, our society is completely disintegrating and its members not having their priorities recognized, let alone addressed.
Some of these priorities have to do with the consequences of an un-controlled influx of immigrants.
This results among others in complete ‘mix-up' of cultures, the existential threat to the natives of this island, the over-development of the island, the rampant and violent crimes, the prices of food stuff and other commodities, controlled by an ever growing foreign number of businesses etc.
Also very interesting is that justification for the question we posed many years ago, ‘Separate status for WHOM' is becoming very clear.
While our politicians, from one corner of their mouth are ‘preaching' Country status and ‘doing we own thing', more and more it appears that locals, no longer seem fit and/or qualified to hold decision making posts, certain groups foreigners are dominating the ‘official' economic circuit.
In addition, increasingly, other foreigners are boldly creating and dominating their own ‘underground economy', in the process evading taxes and sending millions to their own respective homelands
Since the Government never realized and acknowledged that the absolutely essential
'key' to any development is the PEOPLE of the land, in the FIRST place the NATIVES of the land, the Dutch will be able to deny them any new status, regardless, because they know of that ‘disconnect'.
Combined with the many cases of corruption and investigations on many levels taking place, we should safely conclude, that barring some ‘extra-terrestrial intervention', there will be NO country status after 2010...if at all !.
Now, those who want to bury their heads in the sand, please my guests.
Our approach will be realistic and forwardly thinking.
To this end, we appeal on all those who want to ‘step up to the plate' and make their contributions towards deciding the content of the ‘Post 2010 period', to join with us.
We will start charting this transitional phase, which will mark the end of the Antilles as we know it now and end when according to ‘specific markers', we WILL be ready for a major ‘new constitutional day'.
It is up to every person to, either remain ‘part of the problem' and simply RE-ACT to every move by the Dutch Government, or to become part of the ‘movers & shakers' who will PRO-ACT in manners that the Dutch will have absolutely no other choice than to co-operate.
The choice is ours.
We have made ourselves ‘stakeholders' in this ‘New St. Martin Order'....that is for sure.
For us that is not only the smart thing to do, but also the right thing.....
--
Leopold JAMES
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
Dear Bibi,
Allow me to commend you for the work you are doing in providing us constantly with news of this island most other news-outlets refuse to do.
Especially, you should be commended considering the fact that as a woman, a mother and a wife the toll on you to execute your work as an independent, investigative journalist can be very 'demanding' to say the least.
Complicating matters even more is that you, unlike me are not a native of this country, although you are married to one and have your nationality papers as well.
Although, you are not the only non-native St. Martin journalist, you stand out in terms of being independent, courageous and objective in your reporting.
Not only that.
People like myself are very grateful to you for publishing articles and issues other news-papers often times refuse to do.
Therefore, your work is an enormous contribution towards free speech, especially for those hurting and not being able to have their stories told.
While my website, www.stmartinnation.org, is in the process of being re-organized, I look forward, in the best interest of free speech, to continue our co-operation in the best interest of the people of this land.
We can do such, without agreeing on all issues or not, but focusing on 'spreading the news'.
Thanks once more.
With respect,
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Another day and another week passed and the situation centered round the present administration remains everybody's guess.
The situation as it is, is not only confusing to the people of the island but also very entertaining to say the least.
Yes, the charade, the drama, the horror movie or the nightmare just does not seem to end any time soon.
Yes, round and round it goes where it stops nobody knows.
The ability of "leader of government" to convince and convert some members of her Team DP to do the honourable thing has been a very tall order for her and therefore she has failed miserably thus far in that respect.
• requests met with retribution.
"Leader of government" requests met with risks and retribution from uncle Louie who may be down but far from being out.
Fact #1. In the first instance "leader of government" demanded that uncle Louie surrender
both of his seats namely that of commissioner and island council only to
experience uncle Louie pulling the plug on the DP administration by with
drawing his support and to align himself with the National Alliance after he was
incarcerated at Pointe Blanche prison.
Fact #2. In the second instance after uncle Louie resigned as commissioner "leader of
government" once more demanded that he surrender his island council seat to
the DP party only to be informed again that she has no government.
So "leader of government" requests were rewarded with a salvo of retributive actions by uncle Louie who took government from right under her nose.
• cooperation must be conditioned.
Fact #1. Any fashion, feature or form of government must be formed within the
perimeters of good and transparent governance with accountability.
Fact #2. No government should be formed and maintained with the support of any
convicted island council member.
Fact #3. To guarantee good governance with accountability government must impose the
code of conduct and ethics into law.
Fact #4. Government must consult the population on all important matters prior to taking
decisions as a way in bringing government back or closer to the people.
The pre- conditioned cooperation must be specified in the new government accord and ratified in the island council.
• exercises and experiences.
I will like to offer mr.William Marlin these friendly, helpful and thoughtful advises and tips based on past and present exercises and experiences the NA went through:
1) What is bred in the bone will come out in the flesh.
2) You can never teach old dogs new tricks.
3) Be a good listener and a fast learner.
4) You can't fix something if you don't know what is wrong with it.
5) The road to hell is paved with "good intentions"
6) Any bird that lands on a branch should not start singing but rather look out for it's
predators.
7) Always bare in mind that the seat uncle Louie has belongs to the Team DP and
that it will or may find itself sooner or later back in the DP's quarters where it came from giving "leader of government" the majority once more, OK.
At that point and time "leader of government" won't have any need of you.
8) Right now as it stands it is "leader of government" who is sitting on pins and needles
and as such you must bargain from a firm, fixed and focused position in getting your
message across.
9) All of a sudden when "leader of government's" chips are down a broad base
government becomes so important to her while she knowingly wasted much time allowing the charade, drama and nightmare to continue just to be able to force uncle Louie to relinquish that seat that would have given her the usual comfortable majority in government.
10) Beware of the geese when the fox preaches.
• setting the tone, terms, time and trend.
Mr.William Marlin, you are the one who is now sitting in the driver's seat because the Dutch will not seriously negotiate with any government that is supported by a convicted council member, so the only way forward is by good governance with accountability away from hurricane Louis or "heroic" Louie.
Mr.Edwin.James.
Few, if any people, will honestly disagree that with the ongoing crisis in government and ensuing political stalemate on the island, the more ‘elusive' a new stable Island government as well as the coveted ‘country-status St. Maarten' becomes.
Even, if any ‘shotgun' Government is formed, the damage to the credibility and ability of St. Maarten to handle any new ‘country status', is all, but beyond repair.
Still such a ‘limp' and 'ready to collapse any time again' Government, is the ‘best case scenario' the politicians can realistically expect, simply because it keeps them in power if nothing else.
However, the likelihood of the implementation of Higher Supervision by the Kingdom Government, is almost in-evitable.
Not that we should be proud of such.
But wait a minute.
Should we really get upset about such possibility, because it is ‘colonial' ?
Fact of the matter is, that such measure, it is an existing provision in the Kingdom charter which all countries in the Kingdom have signed off to.
Furthermore, that measure is de facto only triggered when OUR OWN (non-colonial ?) local Government fails in the administration of good governance.
Clearly, such measure is absolutely in the best interest of the people and protects them against a Government gone ‘amock'.
In that sense, that provision should be seen as a ‘blessing', because there are independent countries, where despite the proven trampling of all the basic and most fundamental principles of democracy, the leaders simply decide to stay in power.
Ever heard of ‘Mugabe land' officially called Zimbabwe ?
So, as long as our political leaders exercise good and open governance, the implementation of Higher Supervision would be constitutionally impossible.
In other words.
It are our own politicians who are ‘forcing' the Kingdom government to exercise its constitutional obligation, in order to guarantee good governance.
For the record, should they not intervene, in the event of Governments failure, the Kingdom Government could well be legally held accountable and responsible for the consequences of non intervention when such according to the charter was called for.
Food for thought.
Leopold JAMES
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
Whatever the premises are, as by some miracle, I agree with the Opinion written in the TODAY-newspaper of Tuesday, June 23, 2009, by managing-editor Hilbert HAAR.
I also thank him for publicly expressing his respect towards me for being fearless in expressing my opinion, although they are most of the time, for very good reasons, not to his liking.
It is well documented, that I have often PUBLICLY expressed my concern about people being allowed to hide behind anonymity and fake identities, mostly to assassinate some one else’s character, all under the guise of ‘freedom of expression’, but without a level ‘playing field’ for self-defense by the accused.
While it might be understandable and even justified under specific circumstances to protect one’s real identity, there are also some very real dangers.
One being, that one’s reputation can be easily destroyed and one easily intimidated, it can result in a very dangerous and ‘shady’society.
In such a community, eventually paranoia can take over, since the anonymous author can be anybody, far away or even standing right behind you or sleeping next to you.
Is that the type of ‘Country status’ we are moving towards ?
In addition, especially where blogging is concerned, real anonymity does not exist and the real identity of the author can be traced eventually to the very person if needs be.
That of course, should not take away the great value, importance and potentials of blogging.
However, it should make us all responsible and accountable for what we write.
After all, imagine that one day, one’s identity is revealed and publicized.
Would one then be willing and able to bear the consequences ?
‘Throwing stones and trying to hide one’s hand’ might appear to be effective and exciting for the perpetrator.
But, in the process, a hand might be caught and hacked off.
The choice is yours,
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Dear Ms. Patricia PHILIPS,
It is with a great sense of relief that I learned, via the local media of the measures to be taken by your department,VOSEC against the increasing phenomenon of excessive noise pollution.
This practice has now gone way beyond being a just nuisance to most law-abiding citizens trying to enjoy their rights to peace.
It has become a 'tool' of dis-respect, intimidation of certain persons and it is contributing towards a state of lawlessness on this island.
Your department therefore should be highly applauded for taking the initiative to address this form of public aggression.
While obviously, one aspect of this phenomenon is that of nuisance to one's hearing, which drives many people crazy, there are also other related aspects that also need addressing.
For instance, the impact of this pulsating loud base sound on the natural functioning of one's own physical pacemaker, which can cause irregular heart-beats followed by heart-failure, in especially elderly people.
In addition, there are many studies, that indicate the impact of sustained levels of loud music on the learning-ability, as well as on the emotional conditions of people.
In certain countries consistently playing of loud music, is used as a form of torture, for obvious reasons.
Also, being exposed to consistently excessive loud music can arouse aggressive behavior.
It goes without saying that all of these, and other effects of senselessly loud music, must negatively affect the overall development of in particular children and young people in general.
Therefore, in order to add to the efficiency of the measures as proposed by VOSEC and in order to contribute towards an even more structural approach, it is my humble opinion, that it should be part of an integrated package to educate especially children, students and other young people, so that it becomes part of their own understanding as well.
To that end I suggest you consider setting up, or cooperate with the setting up of permanent 'multi-disciplinary' committee to promote the understanding of the dangers of excessively loud music and to teach young people, how to enjoy their favorite music WITHOUT being a nuisance to others, who might be very much effected by their loud music.
Members of such a structure should be among others; environmentalists, educators, health-care professionals, the prosecutors, 's office, talk show-hosts, members of the clergy, law-enforcement officers, community-councils, disc-jockeys and young people themselves etc.
In ending to you Mrs. PHILIPS and your colleagues, I say congratulated for finally addressing this very serious issue affecting thousands of people on the island.
I am certain that I speak for many people who have had to suffer this injustice for years and had no-one to turn to.
With respect,
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
Before going into my view of what I believe can help St Maarten in a financial sense, I will refer to one of the scriptures in the bible from where I draw my vision for a fair tax system although I don’t believe this tax reform will be a long term solution because of SXM’s none diversified nature. I will elaborate on the scripture at the end of my article. The following is taken from Matthew 20:1-15 (New International Version).
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
1"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. 2He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
3"About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' 5So they went.
"He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'
7" 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered.
"He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'
8"When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.'
9"The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. 10So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'
13"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'
It has always concern me that here in SXM we are everything but something. We have some form of a social (welfare) system, free enterprise system (America), and almost a dictatorship system. In other words it appears as though we are confused and don’t know what we want. But it is my belief that some prefer it this way as it benefits these some. But like the good book says in Matthew 16:26:
“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” In adaptive words, what good is it for the some to gain all the wealth in SXM and not be able to enjoy it? If you have not learned from history then you are a fool. When the gap between the haves and have nots is increasing, so is crime. Meaning, there is a direct correlation with poverty or monetary deprivation and crime. I don’t know about you but I prefer to be able to chill at home, around a pool, without having to be paranoid thinking if someone will brake in and hold me up at gunpoint possibly even killing me because they are in need of money or items to sell for money. Or worse, leaving or retuning to your home in fair wondering who is cooping you in order to rob you because they know you are better off than they are. Hunger and monetary deprivation does not see nor care how hard you work to make it nor your strong ambitions which allowed you to achieve. Unfortunately as unfair as this may sound, it is the reality.
Now a fair system should reward entrepreneurship, allow fairness and opportunity to every willing heart, influence philanthropy, and ensure the wealth flows in a circle within the society thereby minimizing wealth leakage to outside.
Raising taxes forces people to live with more debt in order to be able to survive since more and more of their money goes to the government to fund programs. Credit cards will become more essential for day-to-day survival. People without access to credit will slip below the poverty line. The increase in inflation and cost of retirement will compound this problem. Albert Einstein once said: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created the problem.”
In America, the average person with a job has taxes, debt, inflation, and saving for a retirement plan taken from their paycheck before they get paid. In other words, everyone else gets paid before the employee gets paid. A majority of a worker’s paycheck is taken before he/she receives a cent to live on. Sounds familiar here on SXM right?
Robert Kiyosaki in his online book “The Conspiracy of the Rich” chapter 11 states….“You may have noticed that most of a person’s money goes into the pockets of the conspiracy to cover that person’s living expenses. I believe this is why there is no financial education in our schools. If people knew where their paycheck was going, people would revolt. With a sound financial education, a person can minimize those expenses or even use those expenses to put that money into their own pockets.”
The statistics will show that 50% of SXM’s working population earns gross Naf 2,000 and less. Yet we have an economy with the cost of living being higher than the U.S. Then we want to be a welfare state with people barely making ends meet with a ridiculous salary that is taxed in order to pay for social costs, environmental, infrastructural, and government costs. Yet it was a common saying that the SXM economy is booming but yet the bulk of government revenues are wage tax. Meaning the day people say the hell with all of this modern day slavery and stop working, government will be up a creek. An analogy which goes like this: “Dynamic Equilibrium” occurs when two or more opposing processes proceed at the same rate. Let’s say, for a simplified example, that you have a small island with a (1) wildly growing annual carrot crop, (2) a family of rabbits and (3) a family of wolves. The rabbits need the carrots to eat and thus survive, while the wolves need the rabbits to eat and thus survive. In each pair, there is an equilibrium that must exist based on the carrying capacity of the island. If there are not enough carrots to feed the current population of rabbits, some rabbits will not survive. If there are not enough rabbits to feed the wolves, some wolves will not survive. If the carrot crop is destroyed by drought, then no one survives.
Now tax reform, in my view, is very easy to understand and to implement. But for a greedy person, what I am about to recommend will just be plain foolishness. How can you tell if you are greedy? Well that is why I purposely started off with the scripture in the beginning. And if your first inclination after reading it was that it was not fair to the ones who started way before the day ended then you are a greedy bastard. But guess what? I also thought this was unfair before I was explained the in-depthness of the parable which I will in turn explain at the end of this article.
Let us first start with the wage and income tax. There should be a cap of 15%. A social security levy of 5% could be part of this income/wage tax or incorporated on top of this. Now this would inevitably cause a problem for government. So how do we rectify this? Simple. We know longer can accept the free-port policy on all imported goods. Because of improper management of the island, the free lunch as we know it is over. Imported luxury goods should be charge a luxury import tax and goods that help fill up our landfills or that are not biodegradable should be burden with an import levy. Alcohol and cigarettes should be burden with an import levy. Import levies are direct cash flow for government and it is not dependant on certain periods of the month because imports are daily. Now this of course will have a negative reaction if not controlled and compensated for at the same time. So I say get rid of the turn over tax and lower the profit tax and increase basic food items controls. Furthermore, create a tax benefit incentive for persons engaging in producing/ manufacturing/growing products locally. Create tax benefit incentives for companies who sell merchandise but have a recycling program for the products they sell. Create a tax benefit incentive for companies who engage in recycling type activities. Create tax benefit incentives for foreign investors if a minimum of 30% of their undertaking is owned by locals. Ensure any borrowings by government or government owned companies incorporates a certain percentage of bonds that can only be purchased by locals where the interest will be either not taxable or taxable to a set cap. Encourage our own to come back to contribute by allowing them not to pay income/wage tax up to a certain period providing they not leave the island within a certain period. Give tax benefit incentives to companies who engage in renewable and clean energy. This can attract some desired companies thereby diversifying our economy and help lower our overdependence on oil. Reform the property tax to help curve real estate speculation. Some suggestions would be to charge property tax on individuals with second and additional homes. Or, persons who are not residents of the island will have to pay property tax or property tax on second and additional real estate. Foreign director licenses costs should be increased as well as expats labor permits if they stay longer than two years on the island.
What I have given here is a generalized picture of what we should be coming up with and debating about doing. Economic models can be developed to see what the likely effects would be. But seeing the fact that everyone keeps running here and will not likely leave, I don’t think many persons’ objections will result in them leaving the island if their objections are not honored because truth is, they will still be better off here with a minor inconvenience change than with for example having a similar business in the U.S. and having to deal with the various stringent laws and the IRS. Furthermore, if they do decide to abandon ship, what is the worse that can happen? Answer: Locals getting opportunity to take over ship and stepping up to the plate to run things. In other words, we got them by the co-hones without us even realizing it.
The explanation of the parable is as follows:
The first men who were hired in the early morning agreed to a denarius with the landowner. A denarius is sufficient to feed a man and his family for a day. Anything less and a man would not be able to feed himself and family sufficiently (basic needs). Hence the compassionate landowner who hired the other men later during the day would not have given these men anything less than a denarius less they could not take care of their basic needs. Furthermore, all the men wanted to work but no one had hired them. So you see, what we think is fair is not always fair in the eyes of god because our ways are not his but he came to earth to show us the way and that way is what I try to incorporate into many of my dealings and decision making.
Emilio Kalmera
DEAR EDITOR,
In just three days volunteers from across the globe representing all walks of life will participate in the Ocean Conservancy's 24th. annual International Coastal Cleanup in improving the health of the ocean.
Here on St. Maarten we will be joining over 90 countries around the world on the same day Saturday September 19 to clean our beaches and waterways, and to document the trash collected on special data cards.
Last year over 826, volunteers came out and gave a helping hand to the environment, with 640 of those volunteers showing up at the Mullet Bay Beach alone.
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is once again inviting all social groups and school students to come out this coming Saturday to the Mullet Bay Beach from 7am-10am.
The foundation will have trash bags, gloves, rakes and the data cards ready for all those participating.
This year we have added a second location for our volunteers, and that is Mullet Pond. The foundation is asking only adult volunteers to come out to the Mullet Pond area as the area is covered in much fallen trees and bush. Some kayaking will take place in this location to remove trash from the mangrove trees, which are home to many birds and juvenile fish.
Volunteers who are experienced and certified divers can participate in the under water diving cleanup, under water diving cleanup is being supervised by the Ocean Explorers dive center located on Kim Sha Beach. Volunteers must sign up in advance for the diving program, as space is limited on the boat.
Snorkelers can also take part with Mr. Brooks who will be guiding snorkelers around the Mullet Bay water shoreline, removing trash from the water.
We are all connected to the ocean. The amount of trash afloat in the sea, littering beaches, and piling up on the ocean sea floor affects the health of Earth's life support system, the ocean, and all the living things in it. Marine debris or marine trash is a threat to our food supply, to tourism and economic activity, as well as wildlife and ecosystems.
We as a people, as a community, must do all within our powers to help bring across awareness and start by being an example ourselves.
We are here on this planet for only a very short time, in this time we have a duty and moral obligation as well as a responsibility to act and behave in the interest of keeping our planet Earth safe and livable for our future generations.
Cake House Bakery and Supermarket has stopped giving out plastic bags to their customers. I hereby applaud the Cake House management for their decision and by doing so; they are an excellent example of a local company working in the interest of the environment.
Last year volunteers collected 2,703 plastic bags from Sint Maarten beaches. This figure tells us a story and that is we have too many flimsy plastic bags given out randomly at our grocery stores. These flimsy plastic sacks end up in our trenches, our ponds, lagoons and our ocean-eventually killing sea turtles, dolphins, sea birds and many of our marine wild life.
As consumers and shoppers, we should be thinking and acting responsibly by taking our own canvas or reusable bag or box to the grocery stores.
Businesses should also take their responsibility to the environment at heart and follow in the footsteps, of the Cake House Bakery and Supermarket.
This coming Saturday, everyone has an opportunity to come out and give a helping hand to the environment. Remember, Trash does not fall from the sky, it falls from humans hands. In addition, human hands have the power to stop it.
Jadira Veen
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation
local coordinator for the International Coastal Cleanup
As the ‘magical’ date of ‘10.10.10’ approaches for ‘Country St. Maarten’ to replace the Netherlands-Antilles, so too are the risks of a ‘still born country’ being delivered.
So, while Leader of Government is trying to sound as optimistic and confident as he possibly can, the more publicly many in the Dutch Parliament are expressing doubts that the ‘Friendly island’ would be ‘ready’ on the same date many of our 'pregnant' politicians expect to ‘deliver’ this constitutional 'child'.
While we have in the past on many occasions emphasized that a constitutional ‘Plan B’ should never be taken 'off the table', at present its probability is ominously looming larger and larger…...
Not withstanding those who are ‘screaming’ that achieving ‘Country status’ was the ‘wish’ of the people (many ‘moons’ ago by the way) and that the island has an in-alienable right to self-determination, such only makes sense if the choice of the people is to completely ‘exit’ the Dutch Kingdom, and become politically independent.
Obviously, that is why ‘Mr. Independista’, Joseph LAKE once more is doing his ‘political rounds’ at the various ‘talk-shows’.
As an astute political 'predator ’, he simply ‘smells blood’ of a very ‘ailing’ constitutional ‘prey’.
Reason being, that as long as the island remains part of the Dutch Kingdom, Mr. William MARLIN and all other politicians can 'scream' until they lose their voices, reality and not any so called ‘equality’ within the Kingdom dictates that ‘partner’ The Netherlands will always have the final say.
Therefore, the constitutional train is approaching a 'cross-roads’ or even a 'mine-field', and must now proceed with utmost caution.
So, what are the realistic interim options ?
Not too many prbably.
Here is one.
What about completely canceling the entire process of status change and allow for the islands to once more consider restructuring of the Antilles in a way that allows for the maximum local autonomy for each island while maintaining the federation for collective responsibilities ?
Many POLITICIANS might for their own good reasons ‘dread’ this interim-solution, but then consider another form of ‘Plan B’.
St. Maarten is placed under a BESS-structure thereby joining the other islands already slated for such destiny.
Or, St. Maarten might be placed under a special kind of Higher Supervision from The Hague.
Whether or not our politicians might ‘sputter and kick’ against the very notion of a ‘Plan B’, the wise thing to do might well be to hope, and even pray for the best, but nonetheless prepare for the worst case scenario.
Reality teaches that ‘hoping and wishing’ alone might come up very short of what will actually happens.
Our advice to the powers that be ?
Not that they will listen, they have never done that before.
Will give it anyhow.
Prepare your own ‘Plan B’, because believe it or not, the Dutch HAVE their Plans B's, C's, D's until the X's and more ready ‘to go’.
Involving your ‘own people’ in the process, might not be a very bad idea.
After all, it might be better to have them on your side, than allowing for them to freely operate as being an 'unofficial' and 'defacto' partner in constitutional matters with ‘others’ across the Atlantic.
Certainly time is not on your side.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
Placing BIJNSDORP'S 'bravery' in realistic perspective.
Dear Mr. CHARLES,
Respectfully, I hereby respond to your letter to the editor entitled, 'Names of letters writers must be included', in the Daily Herald of Saturday, August, 22, 2009.
First of all, I could not agree more with your general reasoning in that particular article and I commend you highly for doing such under your own name.
For your information, I too have publicly expressed, on many occasions my objections to letters by anonymous writers which criticize and condemn others.
In the event you did not know already, few persons have been attacked as often and as mean like I have, by writers whose identity have been conveniently protected by the editors of the local news-papers.
Nevertheless, I have continued expressing myself, in the process very clearly identifying myself, while on many occasions my letters were never published in which I tried to defend myself.
Talking about freedom of expression and democracy for all !
Nevertheless, Mr. CHARLES, while I agree with you and oftentimes can not stand the use of 'obscurity' and 'anonymity' as a 'shield' for certain people to express themselves, I also understand WHY that is the 'modus operandi' at times for certain people.
Therefore, where I disagree with you is on the 'praise' you bestow upon Mr. BIJNSDORP for his 'bravery' in identifying himself when writing his articles.
With all due respect to you and to Mr. BIJNSDORP, I fail to see where he deserves any policy to be named in his honor for this 'bravery'.
Gimme a break, please !
Quite to the contrary.
My position is based on your lack of 'enabling perspective' in concluding the man being 'brave'.
It is well known, that history has created some very 'uneven' and 'unequal' life-determining circumstances for people.
These differences can explain to a great extent a person's and/or a people's behavior and culture.
Whether one wants to acknowledge it or not, it is an undeniably fact that there are very understandable reasons for many of our local St. Martin people, not always identifying themselves when criticizing politicians and others.
The psychological trauma of slavery passed down through many generations is a very potent one for instance.
Being too 'conscious' or too 'brave' then and still in our 'modern times', can carry very 'unattractive' consequences and 'penalties' for an individual, and at times for entire families.
Since too many local St. Martin people have become victim of political victimization, for many therefore, there is not exactly much incentive for being 'brave'.
Now, take your 'brave' Mr. BIJNSDORP now.
He comes from a society of former colonial masters, with a very strong sense 'superiority' versus other cultures and a history of total domination over large portions of the world.( 'We benne klein, maar dapper' )
Just check out the Dutch literature and study the effect of the deeply rooted 'Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet culture'.
In addition, in the Dutch culture being outspoken, knowing one's own rights and freedom has always been encouraged and rewarded as opposed to being persecuted.
Expressing one's self freely, with no limits in a satirical manner, has resulted in a long tradition of well-respected and highly paid 'conferenciers' in the Netherlands.
Therefore, in that larger perspective, there is absolutely no courage necessary for this type of self-expression; niks, nada, niente, zilch.....
Besides, I daresay, that Mr. BIJNSORP, like many of his compatriots full well know that many of us Black people still are troubled with the 'lingering remnants' of feeling inferior to 'White'Man'.
Consequently, many Caucasians make very effective use of that psychological 'edge', even if they are in a predominantly Black environment.
As a matter of fact, some behave like 'Kings in blind man's land' in certain countries, with the exception of course with showing such 'bravery' in so-called fundamental Muslim countries !
So, as long Mr. BIJNSDORP chooses the 'Friendly island' over countries like Yemen, North-Korea etc. to identify himself while criticizing the country's social- and political leaders, his 'bravery' might be nothing more, nothing less than pure opportunism.
In ending, I hope to have brought some 'perspective' and balance in the exercise of 'praising one to the skies', while 'criticizing the other to the ground'.
In my opinion, it would be much more constructive for the media to encourage critical, but rational and intellectual debates about the root-causes of the issues affecting our society and ways to resolve them.
Hopefully this letter could be a very modest beginning.
However, I will patiently await whether or not this letter will 'qualify' and pass the high bar set by the Daily Herald in order to be published.
My website (www.stmartinnation.org) will for sure though,
Leopold JAMES
As always, a proud, conscious native-indigenous St. Martiner, with out any apologies.
Re; Van Raak (SP) worried nothing will improve. (The Daily Herald, Tuesday, August 25, 2009, page 5)
Dear Mr. VAN RAAK,
We have taken serious notice of your concerns as published in the Daily Herald as mentioned above.
For the record.
We too have said it many times before, and repeat it here again.
As Antilleans and St. Martiners living on the island, most of us fail to see even the slightest of reason to anticipate, let alone to ‘rejoice’ in the ‘coming’ of the so-called ‘Country St. Maarten’ status, as certain politicians expect by the magical date of ‘10-10-10’.
While the main reason for this skepticism has in the past been a deep lack of trust in government and politicians in general, to date even the current government has not (yet ?) managed to fundamentally create and/or improve conditions for trust in any status change as far as we are concerned.
To the contrary.
It still appears that what most, if not all politicians are concerned about and pre-occupied with, is the creation of a new constitutional ‘structure’ with attractive positions for politicians and their cronies.
At the same time, they seem completely un-concerned about, and insensitive to the need to guarantee the interests and civic-rights of the native St. Martin people and Antilleans residing on the island.
Consequently, our very existence as a people is threatened by ‘genocide by substitution’ under the guise of ‘Country St Maarten status’.
In other words, while priority is given to bring about ‘Country St. Maarten status’, un-controlled immigration, giving all kinds of ‘trumped up’ human rights to immigrants is simply resulting in the native St. Martiners and Antilleans on the island facing their demise as a distinct people.
This should be absolutely un-acceptable within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which prides itself as model for democracy across the globe !
Therefore, inasmuch as the politicians talk about the ‘importance’ of and the ‘priority’ for constitutional change…….
Inasmuch as some of them travel throughout the Caribbean to ‘bring the Caribbean together,’………
And inasmuch as they travel to The Hague ‘demanding’ the new status by ’10-10-10’,
Inasmuch as all of the abovementioned and more, in reality the more desperate in many ways, the situation of the island is becoming by the day for the people of this land.
Indeed one really gets the impression that either the State-secretary, Anke BIJLEVELDT-SCHOUTEN is not fully aware of the dilemma the people are in, or the State-secretary knows the situation, but wants the ‘job done nevertheless’, regardless the consequences.
But guess who will still have to deal with the consequences.
Not only the people of the island, but certainly the Dutch government and Dutch tax-payers as well.
Meanwhile, the ‘clock’ keeps ticking away until such time….
If the 'new status' does not specifically benefit the people of the island and the Antilleans residing here, then what is its purpose ?
To benefit politicians and all others flocking to the 'Friendly island' by all means necessary to discover their 'human-rights' here ?
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
Dear Mr. CHARLES,
Respectfully, I hereby respond to your letter to the editor entitled, 'Names of letters writers must be included', in the Daily Herald of Saturday, August, 22, 2009.
First of all, I could not agree more with your general reasoning in that particular article and I commend you highly for doing such under your own name.
For your information, I too have publicly expressed, on many occasions my objections to letters by anonymous writers which criticize and condemn others.
In the event you did not know already, few persons have been attacked as often and as mean like I have, by writers whose identity have been conveniently protected by the editors of the local news-papers.
Nevertheless, I have continued expressing myself, in the process very clearly identifying myself, while on many occasions my letters were never published in which I tried to defend myself.
Talking about freedom of expression and democracy for all !
Nevertheless, Mr. CHARLES, while I agree with you and oftentimes can not stand the use of 'obscurity' and 'anonymity' as a 'shield' for certain people to express themselves, I also understand WHY that is the 'modus operandi' at times for certain people.
Therefore, where I disagree with you is on the 'praise' you bestow upon Mr. BIJNSDORP for his 'bravery' in identifying himself when writing his articles.
With all due respect to you and to Mr. BIJNSDORP, I fail to see where he deserves any policy to be named in his honor for this 'bravery'.
Gimme a break, please !
Quite to the contrary.
My position is based on your lack of 'enabling perspective' in concluding the man being 'brave'.
It is well known, that history has created some very 'uneven' and 'unequal' life-determining circumstances for people.
These differences can explain to a great extent a person's and/or a people's behavior and culture.
Whether one wants to acknowledge it or not, it is an undeniably fact that there are very understandable reasons for many of our local St. Martin people, not always identifying themselves when criticizing politicians and others.
The psychological trauma of slavery passed down through many generations is a very potent one for instance.
Being too 'conscious' or too 'brave' then and still in our 'modern times', can carry very 'unattractive' consequences and 'penalties' for an individual, and at times for entire families.
Since too many local St. Martin people have become victim of political victimization, for many therefore, there is not exactly much incentive for being 'brave'.
Now, take your 'brave' Mr. BIJNSDORP now.
He comes from a society of former colonial masters, with a very strong sense 'superiority' versus other cultures and a history of total domination over large portions of the world.( 'We benne klein, maar dapper' )
Just check out the Dutch literature and study the effect of the deeply rooted 'Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet culture'.
In addition, in the Dutch culture being outspoken, knowing one's own rights and freedom has always been encouraged and rewarded as opposed to being persecuted.
Expressing one's self freely, with no limits in a satirical manner, has resulted in a long tradition of well-respected and highly paid 'conferenciers' in the Netherlands.
Therefore, in that larger perspective, there is absolutely no courage necessary for this type of self-expression; niks, nada, niente, zilch.....
Besides, I daresay, that Mr. BIJNSORP, like many of his compatriots full well know that many of us Black people still are troubled with the 'lingering remnants' of feeling inferior to 'White'Man'.
Consequently, many Caucasians make very effective use of that psychological 'edge', even if they are in a predominantly Black environment.
As a matter of fact, some behave like 'Kings in blind man's land' in certain countries, with the exception of course with showing such 'bravery' in so-called fundamental Muslim countries !
So, as long Mr. BIJNSDORP chooses the 'Friendly island' over countries like Yemen, North-Korea etc. to identify himself while criticizing the country's social- and political leaders, his 'bravery' might be nothing more, nothing less than pure opportunism.
In ending, I hope to have brought some 'perspective' and balance in the exercise of 'praising one to the skies', while 'criticizing the other to the ground'.
In my opinion, it would be much more constructive for the media to encourage critical, but rational and intellectual debates about the root-causes of the issues affecting our society and ways to resolve them.
Hopefully this letter could be a very modest beginning.
However, I will patiently await whether or not this letter will 'qualify' and pass the high bar set by the Daily Herald in order to be published.
My website (www.stmartinnation.org) will for sure though,
Leopold JAMES
As always, a proud, conscious native-indigenous St. Martiner, with out any apologies.
Beware of those who are stealing property from property investors with the claim of a verbal contract!
Do you know that a landlord has to support an Antillean or even a St. Maarten Resident if they can not pay rent?
That’s right! it could take up to two years of giving free rent to get them out for not paying.
Further, did you know that they can claim a verbal contract, show no proof and get the police to support them.
That is right, real instances here that are happening here in St. Maarten. As the economy downturn continues. St. Maarten’s prosperity period is over. The building boom is dead. New construction is laying vacant and prices have dropped 35% in places such as Cupe a Coy Yacht Club and other new high end buildings.
There are still buyers who arbitrage the Euro for the Dollar but they too are seeing that the island has big problems for foreign real estate investors that are becoming very visible. Approximately 80% of the real estate in St. Maarten is purchased by foreign investors (i.e. no resident card). Yet this sector has no legal protection and is often the target of harassment. In fact, the tenant laws of St. Maarten prohibit a foreign investor from removing a tenant that has not paid rent. Testimonies on the island claim up to eighteen months or longer and statements from law firms on the island confirm this time frame to remove a non-paying tenant through the legal process.
I own a home near Philipsburg, I rented it to a nice woman from Curacao and her boyfriend. They moved in and all was fine for six months, then she lost her job, the boyfriend who was working construction was then told his project was being put on hold due to the lack of sales. That is bad times that no one wants. I sympathized but I also have bills and live off the rental income generated by this apartment and two others.
What surprised me was that when the couple became two months behind in rent, I pressed them for some payment and told them they would have to move out if they did not pay. They called the police on me! That is right, my non paying tenants threatened me! The police showed up, no RST told me in a threatening and argumentative manner that I could not ask or force the non-paying tenant to leave. When do police make such house calls?
So I called my lawyer and he explained the tenant law to me. The law protects the tenants not the land owners when they do not pay!!! Can you imagine the shock my wife and I had! We were being harassed by police in our own yard because the tenants owned us money. We were also told by the police that we can not enter the tenants property \without their approval? THE TENANTS PROPERTY!!! Where in the world does that make any sense?
This law has to change to protect what is probably the first or second largest source of foreign investment on the island. IF it does not I suggest the Island Government provide rental compensation to property owners for just such events. How can any Government turn to a private individual and demand that they must provide free housing without any compensation from that Government?
Times are tough all around the world, this little island haven where my mother was born (but I was born in England) is not forcing me to adopt a policy to rent only to non-residents and vacationers. And with this decision comes another problem, with the excess of short term rental property on the market combined with the reduced number of visitors to St. Maarten, the short term rental market is just not very good and prices have dropped there also. Plus renting to weekly visitors has a higher cost of both advertising and turnover.
So the only logical answer is to rent to illegal residents. This way if they do not pay, I can call immigration on them at least. Is this really where the Island Government wants their Tenant law to go? I do insert that possibility that the Island Government is not responsible for the Tenant law and it was adopted from Curacao or Holland itself, so while I have not confirmed the origin, I have confirmed the impact. So should I sell and move to Curacao where my parents now live or to the States where the laws of most states protect the landholder or back to England? Leaving behind vacant unrented property for friends and family to use? Or can legal protection be put in place to protect real estate investors and those who be honest hard working and successful rather than those who know how to take advantage of the system and milk me for free rent.
I know from talking with friends and other home owners that the same thing has happen to others. Some have turned off GEBE and the tenants continue to live in a home with no water or electricity. Then they go to GEBE who tells the owner, they can not turn off the utilities if someone is living in there. BUT GEBE can turn them off if someone is living there for non-payment. So the only way to get utilities turned off is to not pay the bill, but if the tenant walks in and pays, GEBE will turn the utilities back on for them even against the owners instructions!
Perhaps GEBE should provide free utilities to non paying tenants?
THE NEXT FEAR FOR PROPERTY OWNERS IS ANOTHER ANTIQUE LAW - THE VERBAL CONTRACT. The worst that I have heard of is a tenant that claimed the owner promised to sell them the property below market rate. The tenant who stopped paying rent already, then somehow had the money to file a legal action against the property owners, claiming Verbal Contract to Purchase the Property. Now there is no proof on either side but the tenant has managed to remain in the property while the case has gone to court. Verbal agreement to purchase property? Worse is that the tenant claims the discussions were over the phone with the owner in Canada.
How can that even hold up in court but in St. Maarten apparently it is law and other way for foreign investors to be threatened. I am never the one to complain without a solution. So be my thoughts on how to fix this. Strike the tenant law off the books and strike the antiquated verbal contract from the books, get up with the modernt times. Protect the land owner and provide some form of payment to people who loose their job from SVB or other sources to pay rent (BUT do not give the money to the tenants). In many countries it is common for the land owner to agree to a reduced rent of say 20% lower, paid to them directly by the government for a period of time not to exceed six months. If the tenants have not found a job by then they must go on welfare and move to government housing or the street.
Sounds tough but welcome to the world economy people are loosing cars, homes and more because they were over leveraged and they lost their jobs. Heck even the banks in the US have gone bankrupt and needed to be bailed out.
I invite The Daily Herald to publish an article entitled The FACTS OF TENANT LAW and VERBAL CONTRACT IN ST. MAARTEN. I challenge real estate companies to produce a fact sheet to inform new and current investors. I pray for the judges to consider the justice of the current laws and see past the antiquated and determine true justice, and I beg the law makers to consider getting these two laws stricken or revised.
A Property Owner like many others who is tired of being taken advantage of by those who abuse the system and who is concerned for all property owners and the long term health and attraction of investment to St. Maarten.
J.A. Wentworth
Honorable Mr. Frantz GUMBS,
President of the Collectivity Saint Martin,
Your kind, but very urgent attention is requested pertaining to attached document.
It is a letter to the editor written by Mrs. Aline CHOISY, entitled A ' LEGENDARY ISLAND STATUETTE TO
REPRESENT WHICH PEOPLE, WHICH ISLAND' ?
In this letter, Mrs. CHOISY responds to a commercial initiative by two St. Martin residents, in which a so-called 'statuette' representing two so-called 'legends' is intended to be mass-produced and sold as a 'market-tool' for our island.
Mr. President, we would like to respectfully emphasize to you that, Mrs. CHOISY's statement speaks for every conscious and proud native-indigenous St. Martiner/St. Martin organization.
In addition, the letter of Mrs. CHOISY strongly represents an increasing general sentiment of frustration among St. Martiners, that can not have also escaped your attention as well.
A simple point in case.
Just taking a walk anywhere on the island, including down-town Marigot, makes most St. Martiners, and visitors alike, wonder in what country or slum they are now living in or visiting.
There are the expanding numbers of primitive 'vending-stalls' all over the place, creating a resemblance to well-known slum-areas in the region and beyond, something we never saw before on our island.
Clearly, a sign of 'imported poverty' ,undoing the added value our island experienced in the past.
Another example of 'imported or exotic culture and mentality is the very thriving 'gipsy bus-industry', outcompeting the local, legal, tax-paying bus-drivers and contributing to the face of 'lawlessness' that is now characterizing the 'Friendly-island'.
These socio-cultural trends are not only changing the very 'face' of our country, but increasingly make St. Martiners extremely conscious of threats to their very existence as a people in their own land.
To put it plain Mr. President, genocide by substitution is taken place in 'high gear' on this island, smack in our faces, plain for all to see and experience.
In ending Mr. President, we strongly advice your collectivity not to take this growing sentiment of the grass-roots St. Martin people for granted, nor to underestimate it, because it is very, very real and very, very volatile.
You are therefore kindly, but very urgently requested to finally address this very serious situation on the island, before it is too late.
We remain committed to work along with your Collectivity and others to seek creative and structural solutions.
With respect,
Leopold JAMES
Member of Parliament PVdA
With great interest, I read your interview in the Daily Herald of Friday, July 17, 2009, in which you made a number of statements.
Honestly speaking, I would like to believe that you mean well for our island and I hereby express my appreciation for such.
However, in general terms I could not disagree more with a number of statements you made in that interview according to that article.
These statements make me wonder how many times you actually visited this island and more importantly whom you spoke with and under what circumstances.
For instance.
Were they independent-minded people?
Do they have any ‘track-record’ of speaking out publicly on the issues at hand?
Certainly, you have not spoken with any member of our organization, which must raise legitimate question considering our very long, intensive, and public record of accomplishment on addressing the most critical issues facing this country.
Just in case you were not aware of who we are, feel free to ‘ask around’ with our worst critics, since we might ‘inflate’ our own value and reputation.
Nevertheless, for us to read your some of your statements, gives us the strong impression that at best, they might be ‘theoretically’ motivated, but certainly not based on the reality most native St. Martiners and Antilleans have to confront on a daily basis.
For instance, you asserted that the BES-status is not an option for St. Maarten, because the people did not vote for it.
This argument is what our politicians use all the time, but are afraid of ‘putting to the test’, by having the nonsense ratified, like what happened in Curacao.
Now, instead of showing some kind of independent mind, wisdom and understanding for the people, you simply repeat what these so-called leaders are ‘pesting’ us with on a consistent basis.
Clearly, the statement misses ‘depth’ and certainly does not indicate any deep knowledge of how our politicians have deceived and betrayed the people and that consequently the people have NO confidence in the body politic across the board.
That is the main problem of the ‘Friendly Island’….no confidence that they can bring about the fundamental changes needed, because they themselves are part of the problem.
‘Country St. Maarten’ status, whatever that might mean, will bring absolutely no change, just more of the same, because the political-mindset and/or culture remains unchanged.
Pushing this so-called country status down the throat of the people will turn out to be a complete catastrophe.
We, who live here, we who are from here and we who know the situation and feel the heat, realize that the best thing to happen to St. Maarten, post whatever ‘breaking-up of the Antilles’ is indeed a form of ‘time-out’ or a ‘transition’ until, there is confidence once more in the system.
If that means that St. Maarten will temporarily become a BESS-island, so be it, no need to rush only to regret later!
Right now, as a native-indigenous St. Martin movement we say, St. Maarten is NOT ready for any ‘Country status’ and certainly, allowing for the ‘calendar and/or the clock’ to decide when we are ready, is not a very ‘wise’ approach, to put it euphemistically.
In reality, it is a dumb idea.
As far as we are concerned, as long as the native-indigenous people and Antilleans living on St. Maarten cannot be recognized by their own politicians and their rights cannot be guaranteed in any new constitution, we the people will NEVER be ready.
Of course, the politicians have been ‘ready’ from the onset, that is to take care of ‘self’.
That is not the readiness that counts for US the PEOPLE of this island.
So, dear Mrs. ORTEGA-MARTIJN, please make sure to do your homework properly before speaking for the people of this island.
Our future is too important for political machinations.
Have a nice stay on the ‘Friendly Island’
With kind respect,
Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/Association L’Esprit de Concordia and
Proud native-indigenous St. Martiner…without apologies
When Mr.Leopold JAMES on Saturday, May 9, 2009 received a telephone call, and later an e-mail from Mr. Damu RAWTANI soliciting his input to help promote the upcoming Indian Cultural Nite, he did not hesitate.
Although known a the most outspoken defender of the rights for native-indigenous St. Martiners, as president of the SNBF and the Association L' Esprit de Concordia, Mr. JAMES has always encouraged as well the inclusion, and integration of other ethnic groups within the St. Martin nation building process.
While fighting for this critically important cause was never easy, Mr. JAMES, has always found a friend and soul-brother in Damu, who has always understood the genuine intentions of the movement and has supported it morally, psychologically, as well as financially.
Therefore, Mr. JAMES whole-heartedly endorses this cultural event, which allows for the St. Martin people to be exposed to other ethnic cultures of people living on the island, many of whom will not leave the island and want to become part of the St. Martin nation.
Mr. JAMES expresses the hope that the local population, will participate in making this event a great success and he is happy that part of the funds collected will be made available to local charity organizations.
For more information contact
Mr. Damu RAWTANY 5571002
Mr. Kuki BIJLANI 5266543
Mr. Haresh BOOLCHANDS 5513583
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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This open letter is to publicly inform you of my intentions to meet with the Public-prosecutor on Thursday, February 26, 2009 to file charges against Mr. Gerard BIJNSDORP for falsely implicating in a letter to the editor, my person as having vandalized your sign-board.
In the last two sentences of his letter, Mr. BIJNSDORP writes (Quote) ;' I strongly believe that vandalism has to be punished. Therefore I advise prosecutor Taco Stein to lift U.A. from his bed and interrogate him'..(end quote).
According to legal minds, as well based on my own personal experience, such act of vandalism is indeed punishable by law and therefore I have been advised to take this case very seriously.
Needless to emphasize that in the event Mr. BIJNSDORP belongs to the group of signatories of this petition, that the negative publicity of a possible litigation, will not necessary contribute to the cause of the petitioners to say the least.
Respectfully Yours,
Leopold JAMES
Climate change, global warming, whatever you would like to call it, it's here. According to a new report led by the U.S. Geological survey, the world faces the possibility of much more rapid climate change than previous studies have suggested. On a near weekly basis we hear about changes taking place at both polar ice caps (North and South Poles).
About 600 million people currently live in low lying coastal areas. 21 coastal cities will certainly have to contend with sea rise impacts. Some areas to be impacted are Boston, U.S., California's Malibu coast and even sections of lower Manhattan, New York, Florida's beaches and Everglades, New Orleans, Hamburg Germany and London England. Island nations will also be impacted by the expected rise in sea level.
Regional environmentalists and climatologists are warning that failure to sufficiently adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change will severely affect a nation's ability to achieve sustainable development.
The Netherlands Antilles, Aruba and Suriname discussed this very important issue during a three-day tripartite parliamentary meeting that was held from March 23 to 25. Presentations were made by the Meteorological Service of the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba (Met Office) and the non-governmental organization Friends of the Earth from Curacao.
Dr. Albert Martis of the Met Office in his presentation to parliamentarians stated that the effect that climate change will have on the Caribbean region could be devastating if precautions are not taken soon.
Martis has even opted to form a national committee on each island that measures, calculates and looks for solutions with respect to the global climate change issue. He adds that these committees should be independent of governments and should focus solely on national solutions that can be put to work by government.
It has become clear among Caribbean states that small vulnerable states like those in the Caribbean, cannot deal with the climate change challenge without solidarity and support from the international community.
There is no uncertainty about the fact that adaptation will require huge investments in the "climate proofing" of basic infrastructure. Some islands in the Caribbean are already working on a "National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy."
The Organization of American States (OAS), in conjunction with the Center for Environment & Development of the University of the West Indies and 12 CARICOM member countries, implemented the Caribbean project on "Planning for Adaptation to Global Climate Change."
A good venue where the global climate change issue should receive prominent attention is the June Parliamentary Consultation of the Kingdom (POK), comprising of members of parliament from Holland, Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
Martis from the Met Office should proceed with, if he hasn't already, in setting up committees on the various islands to start taking stock of climate change impact possibilities.
We must not think of taking action in the future. We must take action now. If we start now, six to 12 months from now, we may have an answer to the question posed above, Climate Change: Where are we on this issue?
Roddy Heyliger
'You spoke for many proud St. Martin and other Antillean People'
Elco, your response on Wednesday morning, April 9, 2009 in the TODAY-newspaper to Mr. BIJNSDORP, aka as the 'Driftwood artist', deserves gratitude from all proud and conscious Antilleans and St. Martiners living on this island.
It was certainly an interesting coincidence that I too, responded to the non-constructive, degrading, quasi funny jokes of this adventurer who was a total failure back in the 'polder' in Pijnacker, where he hails from.
It is time, that we as St. Martiners, also realize that we have not only the right, but the duty as well to do background checks on those individuals who come from the outside and simply show no regard and/or respect for our culture and people, while we have no clue who they themselves really are.
I plan in due time to initiate such a very needed discussion in a much broader perspective, which will include the permanent character of Dutch technical assistants and Dutch teachers, most of whom were brought in under the condition to work on a contractual agreement for a few years, after which they should leave.
However, instead of leaving and having trained our kids to take over, most of them start to settle in 'New Holland' and get addicted to the 'salsa atmosphere' and the nice beaches, simply NEVER return and consequently take up positions that should have been created for our own Antillean/St.Maarten young people.
The examples are in abundance.
Especially, since our leaders are talking 'country status', they should explain to the people for WHOM this is supposed to be, if we simply continue for 'outsiders' to come , set up shop and ultimately REPLACE the people of this island.
Thanks to the bold attitude of Gerard BIJNSDORP, attention is now directed to this very serious issue, that has never been publicly and rationally exposed and discussed, while restrictions are been directed to stem the flow of immigrants and workers from the Caribbean region.
Mr. BJNSDORP therefore should be thanked as well for opening the eyes of the people to the role of himself and many of his country people here on the island.
This gentleman has in fact given us and our political leaders a preview of what is to come when the Dutch start flooding the island as a consequence of our so-called 'status aparte'.
Anyhow, Elco do have a nice day and once more, thanks for standing up for the pride and dignity of ur Antillean and St. Martin People, because without any sense of national pride, 'natiolism', we have NO basis for any 'country-status'; every John, Dick and Harry would simply laugh at us and continue treating us like 'trash'.
Meanwhile, the 'driftwood-artist' should continue his diatribes and in the process 'give away ' the inner thinking of neo-colonialists like himself.
He makes it easier for us to 'build our case'
Best regards,.
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
In one of his traditional diatribes, in the Daily Herald of Monday, April, the driftwood-artist aka as ‘unpaid adviser', launched a scathing, condescending lecture to a number of St. Maarten intellectuals.
In passing, he reminded the readers that Leopold JAMES, did not belong in that group, because he was a ‘half intellectual' according to the driftwood-artist.
For the record, let the people know, that the unpaid adviser and failed teacher still is traumatized by the fact that drs. Leopold JAMES when he was director of the HAVO & VWO was the boss of the clown, who never managed to even get a decent university degree in his own land.
Many of his own peers and even some of his former colleagues and subject-teachers, did not think very highly of this ‘wannabe everything but his true self'.
Cleaning up my office yesterday, I stumbled on a postcard sent to me by one of his former colleagues at the M.P.C., drs. P. VLEESCH-DUBOIS, dated January 2, 1989, after he had returned to St. Maarten for a vacation.
Although this gentleman was not exactly a friend of mine, when he worked at the Milton Peters College under my management, in fact wrote the following on this particular postcard;
Mr JAMES, we were disappointed that we did not meet with you while on vacation to St. Maarten.
Whom we DID meet was, Gerard BIJNSDORP during the congress about the future of the Dutch language, which was held at the Great Bay Hotel.
What a pity that Gerard does not get enough of it (teaching at the MPC), because there is a need for new blood among the teachers Dutch.
Who wants to read for themselves go to our website www.stmartinnation.org NAVIGATION click on Commentary.
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Increasingly more people are realizing how many Haitians exploit the 'image' of underdog, wherever they go.
It is working perfectly for them to get public sympathy, non-stop.
Even if, in th meantime they over-populate the host-country, drain the social welfare system and without any concern or compassion threaten to make natives a minority in their own home; capitalizing on the 'under-dog card' is working well for them.
Although most Haitians will blame the 'whole world', including the yet unborn for their misery in Haiti and will claim 'human rights' everywhere they 'land foot', they have masterfully exploited the notion of being the 'eternal underdog'; the poorest, hardest-working, most honest and abused 'Caribbean brothers & sisters' you can find.
In that carefully orchestrated process here on the island, they have been supported by certain 'Haitian scholars/ & omanticists', who have conveniently failed to educate them to respect the rights of native St. Martin people in their own country and to INTEGRATE and NOT build HAITI in St.Maarten/St.Martin at expense of the St. Martin people.
Recently in the Daily Herald of Friday, April 3, 2009, an article was published entitled 'Catholic Haitians Buy Church Bus'.
In this article mention is made that a 'church bus' had been acquired for the HAITIAN Catholic community.
Guess, who is expected again to pay, based on the 'underdog' image of the Haitians ?
For more information go to www.stmartinnation.org, under NAVIGATION and click on Commentary
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Situation on St. Maarten is not normal...requires control, Higher Supervision.
For some time now, we have been rather quiet in terms of giving our opinion pertaining to the island's adventure towards 'Country St. Maarten status'.
One reason for us being 'under the radar', was to see if State-secretary of Kingdom relations drs. Anke BIJLEVELD-SCHOUTEN really knew what she was doing and really realized the lack of confidence most law-abiding citizens of St. Maarten have in what is currently 'functioning' as a Government on St. Maarten as well as in any future 'Country St. Maarten'.
To date, we have not been convinced of such, to say the least that its has dawned on the State-secretary, that there is a serious 'corruption-fatigue' brewing against our local Executive-council in particular, which has the potential to escalate in St. Maarten's own 'Treinta di Mei'.
Therefore, it was with great interest that we read in our local newspaper 'The Daily Herald' of Wednesday, April 1, (Dutch Parliament bashes Bijleveld )of the sharp criticism leveled against the State-secretary from various factions in the Second-chamber, for dropping the authority of the Dutch Minister of Justice to give instructions to the Attorney General of the future countries Curacao and St. Maarten.
Let it be known for the record, that as proud and responsible St. Martiners, under 'normal circumstances' we too would oppose such 'interference' to the highest extent.
However, and that is reality, the circumstances under which St. Maarten has been governed for the last decenia by no stretch of any imagination can be considered normal.
The problems of St. Maarten can not be tackled with 'academic' rhetoric, because our leaders do not get that type of 'language'.
It has said before, and I repeat it again for the re0iord.
It is high time that this island be placed under Higher Supervision from the Kingdom Government within the shortest possible period.
In the interim the Island's Government should be completely investigated, young professionals be trained to take over Government.
Granting the leaders of this island more autonomy, without conditions and without having 'audited' and 'cleaned' the house called St. Maarten, simply is 'rewarding 'corruption and 'betraying' the St. Martin people by taking away every perspective of good governance and social justice for the people of this island.
The Dutch Government better be painfully aware of what is at stake, because of the ramifications for the entire Kingdom as well and the tax-payers in the Netherlands in particular..
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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‘Monkey Adviser, he climb up the wrong tree....a cushaw tree to booth!' ....'
One of the persons in whom Mr. Gerard BIJNSDORP did confide of his premeditated plans to vandalize the signboard belonging to the Travel Inn construction project, recently confirmed this to Mr. Leopold JAMES.
In a letter to the editor (‘Who vandalized Travel Inn sign ?' )of the TODAY-news-paper of Wednesday, March 18, 2009, Mr. BIJNSDORP had openly accused Mr. JAMES of having vandalized this sign-board.
In the same letter, Mr. BIJNSDORP, who has (appropriately so) proclaimed himself as a ‘driftwood-artist' as well as an ‘Unpaid-adviser' (U.A.) made an appeal to the prosecutor to lift the vandal from his bed and interrogate him.
After all, vandalism is a criminal act, punishable by law according to our penal code.
Following this article, Mr. Leopold JAMES informed the public of his intentions to charge Mr. BIJNSDORP for slander and libel.
The editor of the TODAY-newspaper, also a similar ‘queer' type like Mr. BIJNSDORP, as was to be expected, came to his defense, claiming that the accusation was a ‘joke' and that he did not ‘understand' why Mr. James ‘failed to realize that'.
Perhaps Mr. HAAR was trying to change April fool's day from the first of April to March 18, when such could indeed be construed as a ‘joke'.
Now that I hereby share this statement from a witness in whom Mr. BIJNSDORP did confide of his criminal intent, I consider my name now publicly cleared and I no longer need to waste lots of money on expensive lawyers, something the driftwood-artist, would enjoy.
On the contrary.
This revelation of the witness in question, allows me the opportunity to hereby inform the public of the true identity of the vandal who signed the text CRIME by THEO+ROBBERS, with the initials ‘U.A'.
The true identity of the vandal is that of none other than, Mr. Gerard BIJNSDORP
aka as the ‘driftwood artist, alias the ‘Unpaid-Adviser'.
The conclusion should also be drawn that, not only is Gerard BIJNSDORP the vandal, but he is also a COWARD.
Reason for this being that, Mr. BIJNSDORP has hidden his own identity and true intentions behind the ‘shield' of ‘quasi innocent-‘, and 'culturally exotic' satire in order to slander my name and to express his pathological envy of not being able to ‘measure up' to me...alas !
Should the good gentleman now really feel offended by this article exposing him as the vandal, then it would be my greatest privilege and expectation, that he spends his money to take me to court to ‘clear' whatever name he thinks he has.
Certainly, I would appreciate such privilege of being able to clear myself of his false accusations and additionally to prove that,... yes the vandal was none other than Mr. Gerard BIJNSDORP himself.
In closing let the record state that his failure to take me to court for ‘slander and/or libel' will be his public admission of guilt bringing closure to this case.
In that event, this case will go down the annals as another classical example of the traditional wisdom of St. Martin old people, slightly adjusted for this specific case.....
‘Monkey Adviser, he jump up the wrong tree...a cushaw tree too booth !'
Yea, I man Leopold JAMES
Proud, native-indigenous St. Martiner, without apologies ( THIS is my trademark, NOT ‘U.A.' )
P.S.
Copies will be sent, among others to the village of PIJNACKER, where the ‘exotic driftwood-artists' hails from, so that they too can enjoy his ‘Robinson CRUSOE' adventures.
Enjoy this special day.
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
The name of this article is purposely chosen to establish the fact whether our island and its people are actually the beneficiaries of economic growth or the victims of evil greed.
For me to do just that I must first bring the following facts to our reader's attention on this matter namely that:
1) this article is not intended to start any discussion with our "good Samaritans" in
government who should be looking after our affairs in the name of good governance with accountability, so the article is not about talking to or with our weasels but rather about their poor and perverse performance in government.
2) this article will expose the stark difference in opinion between people's and
politician's perception on good governance with accountability.
Another fact that I will like to establish is the dread difference in meaning between the words growth and greed.
1) growth in general term means tolerable expansion or increase in size or numbers.
2) greed in general term means having a desire for more than one needs or deserve.
Another fact that I will like to establish is the meaning of the word economy.
The word economy in general term means:
1) the welfare state of our island and its people.
Let us now see how we can apply economic growth and evil greed and good governance with accountability in our present situation on St.Maarten.
• Signs, signals and sights of stress.
No one can deny that our island has not experienced uncontrolled development as it relates to numerous projects being realized.
At the same time no one can deny that most of the people of the island has not benefited from the very same uncontrolled development when we consider the welfare state or in simple words the quality of life which has not been able to improve with this development as a classical example: the majority of workers still earns the minimum wage as a standard wage income.
No one can deny that the infrastructure of the island has not been able to improve or accommodate the uncontrolled development and as a result of this it remains lagging behind such as: traffic congestion, over crowded schools, shanty towns, crime increase, diminishing labour opportunities, unpaid hospital bills, uncontrolled immigration influx etc etc etc.
• Projects and people in harmony with the environment.
One will expect that government through careful and thrifty management should govern in a responsible fashion by striking a balance between developing of projects on the one hand and improving the quality life of people on the other hand in harmony with the environment.
• Obvious observations.
1) What we really see is a continued and uncontrolled development of projects built by
minimum wage labourers at the expense of our environment and at the satisfaction
of our politicians.
2) There is no balance between projects on the one hand and people and environment on
the other hand.
• History reveals and reminds:
That because of our politicians' custom, cult and culture are boldly bordered or bounded on favours and kickbacks we conclude the following:
• Credible conclusion.
The fact that the growth is not a tolerable expansion or increase in size or numbers but rather sucks, stinks, smacks and smells of having a dread desire for more than one needs or deserves we can then safely and surely speak of: Evil greed rather than economic growth.
Mr.Edwin James.
I will like to address this article to a specific group of civil servants who really stands out way above all the other public employees in government service for been able to accumulate such awesome and personal wealth within the shortest period of time.
Yes, we like to give these weasels their flowers while they too are still alive for looking after their own interests and not those of the people whom they should be serving in the first and foremost place.
Yes, we are all aware of the fact that many of these very same privileged and public employees do occupy prominent positions in government offices and as such are well within their reach of helping themselves religiously and royally.
Yes, we do get the impression of these privileged and public employees that in their mind they are absolutely not being selfish but rather securing their future in getting all what they can get now in other words taking good care of themselves while they still can.
In this respect there seems to be absolutely no differences between commissioners and their cronies.
• commissioners and their cronies.
Cronies are meant here to be the close companions of the commissioners.
Colleagues, cronies, chums or comrades are all the same.
I will now address the Spatial Development & Management Department better known as the Public Works Department because it is now the most talked about government office where apparently favours are being exchanged for monies.
Yes, there are all reasons to believe that there is something amiss with the proper functioning of this department.
Yes, there are appearances and evidences indicating of concrete corruption infested in this department.
Yes, there are all signs, signals and even sounds calling for an indebt investigation regarding questionable activities implicating cronies who are addicted to their cult, custom and culture of corruption in this department.
• Plugging peepholes and loopholes.
Now we learnt that commissioners are warning their cronies not to steal because government hates competition by plugging peep and loopholes to end corruption!!!!!
• hassle and harassment.
1) It is a known fact that there are cronies within this department who find it very
delightful to hassle and harass descent people who go through hell just to get a permit
to build.
2) It is a known fact that many people wait for a very long time to obtain building
permits or to get domain land while others who knows the subtle secret achieve this
in record time.
• awful and amazing accomplishments.
1) It is a known fact that there are many people who have been waiting for years to get
domain land while others who happen to sit in privileged positions are able to arrange
getting domain land for themselves such as in Saunders, Salt Pond etc etc etc.
2) When and while people are compelled to stick to the building requirements others
in privileged positions thumb their thumbs and twitch their noses at the building
requirements and do as they please.
3) It seems then only when you are an egg head, mug head, bead head, lean head or
even a jug head you will be able to get domain land on the Salt pond area and Saunders etc and build hassle and harass free such as direct on the LB Scott public road with no parking arrangements or facilities.
• credible conclusion.
It doesn't take then a genie or a genius to figure out that money talks and bull s..t walks when one needs to get a permit or domain land at this public works stock exchange department where you can meet egg head, mug head, bead head, lean head, jug head or the companions, colleagues, comrades, chums and cronies of the commissioners.
Mr. Edwin James.
This is a response to attached article that appeared in the TODAY newspaper of Friday, March 20, 2009 under the heading 'James seeks prosecution of driftwood artist Bijnsdorp'.
Apart form the fact that this particular article 'reeks' and 'smacks' of genuine neo-colonial arrogance, combined with a 'dash' of deliberate and cheap simplicity, I will deal with it more in depth in due time in the appropriate setting.
For those who did not know why the editor of the TODAY-paper always defends the 'driftwood-artists', both Mr. BIJNSDORP and Mr. HAAR editor of the TODAY news-paper are 'cut from the same Dutch European cloth'.
For now let me suffice by informing those gold-and other fortune seekers, neo-pirates and imported failures from elsewhere, who flock our coast, that their efforts to intimidate and ridicule us for defending our country is not only futile, but extremely transparent as well.
Let me put that observation in historical context.
Growing up as a Black child in Aruba, that was born on St. Maarten, like many of my contemporaries, I too was exposed to and became extremely familiar with the condescending, colonial attitude of many (certainly not all ) Dutch European teachers.
No, YOU can not do that, no that is too difficult for YOU, no a teacher is high enough for YOU, no YOU can never make the HBS, let alone dream of going to the university.
Starting your own business ?
Crazy, go work for a boss.
So, the 'Master' systematically made sure to cut down your aspirations anytime they were considered by HIM to be 'above your level and potential'.
Sound familiar you say ?
Although that is piece of history, such practice and thinking still lingers on up to this day as can be witnessed by the 'tone' of this article.
It 'reeks' of ridicule, sarcasm as if it was written too 'sophisticatedly' for WE to comprehend !.
Having been exposed to it in the past, when we hear it, when we see it, when we smell it and when we it READ it, we recognize it for what it is....colonial condescension, plain and simple.
Now, what has been my 'life's-experience' to this type of systematic, colonial demoralization you ask ?
Simple and without any dispute.
Most of all, I have developed an unshakable and in-destructible self-confidence, pride and dignity which increases dramatically when faced with evil minds.
In addition, in Holland, unlike most Dutch people themselves, I received a university degree in Biology, built my own home in the process giving employment to Dutch workers.
I have taught Biology and Chemistry on practically all levels of education in HOLLAND, country of birth of both gentlemen in question.
My students were not only youngsters of all ages, but adult women and men as well.
Back on St. Maarten, like it or not, I was the founding director of the HAVO and VWO and was the 'boss' of one Gerard BIJNSDORP.
Clearly, this experience has had a traumatic impact on the mind of the self-proclaimed 'driftwood-artist', who never apparently was emotionally capable to process the fact that his boss was a BLACK St. Martiner, with a much higher degree than him and who never denied his native-indigenous St. Martin heritage like others did.
In ending, let the conclusion be that neither Mr. HAAR nor his confrere Mr. BIJNSDORP, are in any position to lecture me, nor to set any tone for me.
To do that, they simply miss the minimal required 'intellectual load' and worse yet, they lack any moral, and historical justification.
Dus, het zal mij worst wezen wat jullie van mij denken jongens.
(I could not care less what you boys think of me )
Indeed you guessed it right again; it is me.
Leopold JAMES
Proud, native indigenous St. Martiner without apologies.
O sorry, I almost forgot......
I will make sure 'driftwood-artist', that you people back home in PIJNACKER, Holland also can enjoy your 'works of wonder', by forwarding our
proceedings to them as well, just like you are granting me that favor in my own home-country
'Wattatin' bu.
Until the next mail.
OVER the last several years, Guyana witnessed two resurrections of the media code of conduct seminars/workshops; more like media reunions; to bring some kind of sanity to election coverage; to enhance professionalism among journalists.
But clearly, these media reunions did not raise the bar for a professional media code of conduct. The evidence of a poor media code of conduct is available everyday in the print and electronic media.
The so-called ‘prestigious' Stabroek News, invariably, carries skewed editorial pieces; the most recent being the editorial of April 12, 2009 on local government reforms. I will not attempt to address its biases in this piece. It is very obvious to me that Stabroek News over time has developed a reputation for presenting misleading and erroneous information; and which bears captions inconsistent both with the texts as well as what actually obtains.
Many of Guyana's media houses are guilty of embracing a daily eruption of fog facts in the news, where useful information systematically fades away through opined newscasts. The result is a paralysis of analysis of the information. Newscasts are supposed to inform; not to disinform, not to deceive, and not to distort.
But I want to comment on the growing media freedom in this country, and would suggest that the media charlatans occasionally remind themselves, of when once upon a time, there was total governmental control of the mass media.
The 1970s and 1980s in Guyana may seem like many moons ago; the age of coercion where the rulers saw no limits to their authority and had the capacity to regulate all social life.
Distinguished Professsor Clive Thomas, in an interview in 2000, gave some sense of the regime in the 1970s and 1980s: "The truth however, is that this regime had been installed in power through a colonial manoeuvre with the electoral system before Independence in 1966, and maintained itself in power for nearly three decades through the systematic rigging of national elections and the employment of force and intimidation against all opposition to it."
This was a period of intense crisis. How did the media fare in this scenario?
How can we recognize a coercive political system, or may be something approximating totalitarianism? Detection may happen through the following: a government using a total ideology to control people's lives; a single party no different from the government; extensive use of intimidation; total control of mass media; monopoly over weaponry and armed forces; and state control of the economy. The government of the 1970s and 1980s administered a coercive political framework, or may be something akin to authoritarianism.
Free speech and free press were unheard of in the Guyanese vernacular in the 1970s and 1980s. As we hit the 1970s, the National Security Act already was in place; this law suspended the right to Habeas Corpus; and gave the government powers to restrict and detain Guyanese without trial for an indefinite period. Part II of the National Security Act was re-enacted in 1977 to indefinitely detain Guyanese without bail and trial.
It's important to understand the status of media freedom within the political framework under which it operates. Clearly, media freedom had to be a scarce commodity within a framework of detention without bail and trial in the 1970s and 1980s, a conduit for the PNC Government's authoritarian behaviour; a scenario that ensured curtailment of media freedom to reduce dissent in the 1970s and 1980s in this country. Clearly, media freedom is not within the lingua franca of a coercive political system.
Guyana is witnessing today increasing media freedom within a democratic political framework, meaning that this country can boast of explicit free press and free speech.
And perhaps, the time has now come where media houses, in their modus operandi, need to provide greater weighting to their responsibilities and obligations than to their rights. What Guyana is experiencing today is the case where media houses place greater weighting to their rights than to their responsibilities; the result unsurprisingly is a growing abuse of press freedom.
PREM MISIR
‘No mas cushaw trees para mi...'
Finally, the ‘free-adviser', ‘driftwood-artist' and ‘wannabe-everything-except-who-he-really-is', decided it was time for ‘no mas', to throw in the towel.
Enough of the ‘blows' and ‘humiliation'....in the intellectual ‘battle' with a local, native-indigenous- St. Martiner.
His decision is reminiscent to the legendary boxing match between the former rough-house boxer Alberto Duran and the technically savvy boxer Sugar Ray Lennon years ago.
After, for years having enjoyed ‘dishing out' insults, degrading remarks about Leopold JAMES, under the disguise of ‘satire', the ‘free adviser', realized that JAMES, not only could ‘take a good punch or two', but that in return, he also dish out a few of his own as well.
So, in his favorite news-paper the TODAY of Wednesday, April 15, the ‘driftwood artist' wrote his own ‘requiem'.....my ‘Last Unpaid Advice to Leopold'
In this article, ‘free adviser', vowed not to publish any more letters to Leopold.
Wattating....
For more information, go to www.stmartinnation.org, NAVIGATION and click on Commentary.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
In spite of all frantic efforts to form a Governing majority, ANY majority if needs be, simply to prevent the impositioning of Higher Supervision, all indications are that the people of the island are ready to accept this measure.
Despite all the predicted 'signs on the wall' over the last years, it appears that the politicians of this island have allowed the situation to escalate to the 'point of no return'.
The growing majority of the population has absolutely no more confidence in whatever political coalition is formed, it seems therefore that the 'die has been cast' and that it is simply a matter of a short time, before the Higher Supervision 'hatchet 'comes down on the 'Friendly island'.
That being the expectation now, requires us looking towards to what conditions should be set for this Higher Supervision, so that it does not result in any form of neocolonialism, but creates a transformational period for the people of this island to take stock of what the situation is and to prepare ourselves in a more organized and transparent manner how we are to move forward, constitutionally.
While, I certainly can be wrong, my feedback indicates very strongly that the people seem to be willing now to accept this form of intervention, even if it is considered 'colonial', rather than giving these corrupt politicians yet another chance.
They have failed the people and now the people are ready to fail them, it seems.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
What a week it has been. As if we already didn't have the global economic-financial crisis to worry about, add some swine flu to it and we have the making of a perfect storm.
The outbreak of swine flu (Influenza A(H1N1) Virus) took the world by storm a little over a week ago with the epicentre in Mexico. Over the past weekend we have learnt from the Mexican health authorities that the virus has peaked and they don't expect a further increase in the number of cases as has been seen since March 18 when health surveillance began picking up cases of an influenza-like-illness in the country.
Nations around the world mobilized early last week when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that swine flu constituted a public health emergency of international concern.
Influenza also known as the flu, is an acute viral infection where one comes down with fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and usually cough, with or without sore throat or other respiratory symptoms. For most people, the flu is an unpleasant but self-limiting and not life-endangering illness, but in some people it may be more severe, or complicated by other infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Pandemic flu is a type of influenza that spreads rapidly to affect most countries and regions around the world. It is more serious than the ordinary flu and can affect as much as a quarter of a nation's population. Unlike the ordinary flu that occurs at the beginning and end of the year, a pandemic flu can occur at any time of the year. Pandemic flu has occurred throughout history, three times in the last 100 years resulting in many deaths.
Pandemics of flu are due to the emergence of a new flu virus which is different from strains that are already circulating. Very few people if any will have immunity to this new virus. This allows it to spread rapidly and widely and to cause more serious illness. Each pandemic is different, and until the virus starts circulating, it is impossible to predict its full effects.
An influenza pandemic is thought most likely to emerge from South East Asia, but could start anywhere in the world and as can be seen, right in the Americas - Mexico. The last global concerns for an influenza pandemic were with avian "bird" flu back in 2003. The bird flu virus was isolated from a farmed goose in China back in 1996 followed by the first known instance of human infection of the virus in 1997 in Hong Kong.
The birth place of recent pandemics has been China or the Far East. The close proximity of humans, ducks, other poultry and domestic pigs in farming communities facilitates mingling of human and animal viruses which may then exchange genetic material, resulting in a new flu strain.
The time between most recent influenza pandemics have varied from 10 to 40 years, the last being in 1968/9.
Today we are at phase 5 of the pandemic alert system. The WHO raised the global phase level last week Wednesday after it saw the virus was spreading too many countries around the world. This pandemic alert system is similar to the hurricane category scale which goes from one to five based on the intensity of a hurricane with five being the most intense.
The pandemic alert system has six phases. Phase one and two is the inter-pandemic period; phases three to five is the pandemic alert period; and phase six is pandemic period.
The WHO has defined phases in the evolution of an influenza pandemic which allows a step approach to preparedness planning and response by countries around the world leading up to a declaration of the onset of a pandemic.
Does the peak in so-called "swine flu" Influenza A (H1N1) virus in Mexico mean that we won't see the onset of a pandemic? WHO officials have said on Sunday that we can't lower our guard because there is a high possibility that the virus will come back. Even though according to Mexican authorities, the evolution of the epidemic is now in its declining phase, nations around the world will continue to monitor their communities very closely for any increase in flu-like-illnesses.
Countries around the globe will continue to implement steps and take measures according to their pandemic preparedness and response plans.
Roddy Heyliger
To:---Lt.-Governor, F. RICHARDS, LL.M.
Gert-Jan STORTELERS, Represattive Dutch Government Philipsburg,
Dear Gentleman.
Please allow me to address you both in your capacities of local St. Maarten representatives of the Dutch Government and of H.M Queen Beatrix
As you know, the much anticipated celebration of Queen's birthday this year, has been turned into a totally unexpected drama, with a number of casualties of which at this moment four fatalities.
This sad event is having a traumatic impact, not only on our brothers and sisters in the Netherlands, but also within the entire Dutch Kingdom.
It almost incomprehensible, why such an act was perpetrated on innocent people, who went out to celebrate one of the most important traditional festivities in the Kingdom, known as 'Queen's birthday', a day that 'binds' every citizen of the Dutch nationality to the Kingdom.
Under these very tragic circumstances, we would like to believe that there are many citizens on our island, who would appreciate the opportunity to express their sentiments and share their grief with their fellow Dutch citizens in the Netherlands.
In order to contribute towards this process of reflection, mourning and especially of support for the House of Orange and the Dutch people, on behalf of our foundation, we humbly suggest you set up a condolence-register which sympathizers can sign.
After all, as log as we wish to be part of the Dutch Kingdom and avail ourselves of all benefits, it should only be fitting for us to also in times of sadness and bereavement express our support to our counterparts in the Motherland.
Thank you
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia.
Now that he has been tried and convicted in a court of law, former Commissioner Louis LAVEIST, appears to be considering appealing his case in the Appellate court.
That verdict now places him legally speaking, in a ‘reverse mode' with the burden of proof now being placed firmly on his shoulders.
Since he has been found guilty and convicted, it is now up to him, in appeal to prove himself innocent of the charges.
A ‘tall order' to put it mildly.
Personally, I am not so sure at all, that the verdict he expects, will necessarily be in his favor.
Or to put it bluntly, like many, I too would not be surprised if he get ‘nailed' even more in appeal.
Nevertheless, here is ‘some food for thought' for the convicted former Commissioner, who a few years back himself blasted William MARLIN, for joining a Central Government coalition with Anthony GODETT, whom he (LAVEIST) then publicly labeled as an ‘ex-convict' or something to that extent.
He spoke of a ‘dark day' in the history of the Antilles, Lord wattating.....
Talking about how one's own words and actions can come back to haunt-, if not to ‘bite' one-self'.
Now, here is some ‘mental food' for thought, perhaps he should consider in weighing the options of whether ‘to appeal, or not to appeal'.
Imagine, that Mr. LAVEIST would be capable to recognize the deeper ‘message' conveyed in his sentence .
Imagine, that the ‘Man of Action' for a fraction of time, would be able to humble and subject his ‘bulging' ego to a cause ‘greater than self' ?
Imagine, that he would be able to smile, ‘soak' his blows and to show minimal repentance and contrition, even if he could make himself believe that he was ‘innocent' as a ‘lamb' and everyone-else was ‘guilty' and solely out ‘ to get him' as part of the big ‘conspiracy'.
Imagine, that he would be able to utter the following words; ‘I will not appeal my case in court, but I will transform this whole ordeal into a learning experience for myself and young people...
Imagine, the good former actor turned Commissioner, would by some miracle be able to say, ‘Let me pay for my mistakes by encouraging young people NOT to make the same mistakes or poor judgments.....
Imagine, that an ‘Angel' appeared to him and he received a ‘vision' to create a new ‘political culture' that would encourage young people to get involved in public service and to teach them to recognize the pitfalls, the temptations of holding public office....
Imagine, that he would use the same ‘connections' that helped ‘fatten his own pockets' to now gear those ‘contributions' towards educating a new generation of new political leaders.
Wouldn't that in the ‘larger scheme of things' transform him into a ‘larger than life figure', instead of remaining a stubborn, selfish, corrupt, politician, ready to ‘bust whatever pot', ONLY because HE now feels the wrath of Justice like many, non-public figures before him, with no legal counsel ?
Is it even remotely conceivable that the good gentleman can accept full responsibility for his actions and by so doing bring the so needed change and become a true ‘St. Martin Patriot' ?
Wouldn't that take away lots of his very visible ‘pent up', ‘over-boiling' anger ?
Wouldn't that be a true ‘act of love' for country St. Maarten' ?
Can you imagine, him making this transformation ?
Am I dreaming ?
Why not ?
Who knows ?
Time will tell, if he or other politicians are ready for real change and ready to serve the people of this island with humility and a sense of commitment and accountability.
Just ‘food for thought'.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
They are no more rumors, slander and libel....
Verdict has been past, on former Commissioner Louis LAVEIST based on evidence proven as factual in the opinion of the Judge.
And with that, the long awaited 'die has been cast'.......
According to the verdict, Commissioner LAVEIST is no longer considered 'innocent until proven guilty'....he WAS found guilty in the court of law.
Short and sweet shall be our comment.....
Although there should be no rejoicing when one is condemned in court, at the same time, no one should feel to be able to stand above the law, regardless who it is !
In the future, those in Government found guilty of abusing their positions and enriching themselves at the expense of the taxpayer, should be made to repay every dime.
In addition, if necessary their properties, vehicles etc.should be confiscated and their bank accounts seized.
Furthermore, they should be banned from holding public office for good, making them having to WORK for what they want, as opposed to using the power of the office to 'fatten their pockets'.
Serving jail time is NOT enough to get the message across, that being elected into public office is about SERVICE to the people. Such penalties would send out a loud and clear message to those in Government who, over the years have filled their pockets and betrayed public trust by abusing their the power of their office.
In addition, it would take away all incentives from those WANTING to go in Government for the sole purpose of self-enrichment.
Finally especially of importance in this phase of our constitutional process, it would contribute towards creating a NEW political climate and 'soil' in which a new breed of political leaders can can be born to lead this country based on moral principles and principles of good Governance.
Going into any 'Country status', without a 'cleansing process' is totally irresponsible and therefore unacceptable.
First let justice prevail....and then AFTER we consider 'status-change'.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
‘In recognition of a great St. Martin mind'.
My dear friend Hypolite,
On Sunday, April 19 last, the good Lord called you home and on Friday, April 24, we said a final farewell to you.
Judging from the large number of people of all walks in life present at the service, one can only conclude that you must have touched this community in a very significant way.
Hypolite, although physically you are no longer with us today, I feel obliged to write this tribute to you.
I do this because I had the privilege of knowing you very well.
Our friendship goes back to 1958, when you and a number of students from St. Maarten and St. Eustatius came to Aruba, to further your secondary education at the then famous Abraham de Veer School in San Nicolas.
You joined me in the 7th grade of the MULO.
I recall that day vividly.
Myself and fellow students at that time, kind of took you students from St. Maarten and Statia ‘for granted' and we laughed at the way you all spoke English.
Upon your arrival in school, you were seriously lagging behind in a number of subjects, because, either you had not been introduced to them before, or the level on St. Maarten was not the same as on Aruba.
Particularly, that was the case for the German language, which you had never got on St. Maarten, chemistry and physics.
Lo and behold however, during the first report-term, we witnessed a ‘miracle'.
Not only did you, Hypolite ‘survived' the gap, you became the very best of the class there and then in EVERY subject.
This lead you never gave up.
Hypolite was ALWAYS the best in ALL classes in ALL subjects; he had absolutely NO weak subject whatsoever, which was truly amazing.
Initially, being a very keen student myself, I engaged in a healthy intellectual competition with Hypolite.
To my credit, I caught on very fast....my efforts were simply in total vain !
No matter what I did, no matter the subject, no matter how little Hypolite prepared for any test, Hypolite ALWAYS beat me.
Even when I would be at my best, and Hypolite at his worst, he still beat me totally convincingly.
That led me to admire Hypolite even more, without envying him.
I realized that he was extremely gifted and in a class by himself.
Still, Hypolite was an extremely humble person, who never bragged about his intellectual genius.
In 1961 we graduated together with his present wife Duane, and others from the MULO.
That year Hypolite graduated as the very best of the entire Netherlands Antilles.
We both left for further studies in Holland and kind of lost contact with each other there.
Eventually, I went on to obtain my university degree in Biology.
During my studies at the university, I met some of the brightest minds in Holland.
However, I can truthfully say, that I have NEVER met anyone whose intellectual ability, especially when it comes to mathematics, physics and chemistry, who has made such a lasting impression on me as, our beloved and recently departed Hypolite.
To me, he was the brightest mind I personally had ever come across .
Obviously that gene runs in the blood, because one of is sons Serge, graduated from the technical University of Delft at the tender age of 21 years.
That is an incredible feat even according to Dutch standard.
And just like his father, he remains a very respectful, non-assuming, humble and very professional.
Although I could go on and on and on, I hereby rest my case in sharing with the public what a great mind we have lost.
Hypolite, may your soul rest in eternal peace.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
"We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must work together (or unite) to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the people of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations."
"Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary approach.
a. Take action to avoid the possibility of serious or irreversible environmental harm even when scientific knowledge is incomplete or inconclusive.
b. Place the burden of proof on those who argue that a proposed activity will not cause significant harm, and make the responsible parties liable for environmental harm.
c. Ensure that decision making addresses the cumulative, long-term, indirect, long distance, and global consequences of human activities.
d. Prevent pollution of any part of the environment and allow no build-up of radioactive, toxic, or other hazardous substances." (source: Earth Charter see http://earthcharterinaction.org/about_charter.html)
Urgent words from the Earth Charter in the interest of communities all over the world and which words for many years have been embraced by the Dutch Government, which is aware of the world wide degradation of our natural resources. The key word here is sustainable development which we can find back in numerous policies and legislation of the Dutch Government complete with a policy to fight the consequences of climate change.
What does this mean for the other parts of the Kingdom and especially the densely populated St. Maarten? A territory of only 34 square kms with an average population density of 1.537 residents per square km? But perhaps even more. We are talking three times the density of the Netherlands, which is already considered crowded.
What do we have to celebrate on Earth Day in St. Maarten, where the environment should have been a major concern to the community and where environment has been the (main) responsibility for the Island Government for many years?
Did we prevent harm as best as we could? Did we take action to avoid serious environmental harm? Did we ensure that decision making addresses the long-term consequences of human activities? Did we make the responsible parties liable for environmental harm? Let us see what we have done so far:
• Do we have proper zoning? Although Federal Legislation was implemented in 1976 to push for a balanced development this legislation has been persistently and intentionally ignored. Only after pressure during the negotiations for separate status zoning became an issue (but "over" development continues to be a big burden to the island.)
• Do we have basic environmental standards to protect the air, the soil and the water? On June 11, 2007 a final report on environmental standards was presented by VOMIL (Curaçao) and also proposed for St. Maarten. We are still awaiting these most basic standards. In the meantime we have 24/7 pollution of our ponds, lagoon and ocean, where some of the precious reefs are already dying.
• Do we have at least proper legislation to protect our water, soil and air? We don't. We have some legislation to protect the water, but the ponds are excluded. And what we have is seriously outdated. On top of that there is no legislation to control the dredging activities that is spreading the existing pollution.
• Do we have a proper waste disposal? No. Instead, we have an illegal dump (without any permit) in the vicinity of town and bordering on densely populated areas, with very hazardous fires on a fairly regular basis and contributing to global warming. Only because the dump has reached its maximum capacity, Government has no other option but to look for a solution, however, due to lack of transparency we are concerned that the quality of a disposal facility can be compromised. Moreover, local environmental organizations have been left out of the decision making process.
• Do we have a proper environmental legislation for businesses (such as the ‘Wet Milieu Beheer')? No. We have an outdated Hindrance Ordinance system to regulate businesses that could harm the environment with their activities. However, there is insufficient knowledge and not enough staff to deal with proper permits and enforcement. Many businesses do not have a permit at all. For the Marinas we have to rely on the Blue Flag certification, which is a voluntary system.
• Do we have proper governmental enforcement? Even high ranking officials admit that the Government is not capable of enforcing the outdated legislation. The Inspection Department is part of the most political governed departments, where politicians have an enormous impact on who is controlled, but especially who is not controlled.
• Do we have a proper building permit system? Not at all. Imagine, Commissioners (earning approximately 7.000 Antillean Guilders) dealing directly with rich (foreign) developers while there is no proper zoning, environmental policy's and a code of conduct.
• Do the police enforce environmental legislation? Hardly or not at all. Regular crime takes most of their time, the police force is seriously understaffed and environmental issues are not popular enough with police management.
• Does the prosecutor's office play a role in the enforcement? Although this office does play a role it is only based on the environmental interest of individuals and not on a structural approach. The Federal Government has shown to have no interest to implement environmental enforcement as has been the case in the Netherlands for the past twenty or more years. Enforcement plans and guidelines are seriously lacking.
• The same applies to the Court of First Instance. Everything depends on the voluntary help from individual judges. So far we have been lucky.
• Do we have proper sewage (beerput afvalwater) disposal? Not at all. In many areas sewage and other waste water is running in the streets and into the ponds and eventually in the ocean. The Caribbean Sea is becoming one of the more polluted seas in the world.
• Do we have an energy policy? No, just very recently it seems government is working on an energy policy, the backbone of any economy. In a time when everybody was looking at alternative energy the utility company St. Maarten invested in diesel generators. The cost of these diesel generators could put the economy of St. Maarten in a serious financial problem when the international oil prices will rise again. It's doubtful that there will be much room for alternative sources because of this considerable investment.
• Do we have alternative energy? Hardly, the monopoly of electricity (and water) provider GEBE does not promote innovation. Despite the tremendous amount of sunshine Government does not stimulate solar and wind energy at all. Local banks offer interest rates of 8% and more (and not even for a fixed period), tax holidays seem to be for foreign companies only, while the utility company claims safety issues as a reason to keep alternative energy at bay. So far, serious debates to really look into a green diversification have only been held by private environmental organizations.
• Does the Dutch government promote sustainable construction via its funding to lower the maintenance costs, energy and water consumptions of the buildings? According to USONA this is simply not an issue in St. Maarten.
• Do we inspect our imported food to protect the community? There are no control facilities and no government promotion at all of local agriculture.
• Do we save water and energy? Hardly. Utility Company GEBE has issued a commercial, but there is no serious structural approach to do something with this issue. There is no incentive at all to promote the use of less water and of less energy consuming products. There is no incentive to use energy friendly products. We never heard of energy star programs.
• Do we have hurricane norms? No, in a hurricane prone area one would suspect that we have serious norms, in particular with bigger buildings. And what can you expect from a building ordinance that dates back to the 1930s? Everything depends on what the developer wants. Ironically, the Dutch tax payer contributes to the disaster relief after a hurricane has hit the island. Local people need to pay enormous premiums to insure their properties.
• Do we protect our coast line? We have a beach policy but almost all developments have been built in violation with this policy.
• Do we protect the hills? We have a hillside policy, but even though there are serious warnings for flooding, developers are often getting their way.
• Do we have a Historical and Nature park? Yes. Emilio Wilson Park. However, private organizations have to fight to save this valuable park for the public benefit. It is still unclear if it can be fully saved.
• Do we have a proper transport policy? No, even with the enormous loss of production due to constant traffic jams. However, it seems that government is finally working on such a policy, but it is doubtful that this policy will be used in the decision making process for the intended construction of a bridge over the lagoon and a road around the Great Salt Pond. There is not much consideration for alternatives and other smart solutions.
• Do we protect our monuments? We have legislation but the execution took so long that many buildings have already been demolished.
• Do we have a Marine Park Ordinance? Only a concept. The St. Maarten Nature Foundation has been kept waiting for many years for the approval of the Ordinance by the Island Government.
• Do we have a tree ordinance? No, only via the monument ordinance, valuable (and existing) old trees are now protected.
• Do we have environmental policies or a policy for a sustainable approach? No. We had an excellent initiative from one individual at VROM to start a project to promote sustainability with assistance of the Dutch TU. However, funding for this project is still lacking.
• Did St. Maarten approach the Dutch government for assistance to research the adaptation to climate change? If it did, the general public is not aware of it.
The above-mentioned list is not even complete, but it makes awkwardly clear the lack of involvement of our political leaders in our community where it is very common to trade personal favors for votes. This total lack of good governance is aggravated by the ignorance of both the Federal Government and the Dutch Government for many years.
With this letter our foundation hopes to achieve that at least the Dutch Parliament will take her responsibility and will consider imposing supervision or at least postponing the separate status in order to have (finally!) appropriate measures taken, to ensure a sustainable future of this vulnerable island. And then perhaps, we will also have reason to celebrate Earth Day in St. Maarten.
Caribbean Foundation for Sustainability
Based on their well-established pro-active and visionary thinking, the St. Martin Nation Building Foundation (SNBF) and its ‘twin'- organization, the Association L' Esprit de Concordia are in the process of researching the possibility to establish a training program for a new generation of leaders, the future will require for this island.
Clearly, and with due respect to the current generation of politicians, generally speaking, it must be concluded, that they have, all but exhausted the potentials required to deal with the new and challenging complexities the people are faced with.
Since it is an accepted philosophy that any country whose leaders have no vision, the people will perish, the time for change has come to prepare a new generation of leaders for our island.
In the curriculum of the training program, specific attention is expected to be given to areas like developing a strong sense of St. Martin nationhood, which should be at the very basis of any development including constitutional development of this island.
In addition, developing a (new) political culture, in which respect for the rules of good governance, transparency, moral and ethical values will have a top-priority.
It should also be emphasized that, the new generation of proud, professional St. Martin leaders will have to lay a strong foundation, necessary for an eventual unification of both sides of the island, without compromising any existing advantages.
The new generation, should also be strong regional, hemispheric and global thinkers and should be able to transform the island's ‘natural' geopolitical and strategic location and its many other social assets, to a powerful multi-functional hub within the region, to the benefit of the ENTIRE Caribbean region (a United Caribbean States ?) .
In order to negotiate and to contribute towards this goal, our new generation of leaders will have to evolve towards an extremely powerful level of creative, 'out-of-the box' thinking in which there is no room for accepting a NO for any goal important for the island.
The SNBF/ Association hereby welcomes and looks forward to the input of all serious, local professionals of native St. Martin heritage, as well as those who are willing to become part of the new St. Martin, in which love, respect and commitment to the cause of St. Martin will be determining criteria and not necessarily place of birth.
Because the importance of a future united island for the business-world, forward-thinking business people are also welcome to brainstorm along with us.
Considering the political and constitutional relationship both sides have with their European mother-countries, developing a very constructive relation with the governments of these countries, will also be extremely important and highly welcome.
Persons, interested in getting involved in this historical challenge are welcome to contact drs. Leopold JAMES, president of the SNBF and the Association L' E Sprit de Concordia.
Telephone; 54 43512 or 06 90 485855
E-mail; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
The op-ed below by President Barack Obama appeared this morning in the following newspapers:
Trinidad Express (Trinidad & Tobago) St. Petersburg Times (USA) Miami Herald (USA) l Nuevo Herald (USA)
The op-ed also ran in the following GRUPO DE DIARIOS AMÉRICA (GDA) affiliates across the hemisphere:
La Nación (Argentina) O Globo (Brazil) El Mercurio (Chile) El Tiempo (Colombia) La Nación (Costa Rica) El Comercio (Ecuador) El Universal (México) El Comercio (Perú) El Nuevo Día (Puerto Rico) El País (Uruguay) El Nacional (Venezuela)
The English, Spanish and Portuguese versions of President Obama's op-ed are included below:
Choosing a Better Future in the Americas President Barack Obama.
As we approach the Summit of the Americas, our hemisphere is faced with a clear choice. We can overcome our shared challenges with a sense of common purpose, or we can stay mired in the old debates of the past. For the sake of all our people, we must choose the future.
Too often, the United States has not pursued and sustained engagement with our neighbors. We have been too easily distracted by other priorities, and have failed to see that our own progress is tied directly to progress throughout the Americas. My Administration is committed to the promise of a new day. We will renew and sustain a broader partnership between the United States and the hemisphere on behalf of our common prosperity and our common security.
In advance of the Summit, we have begun to move in a new direction. This week, we amended a Cuba policy that has failed for decades to advance liberty or opportunity for the Cuban people. In particular, the refusal to allow Cuban Americans to visit or provide resources to their families on the island made no sense - particularly after years of economic hardship in Cuba, and the devastating hurricanes that took place last year. Now, that policy has changed.
The U.S.-Cuba relationship is one example of a debate in the Americas that is too often dragged back to the 20th century. To confront our economic crisis, we don't need a debate about whether to have a rigid, state-run economy or unbridled and unregulated capitalism - we need pragmatic and responsible action that advances our common prosperity. To combat lawlessness and violence, we don't need a debate about whether to blame right-wing paramilitaries or left-wing insurgents - we need practical cooperation to expand our common security.
We must choose the future over the past, because we know that the future holds enormous opportunities if we work together. That is why leaders from Santiago to Brasilia to Mexico City are focused on a renewed partnership of the Americas that makes progress on fundamental issues like economic recovery, energy, and security.
There is no time to lose. The global economic crisis has hit the Americas hard, particularly our most vulnerable populations. Years of progress in combating poverty and inequality hangs in the balance. The United States is working to advance prosperity in the hemisphere by jumpstarting our own recovery. In doing so, we will help spur trade, investment, remittances, and tourism that provides a broader base for prosperity in the hemisphere.
We also need collective action. At the recent G-20 Summit, the United States pledged to seek nearly half a billion dollars in immediate assistance for vulnerable populations, while working with our G-20 partners to set aside substantial resources to help countries through difficult times. We have called upon the Inter-American Development Bank to maximize lending to restart the flow of credit, and stand ready to examine the needs and capacity of the IDB going forward. And we are working to put in place tough, clear 21st century rules of the road to prevent the abuses that caused the current crisis.
While we confront this crisis, we must build a new foundation for long-term prosperity. One area that holds out enormous promise is energy. Our hemisphere has bountiful natural resources that could make renewable energy plentiful and sustainable, while creating jobs for our people. In the process, we can confront climate change that threatens rising sea levels in the Caribbean, diminishing glaciers in the Andes, and powerful storms on the Gulf Coast of the United States.
Together, we have both the responsibility to act, and the opportunity to leave behind a legacy of greater prosperity and security. That is why I look forward to pursuing a new Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas that will help us learn from one another, share technologies, leverage investment, and maximize our comparative advantage.
Just as we advance our common prosperity, we must advance our common security. Too many in our hemisphere are forced to live in fear. That is why the United States will strongly support respect for the rule of law, better law enforcement, and stronger judicial institutions.
Security for our citizens must be advanced through our commitment to partner with those who are courageously battling drug cartels, gangs and other criminal networks throughout the Americas. Our efforts start at home. By reducing demand for drugs and curtailing the illegal flow of weapons and bulk cash south across our border, we can advance security in the United States and beyond. And going forward, we will sustain a lasting dialogue in the hemisphere to ensure that we are building on best practices, adapting to new threats, and coordinating our efforts.
Finally, the Summit gives every democratically-elected leader in the Americas the opportunity to reaffirm our shared values. Each of our countries has pursued its own democratic journey, but we must be joined together in our commitment to liberty, equality, and human rights. That is why I look forward to the day when every country in the hemisphere can take its seat at the table consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter. And just as the United States seeks that goal in reaching out to the Cuban people, we expect all of our friends in the hemisphere to join together in supporting liberty, equality, and human rights for all Cubans.
This Summit offers the opportunity of a new beginning. Advancing prosperity, security and liberty for the people of the Americas depends upon 21st century partnerships, freed from the posturing of the past. That is the leadership and partnership that the United States stands ready to provide.
Escogiendo un futuro mejor en las Américas Presidente Barack Obama
Al acercarse la Cumbre de las Américas, nuestro hemisferio enfrenta una opción clara. Podemos superar los desafíos que compartimos con un sentido de unión en este propósito común o podemos seguir enfrascados en los trillados debates del pasado. Por el bien de todos nuestros pueblos, debemos optar por el futuro.
Demasiadas veces, Estados Unidos no ha buscado ni mantenido las relaciones con sus vecinos. Nos hemos dejado distraer por otras prioridades, sin darnos cuenta de que nuestro progreso está directamente vinculado al progreso en todo el continente americano. Mi gobierno se ha comprometido con la promesa de un nuevo día. Renovaremos y mantendremos relaciones más extensas entre Estados Unidos y el hemisferio, por el bien de nuestra prosperidad común y nuestra seguridad común.
Con antelación a la cumbre, hemos comenzado a avanzar en esa nueva dirección. Esta semana, modificamos una política hacia Cuba que durante décadas no ha logrado promover la libertad ni oportunidades a favor del pueblo cubano. En particular, prohibir que los cubanoamericanos visiten a sus familiares en la isla o les brinden recursos carecía de sentido, especialmente tras años de dificultades económicas en Cuba y los devastadores huracanes del año pasado. Ahora, esa política ha cambiado.
La relación entre Estados Unidos y Cuba es ejemplo de un debate en el continente que no sale del siglo XX. Para hacerle frente a nuestra crisis económica, no es necesario debatir si es mejor una economía rígida y dirigida por el gobierno o un capitalismo desenfrenado y sin reglamentar; es necesario tomar medidas pragmáticas y responsables que promuevan nuestra prosperidad común. Para combatir la criminalidad y la violencia, no es necesario debatir si la culpa la tienen los paramilitares de derecha o los insurgentes de izquierda; es necesaria la cooperación práctica para reforzar nuestra seguridad común.
Debemos optar por el futuro en vez del pasado, porque sabemos que el futuro ofrece enormes oportunidades si trabajamos juntos. Es por eso que líderes desde Santiago y Brasilia hasta Ciudad de México procuran renovar la sociedad de las Américas para que alcance logros en asuntos fundamentales como la recuperación económica, energía y seguridad.
No hay tiempo que perder. La crisis económica mundial ha perjudicado mucho al continente, particularmente a nuestros pobladores más vulnerables. Años de progreso en combatir la pobreza y la desigualdad ahora están en juego. Estados Unidos está trabajando para promover la prosperidad en el
hemisferio impulsando su propia recuperación. Al hacerlo, ayudaremos a estimular el comercio, la inversión, las remesas y el turismo que le dan una base más amplia a la prosperidad del hemisferio.
También necesitamos actuar colectivamente. En la reciente cumbre del G-20, los Estados Unidos prometimos buscar casi $500 millones en asistencia inmediata a poblaciones vulnerables, y a la vez trabajar con nuestros aliados del G-20 para asignar recursos considerables para ayudar a países a sobrellevar momentos difíciles. Hemos instado al Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo a que maximice los préstamos para reanudar el flujo de crédito y estamos listos para examinar la necesidad y capacidad futura del BID. Además, estamos trabajando para implementar normas estrictas y claras que sean apropiadas para el siglo XXI, a fin de evitar los abusos que causaron la actual crisis.
Al hacerle frente a esta crisis, debemos establecer nuevos cimientos para la prosperidad a largo plazo. Un sector que promete muchísimo es el de energía. Nuestro hemisferio tiene abundantes recursos naturales que podrían producir abundante energía renovable de manera sostenible, y a la vez, generar empleo para nuestra gente. En el proceso, podemos hacerle frente al cambio climático que amenaza con elevar el nivel del mar Caribe, reducir los glaciares andinos y producir potentes tormentas en la costa del Golfo de Estados Unidos.
Juntos, tenemos tanto la responsabilidad de actuar como la oportunidad de dejar un legado de mayor prosperidad y seguridad. Es por eso que estoy deseoso de crear una nueva Sociedad de las Américas en materia de Energía y Clima que nos ayude a aprender unos de otros, compartir tecnología, potenciar la inversión y maximizar nuestra ventaja comparativa.
Así como promovemos nuestra prosperidad común, debemos promover nuestra seguridad común. Demasiadas personas en nuestro hemisferio se ven forzadas a vivir con temor. Es por eso que Estados Unidos respaldará firmemente el respeto por el estado de derecho, la mejor observancia de la ley y la mayor solidez de las instituciones judiciales.
La seguridad de nuestros ciudadanos se debe promover por medio de nuestro compromiso de aliarnos con quienes combaten valientemente los carteles de drogas, las pandillas y otras redes criminales en todas las Américas. Y debemos empezar por casa. Si reducimos la demanda de drogas y restringimos el flujo de armas y grandes cantidades de dinero en efectivo a través de nuestra frontera sur, podemos promover la seguridad en Estados Unidos y en otros países. Y en el futuro, mantendremos un diálogo duradero en el hemisferio para asegurarnos de desarrollar prácticas óptimas, adaptarnos a nuevas amenazas y coordinar nuestros esfuerzos.
Finalmente, la cumbre le da a todo líder que ha sido elegido democráticamente la oportunidad de reiterar los valores que compartimos. Cada uno de nuestros países ha emprendido su propio camino democrático, pero debemos estar unidos en nuestro compromiso con la libertad, igualdad y los derechos humanos. Por eso anhelo que llegue el día en que todos los países del hemisferio puedan tomar su lugar ante la mesa, conforme a la Carta Democrática Interamericana. Y así como Estados Unidos va en pos de ese objetivo en su acercamiento al pueblo cubano, esperamos que todos nuestros amigos en el hemisferio se nos unan para apoyar la libertad, igualdad y los derechos humanos de todos los cubanos.
Esta cumbre ofrece la oportunidad de un nuevo inicio. La promoción de la prosperidad, seguridad y libertad a favor de los pueblos americanos depende de actualizar las sociedades del siglo XXI, sin adoptar
las poses inflexibles del pasado. Ése es el liderazgo y la colaboración como socios que Estados Unidos está listo a proporcionar.
Escolhendo um future melhor Presidente Barack Obama
Ao nos aproximarmos da Cúpula das Américas, nosso continente se depara com uma clara escolha. Podemos superar nossos desafios compartilhados com um sentido de objetivo comum, ou podemos ficar atolados em velhos debates do passado. Para o bem de nosso povo, precisamos escolher o futuro.
Muitas vezes, os Estados Unidos não buscaram nem mantiveram um compromisso com nossos vizinhos. Temos sido distraídos muito facilmente por outras prioridades e temos falhado em ver que nosso progresso é diretamente atrelado ao progresso das Américas. Minha administração está comprometida com a promessa de um novo dia. Vamos renovar e manter uma parceria mais ampla entre os Estados Unidos e as Américas em nome de nossa prosperidade e nossa segurança comuns.
Diante da Cúpula, começamos a nos mover em uma nova direção. Nesta semana, alteramos a política para com Cuba que, por décadas, não conseguiu avançar a liberdade nem a oportunidade para o povo cubano. A recusa, específicamente, em permitir que os cubano-americanos visitassem ou enviassem recursos para suas famílias na ilha não tinha sentido - especialmente depois de anos de dificuldades econômicas em Cuba e os furacões devastadores que ocorreram no ano passado. Agora aquela política foi alterada.
As relações Cuba-Estados Unidos são um exemplo de um debate nas Américas que é muitas vezes arrastado de volta ao século 20. Para confrontar nossa crise econômica, não precisamos debater sobre ter uma economia rígida, controlada pelo Estado, ou um capitalismo sem rédeas e desregulado - precisamos de ações pragmáticas e responsáveis que avancem nossa prosperidade comum. Para combater a ilegalidade e a violência, não precisamos debater sobre culpar paramilitares de direita ou insurgentes de esquerda - precisamos da cooperação prática para expandir nossa segurança comum.
Precisamos escolher o futuro em vez do passado, porque sabemos que o futuro tem grandes oportunidades se trabalharmos juntos. É por isso que líderes de Santiago a Brasília e à Cidade do México estão focados em uma parceria renovada das Américas que faz progressos em questões fundamentais como a recuperação econômica, energia e segurança.
Não há tempo a perder. A crise econômica mundial atingiu as Américas fortemente e, em particular, nossas populações mais vulneráveis. Anos de progresso no combate à pobreza e à desigualdade estão em risco. Os Estados Unidos estão trabalhando para avançar a prosperidade no continente americano ao impulsionarmos nossa própria recuperação. Ao fazê-lo, vamos ajudar a estimular o comércio exterior, os investimentos, as remessas de valores e o turismo que fornecem uma base mais ampla para a prosperidade no continente.
Também precisamos de ações coletivas. Na recente reunião do G-20, os Estados Unidos prometeram buscar quase meio milhão de dólares em ajuda imediata às populações vulneráveis, enquanto trabalhamos junto a nossos parceiros do G-20 no sentido de reservar recursos significativos para assistir países em tempos difíceis. Pedimos ao Banco Interamericano de Desenvolvimento que maximize os empréstimos para reiniciar o fluxo de crédito e estamos prontos para examinar as necessidades e a capacidade do BID de avançar nesse sentido. Tambem estamos trabalhando para implementar regras duras e claras do século 21 para prevenir os abusos que causaram a crise atual.
Enquanto enfrentamos esta crise, precisamos contruir uma nova fundação para a prosperidade a longo-prazo. Uma área que tem grande promessa é energia. Nosso continente tem abundância de recursos naturais que pode tornar a energia renovável plena e sustentável, enquanto cria empregos para o nosso povo. Nesse processo, podemos enfrentar as mudanças climáticas que ameaçam elevar o nível dos mares no Caribe e diminuir as geleiras nos Andes e as poderosas tempestades na costa do Golfo nos Estados Unidos.
Juntos, temos tanto a responsabilidade de agir, como a oportunidade de deixar um legado de maior prosperidade e segurança. É por isso que anseio por buscar uma nova Parceria Energética e Climática das Américas, que vai nos ajudar a aprender uns com os outros, compartilhar tecnologias, alavancar investimentos e maximizar nossa vantagem comparativa.
Ao avançarmos nossa prosperidade comum, precisamos avançar nossa segurança comum. Muitos em nosso continente são forçados a viver com medo. É por isso que os Estados Unidos vão apoiar fortemente o respeito ao Estado de Direito, à uma melhor aplicação da lei e instituições judiciárias mais fortes.
A Segurança de nossos cidadãos precisa ser avançada atravês de nosso compromisso em nos associar àqueles que corajosamente combatem os cartéis de drogas, as quadrilhas e outras redes criminosas através das Américas. Nossos esforços começam em casa. Ao reduzir a demandar por drogas e interromper o fluxo ilegal de armas e grandes quantias de dinheiro para o sul, através de nossas fronteiras, podemos avançar a segurança nos Estados Unidos e alem. E, seguindo adiante, manteremos um diálogo duradouro com o continente para garantir que estejamos contruindo sobre as melhores práticas, adaptando a novas ameaças e coordenando nossos esforços.
Finalmente, a Cúpula dá a todos os líderes democraticamente-eleitos nas Américas a oportunidade de reafirmar nossos valores compartilhados. Cada um de nossos países tem percorrido sua própria jornada democrática, mas temos que nos unir em nosso compromisso com a liberdade, igualdade e os direitos humanos. É por isso que anseio pelo dia em que cada país deste continente possa sentar-se à mesa consistente com a Carta Democrática Inter-Americana. E assim como os Estados Unidos buscam esse objetivo ao se aproximarem do povo cubano, esperamos que nossos amigos no continente americano se unam em apoio à liberdade, igualdade e direitos humanos para todos os cubanos.
ESTA CUPULA OFERECE A OPORTUNIDADE DE UM NOVO COMEÇO. AVANÇAR A PROSPERIDADE, A SEGURANÇA E A LIBERDADE DO POVO DAS AMERICAS DEPENDE DE PARCERIAS DO SECULO 21, LIVRES DE POSTURAS DO PASSADO. ESSA E A LIDERANÇA E PARCERIA QUE OS ESTADOS UNIDOS ESTÃO PRONTOS A OFERECER.
Last week we learned that the funds being allocated for tourism promotion has been cut unfortunately from Naf.6.2 million to Naf.4.2 million, or two million guilders less. The marketing funds are coming from the Social Economic Initiative (SEI) and the cutback will allow for the introduction of several unspecified economic stimulus projects.
With the allocated funds and a private sector contribution, an attractive promotional campaign for our island nation should also book results.
Like many other Caribbean destinations, everybody is marketing in order to attract visitors for the coming months. A US$1.3 million marketing campaign by the U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I.) Department of Tourism has already booked some results. According to tourism officials, they are finding a desire to travel among potential visitors, provided that they can take advantage of a high value offer.
The program has approximately 1,400 room nights, and within the first 96 hours of the campaign, close to 300 nights was sold. The U.S.V.I. campaign is looking at capturing summer and fall travellers. The booking window for the campaign started in November for travel June 1 through September 30.
The main campaign focus is on savings for the traveller such as complimentary nights, a US$300 air credit, US$50 worth of certificates for attractions, US$50 dining certificate, and a coupon booklet valued at more than US$500 to those who book the offer.
Advertising is being done via print and broadcast outlets and retail partnerships; in April a national radio campaign will debut along with a TV advertising campaign in June; all advertising to support the offer will feature a call-to-action to book through one of the territory's major airline partners; a segment filmed on St. Thomas will also air on 157 stations on the CW network's "Daily Buzz, a popular national morning show.
Here is some additional positive news; according to the February Travel Horizons Survey, the U.S. Traveller Sentiment Index rose to 90.2 per cent in February 2009 from 78.2 per cent in October 2008 due to an increase in the perceived affordability of travel.
The spike in the perceived affordability of travel appears to be a direct result of many travel suppliers' recent efforts to stimulate short-term demand through the aggressive promotion of discounted fares and rates, some of which are up to 50 per cent off the prices being quoted just six months ago.
IPK International reported at the recently March held ITB World Travel Convention in Berlin, Germany, that based on 500,000 travel interviews in 58 countries around the world, IPK suggested that 2009 will see travel declines in most markets, with 2010 neutral and small growth likely in 2011 and 2012.
European travellers are likely to switch to domestic travel, travel for shorter periods of time, choose cheaper destinations, or spend less while on holiday. IPK predicts that all of Latin America will record economic growth and travel demand growth, even in 2009.
St. Maarten's tourism authorities will be focusing on boosting airlift from key markets, and more promotion in South America, which is in line with current international travel trends as can be seen from the IPK information.
Dutch representatives should move quickly to approve the funds so the island's promotional campaign can begin.
Roddy Heyliger
Dear James,
Thanks (shukrya ......in my language) for coming. It was an honor to have you. This cultural exchange programme and our effort would not have been success without the presence, cooperation. in addition, blessings of Natives and people of St. Maarten and St. Martin. I would like to thank all for accepting our invitation, and for their attendance, giving us an opportunity to give a glimpse of Indian culture through Indian Music and Dance. I would also like to thank Our Government for their cooperation and their presence to honor the occasion.
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement for our community, which shows your openness, and strong hand forward for friendship. I am going to circulate the link of your appreciation and friendship to my community to enable them to reciprocate their friendship and respect. The Indian community has been living and prospering for many years, only because of Love and Friendship given to us by the people of St. Maarten and St. Martin.
This is why St. Maarten is our home away from home.
I sincerely hope The Rhythm generated this night will unite the people of all communities and natives and a New Rhythm of friendship and respect for each other will lead our nation to Peace and Prosperity..
Regards
DAMU
Most of you, by now should be familiar with the arrest of TODAY-newspaper's editor Hilbert HAAR for physically assaulting a former employee, Mrs. Lisa BROWN.
The story has been reported in the Daily Herald, in the www.smn-news.com <http://www.smn-news.com/> , www.sxmprivateeye.com <http://www.sxmprivateeye.com/> , and widely discussed in the various radio-call in programs
This particular incident has caused a very troubling response and resentment within our community although the TODAY-newspaper is trying very hard to downplay that.
In an open letter to Mr. HAAR , which his paper did NOT publish, but which appeared on www.,smn-news.com <http://www.,smn-news.com/> , I advised him to at least apologize, for having being part of this confrontation.
I emphatically stated, that such apology would not have to mean recognition of guilt on his side, but should take away any justification for all the very deep and emotional sentiments directed towards him from many people living on this island.
As was to be expected from Mr. HAAR and in keeping with what many people have recognized to be typical of his character, this was not done.
Therefore, as of immediately, I Leopold JAMES, up to now a frequent buyer of his paper, have decided to stop buying any more TODAY-news paper.
Main reason being that that paper's managing editor, Mr. HAAR, clearly shows absolutely no remorse, no contrition, no humility and understanding for the many social ‘sensitivities' of the people of this island, and of the many victims of domestic abuse in particular.
On the contrary, Mr. HAAR not only creates the impression, but seemingly enjoys deliberately RE-INFORCING such traumas and ‘open wounds'.
For me it is inconceivable, that any news-paper editor who, like it or not, is an opinion-maker and a role-model for how to think and act, can with any moral authority remain in function, within a society, where our youth is going down the drain due to a lack of examples for respect for law and order and values and norms.
While, I will no longer buy the TODAY-newspaper as long as Mr. HAAR remains the editor, I will respect those who want to continue buying his paper and consequently support him in thinking that he can do what he want and that the people will still continue to contribute towards his income and life style and most of all towards his warped sense of superiority.
It is a matter of choice and acceptance of its implication.
For me...I say, thanks but no thanks, I will no longer spend my money to buy a TODAY-newspaper.
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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I remember at the start of the 1985 campaign for parliamentary elections; walking into the Administration Building, I met Mr. Louie Laveist and asked him to voice a radio spot for my campaign.
Since 1985 we worked together on many campaigns for the Democratic Party. When Mr. Louie Laveist got elected to Parliament and I was appointed State Secretary of Justice, General Affairs & Interior Affairs our working relationship strengthened. Louie, being the new senator and I being the one with some experience in Willemstad, would guide him in the right direction as much as I could. When I joined Mr. Laveist in Parliament, one could say we made a pretty good tag team.
The exercise of preparing, guiding and completion of the process for the amendment to the Penal Code with the addition of the Human Smuggling article, was one where he chose to not fully follow my advice which resulted in the amendment being accepted by Parliament but with him literally having to sweat harder to get it passed.
The other day, I met Senator Ray Hassell and Commissioner Julian Woodley (Former Senator) and both of them reminded me of the long evenings where they, Mr. Laveist, myself and other colleagues from Parliament would spend at Marriott discussing politics, sharing experiences and giving each other advice based on our experiences.
Like everyone on St. Maarten and elsewhere in the Netherlands Antilles, I have taken note of the press reports on the court case of Mr. Louie Laveist and as a citizen with some experience in public service, would like to give some unsolicited advice to my friend Mr. Louie Laveist:
Refrain from making public statements on anything (don't even talk about the weather). Stay far away from microphones and cameras. Your participation in the radio program and your press conference has hurt your image and weakened your position and that of the island.
Enlarge your defense team and spend time, plenty of time, with your lawyer (s) preparing your case for the appeal courts. Instruct your defense team to refrain from public statements. Court cases are won in the Courts, in front of the Judges, not in the media.
Sint Maarten is bigger than all of us and its image and position needs to be restored not only in the Kingdom but throughout the Caribbean.
You do not deserve the way you are treating yourself. Regain support and respect by doing justice to yourself. To achieve this, I advise you to resign as Member of the Island Council. Stop holding government and the nation hostage. It will be the best for the Island and for YOU.
Marcel F.A. Gumbs
Citizen
The TODAY news-paper of Monday, May 4, carried the following headline; 'PEOPLE NOT LIVING ON SXM BARRED FROM VOTING'.
According to this article, people not legally residing on the island will NOT be allowed to vote in the upcoming Island council elections scheduled for later this year.
Let it be recorded here that we think we understand and agree with your premise for this measure, which has to do with election - fraud perpetrated for years by political parties.
However, as it is formulated, we can and will NEVER accept, St. Martiners, wherever they might reside, being denied the right to vote in their country of origin.
In addition, it is absolutely ridiculous and totally UN-ACCEPTABLE to us, that BECAUSE of the abuse non-St. Martiners were allowed to make by voting in our elections, that now EVERY non-St. Maarten resident will be barred, INCLUDING our own natives, who happen to reside outside the island or even on the other side of the island.
For the record as well, we consider the right to vote as one of the in-alienable rights of native-indigenous St. Martiners.
Especially, considering the overwhelming numbers of immigrants and naturalized citizens on the island, there MUST be special provisions in place for the people of this country, who are becoming marginalized in their own country, now with your backing as well.
We therefore urgently recommend that therefore, your proposal, which is definitely a step in the right direction, be more 'fine tuned' to do exactly what it should do, which is to PROTECT the natives of this island, including those who live outside our territory.
By the way, with due respect for Dutch State secretary Ank BIJLEVELD-SCHOUTEN's understandable concern in this regards, she too is very aware, if not very much involved in making sure that Dutch citizens residing OUTSIDE the Netherlands al participate in Dutch /European elections.
For more information, we refer you to our COMMENTARY on our website www.stmartinnation.org
Copies
State Secretary
UN.
Other relevant authorities
Leopold JAMES
President SNBF and Association L' esprit de Concordia.
From very good sources, I know that even the majority of your own party members do not agree with your refusal to allow for the people to have their say as to whether or not they would want a BESS-like status for St. Maarten.
So imagine William, since in this respect you can do not even represent the sentiments of your own party members, you completely lack any authority or credibility to tell the Dutch Government, that the only status St. Maarten is interested in, is ‘Country status'.
My good friend William, that is YOUR personal opinion and nothing more and nothing less.
You can talk all you want in press-conferences and try to justify pushing ahead with your coveted status, it matters not you are waging a losing battle trying to deny the people their right to speak for themselves as should be in a normal democracy.
William, I will take my challenges to you and Sarah even further.
Last week I made it clear that until you both can prove me wrong, I will assume I am right, when I say that given the opportunity to express their opinion, chances are the people under the current circumstances would reject ‘Country status' for St. Maarten and choose a ‘BESS-like' option instead.
William, you should pay serious attention to the silent grumblings within your own party.
They are silent, because your party culture has conditioned people to accept leadership without any questioning whatsoever.
So William, before telling the Dutch that the only status ‘St. Maarten' wants is ‘Country status', FIRST make sure you have the mandate of your OWN party on that issue.
To this end, perhaps you should first organize a vote by SECRET ballot in your own party.
This will allow for you to OBJECTIVELY find out how many people within your OWN party agree with you rejecting the notion of a BESS-status for St. Maarten.
I dare you to put that to the test, William !
Meanwhile, judging from the many blogs, and reactions within the pubic, I have become even more convinced that right now there is not sufficient public support for separate status, simply because the people have lost trust in the local body politic, due to the existence of entrenched corruption, nepotism etc. in government.
Therefore, a ‘BESS-status' for St. Maarten will most probably get the support of the overwhelmingly great majority of the electorate on St. Maarten.
Who the heck does JAMES think he is, I can hear you asking.
Actually, that is a very fair question William, to which my simple answer is.
Read my lips, just prove me wrong,........ if you can !
How to do that ?
One only way William.
Let the PEOPLE talk for themselves via a new referendum, or allow them to ratify the results of the negotiations on ‘Country status' for St. Maarten.
That is what democracy is about William.
Government is NOT a few politicians, Government is the PEOPLE.
Again, and in ending William, jump high, jump low, not jump at all,......until then, I assume that there is a consensus for St. Maarten to go ‘BESS' all the way.......and will push for such to the extent.
-
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
‘Prove us wrong, if you can...until then we assume we are right'.
Dear Sarah and William,
According to reports in the local media, you have told the Dutch Government to know the ‘will of the people' to be for NOTHING else, but your coveted ‘Country Status' for St. Maarten.
Wattating.....
Like most people, we doubt you are right on that one.
In addition, Sarah and William, do you really, even remotely, believe that statement yourselves ?
I guess frankly speaking, not too many people would agree with you that ‘Country status, or nothing else' represents their ‘will'.
Therefore, we ‘invite' you, Sarah and William..... or better yet, challenge you to prove us wrong when we state that the majority of people are sick and tired of you ignoring the real problems they have to cope with on a daily basis and are absolutely not interested in you achieving ‘Country status' for your own political purposes.
Worse yet....
We surmise, that the majority of people, even many of your own DP and NA supporters, no longer have any confidence and faith that their future is in good hands with you in Government based among others on alleged rampant corruption and nepotism .
Even as it stands now, the level of confidence is all but non-existent, let alone in a new future constitutional arrangement, where you would have still more power and even be in charge of justice.
Mama mia.....
Therefore, we hereby publicly state that, should the real and current ‘will ‘ of the people be given a chance, that the majority of law-abiding citizens at the moment, would go for exactly what you are trying to deny them, which is to become the new ‘S' of the 'BES'-Islands.
Not that, necessarily because they love the Dutch.
No, it is because there is a powerful desire to ‘pull up the hand brakes' on the downward direction this island is spiraling into, on its adventurous journey towards ‘Country Status', whatever that might mean for the PEOPLE of this island.
A ‘BES-like' status would be a perfect opportunity to say ‘Pas op de plaats', and to ‘RESET' our relationship within the Kingdom.
In that transitional phase, we would be able as well as, to do some very serious ‘soul-searching' and research of what we really want as a people, before we ‘tie down' future generations with consequences of actions taken without deep reflection.
A ‘BES-like' moment in our history, would create a logical 'transitional' phase needed among others, to educate the public in terms of steps to take in the ‘journey' towards eventual self determination.
One of those steps, should be a fundamental change in the mentality of many of our people from pure materialism towards contributing towards ‘country above self'.
After all, such a deep sense of patriotism is the strongest ‘driving force' , ‘soul' and 'binding element' behind any successful nation building, constitutional or even any developmental process, as opposed to selfishness, greed, lust for power, lack of national agenda etc..
Meanwhile, Sarah and William, until you prove us wrong, when we assert that the majority of law-abiding citizens would like to join the other ‘BES' islands, if allowed to have their say, we will continue to move forward on the assumption that they would and we will start promoting that concept within the Kingdom.
The moment you prove our assumption wrong, we will immediately concede and cease this route.
In ending and for the record as well, your personal or political opinion on the matter are no objective ‘tool' to prove us wrong.
There is only ONE test that can do that in any democracy....the FREE expression of the PEOPLE by means of a referendum, a ratification of the outcome of the Final Accord of 2006 or an independent, professional poll.
Nothing else will ‘cut it'.
So, St. Maarten , go ‘BESS', in preparation of the next phases of our Right of self determination, based on the legitimate choice of the People of the land.
It should be noted that we are absolutely NOT in favor of any 'BES-structure' for St. Maarten as an 'end-game' having any permanent character; we would totally be opposed to that scenario.
Fact of the matter is that we urgently need a 'time-out' in the constitutional process, so that the PEOPLE can evaluate the situation and decide 'Quo vadis' St. Maarten.
Leopold JAMES
Copies
Dutch Government
Parliament N.A.
While for many years, we have expressed serious concern and doubts, about the ‘readiness' of ‘St. Maarten', for any new status, and having taken much slack for it, there now appears to be a very strong and growing consensus among the people on the island that our sentiments were very legitimate.
As a result of this general concern of the public, it is our very strong conviction that your ‘advice' to the St. Maarten delegation that visited the Netherlands this week, is very well received by the majority of residents on the island.
According to the headlines in the Daily Herald of Tuesday, April 21, 2009 ;'DUTCH PARLIAMENT OFFERS HELPING HAND, BUT INSISITS ON WAITING A BIT'.
We consider that excellent advice, which we hope you will actually stick to and execute in the interests of the PEOPLE of this island, whose confidence in the good intentions of the body politic, has been eroded to a very critical level.
While the St. Maarten politicians, might try to put up a ‘fight', and try to blame you of disrespecting the ‘will of the People', the people themselves will not join them, but praise you for standing up for their interests.
By the way, we are not sure whether or not, St. Maarten ‘has' any government at this moment, while the leaders are in the Netherlands !
Therefore, as controversial as it might sound here, given the current set of circumstances on the island, which unfortunately and realistically can ‘not be fixed by us as a community at the moment, we strongly suggest you consider the following steps, which we are ready to expound on in due time and/or upon your request.
They are not necessarily mentioned in any particular sequence here.
1. STOP the nonsense and waste of tax-payers monies of ‘Country Status'.
2. Implement a transitional BES-status for St. Maarten and/or Higher Supervision.
3. Clean up the island, by starting the implement of a thorough investigation on corruption in Government and make sure that credible, local St. Maarten people are given the opportunity to have share their experience in this process as well.
4. Assist in the training of a new generation of political leadership in order to create a new political climate, in which respect for law and order, transparency and accountability becomes a standard norm and ‘modus operandi' in Government.
5. Cooperate towards a more equitable society, in which there is a healthy, and dynamic balance between all stakeholders, whereby certainly the existence and the rights of the natives of this island are defined and guaranteed constitutionally, as well as the basic human rights of others as well.
In ending members of the Dutch Parliament, we once more on behalf of the silent majority of residents on the island, thank you for not allowing yourself to be coaxed and rushed into ‘Country St. Maarten status', without guarantees for peace and stability.
Looking forward to your continued sense of responsibility towards the PEOPLE of St. Maarten and towards a constructive relationship with you,
Respectfully Yours,
Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia
The Daily Herald, of Thursday, April 16, 2009 carried on its front page, the heading 'Opposition boycotting mission to The Hague'
This time, we too can not get around it, whether we would want to or not.
The decision of National Alliance not to participate in the 'charade' to the Netherlands, in our opinion was necessary to make clear what is happening, - and has been covered up in Government on the Friendly island for too long.
The disgrace surrounding former active-with portfolios Commissioner LAVEIST, is a sad reminder of the state of affairs in Government, if there actually is one at present.
For finally standing up in the interest of the people of this island and taking this bold and critically important position, the N.A. has gained our approval and support.
It also must be said that the N.A. 'beat us to the punch' in that that party 'first' us in exposing this so-called 'mission' to the Netherlands for what it really is.
Lucky for the N.A., because had they gone along, they could also have been assured of our criticism as well.
It is clear that the DP-party will do anything to achieve its coveted status, 'studded' with attractive positions for all its cronies.
That party will even talk, write and sing about 'good governance', 'accountability', even 'justice', whatever it takes to please the Dutch and make them believe that 'all will be well' in 'County St. Maarten'.....
But, BELIEVING, in those virtues, RESPECTING them, LIVING in ACCORDANCE with them is quite another 'story' as we all know all too well.
Remember how difficult, if not impossible it is to 'teach and old fox new tricks?
And before the NA gets carried away with this specific support from us, let it be known that, like for most St. Martiners, achieving 'country status' for St. Maarten is absolutely NO priority at all or us.
Examples of priorities for us are for instance.
The official recognition of the very existence of St. Martiners as a native people with a history that was at the basis for its present development.
Consequently, the defining of our ancestral civil rights as native-indigenous St. Martin People in order to guarantee our survival in our own home, which is being flooded by others, claiming all kinds of 'trumped up' rights above us.
Also strict immigration control.
Jobs and business opportunities for native St. Martiners etc.
Asking natives to 'shout' and 'clap their hands' in anticipating 'Country status' is paramount to inviting people to prepare and witness their own funeral.
Not so fast...
Leopold JAMES
Dear Editor,
What kind of sensible thinking person could ever rationalize, a One Paged Explanation ( or in this case implementation,) of a topic Such, as " The Privatization of Public Education, submitted to the teachers of St. Maarten's Scholastic System a few weeks ago? "
What kind of joke is that?
The entire concept is something that had to be thought out in about fifteen minutes.
Everything, everything was wrong. And seemingly put together in some type of wonton fashion, clarifications are drastically needed on many issues pertaining to this topic- exempted.
First off, clarifications of what type of salary scale must be addressed. Seemingly the C.O.L (Cost of Living) for the new Salary Scales was never included; I'm talking about the one in 2006. So what happens in the Newest Scale?
There's also no mention of the Salary Scales, (Which quite naturally should be adjusted) for maintenance personnel? Or are they not entitled to C.O.L adjustments? So aren't they human?
The newly formed Island Government certainly has tremendous amount of issues, which should be capable of "filling of the plate" but an entire banquet table with food is being filled"! And don't forget the dessert?
Education, is the most important of all Social issues when forming a country. Because the future Citizens of that country must be intellectually healthy enough in order to be able to represent their country on all issues, on a Global Level. Therefore it stands that teachers has to be motivated, and provided with the tools necessary, including a Safe Sanitized environment, from where they can teach.
An issue such as the privatized development of a newly formed country should be a well thought and plan about. One with the main concept of how much more developments needed in the present system that can be implemented and done so with a managerial team of dedicated and serious professionals that will make the system a successful one.
Mean while to avoid any further confusions, and unsatisfactory policies, Educators should unite, and present the Government with feasible plans that would insure progressive results in the Education Sector including, wage allocations, C.O.L , Security, Infrastructural needs, tools ,etc.
Now is the time for "Cool Heads" and serious, conscientious efforts, which will benefit the newly formed "Country St. Maarten."
The educational system has to be a project that will include pertinent input from educators as well as the Governed Officials, in charge of the sector.
One group alone can never devise a system of quality, and discipline, when it comes to providing for our future generations to intellectually and formidably represent our Country in years to come.
So instead of concentrating on shuffling around the teachers and making derision out of it, the above should be priority. Teachers shouldn't be hearing things that's going to take place on the road prior to their meetings or even after meetings. So sad! Especially with the coding that is going on between our HEADS in private or even so far as in public. We have all been "tortured" in some way or the other when it comes to the Privatization of Public Education.
I sure think that this is the making of history.
GLENDA Mussen
Attached is a letter addressed to me, Leopold JAMES in the Daily Herald of June 4, 2009, in response to my OPEN request to the Lt.-Governor for an urgent meeting.
It was my humble opinion, that if people from all over the world can come to my country and claim all kinds of 'human rights', that I, a son of the soil, with roots dating back to at least 1790, and president of an legal entity on my island, could also make use of MY right to meet with MY Governor.
Obviously, there are those who think so not !
In addition and of course, as is the case most of the time, while making false accusations, the author is simply identified by the paper with 'Name withheld', while enjoying the 'privilege' of having his/her/its own real identity protected.
One thing is for sure.
The editor of the paper, knows the real identity of this 'author', and who knows if that is not the editor himself.
Nevertheless, read this article and draw your own conclusions, that is if you are able to follow and comprehend the content of this letter.
However, I would like for the record, for 'Name withheld', to prove with evidence that I ever said that I would like to see 'business licenses dished out according to race'
That is a pertinent lie, and perhaps the reason that this 'phantom' author assumed the identity of 'Name withheld' ,with approval of course of the editor of the Daily Herald, who, by law, remains responsible or the content of the paper.
have a nice day.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Fixed date 'Country St. Maarten', while people not being ready, the beginning of real trouble.
Dear members of Parliament,
Hopefully this is a very clear response to the headlines 'Why fix a date' asks Parliament, that appeared in the local St. Maarten newspaper, the Daily Herald of Thursday, July 2, 2009.
Clearly, this rhetorical question raised by a majority of members in Parliament, implies a growing doubt of the sanity of our local politicians, to place a 'date' ahead of all other concerns and requirements about the 'readiness' for the 'Country St. Maarten status'
For the record.
We have said it before and care to repeat it again here.
For there to be a responsible change of 'status', the entire community should be ready and foremost, the native-indigenous St. Martiners and other Antilleans have to see how they will benefit and not lose out.
It is clear that the politicians are 'over-ready' read 'over-excited', because from the onset they were 'ready'.
They had long dreamt about assuming the nice positions that would become available and/or created for them and their 'inner-circle'.
Like one well-known 'technocrat' and 'insider', recently told me, that his dream was to become 'ambassador in Cuba'
Certainly, as far as wer the native St. Martiners and other Antilleans are concerned let us be clear.
We are absolutely NOT ready to give up what we have built up since emancipation of slavery and after the 'Trinta de Mei' 1969 revolt.
This historical date marked the advent of the 'Antillean-identity', coupled with its rights and privileges to be first on ALL islands of the Antilles.
On the contrary, the newly coveted date of '10-10-10' on 'ground-zero', where real people live and toil, means nothing, nada, niets.
On the contrary, it will only intensify our fight to reclaim our ancestral rights as natives and our rights as Antilleans to be first at home.
We as proud Antilleans will never allow for the political traitors to take away our 'Antillianiasatie' rights, simply to allow for the politicians to finally live out their dreams.
In ending, I challenge any politician to prove that there will be any meaningful 'public opposition', should the Dutch Government implement a well balanced 'transitional period' for the 'Friendly Island' after January 2010, when the Antilles as we know, might no longer exist as a constitutional structure.
I doubt, that the politicians will be able to fill even a 'mini-bus' of paid, unconvinced protesters.
The main reason being that regardless which 'color and/or color-combination' of any 'new' Government, their is a general and ever growing distrust of the current 'body-politic'
A transitional period after come 2010 should among others, also serve to bring about a new awareness in the population and the emergence of a new 'crop' of political leaders.
Not 'more of the same', hiding behind new 'shade of colors'.
And so mote it be.....
With respect and without apologies,
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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CONVERT IN NEW STATUSSES, ‘ANTILLENIZATION’ INTO ‘ST.MARTINATION’, ‘STATIANIZATION’,’ BONAIRIANIZATION’,’ SABANIZATION’ & ‘CURACAONIZATION’
Judging from the great number of reactions to my previous article which proved that as the new (draft) constitutions for all the islands of the Netherlands-Antilles now stand, they de-facto constitute a betrayal of the concept of ‘Antillianization’, which resulted from the ‘Trinta di Mei 1969’-revolt that took place on Curacao.Based on this concept, ‘Antilleans’ were given special privileges in their own country, the Antilles, even over their own Dutch European counterparts living in the Antilles.One can call it whatever, but without any doubt, it served to protect us Antilleans in our own country every since.With all the new constitutional arrangements that are now being put into place in the separate islands of the Antilles, such a protective provision is nowhere to be found.That means that, instead of us as Antilleans truly emancipating and getting more rights in our separate-islands, we in fact wind up losing rights, we had gained through the sacrifices of the May 30, 1969 revolt.The only ‘winners’ are the politicians, who can now create nice positions for themselves and their cohorts.
This is nothing but a betrayal of ALL Antilleans !!!
Consequently, if properly presented, ‘whole-sale sell-out’ this can never be accepted in any court-of-law.
It is in-conceivable in this time and age, that a people loses its hard-earned human rights to be protected in their own country.
We hope that our politicians will realize this betrayal and try to correct it…pronto.
This can be done be amending the various draft constitutions and other agreements to include the following provision.
In keeping with the legal precedence of the notion of ‘Antillianization’, even-though the Antilles as it now exists, will cease to exist, it is decided to transfer the spirit of the ‘Antillianization’ into a specific form applicable to the individual islands of the Antilles.
Therefore, this will mean for the island of St. Martin, the defining of the rights attached to the process of ‘St. Martinization’.For Saba, ‘Sabanization’, for St. Eustatius, ‘Statianization’ for Bonaire, ‘Bonairization’ and for Curacao, ‘Curacaonization’.Meanwhile, we will contact the UN and other entities to champion this cause as wellClearly, failure on the part of the politicians within the Kingdom to continue protecting the Antilleans living on the individual islands of the Antilles, even in the new statuses, will mean that indeed it was the intention to commit genocide by substitution against the people of the Antilles.
This a crime against humanity that carries sanctions.
Copies to;
Kingdom Government
UN
CARICOM
Etc.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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Just think about it.
Let us study our recent history as people of the Netherlands-Antilles, and consider what our political leaders are about to take away from us Antilleans, so-called for some ‘new status’, but one without any guarantees for our survival as an Antillean people in return.
On May 30, 1969, a popular and violent revolt took place on Curacao.
It has come to be referred to as ‘Trinta di Mei’.
That date de facto has come to represent the ‘advent’ of what was called the ‘Antilleanization’ process.
Simply put the notion of the ‘Antillean-identity’ was born.
The sacrifices made by those who were part of the ‘revolt’ of 1969, was the acknowledgment of the rights of the ‘Antillean’ to be first when it came to job-opportunities in government as well as in the private-sector.
Who does not remember in practically all adds the condition, ‘Antilleans only need apply’ ?
For the first time for instance after the ‘revolt’, the Antilles had a BLACK prime-minister, Ernesto PETRONIA and a BLACK Governor-general, Ben LEITO and BLACKS occupied all possible top-positions.
The birth of the UNA, the full recognition of the Papiamento language as language of instruction etc.
One of the most interesting consequences of the fruits of the blood, sweat and tears of the participants of the revolt was the ‘Antilleanization’-policy.
It in fact meant was that we as Antilleans were uniquely protected in our own country, even against DUTCH Europeans, whose passports we actually carry.
At the same time we as Antilleans, were able to profit from the same rights as our Dutch European fellow citizens, in the ‘Motherland’ Holland.
In other words, we were protected by means of ‘positive-discrimination’ (affirmative-program) against all other DUTCH nationals and naturalized Dutch citizens living in the Antilles.
That was a status, many in the region, the French-side deeply envied the us Antilles for.
Now, finally our leaders have ‘turned the table’ on us Antilleans, by removing that ‘protective-shield’ from us and exposing us to the masses of all other immigrant-groups.
Now, every Johnny, Thom and Harry come-lately, will have the same rights as us in our country and by virtue of their larger and ever increasing numbers in fact completely replace us through genocide by substitution.
That is what our politicians bargained for.
Our demise as Antillean people without special protection in our lands.
This betrayal can however be corrected.
By re-visiting the draft constitutions and making sure that on EVERY island of the Antilles, the concept of ‘Antilleanization’ is transformed to protect the Antilleans of the respective islands.
Thus on St. Maarten, there will be a transformation called ‘St. Martinization’, on St. Eustatius, ‘Statianization’, on Saba, ‘Sabanization’ on Bonaire, ‘Bonairization’
After all, it can not be that as we so-called get more autonomy, it should mean that the people of the land should lose their rights to self-determination or the right to get first opportunities in their own country, that is unheard of and …criminal.
I dare to state that losing such rights can be ruled illegally in any court of law, anywhere in the world and perhaps, it should be presented in the de-colonization committee of the UN.
Who knows, we will initiate the process ?
In ending, we issue a very firm ‘caveat’ to the leaders of this country, not to rush into any status ‘country St. Maarten’, without taken the above mentioned into consideration.
It might result in SXM’s own ‘10-10-10’ on ‘ground-zero’.
‘Food for thought’
Leopold JAMES,
Proud native-indigenous St. Martiner….without apologies.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
As result of among others, the recently established contacts with the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, the Lt.-Governor of St.Maarten, various business-organizations and others, as well as the need for involvement of the people of the island to participate in the constitutional- and other developments of the island, future expansion of the scope of tasks of the SNBF/Association L' Esprit de Concordia is expected.
Based on this outlook, serious, dedicated and committed volunteers from both sides of the island are needed for the expansion of the SNBF & Association L' Esprit de Concordia grass-roots movement.
Especially young persons are encouraged to respond.
Areas to be expanded are among others, multi-media development, various project-developments, training, public-relation and more.
For more information the following persons can be contacted;
Diane HODGE, secretary ; 05 90 520958, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Larissa HODGE, treasurer 05 90 520958, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Albert ADAMS, member 06 90 885 223, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Leopold JAMES, president 54 43512, 5260065 or 06 90 485855, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Imagine you are aboard a space-craft ‘Universal adventure’ on mission to Alfa-Centauri, just some 5 light years away or to any other far-flung system in the universe and you get lost out there….
Calling that predicament a crisis, certainly would be an understatement….
It would be more a matter of ‘do or die’.
Metaphorically, the ‘Friendly island’ island finds itself in a similar situation of feeling lost on its ‘flight’ to some unknown ‘Brave New World’ called by some ‘article 74’ and others ‘country SXM-status’.
Meanwhile, the passengers of the space-craft ‘Friendly-Island’ are at the mercy of its crew.
Aboard ‘Universal adventure, the flight-engineers are realizing that the cause of their misery is a total collapse or ‘crash’ of their computer-system.
It has been overloaded with too much data, hacked into, too many concurrently running programs, heavily fluctuating electrical-voltages and what have you.
Interestingly same is taken place on space-craft ‘Friendly-island’ en route to ‘greener pastures’.
They too discover why their system has ‘crashed’ and rendered space-ship ‘Friendly- island’ rudderless….
Overpopulation, overdevelopment, illegal immigration, the many culture poison, abuse of social-welfare system, rising voodoo practices, gypsy bus-drivers, beaches off-limit to natives, imposed compulsory education as reward for illegal residence, exploding crimes, etc….
Aboard space-craft, ‘Universal adventure’ the engineers realize that they have exhausted all experimental efforts to repair the system, which caused them to lose their way in the vast expanse of the universe.
They now resort to the only and final action under such conditions and the press hard on the button ‘RESET’ in order to go back to ’basics’ and ‘solid ground’.
And indeed BRAVO.
It works wonderfully well and ‘saves the day’ , their lives, because the computer-screen suddenly completely clears up….no more distortion.
On space-ship ‘The Friendly-island’ it are the ‘nation builders’ who intervene and save the craft from a certain collision.
Like the engineers, they too, press hard on the button ‘RESET-SXM’ and gone are all the confusing information like ‘Me born here too’, ‘Me have papers too’, no more CAF, no more social homes etc. etc.
The passengers can now resume the trip in the constitutional universe, because the system is once more working perfectly again, guaranteeing safe passage for all.
No more confusion who is host and who is guest, no more guessing who forms the foundation and who sets the tone and forms the main dish…every passenger now clearly knows his and her role.
Finally, the trip can safely proceed, because the computer of spaceship ‘The Friendly- island’ has been reset and everyone is happy again.
Food for thought
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Mr. Frantz GUMBS
President C.O.M. Saint Martin
Dear Mr. President,
It certainly was a distinct honor and privilege to be granted the opportunity to make a presentation to you and the Councilors present, yesterday evening, Monday June 15, 2009.
Although the time to elaborate on the topic ('Cultural identity/traditions') and all of its aspects and implications was too short, we are grateful for having been granted the chance to share our vision on it and to be able to initiate a serious discussion as well. It is very clear that, while that should have been the case a long time ago, sooner rather than later, as a people and community, we will have to deal with these and other aspects of our reality on this island if we are to succeed in achieving stability and any for of constitutional success.
In addition, we once more re-iterate our willingness to continue making our contribution in bringing socio-economic equity and balance to our society.
As a native-indigenous grassroots St. Martin people's movement, we are fully convinced that it is our moral duty and privilege to take the initiative in this process of nation-/bridge-building, necessary to bring out the full internal potentials of this island for its native people and those wishing to part of us as a St. Martin people.
We therefore once more thank you for the opportunity and pledge our continued support to the Collectivity and others in these endeavors.
With respect,
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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First of all, we once more, hereby extend our congratulations to you and your fellow Commissioners and Island-Council members for having been able to form a new Government.
And while we have taken notice, that your prime priority will be to achieve 'Country status' for St. Maarten, we in return inform you that OUR absolute top-priority will be to have the native-indigenous St. Martiners and Antilleans living on the island, officially recognized a such, as well as their legitimate and certainly morally earned ancestral rights, which our ancestors have paid for in blood, sweat and tears.
Under no conceivable circumstance, can, nor will we cooperate with any effort to deny the aforementioned people their sacred rights in their own home-land.
In the event, what we have always advocated might sound strange to some, please allow me to recommend you to read the attached new constitution of the US Virgin Island.
In particular, we refer you to its PRE-AMBLE, where mention is made among others of CRITICAL preconditions,(as we too have also consistently promoted for St. Maarten ) such as the 'protection of their culture' / the identification and recognition of NATIVE Virgin Islanders.
As our so called constitution now stands, it complete ignores the history, emancipation, sacrifices and ancestral rights of native St. Martiners, who are not even mentioned as reference of any sort.
In fact, our constitution, therefore has all the hallmarks of a formal betrayal and genocide of we the natives of this island, which will not be tolerated.
On a positive note you are kindly informed that we are able, willing and ready to assist your new Government in the amending of the constitution in order at least, to guarantee the existence and the ancestral rights of the native St. Martiners, without denying others their basic human-rights as well.
Therefore, it is to a large extent up to your new Government, to either rise to the occasion and correct the many forms of injustices perpetrated against the natives of this country, or to be the one who 'inks' their betrayal and demise and who will have to bear the consequences thereof.
With respect,
Copies to all relevant authorities and public in general
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Dear members of the new Executive-council of St. Maarten,
On behalf of the SNBF and the Association L' Esprit de Concordia, we hereby congratulate you as new Executive-council of St. Maarten and we wish you well in confronting and dealing with the many tasks at hand, most of which are at best challenging for any Government.
And while we clearly understand and respect the fact that you as Government have the interests of all to consider, we look forward to you in showing great understanding and empathy for the many problems native-indigenous people of this island are faced with.
Many decades ago, we the native St. Martin people have been conditioned to welcome everyone coming from the outside to our shores and in that process we were so hospitable to all, that we earned the reputation as 'The Friendly island'.
At present, due to rampant, uncontrolled development, greed, corruption and the like, we the natives of this island are being 'repaid' for our hospitality with betrayal, exclusion and hostility, to the point where our very existence as a people is at stake.
Therefore, any new status, or even the current one becomes completely meaningless, irrelevant and even anti-St. Maarten, if finally Government does not acknowledge the existence of us as native-indigenous St. Martin people, along with defining and securing our rights to be first in our own country as a people.
Our position towards your new Government will therefore depend on the extent you are willing to step up to the plate and finally take care of the people of this country, without denying others their basic human rights as well; the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive..
Walking this 'tight-rope' will be your greatest challenge and we are prepared to make our contribution to you towards this process.
In ending, we urge you not to continue the policies of being insensitive and unresponsive to the native people of this island, as executed for decades by previous administrations.
Failing to create a moral foundation, which is the recognition, protection of the own native people, will most certainly deprive you of any justified and logical motivation for any new status and in such unfortunate event, you would have already failed before you actually have started.
Food for thought and may the good Lord bless you and guide you in the right way and protect you.
With respect,
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
With this article I hope to bring a keen awareness amongst our indigenous people as to the importance for being owners of succession properties a legacy or heritage that has been passed on to us by our forefathers who were slaves not by their choice but rather by force to toil on these very same plantations under the watchful eyes and cracking of whips while being held as prisoners, properties or possessions of their slaves masters.
There is absolutely no denial to the awful continuous and strenuous labour our forefathers endured in captivity by their slave masters.
• Synopsis of slavery.
Our forefathers who were in bondage for over three hundred years toiled, sweat and even shed blood and tears while being often times cruelly raped, whipped and dog bitten but yet they were able to sacrifice their lives and labour by passing on these properties formerly known as plantations to their descendants as an inheritance.
Many of our forefathers died while working under inhumane conditions on these plantations.
In the slaves era these properties were all used as plantations for cotton, coffee, and tobacco growth and were then considered to be of immense economic value for the export of these produce.
The abolishing of the slaves trade automatically resulted in the closure of agriculture on these plantations that were later given to the freed slaves by their masters.
* Today these properties or plantations are logically and legitimately called indigenous
succession land simply because the landowners are all heirs and descendants of the
former slave era.
* Today no cotton, coffee or tobacco is being cultivated on these properties like in the
past.
* Today no slaves and their off springs are working the land.
* Today one thing is for sure these succession properties do have more economic
market values than in the past.
* Today the heirs and descendants of the former slave era are the proud owners of the
succession properties.
• Prime, private and prosperous properties.
We the indigenous property owners consider our indigenous succession lands to be:
1) sacred properties to which we attach valuable, historical and ancestral meanings.
2) precious properties that should not be touched or tampered with by outsiders.
3) prime, private and prosperous properties due to its location with the esthetic and
panoramic views of the surroundings and having dread development potentials.
• Targeting our territories.
Since the closure of the slave era our indigenous succession lands have come under severe scrutiny or surveillance of several formidable forces whose aim are to rid the indigenous property owners off their awesome assets.
These pirates, parasites and prostitutes come in all sorts of fashions, features, figures and forms such as dread developers, "reputable real estate agents", "genuine government" of corrupt commissioners with their cronies.
Each one of these "corporate crooks" certainly are in possession of hidden agendas and ulterior motives which definitely are not in our best interests, therefore the indigenous property owners should always be on alert and aware of their incredible intentions.
• Terrible tactics.
Our "genuine government's" moves and motives are all designed for and concentrated on fatiguing and frustrating the indigenous property owners by:
1) imposing or placing all sorts of restrictions on the developing possibilities of the
indigenous succession properties such as the hillside policy, building stops etc as
"innocent incentives" to the local man.
2) imposing of the planning permit ordinances that often will not allow the indigenous
property owners to sub divide their properties as they will like to and therefore they
are forced to sell their properties.
3) dread developers who want to purchase the precious properties from the indigenous
people but often way below the market value, apparently because the descendants of
former slaves will be receiving too much money for the sales of the former
plantations.
4) "Reputable real estate agents" who besides representing the dread developers, the
indigenous peoples properties and also in the first and foremost place themselves will
always want to cut a deal on both sides of the fence.
• Obvious observation.
There are some commissioners and their cronies who have this noble notion that they are entitled to wrestle away the indigenous people's succession properties from its owners at all cost by offering in exchange little money and worthless domain dump properties in stark contrast to the beach front properties own and operated by the Wattleys in town.
What a thing!!!!! The Wattleys on the beaches and the Willies on the dump!!!!!
We will inform the public on this matter in due time!!!!!
• Political policies on prime properties.
The fact that foreign developers who operate in prime areas such as on beaches, Dawn beach and lowland areas etc are explicitly exempted from all types of restrictions while coincidently and perhaps even conveniently indigenous property owners are experiencing or encountering restrictions on developing their succession and hillside properties do raise hairs and eyebrows.
These actions by our "genuine government" of corrupt commissioners with their cronies are geared to strip indigenous people of their properties and as such suck, smell and smack of:
Politicians claiming people's properties!!!!!
E.James.
I am absolutely aware of the fact that on our island it is our habit or tradition to always acknowledge the hard work of all exceptional good and upright citizens by showering them with blessings, honors and praises befitting the sacrifices they have made in enabling us to enjoy the good things they have brought unto us.
It is expected of us to give good Samaritans in government their flowers when they are yet alive as a way of expressing our sincere gratitude.
Yes, good corporate citizens in government deserve our out pouring of gratitude and gesture as a stimulant to continue their hard and honest work on behalf of the people whom they should be representing in the first and foremost place rather than them selves.
Yes, this is what good and transparent governance with accountability is all about
Yes, it is about providing people with prosperity rather than politicians enriching themselves with personal possessions or properties!!!!!
Yes, so governing is about addressing people's affairs and not about acquiring of politicians personal achievements!!!!!
Yes, now I will address the subject of bad governance without accountability as to determine in which case we should rally or we should resent the type of government we have on our island.
• Faults, flaws and failures.
Yes, the state of our administration's performance is bordered on a natural failure, a national disaster and a terrible nightmare.
Yes, there is absolutely no sign or sight resembling the slightest image of good governance with accountability but rather a type of a Hilly Billy government that looks more of a banana republic.
Yes, a government whose cult, custom and culture embrace corruption as the norm of the day.
Yes, so what comes then evidently or natural to these "good Samaritans" in government, is to engage their administration into the usual blame game by pointing their fingers from them selves to another source blamed as the roots and reasons of faults, flaws and failures for not being able to provide good governance with accountability.
Yes, what you see is what you get nothing else but a continuation of a charade and comedy.
Round and round it goes where it stops nobody knows!!!!!
• Queer question.
Yes, we are a people that honour and respect the performances of each and every individual on our island.
Yes, we are a people who believe in giving our "good Samaritans" in government their flowers while they are yet alive.
Yes, we are a people who believe in giving Jack his jacket.
Yes, we are a people that call a spade or spade.
But now we are confused as it relates to an unfortunate commissioner and we are now asking the captain what should we do:
Abandon rallying around the flag or stay course by rallying around a friend?
Mr. Edwin James.
Any status ‘Country St. Maarten’ without St. Martiners is totally unacceptable !
Dear Mr. MARLIN,
With all due respect for your determination to make sure that you are the one who delivered ‘Country St. Maarten’ to the people, let the following be very clear as well.
Under absolutely no conceivable set of circumstances, will we accept our country to be sold out, its native St. Martin and Antillean People wiped out of existence.
We also congratulate you for thus-far having ‘outshone’ the former leader of Government, by in no time eliminating the Labor Permit Policy, pledging to immediately implement compulsory education, as well achieving as this so-called ‘Country St. Maarten status’.
Meanwhile, we are yet to hear you utter one single word of concern, acknowledgment of the St. Martin native people, who have been slowly, but sure wiped out with the cooperation of successive Governments.
While you had a very unique opportunity this time around to do such, you apparently preferred to follow the interests of many of your friends, supporters and financial backers who are not of St. Martin ancestry.
For the record again, let it be known that we are willing to cooperate with your Government and any other Government in terms of doing what is best for this island.
This is the ‘resetting’ of all developments, so that we can start rebuild this nation in the most sustainable way.
That is from the ‘native-indigenous St. Martin bottom up’, while including others as well on the ‘way up’.
Nothing less will work and accepted by the people of this island, Mr. MARLIN.
In addition Mr. MARLIN, rest assured that we too will intensify with determination our mission of building the St. Martin nation, starting with St. Martiners first.
And even if the Dutch Government would consider collaborating with your mission to wipe out the natives of this island, through the ongoing ‘genocide by substitution’, disguised as ‘Country St. Maarten status’, on ‘ground-zero’ it will be an ‘academic’ status, because there will be consequences.
We St. Martiners are sick and tired that our plights have always been subjected to the trumped up so-called human-rights of many who came in here illegally and now are ready to eventually by virtue of their numbers, to take over the country our ancestors shed blood, sweat and tears.
So, ‘William’, please take it a little easy and be careful not to risk provoking the spirit of our ancestors for betraying their sacrifices.
The right thing to do is to sit down with us and others and to complement the existing draft constitution by clearly indicating our history, our emancipation struggles and our ancestral rights, guaranteeing our permanent existence.
With respect,
Proud, native-indigenous and fearless native-indigenous St. Martiner, without apologies,
Drs. Leopold JAMES.
Clearly, Mr. Gerard BIJNSDORP alias 'Free adviser', alias 'driftwood-artist' is a 'wannabe Jack of all trades' who has found 'paradise' on 'Friendly-island' and he never wants to immigrate back to his cold, cloudy and rainy country.
To secure that his stay in paradise is not jeopardized, he wants to make sure that the natives St. Martiners remain unaware of how they are losing their paradise and their first-rights to it.
Especially at a time when St. Martiners are being confronted with so many threats to their very existence, the total disregard of this so-called 'drift-wood artist' for the intellectuals and leaders of this island should not be seen as innocently 'joking' around.
On the contrary, his constant attempts to ridicule our intellectuals, is a very old colonial and extremely calculated strategy to discourage St. Martiners for speaking out about developments they are concerned about in this their own land or to even aspire to be whatever they want in their own country.
His most recent public and false accusation that Mr Leopold JAMES, vandalized a sign board of a resort under construction in Billy Folley, Simpson-Bay, is 'one step too far'.
Vandalism is a criminal act according to the Dutch penal system.
For the editor of the TODAY news-paper, Mr. HAAR also a Dutchman to now suggest that the public accusation of the 'driftwood artist' was just a 'joke', clearly is intended to protect his country-man for possible prosecution for libel and/or slander
Should the prosecutor regard that false accusation of a criminal act as a 'joke' as well, then certainly he will have lots of jurisprudence and precedence to deal with.
To discuss this topic and many related aspects, join host Billy D. HAMLET who will have Leopold JAMES as guest on his program next week,
DATE; Tuesday, march 42, 2009
TIME; Starting 9.00 a.m.
RADIO-STATION; S.O.S 95.9 F.M.
Number to call 05 90 510045
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Young, dynamic, independent and creative St. Martiners, who are interested in a career in all aspects of radio from start, to full operation and beyond.
Contact Leopold JAMES 54 43512 or 5260065 or Jesse ADAMS 06 90 885223
or mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Closer to home now.
How long does the Executive-council of St. Maarten think it can continue
to carry on business as usual and run the island like a personal
enterprise, before the 'hammer' of Higher Supervision comes down with a
bang on Government ?
That day might be much closer than many politicians would want to
believe and the population might want nothing more than such
intervention, in order to 'clean up the mess' and to allow for a new
generation of leaders to step up to the plate.
Regardless of how hard Government is trying to sell its 'Country Status
message', the distrust against Government in virtually every sector of
society is escalating, beyond repair and people would simply like to see
this Government placed under Higher Supervision and investigated.
Food for thought !
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
1. Commissioner Sarah WESCOTT-WILLIAMS
2. President Frantz GUMBS
3. Lt.-Governor Franklyn RICHARD
Re; Where is your pride-, and dignity as St. Martin People.
It is often said that pictures convey a powerful message.
Just one of the many cases in point.
See attachment picture on the front-page of the Daily Herald of Thursday, March 12, 2009.
Now, please be so kind as to give the People of this island an honest and direct answer to any, or preferably all of the following questions and more..
1. Do you think these so-called vendors are our own native St. Martiners, and if not, who do you think (and actually KNOW) they are ?
2. Could they be the same People who flood this country non-stop, produce children simply in order to claim every possible right of our land, in the process making the natives a minority ?
3. Is this 'run-down', slum image they are creating at will for our island, precisely that image we having been working for so hard for and paying so much to market the 'Friendly island' ?
4. What is the 'added value' of these vendors, Commissioner BUNCAMPER-MOLANUS once talked about as condition for immigrants-workers to the island ?
5. Do you think (which you know is not the case) St. Martin people would be allowed to go to the countries of these people and do the same, which is to bring it down and to move in front of the natives there and call that development ?
6. What is Government planning to do about these type of people, who feel so much at liberty,(because they find us plainly 'stupid'), to set up 'businesses' consisting of a few blocks and some wooden board,(open all hours of the day including on our Sabbath) and call them vending shops anywhere alongside the road ?
7. Has President GUMBS, ever noticed an entire 'side-walk super-market' a la Haiti, established at the round-about in Agrement ? Is that what we should be proud of and tolerate OTHERS to do, what WE ourselves do not do ?
8. Do you know that at that round-about, more and more Haitians are creating a run-down 'Haiti styled Shopping Mall', where sometimes, huge chunks of goat-meat is displayed in the open air, sun exposed with zillions of flies buzzing around ?
In ending, when are you really going to ACT as our leaders, defending our ancestral-rights, our traditions, our norms and values and giving content to our new status having significant content and protection for the natives of this island.
What example are you to our young native St. Martiners, who lack support ?
Time is running out and we are getting tired of those in authority who do not have the pride, dignity and courage to stand up for their own, if they know who they are...others know for sure and proudly show it, even if they are in our country.
Step up to the plate, before it is too late and we allow for others to establish a version of their 'Banana-Republic' right in our face..
Proud native-indigenous, without apologies,
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
I will address this issue of our Commissioners and their collective responsibilities indebt as to properly understand where the buck should stop whenever there is an unfortunate situation involving any commissioner regarding criminal activities in government.
It is important to know who should take the fall whenever a commissioner is being charged with and condemned for conducting improper actions while holding public office.
People should be properly informed that whenever a member of government especially in the Executive Council is being officially indicted on corruptive charges who should then take full responsibility of such a mishap at the end of the day.
In order to know who should then be ultimately responsible for the fate of such a member in the Executive Council we must first understand the responsibilities of government as a body and the individual members in government.
• Commissioners and their collective responsibilities.
We will first address the issue of collective responsibilities regarding the commissioners.
1) The Executive Council consists of all commissioners and is the sole body that is only
authorized to grant and reject permits.
2) Granting and rejection of permits are done in a joint fashion by commissioners in the
Executive Council and not otherwise.
3) Because of this procedure commissioners should all be aware of the granting and the
rejection of permits.
4) In all cases then, where commissioners are being officially charged with corruptive
practices in government, their associates should also be charged as accomplices and
co- signatories to these questionable documents and should have had foreknowledge
of something being amiss or something does not add up and therefore should have
called for an investigation in this matter.
But would the devil investigate the demon is another question????
So the granting and rejection of permits is a collective responsibility of the Executive Council.
• Obvious observation.
"Leader of government" you too are also perhaps an accomplice in the fraud and forgery case with uncle Louie in the signing and granting of the relevant and questionable permits as a member in the Executive Council.
Commissioner Sarah Wescot Williams, as "leader of government" it behooves you to remain prudent in order to avoid any more embarrassments from your corruptive administration and we demand and deserve good governance with accountability.
• Commissioners with their individual responsibilities.
Now we will address the commissioner's individual responsibilities.
Any commissioner who uses his or her position as a commissioner in influencing the Executive Council to grant or reject a permit in return for receiving personal favors is grossly guilty by law for accepting bribes.
The fact that a commissioner accepts bribe he or her can no longer hide behind the Executive Council's collective responsibilities but rather will be charged on his or her individual responsibility for violating the law on bribery.
Such a commissioner will be most naturally left out in the cold by him or herself when all hell breaks loose or when the sh...t hits the fan!
Here is where and when his or her accomplices, associates or co-sponsors part and go their separate ways leaving their embattled buddy to fend or fight for his or her political career.
• Back or whip lash.
But the danger accomplices, associates or co-sponsors face for leaving their embattled buddy behind to fend and fight tooth and nail in an attempt to hang on to his or her political career is, that at any given moment he or she may cooperate with the justice department in striking a deal in getting lesser punishment for implicating others who are even more guilty than them.
After all we all know that the Titanic didn't went down alone.
• Credible Conclusion.
So commissioners be aware of what can be your perils, pitfalls and other problems regarding:
Collective and individual responsibilities.
Mr.Edwin James.
Mr. Editor, please for ‘the
record', clarify your own rules...
He has ‘struck'
again...
Despite the promise in your note of Monday,
January 19, 2009,
placed under my letter to the Editor ‘Do not
forget to milk the cows', he still was allowed by you to
continue his personal attacks on my person.
In a letter to the editor of
Thursday, January (Unpaid Advisor's
Marshall Plan), the ‘wannabe' something-,
anything but self',
has again tried to ridicule me for fighting for the rights of the St. Martin people in their own native country.
And contrary to what your note
stated, you still allowed the good gentleman to continue ridiculing me
standing
up for my own St. Martin people.
Please Mr. Editor, do not get me wrong, because it
is not that
I mind this ‘wannabe' having nothing
else to do than attacking me personally.
In fact, the non-productive, silly diatribes of
this exotic ‘wannabe'
provide me with a wealth and ‘preponderance
of evidence', to be used at the appropriate time and place unknown to
him.
Hope that he then does not become a ‘cry-cry baby' like others have
in the past.....
As far as I am concerned, I have been through it
all,
including non-effective ridicule, affecting my family as well, for
years.
And know what ?
Still standing over 6 ft. tall and proud.
Being the target of ridicule for me, is a very
affordable ‘price'
for standing up for my native St. Martin people and rest assured, that
I will
continue such, without apologies, come what may.
But as a respected paper, I would like to believe
that the Daily Herald
has a role in informing people in a professional, objective manner and
in the
process setting clear and impartial rules and criteria pertaining to
the publishing
of letters sent to you.
For now, they are not clear to say the least.
What are for instance your standard procedures for
people to
constantly write and attack others in a personal manner, in the process
affecting their families using you paper as means ?
Is it your policy to afford those affected the
same right to
respond and/or to defend themselves or not ?
Case in point here
On Monday, January
19, 2009, I responded with an open letter of my own to Mr.
BIJNSDORP's constant personal attacks on me in your paper.
While indeed you published my open letter, you
also added an EDITOR's NOTE.
Quote; Now that both
gentlemen have had their say,
no more letters in this matter will be entertained from either of them'.
It appears that the note was solely intended for
my person,
because lo- and behold,in the Opinion section of your paper of today,
Thursday,
January 29, you allowed Mr. BIJNSDORP
to continue his personal attacks on me ,‘business as usual'.
Again, Mr. Editor, it is YOUR
paper and you are free to be selective if you so desire.
Also, as far as I am concerned, you are free to
side with the good gentleman in his personal attacks on me, because
that matters not to me, because I know, when one 'spits up in the air,
sooner or later one's own face will bespat'.
Nevertheless Mr. Editor, in the interest of your
readers, and certainly
of the young ones, as well as in the interest of your own professional
credibility,
it might be wise, to explain your position in terms of your rules,
policies on
Letters to the Editor, lest perception of your agenda becomes justified
reality
within our community.
Thanks for allowing me the space in your paper.
Leopold JAMES
Proud native-indigenous-----Yes ..without apologies.
Dear Mr. President,
On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Mr. Albert ADAMS (Jesse Torres), myself Leopold JAMES, and Mr. Etienne VAN HEYINGEN also know as ‘ETIQUE', appeared on the popular radio-call in program ‘Talking Points' of Mr.‘Billy D' HAMLET.
During and especially after the program, we were flooded by people who listened to the program and who urged us to come on the air much more often.
In particular, people responded extremely surprised at the knowledge of 'Etique' on the culture of the Haitian people, of whom we have thousands of immigrants on the island, while their numbers continue to rise and pose a serious population in-balance.
Finally, people are realizing the importance of knowing WHO we are importing in our midst in terms of their culture, their thinking, their history, their health-risks and their methods in going about becoming the new natives of this island.
Now that people have come to realize that the Etique they thought they knew and took for granted for so long, is a real grass-roots historian and a living encyclopedia, they want for him, on a ongoing basis to share his wide personal experience with them on this critical immigration matter.
We hereby lend our support to that request from the St. Martin people by recommending you invite Mr. VAN HEYNIGNEN for an informative meeting on the issue at hand.
Hopefully such a discussion can result in you offering him a position as a grass-roots consultant, allowing him to share his expertise with the collectivity, schools, associations, unions, employers and others about the background, the thinking and the customs of those immigrants which are having a tremendous impact on every aspect of the lives AND the future existence of the native-indigenous St. Martin People.
We look forward to your response in making use of our own local native human-resources.
Needless to state that acknowledging one of our own as such, will go a long way in restoring confidence of the native population in your ability and willingness to stand up for your own native-indigenous St. Martin people, without taking away the justified basic human-rights of others.
This principle is applied in every self-respecting country and St. Martin should be no exception.
It is very clear that we can no longer have people in our midst, whose motives, thinking and agenda remains a secret to us, until they decide to manifest these, at a time, when it will be too late for us to survive as a people.
Looking forward to your expedient response.
On behalf of the SNBF/Association L' Esprit de Concordia,
Leopold JAMES, president
Copies
Media
Other relevant authorities
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
The Island-council of St. Maarten,
The Governor-general of the N.A,
Director Bureau Telecommunications,
The Dutch Government,
Management PJD-2,
All other relevant authorities.
Re; Placing self-above country the DP's 'modus operandi' ?
During this Sunday-morning's, January 17, 2009 talk-show, host Mr. Lloyd RICHARDSON, repeatedly made a statement that can not be overlooked, and therefore needs extremely urgent attention and scrutiny of all authorities in the Kingdom, if we are serious about promoting good Governance, fighting corruption in Government and achieving 'Country status'.
Especially against the backdrop of the many investigations taking place on corruption in Government, the bad press in Holland and elsewhere about bad Governance on St. Maarten, the threat of Higher Supervision, the many social problems facing our youth etc. this statement calls for very serious investigation, even an island-council meeting and if necessary actions.
At a time, when we more than ever, need a change in the mentality of politicians and when we need a new 'crop' of politicians, such a statement repeated by a influential host, could send out a devastatingly wrong message, that it is o.k. to hold a public office, and to allow for one's personal interests and concerns to prevail over the 'People's Business' at all costs.
In other words Lloyd's positions is that, it is o.k., that once in Government, one can get involved in all kinds of shady deals and when in trouble to use the office of Government as a 'personal shield'.
In my books that is one of the 'founding' and fundamental principles of any 'self-respecting Banana-republic'.
That is exactly what Mr. BRINKMAN has been stating and AGAIN Lloyd RICHARDSON publicly over the internet simply proves him absolutely correct.
Needless to emphasize, what damaging impact such statements, made and defended on the public airwaves must have on our youngsters, who have to listen to such unbelievable mis-information.
Already, our young people are becoming more confused everyday and such irresponsible statements certainly do not contribute towards resolving the crises facing our People from many angles.
Nevertheless, I can predict, and therefore look forward to this gentleman shifting the topic as he usually does in order to revert to attacking me personally and in full force.
I am accustomed to such treatment and enjoy dealing with them, so I look forward with great pleasure and anticipation to the reaction by this gentleman.
However, whatever he might have, or want to say about me as a diversion tactic, so be it.
The question remains, whether or not you agree with him that placing 'self above country/public-office' is the way to govern or that you yourself govern on this principle as well ?
For the record, do not believe my words in paraphrasing Mr. RICHARDSON.
But, request the tape of Sunday's installment to be relayed and carefully study its contents yourselves and draw your own conclusions.
It might as well be that, instead of Mr. Louis LAVEIST having 'busted the pot' Sunday, as he promised (???), it was Lloyd who 'busted the pot' by exposing the 'modus operandi' of Government, which is ' Self first,....Government at the very bottom and to heck with the St. Martin People'.
Keeping silent on this issue that has the entire population baffled is no option.
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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This is a popular movement aimed at maintaining and guaranteeing the human-rights that have been built up as part of our emancipation as Netherlands-Antilleans, as well as the result of the 'Treinta do Mei' revolt of 1969, which saw the acknowledgment and emergence of the Netherlands-Antilles identity.
This meant that, any Antilleans finally could become Governor-general, Prime-minister of the Antilles, and hold any top-position in the private sector, anywhere in the Netherlands-Antilles.
As such, we Antilleans had even more rights in the Netherlands-Antilles, than our own European-Dutch fellow citizens.
With all the constitutional changes now taking place, this human-rights for us Antilleans to have first opportunity in our land is being threatened to become something of the past.
If that happens, it will mean that everyone coming to our islands, could in fact get the same rights as us Antilleans, and by virtue of their larger and ever growing numbers in fact replace us through genocide by substitution.
We believe that there is a way out.
That is to transfer these rights accumulated during our emancipation to every island, leaving the Netherlands-Antilles constellation.
By doing so, regardless of whatever 'new' status is implemented, the protective 'Antilleanisation spirit' will always be there to protect us Antilleans, without denying others their realistic human-rights.
This solution is a 'win-win' one, because it does not necessarily have to stop or slow down the ongoing constitutional developments.
In addition, it might make future constitutional referenda un-necessary, because regardless of what ever status, we Antilleans will be protected and have first options in our own land.
Subsequently, the spirit of our ancestors who shed blood, sweat and tears for us, can continue to live in peace and not come to haunt those who betrayed them for self-empowerment under the guise of a 'new' constitutional status.
In ending, all proud Antilleans have the opportunity to contribute towards this goal of maintaining the 'Antillean spirit and rights' on every island of the Netherlands-Antilles, by forwarding this mail and contacting every Antillean politician to .the honorable thing.
'Yes, we Antilleans can'
Jin
drs. Leopold JAMES,
Proud Antillean of native-indigenous St. Martin heritage...without apologies.
Dear Mr. Hyacinth RICHARDSON,
Commissioner of Culture, Labor & Health,
On behalf of our delegation, consisting our board-members, Larissa HODGE, Albert ADAMS as well as of independent observers Emilio MARTINA and Stuart JOHNSON, allow me to thank you for having given us the opportunity to share a number of our views pertaining to the building of the St. Martin nation with you yesterday, Friday, July 10, 2009.
We must also, express our sincere appreciation to you and the new Executive-council in general
and to Lt.-Governor Franklyn RICHARDS in particular, for the recognizing the importance of the work that our organization has been doing under very difficult circumstances over the years.
In this regards, we are very proud to have contributed towards a growing consciousness among all groups and stakeholders on the island, that acknowledging the rights and the input of the native-indigenous people is an absolute 'conditio sine qua non' for any sustainable development on the island, be it, socially, economically or constitutionally.
As promised, we are committed to take this momentum of the revival of the St. Martin People's sense of ancestral-pride and unity to the next level of partnership with the Island-government of St. Martin and the Collectivity Saint Martin.
This joint public-private partnership will heed the call of all St. Martin people, to recognize and mobilize them in a grass-roots movement thereby creating the strongest possible foundation for a stable, and harmonious society.
Needless to state the the population will be very grateful to the Island-government and the Collectivity for making this absolutely necessary partnership a reality; after all the native-indigenous St. Martin people are ONE people of ONE blood and such MUST be reflected on the 'ground' meaning in a 'grassroots-reality' or movement.
The time is now.
We look forward to your continued support and once more thank you and the Executive-council.
With respect,
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Recent indicators suggest that the global economy has passed its depression and some forecasts for 2010 are now being upwardly revised. The World Travel & Tourism Council reports that there are good reasons for caution and a second dip into recession early in 2010 cannot yet be ruled out.
Nevertheless, according to the latest travel horizons survey, the nationally representative survey that is co-authored quarterly by Ypartnership and the U.S. Travel Association, reveals that almost two-thirds (63 percent) of American adults expect to take at least one trip for leisure purposes between August 2009 and January 2010.
This is up from 61 per cent who expressed the same intention in July 2008. Assuming that Americans will act on their stated intention, this will entail an estimated 142 million U.S. adults taking at least one overnight trip during the next couple of months.
According to U.S. Travel Association President Roger Dow, Americans continued strong interest in travel and positive perceptions of its affordability are positive signs for the industry.
Approximately 2,362 persons were queried between July 21-28, 2009 about their average number of overnight trips they intend to take and this came out to 2.8, an increase from 2.6 in July 2008.
In the meantime, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) expects moderate growth for 2010. The initial forecast for 2010 indicates that international tourist arrivals are likely to see moderate recovery next year, with growth at +1 per cent to +3 per cent.
This outlook reflects the gradual improvement of international tourism figures in recent months, as well as the better-than-expected economic indicators in some major source markets.
We must continue to prepare ourselves for the upcoming tourist season. Americans vacationing abroad are looking for value for their money. Many destinations in the Caribbean and around the world will be in search of that visitor.
If we don’t keep ahead of the pack, we will be left behind.
Roddy Heyliger
Law enforcement organizations comprising of the Police, Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten and the Control Unit, must be commended for carrying out controls on school busses. At the beginning of October more than five dozen school busses were controlled for weapons and illegal substances. Students’ bags were also checked.
The law enforcement agencies discovered an array of weapons and other items that could cause harm. Some of the items found were machetes, scissors, flare gun, butcher knives, a length of chain, a steak knife, brass knuckles, a switch-blade knife, and to top it off some marijuana. The law enforcement initiative was taken in part of renewed efforts to stop crime from entering schools.
The Police have made a serious plea to parents to ensure their children are safe, by warning that adults were underestimating the danger of students fighting and carrying weapons to school. Police are urging adults to be better parents and to get involved in their children’s lives by keeping a closer eye on what their children are doing, who they have as friends, and what they are taking to school.
The Police are of the opinion according to media reports that the community isn’t taking children fighting in and around schools and using weapons seriously enough. “This problem that we are facing here is much more serious than we think it is,” Police spokesperson Inspector Ricardo Henson reported to the media.
He adds, “If this problem is not addressed in due time, it can spiral out of control and many young persons might get hurt.”
However, the Police have promised that these controls will continue after the October mid-term break. They definitely must continue as they act from the premise of being a preventative measure. Sadly, though, a young person was stabbed on Wednesday at one of the islands secondary schools.
One possible option that should be considered by educational officials is the so-called “Deans of Discipline.” Jamaica’s Ministry of Education has just completed training its first batch who will be in charge of developing a sustainable framework for maintaining discipline in schools.
The idea for the position of “Dean of Discipline,” emerged out of concerns about the growing level indiscipline and crime in Jamaica schools, and the need to have persons dedicated to behaviour management. A major component of their work is to boost self-worth of students. Much of what you see expressed as (bad) behaviour is a search for identity.
Persons who have been hired for the position are trained in one of the following areas: education, guidance and counselling, social work, psychology and other behavioural fields.
The “Deans of Discipline” will focus on the safety and security of schools, bearing in mind that safety and security is about enhancing the children’s well-being to become goal-oriented successful young adults. The system would also be associated with sanctions and rewards.
Is it a solution for us? Is it something worth pursuing? A nation’s most precious resource is its young people. Some of our young people have turned to violence to resolve problems, a very disturbing trend within a small developing nation such as ours.
“This problem that we are facing here is much more serious than we think it is,” Police spokesperson Inspector Ricardo Henson reported to the media. As a community we should heed his words very seriously.
Roddy Heyliger
It is with great frustration and disappointment that I read the article published on the front page in your Saturday paper entitled « Man gunned down in Marigot”.
I could understand fully that your main objective as a media is to sell papers but it is also the duty of any professional and ethical news media to collect the proper and correct information knowing that when the news hit the public , it is somewhat impossible to turn around the false information that has time to spread over the island and most of all on the Internet!
Journalism must be about sensational breaking news , yes, but you should check your sources and not publish what this one or that one said ! How can a newspaper like the Daily Herald depend on another French newspaper, Le Pélican, to get information!
This young man has a mother and her father , they are hurting to see what was published about their loving son! At no time was he convicted! It is incredible to see how many of us including journalists are so eager to condemn the young people! Right away it is a drug dealer, a robber !
I have noticed over the past years that most of the news media on this island are so eager to publish only negative and destructive news about Saint Martin as if there is a real policy to annihilate us!
I would like to ask you, Mr Editor to carry out your investigation and publish your apologies to the family on front page as how Rigobert’s image was torn down !
Rest in Peace, my lil Geegee ! And to all his family: hold on, be of good courage , God is with you all!
Aline CHOISY
A nation’s most precious resource is its young people. They are expected to carry on the socio-economic development of a nation as it passes from generation to generation. Some of our young people have turned to violence to resolve problems, a very disturbing trend within a small developing nation such as ours.
Most recent incidents once again bring the issue to the forefront. Within two weeks after the 2009/10 school year opened, a gang fight on a school bus broke out. Weapons confiscated at the scene and from controls at other locations include machetes, hatchet and a sword. When Police questioned those on the bus involved in the fight, none of +
them according to media reports gave any information about the incident.
Another disturbing and troubling development is when two 11-year-old primary school pupils were caught with a knife on school grounds. They reportedly told teachers and police that they intended to stab a girl pupil from another primary school with whom they have been having problems with.
In recent years, there has been a major growth in the understanding of how violence burdens communities and contributes to a wide spectrum of health consequences and health risk behaviours in children and adults.
Violence accounts for over 1.6 million deaths per year globally or 4000 people per day. This has been described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a significant public health, human rights and human development problem.
The health impact of violence is not limited to physical injury. Long-term effects can include depression, mental disorders, suicide attempts, chronic pain syndromes, unwanted pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections. Children who are victims of violence have a higher risk of alcohol and drug misuse, smoking, and high-risk sexual behaviour.
Violence is preventable and its impacts can be reduced. There are proven and promising prevention strategies according to the WHO.
Proven individual prevention strategies include pre-school enrichment programmes during early childhood (ages 3-5 years), life skills training and social development programmes for children aged 6 to 18 years and assisting high-risk adolescents and young adults to complete schooling and pursue courses of high education and vocational training.
Proven family prevention strategies include providing training for parents on child development, non-violent discipline and problem-solving skills; promoting parental involvement in the lives of children and adolescents through programmes to develop home-school partnerships; and mentoring programmes to develop attachments between high risk youth and caring adults in order to build social skills and provide a sustained relationship.
Proven and promising community prevention strategies include increasing the availability and quality of childcare facilities, increasing the availability and quality of pre-school enrichment programmes and improving school settings, including teacher practices, school policies and security.
A considerable amount of investment will have to be made in the aforementioned in order to tackle the challenges being faced by a certain segment of our society. These investments and interventions need to be made sooner than later.
Roddy Heyliger
‘Country St. Maarten Status’, NOT about St. Martiners.
On Thursday, last September, 3, leader of the St. Maarten Government, Commissioner William MARLIN was guest of the midday program of Lloyd RICHARDSON.
The interview focused on many of the challenges facing St. Maarten, as well as the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles obtaining the statuses championed for by the islands political leaders.
In this interview as usual, Commissioner William MARLIN easily brushed aside public statements made by Dutch Parliamentarians and others on the island with a dissenting take on the matter of constitutional matters affecting the island and thus affecting the future of the people for generations to come.
Despite efforts of host Lloyd RICHARDSON to prevent the caller, Mr. Eldrige van PUTTEN from getting his point across, this dispute clearly exposed the fact that successive Governments on St. Maarten are very afraid to allow for a ratification to take place on the island.
Commissioner MARLIN clearly is no different in this aspect as well, because it is clear that he dreads allowing for a ratification of the results of the negotiations.
From all indications, popular interest for so called ‘Country St. Maarten’ is all but non-existent, for the main reason that the public has no trust in the local politicians and feel deceived by them to believe in a ‘status change’.
In addition, according to Mr. VAN PUTTEN, there are taped statements made by Mr. MARLIN during the call-in program ‘ONLINE’, that at the end of the negotiations on constitutional matters, the people would be given the opportunity to have their final say.
Since Mr. MARLIN now denies ever having said that, it is time for the tape to be replayed.
Also, during the interview, Mr. MARLIN did not even mention the very existence of Antillean people, nor of native-indigenous St. Martiners residing on the island.
Clearly, like most other politicians, he deliberately steers away from addressing, not only their existence, but consequently their human- and ancestral rights as well.
The more Mr. MARLIN tries to defend his ‘quest’ for ‘Country St. Maarten status’ the more in fact he reveals that it is purely about more power for politicians, rights of immigrants, infra-structure, but that it has absolutely nothing to do with the rights of the St. Martin people and other Antilleans to exist in their own country.
That in return for their hospitality which was why the name ‘Friendly-island’ came about.
In other words, hostility, denial and rejection of St. Mariners have been the price and result for being hospitable.
Instead of standing up for the sacrifices made by the people, the only justification and argument for Mr. William MARLIN to ‘break away’ from ‘Curacao’ is the need for more power for St. Maarten politicians, nice government buildings, great infra-structure and not to forget the rights of illegal immigrants and their children.
In the meantime, that St. Martiners are being outnumbered, marginalized and threatened with genocide by substitution, seems to be of absolutely no concern to him ‘en route’ to ‘Country St. Maarten’.
However, from many indications, it appears that even within the NA and the DP as well, there is a growing concern that being ‘politically correct’ by mainly catering towards the large numbers of immigrants, will happen at the expense of the St. Martin people.
The key question therefore is ;’When will ‘party-loyalists’ stand up to their party leadership and say.
Enough is enough, we are party loyalists, but St. Martin and its people must come first if we are to build a country called ST.MAARTEN.
Clearly, an eventual confrontation based on this very fundamental issue, is a matter of time.
The earlier, the politicians on both sides of this island realize that there is a ‘prize’ for betrayal of one’s people, the easier it will be to preserve the ‘Friendly island’ and to prevent the in-evitable.
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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MY DEAR FRIEND GERARD,
There are many things in life you and I do not 'see eye to eye' on with each other.
Nothing exactly 'revealing' about that statement.
However, one thing for sure we both have in common.
We both are real men who dare stand up for, and dare say what we believe in.
Whenever we write critical articles, we do not hide in the 'comfort of dark anonymity', but we proudly sign with our own names, which both by now have become 'brand-names' good for guaranteeing a broad reading and/or listening audience.
Based on our well known track-record for being able to defend what we believe in ourselves, both you Gerard and myself do not need others to come to our 'rescue'.
Therefore, I appreciate it even more that you once again have shown to be a man, by publicly coming to my, albeit unsolicited defense by means of your letter to the editor yesterday, Monday August 31 in both papers entitled; 'Unpaid advisor in defense of Leopold James'.
I thank you for this gesture and for showing the public that one does not have to like another person, or agree with that person's views, in order to defend that person's democratic right to make use of his/her freedom of expression.
Obviously the Management of the TODAY news-paper believes in excluding opinions it does not like and/or dis-agrees with.
In doing so, the TODAY newspaper underestimates and disrespects the intelligence of the public to read what others have to say and to draw its own conclusions.
If the TODAY news-paper had published my letter and challenged me in an interview to defend myself, I would have admired that more, even if the paper had in the end disagreed with me.
Therefore, like many people, I am not angry at the TODAY-publication, because that would be very unfair on my part.
My 'pathos' for that paper, would be more appropriate.
Certainly I, Leopold will not exactly hold my precious breath, hoping that the TODAY-newspaper would acknowledge its blunder.
That might prove to be too tall an order.
Meanwhile, we will continue to make use of other more professional news-outlets, including our website www.stmartinnation.org as well as more surprises to come from us.
Once more Gerard, my due respect and thanks to you.
Leopold JAMES = (A proud + conscious native-indigenous St. Martiner) - minus any apologies
With all the respect to both businessmen from the French community, one of them I dearly consider, there are times in life when you cannot sit back and leave things happen. I would like to give my deep feelings, which I believe will be shared by all true Saint Martiners about the picture of this legendary statuette in the newspaper, July 23.
It is high time, I believe, that this country and its people stop the exploitation by all sorts of ironic and out of disregard individuals who just get up one day and decide that they are the ones to create an emblem or a landmark for this country Saint Martin. Yes, I must admit it could be a very striking idea to be able to sell a souvenir statuette or picture that the tourists can take back home with them.
My question is however: What has happened to all our emblems and landmarks or cultural items that we have met and grown up with? Just to cite a few such as the Frontier monument, the Pelican, the sail boat, the flamboyant tree, the Fort, the Panum dancers, the coal pot, the fish pot, the Arawak potteries and many more ?
Why is it that we must have a coconut tree standing between two “athletes,” one black, one with long hair running from the island back to back? If according to the title, it is depicting the so-called legend, it should have been two European soldiers representing the Frenchman and the Dutchman!
Can anyone tell me what was the purpose of choosing this particular legend? How can anyone compare this so-called statuette to the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty? Both of them are landmarks and monuments. They are not legendary! They are part of the History of France and the USA! What is so tropical about this legendary statuette? Is it the coconut tree? How exotic the cliché!
A few months ago, a new logo was created for the Collectivity! What was wrong with the old one? Is the New Collectivity such a great change for us the people? Instead, we have gotten a blue and green question mark telling us that we don’t know where we are heading in this country. Come on, Leaders, isn’t there anything more important than logos and emblems?
By the way, is there a Department of Culture or committee to take care of these subjects or is it the task of some hungry individuals wanting to rake and scrape every cent out of our country? This little island called Saint Martin has attracted so many sharks that we don’t have the means right now to get rid of them! You just have to observe the entourage of the Collectivity representatives and you will realize that everything was put in place to destroy the Saint Martin people! The master plan started in 1977 and is almost completed through the re-colonization of this land!
Why aren’t our cultural personalities and artists be consulted in such projects may they be private or public? After all, it concerns our country and its image! Who is responsible for the Cultural portfolio in the Collectivity? Perhaps he or she is not aware that Saint Martin has indeed a Culture and traditions!
As stated by our Senator on 14 July, we are a minority in our own country! However, whose fault is it? It is time our children and grandchildren be told the real history of the last three decades. It is our duty to tell our children what happened to us the Saint Martiners! It is time for We the older heads to tell them how it happen!
It was not solely the French Government that created this disaster! It was done with the help of Saint martiners for the sole purpose of power and revenge. So today they are responsible and accountable for the situation of us being minority in our land! They were used by the powers of outsiders to conquer and rule! Now they have come to possess our patrimony with once again the help of natives, what can we say now?
The master plan has to be carried out! We have reached the point where a saint martiner cannot call himself a saint martiner without being stamped as a racist! We are a people without a homeland! What’s next for us? No more beaches, no more land, what’s left for our children?
MAY GOD SAVE THIS COUNTRY ! Aline CHOISY, a saint- martiner
To Whom It May Concern:
Having read the front page article in the Daily Herald of today July 15, 2009 I would like to take this opportunity to reply to the article.
1. Since when are police officers (in what ever function) medical doctors??
2. St. Maarten has a mental health foundation that cares for persons with mental problems.
3. The Daily Herald did not contact us for information!!!
Our Police force is now labeling all persons walking naked in Orient Beach mental patients they are also labeling any person with a heat stroke mental. If we accept this on St. Maarten, we no longer need to go to a doctor. We can go to the police station for a diagnosis, for heart problems or back pain because we are accepting them as qualified to do so.
That is not how it works. There are health care laws that stipulate who can diagnose a patient with an illness and there is a reason for this. Patients are to be protected because they are ill; not labeled by police officers who are not allowed to do so.
There is also something as a patients/doctor confidentiality clause. Medics pledge a confidentiality oath before becoming qualified to diagnose a patient.
For months now the police station no longer has a police physician. The Mental Health foundation has brought the seriousness of this situation to the attention of the official authorities for months now. We have written letters and requested meetings with the acting police commissioner to solve the problems they have with our patients for months now. Since we were getting no answer the Lt Governor was informed. We got an answer that our letters were forwarded to the same persons who are not willing to help.
All information sent to police and health officials is to inform them that the police cannot diagnose person’s illness.
Now mentally challenged patients are being labeled “streaking” this is so disgraceful I do not have words for it.
Eileen Healy, Director Mental Health Foundation
Willemstad Curacao N.A
During the recent weeks there have been a few allegations leveled against the Justice system, the police force in particular, that demand clarity by means of an independent investigation. These kinds of serious assertions, when made by distinguished senior personnel from within the police force, disrupt the very trust and one of the main pillars of our society.
Undoubtedly Mr. Carlton Phillips, is a well known and I dare say decent and respectable law enforcement officer in this community. Over his many years of serving St. Maarten we have never heard his name mentioned in any form of wrong doing or misdeeds. When considering the well known reality of St. Maarten’s history this is an honorable and admirable accomplishment to be emulated. We know that the road of life has many detours but in absence of clearing his reputation and integrity, no one is safe from being used, abused, and victimized by unscrupulous powers of evil. Having a firsthand understanding and knowledge of cunning politics is like playing a dangerous game with life. To falsely accuse or make allegations against a police officer for discarding or manipulating criminal intelligence and to allow this to linger and fester for no less than 7 years is indeed a very serious charge; especially if it concerns an outstanding officer of the law with such impeccable integrity. This cannot and should not be acceptable and should not be taken lightly as an innocent and in-deliberate oversight. Evidently, Mr. Carlton Phipps understands that the detrimental implications of scenarios surrounding fabricated injustice can and will breed anger, hatred and ultimately a criminal. For him to fight against any perpetrated shroud of corruption tarnishing 35 years of dedicated service isn’t just about protecting his reputation and his family. Whether this is done to him deliberately or not, the probability of future prosecution of himself or whoever involved may be left unresolved but remains inevitable. At the end of the day, somebody will be held accountable and will be prosecuted. The implication that many of our upstanding leaders in our community is being set up and imprisoned is reaching to epic proportions, which is turning into much distrust. The last high official within the police force who claimed to be willing to expose matters within the justice system got himself involved in a dubious accident that is yet to be resolved and has people at different levels of society saying that it seems like murder.
In light of these and many more cases it is time to have an independent, non-partisan team of law enforcement agents investigate the police department. If for nothing else, for heaven’s sake let it serve to restore confidence and integrity to this vital part of any healthy society. It is quite obvious that a breakdown of law and order in our society is rapidly taking place on St. Maarten. In our homes, schools, community even on our jobs; nowhere seems to be safe anymore. These are very troubling times demanding urgent and decisive attention. Injustice to the law inevitably breeds criminality and subsequently to hard core criminals.
Respectfully yours,
Mr. Eldridge van Putten
Social & Political Activist – cell 5995223775
Cc. Antillean Parliament / Council of Ministers
First / Second Chamber Dutch Kingdom
Human Rights Department United Nations
Our nation’s highest legislative body the Island Council is set to discuss a very important issue on Monday, namely the impact of the global economic/financial situation on the island and what is being done to assist businesses and the wider community.
The Island Government signed an agreement with the Dutch funding organization USONA for a sum of Naf.840,000 ($467,000) that came from the Social Economic Initiative (SEI) program to go towards marketing the destination. Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson has also called on the private sector to do its part.
The market effort is part of a four-phase initiative with this phase primarily focused on the island’s primary market, the US. According to media reports, the Commissioner of Tourism Richardson reportedly said that the nation’s re-branding efforts, particularly through the internet, will be in the market by September 15, Tuesday. Some of the funds will be used in the print and broadcast media.
St. Maarten is not the only island that has rolled out a marketing plan for the upcoming 2009/10 tourism high season. The Cayman Islands promotion includes flight discounts, a fourth night free, property specific upgrades and value added on car rental, water sports, attraction and restaurants.
According to the Cayman Department of Tourism, the industry tends to agree that there isn’t that much to be gained by spending a ton more money on advertising for September, October, November, because people aren’t booking and it’s not unique this year – this is just worse than usual. The Cayman tourism board strategy involves mostly online advertising.
Antigua’s Minister of Tourism convened a strategy meeting recently that included representatives from the public and private sectors to address challenges facing the tourism industry. Out of that meeting, one of the points was to work on producing a short-term joint marketing plan to be implemented over the next few months.
Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, intends over the next few months to grow its existing markets and make significant inroads into new destinations, through an aggressive promotion campaign that will involve integrated public relations, advertising and sales strategies.
According to Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, ‘Now more than ever, we need to be very visible in the marketplace…we need to use strategies that will get the most of every dollar that we spend,’ he said. One of these strategies includes increased use of the Internet and other web-based technologies, as these new communication tools have changed the way tourism is marketed. Direct and cable television is also included in the advertising campaign. Particular focus will be on passion travel, focusing on family, music, weddings, faith-based tourism, cuisine, sports, edu-tourism, volunteer tourism, eco-tourism, health and wellness tourism.
The crash of the financial system in the second half of 2008 did not fully filter through the global economy until 2009. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, (UNWTO), the negative trend in international tourism that emerged during the second half of 2008 intensified in 2009. Our 2008/09 tourism season did not feel the full effect of that meltdown either as visitors had already made their reservations. The year 2009 has been different where there has been a noticeable decline. The 2009/10 season will also be different.
In trying times, the only thing that can be done is to adapt to the circumstances that you don’t have any control over. As a nation we must persevere. Some islands have designed their own home-grown initiatives to take them through this difficult period. For example, Barbados launched ‘staycation,’ where Barbadians, residents and Caricom nationals were offered discounts and packages to spend their vacation at home and patronizing local hotels, bars, restaurants, water sports and other attractions.
According to the UNWTO, international tourism slumped by eight per cent between January and April to the same period last year. International tourism is now forecasted to decline by between four and six per cent. The pace of decline is expected to ease during the remainder of 2009.
Roddy Heyliger
In recent times, the demand coming from the general public for more information by Leopold JAMES has been amazing and overwhelming.
The deliberate removing of the extremely empowering radio-program NATIONtalk from the air, by the management of Pearl 98.1 has contributed significantly to an exploding need for information, a sense of direction and balance as they relate to the the overall development on the island and as they relate in particular to the rights of the native population, that is faced with challenges as never before, effecting their very existence a a people.
the choice of a new constitutional status, certainly is one of the most daunting challenges, with long-lasting consequences.
According to a new 'buzz-word' out there gaining tremendous amount of momentum is; 'The people coming around to understanding JAMES better and better everyday' and they can not get enough of hearing and reading what he has to share with the public.
Needless to emphasize that amidst many forms of serious crises on the island, ranging from total lack of leadership, and good governance in the local Government, to an escalating sense of anger and social tensions within our community, people are now clinging to independent, non-partisan, consistent voices based on a visionary approach towards the development of this island.
Although the Daily Herald in particular, publishes most of the articles by JAMES, as a daily news-paper, it simply cannot focus alone on articles submitted by him.
Even more impossible, is it to keep up with the rate of his publishing, which simply is astounding and non-stop.
Therefore, until such time that Mr. JAMES and his team have managed to create a new, effective, interactive, multimedia platform, the public is advised to visit, at least on a daily basis the website of the SNBF/Association L' Esprit de Concordia and NATIONtalk, www.stmartinnation.org , in order to remain updated on a variety of very important information.
The creation of such an information-databank, would allow the various media to select according to their own wishes, and publish for their audience any one of our publications on our website.
In attached newspaper clipping taken from the TODAY-newspaper of Wednesday, March 18, 2009, Mr. Gerard BIJNSDORP, aka as the 'Unpaid Adviser' accuses my person Leopold JAMES of having vandalized the Travel Inn Sign in Simpson-bay.
An anonymous 'graffiti artist' signed this art-work entitled 'Crime by Theo + Rob.bers with the abbreviation U.A.
In addition, in attached letter to the editor, Mr BIJNSDORP stated, that vandalism should be punished by Mr. Taco STEIN the Chief-prosecutor on St. Maarten.
On that point I am in full consensus with the self proclaimed 'Unpaid-Adviser' and 'Driftwood-artist'
It is certainly no ambition of mine to waste any time on attempting to 'unravel' the mental labyrinths and the intentions of Mr. BIJNSDORP; that I will leave up to the psychiatrists and psych-analysts.
However, since this good gentleman has taken his personal tirade against me to a next level, by publicly making false accusation, I Leopold JAMES, intend to contact the Prosecutors-office for further steps and will report my findings back to the public.
Copy to Mr. Taco STEIN, Chief Public-prosecutor,
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
This article will address the questionable actions and hidden agendas possible linked to a commissioner in the executive council on our island.
People are just sick and tired of the perverted performance of these weasels in government who are just there for the sake of their personal benefits and interests rather than that of the people whom they should be in the first and foremost place representing in government.
Their performance continues to border on everything except good governance with accountability and therefore smacks, smells and stinks of the presence of corruption everywhere in this administration.
In keeping with this revelation the song of Who is next is right on the button or on the mark regarding the falling of our political hooligans and hypocrites in government.
It is my deliberate intention to start revealing all of the awful, amazing and corrupted actions involving these weasels in the dp's administration who are constantly engaged in undermining locals and their business establishments on this island.
It is no secret that these corrupt commissioners hold their assigned and protected areas of business very close to their hearts and will do whatever to protect these petty political projects at all cost even if it means to put others out off business.
This article will focus on commissioner golden boy regarding part of his little kingdom called the bold wattleys walk another of his petty political projects.
Why, because I am a sincere believer in giving people their flowers while they are still alive.
But I do understand that some of these "good Samaritans" are so humble that they will not publicly accept this honour that I am about to bestow on them that is exposing their corruption publicly.
• Petty political projects.
1) When I listen to the jingle on radio I vividly recognize the voices singing "we are the board walk" and it is not the "willies" in the country singing that favourite chorus or tune but it is that of the "wattleys" in Philipburg.
2) When we recall the drama surrounding the popular crane at the harbour we realized that it was not again owned by the "willies" in the country but linked to the "wattleys" in Philipsburg.
3) When we read about the problem between St.Maarten Port Services and Tropical
Shipping we soon realize that the only other local shipping agency stands to benefit from the attempted contractual termination was not that of the "willies" in the country but Intermar Shipping Agency possible linked to the "wattleys" in Philipsburg.
4) When we notice the extension of the board walk or better known as the bold wattleys walk right down to Great Bay hotel we come to one conclusion that greed is very difficult to get rid off.
• Explicit exercise.
This revelation or explicit exercise reveals and reminds us of the following:
1) That we should give our "humble" hooligans their flowers while they are still alive even though they may publicly refuse this blessing we bestow on them.
2) That these "humble" hooligans are not able to cover or conceal their tracks because they are like beach boys walking on the beach leaving their hand, finger and footprints all over the place ending up at their final destination called court house.
• Credible conclusion.
Thanks to our justice system that the judge condemned Tropical Shipping to pay St.Maarten Port Services a hefty fine each day Tropical Shipping refuses to honour the contract but to the possible dismay, disappointment or disdain of Intermar Shipping Agency and this judicial action I dare call:
Applying of Appropriate Actions.
Mr.Edwin James.
...
This morning residents of the island woke up to the news that health-inspectors had closed down parts of Sunny Foods and Sangs super markets after expired and rotten food stuff had been found.
While the daily newspapers reported the news extensively, bloggers on various local sites, expressed outrage at the disrespect of many supermarkets for the consequence for selling expired food to the public of the island.
There is also a call to inspect many, many more super markets in such 'sting-operations', because the experience of the public with this dangerous practice, seems to be expanded to many more food-places on the island.
The impact of the public health, especially on babies, the elderly and other vulnerable groups can indeed be life threatening and certainly costs the victim lots of money in terms of doctor's visits and treatments.
It is therefore to be applauded that after so many complaints, the health-officials decided to conduct this major random operation on a number of super markets, which yielded shocking discoveries.
Some of their findings are so shocking, that many people are now so afraid to shop at any super market, because 'appearances' certainly no longer seem synonymous with good quality, since some shop-owners are reportedly even tampering with the expiration date of many of their products.
While highly commending in particular talk show-hosts, Oral GIBBES, Fernando CLARK, Orlando GUMS, Chris EMMANUEL for consistently bringing this practice out in the open, I also would like to add our contribution to this very serious issue, by suggesting legislation for a more comprehensive approach .
In brief, the intention of this concept, would be in the first place to send out a very clear message to the owners of super-markets and restaurants in particular, that they are being watched, not only by the official inspectors, but more so by the public's own 'private-eye-detectives'.
In addition, there will be serious consequences if anyone is found to repeatedly endanger the health of the public, simply for financial gains.
One such consequence would be very hefty financial fines.
Thirdly, these fines could be used to reward the particular 'private- eyes-detective' who tipped off the authorities.
In addition, part of this fine should go the the medical center to assists with uninsured people, such as those who can prove to have become victim of having consumed or otherwise used products from these super markets.
In case of getting their 'third stripe', after two heft fines did not help, their business should be closed permanently and if not a national, have their pass-ports stamped as 'persona non grata' and deported.
Needless to realize that by making every citizen such a 'private-eye-detective', shortage of health-inspectors will no longer necessarily be an obstacle to preventing these bad practices of certain super markets.
In addition, such an incentive to the public for becoming a 'private- eye- detective' could go a long way in contributing towards helping the many unemployed local people on the island making an honest living, as opposed to stealing and getting involved in other forms of asocial behavior..
So, if we really want to get attention and RESPECT of the owners of these super markets, let us get serious and affect them where they certainly do not want to be affected....in their pockets.
'Food for thought',
Leopold JAMES
IT IS UP TO THE PEOPLE TO PUT 'BESS' TO THE TEST...AND SAVE US YOUR PERSONAL OPTION.....
Dear Mr. William MARLIN,
That the recent trip to The Hague in which you also participated, as was to be expected, again was a flop, is public knowledge, regardless how you try to justify and 'dress it up'.
As a matter of fact, it turned out to be exactly what you initially termed a 'charade' of which you then publicly stated you did not ntend to be part of.
Dear William, time will tell what impact, your sudden 'change of heart', will have on your credibility and future career as a political leader.
Is it true that you been 'pressured' to join 'Sarah's new DP bandwagon' ,expected to form a 'new purple coalition', minus Commissioner Maria BUNCAMPER ?
Could it be to make sure that during the next election, there will not even be any 'appearance' of opposition towards executing the 'will of the people' ?
What position has Sarah committed herself to give you, once you join her 'unity movement' minus 'Marietje' ?
William, the 'people want to know'.
In the meantime, while you and the other delegation-members are entitled to your own PERSONAL right to oppose a 'BES'-status for St. Maarten, let us ver extremely clear.
You have ABSOLUTELY no right to pretend to talk on behalf of the people, WITHOUT asking their opinion either in a ratification of the November 2006 Accord or in a new referendum or even in a serious poll.
After all William, do not forget that the last referendum, which by the way, was nothing but a betrayal of, and a conspiracy against the native St. Maarten and Antillean people, took place without proper rules and outside any existing constitutional framework for such, nine years ago.
Meanwhile, the St. Maarten socio-economic reality has drastically changed; increase lack of accountability by Government, a commissioner under criminal investigation and others scrutinized, exploding crime and immigration, marginalization of native St.Martin and Antillean People etc.
All these result in the most fundamental problem in any democracy.
An exploding distrust of the population in Government and in practically all existing political parties and their leaders.
Therefore, on behalf of a silent majority of citizens on the island, we hereby call on the Dutch Government to excercise its constitutional responsibility to ensure proper governance in the best interest of the PEOPLE of this island.
Consequently, the time has come to implement some form of Higher Supervision and/or add the next un-avoidable 'S' to the BES-concept, resulting in the island, as an interim period contributing to the 'BESS-status' for the islands, outside of Curacao.
The quicker the better.
While some politicians are 'sputtering' about that not being the 'will of the people' as if they EVER cared about the people, there is only ONE way to find out, what the 'will of the people' is....
Put 'BESS' it to the test.
William, you ask my 'prediction' ?
Well, here is my 'bet'.
The majority of the people would prefer giving 'BESS' a chance, than continuing with 'more of the same confusion, disarray, corruption' etc.
Fact of the matter is that the People do not trust you politicians, with the future of our country.
William, you know that too; that is why you are afraid to put 'Bess to the test' and let the people have their say !
Have a fine day and enjoy the 'carnival charade'...it is that season again
.
Leopold JAMES
‘Humbly thyself, before it is too late...'
Dear Mr. HAAR,
On Saturday, morning May 16, 2009 around 11.00 a.m. I received a telephone call from a young person (gender irrelevant here).
This person was clearly extremely upset about the fact that you had physically abused a lady and showed absolute no remorse, contrition etc.
In a very appealing manner this young person, who I do not know at all, urged me to write you a letter, which is why I now address you.
For the record, whatever is said about my person I, Leopold JAMES do not condone, will not support anyone, who wants to place this issue in a racial context, because it can only result in making the issue and its resolution even more complex.
So, whatever some of your friends at SXM- Private-Eye may want to make belief, this is my position.
Having said that Mr. HAAR, based on the deep sentiments that have become very intense within our community at large, and especially among young people, pertaining to this case, I advise you not to add ‘fuel to the fire' by pressing charges against Mrs. BROWN for ‘trespassing' your office.
In addition, I have very good reasons to believe it to be in your best interest to at the very least, apologize to Mrs. BROWN for having abused her physically.
Any real man should not be find that so difficult.
For the record.
It appears that there is a group of young people out there, who do not plan to accept this situation ‘as is' and therefore do not at all rule out ‘taking matters in their own hands' if you do not resign.
This is the very clear message that was relayed to me by the caller.
Again, although you might want to take it out on me as the messenger, this is the ‘gospel truth' and reason why, out of deep concern, I publicly advise you, in order to prevent this situation form escalating, to at least make a public apology.
In ending, if this episode is not properly addressed, the community can rest assured that it will continue to ‘fester' until such time when it will ‘explode' out in the open.
And with this advice, Mr. HAAR, I rest my case.
Leopold JAMES
Dear Mr. RICHARDS, LL.M.
Lt-Governor St. Maarten,
First of all Mr. Governor, please allow for us to commend you for your words of caution as expressed with regards to the recent business-closures on the island.
Your words, although expressed with the diplomacy and protocol as required by the office of Lt.-Governor, have found strong resonance, in particular among the native local population of the island.
As a grassroots- St. Martin/St. Maarten movement, we are 'picking up' worrying threats to a future peaceful relationship between, not only the native population and many within the Indian and Chinese community, but between the native population and other ethnic groups as well.
It is very clear that grave mistakes have been made in the past by the powers that were, by allowing for certain groups of immigrants to control certain sections of our economy as well as our very existence as a native population.
In addition, recent shop- and store closures have brought to the attention of the people, that certain groups of residents/business people can completely dominate and hold the entire island hostage.
This is a most undesirable situation for any society, let alone one whose priority seems to be achieving 'country status'
We are very concerned of the potential for escalation of resentment to the 'next level', because certain people might decide to take the law in their own hands.
To prevent a socio-economic 'meltdown' on the island, we would appreciate having a meeting with you to join with you and others to initiate a process of community/nation healing and building in which among others a formula of 'socio-economic equity' for all stakeholders can be sought after.
It is our firm conviction that, as long as there is, and continues to be a 'socio-economic divide', resulting in an ever widening gap between the 'haves' and the 'haves not', such will provide for a very fertile substrate or breeding-ground for certain forms of crime and for even terrorism within our already very vulnerable and diverse society.
Looking forward hearing from you,
With respect,
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
State-secretary of Kingdom and internal Affairs
New Government or no new Government
No Country status without guarantees for St. Martiners & Antilleans on the island.
With a very cautious sense of relief, we have taken notice of the fact that the Island-territory of St. Maarten finally has a new Executive-council.
Nonetheless, we remain very skeptical, to say the least, that the preconditions we deem critically necessary to justify the island achieving its so-called 'Country St. Maarten' status, will be respected.
One of the main conditions for us to support this news Government in achieving any new 'status', is the official acknowledgment of the native-indigenous St. Martiners in their own country, as well as the defining and protection of their, if not legally, then morally deserving ancestral civil-rights as part of the constitution.
For us this is an absolute conditio sinequa non.
And while we have already congratulated the new government on its installation, we have also made it very clear, that if the critical conditions are not met, their time in office should consider a failure, even before it has really started.
Any Government, that ignores, and betrays its own people, is not worth being in office, regardless the political make-up of that Government.
It is fact that every country in the region, from which we have thousands of people living on this island, protects its own and guarantees its own priority over all others, so obviously some is extremely amiss with the political leaders of our island.
Let it be recorded that we will be very vigilant in this regards and await to see if this Government, will attempt to push through its coveted new status at the expense of guaranteeing the existence and rights of its own native-indigenous St. Martin People, who in return for their hospitality are now being threatened in their very existence as a people.
drs. Leopold JAMES
Proud native -indigenous St. Martiner, without apologies
Copy New Leader of Government etc.
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
It is very interesting to observe the fact that when certain people are asked to give a public opinion about a sensitive issue, or about a public figure, they often decline to do such, out of fear for being held accountable for what they might say.
However, with the advent of blogs, many bloggers, using pseudonyms ('false identities') have found, what they believe is a very easy manner to express themselves and to say the most vile things about people, figuring that they are 'covered' or protected by some false electronic ID.
There is news however they better take notice of.
The so-called 'secrecy' of the identities of bloggers, might not be so secret and guaranteed as they might feel or made to believe.
Worse yet, it should not be ruled out that their real identities are constantly monitored, stored, only to be revealed one day with very serious consequences.
Once an electronic signal is created within the system, it can be traced with deadly accuracy.
Hopefully, awareness of this technical reality might lead to improvement in the quality and tone of many blogs, resulting in a more appropriate use of this powerful medium.
In other words, perhaps bloggers will become very careful in launching personal attacks and assassinations on the characters of others, while assuming that they are able to hide in the 'comfort' of anonymity.
Not any more.
With todays advanced and even more advancing technology, there is no more place to hide any longer.
'Darkness' already exists no longer for the electronic or 'bionic' eye.
Everyone, every identity is monitored, constantly 24/7 and can be exposed at any time.
Talking about painful embarrassment, is an understatement.
'Big brother' is watching over your every move and writing.......
A word of caution...
Leopold JAMES
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------
On Thursday an article appeared on the site of SMN-news.com entitled, 'ADVICE TO BLOGGERS', written by my person, Leopold JAMES.
While most open-minded and honest people, would understand the very clear message in that article, not so 'HADY' some blogger hiding behind a false identity on the Private Eye Website.
This 'Shady HADY' ,who obviously, and very understandably so, does not like the outspokenness of me, a proud, native-indigenous St. Martiner, Leopold JAMES, responded to the article, which by the way was not sent to Private Eye, by accusing me of threatening and intimidating bloggers with my advice.
Following up this accusation, in a joint action,'Shady HADY's strategic partner, the TODAY-newspaper, this morning, Monday, June 15, 2009, in its COMMENTARY section entitled 'The blogosphere' also leveled the same attack on my person, indirectly by DIRECTING such against the SMN Network.
Obviously, one can only conclude that the editor of the TODAY-newspaper, an alleged woman-basher, also has 'issues' with SMN-Network and now tries to score a cheap, transparent 'double-play'; alas.
For the record, let it be known to 'Shady HADY' , to the editor of the TODAY-newspaper, that I, Leopold JAMES, with great pride, take full responsibility for that article and for ALL articles that I write and publish.
I therefore wish to discharge Mrs. Bibi SHAW-HODGE of the SMN-Network from the false implied accusation as leveled by the TODAY-newspaper.
After all, it was me, Leopold JAMES, who was the author and therefore can be held responsible for such, unlike the 'Shady' characters, who hide behind fictitious names to launch personal attacks on people they do not like.
In spite of the fact that obviously 'Shady HADY' and 'compinchi' at the TODAY-newspaper, fear that they might lose lots of revenue$$$$ when bloggers realize that their rights to free expression also carries possible legal consequences.
To this end, allow me to encourage all bloggers to make good use of their rights for free expression, but to also do some research online pertaining the legal consequences as well.
Making money on 'bloggers's heads' and 'building clout' via bloggers innocence and ignorance of all the facts, is one thing, informing them of all the possible 'legal traps/fine prints' is quite another thing and the time to advise them has just come, whether 'Shady HADY' approves of that or not, is irrelevant..
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
Editors Note:-- To Managing Director Today Newspaper, instead of poking your nose on what is posted on SMN News I advise you to at least get your facts straight when writing articles. If you had done that you would not have had to rectify the erroneous article you published on Friday where you accused another local man Glen Carty and Liberty Consultants.
You already had to write a lengthy article when you published erroneous information pertaining to the governor. Something you were forced to do, just like you did again Saturday when it was pointed out that your article on Friday was erroneous.
What we do at SMN News is allow people the opportunity to express their opinion freely in a letter as long as they are willing to put their names behind it. People who comment on our site have the same privileges like you do on Private Eye. What we give is called equal opportunity.
Our job here is not to deny people the right to information instead we open an avenue to give people the opportunity to provide information to our society. You have denied several people that right for your own personal reasons and judgment.
On June 17 2009 I was invited by Mr Leopold James, President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia, to join his delegation in a meeting with the Lt Governor as an observer. The topics discussed were:
1- Concerns about increasing crime
2- SNBF structural contribution to help fighting crime
Concerns about increasing crime, fueled by growing disintegration among natives and other ethnic groups are something everyone is aware of. This awareness was brought to light with the shooting of an Indian Merchant and what transpired hereafter. Root causes were presented in regards to the first topic. Then their proposed structural contribution towards combating of crime was presented and discussed more in depth.
I was very interested and eagerly awaiting Mr. James overview of the topics as coincidentally I had started a three part article about crime written exclusively for sxmislandtime and at the point of being invited, I was busy working on the final part which contained my conclusion and opinion. As my article also drilled down into the root causes and then finally gave some suggestions how to reduce the division, Leopold’s approach complimented my article as it addressed a workable solution to the growing crime and division trend. Phrases and words such as: division should not be underestimated, don’t understand each other, resentment, fear, control of economy, “we-them”, unity, and socio-economic-cultural partnerships were used during the presentation.
The governor was very impress with what was presented and gave some great input, and advice on how to proceed further, and his full cooperation and support.
For me, it was very intriguing to see how persons can be working and/or thinking in a certain direction and then somehow they are brought together by some divine inspiration with such overlap and synergism. I also realized and was made aware that it is up to us, the younger generation to step up to the plate and do what we must. It is no longer a question if we want to. We have to.
Unity comes as a result of something. So there must be an action before a result. Mr. James concludes that the action should be promoting social-economic partnerships and I agree. If we approach this structurally, rather than ad-hoc, then I believe that we will be on to something great.
Emilio Kalmera
On behalf of all Netherlands-Antillean people, we hereby solicit legal counsel on a pro-deo basis pertaining to the following.
Since the revolt of May 30, 1969 on Curacao (‘Trinta di Mei’), the ‘Dutch-Antillean’ identity was de facto acknowledged, granting those recognized as such, special benefits under the process that came to be known as the ‘Antilleanzation-process’.
Also, for the first time positions, which up till then were not-accessible to ‘Afro-Antilleans’, were ‘broken open’.
Examples were for instance, Ernesto PETRONIA, our first ever Black Prime-minister, Ben LEITO, our first ever Black Governor-general and many more.
These special privileges, were earned and accumulated through various events in our emancipation process as people of the Netherlands Antilles.
One relatively recent one being the revolt ‘Trinta de Mei 1969’.
Under the Antilleanization-process a number of pro-Antillean policies were enacted and implemented, which collectively offered all Antilleans on all islands, the first rights to opportunities over all others, including Dutch-Europeans.
Presently, these hard-fought human-rights for the Antillean people are being threatened to be taken away from all Antillean people, as a consequence of the ongoing constitutional developments affecting each island of the Antilles.
While we do not, at this time necessarily oppose constitutional change, as a native-indigenous St. Martin movement and as Antilleans, we are of the firm opinion that by no legal and/or moral standards, it can be accepted, that human-rights acquired by a people during the long period of their emancipation, can be taken away from them under the guise of ‘constitutional progress’.
That is a ‘contracdictio in terminis’ and a betrayal of the sacrifices of our ancestors !.
In fact, we would like to believe that it is also a flagrant violation of our human-rights as Antilleans and natives of the Netherlands-Antilles.
It is our absolute determination to prevent this apparent illegal act and crime against the Antillean people from becoming reality.
Without necessarily wanting to undermine the ongoing constitutional developments, we would like to believe that with professional legal counsel, it should be possible to amend the various draft-constitutions and agreements to reflect the continuation of the Antillean rights in an appropriate manner adjusted to the native Antillean people of each island of the Antilles.
We look forward to the pro-deo counsel of preferably Antillean lawyers to ‘step up to the plate’ and in the name of all Antillean people, including those like the late Papa GODETT, dr. Costa GOMEZ and others who sacrificed their lives for us, to protect these rights, many shed ‘blood, sweat and tears’ for.
If needs be, rest assured that we will champion our cause on whatever platform necessary.
In ending, let not the spirit of our ancestors be evoked to create another ‘Trinta di Mei’.
For any proud and intelligent people one should be enough.
Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/L’Esprit de Concordia
Proud, Antillean of native-indigenous St. Martin heritage, without apologies !
Copies to
UN
CARICOM
Human-rights organizations
Bailiffs for criminal case post doesn’t exist anymore
In an article in printed in The Daily Herald, the Public Prosecutor Offices has complained that’s there is no bailiff to serve summons and extension papers to the people in criminal cases.
Lawyer Maarten Le Poole also reacted in this newspaper with surprise, saying he didn’t know of this situation. I ask myself where Le Poole has been living the past 8 years.
Allow me to explain the situation with the bailiff for criminal case (straf deurwaarder) to the new Public Prosecutor.
In 1996, Mr. B.W.E. Riemsdijk at that time acting Attorney General (Wnd PG Advise # 5741/1996) advised the government of the Netherlands Antilles that there was no bailiff for criminal case on St Maarten and that the police was doing the job but could not handle it. This was going wrong at that time Mr. Fangman was chief prosecutor in the Windward Islands and the Chief Prosecutor was Dick Piar. Government employed me on February 1, 1996 to work in Curacao and later transfer me to the Windward Islands to work in August 1996.
I started working to help out with the problem in St Maarten, the same reason that Mr. Mud has stated in the newspaper this week. When I started, St. Maarten was busy recovering from Hurricane Luis and all street names were down and container village was still there in Dutch Cul de Sac. As a young man, 25-years-old not knowing where St. Peters, Dutch Quarter or Cole Bay was I managed to do my work to the fullest extent and succeeded. Not knowing anybody, I made my way to the best and surprise many who were working with me at that time.
As I always said my father was a guide to me. He did the same work for 28 years and I saw these documents since when I was small. Every prisoner got there paper on time and the summons was serve to them in person.
In 2000, a Judge named Bracht came to St Maarten to work. This man is who we need to blame for the confusion that today is been publish in the papers. He started saying things about me that I am not doing my job and that I was busy taking picture and leaving the government work on a side. Those who know me know I confronted my problem face to face and I went to ask him why he is busy talking things that were not true. He, in his position as judge, did not like it and influenced Mr. Grass who was at that time chief prosecutor and together with Dick Piar moved to fired me. This did not go well because there was never a mistake and I was always on top of my work. No backlog and I always got people even if they didn’t have the same address anymore.
The Central Government was going through a so-called crisis and laid off 313 civil servants by “closing off” their positions so they weren’t needed anymore. This is what the Public Prosecutor Office did with the function of the Bailiff for criminal cases. They terminated the function, which this meant no one could have this job anymore because bailiffs weren’t needed.
What Mr. Mud said about being short on bailiffs is not true. He does not know the history of this position and this is why he made that statement.
The court of the Netherlands Antilles has two types of bailiff one for civil case, which falls directly under the courthouse, and one for criminal cases which falls under the prosecutor’s office. The Public Prosecutor’s Office in St Maarten had only one bailiff position so you have one or none. The prosecutor in 2000 had advised government that a bailiff was not needed so I was gotten rid of and the function was made obsolete.
Now, there is no money because if a do away with a function that mean the salary disappears from the budget. Mr Mud continued saying that because police is understaffed the job is not being carried out. This is the same reason as in 1996 the when I was brought to St. Maarten to be the bailiff for criminal cases.
To quote Mud, “If the person doesn’t show up and there’s no record (that he or she was served), then we are in trouble…we do have a problem.”
The Prosecutor’s Office has admitted 8 years later what I told the judge during the civil servant court case in November 2000: the police is understaffed and this was why I was sent to St Maarten and if this continues, the department will have problem. I had said the public prosecutor’s office need a bailiff for criminal cases in St. Maarten.
I was sent to work in here on the request of the High court of the Netherlands Antilles (Gemeenschappelijk Hof van Justitie van de Nederlandse Antillen) which also had problem with the police not being about to do the job and people were not receiving their court summons. Every time, the judges came to St. Maarten they were confronted with people not appearing because they didn’t receive the summons.
I advise the new Prosecutor Office team to seek information from these people just in case they doesn’t believe me: Ludwina Spock who is now part of the Public Prosecutor team, Head Court Recorder Maritsa James, Attorney General Dick Piar (he is my neighbour in Curacao who met my father as bailiff so he has known me from a little boy walking in the Courthouse in Curacao).
I blame Mr. Piar and former Attorney General now Governor General Fritz Goedgedrag for pleasing former prosecutor Grass and former Judge Bracht for the situation now. Two men’s personal vendetta was the cause of the problem that we all have to live with today and long after that I had to vacate my office under less than honourable conditions.
This is an issue of over 8 years and not one of yesterday as Mr. Mud brought it over to your newspaper.
I have one message to those concerned: I have never lost my trust in God Almighty. It has taken me 8 years to prove to the same judge who rule in favour of the Netherlands Antilles Government in March 2001, who is now our honourable President of the Court Mrs. L.C. Hoefdraad who could not see what problem this would have caused in the future.
My lawyer E.F. Sulvaran aka “Peppie” Sulvaran and I explained the problem that would come if the ruling was in favour of government. Now, the Public Prosecutor’s office in St. Maarten is out bawling about problems that extension papers are late and summon are late to suspects.
I just have to say shame on Maarten Le Poole. He knows that I was the bailiff and he knows government got rid of the function because he was a lawyer for criminal cases so he knows. He is just playing a game as if he doesn’t know.
I believe that the new Central Government and the Attorney General have to rectify this big mistake by reemploying as bailiff for criminal cases and bailiff for civil cases as they also have problem with their workload. No ex-police or anybody else can be employ as bailiff at the prosecutor office because there is no function. The Prosecutor’s Office has to request the re-opening of the position and have it back on the budget. I have a verdict that shows clearly that the Central Government don’t need anyone in that function although it put forward the same issues as Mr. Mud has brought now, I still lost the case.
I will sit and see what will happen because of not working there anymore my life took a hell of turn and my dreams went up in the fire. Somebody has to take responsible for this and compensation has to be made for the bad advice the prosecutor gave the Central Government back in 2000.
Gromyko Wilson
Ex- Bailiff for criminal case
How long shall we be pushed aside by our leaders? How long shall we wait to become number one in our country? It seems as if the years go by, the leaders change, the status change and yet we are confronted day by day by the same old eternal problems. NO SAINT MARTINER IS COMPETENT ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF SAINT MARTIN BUSINESS! We all know that Rome was not built in one day, but how many days do we need to build our nation! I, who have worked for many years with the actual and past President of the COM can't understand what is happening to their vision that WE worked together on . As everyone knows, The United Saint Martin Movement was the team that put Mr Fleming and also Mr Gumbs in the starlight allowing them to reach where they are today! I am asking both of you today what has changed with your "Saint Martiners first" conviction?
For the past 18 months that the collectivity has been in effect, the population is wondering where we are heading. We are seeing more and more individuals from abroad taking up the high positions in the administration of the collectivity? Why? Are they more competent than all the employees that were occupying those same positions for years? Why weren't they given the chance to go on an intensive training course for 3 or 6 months? Why is it that coincidentally all the Regional Council former employees end up in Saint Martin? Then we are hearing through the grape wines that jobs must be given to their families also!!! Do you think that we really need to put up with all this crap : first their salary is over 3000 euros, then housing, plus vehicle and much more....not forgetting their master-slave behavior when they get at ease with the "champagne and party system"!
When is all this nonsense going to stop? I would like to say to our leaders: leave your pretty cars and take a walk through the community then you will know how the people are suffering! It seems as if only a few shall survive and the mass shall perish! The youth is crying out, No one listens! The middle age man is losing his job, the economy is chaotic! Businesses are switching over the border!
How long will this go on? Don't you realize the more you employ "little chiefs", the more confusion you create, the more frustration you bring unto your employees! An army only needs one Colonel! I can't understand why with a council of 23 paid councilors, efficient task forces cannot be put together to work for the betterment of this lil country Saint Martin .
Our past President, M. Senator, has forgotten Saint Martin! I can recall an interview on La Voix FM where he was bragging about how much competence he discovered in the Commune workers! Where did that competence disappear suddenly?
This deplorable situation brings me to think that our leaders are trying to hide their incompetence and lack of leadership behind these people that they are employing. If these individuals were so competent where ever they hail from, why are they coming to Saint Martin ? They would have been bosses in their own country!!!
President Gumbs, you know the vision that got us, as the "USM" team, to be elected with 3 400 votes in 2001! Although in opposition, we were the voice of the people! You know how insistent we were in the past municipal administration about saint -martiners taking charge of their destiny! Please, tell us what has happened to that vision? Many of us know the answer but we need you to say it loud and clear!
Aline CHOISY
On behalf of my wife and my fellow board-members, please allow me to express my sincerest gratitude to my good friend, Mr. Damu RAWTANI, for having invited us to the Indian cultural nite, last night, Saturday, May 16, 2009.
Not only, was it a new and very interesting experience for us, but an incredibly fascinating and enduring one as well.
Personally, coming from a completely different cultural back-ground, I had never expected that I would in fact, really and truthfully love the music, dance and especially the many examples of symbolism.
I fully understand and agree that, you the Indian people, should be extremely proud and protective of your culture, which is so rich and steeped in a very old history, tradition and values.
Our respect goes out to all other ethnic groups on our island as well.
At the same time, as I shared with my dear friend Damu, after the event, this absolutely wonderful and magnificent performance, which I thorougly enjoyed, only reinforced even more our legitimate cause as a grass-people St. Martin organization.
That is the right as native-indigenous St. Martin people to also respect, love and protect our own culture, our own norms and values our own ancestry as well, especially in our home-land.
In addition, others should also be fair to recognize our right to fight as well for the preservation, protection and promotion of our own cultural-identity and rights as natives on this island.
Our ancestry should remain the foremost important, logical and stable 'base' and 'foundation', on which others can build, contribute and over time blend into a new dynamic, harmonious St. Martin nation.
It is clear that every sustainable process, including the nation building or constitutional process requires such a 'foundation' or a 'base' and that such can only be found in the full recognition of the country's 'first' citizens, host.
These are the people, still 'alive', with the deepest and most profound, historical, social, cultural, anthropological 'connection' with this land.
The recognition of those, whose ancestral presence precipitates that of the 'newcomers' and whose ancestors were the ones who shed 'blood, sweat and tears' for this country to be able to start the process of emancipation, and what is generally considered the development of the country.
We can not believe that there can be any genuine, legitimate admiration and support for the culture of others, while denying same to those who are rooted here and who welcomed all the others.
That will be an act of in-gratitude with the probable intent to eventually replace the natives.
Once more, my good friend Damu, thanks so very much.
It was truly an honor having being invited and treated with all egards for someone whose record are well established for publicly speaking out, writing in protection of his own native-indigenous St. Martin culture, and doing such regardless of time and venue with pride and without any apologies.
It is testament to your understanding of what is necessary to create 'balance' in this country.
We remain open to continue our constructive relationship with the Indian and other all communities on the island, in the process of building the St. Martin nation, once they are willing to accept our historical and fundamental ancestral rights as native-indigenous St. Martin people.
More than ever, it is becoming evident that the 'key' to moving this country forward in a constructive, dynamic, harmonious and stable manner constitutionally, or otherwise, is NOT politics nor 'Dutch' or 'French' nationality; these are in essence, rather 'divisive' by nature.
The 'key', is the full and official recognitionof the role of the native-indigenous people of this island, who have blood-relatives, succession land and similar norms and values everywhere on this island, North, East, South, West, from every hill-top, to every shore etc.
Without recognizing and using this 'key', the constructive potential of the 'ethnic diversity will become socially divisive and destructive.
It is our commitment to prevent such at all cause and therefore we are prepared to continue making ourselves availaible to finding a equitable balance and partnership between all relevant stakeholders within our St. Martin community.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-----------------
On Monday I called Gebe in order to ask to re-locate the water meter because since Government removed part of my fence no one has taken measures to ensure that the water line is protected. The traffic is now using the property that used to be enclosed and constantly break the water pipe.
Since Monday I called Mr. Steven Duzanson every day twice and still today is Friday and still no water. I called Gebe and ask the operator to speak with the supervisor of Mr. Duzanson. The operator told me that the supervisor is Mr. Brooks himself and he is off island. I then ask to speak with the assistant of Mr. Brooks and I was told to call back on Monday as no one was available. I then call again and ask to speak with Mr. Duzanson as it is 5 days now without water. Finally I spoke with him and the story was the same. I am still awaiting the report of the planning department. I then ask him how to contact the Board of directors of GEBE. He said to that there was no physical address and I should contact Mr. Lambert. I then ask him if any commissioner carry any responsibility in regards to Gebe and he told that it was Mr. Th. Heyliger.
Before I make my final remarks I would like to share another story regarding the “The good and efficient” service provided by GEBE. More then 6 months ago I ask that the electrical meter be re-located. Last week the pole of which the meter was hooked up fell down and the meter was re-located the same day. Who is responsible? MANAGEMENT. If management fails the only option is replacement. My observation is nothing personal but based on logic interpretation of “doing business”. I report and you decide.
With a heavy heart I write these things because I love Sint Maarten. This is and was my home town for 37 years and I want the best for it. Nevertheless we are in difficult times and no matter what status we want to achieve it will not work unless we change our attitude and the way we doing business. I can write every day a page on the frustration that you encounter just being in Sint Maarten.
It has nothing to do with the economy it is a simple issue of lack of respect, lack of moral values and obviously lack of political leadership. I do hope that the younger generation step up to plate because there is a need to make changes in the political arena and bring more dynamic and positive leaders to the fore front.
Sint Maarten is still one of the better islands in the Caribbean but we need to CHANGE if we want to preserve our island for the next generation to come. There is still hope to make Sint Maarten a better place to live. We deserve it.
Hen Ling Soon
As I am trying to concentrate on my business my “inner man” keeps holding me back and tells me that my job is to open the people eye and let them know that they need to stand up. How can you do as if nothing happens while God has given you the knowledge and the capability to expose what is wrong? I am not here to judge anyone but hope that the information provided will help you to take a stand. People will always trample over you if you let them. It is time to rise against injustice and at least speak up your mind. Join others and create an opposition to fight and the rise above oppression.
Today issue: As a businessman I apply for a work permit via the legal channels and I obtain the work permit. With this work permit I went to the immigration and obtain a landing permit. I sent the landing the permit and the person got his ticket and travelled to Sint Maarten. Upon arrival he was detained because according to the immigration officer he suppose to have a visa in his passport. I review the landing permit and this is the phrase listed on the landing permit:
“ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR CONTINUING THE JOURNEY OR RETURNING TO THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN (VISA, ETC)”
I told the officer in charge that the only document this person need is a passport. He obviously did not agree with me and he said that the person will remain in custody of the police department. I ask him to have the person remain with me until I can sort this out tomorrow with the office of the lt. Governor as this person has a legal work permit and also a landing permit. I am the employer, as such responsible for this person, and also there no other risk by letting this person remain with me until the problem was solved. This request was denied and this person was locked up maybe the first time in his life and for DOING NOTHING WRONG.
The next day I went to the office of the lt. Governor to get this problem sort out and I was brush off by his office. I was sent back to the Police Department. Obviously the result was the same as you cannot file a complaint to the same division that issued the order to lock up the person. I went to the office of the Consul of the D. R. in order to inform them of the abuse that is taking place and did hope through their intervention that this issue could have been solved. Nevertheless it seems that this Consulate has been infected by the same decease of “ineffectiveness” of our governmental system and I had to accept the situation as is. I sent an e-mail to the United Nations claiming Human Rights abuses, I wrote to the lt. Governor, to the minister of Justice, commissioner of labor, management from Insel Air and the office of the Dutch Embassy in the D.R. So far the only office that responded was the office of the commissioner of labor. I had a brief meeting with him and hope that he will make the necessary recommendation to the relevant authorities to have these problems solved.
Again I realize that on Sint Maarten the normal person does not have a right to file a complaint when his rights have been violated. It is all about who you are and who you know. These incidents are clearly indicators that tell you that we are not ready yet for country status. A professional approach from the office of the lt. Governor could have solved all these problems and unnecessary accusations.
I do hope that others bring there stories to the media and let the people decide if we are ready for a new country status or not. YOU THE PEOPLE HAVE TO DECIDE. If they cannot fix this house, sent them home. I told mr, Hyacinth Richardson that I was very much surprised when his office called me as I did not expect no response from none of these governmental institutions. I only hope that this is not politics as usual and that he makes the necessary recommendation to the E.C. to have these problems regulated properly. The person was locked up for 3 days and was sent back to D.R. Up to now he cannot obtain a visa to come to Sint Maarten. Within short I have to ask to renew his papers and he has not worked one day in Sint Maarten. Is it not a shame???
Hen Ling Soon
The uncertainties center around what kind of government will be in place and when our people can expect such remains everybody's guess or gamble.
There is also this great possibility of not changing the present government may still become a fact.
Oh yes there are more possibilities than uncle Louie mentioned in his recent press conference.
So this political impasse that has created a lame duck sitting government can become a long nightmare as well as a shut gun wedding of convenience and desperation in forming a coalition government but not excluding the possibility that "leader of government" will always try to make up with uncle Louie to keep TEAM DP in government!!!!!
Round and round it goes where it stops nobody knows.
Many of these wishful thinkers, editorial views and some political pundits who never supported any of the two political parties are pushing for one of the possible scenarios.
Since I don't have a crystal ball and I am not able to conclude the final outcome on this political impasse by reading the palm of my hand I decided to use a combination of senses to arrive to the lesser of two evils.
So there are many who are voicing their opinions of how the both leaders should move forward in bringing an end to the present impasse and I respect their opinions but I don't necessarily share them, OK.
• classical or critical combinations.
Let us for a moment analyze and assess the ramifications and consequences in following scenarios that may use in ending the political impasse.
Formation of a DP/NA coalition government.
a) What is mr.William Marlin hoping to accomplish by forming a coalition government
with the already tattered, tarnished and tainted DP's administration whose
commissioners and their cronies are under investigations on possible corruption
charges?????
b) How will mr.William Marlin as a coalition member be able to shun, shy or shirk away
then from a commissioner who is charged, convicted and condemned to prison term
because of found guilty on corruption charges while having prior knowledge of being
collectively responsible for the activities of the executive council avoiding the
negative impact on the coalition government's image?????
c) How is mr.William Marlin going to survive any successful attempt by "leader of
government" in convincing uncle Louie to back into the TEAM DP's fold giving her
once more a comfortable majority once more?????
d) How can or will mr.Willam Marlin be able to convince and convert TEAM DP to
contribute to good and transparent governance with accountability?????
e) How can or will mr.William Marlin be able to convince and convert TEAM DP to
to join him in the introduction of the code of ethics and conduct into law without tying
him up because: the road to hell is full of good intentions especially when dealing with
TEAM DP?????
f) How are your fellow island council members and supporters going to feel when you
pass up another chance to take TEAM NA into government ?????
How long will your fellow comrades have to wait to see the promise land as TEAM
NA?????
h) Mr.William Marlin if uncle Louie is good to keep "leader of government" in power is
uncle Louie then not good to get you into government?????
Formation NA / Council member Louie Laveist government.
In such a controversial situation when looking at the pros and cons we can still arrive to a risky rendez vous with man of action still in action and he may be down but still not out, ok.
a) The entire NA government will be able to govern with the support of Council member
Louie Laveist. (Now that he has decided to support you as a council member only)
b) Such an executive council will be free of crooked and corrupted commissioners
and a positive image.
c) If convicted ex commissioner is good for keeping TEAM DP in government then he
should be good to get TEAM NA into government.
d) In the event he pull the plug on NA government then that will be the invitation to
Higher Supervision.
• credible conclusion.
Then it is better to: Dance with a demon than with the devils.
Mr. Edwin James.
Philipsburg December 27, 2009.
As we are moving speedily towards the ending of the year 2009 and moving with great expectations towards the beginning of the year 2010, I am wondering what happened to the investigation that was carried out against my father, inspector Carlton PHILIPS.
Almost a full year has gone by since he has been accused of destruction of information during the time that he worked at the Criminal Intelligence Department. He left the department in the year 2002. Because of this allegation, his police carrier has been negatively impacted. He kindly requested that an impartial investigation be carried out in order to clear his good name and his honor to be restored.
After waiting for seven long months, he was forced to go public with the hope that an investigation will be carried out to prove his innocence.
Management of the police force never expected him to go public. Members of the "Internal Affairs Division" from Curacao were brought in to investigate my father in an attempt to punish him for going public.
According to information the investigation has been completed, a report has been submitted to the relevant authorities, but up to this date this report is being kept top secret. I am certain that if there were any evidence that my father had done anything wrong, you would have been happy to inform the public. I wonder if there is something in this report that the public should not know.
By means of this letter, I am respectfully requesting you to publish the result of the investigation, apologize publicly to my father and bring this episode in his life to rest. I know that my father will never forget, but I believe he will be able to forgive you some day.
Norwin PHILIPS
PHILIPSBURG, 15 SEPTEMBER 2009
I, Carlton PHILIPS, have taken note of your undated press release in the media on September 15 2009.
Your kind attention is requested for the following:
Point number 1
Management failed to acknowledge that I, Carlton PHILLIPS, requested since February 11 2009 that an investigation be carried out concerning the accusation of “destruction of information” (in 2002). I am certain that management is aware of the fact that this is punishable by law (article 366 of the penal code of the Netherlands Antilles). I have indicated several times that I am innocent, that someone fabricated a lie, and requested that an investigation be carried out. I also indicated, that my name should be cleared and that I will not rest until my good name and honor is restored. A person’s credibility, honor and character are very sacred. Management paid no attention to my request. It seems that the fact that the open letter which appeared on September 10 th and 11, 2009, in the newspapers and on the internet finally convinced the Management of the KPSSS that I am very serious about this matter.
Point number 2
I also, believed that this issue involves an internal personnel matter. Had management dealt with this internal personnel matter in a professional and speedy manner, there would have been no reason for me going public. The fact that management indicated that no further announcement will be made at this time, is for the account of management. Management also indicated that the accusations that were launched in general terms, will be investigated. Take your time. For my part you can take another seven months to investigate these accusation, and whatever other matter you choose to investigate.
I am clean and I am determined in my quest for justice.
Point number 3
The fact that management indicated that, in general terms, management would like to say that it works hard to constantly improve the quality of the KPSSS should be applauded. That management is ambitious to always appoint the most suitable candidate within the corps when a vacancy is available is something tremendous and should be encouraged.
In January 2009, Mr. Richard PANNEFLEK left his post as acting chief of police. In February 2009, another person was approached and appointed to this position. There was no selection procedure. There was no other candidate. This means that, in this particular case, no mention can be made of “the most suitable candidate”. I can vividly remember that the former minister of justice indicated that the present acting chief of police will have to upgrade himself. I sincerely belief that his advice should be followed as soon as possible. This could maybe, lead to greater trust within the police organization.
Point number 4
Mention is made of the fact that the candidate that is not appointed to a position may protest the rejection of his candidacy.
I believe that management is trying hard to deviate from the core of my open letter. There is no need to mention anything about court for civil servants. After being on the force for 35 years I definitely know the procedure.
Further, the issue at hand is not the position that was awarded to the most suitable candidate, but the big lie that was fabricated. For me that position is something of the past. I believe that management is underestimating the intelligence of the people and that this statement is misleading.
With god’s blessings, I am looking toward a bright future, hoping that soon we will have a police organization consisting of honest, dedicated and professional people in the Management team. All this, in preparation for country St. Maarten.
Your friend and colleague
Carlton PHILIPS

Marigot: --- Leader of RRR party Alain Richardson in reaction to the announcement that Guadeloupe will not be giving St. Martin any monies representing the Octroi de Mer funds said there is hard times ahead for the island and its people. The decision was taken by the Constitutional Council earlier this week.
Richardson said the present leadership of the COM is very incompetent who lacks vision and did not prepare adequately when they went to Paris to discuss the financial crisis the island is facing. He said the delegation went to the meetings blindly even though they know the State would be defending its interest.
Richardson said focus is placed on the Octroi de Mer funds but the island stand to loose close to 20 million Euros this year compared to its 2008 budget. Breaking down the loss the opposition leader said some 12 millions are attributed to the Octroi de Mer, 5 million from the donation compensation which has been reduced to 280, 000 Euros while the island has to pay back the excess funds it received in 2008 to the State. Already the State has said they would make a reduction of 2.5 million in 2009 and the same in 2010 from the from the DGF funds. (Dontation Global de Functionment). "The State is not considering giving St. Martin any kind of subvention to recover the lost funds." Richardson explained.
Richardson further explained that this amount will represent some 20% of the budget and wonders what the present administration would do to replace the loss. "Already the COM has made some bad choices when they chose to eliminate the tax de la fortune and reduce the TVA Immobiler without knowing what would be going into the government coffers. "How can you get rid of these revenues when you do not know what types of financial guarantee the State will be giving to St. Martin" Richardson asked. He said the law states that the State has to compensate St. Martin for its costs and that had needed proper representation. Richardson said based on the press conference held in November after the St. Martin delegation returned the island. "According to the delegation it is only now they realized that the State was not playing fair games." Only now they realized that the State was playing the judge and jury at the same time.
He further said that the Organic Law is very clear since it said Guadeloupe will not be giving these funds to St. Martin after December 2008. "Furthermore it is unfair to the people of Guadeloupe to take up a burden that belongs to the State. He said St. Martin never contributed to the Octroi de Mer funds but managed to benefit from it over the years. A decision he said was taken by the French Parliament years ago. "It is the French Parliament who decided that St. Martin should not contribute to these funds because of its specificities and they are the ones who decided that the island should benefit. Instead of being angry with the politicians in Guadeloupe the anger should shown towards the State since it is their obligation to give St. Martin some kind of compensation. Richardson said St. Martin leaders were ill-prepared and they did not properly prepare their arguments with the commission des evaluation and charges. He said the opposition has been saying this over the last months and seemingly no one were paying attention.
With the loss of these funds the COM will be in dire straights since they would have finds ways and means to replace the monies which is mainly used to cover administrative cost. One would have to ask how they would pay their bills such as lease, utilities and their staff as well as their social dues at the end of the day. Richardson said the State Secretary of Overseas Affairs Yves Jego is out of place when he tried to force Guadeloupe to continue giving St. Martin these monies. He said Jego cannot and should not tell the Overseas Territories how to spend their monies. What Jego did is a clear sign of constitutional rape. Richardson said.
Richardson said he is even angrier with the state representative (Yves Jego) who recently said that St. Martin may have to introduce some sort of Turn over Tax to recover the lost funds. "This State representative is clearly out of place to tell St. Martin what to do while the State is not living up to its responsibilities". Richardson said the Jego has a high handed attitude in wanting to dictate to others what to do, reason why the Constitutional Council revoked the amendment he made concerning the Octroi de Mer funds and Guadeloupe.
He alluded that this kind of behaviour from Jego shows that St. Martin representatives are weak and not able to properly defend its affairs. "Since the new status was implemented St. Martin has full competencies over its tax policies and Jego is not the one to make any type of announcement is this regard, instead he should be dealing with the immediate issue at hand and see how he can compensate the island for the financial loss. Richardson said.
UPP was Not Prepared Says Noreen Brooks
---SXMers should be given Preference.
Territorial Councilor Noreen Brooks in a statement to SMN News said the present majority in the COM was not prepared to deal with the State regarding these funding. She said it was no secret to politicians that St. Martin would be loosing this money but elected representatives had to be more aggressive and knowledgeable on the issues at hand. Brooks said this matter should have been addressed the minute the COM was installed and not today when there is a crisis. The State already knows that those elected are not ready to take up the challenges that are facing the island. She said the while the UPP have the country to run they have no monies to do the job.
Brooks also attacked the issue where a number of foreigners are being hired by the COM while there are competent locals in the community looking for work.
She said the President of the COM Frantz Gumbs and his group needs to sit down and seriously analyze their actions. These elected officials also need to be open minded and honest to the population.
Brooks said the situation facing the French side is so severe that it is only God who performs miracles would be able to save the island and its people from that which is to come.
Stimulating the Economy-COM Busy Outsourcing Jobs.
Brooks said one of the things the COM should be doing today is to try and stimulate the economy so that these businesses can pay their taxes. "To pay these dues one has to be making monies and right now business people on the French side is not making any monies.
Brooks said the jobs that are being created today is not done for the locals, and the island people are not been given a chance to perform. She said the COM is presently busy outsourcing its human resources which is costing them much more.
The Territorial Councilor said the opposition requested a Council meeting to discuss some of these issues but the COM refused to grant them a meeting saying St. Martin does not have any major problems. They suggested that the RRR meet with the UPP councilors in private to discuss their concerns. Brooks said the opposition is left out of the daily operations of the COM. She gave an example of where a the UPP campaign manager who is also an employee of the COM was paid thousands of Euros to provide trainings to the UPP councilors and the opposition she said was not even invited.

Madame Estate:-- Police managed to apprehend at least one person who is suspected of committing an armed robbery on Seven Alive Shop in Madame Estate last night. SMN News understands two men robbed the supermarket around 9:30pm last night. But due to the quick response of Operation Trust2 one of the suspects was apprehended while police was busy trying to locate the second suspect.
SMN News was not able to confirm this information up to press time last night.
Philipsburg:--- Police raided a home on the Flamboyant road number 13, on Wednesday during the evening hours. Police were able to seize over 235 marijuana plants, classified marijuana seeds, cash money, coins, live ammunition, explosives, 4 different types of fire-arms, a scope- and silencer-mounted rifle, twin (double) spear guns, handcuffs, and bags of fertilizer.
Due to the ongoing investigation we are not going into specifics. Police arrested two females) on Tuesday evening. During the mid-day hours one of the arrested ladies was released.
On Thursday during the morning hours one male resident came to the Police Headquarters in Philipsburg and was arrested by police and charged for above mentioned offences. The suspects among other had three rooms available for growing and processing the marihuana plants. They had also put a cooling system in place to maintain the room with sufficient heat (light system) and a portable electrical device if in case GEBE electricity supply should cut off, they still could keep their business going without interruption. Also the fire department was called to assist in this operation. The press would be assisted at the different scene when these situation take place by the Zero Tolerance as soon as the time and the situation permits. The solving of the case for the Police always comes first. Continue to support your local Police, continue to inform us about criminal offences that are taking place in your area and surrounding, only together as a team we can combat crime on St. Maarten.
Operation Trust 2 was also busy with traffic controls on the Brouwers road in the vicinity of the round-about on Wednesday during the evening hours. In the process 12 persons without having legal documents in their possession were picked up, 52 persons were fined and 10 cars and 1 scooter were taken off the road (impounded) for lack of valid documents. Similar controls like these would continue as the police tries to make St. Maarten a safer place .(Be mindfull this operation is a combination of mainly the St. Maarten Zero Tolerance team with assistance of the Curacao Police, the Customs and the VKS.
Philipsburg: ---Commissioner of Personnel and Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus is urging St. Maarten's academics abroad to upload their resume to the website of the Economic Affairs Department at www.stmaarteneconomy.com
"In our continuing effort to assist our best and brightest in securing employment on St. Maarten and within government structure, it is vital that students themselves make contact with government through every available medium," the Commissioner said.
The Commissioner explained that on the website there is a "Job Opportunities" link that will direct them to two pages, one to view job openings and upload their resume and also forward them to www.diraz.an the website of the Directorate of Labor Affairs of the Netherlands Antilles.
"Besides government service, when the resumes are uploaded it will also allow us to forward these to organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the SHTA which will assist in placing students in vacant positions," she said.
The Commissioner has been active on various fronts in trying to attract young St. Maarteners back home and into government service. She led a successful recruiting trip to the Netherlands last year and has recently encouraged much younger St. Maarten students to register for work experience through government's summer job program.
"We need to avoid the brain drain syndrome on St. Maarten where our academics decide to just stay away from St. Maarten. We need them here at home and especially with us on our way to country St. Maarten," Buncamper-Molanus said.

Cole Bay: --- Parents and students of the Starlight Education Center can breathe a sigh of relief as the school is set to open sometime this week.
Management of the educational center told parents yesterday afternoon that several businesses came together in finding a solution for the school. One of those persons in the private sector is former civil servant Roberto Richardson who is spearheading the relief for the school. Mrs. Carmen Hodge told her parents that there was absolutely nothing more she could have done to reopen the school since she lost over 400,000 in investments over the years. She said the assistance that is given to the school is nothing but God in disguise.
Richardson said he was contacted by a particular businessman who wanted to give financial assistance to the school after they read the newspapers on January 9. He said since then he has been working tirelessly to find a solution to the problem. That solution he said was to find the rent arrears that the school did not pay. Richardson said the money is already in place for the arrears as well as for the rest of the school year. However, he did not want to set a date for the re-opening since he still has some key elements to work out with the proprietor of the school building as early as today.
Richardson also explained that he as well as the management of the school in the person of Carmen Hodge is working very closely with the education department to determine the future of the school which caters to undocumented children on St. Maarten.
The former civil servant said the island government is trying its best to implement compulsory education and that the monies for such are already in the 2009 budget.
However, he said as a St. Maartener he is thankful for schools like Starlight Education and the others that have taken on the responsibility to educate the undocumented children. "While education is the responsibility of the island government I personally must give credit to Mrs. Hodge who has been trying to provide education to so many children without the necessary assistance. As for me I am stuck with the school now since only three weeks ago I realized how valuable schools such as this are to St. Maarten especially to know that the Starlight Education existed since 1992." Richardson said.
Parents and students of the Starlight Education Center are asked to monitor the newspapers and radio for the exact date of opening Mrs. Hodge said.
Philipsburg- If nothing is done to arrest the rapidly deteriorating situation, over 2,000 jobs could be at risk depending on what is done to mitigate the global meltdown. Sounding the serious warning, the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association, SHTA, in conjunction with the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, has proposed a US$4.1 million tourism marketing stimulus fund, which will be used for an emergency short-term intensive marketing and promotional campaign in St. Maarten's primary and secondary visitor source markets. This is the minimum amount needed right now to increase visitor expenditure and save the jobs that would be at stake, should the current situation continue unabated, the two entities stressed.
The private sector is expected to contribute at least six hundred thousand dollars of the total amount. The fund will be managed and monitored by the Economic Recovery Fund (ERF) Committee, which has proven experience in executing emergency and recovery tourism marketing programs from Hurricane Luis to 9-11.
The proposed fund is deemed necessary given the gloomy economic news issuing from recession-ravaged United States, where majority of the island's tourists originate. Similarly, the global financial crisis is also affecting the island's other source markets such as Canada, Europe and South America, making the outlook for the year ahead rather bleak.
Such is the impact of this crisis that the chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and minister of tourism for Antigua & Barbuda, Harold Lovell, recently predicted a decrease of between 20 and 30 percent in visitor arrivals to the Caribbean in the first quarter of 2009.
"What is most important is to maintain job levels. We must stabilize the economic situation and minimize job losses," he was quoted as stating.
The effect of the global meltdown has begun to be felt on St. Maarten, where hotels have been reporting significant drops in bookings, and where they have refrained from hiring additional staff during the high season as is customary.
Almost 3,000 persons work in the hotel and restaurant sector of the island's tourism industry, according to the 2007 figures of the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). The Wholesale and Retail sector employed 4,315 workers, while over 2,000 people work in the Construction and Real Estate sectors respectively. In addition, another 1,784 people in the Transport and Storage sector.
"All these sectors, all these workers, will be affected by the ongoing financial and economic crises in our primary source markets," SHTA president Emil Lee, stressed.
The overriding thrust of the joint SHTA, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau proposal is therefore to secure jobs.
According to this proposal, the main development goals towards which this project would contribute are outlined in the Tourism Master Plan:
An increase in tourism revenue and foreign exchange for St. Maarten
Maintain and increase ADR (average daily revenue) for hotels
Improving the living standards in St. Maarten;
Consolidating and strengthening St. Maarten's competitive position in the Caribbean;
Increasing the number of annual tourist arrivals for St. Maarten;
Developing St. Maarten as a ‘year round' tourist destination
Increasing and maintaining year-round employment
The project goals related to these development objectives include:
a) To increase the number of visitors from the various source markets during peak, shoulder and slow seasons;
b) To support marketing and promotional efforts in a number of important existing markets;
c) To support marketing and promotional efforts by travel wholesalers in key tourist markets.
d) To support the scheduled and current airlift servicing St. Maarten from the various gateway source markets.
The idea is to execute a series of cohesive and integrated marketing activities, geared towards stimulating traffic from the various markets covering the remaining high season and the Summer and Fall periods.
Noting that tourism is the backbone of the island's economy, contributing some US$500 million in direct revenue, while employing about two-thirds of the resident population, the joint proposal emphasizes the adverse effect of the global economic crisis on St. Maarten, pointing out that it is resulting in a loss of business of between 30% and 50%.
According to the SHTA and St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, the crisis has led concretely to
• A stagnation in the projected number of tourist arrivals
• A strong decrease in the average daily rates
• A deteriorating tourism market share among all segments
• A decline in tourism expenditures, including cruise passenger expenditures, as a result of the economic crisis.
• Loss of Government revenue
• Pressure on Infrastructure development and training
Citing various sources and statistics, the SHTA and St. Maarten Tourist Bureau stressed that though St. Maarten is a resilient destination, it will be a challenging year as a result of the "meltdown" (housing, transportation, hurricanes, financial - consumer confidence) with reductions of almost 30% in visitors from the arrivals."
SHTA is of the opinion that, despite restrictions on borrowing by the Island Territory, similar to the situation after 911, flexibility should be shown to the Island Territory in terms of being able to borrow on the market comparable to what was done with the central bank. Attracting a soft loan on the local market could be used as an economic stimulus program, specifically geared towards the marketing stimulus program. It is time that all parties in this case again think outside the box similar to 2001.

AIRPORT----One year after negotiations with representatives of Jet Blue the airline made its inaugural flight to the island from Boston last Saturday. Jet Blue flight 797 arrived here earlier than scheduled because of an apparent tail wind.
In welcoming the airline and its crew President of the Princess Juliana International Airport Eugene Holiday in welcoming the crew to St. Maarten said it could not be a better day to welcome and expand the relationship to the with the with Jet Blue than on St. Valentine's Day. In retrospect he spoke of the 3.3 % decline in passenger movement in 2008 and the "uncertain global economic environment of 2009" and added that it was particularly pleasing to witness the touch down of Jet Blue on St. Maarten.
Holiday said the objective of the airport is to "open direct air service between PJIAE and major metropolitan areas such as Boston." He indicated that this did not come without difficulty and how important it is to have reliable partners such as Jet Blue in these unfavorable economic times.
The airport President expressed appreciation to the management and the Jet Blue organization for the confidence shown by expanding their service to St. Maarten/St. Martin which serves to solidify PJIAE position as a regional leader. He noted that with Jet Blue's new service is a further improvement and expansion in air service for the passengers and stressed that they are committed to working with Jet Blue and the government to develop and strengthen and "grow this new Boston St. Maarten route as well as the existing JFK St. Maarten route.
Commissioner of Aviation Sarah Wescott Williams in her remarks said in jest that St. Maarten had put in "a special order that are usual hot sun was tempered for you and the breeze that is felt though windy and calm that blows over St. Maarten." She congratulated the teams headed by Commissioner Roy and Drs. Eugene Holiday and the management of Jet Blue for their confidence in the island.
She alluded to the fact that the airport had experienced a downturn in passenger arrival and stressed that their will be discussions on if the decrease in passenger arrival is acceptable, excepted or anticipated. She personally feels the airport needs to be congratulated for maintaining the level of passenger arrival during the very difficult year of 2008.
While the discussions are going to take place it is her hope that we focus on 2009 and beyond and added that with this in mind it is good to know that the year has been opened with an important addition to flights and visitors to St. Maarten.
She stressed that she was sure that the passengers who came to St. Maarten on the flight will come back and encourage others to use Jet Blue flight from Boston to St. Maarten. In agreeing with the president of PJIAE, she said that we will witness added flights to St. Maarten.
She told the crew that she is aware that there is not an extra crew on the flight so that they could have enjoyed what the passengers would be enjoying and assured them that they will hear the tales from them. She is certain that they will get the opportunity in the future to spend sometime on the island. She told the captain and the crew to convey to the management of Jet Blue to that the government of St. Maarten will do what ever necessary ensure that the relationship continues to grow between and the airline and St. Maarten and called on JetBlue to be a partner in the development of the island.
Commissioner of Tourism Roy Marlin gave an overview of the relationship with Jet Blue when it started in 2007 and said that "it took a lot of convincing" to management of the airline that St. Maarten was the destination after they had heard that Jet Blue was planning to expand to the Caribbean. He said that with the inaugural flight from Boston to St. Maarten has always been attractive for visitors from the New England area.
He explained that there have been numerous charters coming out of Boston over the years and he is optimistic that with the weekly flight coming out of Boston it will increase to daily flights.
He stated that in a recent meeting with representatives of Jet Blue they are committed to the marketing plan since he feels that they could make the numbers grow to 80% to 85% to justify the increase in flights to the island. He said that St. Maarten is committed to "this marriage" and they are also dedicated to continue with the long term relationship.
Supervisor of Jet Blue Supervisor Mark Boasman in his comments said that with Jet Blue service to the destination it will give more people the opportunity to visit the island. He mentioned that although the relationship between Jet Blue and has only commenced just a few years ago he mentioned that the passengers who travel on the airline has made it a proven success.
He indicated that with the demand for the destination the airline also felt that it was time to increase their flights to destination St. Maarten. He explained that St. Maarten is an important destination in the Caribbean network which is a part of more than 80 daily flights to popular destinations during the winter season making Jet Blue the second largest airline in the Region.
The airline is looking forward to provide a comfortable experience to their passengers who travel between St. Maarten and the United States.
The activities concluded with the Commissioner of Tourism Roy Marlin presenting Captain Michael Toby and his crew who piloted flight 797 to St. Maarten with tokens of appreciation and a plaque on behalf of the government and the people of St. Maarten.

Philipsburg: ---- The island council meeting which was called by the National Alliance faction had to be postponed to next week for the lack of quorum. All five members of the National Alliance Faction showed up for the meeting which was to deal with the building permits policy and the economical situation of the island.
The Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams had already indicated to the chairman of the island council that the Democratic Party faction was not going to attend that meeting claiming that at least two of the commissioners would have been off island. In closing the meeting Lt. Governor and Chairman of the Island Council Franklyn Richards said based on the rules of order the meeting had to be postponed for the lack of quorum however the meeting can be called again within the next eight days. Richards already hinted that the meeting will be called on Wednesday next week.
Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin in a statement to the press shortly after said the Democratic Party is creating nothing more but a smoke screen which is to cover up for their internal problems. He said the National Alliance requested this meeting on Thursday last week which gave the Governor one full week to schedule the meeting, while he had to give the Island Council members four days notification.
Marlin said the accusations by the Democratic Party against the governor saying he is in some sort of conspiracy with the National Alliance to schedule the meeting which would be convenient to the National Alliance is absolutely not true. He said this had nothing to do with his travelling schedule, instead the National Alliance requested the meeting in the week National Alliance island councilmen and Senators Franz Richardson and Marlin were to be on the island.
The two agenda points he said are government's policy on the issuance of building permits and the economic situation of the island.
Marlin further explained the commissioner of Public Works Theo Heyliger was in the hall prior to the convening of the meeting but he Heyliger did not sign in for the meeting which he believes is in keeping with the letter of the leader of the Democratic Party.
The NA leader said if the government was serious they would have allowed the meeting to open yesterday since they have the first rounds in which they would have presented their case and ask their questions.
He said the DP faction could have then joined the meeting after and by then they would have had enough time to prepare the answers to the questions that were asked. This way government would have had enough time to prepare their answers while the two commissioners who are off island could have joined the meetings when they return.
Marlin said it is evident that the island government has internal problems and they don't know how to deal with the issues at hand.
He said the Democratic Party has problems with the commissioner of economic affairs whom he said is continuing to pressure government to implement certain policies.
Marlin said during the last island council meeting their was an agenda point to amend the business license ordinance which the commissioner in charge wants on the floor of the island council. He said when this point was finally on the agenda point the meeting was abruptly adjourned.
Marlin explained that while the chairman claimed the meeting was adjourned to give members of the island council the opportunity to go to a funeral the fact of the matter that was not the case. He said later the members of the island council received a letter telling them that them that the executive council had decided to withdraw that agenda point.
He said this is clear indication that the DP are having internal problems and if they are not willing to talk about those problems then that is their right but they should not twist matters which would make it appear as if it's the Lt. Governor and the National Alliance that are playing games.
Marlin made clear he does not schedule island council meetings instead he request meetings. He said now that the Lt. Governor has decided to reconvene this meeting next week while two members of the National Alliance would be in parliament then he would deal with the issue by withdrawing the request.
Marlin said with these developments it is a clear sign of the lack of good governance on the part of the Democratic Party who are misusing their powers. He said the DP feels because they are in government with the majority of seats but that he says that still has to be clarified since the DP has five seats and the support of Independent member Louis Laveist who is sometimes are there and other times he is missing in action.

Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, met with St. Maarten students last Friday in Florida's state capital, Tallahassee where according to Wescot the meeting was well received by the students.
Students studying at Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee Community College (TCC) and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), were invited to the meeting by the St. Maarten Tallahassee Student Association which was chaired by the organizations President Dominique Hodge.
A presentation was given by Commissioner Wescot about the current process to attain country status within the Dutch Kingdom. An update was also provided about other developments such as infrastructural projects, national health insurance plan, and expansion plans of the St. Maarten Medical Center as well as developments in education just to mention a few.
Calvin Mardembrough provided clarity about Study Financing matters. At the meeting, Ramon Alexander, a young dynamic graduate of FAMU who is presently working at the Mayor's office, volunteered to assist students who were experiencing some bottlenecks at their school.
During the meeting, representatives from FAMU were present to provide information and answer student questions.
The St. Maarten Students Association has been in existence since December 2007. It was formed by Calvin Mardembrough and has been lead by Dominique Hodge, a graduate of Milton Peters College, (presently enrolled at FSU) who was re-elected last December as the organizations President.
The objective of the association among others is to create a better social and cultural atmosphere for all St. Maarten students in Tallahassee; to assist all St. Maarten students with their transition; to assist in resolving any problems that St. Maarten students may encounter while studying in Tallahassee and to promote awareness of St. Maarten culture to the benefit of the students and the Tallahassee community in general.
"During my deliberations with educational officials from the three Florida universities in Tallahassee, all were impressed by the St. Maarten students and implore their attitude and behaviour while studying at their institutions. They were very proud of them.
"The St. Maarten Student Association is a very active group. I was very impressed with them and they shared their plans for 2009 which also includes information sessions with parents and students here in St. Maarten during the summer break," Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
MARIGOT-A decision had to be taken by the Gendarmes to bring in at least 20 more personnel to assist with the rising crime rate on the French side of the island. The information was released during a press conference held at the Sous Prefecture yesterday.
Head of the gendarmerie Loic Baras said a spike and increase in the amount of incidents this past week resulted in them having to recruit more manpower.
During the same press conference the delinquency report for the year 2008 was also released. The figures show that delinquency fell by 2.3% while the specifics on crimes such as thefts, armed robberies and burglaries decreased by 14%.
The results were gathered by the special team VAMA which was installed in September last year.
Baras said they solved 77 % of the armed robberies and other crimes that occurred in 2007 to 2008.
He said while general break ins to homes and businesses fell. Pre-mediated murders increased. Gendarmes had to deal with five murder investigation during 2008 while four of which was solved.
There was a 37% increase in domestic violence with four incidents involving weapons. While other related violence dropped by 25%.
Investigations into drug trafficking also bore positive results in 2008. Gendarmes seized 27 kilos of cocaine, 10 kilos of cannabis, over 50,000 dollars in cash, and a large number of stolen items say Baras.

Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, based on discussions with Tallahassee Community College (TCC) officials last week Friday during her working visit to the City of Tallahassee, is very encouraged with the intentions of TCC to re-establish its relationship with St. Maarten where it concerns instates tuition for the island's students.
TCC several years ago discontinued the instate tuition program for St. Maarten students due to a policy change within the US.
Another major development is that TCC is willing to allow St. Maarten students to complete their first two years of college at the former and then be able to transfer to Florida State University (FSU).
All departments at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) were present for the meeting with Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams and Study Financing Head Calvin Mardembrough last Friday.
During the meeting, FAMU officials provided feedback about how St. Maarten students are doing at the educational institution and what their studies entail. Commissioner Wescot also provided information about developments on the island especially constitutional renewal and education.
Educational officials from TCC, FSU and FAMU were desirous in continuing with the relationship that has been developed over the years with St. Maarten based under the sister-sister city agreement that exist between the City of Tallahassee and the Island Territory of St. Maarten.
"I am very pleased with the deliberations that have taken place and one can summarize that the relationship between the City of Tallahassee and the Island Territory of St. Maarten is as stronger than ever. This has been a relationship that has developed during the past 10-years.
"These are the indications that I have received from the officials. The same can be said from the relationships with the various educational institutions. From here onward, we will continue to build upon the different opportunities that are offered in the sister-sister agreement and continue to open up more possibilities for our nation's youth where overseas study is concerned," Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).

Philipsburg:---On February 26th, 2008 the Sector Economy & Tourism presented a proposal to the Executive Council with regards to the establishment of businesses within residential areas; the Economic Residential Zoning policy.
The Sector began working on the policy in 2008 after receiving numerous complaints from residents as a result of the effects of businesses at close proximity of their homes.
The goal of the Economic Residential Policy is not to restrict business but rather to facilitate an appropriate mix of residential and commercial activities. Furthermore, the aim of the policy is to provide the necessary tools for the issuance of business licenses and control until the island has developed a comprehensive spatial plan according to the EROP regulation.
Considering the complexity of developing such a policy it was decided to focus on the effects the business establishment may have on the surrounding environment. This approach seems appropriate since all the complaints received are regarding the effects of the business on the residential community.
Furthermore, rather than focus on the type of businesses to disallow which may be infinite, the effects-based approach focuses on the consequent activity of the business establishment.
Additionally, the island already has several existing legislations (e.g. Operational Ordinance, Hindrance Ordinance, Public Order Ordinances, EROP) that provide the necessary guidelines for assessing the type of activity and its consequent activity on the community.
The Economic Residential Policy is not intended to be restrictive but rather to facilitate the establishment of non-residential activities in residential areas in circumstances where:
a. The activity is compatible in terms of its potential effects on the residential community.
b. To minimize noise, smell and sight pollution as this may adversely affect the amenity enjoyed by residential communities.
c. Maintain an appropriate level of residential amenity.

AMSTERDAM, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Nine people have been confirmed dead and more than 50 others wounded after a Turkish airplane with 135 aboard crashed near Amsterdam on Wednesday, local officials announced.
A crew member was among the dead and 25 were injured seriously, said a local official, Haarlemmermeer Acting Mayor Michel Bezuijena, at a press conference at the Schiphol airport near Amsterdam. Six were very seriously injured and 24 suffered minor injuries.
The cause of the accident remains unclear, said the local police.
The aircraft split into three parts after it made a soft-landing on the plowed fields near Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.
Mirjam Snoerwang, spokeswoman for the Schiphol airport, told Xinhua that the plane crashed three to four miles away from a north-south runway where the plane should have landed, adding there were 128 passengers and seven crew members on board.
Snoerwang said earlier that the list of the dead and injured may be unveiled at the second press conference, but it ended without any list.
Police authorities only said that most of the passengers were of Turkish and Dutch nationalities.
No fire or explosion occurred due to low fuel in the tanks of the plane, reports quoted experts as saying. The plane, Flight TK1951, left Istanbul's Ataturk Airport at 8:22 a.m. local time.
More than 60 ambulances rushed to the scene and took the injured to 11 nearby hospitals.
Relatives of the dead were arranged in a reception center at the airport, the officials said.
All flights in and out of the Schiphol airport, which is Europe's fifth-largest by passenger volume, were temporarily suspended after the crash. Operations have already resumed by press time.
"It was very lucky. It's unbelievable. If it had moved another 250 meters away, it would have hit the trees, the risk will have been much bigger," a local official said.
Reports quoted officials in Turkey's transport ministry as saying that around 56 foreigners and 78 Turkish nationals were on board the aircraft.
Flight TK1951, a seven-year-old Boeing 737, was due to land at its destination at 10:30 local time.
The Boeing 737-800 is a short to medium range, single aisle, narrow body jet airliner. The 737 has nine variants, from the early 737-100 to the most recent and largest, the 737-900. Series 737-600 through 737-900 are still being produced.
First envisioned in 1964, the 737 series entered service in 1968. Forty years later it has become the most ordered and produced commercial passenger jet in the world.
Nearly 48 million passengers passed through the Schiphol airport in 2007, according to the latest figures from an industry organization, the Airports Council International.
Schiphol saw an air crash in 1992 when an El Al cargo aircraft hit a high building in the Amsterdam suburb of Bijlmermeer, killing 43 people.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, says she fully supports the initiative of the Workers Institute for Organised Labour (WIFOL) initiative of "Stretch the Dollar."
The programme encourages the purchase of food items in bulk at wholesale prices, therefore saving members the mark-up costs before the products hit store shelves.
The concept was tabled during a recent WIFOL Working Women Committee's meeting during which the economic recession in the United States and its potential effects on the local economy were discussed.
"I commend the WIFOL Women's Committee and its President Theophilus Thompson for coming forth with such an initiative and not waiting on government to come with plans. The private sector is an innovative sector that can develop various programs for its employees in order for our island nation to be able to survive this challenge.
"As I have recently stated, it's a shared responsibility that is required by the nation to get us through this difficult period. I encourage other organizations within society to also come with various programs and initiatives that will help our people. Our resilience as a people will be the backbone that will allow us to endure and ultimately overcome these challenging times.
"The economic summit this week should result in a comprehensive plan being developed with the input of all stakeholders thereby steering us through these turbulent times," Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
Philipsburg: --- Officials at the Dutch Tourist Office is amifted with the Heineken regatta team since they did not see any of their logos or that of the island government or the tourist bureau in their promotional material. Government has promised to supply at least $100,000 for the hosting of the 2009 Heineken Regatta but to date Tourism Commissioner Roy Marlin has not delivered the monies. It is understood that Marlin kept saying the monies are in the budget but to date Heineken has not seen the much needed funds.
Reports reaching SMN News indicate that there is some level of dissatisfaction particularly at Tourist Office.
An advertisement as recent as yesterday in the local media reflected the sponsorship of the St. Maarten Yacht Club, Chippie, and Heineken, but nowhere on that advertisement was there a logo or mention of government or the tourist bureau.
SMN News was unable to get a comment from the commissioner or Director of the Tourist Office Regina Labega. Efforts to contact Heather Tackling also proved futile.

Cupe Coy: --- A helicopter that is attached to the Heineken Regatta went down in the Cupe Coy area just after 11am. While some of the information that is being received right now is conflicting. It is understood that male person and two women and the pilot on board where he was conducting a cruise. While other information states that the helicopter in fact is attached to the Heineken Regatta. This media house also understands the helicopter took off from the L'Esperance airport in Grand Case and they were filming a yacht when the it began encountering engine problems.
It is understood that the four occupants who was on board the aircraft at the time it went down was rescued by some sailors that was passing in the area. Three occupants who are said to be VIP have escaped unharmed. It is also understood that the aircraft encountered some engine problems and the pilot chose to land the in the water, parts of the helicopter caught fire after it landed. The aircraft stayed afloat after the landing.
Members of the rescue operations from the coast guard safely towed the aircraft away. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson who was on the scene said he is busy gathering information on the accident. He said so far no one was seriously injured and that the pilot is expected to make a statement shortly.


Philipsburg:---A group of students from the MPC, the VSBO-TKL section, toured the Government Administration Building throughout the day, to get hands-on experience about what the Island Government and its apparatuses are about.
But before the tour, the students were provided with a welcoming address from Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams.
It is a pleasure to have you here in the conference room, where the meetings of the Executive Council take place. Here is where we deliberate on the issues that affect the island; it takes place in a private setting, compared to the Island Council meetings.
"Here is only part of what we do; Government is larger that what we see. There is not an aspect of your life that Government does not affect in one way or the other," Commissioner Wescot-Williams said, "So it is crucial you make knowing about government your business. Get informed, know the issues. The Government is proud of the youngsters who go out into the world and study, then come back to work in Government." "Government is about service to the people," the commissioner reaffirmed.
The next speaker was Joane Dovale-Meit, Island Secretary, who spoke about the organization of the Government and the many functions of her office, which supports, facilitates and advises the Island Council, the Executive council, and the Lt. Governor-Franklin Richards. Government, Dovale-Meit said, serves the people, without such a government cannot run. Especially now, it is exciting to be in government, for not every day you see a country in the making.
A recent graduate of MPC, and now a Junior Administrative worker in the Island Secretary's office, also gave an account of her experience in government.
Valeta Brown started out in the Business Outreach Placement program, a government sponsored program, along with the private sector, to provide work-study for pre- and exam students during the vacation periods in June/July.
After her exams, Valeta started working fulltime, doing such tasks as: assisting in preparing for Island and Executive Council meetings, recording of the Island and Central Government meetings, Ordering supplies, checking mail, assisting co-workers when needed, among other tasks.
She said that it is a good experience because you get insight on what is going on first hand, not just by hearing about it. It is a wonderful challenge, Valeta said.

Philipsburg:---This week all FBE schools will receive copies of the book "The History and Fantastic Legends of the Caribbean - The home of the spirits" part 1 by Claude Maudoux.
The new and authentic book for children was made on our island. The book focuses on the history and culture of our island and has a special feature that allows the reader to participate in a treasure hunt on the Internet.
Social Studies and Culture & Artistic Development are two of the eight educational areas that have been introduced with the implementation of FBE. It is with this in mind that DERPI has deemed it fitting to purchase copies of this book for all FBE schools on St Maarten.
Ms. Oralie Boirard, representing DERPI along with Mr. Maudoux and his colleague will visit all the schools and make the presentation to the school directors. Mr. Maudoux is also offering his services to the schools by giving a demonstration to the students on how to play the treasure hunt game on the Internet.
The funding for the purchasing of the books was provided through the USONA funds.

Philipsburg:---- Commissioner responsible for Education Sarah Wescot-Williams, was updated about developments at the University of St. Martin (USM) on Wednesday morning by the USM board headed by President Lockie Johnson.
This dialogue between the Commissioner and USM board takes place periodically and as Commissioner Wescot-Williams pointed out, "It was important to get these updates to remain abreast of developments pertaining to the islands tertiary institution which has been playing a very important role in the community for close to 20-years."
Ninety-five persons have obtained associates and bachelors degrees in such areas as General Liberal Arts, Business, Computer Science and Education between and including 2004 and 2006.
The commissioner was updated about the goals of the board, strategic planning, financial matters, fund-raising efforts, the completion of the second phase, open house/graduation plans, USM's continued efforts to secure accreditation, an update on staff and faculty matters at USM, and other steps to be taken to keep USM moving forward.
The six goals that the board and six USM committees are working towards are: to ensure the provision of quality accredited degrees at USM; steward the concept and activities of higher education on St. Maarten and for country St. Maarten; develop the financial picture of USM and secure needed funding; enrich the community through the further development of public programs and create a public program pillar at USM; assess and assure the quality of the functioning of the Leadership Team; and to develop additional safe, functional facilities for all activities at USM including classrooms, offices and library space.
The six committees are Executive, Academic, Audit, Building, Fundraising and Public Service, Management, Budget and Compensation.
"This type of exchange is necessary and promotes transparency and good governance, which are essential checks and balances, also for educational institutions. Presentations made by the board members were to the point and very informative," Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Also present in the meeting was Interim Sector Director of Education & Welfare Claudette Forsythe-Labega. USM board members present were President Lockie Johnson, Secretary Danny Ramchandani, Treasurer Cees Jan Roos and Vice President Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Gender Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, will be launching the ‘Strong Women' Organization on March 11 as part of International Women's Day celebrations.
The Strong Women organization is a celebration of women for the inner and outer strength they possess. It recognizes the strength women give to each other, their families and their communities.
The organization is being formed based on a pledge the Commissioner made at the network meeting of Strong Women in the Kingdom, held in Almere, Netherlands in 2008. At that time Commissioner Wescot was recognized as one of the strong women of the Kingdom and she introduced the idea of setting up a Strong Women organization, a female network in St. Maarten.
The soon to be launched ‘Strong Women' organization in St Maarten is based on the belief that by working together women can change the world. The Strong Women organization is a platform where women can work together to raise young girls to be the strong women of tomorrow.
"Its mission is to empower girls to believe in themselves and reach their full potential, to be Strong, Smart, and Bold. The ‘Strong Women' organization will expose young girls to key women in government and the community; successful women who are leaders in a range of areas, such as politics, business, banking, education, law, etc.
"It will provide inventive programs by highlighting female role models, introducing mentoring relationships, and organizing skill building activities to girls to build positive self-esteem and skills for life-long success.
"Strong Women will use the lessons learned from strong women within the community to encourage young girls to become strong women themselves. ‘Strong' indicates having career achievement as well as moral or intellectual power.
"It is expected that the organization will lead to a greater sense of empathy and caring for others, better relationships with family and community, and greater sense of responsibility for the society and the world in general," Commissioner of Gender Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told (GIS).
Philipsburg/TORTOLA-St. Maarten based sculptor Michael Meghiro unveiled one his latest work in the British Virgin Islands last weekend-a statue of Noel Lloyd, a prominent hero of the territory. This is the first major monument for the British Virgin Islands and according to Meghiro, there are more to come in the near future. The occasion was the ceremony for the renaming of the park in Palm Grove Park in Road Town, the capital of Tortola to the Noel Lloyd/Positive Action Movement Park.
As the monument was unveiled, the onlookers marveled at the magnificently, glowing bronze statue, that many remarked is resembles the Noel Llyod, the man who was to the BVI like Claude Wathey was to St. Maarten. Clearly, BV Islanders were thrilled to have their first monument and it was even a greater joy for Meghiro who said he was honored to have been afforded the opportunity to construct the monument that is important for Tortola and its citizens. "I feel very great, I feel honored," Meghiro said. He received a picture of Lloyd which he used to determine the likeness of the image before making the mold of the statue. For the past few days leading the unveiling, he has been doing the finishing work on the statue.
Lloyd was born in the British Virgin Islands in 1936 and served in the Royal Air Force in the late 1950s and early 1960s before he traveled to Kenya. He returned to the territory in the mid 1960s and was instrumental in the Positive Action Movement formed in 1968 to oppose the development by "Bates-Hill Company of Britain who bought out the local owner of an island in Road Town harbor called Wickham's Cay the new developers signed a 199 year lease and planned to restrict the entrance of locals onto the property. Llyod and the Sportive Action Movement vehemently opposed the move, staging protest marches that led to their arrests and at times beatings. The movement paid off when in 1971, the British government purchased the land and the lease agreement was nullified buys the Privy Council. Noel Lloyd passed away last year August but was assured before his death that the park would be renamed in his honor.
On hand to witness this historic occasion along with the many BV Islanders were Premier of the BVI Hon. Ralph T O'Neal, Lloyd's daughter Sarah Llyod Gomez, and the members of the positive Action Movement, most of which were part of the group in its initial stages in the 1960s.
HIGH PRAISES
Dignitaries and guests at last Sunday's function praised Meghiro for the excellent job he did on the monument. "Oh my goodness. It's a good likeness of Lloyd. It's a very good replica of him," Patsy Lake, one of the original members of the Positive Action Movement. She believes that people will have a greater appreciation of the fight of the Positive Action Movement during the struggle in the 1960s now that the monument is established in the park. Premier Ralph T O'Neal also agreed that the statue resembles Lloyd, having known him personally for years.
He believes the monument will the children of the territory realize what took place 40 years ago and generations will be reminded of and appreciate the work done back then. He said he was appreciative of the turnout and for those who participated in the event. "One of the shortcomings of the West Indies generally is we don't try to record (the history) so that those who come after us will know what the past generations went through," O'Neal said.
Noel Llyod's daughter Sarah Llyod Gomez took one look at the statue after it was unveiled immediately acknowledges that it resembles her father: the face, the beard and the posture. "I remember him a little taller but remember I'm his little girl, so I always used to look up to him," she said. She said she feels every honored that the BVI recognized her father, especially at a rough time in her family-her sister is battling leukemia and it has been less than a year since her father died. She also did not venture into the debate that apparently has been raging on the island that Lloyd should have been honored by the government a long time ago for his exploits. "The bottom line is that it is behind done now. Better now than never," she said.
MARIGOT-An 18-year-old individual is due to be transferred to Guadeloupe for trial today following his arrest for robbing a woman at gun point in Orient Bay.
The incident occurred during the night of March 5 and 6 when the woman was accosted by the suspect who stole two cellular phones and a digital camera.
The Gendarmerie disclosed a second 18-year-old accomplice involved in the February 21 armed robbery of a tourist couple in Grand case had also been arrested and sentenced to a 3-year prison, 18 months of which are suspended.

President of the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation, Desmond Herbert is of the firm belief that a lifestyle of abstinence, faithfulness and condomising was the approach to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and urged residents of St Kitts and Nevis to preach it.
At an executive meeting held among some of his membership, Pastor Herbert passionately underscored the importance of the need for persons to know their status and for infected persons to have access to treatment and care.
"In this regard let me join in urging the world's scientists to keep the faith and redouble their efforts to find a medical cure and a vaccine for this disease which continues to claim thousands of lives around the world each day," Herbert said.
In reiterating his foundation's support and help to the fight against HIV/AIDS, he noted the importance of partnerships and the work being done by persons in the health sector along with other local partners. He also issued an invitation to other NGO organizations to partner with his foundation is that they can help in eradicating the disease.
"I am very confident that we can achieve success with fighting HIV AIDS but it cannot be fought single-handedly but must be fought as a collaborative effort between everyone," he declared.
Herbert commended the Ministry of health in St Kitts for what he ha-said has been a worthwhile fight and significant contributions that the Ministry has made. He noted that the aggressive efforts and contributions made by permanent Secretary Elvis Newton has helped in some amount of success. He said leadership at the local level had been critical in the fight and St Kitts had received international recognition in this area.
The meeting held by the foundation forms part of its efforts to assist in eradicating the disease within the federation while providing care and support to those affected or infected by the disease.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Denzil Douglas had stated in the December 1st, 2008 World AIDS Day observance that it should be a time for reflection and introspection: introspection on promises made, individually and collectively, to provide strong leadership by implementing strategies to deal with prevention and treatment; to protect human rights by reducing stigma and discrimination; and to promote research among other promises, as indicated by the signatures to the 2001 UNGASS Declaration of Commitment.
Caricom Secretary General, Edwin Carrington said despite the optimism caused by recent statistics which suggested the global prevalence of the infection was stabilizing in addition to localized reductions, the statistics still painted a grim picture and pointed out that inadequate access to HIV prevention and treatment services resulted in new infections and deaths daily.
He added that progress in halting the HIV pandemic was still falling short of targets and emphasised that leaders must honour the 2006 UNGASS commitment of delivering universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, care treatment and support services by 2010.

Philipsburg- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, assisted by Veronica Jansen-Webster and Arturo Lugisse, met with Mervin J. Henderson, PH.D. - Associate Superintendent of Schools and Maggie B. Lewis-Butler - School Board Member, District 3 Leon County Florida.
The meeting was initiated by Commissioner of Tallahassee Bill Proctor with the objective to further develop the sister city agreement between St. Maarten and Tallahassee in the area of education while incorporating an economic component beneficial to St. Maarten.
As suggested by Commissioner Bill Proctor during this meeting the possibility was explored for Leon County high school students who take French classes to visit St. Maarten as part of their curriculum and as a result earn credits. The visit to St. Maarten/St. Martin would expose the students to the daily use of the French language, and culture while at the same time making a contribution to St. Maarten's economy, thus giving true meaning to diversification within the tourism sector.
This program also establishes the development of education as a diversified economic sector, which was identified in 2005 in the "St. Maarten Diversification Study" one of seven areas such as the Marine Trade sector and International Financial Sector.
The sister city relationship with Tallahassee will by means of this program also bring about cooperation between St. Maarten and St. Martin as the involvement of the French side will be necessary to make this a reality.
The sister city agreement St. Maarten-Tallahassee is based on reciprocity and so the opportunities for enrolling talented St. Maarten students, outside of the regular study financing program is also under consideration. We have recognized that St. Maarten has many young athletes and musicians who under normal circumstances, for reasons such as academic challenges, are not getting the opportunity to develop their talent and as a result never have the opportunity to fully develop their potential.
Commissioner Bill Proctor who is a strong advocate of this innovative idea of educational development and economic opportunities, is expected in St. Maarten in April during which time the agreement is expected to be formalized.
"I am pleased with the progress we have made last week. The agreement was relatively unknown to me, while indeed being aware of the educational benefits we as St.Maarten continue to derive from the sister city agreement on one hand the economical benefit to Tallahassee on the other hand.
The many other opportunities, as outlined in this agreement and thus at our disposal, will certainly continue to be explored, bearing in mind that during these economically challenging times, we must be ready to discover new options and think outside of the box": concludes Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus.

Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner of Labour Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, has commended the Workers Institute for Organized Labour (WIFOL) for the organization of information sessions for its members related to the new labour policy among other employee related matters.
Commissioner Wescot dropped in unannounced last week during one of the information sessions that was organized by WIFOL which included a presentation by the Head of the Labour Department Raphael Boasman.
The sessions are part of WIFOL's annual information sessions to educate workers about their rights.
"The initiative taken by the WIFOL is important for the worker and serves also to assure the workers of Government's concern for their wellbeing. An integral part of the foreign workers permit policy, is to give employers the opportunity to rectify and legalize the position of their present employees.
"The working class who are the drivers of the nation's economic engine must have a decent work environment. Decent work sums up the aspirations of people in their working lives. It encompasses opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace, social protection for families, better prospects for personal development and social integration and equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men.
"Those who come from abroad to work here must also be properly taken care of and regulated accordingly in order to make a positive contribution within the confines of the rule of law and basic human rights. WIFOL is doing a great job with respect to the initiative taken on the new labour policy to inform the working class," Commissioner of Labour Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).

CAY BAY-During a routine inspection round on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at the Cay Bay Power Plant in, a vigilant GEBE technician detected a water leak in one of the main power production units. He immediately notified his superiors and the decision was taken to stop the generator as a precautionary safety measure. This lead to limited load-shedding because some other units were undergoing planned maintenance at the time. Some of the areas affected were Lowlands, Beacon Hill, Dutch Quarter, and Simpson Bay.
Due to the severity of the problem, a tentative load shedding schedule for the rest of the day was disseminated to the media to prepare residents for short outages. However, because the technician had detected the problem before it escalated, the mechanical team was able to solve the problem much faster than had originally been anticipated. While some areas experienced short power interruptions other areas such as Pelican and Lowlands were without power for almost 2 hours. Electricity supply to all affected areas was restored by 12:30 p.m.
GEBE apologizes to its customers who experienced power interruptions.
Suspension of Turks and Caicos Constitution is not new in the region.

Philipsburg - Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus attended a preventative session at the Sundial School for Violence Prevention Week.
Also present at the event was radio personality Elektra of Laser 101 who spoke to the students on the topics of leading by example, about self-respect, and about the need to love oneself.
The speakers spoke mainly about self esteem and the need to not only prevent violence but take responsibility for doing the right thing.
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus congratulated all those students for taking part and the teachers and management of the school for putting on such an extensive program in an effort to reduce violence in the community.
Commissioner called on the students to act responsibly and in turn success will follow, "If you want to be successful, you have to plan and do well in school, including studying hard."
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus asked: "Why do we have violence?" The students gave such reasons as, namely: hatred, gangs, drugs, and jealously to name a few. Commissioner Buncamper - Molanus added some of her own reasons: TV, weapons, poverty, and peer pressure.
"But we must be tolerant," Commissioner said, "we must accept everyone for who they are, whether they are big, small, tall, fat, skinny, among other characteristics. It is about choices we have. We have to choose wisely. Stand up, be brave."
We all know what the problem is, so we all have to do our part, and not one person or one group, not just Government, and not just parents, to solve the issue, but everyone, all groups," Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said.
Although Government is doing much, i.e. Girl Power, Dare Program, Baby Thin it Over, Active Parenting, Family & Friends Network, and a host of other programs. We all have to be positive. Do whatever we can and make St. Maarten a better place.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, would like to wish the Meteorological Service of the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba and especially the staff of the local Met Office on the island, a Happy World Meteorological Day.
Each year, on March 23, the World Meteorological Organizations (WMO), its 188 members and the worldwide meteorological community celebrate World Meteorological Day around a chosen theme.
The date commemorates the entry into force, in 1950, of the WMO Convention creating the organization, and subsequently, in 1951, WMO was designated a specialized agency of the United Nations system.
The theme for 2009 is, "Weather, climate and the air we breathe."
"I would like to commend the work that is carried out every day by the staff of the St. Maarten branch of the Meteorological Service of the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba. They perform very important tasks in providing weather information to the control tower at the airport for safe airport operations besides information to mariners.
"Secondly, the service also performs an important task during the hurricane season. Our island nation is on track to set up its own national service with the assistance of the Meteorological Service of the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba and others.
"We look forward to the day when our current branch office becomes our own national service continuing to serve the aviation and shipping sectors as well as the St. Maarten community," Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS).

Philipsburg- "How to Thrive in Trying Times," Dr. Nicole Erna Mae Francis' most recently published book, is now available online at: http://www.authorhouse.com/bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=54539. The book which has been "live" for only about five days, already has been receiving great reviews. Eion wrote to Francis: "I feel 'blessed' just logging on to your book site." Sara, another visitor to AuthorHouse's web site, Francis' publisher, expressed the following: "Nicole I have read the preview of your book and I must say that I was very impressed by your words of wisdom. You are truly a gem in St. Martin's sea of jewels. As your book depicts in a capsule form, God is the only person that can take us through these trying times. Congratulations! I will continue to draw inspiration from your work. Thank you."
"How to Thrive in Trying Times" also will be available for sale through thousands of retailers worldwide within the next 30-45 days as well as available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Victorious Living Foundation's site: www.victoriouslivingsxm.org. The book will be officially launched on May 09 at the Belair Community Center at 7:45 p.m. and the entire community is invited to what promises to be an inspirational evening. Among the featured performances at the event will be dances by St. Martin's Queen of dance, Clara Reyes, Minister of Dance Miranda Patterson, local poets and spoken word geniuses, Lenworth Wilson and Anderson Percival, both past presidents of Youth to Xtreme (Y2X), the youth wing of Victorious Living Foundation.
Not only will Francis be launching her book, but also a cd of her "Poetic Vibes to Help You Thrive." This cd provides a boost of inspiration to the weary, depressed and/or discouraged person desirous of hope in these trying times. According to Francis, "Woman" her most recent poem performed for International Women's Day celebrations on St. Maarten which has received rave reviews, will be included as a bonus on this cd.
A significant percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Y2X and Victorious Living's mentorship program, Family and Friends Network, for their empowerment of youth and their families in the community. This financial contribution to Y2X is pivotal at this juncture, as Y2X is preparing for its annual youth empowerment conference and concert, Xtreme Youth Fest, slated for July 9-12, 2009.
Xtreme Youth Fest has impacted the lives of thousands of youth between the ages of 13-35 over the past four years since its inception. Participants locally and regionally over the years have expressed the great impact that Xtreme Youth Fest has had upon their lives. Testimonials include:
• "My experience at Xtreme Youth Fest 2007 will be one I will probably never forget. Words can not express the life-changing spiritual rejuvenation I encountered while participating."-(Vera Igbinigie, medical student)
• "Every part of this event was worth it all. To all the Y2X members, you put your all into this event, to make it possible, I salute you. God will surely bless you. Your labor is not in vain he will reward you for all your hard work. I will like to say thank you for making our stay a comfortable one and for making youth fest this year a memory that will live on in my heart for a lifetime." - (Juliet Daniel, Saba.)
Francis therefore encourages everyone to purchase a book and a cd for themselves and others who may be struggling at this time, as the investment in the book and cd provides a priceless value of personal inspiration to the buyer while empowering our youth and snatching them from the evils which seek to ensnare them. For more details or to contribute to Victorious Living's mentorship program and/or Y2X, persons may call 524-8731/542-2663/520-3680/554-9807/586-6109/1305-296-6805, visit Victorious Living at 158 B. Back Street, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, or www.victoriouslivingsxm.org .

Philipsburg:-- The Beyond Writing Foundation (Ms. Loekie Morales), Nature Foundation and Environmental Protection In the Caribbean recently sent out invitations to all of St. Maarten's primary schools to sign up for the Foundations' joint environmental education program titled "Sea life and Wetlands Excursions", offered by the Foundations between the end of March and June, 2009.
Many of the island's schools have shown interest in these excursions, as a total of 10 primary schools signed up between February and early March of this year. The first of 17 excursions planned took place on Tuesday March 24th, 2009. The morning's events commenced at 8.00 am with a Power Point Presentation on St Maarten's Wetlands, at the Methodist Agogic Centre (MAC) Browlia F. Maillard Campus at St John's Estate. After the presentation, which covered the ecological, environmental significance of wetlands as well as the threats these areas face, the organizers, class teachers and children boarded a school bus to the Little Bay Pond. Where they could see, hear and experience the value of nature as explained in the classroom. (see attached picture)
The children had a lot of fun during this excursion, and had the opportunity to learn a lot about the different types of mangroves, other plants and the different animals living in and around the Little Bay Pond. Pupils visited the Nature Foundation's and EPIC's bird watching hut and its surroundings were they saw and heard different sorts of birds, dragonflies, butterflies, spiders, crabs and also learnt about the consequences of man made threats to Pond life through: excavation, the influx of sewage and contamination by illegal dumping of waste in and near the ponds.
The aforementioned Foundations intend to provide St. Maarten's school children with a better understanding and appreciation of the island's Flora, Fauna, Wetlands (Ponds, lagoons) and the Marine environment through these presentations and excursions which compliment the individual Foundation's already existing educational programs. The scheduled presentations and excursions were partially financed through a grant Beyond Writing Foundation (Loekie Morales) received from AMFO.

POINTE BLANCHE:-- The St. Maarten delegation headed by Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger, who just recently returned to the island after attending the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami Conference, have been informed that the Port of St. Maarten is the first harbour that will be ready for the Genesis class cruise ships.
The new cruise jetty measuring in at 445 meters in length and 21 meters in width will be ready in May followed by additional cruise amenities in September. Funding for the cruise harbour expansion has been provided by Carnival Cruise Lines (US$35 million) and Royal Caribbean Lines (RCL) (US$10 million).
The Oasis of the Seas is expected in port around mid-December. The vessel home porting in Fort Lauderdale makes its maiden voyage on December 12, 2009.
At the cruise shipping conference, St. Maarten was singled out several times for its foresight and pro-active preparations as a cruise destination, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies stated on Thursday.
Royal Caribbean International announced in February 2006 its Genesis project which entailed the construction of the largest cruise passenger ship in the world weighing in at 220,000 gross tons and costing approximately US$1.2 billion. The RCI Chairman and CEO Richard Fain called it, ‘exhilarating to take such a giant step into the future.'
The new vessel, Oasis of the Seas, will have a passenger capacity of 6400 and 2000 crew for a total complement of almost 9000 souls. The vessel will be 360 meters long and 47 meters wide and 65 meters above the waterline.
Oasis of the Seas will be 43 per cent larger than other vessels in the RCI fleet. RCI is constructing two of the mega-size vessels with Allure of the Seas being the second vessel to debut in 2010.
According to cruise industry officials, the largest cruise ships have proved to be the largest cash generators for the operators, offering economy of scale benefits.
"St. Maarten was singled out once again by the cruise industry for being a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean. We are very proud of this accomplishment which has been achieved with the vision and foresight of Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger, the Supervisory Board and all those who work in the tourism industry on the island.
"We must continue to work hard as a cruise destination to maintain our position. We cannot afford to sit back at this point in time in order to maintain our lead," stated CEO Mark Mingo of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies on Thursday.
Stabroek News.
Former President Janet Jagan died early yesterday morning, giving the nation pause to reflect on a lifetime dedicated towards the struggles for independence and democracy.
Mrs Jagan, who was a co-founder of the governing PPP and the country's first female head of state, passed away at 12.36 am yesterday in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital. She had been admitted to the hospital for observation on Friday afternoon after complaining of feeling unwell. She was 88 and had been ill for some time.
Funeral arrangements are to await the arrival of her daughter, Nadira Jagan-Brancier, although it is expected that she will be accorded a state funeral, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday. President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is currently in the Middle East on a series of visits, took the decision to cut short his tour to immediately return to the country upon receiving the news of Mrs Jagan's death. Amid a flood of tributes, the Guyana Government said the nation lost one of its greatest citizens, noting that she had exhibited strength, courage, humility and commitment to its development.
Although she was born in Chicago, Illinois, in the US, she was a tireless campaigner for Guyana's independence alongside her husband, the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan. In opposition during the years of PNC rule, she was also at the forefront of the struggle for free and fair elections. In 1997, she succeeded the late President Dr Jagan in the office of the president - though not without a great degree of controversy.
In addition to her political activism, Mrs Jagan was a pioneering women's rights advocate, a journalist and later an author of children's stories and patron of the arts. She was instrumental in the establishment of the National Art Gallery in Castellani House, and sat on its board. Widely read herself, she lent her presence in support of any number of local book launches.
She was conferred with the Order of Excellence (OE) as well as the Gandhi Gold Medal for peace, democracy and women's rights. Mrs Jagan was also part of the quartet that founded the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), which was the precursor to the PPP. She remained an active party member, serving on its central and executive committees up to the time of her death. She was also editor of the party's official organ, Thunder and continued to pen columns for the Weekend Mirror newspaper. Her decades long activism rooted her firmly in the national consciousness, where she was widely known as "Janet" to a wide range of supporters and detractors alike.
According to Dr Cheddi "Joey" Jagan , Jnr, Mrs Jagan lived a full life, pursuing a commitment to democracy that was based on her genuine concern for the people. He said she was instrumental in bringing free and fair elections, to which she remained committed. "My mother gave more to Guyana than a lot of people who call themselves patriots here," he stated. "Although she was a politician - and politicians have their own endgame - I can tell the world my mother was not corrupt," he added, saying that she was opposed to all the bad things in politics.
He said her grandchildren were particularly devastated by her passing but he took consolation in the fact that she lived a full life. "It's devastating that she died, but she was eighty-eight, she lived a full life and she did everything a person could try and do and she left her mark," he said.
Jagan Jnr noted that she could have simply stayed in the US and been very successful, recalling her background in journalism and aviation in addition to her training as a nurse. Instead, he said, she worked tirelessly here during the dark days, remaining totally committed to a parliamentary democracy. "Overall, my mother was a good mother and good to the Jagan family," he said, adding that without her, the Jagan family would not have made it to where it is today.
He described her as a remarkable woman, saying she had a deep intellect, a caring personality and a loving heart. Although she was always busy, he noted, she always found time for his welfare and that of his sister, who are both proud of their parents' work.
Although she left Chicago more than 60 years ago, Jagan Jnr said his mother still managed to distinguish herself as a Chicagoan. He said the night before she died, she told him someone called her from Chicago to inform her that she was on a list of famous Chicagoans. "So that tells a lot about her own mark," he explained. "As a person who grew up in Chicago... for them to name her as one of the leading Chicagoans is quite remarkable."
He also related another story about his daughter, who is currently attending law school in California. She informed him that one of her professors, a native of Chicago, later revealed that he had read everything by Janet Jagan, but knew nothing of Cheddi Jagan. "My daughter was so shocked, he didn't know about Cheddi Jagan," he said.
At the Freedom House headquarters of the PPP, the national flag and the party flag adorning the front of the building were both flown at half mast, while black flags were also being flown to signify the death. A sombre atmosphere pervaded the building, where party members gathered to reflect on the loss. A book of condolence was also opened at the party headquarters.
PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar told Stabroek News that there were mixed feelings among her comrades. "There is a deep sadness among those who knew her for most of her political life and who also benefited from her kindness and generosity over the years," he said, "but on the other hand we know she had a full life and her life is one that should be celebrated..."
Ramotar highlighted the fact that she migrated from one of the richest countries to one of the poorest and made it her home, becoming Guyanese in every sense of the word. "She fought for social liberation," he said, "Her whole life was associated with the downtrodden and she was always on the side of the working people, the oppressed people, the disadvantaged it; she was a champion for them." He said she had a strong commitment and feeling of responsibility to the people, believing that a better world was possible.
He described her as a different politician, shying away from publicity to work quietly behind the scenes. At the same time, he added that she did not shy away from her duties and responsibilities, which she carried out with discipline. He emphasized that she was very hard working, even in recent years, noting that four years ago she agreed to edit the Thunder once again and managed to meet the quarterly deadline every single year. He added that even after she broke her arm in late February, she continued to write.
Ramotar spoke with her at her home before she was admitted to hospital. He had heard that she was in pain and the doctors suspected that she had kidney stones. According to him, they also spoke of the international financial crisis as well as about a meeting of the central committee planned for yesterday. She had asked him to make an excuse for her absence.
Ralph Ramkarran, a member of the PPP's Executive Committee, described her as "a great patriot" and "a dedicated Guyanese," who devoted her entire life to the wellbeing of the country and the people. He also described her as an "extraordinarily kind" and "generous woman," saying that there are very few people who knew her genuinely who would not have noted these qualities.
According to Ramkarran, his father had joined the PAC shortly after its formation and later became a founding member of the PPP. As a result of the closeness between the two families, Ramkarran said, Mrs Jagan was always a part of his life. "I grew up as part of the PPP and I couldn't tell you when I met her because she was always there," he said. He added that when he returned to Guyana in 1973 and began his political activism he worked very closely with her and members of her group.
Ramkarran said Mrs Jagan's life was centred around politics, noting that her relationships, including her husband, her family and her friends were all connected to political activism. At the same time, he said she long had to contend with demonization by the opposition and other forces, which as early as the 1950s sought to portray her as the real architect of Cheddi Jagan's success - a claim she would dismiss as racist.
Mrs Jagan served as head of state from December 19, 1997 to August 11, 1999.
Following the death of her husband, President Cheddi Jagan, in March of 1997, Mrs Jagan decided to contest for the office. She had said that before he died he told her that he wanted her to continue his work and she agreed to follow his wishes. She was subsequently sworn in as Prime Minister of Guyana and first Vice-President on March 17, 1997.
For the 1997 elections, she was chosen as the PPP/C's presidential candidate, leading to the creation of the so-called ‘A' team, which would later pave the way for President Bharrat Jagdeo to accede to the presidency. It was announced then that if anything were to happen to her, she would be replaced by the representative of the party, Jagdeo, while Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, representing the Civic portion of the ticket, would remain in the Prime Ministerial position.
Mrs Jagan triumphed in a highly controversial election and was sworn in at a private ceremony attended by only a few persons amid reports that there was going to be a legal attempt to stop her swearing in. At a public ceremony held later at State House, High Court marshals attempted to serve an order to stop the swearing in. She controversially tossed the document over her shoulder after it had been served on her. She later explained that she meant no disrespect to the courts but had been moved to act by what she felt had been decades of injustice meted out to her, her late husband, the PPP and its supporters. It was the type of action her supporters said typified the fighter in her.
However, Mrs Jagan's presidency was marred by political unrest over the election results and the manner in which she was sworn in. In the face of protests, led by the main opposition PNC, she subsequently agreed, among other things, to cut her term in office by two years under terms of the January 17, 1998 Herdmanston Accord, which was brokered by Caricom statesmen. The situation of unrest continued in various forms, with the PNC boycotting the Parliament, leading to the St Lucia Statement of July 2, 1998 in Castries, St Lucia where she shook hands with PNC Leader Desmond Hoyte on other commitments.
Mrs Jagan's presidency was in large part defined by the paralyzing public service strike in 1999 which spawned a crisis and sapped her energy. In announcing her resignation on August 8, 1999 Mrs Jagan said: "I considered at length and consulted close colleagues on the question of my continuing in office as President. It is now my firm and studied conclusion that I can no longer offer to the nation the vigorous and strong leadership that I had sought to provide during my 20 months as the lawfully and duly elected President of the Republic of Guyana. I therefore wish to announce that I intend to resign my position as President and to fulfil the promise I made during the 1997 election campaign."
Prior to her resignation she had fallen ill and had had to be hospitalised here.
Some analysts have contended that Mrs Jagan did not make the wisest decision in contesting for the presidency as she was not seen as a candidate of conciliation who could bridge divisions with the opposition and be a candidate of compromise. Others, however, felt that the reason she agreed to be candidate was to avoid a divisive bare-knuckles fight within the PPP to succeed President Jagan, as there was no clear choice.
After her resignation, Mrs Jagan continued to be in the public eye playing an integral part in the preservation of her husband's memory and legacy and being a patron of the arts. She attended a lecture in memory of her husband last week.
In its statement, the government said Mrs Jagan's selfless and dedicated service to the country was rendered during her long, varied and honourable career in public life over six decades. It noted that she struggled alongside her life-long partner and husband, the late President Dr Jagan, against colonialism and fought for peace, democracy and justice both here and abroad. "Through her determination she worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of all Guyanese, especially poor women and children," it added, while describing her as a modest and simple woman, who carried herself with great dignity and integrity. The main opposition PNCR paid tribute to Mrs Jagan for playing an important role in shaping the early political culture of the nation, helping to push the issue of women rights and liberation to the top of the national agenda and being a fighter for independence. The PNCR said she made an important contribution to national development, recalling that as a Minister, she made her mark in the field of Health, Housing and Home Affairs, and as a legislator, as a Senator and member of the Legislative Assembly.
Two years ago, Mrs Jagan was asked about reconciliation between the two parties and she told Rickey Singh: "I don't think that either side has that as a priority right now, but I would prefer to leave it at that..."
Mrs Jagan, who was born in Chicago, Illnois in the US, married Dr Cheddi Jagan on August 5, 1943. She was fervently committed to the marxist/communist ideology and was believed to have played an influential role in his early political development.
She came to British Guiana with him in December 1943 and worked for 10 years as a dental nurse in Dr Jagan's clinic. She became immediately involved in the labour struggle and as a member of the first ever union in the colony, the British Guiana Labour Union. She was also the co-founder of the Political Affairs Committee. Mrs Jagan was elected General Secretary of the PPP in 1950 and served in that post until 1970. She was a founder of the Women's Progressive Organisation and became the first elected woman to the Georgetown city council. She was later one of three women to enter the House of Assembly as a representative of the Essequibo constituency.
Following the suspension of the constitution and the ousting of the government, Mrs Jagan was jailed for six months in 1955 and restricted to Georgetown after her release. When the PPP was returned to power in the 1957 elections she was appointed Minister of Labour, Health and Housing - one of her famous posts. In 1963 she became Minister of Home Affairs but resigned a year later over incidents of violence in Wismar. She became a member of the Elections Commission in 1967 and played an active role in the opposition years during which she played a significant role in Parliament. After the party's triumph at the 1992 election, Mrs Jagan served for three months as the country's ambassador to the United Nations. She leaves to mourn her son, Dr Cheddi Jagan Jnr, daughter Nadira Jagan-Brancier, five grandchildren and many other relatives.

Philipsburg: ---The St. Maarten Lion's Club secretary Ms. Jessica Vrolijk presented a check to Dr. Jay Haviser of the SIMARC Foundation, together with many of the SIMARC students. This Lion's Club donation is a partial sponsorship for students of SIMARC to attend the International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology (IACA) to be held in Antigua in July.
Two SIMARC students, with aspirations of becoming archaeologists, will attend this professional meeting, and they will make a presentation during the Congress. They will be accompanied by Dr. Haviser, and he will also make presentations at the Congress about recent archaeological research on St. Maarten.
Wednesday, 01/04/09.
from the desk of Chief Inspector,
Johan "Janchi" LEONARD.
On Tuesday evening, at around 10.30 pm., "Cole pot" was robbed by armed gunmen.
Two (2) mask men brandishing fire arms entered the restaurant "Cole Pot" located on Juancho Yrausquinboulevard and under threath of the fire arms made away with the content of the cash resgistry. A car was used to escape the scene of the robbery.
Two tourist who were walking on the Billy Follyroad in the vicinity of Atrium Hotel were ambushed by two bandits. The incident occurred at approx. 11 pm., one of the tourist fought with his attackers and was hit with a rock. The police patrol who went to scene coombed the area and were able to apprehend one of the suspects. He is now encarcerated pending further investigation.
In connection with a robbery case whereby a youth was robbed of his motor-bike on the Welgelegenroad in the vicinity of "Raoul Illidge Ball park" last week Friday, at around 4:30 pm. police arrested the culprit on Backstreet, on Monday at about 5:30 pm. The victim was sitting on his motor-bike when he was approached by the tug demanding the boy to give up his motor-bike. Now the suspect is in jail awaiting his punishment. (Crime does not pay).
Police are looking for an abusive young man who ill-treated a 23-year-old woman in a restaurant located in Colebay, on Tuesday evening at around 9:30. The abusive man hit and kicked his victim and even slammed her against the wall. He had also threatened to kill her. The victim lost one of her front tooth and others are shaky. The suspect is from Jamaica and according to info he had been deported in the past but entered illigally back to the island.

PHILIPSBURG-Ten lucky winners of the GEBE website promotion have won a goody bag for signing up for the GEBE E-billing service via the new GEBE website at www.nvgebe.com. The E-billing promotion ran as part of the GEBE website launch on March 27, 2009.
The new GEBE website makes it easy and convenient for customers to contact GEBE online, get information 24-hours a day, and even link through to their local bank to make e-payments from the comfort of their home or office. In addition to the customer services in the Customer Center, the website has a wealth of information on GEBE, electricity and water, and Environment Center with energy saving tips and renewable energies, safety, storm and weather information in the Storm Center and much more.
Within one day, GEBE had received its first ten registrations for E-billing and those customers have won a goody bag consisting of a GEBE reusable shopping bag, energy saving light bulbs, electricity and water saving tips as well as a GEBE limited edition 40th Anniversary Carnival shirt. The winners have been contacted via e-mail and can come to the GEBE main office to pick up their goody bag.
Four winning customers hailed from Saba where already over 36% of GEBE customers there are using E-billing. The number of GEBE customers already using E-Billing on St. Maarten is 12% and 6% of customers on Statia. E-Billing is a free service that is easy and convenient for GEBE customers, plus it helps to save the environment by reducing printing and paper.

Philipsburg-A Central Committee meeting was held yesterday to which Minister of Justice, David Dick was invited to give an update on several ongoing projects and other policy matters.
The meeting was chaired by Councilman Theodore Heyliger. Not present with notice were council members: Leroy de Weever, Roy Marlin, and Sarah Wescot-Williams. Present were council lady Maria Buncamper-Molanus, and Williams Marlin, Patrick Illidge, and Frans Richardson.
Minister Dick briefed the gathering on the issues that are important and relevant to the future country St. Maarten in the area of Justice. In his overview, Minister Dick talked about the future department of Justice, the Police Corps, Prison system, Family and Child Welfare, among other institutions. He explained what St. Maarten was in the process of doing, how it was going, and future challenges.
In the area of setting up the Ministry of Justice Mr. Richard Gibson, Sr., was also present.
Minister David Dick further explained about the changes at the Police Station, Recruitment, Prosecutors office, Immigration Department, the Information Technology system within the Justice field, as well as the issue of scanners and servers at the Airport.
Airlines could generate $12bn revenue in ancillary revenue by adopting the practices of low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet.
Carriers globally are missing out on an average of $6 per passenger by not offering services above and beyond ticket sales. The study conducted by ancillary revenue programmes speciaist, Collinson Latitude, was based on airline industry figures from IATA which showed that there was a total market of 2 billion passengers worldwide in 2008.
The ancillary revenue model has become an important financial component for the airline industry with leading budget carriers Ryanair and easyJet documenting that approximately an additional $12 per passenger was made through ancillary revenues in 2007.
The report argues that ancillary revenue programmes also deliver further benefits for airlines by providing opportunities to implement loyalty building initiatives that deliver detailed customer insight, further strengthening the brand's long-term relationship with the customer.
Philipsburg:---The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is applauding the local police force on the swift action taken after the association's office was broken into in the early hours of Monday April 5, 2009.
The association's security provider, ADT, was also instrumental in solving this crime when it alerted local authorities on the offense that was taking place. The culprit was subsequently caught and the items were returned to the SHTA. Although the crime was petty, the SHTA is thankful that the police officers and detectives dedicated their time to solving this crime and is optimistic of the force's ability to resolve other (more severe) crimes affecting St. Maarten's image of a safe vacation destination.

Carnival lovers, revelers, visitors, people of St. Maarten
What a momentous occasion we are about to celebrate! 40 years of playing mas, 40 years of Carnival on St. Maarten. Our little cultural gathering has blossomed into an iconic festival that can boast its own uniqueness among the Caribbean's elite cultural festivals. An explosion of colour, music, revelry, and creativity, St. Maarten's Carnival is a beautiful example of how Carnival can unite a people. On our small island paradise, the traditions of many cultures come together for an incredible two week period each year to use Carnival as a dynamic tool of self-expression to celebrate life!
This year more than ever, the people of St. Maarten can reflect and be proud of how far our Carnival has come. There are literally hundreds of individuals and organizations that deserve the honor of recognition for the role they've played in developing St. Maarten's Carnival. 2009 gives us a chance to celebrate those people.
To all stakeholders and Carnival foundations over the years I extend many thanks for your commitment. Your efforts and sacrifices re-enforced what Carnival means to us. It is an indescribable feeling that mere words cannot easily express. It is about family. It is about our own little city within a city that we call Carnival Village. It is about the excitement on our children's faces as a parade goes by. And yes, it is about that longing for more when the festivities come to a close.
It is up to us as a people to protect our Carnival by being equal partners in its continued development. The cultural and economic significance are enormous. I hope that this 40th anniversary will highlight the benefits that Carnival brings to the people of St. Maarten and will act as a catalyst to encourage all, public and private sector to invest in the next 40 years.
So on behalf of the government of St. Maarten, I wish everyone a happy, clean and safe Carnival 2009. Let us all enjoy this vibrant celebration of diversity, colour and sound.
Cheers to 40 Years!
AMR, the parent company of American Airlines, has reported heavy net losses for the first quarter amid shrinking demand for air travel.
The group said its net loss for the first quarter rose to $375m from $341m in the same period a year ago. Revenues fell 15 percent to $4.8bn due to reduced capacity, passenger and cargo figures, as well as lower fares.
Gerard Arpey, AMR chairman and chief executive, said: "While lower fuel prices have provided a significant buffer against falling demand in 2009, the struggling economy and capital markets remain significant challenges for American and the rest of the industry."
"Our 2009 outlook remains challenging," said Mr Arpey but actions had been taken to bolster liquidity, and reduce debt and capacity, referring to a $100m loan secured against aircraft and cutting non-aircraft capital expenditure by $100m more than forecast.
Despite signals of rising opposition in the US Congress, Arpey said he expected to receive approval from the US competition authorities in the second half of the year for the joint venture with British Airways and Iberia.
The airline said it had begun to replace its short-haul fleet, and took delivery of two Boeing 737-800s in the first quarter, and is planning 29 this year, 39 in 2010 and eight in early 2011. It said it had obtained financing commitments to cover the 737 deliveries until late 2010.
Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, is calling on the population to register for the European Union (EU) parliamentary elections to be held on June 4.
All persons with a Dutch nationality and registered at the Census Office have a right to vote in the EU parliamentary elections. Registration to participate closes on Wednesday, April 22 and you can register with a valid passport or ID card.
A person needs to register and can pick up a registration form at the Census Office or go to the Office of Dutch Representation on Front Street upstairs across from the St. Rose Arcade. You can also register via the website www.uheefthetvoorhetzeggen.nl
The law was changed several years ago to make it possible for Dutch Antilleans and Arubans to vote in the EU parliamentary elections.
The European Parliament is the only directly-elected body of the EU. It is located in Brussels and Strasbourg. The parliament comprises of 785 members who are elected every five years by voter's right across the 27 Member States of the EU on behalf of its 492 million citizens.
The EU Parliament organizes its work, through a system of specialized committees. Parliament plays an active role in drafting legislation which has an impact on the daily lives of its citizens. The work of the EU Parliament is important because in many policy areas, decisions on new European laws are made jointly by Parliament and the Council of Ministers, which represents Member States.
"I think our nation's participation in the EU parliamentary elections is very important. We have an opportunity to participate in these elections which never existed. It is an opportunity to vote for a person who will get the opportunity to have a voice in the EU parliament with respect to our views on issues.
"Our island nation is tied to the EU via our relationship with Holland within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Legislation within the EU can have an indirect impact on us. Our neighbors (French St. Martin) to the North are part of the EU and are already governed by EU rules and regulations.
"At this moment the Netherlands Antilles has the status of an Overseas Country & Territory (OCT) relationship with the EU. Once we get our country status, this relationship will also exist with the EU and country St. Maarten. The EU has been promoting a new status called the Ultra Periphery Territory (UPT) and this would entail the incorporation of EU rules and regulations, however the Island Government has decided that for a period of five years we would retain the status of OCT. The UPT is a policy area that we have to study very carefully and by having a representative in the EU parliament we can have a say on matters indirectly having an impact on the socio-economic well being of our island nation and I therefore urge you to register before April 22 so we can also have a say," Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Philipsburg:--More than 80 delegates from the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba and the Region, will converge in Philipsburg, when Sint Maarten hosts the first Regional Foster Care Conference.
Professionals, policy workers, researchers, social workers, foster parents, foster carers and stakeholders involved in the foster care, child residential care, child protection and child social welfare work field, will join each other to address the issue of out-of-home care which intends to protect children who cannot safely remain with their biological family.
The conference, themed "A Family for Every Child", will take place from April 22 - 24, 2009 at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort.
The event will be a wonderful opportunity for local and regional participants to meet, learn, exchange views, and evaluate foster care practices, as well as promote networking to support professionals, social workers and foster parents and children in foster care.
The Foundation Judiciary Institute has invited several keynote presenters to share their knowledge, insights and experience on the topic of foster care, which includes Mrs. Bep van Sloten-van de Munt, coordinator of the ‘Better Care Network (B.N.C.) Netherlands ', Mrs. Maria Matilde Luna, project leader of the Red Latino Americano de Acogimiento Familiar / Latin American Foster Care Network (R.E.L.A.F.), Mrs. Myrna McNitt, secretary of the training committee and life member of the International Foster Care Organization (I.F.C.O.) and Mrs. Caroline Baker, United Nations Children's Fund (U.N.I.C.E.F.) sub-regional Child Protection Advisor for the Caribbean. Representatives of the participating islands are also requested to give insight into the status of foster care and work practices on their respective islands / countries.
The Conference starts with a Welcome Cocktail for participants and invited guests, and ends on a high note with a Foster Carers Appreciation Dinner, to recognize the contribution made by local foster carers to the lives of vulnerable children. It will be the first Regional Foster Care Conference, an initiative of the Foundation Judiciary Institutes Windward Islands.
The 2009 Regional Foster Care Conference is part of the Foundation Judiciary Institutes Windward Islands project ‘Foster Families Central', which aims towards increasing the available number of foster parents on St. Maarten'. The project falls within the frame work of the Safety Plan Netherlands Antilles and is being financed by the ‘Uitvoerende Stichting Netherlands Antilles (U.S.O.N.A.), with Dutch Development Funds.

POINTE BLANCHE,- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies attended the 13th Annual Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference in Bermuda from April 14-16.
Commissioner of Harbour Affairs Theo Heyliger was scheduled to be a panelist for the session Cruise Industry Outlook; however he was unable to attend due to illness.
St. Maarten was invited by the conference organizers due to its premier position in the Caribbean a leading cruise destination. The island is used world-wide as a prime example of how a destination should develop.
The session was about where things are headed for this important sector of Caribbean tourism, and where are the opportunities for destinations, hoteliers, and the tourism industry as a whole.
"It was very important for the harbour to be present in order to hear from the professionals in the field of finance, economics and investment how things will be looking in the years ahead.
"The current global economic challenges are expected to continue for another 18 months before things start to look up. Everybody is hoping that it would be earlier, but every six month period would have to be reviewed to see if there are trends in the stock market, access to credit and what consumers are doing in order to determine whether the world economy is starting to recover from this crisis," stated CEO Mark Mingo of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies on Wednesday.
The conference is the leading forum for communication, networking and deal-making for the hospitality and tourism investment community in the Caribbean region.
The conference goals are to inform, enlighten and to provide time for networking experiences for the delegates to conduct their business face-to-face while at the conference.
Leading experts were also present to provide information on the outlook for investment in the region, new trends and opportunities, and solutions to challenges in development and ownership.
Those who attend are investors, hotel owners, lenders, hotel chain executives, developers, financial advisors, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, lawyers, designers, architects, tourism officials, timeshare developers, and government officials.
Some 28 Toastmasters representing four clubs on Dutch St Maarten participated in a speech writing workshop on Tuesday evening. The speech writing workshop was facilitated by Area Governor Rolando Tobias who had identified the need for this type of workshop for the Toastmasters membership.
The workshop focused on the main elements of effective speech writing including the four purposes of writing a speech, a common title, speech organization, the "tell them" formula and smooth transitions. The interactive workshop allowed the participants to construct a speech as the information was taught.
A wealth of tips was given on how to come up with a catchy title that would create anticipation on the part of the audience; the importance of starting your speech in the middle with main points and supporting material and the amount of time that should be used to effectively get the message across.
The training was part of the Area ongoing plans for enhancing its membership communication skills and outlining the importance of drafting the speech before actually making the presentation. The workshop was well attended and well received by the participants who concluded that they felt more empowered to produced better speeches.

CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA;- There is a bête noir that continues to challenge the very existence of the Caribbean's socio-economic structure.
This bête noir or black beats has been identified at the ever increasing crime fuelled in part by the trafficking in illicit drugs and arms.
This was made reference to by the Prime Minister of Belize the Honourable Dean O. Barrow during the recent Fifth Summit of the Americas, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
The Caricom Chairman also highlighted the fact that the region has not been passive, but has taken positive steps in addressing this issue.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Dr. Edward Greene, Assistant Secretary General - Human and Social Development at the Caricom Secretariat stated, "Indeed the Community (CARICOM) has stepped up to the plate, as it were to aggressively address the problem of drug trafficking, regionally and nationally, through the establishment of a fourth pillar for Community development; that is programmes to address crime and security."
Dr. Greene further pointed out that "programmes and initiatives to address crime and security are being implemented and strengthened through the work of the Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS)."
The delegates attending the four-day CARICOM-CICAD-EU Regional Workshop for the Development of National Anti-Drug Strategies and Plans, in Saint Lucia April 28th to May 1st 2009.
"The supply of and demand for illicit drugs are inextricably linked, and if we are to see meaningful, sustained results, we must address this phenomenon as a whole and not two disparate issues," Dr. Greene added.
"The development of national anti-drug strategy and plan is one way of marrying the two, and in this regard, the CARICOM Secretariat is pleased to be collaborating with CICAD in conducting, implementing and monitoring National Anti-Drug and Plan."
Additionally, initiatives to reduce the demand for illicit drugs and treatment of substance abusers are being strengthened, according to Dr. Greene "by in-country technical support to member states."
Such support he indicated is provided through the Technical Advisory Body for the Regional Drug Demand Reduction Strategy (RDDRS).
It is expected that the participants will take away from this week of training, "knowledge, skills and tools that will enable and guide them in effectively implementing and monitoring their own national anti-drugs strategy and plan."
MARIGOT :--- The Book Fair Committee (BFC) is continuing with its pre-book fair activities for the 7th annual St. Martin Book Fair (June 4 - 6, 2009). In above photo, BFC member Connier Thelwell (L, standing) joins teacher Lenny Mussington (R) in presenting books to Mr. Mussington's fifth grade class at the Nina Duverly School. Mr. Thelwell visited the school recently to make the BFC presentation of the children's story book Une robe couleur soleil (A Sun Colored Dress) by Nicole Cage. Cage, an award-winning author from Martinique, is one of an international batch of writers, poets, novelists, literary critics, a filmmaker, bloggers and scholars heading for the island to participate in the "book fair for the entire family." Mr. Mussington will lead his students into "exploring" the book in anticipation of Nicole Cage's visit to the class. Schools in Marigot, Cole Bay and St. Peters were picked this year by BFC for visits and literary discussions with well-known writers. The St. Martin Book Fair is organized by Conscious Lyrics Foundation and House of Nehesi Publishers in collaboration with the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and the University of St. Martin.
Members of the Island Government including several civil servants are wearing their red tee shirts as they promote Think Red Campaign. Civil Servants of the Executive Branch were seen in the tee shirts of over the weekend holidays.

Philipsburg:---The Carnival season ended on May 4th, with the Closing Jump-up, which ended at the Festival Village and where at midnight the burning of King Momo took place.
However nearing the arrival of the Jump up at the Festival Village, two rival groups of youngsters got engaged in a very serious fight.
During this fight knives were used and as a result of this one young man sustained a stab wound in his upper left chest. He was treated by paramedics on the scene and then transported to the St Maarten Medical center for further treatment. The reason or who committed this act is still under investigation by the detectives.

The Closing Jump-up last night was mostly attended to by the youth. The police department considers this carnival season one of the most successful one in comparison with prior years, where a lot of so called "gang fights" took place. This year these fights were kept to a minimum. Even though the carnival season, started with numerous fights at the opening jump-up, the police department in conjunction with the Prosecutors office sent out a stern message specifically to the youth, informing them of the measures that would be taken against them if they were involved in any public violence or were caught carrying any weapons.
The message did serve its purpose by having a very positive effect on the youth. There was at least two other incidents whereby a young man was seriously injured to his head and had to be hospitalized and the other whereby an off duty female police officer was injured in her face with a knife by an unknown man during the grand parade. Both cases are still being investigated by detectives.

At the Festival Village security was very tight, during the season and searches were carried out for weapons and drugs. Many knives and other items that could be used as weapons and drugs were taken away from those carrying them. Practically all shows went without incidents.

Philipsburg: ------ Leader of National Alliance William Marlin at a press conference yesterday afternoon said that he felt the need to bring clarity to the people of St. Maarten since certain media reports may have distorted things. He said the National Alliance has shown its willingness months ago to form a stable government for St. Maarten. Marlin said they have always placed the interest of the island above any one commissioner and or political party and such the National Alliance is ready to begin negotiations right now but certain political issues has to be addressed.
The leader of the National Alliance said there are political issues that have to be ironed out, and the major hurdle right now is for them to determine how many commissioners will be allocated to each party. For this to happen the two party leaders must get together and sort things out-The last time we agreed on having a national government via a representative of the island leader they changed their mind. So it is best for the two leaders to meet and trash things out. However, before any of this can happen the present executive council must resign.
Marlin made clear that one should not try to broaden the executive council as a means to solve the present political impasse. He said be believes that these things should be separated. He said had Laviest had not withdrawn his support from the Democratic Party this would not have been of great importance.
Marlin said they stand prepared to form a new government and even they are willing but that cannot be done alone. He said to date there has not been any discussions within the two parties. He said right now some political decisions have to be taken so that it can facilitate the formation of a new government.
Marlin did not divulge any specifics on what the letter contained that was sent to DP. He said that they have made their position clear and that they expect to see some developments in the near future.
Marlin said several weeks ago he personally approached the leader of the DP and told her bluntly that the situation as is cannot continue in the interest of the island and its people. He said he personally told Wescot Williams that he was willing to sit with her to form a national government. ‘We are willing to bring the two parties together to form a stable and broader government. He said it has been for sometime now several persons are saying that the Dutch would place higher supervision over the island if the present trend continues. Marlin said he wants to make clear should this happen it would not be because of the National Alliance since they have made themselves available and willing to work in the best interest of the island.
"When those commissioners resign discussions on forming a new government can begin" He said the reason he feels this has to happen is to eliminate any stumbling block that might be in the way. "Just in case one or more of these commissioners is not part of the new government and they refuse to resign in the end will just be another stumbling block, which would force the new government to bring in a motion of no confidence against that person, while in the meantime a full executive council cannot be appointed because one or more commissioners are sitting on seats because they are not happy. He said the commissioners in office should be able to remove themselves so that official talks can begin.
Marlin gave an example to the situation last year when commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus resigned from the executive council and remained in office until she was re-appointed three months later.
Marlin said despite Island Council member Louie Laviest resigned from the executive council he remained a full fledged commissioner until he is replaced. "Laviest still has rights to all the benefits of a commissioner until he is replaced" Marlin said.
The National Alliance leader said the ethical thing for the Democratic Party to do now is for the entire executive council to resign from office which would pave the way for the formation of a new government.
The National Alliance leader said he believes that persons in the community probably has the belief that the two parties already begins negotiating since certain media reports may have given that indication. He said so far no negotiations have started with the two parties. He said he had a brief discussion with leader of the Democratic Party on Friday when he sent a letter with a proposal from the National Alliance. He said on Saturday he received a brief email from the leader of the DP to which he has responded. Marlin refused to divulge any information on the contents of the letter and or proposal that he sent to the Democratic Party. He also refused to say what indication the leader of the Democratic Party has given him saying he does not believe it is ethical to discuss the proposal or any parts of the preliminary discussions in the media.
As far as constitutional changes, they have always been a team and he re-assured that he has committed himself to team St. Maarten and that he said will remain, while their focus will always be the will of the people which is to become country. He said while the new government would focus on other issues such as education, public health, the building of more schools and the traffic congestion has to be handled, focus he said will remain on the status of the island.
"While the National Alliance has been critical to several issues regarding government they are willing to find solutions to the existing problems such as the new government building, public works and other areas that needs urgent attention. These issues will not and cannot pose any stumbling block regarding the formation of a new government. He said whenever politicians come together to form a new government it is always about who gets what.
Philipsburg:---there was an Education Sector workshop, entitled, "Strengthening Departments, Enhancing Performance, Creating Quality," at the University of St. Martin yesterday morning.
Sector Education is a new constellation of 3 departments, Education , Education Research, Policy and Innovations plus Social & Cultural Development that was established on January 1, 2009 by the Executive Council of St. Maarten as one of the sectors in the New Government Structure.
The objective of the workshop is to provide all staff members and project workers with information regarding the present mandate of Sector Education; to allow the different Departments of Sector Education to present their tasks, missions, visions, and performance indicators for 2009-2010 to the general body of Sector Education; to develop a culture of quality performance and cooperation among the different departments; and finally, to identify the intensity and scope of the task of transitioning into a Ministry of Education.
As well there were brainstorming sessions on the most efficient ways to transit from Sector Education to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, including confirming decisions and actions on performance management, inter-departmental cooperation.
Speaking at the gathering were Commissioner of Sports Youth and Culture Maria Buncamper Molanus the Sector Director Claudette Labega, Island Secretary Joane Dovale-Meit, and Department Head of Education Quincy Harrigan and others.
Philipsburg: --- National Alliance State Secretary George Pantophlet in press released said he was astonished to find out that only 1000 courses of the antiviral medication to treat the H1N1 flu virus would be received from the Netherlands.
The reason for this has to do with an article that appeared in one of the daily newspapers last month which stated and I quote" The Central government of the Netherlands Antilles has also been able to secure 25000 courses of antiviral medication from the Netherlands to treat the virus if someone is infected. St. Maarten is to receive 6,250 courses of the medication end of quote." Now to find out that only 1000 courses will be sent to the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba of which 500 will be placed in storage. This means that 500 to be distributed among the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. I believe we need an explanation as to why the amount has been reduced from 25000 to 1000.
"God forbid if an epidemic breaks out. The World Health Organization in an article stated and I quote": The WHO has predicted the new H1N1 could eventually infect a third of the world's population" end of quote." Pantophlet said in his calculations he is looking at about 2.3 billion people.
The state secretary said his questions are do the island have enough of this medication available? In addition, what would happen to the people in our region and specifically the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba if there weren't enough medication on hand? If my memory serves me right, the drug makers said that it would take some 6 months to produce this drug and during this period, we have to be dealing with the common flu and now the H1N1 swine flu. In addition, we still have some more months to go.

Philipsburg:----Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus, joined by the Director of SLS Mr. Hose Booi and Team Leader Lourdes Richardson, visited the future locations of the two new laboratory sites, one in Dutch Quarter; the other, Betty's Estate.
The purpose of this visit, which took place on Thursday morning, was for the commissioner of Public Health to get an insight into what will be taking place at these 2 Phlebotomy (blood drawing) centers.
The concept behind the establishment of these two SLS branch locations is that of going to the customer. Both Cul de Sac and Dutch Quarter are densely populated areas and in many cases without direct public transportation to the SMMC where thus far the lab is located. "So to provide better service to the community, these two new locations will bring the aspect of convenience, improved and efficient service to the customers" Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said.
"There will no longer be the need for persons to travel to the Medical Center in Cay Hill if they live in the Dutch Quarter area or the surrounding areas; this goes as well for persons in the vicinity of Cul de Sac, St. Peters, South Reward, and Saunders areas, who can make use of the future lab location in Betty's Estate, close by Dr. Spencer's office.
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus also stated that the St. Maarten Laboratory Services is currently looking for a suitable location in the Cole Bay area in order to offer the same quality service to customers in the Colebay and the Simpson Bay areas.
But for the immediate future the Dutch Quarter and Betty's Estate locations are being finalized with furniture and reception areas. The Lab in Dutch Quarter is scheduled to open on June 1, 2009, while the lab in Betty's Estate is expected to open one month later.
At both locations, blood and urine samples can be taken. The Betty's Estate location will house the micro-biology lab (The Bacteriology department has outgrown the space we are now occupying at SMMC.) and relevant tests can be analyzed at this location, all other analysis will continue to be done at the main office at the SMMC in Cay Hill or outsourced when necessary.
At the future lab site in Betty's Estate, there will also be a water analysis unit to investigate the quality of water; this in order to comply with new Federal Legislation regulating the quality of drinking water.
"The St. Maarten Laboratory Services took over the ADC lab in September 2008. As of January this year a new director has joined the team. Staff, management and board have demonstrated continued determination and are the driving force behind the progress being made for which I am extremely proud," concluded Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus.

MARIGOT- A number of armed robberies committed recently on the French side of the island has caused the gendarmerie to deploy some 18-armed gendarmes to the streets of St. Martin.
According to head of the gendarmerie Captain Loic Baras, the French side of the island has seen an increase in armed robberies and the latest victim has been the Maison de la Presse. Baras said armed gunmen held up the cashier prior to getting away with an undisclosed amount of monies. Other victims included well-known restaurants, none of which was reported by the gendarmerie.
Baras said a number of businesses on the French side have become victims of armed robberies during the past months.
The new team of gendarmes will be patrolling through the streets of Marigot and other areas during the day and night time. Also available to the team of Zero Tolerance Officers are unmarked vehicles that are able to work in civilian clothing.
A specific control on motor vehicles was ordered by the prosecutor, that operation took place yesterday in several areas on the French side.
Baras said their hope is to reduce the amount of armed robberies with the presence of the new team. However, if that does not happen the gendarmerie would seek to bring in more reinforcement from Guadeloupe.

San Juan/ Philipsburg: ----Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin has sent a letter to the chairman of the Island Council Franklyn Richards yesterday afternoon informing him that the five members of the National Alliance along with the support of Independent Island Council member Louie Laveist have formed the next government. The letter sent to Richards reads as follows;--
Honorable Lt. Governor,
The undersigned, William V. Marlin, Frans Richardson, Hyacinth Richardson, Patrick Illidge and Rodolphe Samuel, all members of the island council of Sint Maarten and of the National Alliance, and Louie A. Laveist, independent member of the island council of Sint Maarten, hereby inform you that they have reached agreement on the formation of a new Executive Council, which enjoys the support of a majority of the membership of the island council of Sint Maarten.
In view of the aforementioned, the undersigned hereby request an urgent meeting of the island council of Sint Maarten to commence the process of putting the new Executive Council in office.
Marlin in his letter also asked that Richards inform him when the date on which the next Island Council meeting would be called.
As was reported on this website last week we stated that it looks more likely that the NA was going to form the next government and they would be seeking an IC meeting where a motion of non-confidence will be presented against the four DP Commissioners who chose to submit a postdated resignation for June 8.
Despite taking a few days to take place, the NA did what most people on the island were expecting them to do. Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams had said on more than one occasion that she had heard Laveist had sent a letter of support to the NA and she felt that was why Marlin was making extra-ordinary demands from the DP before negotiations could begin.
On the other hand, Marlin said he was not willing to discuss with government to form a new government. He also made clear that his party had no intentions to prop up a failing government. Marlin was given credit by more than one person for the stance he took. One of those persons who openly credited Marlin is former State Secretary for Justice Johan Janchi Leonard.
SMN News also reported last week that Marlin were between a rock and a hard place since none of his members were willing to give up their seat to allow the formation of a National or Broad base government. According to our source, the NA council members strongly believed that other members of the Democratic Party are going to be picked up since there are ongoing investigations taking place against more than one of DP Commissioners.
Presently the SOAB is conducting an investigation at the ROB (Public Works Department) for alleged wrong doings with the issuance of building permits. Already the SOAB investigated the licenses department on the issuances of bus and taxi licenses. So far, the out come of that investigation is not known.
Bonaire: --- The island government on the island of Bonaire collapsed yesterday when Island Council member Anthony Nicolaas (UPB) declared himself independent in the Island council meeting yesterday. Nicolaas said he wants to discuss among the possibility of a referendum on that island
Nicolaas was the only one from the UPB that attended the meeting and he considered their absence as a sign of non confidence. He further decided he would no longer support that party. The island council member also approved a motion of non confidence against the UPB commissioners.
Jopi Abraham leader of the opposition DP party urged the commissioners to resign otherwise he would take the necessary measures to have them removed.
The Associated Press
Hope is fading for 228 passengers aboard Air France Flight 447, which vanished on its way from Brazil to Paris. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the prospects of finding survivors is "very small."
This photo shows an Airbus A330-200 operated by Air France, the type of jetliner that lost contact with air traffic controllers Monday over the Atlantic Ocean. Airbus/AP
An Air France jet with 228 people on a flight to Paris vanished over the Atlantic Ocean after flying into towering thunderstorms and sending an automated message that the electrical system had failed. A vast search began Monday, but all aboard were feared killed.
Finding the plane "will be very difficult," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said.
Military aircraft scrambled out to the center of the Atlantic, far from the coasts of Brazil and West Africa, and France sought U.S. satellite help to find the wreckage. The first military ship wasn't expected to reach the area where the plane disappeared until Wednesday.
If there are no survivors, it would be the world's worst aviation disaster since 2001.
Sarkozy said the cause remains unclear and that "no hypothesis" is being excluded. Some experts dismissed speculation that lightning might have brought the plane down. But violent thunderheads reaching more than 50,000 feet high can pound planes with hail and high winds, causing structural damage if pilots can't maneuver around them.
Sarkozy said he told family members of passengers on Air France Flight 447 that prospects of finding survivors are "very small."
Brazil's president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, expressed hope that "the worst hasn't happened," and said "we have to ask God" to help find survivors.
The 4-year-old Airbus A330 left Rio Sunday night with 216 passengers and 12 crew members on board, said company spokeswoman Brigitte Barrand. Most of the passengers were Brazilian and French, but 32 nations in all were represented, including two Americans.
The plane was cruising normally at 35,000 feet (10,670 meters) and 522 mph (840 kph) just before it disappeared nearly four hours into the flight. No trouble was reported as the plane left radar contact, beyond Brazil's Fernando de Noronha archipelago, at 10:48 local time.
But just north of the equator, a line of towering thunderstorms loomed. Bands of extremely turbulent weather stretched across the Atlantic toward Africa, as they often do in the area this time of year.
The plane "crossed through a thunderous zone with strong turbulence," Air France said. About 14 minutes later, at 11:14 p.m. local time, 0214 GMT (10:14 p.m. EDT Sunday), an automatic message was sent reporting electrical system failure and a loss of cabin pressure. Air France said the message was the last it heard from Flight 447.
While what happened to the plane has not been determined, a Pentagon official said he'd seen no indication of terrorism or foul play. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the subject.
Chief Air France spokesman Francois Brousse said a lightning strike could have damaged the plane. Henry Margusity, a senior meteorologist for AccuWeather.com, noted that the thunderstorms towered up to 50,000 feet in the area, so it was possible that the plane flew directly into the most charged part of the storm.
Other experts doubted a bolt of lightning would be enough to bring the jet down. Some pointed to turbulence as a more dangerous factor.
"Lightning issues have been considered since the beginning of aviation. They were far more prevalent when aircraft operated at low altitudes. They are less common now since it's easier to avoid thunderstorms," said Bill Voss, president and CEO of Flight Safety Foundation, Alexandria, Va.
Voss said planes are built to dissipate electricity along the aircraft's skin, and are tested for resistance to big electromagnetic shocks.
The plane disappeared in an area of the mid-Atlantic ocean not covered by radar. Brazilian, African, Spanish and French air traffic controllers tried in vain to establish contact. The plane was gone.
Within two hours, two Brazilian Air Force planes began a search mission that grew Monday to seven aircraft and three navy ships. But with nothing more to go on than the last point where Flight 447 made contact - about 745 miles northeast of the coastal city of Natal - they faced an immense area of open ocean, with depths as much as 15,000 feet.
A French search plane took off from a military base in Senegal on Monday, to be joined by two more from France, and the Navy was asked to send a craft to help as well, armed forces spokesman Cmdr. Christophe Prazuck said.
Asking for U.S. satellite help, Sarkozy said finding the plane "will be very difficult."
"(I met with) a mother who lost her son, a fiancee who lost her future husband. I told them the truth," he said at a grim news conference in Paris.
The 216 passengers included 126 men, 82 women, 7 children and a baby, Air France said. There were 61 French and 58 Brazilians; 30 other countries were represented, including two Americans.
If all 228 people were killed, it would be the deadliest commercial airline disaster since Nov. 12, 2001, when an American Airlines jetliner crashed in the New York City borough of Queens during a flight to the Dominican Republic, killing 265 people.
AP, BRASILIA AND RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL.
An airplane seat cushion, a life jacket, metallic debris and signs of fuel were found in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean yesterday by Brazilian airplanes searching for a missing Air France airliner.
The debris was spotted from the air by Brazilian military pilots searching 650km north of the Brazilian island of Fernando de Noronha, roughly along the path that the jet was taking before it disappeared with 228 people on board, Air Force spokesman Jorge Amaral said.
There were no signs of life.
Amaral said authorities would not be able to confirm that the debris was from the plane until they can retrieve some of it from the ocean for identification.
Brazilian military ships were not expected to arrive at the area until today.
The discovery came more than 24 hours after the jet bound from Rio to Paris went missing, with all feared dead.
Stormy seas and heavy clouds hampered the search yesterday for the wreckage of Air France Flight 447. French investigators said a series of extraordinary events likely brought the airliner down.
The four-year-old Airbus jet was last heard from at 2:14am GMT on Monday en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris.
Investigators on both sides of the ocean worked through the night to determine what brought it down - wind and hail from towering thunderheads, lightning, or a catastrophic combination of factors.
France's junior minister for transport, Dominique Bussereau, predicted a "very long investigation. It could be several days, several weeks or several months."
French police were studying passenger lists and maintenance records and preparing to take DNA from passengers' relatives to help identify any bodies. If there are no survivors, as feared, it would be the worst aviation disaster since 2001.
French Defense Minister Herve Morin said "we have no signs so far" indicating terrorism was involved, but told French radio "all hypotheses must be studied."
The French minister overseeing transportation, Jean-Louis Borloo, said officials did not think that lightning, even from a fierce tropical storm, could have brought down the aircraft.
"There really had to be a succession of extraordinary events to be able to explain this situation," Borloo said.
The chance of finding survivors now "is very, very small, even nonexistent," Borloo said.
"The race against the clock has begun" to find the plane's two black boxes, which emit signals up to 30 days.
On board were 61 French citizens, 58 Brazilians, 26 Germans, nine Chinese and nine Italians. A smaller number of citizens from 27 other countries were also on board.
Philipsburg:---A man identified as J.M.B is now in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit of the St. Maarten Medical Center. J.M.B was stabbed in the back by someone he knew on the Boardwalk early Sunday morning.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the incident occurred somewhere around 6 am on Sunday morning. The police spokesman said based on information the victim saw a group of men walking towards him and he recognized them due to a prior incident. Leonard said that the victim began running to escape injury but the group of men pursued him by running behind, one of them he said caught up with the victim and dealt him a stab. Further details of the incident is not available Leonard said. A follow up report he said will be issued on Monday.

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner elect Xavier Blackman took his seat in the executive council as a full fledge commissioner after his credentials were checked and approved so he could have taken the oath of office.
The Chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards appointed a committee which consisted of Leader of Government William Marlin, Island council woman Sarah Wescot Williams and commissioner Theo Heyliger who were tasked with checking the credentials of Blackman, among the documents checked were the letters of resignation from the chamber of commerce, resignation letter from KPMG, as well as the letters both from the chairman of the island council and Blackman. The committee also checked the records of the census office to see if Blackman was a registered resident of St. Maarten as well as his birth certificate.
After it was established that Blackman had met the criteria to be appointed a commissioner on the executive council he took the oath of office in the presence of Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards. Blackman was also asked if he accepted the position he was elected to take up he responded in the affirmative.
At the podium Blackman thanked his family namely his grandmother Omyra Sorton who he said is in Saba monitoring the procedures. Blackman then thanked his supporters both on St. Maarten and Saba. He thanked specifically Will Johnson of Saba whom he said is his good friend and mentor. "Mr. Will Johnson guided me in several ways in my career. I spoke to Johnson in the last three days more than I did when I worked with him in nine years. Johnson was making sure he gave me unsolicited advice. Johnson has taught me a lot and he has groomed me in the political arena of the Netherlands Antilles." Blackman said.
The new commissioner also thanked population who allowed him to take a position they did not elect him to, however, he vowed to make the population of St. Maarten and Saba proud now that he took up the position on the executive council. He also thanked his friends and the persons that turned out in numbers to witness him taking the oath of office. Blackman went on to thank the leader of government William Marlin who approached him to take up the offer. He said he was quite shocked when Marlin made the proposal but he decided that he would like to take up the challenge even though he came from the banking world.
Blackman said he felt the timing was right especially with the constitutional developments the island is proceeding with and that he believed he could make a valuable contribution to the process. The new commissioner told Marlin that he would make sure he does not disappoint him with the confidence he has bestowed upon him.
Blackman said that he believed that the executive council of St. Maarten made many preparations on the constitutional process, there were lots of meetings and reports were made and now the focus should be on delivering and performance. He said he has been around the civil core of St. Maarten and he is confident that the performance can take place. Blackman said he would be humble in his capacity to play a further role in the performance.
He also cautioned that if they are to perform then they must establish a very open line of communication not only for the island and executive council but also within the Netherlands Antilles including Aruba and the Netherlands
He said he believed that St. Maarten should make sure the communications is open line and honest dialogue with the other partners.
The chairman of the island council also announced that he received a resignation letter from Island Council member Patrick Illidge, Illidge would remain and island council member until his successor is appointed.
The leader of the National Alliance had announced last Saturday that Illidge would be taking up the post as the new state secretary for heath while George Pantophlet would be returning to the island council and he would also be occupying one of the senate seat vacated by commissioner Marlin and Richardson.

GREAT BAY, Gracita Arrindell (L) said that she was delighted to pose for the Master Art Class conducted by leading artist Roland Richardson (with brush in hand) at the St. Martin Book Fair (6/6/09). Richardson painted the former Island Councilor with oil on canvas during a 2-hour morning sitting in the garden of the University of St. Martin. Art lovers and other spectators watched the painting demonstration and listened intently as Richardson talked about art while the "live painting" came to life on his canvas. "It was a unique way to continually involve people with art as a living part of our culture," said Jacqueline Sample this week. "The model is not just a prominent person in the community but she is very beautiful and Roland was very generous with his art, all serving to give us a great book fair workshop feature," said Sample, who works with the book fair and has co-curated art exhibitions for BDA, Inc. at the New York State Museum. Art lovers, wealthy collectors, and tourists usually pay to attend the exclusive Master Art Class by Roland Richardson at the luxurious La Samanna Resort.
(Saltwater Collection photo)
Philipsburg: ---Ari Sutton, Policy Assistant at the Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs of the Netherlands Antilles, attended the Global Women Empowerment Conference in Washington D.C. on May 8th, 2009. “The conference was extremely productive and stimulating,” stated Ms. Sutton earlier this week. “The gathering ended with women from all over of the world making commitments to further develop partnerships to empower women and lead a revitalized effort in their countries.”
The one-day conference, hosted by the British Embassy, featured speakers such as Baroness Valerie Amos, former leader of the House of Lords, Sheila Johnson, Global Ambassador of CARE, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Vice President of the Africa Region at the World Bank, and Regina Amadi, Regional Director for Africa International Labor Organization (ILO). The purpose of the conference was to promote the empowerment of women in Africa and the Diaspora while focusing on Governance, Development and Democratic Politics. Participants hailed from a number of countries such as the USA, Jamaica, Colombia, Burundi, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. Ms. Sutton was the only attendee from the Netherlands Antilles.
Philipsburg: --- President of the Peridot Foundation Gracita Arrindell is calling on the community of St. Maarten/ St. Martin to come out and attend a very interesting informative evening with their guest speaker Ms. Varshine Singh, former first lady of the Republic of Guyana. Singh is also the founder of Kidsfirstfund.com.
The event is scheduled to be held on Saturday July 4th at the Philipsburg Community Center, beginning at 7:30pm.
Singh would be speaking about the effects of Domestic Violence and how to eradicate it. The former first lady is said to be a victim of domestic violence and abuse but despite that she is a very successful woman who strives to help sick children whose parents cannot afford proper medical care.
She would also be visiting the island of Statia where she would be conducting lectures.
The Peridot Foundation is also looking to hold a fundraising event sometime between July 5th and July 8th before Singh leaves St. Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG – “You have to become a people’s person to be an effective teacher,” says Lenworth Wilson Jr., the sole 2009 male education program graduate of the University of St. Martin.
Wilson Jr., along with six other students, received their Bachelor in Education degrees last Saturday at USM’s 15th Commencement ceremony at Maho. He also received the Board of Director’s Award from for his contribution in service to USM.
A total of 45 USM students graduated during that event.
For someone who initially did not want to become a teacher, Wilson Jr. is optimistic about his career choice. He said that he was hesitant to go into the profession because he had a greater interest in computer science and business studies. He was also very conscious of a stereotype of teaching being a feminine occupation. When asked further about why he thought there was a lack of male teachers, the recent graduate added that in school, boys tend to be more challenging to deal with than girls and many males often do not want to deal with those same challenges they presented as students.
“When I got a taste (of the profession), I realize there is a big need for positive male influence (in education),” Wilson Jr. said.
This realization has even prompted Wilson Jr. to look at specialized areas in education. He said that he prefers to deal with the behaviorally challenged students and to teach them separately. He believes that these students must be consistently taught how to make good choices that will positively affect their progress as students and also as citizens. The USM honor’s graduate also indicated this wish to a possible employer in a recent interview. He noted that dealing with challenging students requires more than social work expertise but also someone who is trained academically as a teacher and who will also serve as a mentor.
Despite some set backs due to a medical situation for which he is still undergoing therapy, Lenworth is optimistic about his future. He said he has received offers from a number of educational institutions but has not confirmed any as yet.
He advises males who are interested in going into the teaching profession to become as “rounded as possible” in their education since different areas of expertise are needed to best cater to the students. At times administrative skills will be needed while at other times counseling or teaching skills will be needed, Wilson Jr. cited as examples.
The former Student Government Association (SGA) president also lauds his involvement in the SGA and the organization Y2X as “extra training grounds” to deal with what he as a teacher will be facing in the classroom.
“Theory does not fully/adequately prepare you for what you face in the classrooms,” Wilson Jr. said while alluding to the fact that teachers need sharp interpersonal and communication skills.
The Jamaican native said that being constructive, working hard, and staying positive are key to living on St. Maarten. He added that two of his biggest challenges moving here were funding his tuition and obtaining legal status.
“I have had to adjust and learn about so many different cultures. I think I can go anywhere to live,” Wilson said about St. Maarten and his USM experience.
As far as USM goes, he said that the institution is young and growing and as SGA president he always took the approach of “how can I help USM to grow and make the institution into what it can be.” He also urged others in the community to do the same.
“When you come here (to USM), don’t just pass through. Make a difference,” he said
Wilson Jr. lauds USM for its small classes and close knit and personal atmosphere. He said that he will eventually be looking at pursuing his master’s degree in possibly Education Administration or Educational Psychology. He also advises future USM students “to have fun, make friends, give back, but don’t lose focus.”
USM wishes Lenworth Wilson Jr. much success in his future endeavors.
Philipsburg: --- The population of St. Maarten should not panic as the seven persons who were tested positive for Swine Flu H1N1 are recovering well and authorities on the island are doing everything to make sure the spread is contained. Of the seven cases that were confirmed positive late last week, six of them are from the American Medical University of the Caribbean (AUC) while a 40-year-old man also tested positive after he returned to the island from Miami.
That was the message given by the commissioner of Health Care Affairs Hyacinth Richardson and head of the department Joireen Wuite. Wuite said samples were taken from 15 persons, seven of which are positive, three negative, while they are awaiting the results of five. These results should arrive on St. Maarten by late Sunday or Monday. The persons affected are between the ages of 20 to 40 years old. The 40-year-old male also visited relatives and he had returned to work when he came back to the island. Sector Health Care Affairs already took samples from the persons who were in contact with the patient including his colleagues at his place of employment.
The SHCA are still awaiting results for some patients of the AUC and they have decided to leave the school open, but they must enforce stricter measures regarding hygiene and the isolation of the confirmed cases. Wuite said the school had an event on June 2 where they had visitors from the United States. She said it is believed the virus was picked up during that event where the index case must have been. She said based on their investigation they concluded the first symptoms were seen from June 5 to 8th.
Residents of St. Maarten should not panic since there is enough Tamiflu are on island to treat those that were tested positive and authorities do not see the need to re-stock at the moment.
The department head said the department has decided to give all patients tested positive with H1N1 a letter signed by the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards. The letter would outline the necessity for isolation about safety and security and possible sanctions for persons who does not respect the instruction and guidelines given to them by Sector Health Care.
Wuite said that so far, 90% of the patients have been complying with the instructions to stay at home, but one or two people did not in the beginning since they felt obligated to walk their dogs.
Sector Health Care Affairs also intend to intensify their awareness campaign at the Princess Juliana International Airport and the A.C Wathey Cruise Harbour. The intention is to make sure the necessary sanitary measures are taken as well as the continued distribution of flyers. At the harbour, specific requests were made to tighten procedures with the cruise lines in terms of early notification in the event there are patients with the H1N1 virus on board the ships.
Personnel at the department are working over time as they are busy visiting the seven patients at home. Most of who are in the Cupe Coy Area.
Persons who are experiencing flu like symptoms, headaches are asked to make contact with their physicians. Those tested positive with H1N1 are advised to strengthen their hygiene practices and adhere to the instructions given to them.
Philipsburg– The St. Maarten Institute for Technology and Hospitality (SMITH) is accepting applications for a number of classes that it has as part of its workforce development program.
Early enrollment would ensure ones chances of being admitted into the desired program. The application period is now open until Friday, July 10.
SMITH, a post-secondary vocational institution, has been providing educational opportunities for students who had concluded their Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education since 2004. It is currently pursuing SBO accreditation for its programs.
The programs that will be offered by the Institute in Fall 2009 include Business Administrative Assistant, Secretarial Assistant, Computer ICT Service Assistant, Cook, and Security Officer.
Interested persons are encouraged to visit SMITH’s administrative offices located upstairs the Central Drugstore on the E. Camille Richardson Str. #23 in Philipsburg between 8.30am and 4.00pm, or call 542-1620 for further information.
Philipsburg:-- The fire department as well as police are busy trying to put out a huge fire on L.B Scot Road. Information reaching SMN News states that apparently four of five wooden structures were completely burnt down. SMN News understands that about 16 people are now homeless.
Preliminary reports indicated that the fire maybe caused because of faulty electrical.
Philipsburg– The most recent pending laboratory samples from last week have come back negative, however in the meantime five additional samples taken on Tuesday, the results are still pending.
The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says with the current World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic level at phase six, the primary emphasis at this stage in pandemic flu control is, reducing its impact on the St. Maarten community.
Laboratory tests is vital to assessing the risk to public health and to monitoring and containing the spread of the flu virus. It can be difficult to distinguish flu from illnesses caused by other respiratory viruses or even bacteria by symptoms alone. Health care officials have been trained by Dr. Ruth Douglass and Van Dijk with respect to the methods used for confirming the presence of flu infection.
During the past two weeks, trained registered nurses have used swabs to obtain samples from the nose and throat which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
The St. Maarten community has an important role to play in reducing the impact and spread of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus. Persons with a flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician immediately.
Personal basic intervention measures that can be taken at the individual level to reduce the risk of infection are: respiratory hygiene (covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing); disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully (bagging and binning them); avoiding non-essential travel where possible to affected countries; hand washing frequently with soap and water (reduces acquiring the virus from contact with infected surfaces and from passing it on); cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen counter tops, door handles, frequently using a normal cleaning product); and make sure your children follow this advice.
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.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
CAY BAY—GEBE power plant experienced mechanical difficulties with
three generators on Saturday, June 27, 2009 that lead to outages and
eventually load shedding until the engines could be brought back on
line.
About 9 a.m. on Saturday, GEBE generators #14 and #15 tripped due to
low oil pressure. Meanwhile generator #17 shut down due to problems
with its water pump. Diesel generator #12 exhaust bellows broke and
was taken out of operation. This reduced the generating capacity by
20 MW at the height of these problems, resulting in load shedding.
The areas that were affected were St. Peters, Saunders, Betty’s
Estate, Mullet Bay, some areas of Cole Bay. Oyster Pond, Ebenezer,
Madame Estate and Middle Region experienced intermittent power supply.
GEBE deployed additional technicians to address the generator
problems. During the course of the day, they were able to stabilize
the situation and bring most engines back on line. At approximately
5:30 p.m. all electricity was restored. However, it will take a few
days to finalize the repairs to the broken exhaust bellows on diesel
engine #12.
Due to the warm weather, the electricity demand has increased
significantly. GEBE power plant capacity is just enough to meet the
current demand. The generating capacity was reduced last July to a
fire on an 8 MW generator, which is still out of commission as it is
undergoing a complete overhaul and needs special made to order
parts.
GEBE Power Plant is already undergoing expansion with the two 11.2 MW
generators expected on the island within the next two weeks and should
be commissioned in December 2009 just in time for the beginning of the
high tourism season.
In the mean time, any additional mechanical problems may lead to short
power interruptions. If load shedding becomes necessary, GEBE will
make the load shedding schedule available to the media. Updates will
also be posted as they become available on the GEBE website at
www.nvgebe.com.
GEBE apologizes to its clients for the inconvenience caused by these outages.
Philipsburg:---The Commander of the Voluntary Corps of Sint Maarten (VKS) wishes hereby to inform the general public and the parents and guardians in particular, that the VKS will be hosting again its annual Summer Camp from July 13th through July 19th 2009. Another exciting program has been put together.
Parents wishing to enroll their children in the VKS Summer Camp can pick up an application form at the VKS office in Madame Estate between 8.00 am and 12.00 pm, Monday through Friday, or call 542-9121 for more information.
12th Anniversary Celebration
In the meantime, the VKS has celebrated their 12th anniversary this past Sunday.
Members of the VKS, invited guests and a delegation from the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the celebration begun with a first attended mass in the Roman Catholic St. Martin of Tours Church in Front Street, Philipsburg. After this a parade through the streets of Philipsburg was held, which ended at the Sundial School. At the school a brief ceremony was held in which the Commander of the VKS, Major Jean Illidge, and the Lt. Governor of Sint Maarten, Mr. Franklyn Richards, addressed the gathering.
14 members received the Voluntary Medal Public Order & Safety for 10 years loyal service to the VKS. The medals are issued on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen by the Lt. Governor. The formal part was closed off by a reception for members and invited guests.
A selection of pictures can be found below. By clicking on the pictures the larger version can be downloaded.
SIMPSON BAY – The Simpson Bay Bridge will resume its three regular openings to maritime traffic as of Monday, July 6, however there will be an opening on Sunday, July 5 at 6.00pm.
The normal scheduled openings as of July 6 for the off season are at 9.30am, 11.30am and 5.30pm for in and outbound maritime traffic. Outbound traffic precedes inbound boat traffic.
The coatings and resurfacing of the main traffic lanes have been completed. The under deck has its first coating and will be conserved in total with four layers.
In order to carry out this aspect of the work, the bridge will open from time to time in order to complete the coating of the sides that are under the road deck. These openings will not take place during peak traffic hours.
According to Managing Director of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Russell Voges, in the last two weeks of August, commencing August 15, contractor Hofman Sliedrecht will continue the repair works replacing the traffic barrier boxes and booms, installing new traffic lights, and installing a new electrical control cabinet for the bridge.
Any change in the opening hours of the bridge due to these scheduled repair works will be duly and timely announced.
For any further information please call the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority’s Collection Office at the Police Station in Simpson Bay next to the bridge at telno: 545 3183 or via the Police Station at telno: 545 5500/01/02/03/04/05 or call the Bridge Operator on VHF channel 12.
Marigot: _- The gendarmes have seized a number of weapons including pistols, from security companies operating on the French side of the island. At a press conference at the La Savane head office in the presence of Prosecutor Jacques Louvier disclosed the find. Louvier said a special team with the assistance of the Police aux Frontiers, ACEDIC, URSAF, and the labour inspectors conducted the controls at six security companies on the island. The operation also took place on St. Barths where two companies were searched.
Louvier said this is the first time they have conducted such controls at the security companies. All items seized Louvier said will be destroyed.
He gave three reasons why the decision was taken to control the companies. Louvier said they had reasons to believe the companies were not following guidelines. Louvier said a security guard was hospitalized for three weeks after he was shot in his leg. This security guard he said was not declared and he was condemned twice for violent behavior. After the investigations his boss was fined Euros 5000.00 while he was given a three years probation. Louvier said it is against the law for security guards to patrol the streets with firearms without authorization and most importantly people who has problems with the law are not allowed to work in security companies..
He said security guards who are carrying weapons have to have an agreement with the Sous Prefet where they would be controlled before entering into the profession.
The vice prosecutor further explained that right now there is a congestion with those providing security services since it is not only the gendarmes, territorial police or national police who are doing the job, but it is clear there are others involved in providing security services. Louvier said St. Martin has reached a situation where all persons in the field of security must come together so they can diversify their areas since crime is committed everywhere.
Heading the operations was Crespo Phillipe from the Groupe de Intervention Regional (GIR). Crespo came in from Guadeloupe to head the special operation which ended on Tuesday.
During these controls it was discovered that these security companies were arming their guards with weapons (pistols) gas and magnetic sticks, even handcuffs. Even though the companies are registered Louvier said they are not authorized to use the weapons found. Furthermore, the controllers also checked with the accountant for the businesses which showed that there were employees who were working illegally. The accountant he said would also have to appear in court since she was providing services to 33 businesses, most of which not transparent according to the laws.
He said the owners of the companies as well as the accountant on St. Martin were placed in garde de vue. They are all summoned to appear in court for the infractions committed Louvier said. It is clear these employers would receive some heavy fines Louvier said.
Crespo said there were employees that are not on contract and they are not paid according to the legal salary scales for such jobs. Some of them were even receiving cash payments for their services, the team of controllers explained.
The control did not only focus on finding weapons but they needed to see if the security companies are following procedures and guidelines. “While these companies can do what is necessary to be able to use firearm. With all the items seized he said it is necessary for the guards to have some sort of training which he said is available on the island.” The controllers also discovered the guards were using trained dogs on their location. He said this is a dangerous practice since these dogs can become very aggressive.
SMN News understands that one of the companies that were searched is located at the Parapel Hotel. The source said that the controllers found a number of persons working for the well known security company working under the dark. (Meaning several of the security guards were not declared) Also found at this company were most of the firearms the source said.
June 30, 2009–The world’s airlines lost more than USD$3 billion in the first quarter of 2009, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Tuesday, maintaining its estimate for full-year losses of USD$9 billion.
In its latest snapshot on the industry, the Geneva-based lobby group said weak travel demand and lower freight volumes in the global recession had bled revenues for major carriers, in “a significant deterioration from last year.”
“This deterioration was before the recent rise in fuel prices,” IATA said, warning the 30 percent increase in oil and jet fuel prices since early May would squeeze airline cash flows further in coming months.
Both oil and jet fuel prices have risen almost USD$20 a barrel in the past two months, and are now 75 percent higher than their low point at the end of 2008, the Financial Monitor report said.
“Airlines have not yet felt the full impact of this oil price rise,” it said.
But it said it was not changing its previous 2009 loss forecast of USD$9 billion, which follows revised 2008 losses of USD$10.4 billion.
On Tuesday, US crude traded around USD$72 per barrel.
IATA, which represents more than 200 airlines, also said carriers trying to fly fewer flights to save costs during the downturn have not managed to cut capacity in line with shrinking air transport demand.
Leading airlines have been seeking mergers and acquisitions to help build scale and shield themselves against continued market weakness until the global economy recovers.
Delta Air Lines swallowed rival Northwest Airlines last year to create the world’s largest airline, and European carriers have also consolidated with Lufthansa agreeing to buy Austrian Airlines and Air France-KLM taking a stake in Alitalia.
British Airways is also in merger talks with Iberia, and Singapore Airlines has said it is eyeing acquisitions in China and India.
(Reuters)
Philipsburg:--M & S Foundation announces the commencement of its GED tutorial. The GED tutorial will consist of 5 subjects English Literature/ English reading/ Science / Mathematics and Social studies. The classes will meet from Monday to Fridays, morning and evening sessions. The GED is for adults that never managed to complete their high school; it gives them a second chance to obtain it. We will be giving intensive classes for the GED for the next 4 months preparing them to sit the exams in December 2009.
We will also be offering English as a second language to Spanish speaking person’s session will be 2 x weekly classes of 90 minutes.
Classes will start in the week of July 20th and we are accepting registration at Pondfill 55c in the glass shop building next to office world or you can call 5537187 or request more info by e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
…Dr. Gina Watson calls for end to stigma and discrimination.
Rawle Nelson
Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Representative, Dr. Gina Watson, has spoken out against the issue of stigma and discrimination of people affected by various health related disease that she noted is fast transcending the boundaries of regional boarders. Dr Watson urged the media to play a more responsible role in helping to eradicate this culture thus ensuring that the public is better informed, sensitized and educated on health issues affecting the region.
She was at the time delivering the feature address at the inaugural staging of the MISOPLWHA and partners Pan American Health Organization Barbados and Eastern Caribbean awards ceremony staged at the Sweet Lime Restaurant situated at Port Zante.
Dr Watson in a passionate plea which was well received by those in attendance pointed out that stigma and discrimination is not only felt by those living with HIVAIDS but also those affected by other diseases such as diabetes and cancer among others.
She noted that this new culture continues to crate undue challenges and difficulties for those working in trying to eradicate the issue of stigma and discrimination. During her address Dr Watson spoke about the many challenges that the issue of stigma and discrimination creates noting that the media can play a major and meaningful role in achieving success. “The media should always see themselves as part of the fight as we need their assistance via radio, newspaper and television and if we can unite in a meaningful way then I am confident that true success would be achieved,” she said.
Walking away with the Government Award for 2009, was Elvis Newton Permanent Secretary within the St Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Health. Julia Lizondo from Mexico copped the award for Corporate Assistance for her work within the region in addressing both communicable and non communicable diseases. BD a United States / Mexican company took away the award for best corporate support and assistance. The 3H Network of Antigua and Barbuda walked away with the award for NGO as they were recognized for tier significant contributions towards the fight for the reduction of stigma and discrimination in addressing HIVAIDS.
Prominent Nevisian businessman, Andy Liburd was recognized for his contributions in youth empowerment and education more particularly I women empowerment. His significant and sterling contributions has been recorded for a number of years spanning all the schools in Nevis has been working towards ensuring that challenged and disadvantage girls are offered a second chance at fulfilling their educational pursuits and dreams.
Meanwhile, St Maarten based businessman and sculptor, Michael Magihro was honored for his work in sculpting and also for his social contributions and work which has spanned several islands and involves collaboration with a number of regional nongovernmental organizations.
Commissioner of Finance in the St Maarten Government, Xavier Blackman along with Dr Watson who the awards was executed under her patronage presented the various awards.
MISOPLWHA late Vice President, Jennifer Jones who passed away in early march of this year shortly after the judging of the awards was spontaneously honored for her contributions to the growth and continued development of the regional media while a new award was also presented in honour of the late Jones who was viewed as a pioneer and champion in eradicating stigma and discrimination.
Former General Manager of ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation, a Winston Mc Mahon, St Kitts and Nevis based company was the first recipient of the new award which is to be known as the Jennifer Jones Award for Excellence in Media Contributions.
The objective of the evening awards ceremony was to open a dialogue about Health and health related issues thus being able to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination while encouraging the public including the media alike to seek out the information they need to protect themselves and support people affected by both communicable and non communicable diseases especially those living with HIV/AIDS in their communities.
Manager of Latin, South and Central America including the Caribbean for BD, Dr Maria Rubia announced that her company was exploring a number of avenues as they seek to further enhanced and collaborate with other NGO’s within the region. She urged the organizers to continue what she called good and meaningful efforts in effectively addressing stigma and discrimination.
Dr Rubia stressed that the audience that societies can no longer afford not to recognize several non communicable and communicable diseases which she claimed continues to create havoc. She however said that she hopes that people no longer see HIV/AIDS as a fatal weapon.
Meanwhile, Dr Gina Watson in her presentation pointed out that retarding HIVAIDS had this virus been recognized and taken seriously from the inception, then the world might have been a different place. “The reality is that for too long we look at new diseases as nothing so important and unfortunately we only seriously address heath when it hits home,” she said.
Media In Support Of People Living With HIVAIDS (MISOPLWHA) was formally launched and legally registered in 2006. The aim of the organization is to mobilize and assist other Non Governmental Organizations, health centers through the media so as to guide and assist in their response to HIV/AIDS and other diseases in the workplace and beyond. The organization noted that this can and is done via facilitating technical assistance as well as helping organizations identify and apply their core competencies, products, services and resources to assist in the response to HIV/AIDS among other Non Communicable diseases.
We just got word from the power plant that they have to stop DG#12 (which produces 10MW) in order to do some urgent repairs on the lube oil system.
Due to the high electricity demand these days we will be forced to do some load shedding until the generator is back online
Area Time out and Time in:
Oyster Pond 9.00 am 10.30 am
Saunders 9.00 am 10.30 am
Lowlands 10.30am Noon
Pelican Noon 13.30
Mdme Estate/IT Illidge Rd Noon 13.30
The repairs will be done as fast as possible to limit the load shedding
NV GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience that these forced outages will cause.
St. Peters---SMN News has learnt that Delano Richardson has been arrested and was in custody. He was arrested on Wednesday afternoon SMN news has learnt.
Richardson is under investigation for allegedly trying to extort monies from the developer of Blue Mall. The developer in question Luis Goia supplied the Lt. Governor with a taped conversation where it is alleged the civil servant and businessman discussed how much he needed top pay for his building permit.
Details on this investigation will be in our subsequent broadcast.
Philipsburg: --- St. Maarten Pride Foundation has taken notice of Government’s correspondence and propaganda regarding the Ring road project printed in a local newspaper on Thursday July 9th, 2009.
The article states that “The ring road along the edge of the Great Salt Pond that will be built in the coming months is seen by government as a major step in ending traffic congestion and protecting what remains of Great Salt Pond”. This statement in itself is contradictory; why would government first have to destroy a large part of the Great Salt Pond by filling it up in order to facilitate “protecting what remains of Great Salt Pond”?
The Great Salt Pond can easily be protected through the implementation and enforcement of Zoning Plans as described in The Island Zoning Ordinance (Eilandsverordening ruimtelijke ontwikkelingsplanning St. Maarten EROP, 1993). This ordinance enables government to restrict, forbid and/ or penalize the alteration of landscapes or water ways, the filling in of bodies of water (ponds, lagoons) and the destruction of vegetation through setting requirements in the planning permit procedure for building activities (Article 12 and 13). Based on these provisions the zoning ordinance (Eilandsverordening ruimtelijke ontwikkelingsplanning St. Maarten EROP, 1993) is considered to be the island’s most significant legal instrument for landuse planning.
Government has acknowledged its responsibility to develop zoning plans in its Multi Annual Policy Plan (MAPP), and other Policy Plans and studies but until now has only completed a zoning plan for the Fort Amsterdam Area.
Government’s claim that the ring road is seen “as a major step in ending traffic congestion” is questionable and misleading at best considering that no comprehensive traffic or road network study for St. Maarten has been carried out within the last fifteen to twenty years despite the tremendous growth the island has faced during this period. There is therefore no certainty that the Ring Road will ease traffic congestion in the long-term.
In addition Government has not taken any measures regarding the comparatively more cost-effective proposals aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the long-term including proposals listed in the Multi Annual Policy Plan, The Tourism Master Plan and the Carrying Capacity Study even though these recommendations or studies may very well dispel or void Government’s perceived need for the Ring Road project.
The article claims that “the road has been endorsed by several studies compiled with input from the public and from environmental groups”. “One such study was the Development Perspective for Philipsburg and Surroundings”.
This paragraph seems to insinuate that St. Maarten Pride Foundation approved of or recommended the construction of the ring road during the information session held with TKA and the Almere group in 2003, this insinuation is entirely false and misleading. The development perspective itself contradicts the implication on page 11 of the document; The following stakeholders have been consulted about the development vision described in this report. Their wishes have been noted by TKA, and as far as possible taken into account during the formulation of this Development Vision. Development perspective St. Maarten Philipsburg Greater Great Bay Area” (TKA, Architecture & Urban Design, 2003)
Furthermore the Development perspective St. Maarten Philipsburg Greater Great Bay Area (TKA, Architecture & Urban Design, 2003) is half a decade old and much has changed on St. Maarten in general and in and around the Great Salt Pond in particular over the past 5 years. Government has for instance allowed a great deal of filling in of the pond contrary to recommendations in the development perspective making the drawings and proposed location of the ring road unrealistic.
The letter sent to EPIC and St. Maarten Pride was not “signed by Executive Council Chairman Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards” as the article claims, but by the Lt. Governor’s substitute, Acting Lt. Governor Millicent de Weever.
The statement that the “Perspective had been approved by the Island Council on October 13th, 2003” is irrelevant and misleading as the “Development perspective St. Maarten Philipsburg Greater Great Bay Area” is just a perspective, vision or a view point and has no legal standing within the EROP (Eilandsverordening ruimtelijke ontwikkelingsplanning St. Maarten EROP, 1993) as it is not an “ontwikkelingsplan” or zoning plan as described in article 3 of the EROP the development perspective is therefore just an idea which can be changed and is not legally binding.
The Foundations’ objections regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out by Lievense Consulting Engineers are not properly addressed in the Executive Council’s correspondence or in Thursday’s article in a local Newspaper. The Foundations have reviewed the abovementioned EIA and are of the opinion that the research and analysis conducted for the document is of poor quality, incomplete at best and does not meet commonly used Dutch or international standards/ formats for Environmental Impact Assessments.
Lievense is involved in many of Government’s infrastructural projects and designed the plans for the Ring road. St. Maarten Pride and EPIC therefore question the objectivity of this Environmental Impact Assessment. The principles of good governance, ethics and logic dictates that it is a conflict of interest for a company which has designed a particular project (in this case it concerns Lievense and the Ring road) to be tasked with compiling an objective Environmental Impact Assessment of this same project, especially in countries such as St. Maarten which have not yet adopted International criteria for these assessments and/or established independent commissions to guide and review the process.
Government’s letter and the aforementioned article do not respond to the Foundation’s concerns regarding the Cultural/ Historical value of the Great Salt Pond and the monument status of the Great Salt Pans.
The Great Salt Pond, played a prominent role in both Sint Maarten’s and the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ history due to its immense size and its central location, particularly in the wide scale Salt mining industry which started with the Dutch around 1631. Salt was collected from the Great Salt Pond and subsequently exported all over the world or locally used to conserve food. The last commercially significant salt reaping occurred in the 1940’s. Many Sint Maarteners are descendants of people who worked in the Great Salt Pond during and after slavery, a fact which makes the Pond an important aspect of the island’s and the Kingdom’s heritage.
The eastern side of the Great Salt Pond, an area called the Great Salt Pans (Grote zout-vlaktes/ pannen), has recently been identified and designated by the Executive Council of the Island Territory of St. Maarten as a monument (BC# 1172-08).; in doing so, government acknowledged the cultural/historical significance of the area and committed to protecting it.
The construction of the Ring road/ link 3, as it is currently proposed, will destroy a large portion of the same area of the Great Salt Pond that Government only recently identified and designated as a monument (BC# 1172-08). The proposed plans will therefore demolish significant and rare physical evidence of our ancestors’ strenuous labour and St. Maarten’s history through the destruction of many of the few remaining rock walls and salt pans (Zout-vlaktes/ pannen), in particularly the eastern section of the pond. The removal of these historical artifacts would deprive St. Maarten of an important aspect of the island’s cultural identity. The Foundations are of the opinion that an undesirable precedent would be set if Government destroys large portions of an area which that same Government only just identified and designated as a monument based on its cultural/ historical significance.
It must be reiterated that St. Maarten Pride and EPIC are in full favor of the development and implementation of sustainable solutions to St. Maarten’s traffic congestion challenges. However, increasing road network capacity, by building a ring-road in the Great Salt Pond is not an effective long-term solution for St. Maarten’s traffic related challenges.
(St. Maarten Pride Foundation).
CAY BAY - The mechanical engineers at the Cay Bay Power Plant were forced to shutdown two major generators due to technical problems.
Generator DG#12 developed problems with the temperature regulation system while DG#9 experienced a malfunction with the turbo charger.
The generation capacity has been reduced by 15 MW as a result of these technical difficulties and GEBE has no other choice than to ration the electricity supply to certain residential areas in order to carry out the necessary repairs.
The areas that are currently affected are:
1. Oyster Pond
2. Saunders
3. St. Peters/ South Reward area
4. Cole Bay Lagoon area
5. Lowlands/ Cupecoy area
6. Over the bank
7. Belverdere
8. Madame Estate
9. Pelican Keys
10.Colebay
Load shedding is expected to continue during the day until the generators are back online. GEBE technicians are working to resolve the problems as quickly as possible.
GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience that this has caused.
Additional updates will be given to the general public and the media as soon as the information becomes available.
Marigot:--- The Captain of the Gendarmes Loic Baras bids farewell to St. Martin and his colleagues on the island on Monday at a Cocktail party at the Beach Plaza Hotel. Baras served for three years as the head of the gendarmerie of St. Martin and St. Barths. He has completed his three year tenure and is scheduled to leave the island on July 15 where he is expected to take up a new job as a professor in one of the gendarmerie schools in France. His successor Stephanne Brunet is expected to take up his post on the island on August 1.
Attending the ceremony were Senator Louis Constant Fleming, Prosecutor Jacques Louvier, Sous Prefet Dominique LaCroix as well as Baras.
Philipsburg:---A meeting requested by the Democratic Party of Sint Maarten to get a clear answer from the N.A./Heyliger government on the foreign employment permit policy was turned into a circus by the same government members who laud their government as being one of a “new beginning”.
The position presented during this meeting by the Democratic Party is the same this party has held as the DP administration, namely the need to revise and update the foreign employment permit policy of 2003 to be more in tune with the current day needs of the labor market on Sint Maarten. The tenets of a new policy being: expansion of employment opportunities for nationals and those already residing and working on Sint Maarten; dignified treatment of all workers; a streamlined and clear policy for employers; training of locals and advancing of Sint Maarten’s culture and values through familiarization.
The Democratic Party has maintained from day one that the policy as promulgated on November 12, 2008 and gone into effect on January 12, 2009 came about through tripartite consultation and any amendments to this policy should follow the same route, namely through consultation with the private sector partners.
Approximately one week after taking office and without any consultation, the NA/Heyliger government announces that it had decided to shelve the new policy; then it announced it had been withdrawn to review it; then the government announced they had reverted to the previous policy and then on the 6th of July, the NA/Heyliger government announced that the new policy is still in effect.
The opportunity for the NA/Heyliger to state its position on the foreign employment permit policy was given on July 14th, when the meeting requested by the Democratic Party faction was convened. However, what seemed to be most important to the NA/Heyliger members present was the fact that they were called from recess and could not celebrate Bastille Day. So they waltz into the meeting at their leisure, sign in at their leisure and what do we see?
Firstly, the NA member, R. Samuel, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he is part of a NA controlled government fires off a barrage of questions, ostensibly to the previous government members.
Then to top it off, the leader of the NA, Commissioner Marlin signs the speakers’ list as a member of the island council (!), put s his role as Commissioner and leader of Government aside, and takes somebody or some government to task, seemingly oblivious to the fact as well, that he is now “the government”. He talks of everything under the sun and some as a member of the island council, states his regrets when his time as island council member is up and briefly announces that his government will review the foreign employment permit policy, without giving any indication when and what happens in the meantime. The Commissioner of Labor, Mr. H. Richardson sits by without uttering a word with respect to the statements he made about the same policy in the press.
The Democratic Party came to this meeting of the island council prepared to lend its support to what it believes the government should do to return peace and tranquility in the labor market of Sint Maarten. The motion which the Democratic Party came prepared to submit and which is attached supports this premise.
With the action of the NA/Heyliger government the people of Sint Maarten are once again left with the words spoken by the leader of the NA/Heyliger government : “When it’s ready, you will know”. That’s a new beginning for you.
(Sarah Wescot Williams)
A mechanical failure on the oil lube filters on Diesel Engine #12 resulted in the engine being taken offline. With the loss of approximately 15 MW, the power plant is forced to resort to load shedding.
The following areas will be affected:
Until approximately 10.00 am
· St. Peters
· South Reward
· Retreat Estate
· Ebenezer
· Belvedere
· Cay Bay
· Pelican
Load shedding is expected to continue during the day until the generators are back online. GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience and will try to restore power to the affected areas as soon as possible.
Updates will be given to the general public and the media as soon as the information becomes available. For tips on how to prepare for an electrical outage or how to make an outage more bearable, please visit our website at www.nvgebe.com.
Update:
Approximately 12.00 to 14.00:
Belverdere, Oyster Pond area, Westin Hotel area
Approximately 14.00-16.00:
Cay Bay, Colebay (welfare Road & surrounding areas), Pelican area
Approximately 16.00-1800:
W.G. Buncamper Road & Vineyard area, Point Blanche
POINTE BLANCHE—GEBE mechanics worked throughout the weekend on DG#12, the 10 MW engine which has been a source of much load shedding during the last week. Up to press time cylinder #8 was still being stripped. Different crews will be working thru the night in order to have the machine available by Monday morning.
The mechanics have found an abnormal amount of combustibles in the lube oil which they suspect is caused by a damaged piston ring. In order to inspect the piston ring they have to stop the machine and remove the piston. This rather laborious process has to be executed with precision to avoid damaging other critical parts of the machine.
If all goes well DG#12 could be operational on Monday morning. However, if there are other complications NVGEBE will have a shortage of approximately 8MW and will be forced to do some load shedding.
Below is the possible load shedding schedule for Monday July 20.
8.00-11.00 (Max. 2 hours per area)
Cupecoy area, Mullet Bay area, Beacon Hill, S'bay village, Airport Road
Belvedere, Oyster Pond, Westin Hotel area
Orange Grove, Almond Grove, Colebay Lagoon area
St. Peters, South Reward, Ebenezer, Betty's Estate, Saunders, Mary's Fancy
11.00-14.00 (Max. 2 hours per area)
Madame Estate area, Arch Rd. Suckergarden, Guana Bay
Pointe Blanche, W.G. Buncamper Road, Vineyard area
Cay Hill, Brouwers Road, Red Roses rd area
St. Peters, South Reward, Waymouth Hill areas
Cay Bay, Billy Folly (Pelican) area
Union Road Colebay & surrounding areas
14.00-17.00 (Max. 2 hours per area)
Cay Bay, Colebay (Welfare Road), Pelican area
St. John's Estate, Retreat Estate
Longwall Rd, Bush rd, Illidge Rd, Zagersgut
Beethoven Road., Belair, Little Bay, Fort Willem
AT Illidge road, Middle Region
The times and areas given are approximate. GEBE urges the general public to stay tuned to the local media for timely updates or visit our website www.nvgebe.com
GEBE 10.00am Update: Load Shedding for...
As work continues on DG#12 the following areas will be out of electricity from 10.00 until 12.00:
Dutch Quarter, Union Farm, Belverdere, Bishop Hill area, Dawn Beach, Tamarind Hill, Red Pond
Simpson Bay Yacht club, Isle de Sol up to the bridge, Cay Bay, Billy Folly (Pelican) area, Union road & surrounding areas.
CAY BAY–GEBE power plant is still short of approximately 8MW as work continues on Diesel Generator #12 (piston #8’s liner and rings were replaced).
GEBE engineers had found an abnormal amount of combustibles in the lube oil which they suspect was caused by a damaged piston ring. In order to inspect the piston ring they have to stop the machine and remove the piston. It turned out that not only the piston ring was damaged but also the liner and the piston head. Consequently, all parts had to be removed and replaced which proved to be rather labor intensive and time consuming. The Crew Supervisor was not optimistic that the work could be completed on Monday night and estimated that another full day of work was needed before the machine was fully reassembled and tested before resuming normal operations.
As a result, GEBE will be continuing its load shedding until the engine can be brought back online.
The following areas will be affected:
Until approximately 11.00 am: Dutch Quarter, Union Farm, Belverdere, Bishop Hill area, Dawn Beach, Tamarind Hill, Red Pond, St. Peters, South Reward, Ebenezer, Betty’s Estate, Saunders, Mary’s Fancy, S’bay Yacht club, Isle de Sol area up to the Simpson Bay bridge
From approximately 11:00 until 13:00: Sections of Belverdere, Oyster Pond, Westin Hotel area,
From approximately 11:15 until 13:15:Colebay Union Road & surrounding,
From approximately 11:30 until 13:30:St. Peters, South Reward, Waymouth Hill areas
From approximately 12:00 until 14:00: Cay Hill, Brouwers Road, Red Roses rd area
From approximately 13:00 until 14:00: Beethoven Road, Belair, Little Bay, Fort Willem
From approximately 13:00 until 15:00: Pointe Blanche, WG Buncamper Road, Vineyard area
From approximately 13:30 until 15:30: Cupecoy area, Mullet Bay area, Beacon Hill, S’bay village, Airport Road
Please note that the load shedding schedule is an indication and is subject to change based on demand in the various areas, supply from the power plant and other influencing factors. GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience and will try to restore power to the affected areas as soon as possible.
Updates will be given to the general public and the media as soon as the information becomes available.
Here are some tips to prepare for an electricity outage:
• Unplug any sensitive electronics to avoid damage.
• Turn off all lights and electrical equipment. Leave on only one light or radio to alert you when the power has been restored.
• Try to minimize the time your fridge and freezer are open to keep the cool air in.
• Gather any flashlights and check spare batteries.
Be careful if you decide to use candles. Do not leave them unattended.
Prepare by equipping your house with automatic power failure safety lighting so that it does not go dark when the power goes out. That gives you time to locate your flashlights and other items.
Philipsburg: --- The body of accident victim Sylvester Cuthbert Hazel has been released to the family so they can make funeral arrangements said Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. The body was released early Tuesday after the prosecutor’s office got the result of an x-ray that was taken earlier that same morning.
Stein said crime has been ruled out after the x-ray showed that the injury, which is consistent to a bullet wound, was caused by the accident. He said the police and his office is not treating the accident as a crime. Stein said Hazel died due to severe head injuries causing brain damage.
Sylvester Cuthbert Hazel 44 years old died because of a tragic road accident in Cole bay early Sunday morning. He leaves to mourn his children, parents and other siblings on both St. Maarten and Dominica.
Philipsburg:--- The DEMOCRATIC Party of SXM will for the 11th straight year participate in the annual wreath laying ceremony at the statue of the late, great Dr. Albert Claudius Wathey, commemorating what would have been this local hero’s 83rd birthday. In doing so, the DP which originally initiated and organized this ceremony for the past 10 years in a row , will continue its tradition of remembering and honoring one of its founders and the man they credit with having visionary foresight as it relates to the almost miraculous successes that our twin-nation island has had and continues to have. As previously reported the ceremony will be held at the foot of the statue of Dr. Claude Wathey in front of the Government Administration Building on the Clem Labega Square on Friday, July 24, 2009 from 09:00 AM to 09:30 AM. The organizer of the event, the Dr. A.C. WATHEY FOUNDATION for POLITICAL AWARENESS, has announced that the sequence of wreath laying will be as follows:
1) The Democratic Party of St. Maarten
2) The Executive Council
3) The Wathey family
4) The University of St. Martin
5) The DP Chapter of Professional Young People (DP CPYP)
6) The Dr. A.C. Wathey Foundation for Political Awareness
For the Democratic Party the wreath will be laid by Party Leader Island Council Member Sarah Wescot-Williams and Deputy Party Leader DP Senator Erno Labega.
GREAT BAY: -- (GIS) – The St. Maarten Institute for Technology and Hospitality (SMITH) has extended the registration process for the Fall Semester for its workforce development program until Friday, July 31.
Interested persons have until then to be admitted into their desired program.
The programs that will be offered by the Institute in Fall 2009 include Business Administrative Assistant, Secretarial Assistant, Computer ICT Service Assistant, Cook, and Security Officer.
SMITH, a post-secondary vocational institution, has been providing educational opportunities for students who had concluded their Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education since 2004. It is currently pursuing SBO accreditation for its programs.
Interested persons are encouraged to visit SMITH’s administrative offices located upstairs the Central Drugstore on the E. Camille Richardson Str. #23 in Philipsburg between 8.30am and 4.00pm, or call 542-1620 for further information.
Marigot:--- The Sous Prefecture is reminding all travellers going to the United States of some of the procedures that needs to be followed prior to gaining access to that country. During this period of summer vacations, you must be reminded the procedures for entry into the United States of America for French citizens, wanting to travel to this country for pleasure or business for a period of less than 90 days.
1) Be in possession of a French passport with a ten year validity period (or five years for minors) allowing them to take advantage of the American visa exempt programme.
2) Be in possession of an electronic travel authorisation (ESTA), if I do not need a visa. This autorisation is free of charge and must be obtained before you travel on line at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
THE TABLE BELOW SHOWS THE DIFFERENT FRENCH PASSPORTS IN CIRCULATION:
Old passport(cannot be read by the machine)
(1)
|
PASSPORT WITH OPTICAL READING (DELPHINE MODEL) ISSUED AT THE LATEST ON OCTOBER 25, 2005
(2)
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PASSPORT WITH OPTICAL READING (DELPHINE MODEL) ISSUED BETWEEN OCTOBER 26, 2005 AND OCTOBER 26, 2006)
(3)
|
ELECTRONIC PASSPORT (WITH ELECTRONIC CHIP AND DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH)
(4)
|
I NEED A VISA
|
I DO NOT NEED A VISA |
I NEED A VISA
|
I DO NOT NEED A VISA |
|
I NEED AN ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION
(ESTA)
|
* |
I NEED AN ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION
(ESTA)
|
* THE OPTICAL READING PASSPORT "DELPHINE" ISSUED BETWEEN OCTOBER 26, 2005 AND OCTOBER 26, 2006 CAN BE EXCHANGED FREE OF CHARGE BY SHOWING THE PROOF OF AN UPCOMING TRIP OR TRANSIT TO THE USA.
HOW TO IDENTIFY MY PASSPORT ?
(1) HANDWRITTEN OR TYPED PASSPORT WITH GLUED ON PHOTOGRAPH AND VERTICAL READING
(2) HORIZONTAL READING PASSPORT WITH TWO LINES OF CODES UNDER THE PHOTOGRAPH AND ISSUED AT THE LATEST ON OCTOBER 25, 2005
(3) HORIZONTAL READING PASSPORT WITH TWO LINES OF CODES UNDER THE PHOTOGRAPH AND ISSUED BETWEEN OCTOBER 26, 2005 AND OCTOBER 26, 2006
(4) HORIZONTAL READING PASSPORT WITH ELECTRONIC CHIP AND DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH.
EMERGENCY PASSPORTS ( ONE YEAR VALIDITY).
Since July 1, 2009, only electronic or biometric emergency passports allow one to be exempted from a visa to travel to the USA. These passports with one-year validity are not issued in Saint Martin and Saint-Barthelemy but they will soon be.
In the immediate future, French citizens holding an emergency passport issued by the prefecture of Saint-Barthelemy and Saint Martin must request a visa. In the absence of a visa, they are liable to be denied entry into the USA by an immigration officer.
Any further change in this special system concerning only emergency passports will be immediately communicated to the public.
Cole Bay:-- Police are busy investigating yet another robbery which took place at a bakery in Cole Bay. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said two youths entered the bakery and waited until the female attendant went to the back of the bakery before stealing the petit cash and running away.
The two culprits did not wear any mask neither were they armed when they committed the crime. Police are still investigating Leonard said.
GREAT BAY– Interested persons have two more days to register for the St. Maarten Institute for Technology and Hospitality (SMITH) Fall Semester for its workforce development program. The registration process ends on Friday, July 31.
Interested persons have until then to be admitted into their desired program.
The programs that will be offered by the Institute in Fall 2009 include Business Administrative Assistant, Secretarial Assistant, Computer ICT Service Assistant, Cook, and Security Officer.
SMITH, a post-secondary vocational institution, has been providing educational opportunities for students who had concluded their Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education since 2004. It is currently pursuing SBO accreditation for its programs.
Interested persons are encouraged to visit SMITH’s administrative offices located upstairs the Central Drugstore on the E. Camille Richardson Str. #23 in Philipsburg between 8.30am and 4.00pm, or call 542-1620 for further information.
On Thursday afternoon Mr Terence Rey of the AVIATION PIONEERS OF THE CARIBBEAN FOUNDATION presented Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven with a photo collage of pioneering pilot Capt. Jose "Pipe" Dormoy and the members of the Dutch Royal Family during their past visits to the Windward Islands.
AVIATION PIONEERS OF THE CARIBBEAN FOUNDATION
Founded in February 2008 in honour of Capt. Jose "Pipe" Dormoy,knighted by Queen Beatrix in the Order of Oranje Nassau in 1988.
The goals of the foundation is to commemorate aviation pioneersof the Caribbean, especially in the Windward Islands; to collect,
catalog and maintain aviation related photo's, newspaper clippings,documents and memorabilia; and to support the establishment of
a flight school in St. Eustatius to train young aviators.
Delegates attending the 34th Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) at the Grenada Grand Beach resort, made a strident call for the positive
Transformation of the classroom of the regions’ schools to meet the Challenges of tomorrow’s world.
Under the theme, “Transforming today’s Classroom for Today’s World,”
The delegates unanimously agreed that for Quality Education to be effectively delivered, student centered technology-based interactive teaching must play a major role in the delivery of instruction in Schools in the Caribbean.
The tone of the Conference was set by President Roustan Job when he delivered the keynote address. He emphatically stated, “Survival demands that we decide on
Educational programmes and techniques that will take us forward.” He
Further added, “Transforming today’s classroom for tomorrow’s world we
need more than anything else, an all-embracing ideology that can ensure love for country and region among our people.”
Several recommendations were made concerning issues surrounding Caribbean teachers. There were also discussions on sub themes: Information Communication Technology in the Classroom, Managing Diversity in the Classroom and the Role of the Trade Union in Classroom Transformation.
Willemstad – Even on his last day as Minister of Justice, David Dick still managed to sign an important financial agreement with the implementing body of the foundation for the development of the Netherlands Antilles (USONA). By this agreement, three million guilders has been made available for the finishing stages of the police cells on St.Maarten and renovation and furnishing of the police offices.
The cellblock at the police station in Philipsburg will be finished by the end of this year. Developer Pream Architects estimates the time of construction to be 85 working days. The contractors will take care of the renovation for both the head office of the police force in Philipsburg as well as the office in Simpson Bay.
The expansion of the head office of the police force consists of a cellblock with a capacity for 35 detainees. The entire building will be equipped with security cameras. From within the surveillance room, the guards will have direct supervision on the cells.
During their arrest, the suspects will be checked by a doctor, who will have a separate doctor’s room in the building at his disposal. The new building meets the requirements of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), which means that it has sufficient lighting, cooling and space in the cells. There will be adequate sanitation to guarantee hygiene. The entire terrain will be locked off and optimally secured.
Members of Parliament Erno Labega of the Democratic Party (DP) and Rodolphe Samuel of the national Alliance (NA) were witness to the signing of the financing agreement on Curacao. This document was signed by the Minister of Justice and Frans Versteeg, the managing director of USONA; the organization, which allocates the funds from the Netherlands for, projects supporting the development of the Netherlands Antilles. In the area of Justice, projects are financed in the framework of the Security Plan Netherlands Antilles (PVNA). The project leader of Housing of PVNA, Ivan Fraites, has prepared the tender for the projects on St.Maarten. The financing was established through talks with Secretary of State of Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveld. “I am very pleased that I was still able to do this,” says Minister David Dick. “St.Maarten deserves these new facilities. The Corps of the Leeward Islands is currently going through a complex reorganization development process, which makes it vital to be able to have access to an adequate working environment. This contributes to the many positive changes happening within the Corps. For me, the signing of this agreement was a matter of principle. I will not leave St.Maarten in the lurch.”
Great Bay:----Recently, Nakita Nicholls a HAVO 5 student attending M.P.C. was interviewed by Desiree Webster ( GIS Summer Intern) on her participation in the Business Outreach & Placement Program (BOPP).
Nakita is currently doing her job training program at the Finance Department of the Island Government of St. Maarten, under the supervision of Alex Richardson a Section Head at the department of Finance for a period of six weeks.
Nakita said, “I decided to participate in this program because I wanted a summer job and I wanted to gain work experience, while making some extra money.”
Before Nakita could start her job training, she had an interview with her supervisor and took part in a two-day workshop as part of the BOPP, where she learned how to conduct herself in a professional manner with the right work ethic.
“It took me about a week to settle in at the job because I first needed to learn how to do my job efficiently,” Nakita said. In her time there, she has learned how to work with Quick Books, do data entry, answer phone calls, and send faxes among other things.
She also expressed her feelings of comfort at her work place. When asked about the relationship between her and her colleagues she replied, “We get along good, they are very nice people, and they explain the work very well. I am enjoying my time there.”
Nakita also gave good compliments to the organizers of the BOPP program and said that they should continue with it, additionally the organizers should try to get more small businesses involved.
In her final words, she encouraged more students to take part in the BOPP program and motivated them to do their best because this is a very good program that can benefit them when looking for a job in the future.
This interview can be seen in its entirety on the upcoming GIS BULLETIN news program, Monday 10th on SXM Cable TV 15 at 7 PM.
Pointe Blanche:--- Reliable information reaching SMN News indicated that the police just moments ago arrested the wanted gun man in the Maho robbery. The suspect Louis Albert Alexis, also known as “Sticky.” Was arrested somewhere around the harbor. On Friday Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said the Prosecutors Offices of the Netherlands Antilles promises a reward of Naf 3000 for the person that provides information leading directly to the arrest of Louis Albert Alexis, also known as “Sticky.”
No information has been released yet on the arrest and if someone led to police to the suspect who was considered to be armed and dangerous.
SIMPSON BAY – Approximately 50 boats and barges including vessels from surrounding islands sought shelter in the Simpson Bay Lagoon due to the threat posed by now downgraded Tropical Storm Ana.
Ana was classified as a Tropical Depression on Sunday afternoon.
Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation Managing Director Russell Voges says that the bridge opened from Thursday to accommodate mariners who were seeking safe shelter in the lagoon. The additional openings carried out during the past days went without any major hick-ups.
Voges added that even during times of scheduled bridge repairs, emergency openings due to a tropical storm/hurricane threat is always included in the planning of these civil works activities.
Civil works for a two week period planned for Monday, August 17 is still on track. The Simpson Bay Bridge will be closed to maritime traffic for a two-week period to facilitate the additional repair work.
Once the weather subsides, the bridge will open during the civil works period to allow vessels to leave the Lagoon.
The main contractor Hofman Sliedrecht will work on the replacement of the traffic barrier boxes and booms; installing new traffic lights and installing a new electrical control cabinet for the bridge.
All the repairs to the Simpson Bay Bridge are based on the recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges. They are done to ensure the durability and longevity of the bridge structure.
Philipsburg:---Laugh out Loud Productions is on the move again with hosting a Rapping show on Saturday August 29th at the Philipsburg Cultural Center starting at 8:00pm. In a press release from LOL Coordinator Alida Brown Henry says the show will showcase 10 rappers performing for fans showing off their rap talent. Freestyle focuses on highlighting individual talent during this show,
The artists will go head to head in a freestyle battle for bragging rights to be crowed the Freestyle King 2009 champion, Henry Brown also stated that individual dancers do not get enough lime light this is why we decided to showcase them. The raping on the island has slowed down over the years. The show is being organized with the Cultural Center who says they are happy to be apart of this project. Several guest performers will also perform during the show including the dancer who won the 2008 competition and 3 modeling groups. The competition consist of 3 sections, the first one the rappers will perform their own song, second round they will have to rap about an object given to them on that night and the final round comprises of a freestyle battle. The show is hosted by Yarlin Woodly and a special guest host. Music will be provided by Dj Vlaun winner of the 2009 rock the House Dj Competition. Tickets are available at Van Dorp and participants of the show for only $10. For more information on the show call 5562522.
Philipsburg:--On Wednesday afternoon in the conference room of the Government Administration Building the newly restructured HIV AIDS Steering Committee convened a meeting to discuss the HIV AIDS Strategic Plan and goals for the year 2009 / 2010. With the recent change in Government, the committee has automatically changed its Chairmanship, a position reserved for Leader of Government Commissioner William Marlin and the Co - Chairman Commissioner of Health Hyacinth Richardson. The two Executive Council members were briefed by HIV AIDS Program Manager and advisor to the committee Suzette Moses - Burton on the functioning and responsibilities of the group. Participating in the meeting are Executive Secretary to Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson - Natasha Richardson, Director Health Social & Labor Affairs Drs. Jorien Wuite, Dr. Van Osch, Beatrice Richardson, Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson, Lorraine Scot, Suzette Moses- Burton and Leader of Government William Marlin.
Great Bay, -On Saturday, August 22 persons in the field of health care ranging from general practitioners, laboratory personnel, social workers, nurses and more attended the kick-off meeting of the three month HIV[℮]Education course by Health[℮]Foundation.
We briefly spoke with Esther Erwteman, Project Manager for the Caribbean region and Gonneke Hermanides, Project Manager based in Curacao regarding the three month course. Esther mentioned that during the kick-off it was important to get feed back from the participants as to what they want to get out of the program.
“We will have group leaders to assist persons, and if the problem cannot be solved then I can be contacted via the e-tutor button,” said Esther. “Each morning when I log on, I can see exactly how far each participant is,” said Esther.
Based on a research project that was done by Gonneke in Curacao, which entailed HIV care in a small Caribbean setting, it was discovered that often the burden of HIV care is on one physician.
“The aim is to have a multi-disciplinary approach to HIV care, to the point where it needs to be decentralized,” said Gonneke. “We discussed this situation with Suzette Moses, and decided that we would develop a plan that the entire country can make use of,” Gonneke continued.
Gonneke told us that this course is unique, because the information is being brought to the participants, and they have a lifetime worth of information via their memory sticks, as the information is continuously being upgraded.
“It is not like a text book that sits on the shelf and after a period of time the information becomes outdated,” said Gonneke.
The entire training will be done via computer online with a USB stick. This group of participants will be eligible for other programs that Health[℮]Foundation offers. At the end of the three-month course the possibility is there to offer a train the trainer’s course, where three to five persons can follow the mentor program, and pass on the knowledge.
“Follow-up is very important,” said Esther.
This entire training is extremely important as a means of promoting the development of improved social services programmes, care, and treatment for persons living with HIV/AIDS and to develop a care and treatment plan.
The aim of HIV[e]Education is to provide healthcare workers with complete and updated information on all aspects of treatment and care for patients with HIV/AIDS. These courses will be done via USB sticks and the internet, and is being done by Health[e] Foundation, a non-profit organization based in the Netherlands.
Willemstad/ Philipsburg:---The renewed discussions on dollarization make it imperative for St. Maarten to re-establish its position on the choice for a monetary system and currency.
After initially weighing the different options in 2000/2001, including dollarization, the choice of St. Maarten was one for its own central bank system and currency.
With the subsequent agreement that St. Maarten and Curacao would have a joint central bank, the position regarding St. Maarten’s own currency was maintained, however this currency and central bank would be a joint undertaking with Curacao.
This agreement entailed a replacement for the Antillean guilder and a Central Bank in which both entities would participate.
From all indications, this position was one shared by the Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles until now.
With the Bank’s recent announcement that dollarization is worth serious consideration by the new countries of Curacao and St. Maarten, we are in essence being called upon to state (or re-state) our position on the central bank/currency issue.
While the conference on dollarization on August 24th was surely informative, it can be safely concluded that there is no “one size fits all” solution and no template to be copied and applied.
At the end of the day, this is a matter for each entity to assess on its own. Time is of essence and the question would be if at this stage and the many priorities on our plates, whether we have the time and resources to dedicate to such an assessment.
But one thing stood out clearly and cannot be emphasized enough if we wish to entertain the proposal of dollarization for St. Maarten and that is that this concept requires a strict fiscal discipline. Without some type of supervisory body, the matter of fiscal discipline is paramount.
With respect to the compelling argument of a deficit in the balance of payments on the current accounts of the Netherlands Antilles, St. Maarten must also determine for itself how we fare as an island in this respect.
In my opinion, this matter of the monetary system can not be seen separately and should not be tackled separately from the fiscal regime and in particular the tax system to be considered for country Sint Maarten.
Finally, the discussion on “to dollarize or not” must be started post haste on Sint Maarten and not only in the board rooms, but even more so in the wider community. Something that the Democratic Party is committed to.
Philipsburg:---The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise at its weekly member’s breakfast meeting at Air Lekker bek on Tuesday August 25, 2009 presented to Mr. Donevan Froston (Founder) and Mr. Clinton Spring (member) of Foundation for Hope and Music Development a donation of a Yamaha Electronic Key Board towards its efforts of establishing a Music Academy for the youth of St. Maarten/St. Martin. Classes for this Music Academy are scheduled to begin in September and as Rotary is celebrating “New Generation Month” in September therefore the presentation to the Foundation is in keeping with Rotary’s aim.
The Foundation for Hope and Music Development, established in 2008, objectives are to:
• Train children, youth and adults to play one or more musical instruments;
• Develop and implement a program of music education that will cater to the development of the musical talents and abilities of any child, youth or adult on St. Martin (North & South);
• Recognize and honor identified persons in the St. Martin communities for outstanding contributions towards the growth and development of the community in particular and the island in general;
• Provide social service through mentoring, counseling etc.'
• Restore, preserve, maintain national pride, cultural heritage, and sound moral values.
Donevan Froston a true son of St. Maarten’s soil shared his story at the Club Meeting, of how the unconditional love and perseverance of his now deceased mother provided the much needed will power that helped free him from the grips of substance abuse. Today Mr. Froston has devoted his life through his personal testimony and musical abilities to help others, especially the youth, who are faced with similar addictions.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise was pleased to be able to contribute this instrument to boost the Foundation for Hope and Music Development in its quest of providing a positive community environment for the people of St. Maarten/St. Martin.
The Club wishes to thank the local businesses and visitors who continue to contribute, as without their generosity, these opportunities will not be possible.
GREAT BAY— On Friday August 28th the Sister Basilia Center in South Reward celebrated 25 years of existence. A church service was kept in the nearby Catholic Church and the clients of the center entertained their guests at a small celebration ceremony at the center. The Leader of Government William Marlin was on hand to say a few words of congratulations and present a gift (a brand new television) of appreciation to the Sister Basilia Center on behalf of Office World. The Leader of Government told the gathering that a Country can only consider itself to be great when it can take care of all it’s people not only the strong but also those with special needs.
Frans Mulder speaking on behalf of the White & Yellow Cross Foundation thanked those who were in attendance and expressed the desire to expand the present facilities by erecting a new building close to the St Rose Facility in St. John’s in the near future.
GREAT BAY:--- – The week of August 31 marks the final week to register for courses in the field of electrician, maritime assistant and care giver.
The Milton Peters College (MPC) is offering two courses, namely Electro Level 2 (electrician) second year, for persons who already graduated with a PKL (theoretical stream) diploma and Maritime Assistant Level 1. The latter is related to the maintenance of boats, engines and water related activities in the tourism sector.
SIFMA still has limited space available for SPW Level 2: Care Givers for Young People. Those who can enrol in the aforementioned must be a graduate of a PBL (practical stream) diploma.
The three aforementioned courses are offered at the advanced secondary vocational education level (SBO). It is an opportunity being offered to those who already have a diploma at the preparatory level.
SBO education is very important in improving and further developing the skills of the nation’s youth and at the same time creating opportunities to join the labour force.
Those who require additional information about the courses at MPC should drop in and see one of the following persons: Vital Carty, Rien Korteknie or Sonali Maccou in South Reward or call 548-3776 or 548-3511.
SIFMA contact particulars where one can get information about their course on offer can stop in and see Bernadette Boasman at the Lion’s Building next to the Shell Gas Station in Suckergarden, or call 543-7299.
For those seeking general information about SBO education, you can contact the SBO Service Center located on the Walter J. Nisbeth Road #55 (Above the Glass Shop), or call 542-1064.
Other partners in SBO education are SMITH and SVOBE/Sundial School.
Philipsburg: --- The executive council of Saba has decided that they are going to secede from the Netherlands Antilles so says Leader of Government Chris Johnson in an interview with SMN News.
The process is expected to begin as early as Tuesday when a letter is presented to the Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende; the letter will be presented to Henk Kemp, addressed to the Prime Minister. Johnson said the contents of the letter are to inform the Dutch Prime Minister that Saba intends to secede from the Netherlands Antilles. Johnson made clear that the island would not be holding any form of referendum neither would they be seeking to go independent. He said Saba is in their full rights to expedite this process since it was done before. He said the last time this was done was in 1921 when Limburg declared succession from the Netherlands. He said Sabans believe they can leave the Netherlands Antilles as country especially in light of the calls by Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles Emily de Jongh-Elhage to hold parliamentary elections in January.
Johnson said it is clear to him that the PAR party in Holland who is acting moderate are top heavy with politicians. He said in Curacao there are four layers of government namely, parliament, council of ministers and the island and executive council, and this party would stand to loose at least 10 to 15 political positions if they leave the Netherlands Antilles as a country. Johnson said the people has to face reality because Curacao or namely the PAR would never allow the dismantling to take place even if they smile and say everything is going to be fine for the smaller islands.
Johnson explained that Saba has other alternative since that island is the only one within the constellation that had a stable government for the last two years, while Curacao had a very close referendum, while St. Maarten and Bonaire had new executive councils while in Statia a motion of no confidence was presented against the Lt. Governor Hyden Gittens.
The leader of government said the decision taken by his executive council is not an easy one but they are fully prepared to leave the Netherlands Antilles. He said they see no more reason to stay in the process neither should they continue to fool themselves. He said his government looks as succession as a legal alternative to remove themselves from the country of the Netherlands Antilles. He said they are proud of the steps they have decided to take because that does not mean they are leaving the Kingdom; instead, they are seeking to have direct ties with the Netherlands, reason why the letter was addressed to Prime Minister Balkenende.
Johnson said his faction would take this proposal to the island council within another month for ratification. He said the island intends to take some symbolic steps by November this year, which marks the 5th anniversary since Saba, held its referendum. During this period, they intend to withhold the turn over taxes from the island territory, which sends this money to the Central Government and the removal of the Antillean flags from all government buildings. The flag he said would done symbolically, however all of this would depend on the answer given to them by the Prime Minister Balkenende.
Another objective to all of this Johnson said is to bring this matter to the international front since Saba went three time already to the United Nations. He said even though they are the smallest island they were able to change the manner in which the negotiations were taking place.
GREAT BAY:----On Sunday afternoon, August 30, 2009, the Belvedere Home Owners and Tenants Association held its 5th Annual Fun and Sports Day on the sporting area of the residential community.
There were competitions in Basketball, Soccer, and Bike racing, while there were demonstrations in Tae Kwon Do and K-9(Guard Dog).
There were a few hundred persons that attended the event, where there were stands of food and with cakes, face painting, bouncers, swimming pools, domino playing, among other activities.
Commissioner William Marlin was on hand to take part in the event.
He said that the homeowners and tenant association should be commended on their anniversary and for having another successful Sports and Fun day.
Commissioner Marlin was also on hand to provide the winners of the soccer match with the trophies.
GREAT BAY:---– St. Maarten is now under a Tropical Storm Warning which means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 24-hours or less.
Tropical Storm Erika is expected to pass very close to St. Maarten as a severe tropical storm. Residents should have their hurricane season preparations already in place and after having gone through the most recent experience with the passing of Hurricane Bill.
Due to the possibility of deteriorating weather conditions on Thursday; looking at the safety of pupils, teachers and parents, schools are to be closed on Thursday.
Contractors must secure building sites today. Lumber and other building materials should be properly stored away.
The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service at 8.00am Wednesday morning reports that even though Erika has weakened a little, the system is expected to strengthen on Thursday.
Conditions that can be expected late tonight and intensifying from Thursday 2.00am are gusty winds especially in and near showers; shower and thunderstorm activity is to become more frequent and locally heavy tonight and especially on Thursday; expected heavy rains could last for quite some time causing street flooding.
The National Hurricane Center reports that Erika is expected to produce total rainfall of two to four inches during the next couple of days with possible isolated maximum amounts of six inches.
Boaters are required to seek safe haven and properly secure their sea craft. A small craft warning is in effect.
Residents are also advised to continue to monitor radio broadcast for official information coming from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and for weather reports issued by the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.
Tropical Storm Erika is expected to pass approximately 77 miles from St. Maarten according to Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service based on a 5.00pm intermediate advisory.
On Wednesday morning, Governor Franklyn Richardson ordered all schools closed on Thursday as a precautionary measure due to the anticipated weather. Normal school activities are to resume on Friday.
During a specially convened Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting at 5.30pm, it was decided that Government offices and businesses should operate as normal on Thursday based on the Wednesday 5.00pm intermediate weather advisory. The EOC will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout Thursday in case any special advisories are necessary.
Strongest winds and heavy showers are expected Thursday afternoon going into Thursday night and possibly into Friday. Gusty winds to tropical storm force may be expected, but not sustained. The system still has the possibility of turning to the West North West. The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service still expects total rainfall of two to four inches.
Motorists are requested to exercise a level of caution due to the aforementioned possibility of localized flooding in low-lying areas. Residents living in hillside areas should be vigilant for rock falls that may be caused by any heavy rainfall.
The Police are advising motorists to exercise caution in the Madame Estate area, Pointe Blanche and Beacon Hill road with respect to possible rock falls and sand blocking the latter. The Police and Public Works Departments have made provisions to close the aforementioned roads if necessary. The Police are also advising motorists to remain off the road during heavy rainfall as a safety measure.
The Public Works department has reported that garbage has been removed from the Cul de Sac Basin in order to prevent clogging of the drainage systems in that area thereby possibly preventing flooding in the event of major rainfall.
The pump stations have been checked and are functioning to pump water from the ponds into the channel leading to the ocean. Water capacity in the ponds have been reduced in order to accommodate any large amount of rainfall.
The Fire Department has reported that all systems and resources are in place for any eventuality.
GEBE has informed the Governor that they do not expect any outages during the passing of Tropical Storm Erika.
Residents are also advised to continue to monitor radio broadcast for official information coming from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and for weather reports issued by the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.
At 5.00pm the poorly organized Tropical Storm Erika was located at 16.4 degrees North and 61.7 degrees West or very near Guadeloupe.
Tropical Storm Erika has sustained wind speeds of 40 miles per hour with higher gusts is moving West at 10 miles per hour. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles from the center of the system.
Philipsburg:----The Board of the WITU has decided to call a General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the John Larmonie Center on Pondfill located next to the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium.
The agenda is as follows:
Opening
Welcome
1. Cost of Living Adjustment 2006, 2007 and 2008; How will your salary be affected?
2. Periodic Increase of August 1, 2009 and the non-compliance of several school boards (only two School Boards implemented this payment to their teachers). What is WITU’s Plan of Action?
3. Vacation Allowance 2009 for Public School Teachers
4. Vacant positions for 3 substitute board members until Election 2010
5. World Teachers’ Day - October 5th, 2009
6. Position on three Committees:
a. Women's Committee
b. Sports Committee
c. Fundraising Committee
7. Open Floor
8. Closing
French Quarter:--- Residents are asked to call the police at 54-22222 or 911 if they noticed a burgundy Ford Explorer with license plate 298 ZBC. Inside the vehicle are two armed robbers who held up Henri Arnell in French Quarter this morning.
the bandits after committing their act headed to the Dutch side of the island. Anyone who sees this vehicle should not approach it single handedly but should call the police immediately or the gendarmes at 17.
Philipsburg:--- The Democratic Party has submitted a letter to the chairman of the Central Committee requesting meeting on September 7 requesting a central committee meeting. The meeting is to deal several laws that were drafted by the former executive council. Island councilman Roy Marlin a signatory to the letter said the laws include the codes of conduct for civil servants and political functionaries, the establishing of an ombudsman, the electoral law and the registration and financing of political parties. A second letter was sent to the chairman on Tuesday where the DP faction has requested that another agenda point be added to that meeting which is the appointment of members to the monument council.
According to Marlin, these laws were drafted and were ratified by the island council as in keeping with the agreement with the Kingdom on good governance.
PARIS:--- Some people wondered how the proclamation of the abolition of slavery issued somewhat urgently by the Governor of Guadeloupe, would have reached the dependency of Saint-Martin at 250 kilometres further up north-west on that same Saturday 27th May 1848 ?
Paradoxically, it is the Archives of the Dutch side kept in Philipsburg (Sint Maarten) that have released the exact date; nothing has been found for the time being at the Departmental Archives of Guadeloupe and the National Overseas Archives of Aix-en-Provence are yet reserving their answer… It is with the help of Mr Alfonso Blyden, the archivist, that Mrs. Daniella Jeffry [1963, A Landmark Year in Saint-Martin (2003) … The status scandal on the island of Saint-Martin (2006)] has recently shed full light on these documents.
The subject is known; in his thesis "Vrije slaven" [Free Slaves] published in 1993, Dr. A.F. Paula recalled the situation of the slaves of the Dutch side after the abolition was proclaimed on the French side. He especially quoted a letter dated 30 May 1848, kept in the stock "Ministry of Colonies" of the National Archives of The Hague, where the Governor of the Dutch side asked the Commander of the French side to return the Dutch slaves who had fled "to the other side" for a better destiny; to which the latter answered negatively. But Mr. Paula inferred the 27th of May as the date of the abolition on the French side, without any more precision … thus referring to the decree signed by Governor Layrle in Guadeloupe.
The two excerpts brought forward by Mrs. Jeffry are more precise:
From a letter sent by the Commander of the Dutch Side of St. Martin to the Special Commander of the French side:
"N° 11/31 Philipsburg, on 31th May 1848
Mister Commander !
Mr. Percival owner of the Dutch side came to inform me that on the 29th of this month, the day after the day when the abolition of slavery was proclaimed on the French side, Twenty-Six Negroes left his plantation and took refuge, mainly on the mont fortune plantation belonging to Mr. de Durat, bordering on the Dutch side. (…)"
From a letter dated 30th May 1848 sent on the Dutch side by the Commander to the Commanding Officer [translated from Dutch]:
"I have the honour to inform you that the Commander of the French side has informed us of the emancipation of the slave population by proclamation of the Governor of Guadeloupe and dependencies dated 27th May 1848 on the French side last Sunday, and seeing that this proclamation was made without compensation to the owners for the loss of their property, we are fearing that the slaves of the Dutch side are trying to flee to the French side, and over there they will be treated as free. (…)
This would put the Dutch side in a precarious situation (…)"
And Mrs Jeffry to conclude: "we can declare with certainty in view of these letters that the official date of proclamation of the emancipation of the slaves in Saint-Martin is Sunday 28th May 1848. However, according to our oral history, I have a feeling that this abolition was not effective immediately on account of the upcoming picking of salt in the Great Salt Pond which had to take place within 10 to 12 days after this proclamation. Economic reasons could have delayed the implementation of this abolition…"
ANDREW STEINMETZ COMITÉ DE LIAISON ET D'APPLICATION DES SOURCES HISTORIQUES.
Philipsburg
St. Maarten: NAGICO has agreed to sponsor the Soualiga Toastmasters Corporate Club’s Walk-a-thon for the second consecutive year. The event is scheduled for October 3rd 2009. A donation of 10 cases of water was presented to the club’s current president, Leona Romeo-Marlin and immediate past president, Catherine Arrindell Conner. Making the presentation was the NAGICO Life Manager Howard Chen-A-June who, stated how delighted he was for NAGICO and NAGICO Life to be able to donate to causes such as the upcoming walk-a-thon. Mr. Cheng-A-June added “It is always in the best interest for the community of St. Maarten when organizations such as NAGICO and Toastmasters can work together. Events such as walk-a-thons are just one of many activities that can work to have a positive effect on a person’s health and their overall well-being.”
Mrs. Romeo-Marlin stated, “We are very pleased with the sponsorship that NAGICO has provided. We are very grateful that they have agreed to sponsor this event for a second year.” The walk-a-thon and exercise breakfast is being held to raise money for members to attend the Annual Toastmasters Conference which is scheduled for Barbados on October 16th until the 18th. “NAGICO is a great example to businesses of how they should give back to the community.”
The first dictionaries were distributed today, which marked the official kick off the dictionary project of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten. In recognition of World Literacy Day International Committee Director, Mr. Manoj Alwani presented to the students and teachers of the 3rd grade of the Martin Luther King Jr. primary school 36 dictionaries. 1000 dictionaries will be distributed to third graders throughout the island, which coincides with the practice of providing the students their first dictionary during their 3rd school year. The Rotary Club of St. Maarten takes this opportunity to thank all sponsors who made this project a reality. Anish Chugani, representing Shams, which took care of the shipping cost, was on hand to assist with this kick off the project. As a result of this project, all third graders on the island in the 2009 /2010 school year will have the opportunity to own their own English dictionary. "Is it beneficial to all concerned" is one of the 4-way tests of Rotary; The Rotary Club of St. Maarten hopes that this community service project will be well received and considered as a positive contribution to improving literacy on our island.
Great Bay:---Last Thursday and Friday, September 10-11, representatives from UNFPA, Leah-Mari Richards and Mario Aguilar conducted a successful two-day workshop at Carl & Sons Conference Center on “Reproductive Health Commodity Security and Comprehensive Condom Programming.”
Those in attendance at the workshop ranged from pharmacy workers, condom distributors, social workers, youth organizations, women’s organizations and faith-based groups. During the two days lots of interesting information was exchanged between the facilitators and the attendees of the workshop. The main focus of the workshop was to introduce the new female condom and discuss its benefits, with the aim of empowering women and increasing their opportunities to make wiser decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
On day one of the workshop, facilitator Mario Aguilar made a presentation on the Linkages between Sexual Reproductive Health and HIV as a means of showing how reproductive health is linked to HIV. An overview of the Male and Female Condom as a means of increasing awareness about the two; Demonstrations of male and female condoms and negotiation techniques were also discussed. During this presentation, attendees were trained on how to properly use a male and female condom. A group exercise was given at the end of day one on how to respond to common excuses about not using a condom.
On day two participants were introduced to comprehensive condom programming. During these sessions, participants were brought up to speed on how to increase awareness and build demand for condoms; sustaining supply of condoms; and increasing attendees understanding about comprehensive condom programming with a particular emphasis on maintaining support of condom programmes.
At the end of the workshop, participants broke into groups to develop a condom action plan that targeted specific barriers to condom programming, after which each group presented their work.
UNFPA will now make a report on the suggestions that were given to them at the end of the workshop and the information obtained during the assessment meetings on September 9 will be compiled into one report for St. Maarten.
Dr. Daphne Illis, a participant from Public Health, Social Development & Labor section Policy, Epidemiology & Prevention stated: The presentation on the history of the condom was very interesting along with the female condom demonstration. Women can now empower themselves, and take more initiative by having the female condom, and not have to depend on their partner. The fact that you can insert the female condom eight hours before means that you are already prepared, and their will be no surprises.”
Philipsburg: -- The St. Maarten Nation Building Foundation/ L'Esprit de Concordia presented a draft- proposal for a joint public and private partnership between this grass-root St. Martin movement and the government of both sides of the island. The power point presentation was made at the UTS-Training & Development Center by members of the movement, which are legally established on both sides of the island.
President of the foundation Leopold James said while this first presentation was intended for government officials and representatives of the private sector from both sides of the island, notices were received from a number of officials that they were not able to attend.
Meetings are being set up to make the presentation to those officials who missed out this time around.
It is not clear whether or not, these officials had other more important matters to attend to, and fact is that the people on the island With the rising and paralyzing fear for crime within our community and especially concerns for the safety of school-children, support for such a partnership by both governments is a no brainer.
Certainly, the officials would be advised that any perceived lack of interest could be interpreted by the youngsters as a lack of caring for the situation on the island, which could result in a further alienating of youngsters within the society and even more crime. James explained.
This presentation was meant to make a contribution towards improving the quality of life of all residents on the island and to give St. Martiners once more the feeling that they counted and could play a very important role on the island and its development.
Especially since native St. Martiners have their roots and heritage on both sides of the island, they can play a very important role in assisting governments on both sides to deal with issues of common interest and concern for the people.
In the presentation, James highlighted the origin, motivation of the concept as well as the partners and the need for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which if signed by all partners on St. Martin Day 2009, would certainly take the unity of the island to the next level
All present at the presentation agreed with the basic concept for the partnership and expressed that it could really give content to the celebration of the St. Martin Day, beyond the annual rhetoric of the officials.
The lively discussion that followed resulted in a number of suggestions, such as promoting this concept among all groups, such as the community councils, associations and other established groups on St. Maarten.
It is the intention of the organizers to contact the Collectivity and the Island-government in order to make an official presentation to them as well. James said, certainly, under the present circumstances on the island, saying no to this offer of solidarity by a St. Martin grass roots organization to assist government in areas of common interest is not a very positive option, because that would indeed tell the youth that Government has no interest in providing a better community its people.
Philipsburg:---The general membership of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten , is hereby invited to a membership meeting on Wednesday September 23, 2009, at the JOHN LARMONIE CENTER on the Long Wall Road in Philipsburg, commencing at 7:00 pm.
At this meeting, the party's membership will be informed of the extended medical coverage for seniors by the SVB, the financial-economic situation of St.Maarten, the constitutional process and the DP’s participation in the upcoming January 22nd Parliamentary election.
This meeting is important, so kindly make every effort to attend. If Transportation is required for you to get to the meeting, please contact any of the following Board members:
Mike Ferrier 520-5555
Roy Marlin 520-1885
Julian Rollocks 553-7580
Cole Bay: --- Several persons within the community, including elected officials from both French and Dutch side of the island joined the Ozkan’s on Saturday evening to celebrate their tenth anniversary. The invited guests were treated with dinner and live entertainment.




The USS CARR (FFG-52) will arrive in Curacao for a port visit on 25 September, 2009. The USS CARR is currently deployed in the Caribbean under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, U.S. Law Enforcement, and U.S. and participating nations drug control policy.
While in Curacao, the USS CARR crew will participate in a community relations project together with the Jeugd Luchtvaart Brigade (Youth Air Brigade).
The USS CARR, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is named after Gunners Mate Third Class Paul Henry Carr, USNR (1924-1944) who came from Checotah, Oklahoma. Paul Henry Carr served as gun mount captain, of the after 5-inch gun, on the destroyer escort USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (DE 413) during the battle of Leyte Gulf.
USS CARR is home ported in Norfolk, VA and is commanded by Commander Eric H. Ver Hage. The ship was commissioned in 1985 and has a crew of approximately 212 officers and enlisted personnel. For more information on USS CARR, please visit their webpage at: http://www.carr.navy.mil/
Philipsburg:---It is so clear that even a blind man can see that the Democratic Party is not about the people or the country but about egos and power. Their agenda remains unchanged which is; to frustrate, stagnate and delay the process of constitutional change and to attempt to hinder the National Alliance led government from working in the interest of the people of St. Maarten. Senator and Island Councilman George Pantophlet said in a press release.
Pantophlet said that the people of St. Maarten should rest assure that his government us up to the challenges because with God’s wisdom and strength along with the encouragement of the people they will overcome, and continue to run the daily affairs of the government. Some weeks ago the D.P. requested a meeting on the Financial and Economic situation of St. Maarten. This meeting was opened and adjourned until Friday October 2, 2009.The timing of this meeting was such that both the commissioner of Finance and acting and second acting director of resources were on a working visit in The Netherlands. As soon as this became known, the DP faction suddenly requested a meeting. On September 24, 2009.
The councilman said in his function as the chairman of the Central Committee received a letter dated September 22, 2009 from the Island council members of the Democratic Party requesting that a central committee meeting be convened to discuss the following: Implementation of the new rules on corporate governance, Operations and investments of the respective companies and status annual accounts, performance during 2008/2009 and prospects for 2010.
The letter also requests him to schedule such meetings in such fashion that ample time is given to the respective Managing Directors of the various companies to make a complete presentation to the central Committee on subject matters. It is interesting to note two things about this meeting request. First of all the letter starts with a request for a (1) meeting and then continues to suggests that these meetings “ (more than one, for which separate requests should be sent) be scheduled over numerous days to accommodate the presence of the respective managing Directors and Supervisory Board members. Secondly, the DP faction suggests to start the meeting(s) or at least the first meeting on Friday October 2, 2009, knowing very well that the island council meeting on the financial economic situation will be continued on that same date. The fact that the DP suggests to have the meetings scheduled over numerous days already indicates what their purpose is, keep the National Alliance led government busy answering questions to which the DP already well know or should know the answers. Furthermore the fact that the DP suggests to start the meeting(s) outside of the legal time frame which is October 1, 2009, proves that they are either attempting to set up the National Alliance led government or they are not aware of the Rules of Order. In either case the very fact that the DP island council members suggested the date of October 2, 2009 shows their intent and disregard for the civil servants and the people of St. Maarten in general .Some might call this good politics but as chairman of the Central Committee he has no name for it.
Philipsburg/ Marigot:--- For those of you who have been wondering what have happened to that wonderful thing called laughter and joy on Sint Maarten for the past 4 years. Well get ready for it, cause Laugh 'Till Belly Burst is back. Organisers would first like to apologise to the fans and comedy lovers for what they missed out last year. This was due to engagement for which the organizwers couldn't get the necessary time to put the event together. As simple as it might look, such an organization does take 5 to 6 months of constant work.
Nevertheless the love of doing this is greater than all other challenges, because the people of Sint Maarten/ Saint Martin deserve such and event. A population essentially dealing with tourism, need to relieve their stress, worries, anger and get some of the cheapest of medication that doctors can prescribe: Laughter.
Later in the year and by staying connected to SMN-NEWS, you'll be able the get acquainted with the humorist coming from Sint Maarten and all corners of the world, to have you rolling of your chairs with belly aching laughter.
The 5th edition of Laugh 'Till Belly Burst is schedule for the 4th, 5th and 6th December, 2009 giving us the opportunity to bring in the Christmas season with an extra spirit of joy and togetherness with our friends, family and love ones.
The organizers have a reputation to keep and we assure this by selecting carefully the type of comedians that we caribbean people can relate to.
We've been hearing already from our fan club and in which so many have confirm their presence. But for those that for some reason or another have never been to this comedy festival, we encourage you to don't miss this year event.
If you don't have a car, then ketch a Bus
For a few dollars, your pocket won't burst
But if you miss it, then your ears will burst
When your friends will be telling you all you miss at Laugh Till belly Burst
Today, October 1, is International Day of Older Persons. It is a day recognized by the United Nations and across the globe including our island nation St. Maarten. Due to a number of positive interventions, people around the world are living longer and healthier lives. This day affords us all the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions older St. Maarteners have made and are still making to their families and communities on a daily basis.
According to statistics from the Census Office, St. Maarten has some 4971 registered persons, 60 years and older from no less than 91 different countries and islands, as far as South Africa, Syria, Taiwan, Vietnam, Sweden and Switzerland, and from almost every Caribbean island, and across Latin America.
More and more, older persons are remaining active after retirement by engaging in activities such as through lifelong learning, working longer, and exercising which sustains health and capacity.
On behalf of the Executive Council and people of St. Maarten we salute all those organizations and individuals who have paved the way in caring for our Seniors over the past decades and recent years.
We must reflect on this day on the exemplary work carried out for many years by the White and Yellow Cross Foundation, through the St. Maarten Home and before that the Sweet Repose in Philipsburg.
Recently the Home Away from Home Golden Age Foundation celebrated its 5th Anniversary and later this year the Senior Citizens Recreation Foundation will celebrate 20 years of dedicated service by and for the seniors on St. Maarten.
We salute other organizations like the Helping Hands Foundation, the Red Cross and all other groups, organizations and individuals who are giving so much of their own time to help and care for those who have been the architects of today and have laid the cornerstones for the future of St. Maarten.
International Day of Older Persons is also an opportunity to encourage all our seniors to participate in community activities.
Among every nation’s greatest assets is its older persons, and St. Maarten is no exception to this.
Born here, brought here or come here, the almost 5000 persons, 60 years and older, have helped shape modern day St. Maarten and continue to make significant contributions to our nation’s socio-economic development with a lifetime of skills, knowledge and experience.
We also have a generation of older St. Maarteners, our seniors, who have worked to build this nation and who have now retired and are enjoying life. They are our daily source of inspiration and the corner stones and pillars of St. Maarten.
These persons’ tireless dedication to the nation and sense of self-sacrifice is truly inspirational. Ageing is a true milestone of human development and achievement. I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to the nation to congratulate older persons and seniors who have made a difference in your life, your family and others at home or at work. Use this day, October 1 to appreciate older persons and seniors and to say thank you.
On behalf of the Government and people of St. Maarten I salute you, each and every Older Person on St. Maarten. May God continue to bless our nation and in a very special way, our Older Persons from and of St. Maarten.
The Soualiga Toastmasters Club invites the general public to walk around the pond on Saturday, October 3, 2009. This walk-a-thon exercise morning slated to start at 5:00 am is a fundraising event held in an effort to raise funds for members to attend the Annual Caribbean Conference, which will take place in Barbados, from October 16th to 18th, 2009.
The Soualiga Toastmasters Club was initiated in 2004 by the Island Government as a means to empower its employees, the civil servants. Its mission is to provide a supportive and positive learning environment where members have the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
“As we continue to offer communication and leadership skills to our members, we also think it is important to remind people that healthy lifestyle practices are key for personal development,” says President Leona Marlin. “There’s no doubt that walking is good for you. It is good for your heart; it is good for your lungs. It is good for muscle development and blood circulation. Walking is good for an overall feeling of wellbeing.”
The early morning activity will take the route of the Carnival jouvert. It starts at the Administration Building, goes around the Great Salt Pond and ends at the parking lot of the Government building, where a ‘Fit for Life’ sport instructor will provide stretch exercises.
Breakfast will be provided. Tickets are $ 6,- per person.
Philipsburg - The Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (W.I.C.L.U.) Met with Central Government Minister of Labour on Thursday. The meeting was the first between the minister and the umbrella organization for unions on St. Maarten, Statia and Saba.
Matters discussed were; the merger of the two Labour Departments here on St. Maarten, the training of the staff of the two Labour Departments in seminars and workshops in order to make them ready for the new country St. Maarten so that, they function in accordance to International Labour Standards and treaties. The Unions also voice their concerns about the readiness of St. Maarten for 10/10/2010. The Unions asked about the appointment of a mediator for St. Maarten. The Chamber of Unions members also questioned the minister as to whether or not he was willing to give full support to establish a proper functioning Labour inspection section at the Labour Office. The minister explained that, he was already working to upgrade the proper functioning of his department and will talk soon to the Island about the merger of the Labour Offices.
The Unions deems the meeting encouraging.
The Hague, - One of the new objectives of the St. Maarten Student Support Services Foundation (S4) is to significantly improve the exchange of information between not only the organization and its students, but also the organization and its equally important stakeholders. These stakeholders being the Island Governments of St. Maarten, Statia and Saba as well as the general communities of the Dutch Windward Islands including the family and friends of students in the Netherlands.
Entitled “WHAT’S GOING ON…” ; the new quarterly publication has the potential to solve an evident communication shortcoming that has been somewhat unfavourable for the organization up to this point. According to Managing Editor Ludmila Duncan, “The community at large has the right to be kept up-to-date on the progress of S4 and its students in the Netherlands. One of the great things about this newsletter is that it will give our students the opportunity to be recognized publicly for all of their accomplishments.”
With a continuous focus on education, “WHAT’S GOING ON…” will regularly highlight students who are performing well academically. It will announce graduates and aim to provide regular statistics on the progress of S4 students and the programs in which they are based. Articles will be geared toward informing readers on issues that are not only important to current students, for example new housing regulations, but also topics that will be useful to potential scholarship recipients interested in furthering their studies in the Netherlands.
The newsletter’s motto is “Keeping you informed about the challenges and successes of S4 and our students in the Netherlands.” It will be distributed electronically on St. Maarten, Saba, Statia, and the Netherlands. Hard copies will be available at the S4 office and shortly at various locations on the islands.
Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the newsletter by sending in articles and opinions to the Assistant Editor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Want to know what’s going on? Send an e-mail to be added to the “What’s Going On…” mailing list.
Representatives of the Christian Council of Churches headed by the new chairman the Reverend Mr. Stephane Brooks (3rd)r. and board members Mr. Edgar Lynch (1st)L. and Mr. Wally Havertong paid a courtesy visit to Lt. Gov. Mr. Franklin Richards.
Philipsburg: --- One week after the slaying of David Eustace (Priest) immigration decided to act on a petition Eustace had filed against several adult entertainment clubs. On Friday night immigration officers went to the Japanese Club and closed it after its operators could not provide a business license for the location in which they are currently operating.
Japanese Club is operated by Dickey Molanus brother of island council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus. SMN News understands that the late Eustace had filed several complaints with the island government and the police department against club owners who are operating against the stipulations of their business license. David Eustace had also filed a petition on September 9 with the police and government asking that they close Japanese Club since the operators of the club relocated. However, the island government and police turned a blind eye to the situation. This media house understands the reason the former Democratic Party executive council did not act was the because of the operators relationship to Buncamper Molanus. Sources say Eustace had decided to continue his campaign after he received a heavy fine for having illegal dancers. SMN News has been reliably informed that the businessman was fighting against unfair competition. In the petition of September 9, Eustace stated it had been three and a half years he had been trying to gain government’s attention in the matter and to enforce their policy to no avail.
Police questioned at least two club owners on Friday, namely Toochie Meyers and Mr. Thewet. SMN News has been reliably informed that police is trying to find out how many people Eustace had contacted to sign the petition he submitted on September 9. The investigators it is understood want to know the reason these other businessmen did not sign the petition. Police also want to know how many persons loaned the late businessman monies for the show he promoted during carnival.
Sources say police is waiting to question the owner of Carolina Bar since the petition filed by Eustace was aimed directly at Carolina Bar. Police visited the establishment and removed their camera surveillance system. It said the investigators are looking for someone and want to know if he was a frequent visitor of Carolina Bar.
SMN News learnt the businessman is currently in the Dominican Republic and is scheduled to return to St. Maarten on October 17. SMN News also understands that the owner Carolina Bar lent Eustace some $20,000 to assist Sweet Leroy while he was in prison last year.
While the police department KPSSS has put together a number of detectives to solve the mysterious murder, no arrest has been made to date.
In the meantime, the controls on Adult Entertainment clubs continued on Saturday and Sunday evening.
A high-ranking official of the government of St. Lucia was on Monday the guest of St. Maarten's Commissioner of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Aviation & Sports, Frans Richardson, when the two met for a lunch meeting.
The official, Elisha Hunte, is special advisor to the Prime Minister of St. Lucia and is attached to the St. Lucia Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, Economic Planning and National Development.
Mr. Hunte is on an orientation visit to St. Maarten and on Monday exchanged ideas with commissioner Richardson, regarding the exploration of a number of co-operation areas. These include agricultural trade and tourism, considering the special relationship already existing between both Caribbean islands.
The St. Lucia government representative and members of his delegation are visiting a number of sites as part of a program marking the fact-finding visit.
Philipsburg:--- Spanish speaking parents of the Oranje School starts with “Padres Activos de Hoy”.
“Padres Activos de Hoy” is the Spanish-language version of the Active Parenting Now program.
The material used for this version is not dubbed or subtitled. The videos with Spanish-speaking parents and children help the parenting lessons to come alive.
The “Padres Activos de Hoy” is divided into three two-hour sessions and provides a variety of culturally and linguistically sensitive options for gathering feedback, such as group discussions, personal one-to-one contacts, family enrichment activities, adult reflective thinking and home activities.
After finalizing the three sessions all participating parents will receive the parent’s guide and parent certificate free of charge.
The sessions are facilitated by an Active Parenting leader, Mr. Duffis.
This program is part of the innovations in education and is funded with Dutch Development funds trough USONA.
MARIGOT—Some three persons were handed a fine on Wednesday night when the gendarmes and territorial police conducted a joint control in the Agrement area. Commandant of the gendarmerie Stephanne Arrousseau said the gendarmes would the conducting random controls and the helicopter would be used to assist the patrols on the ground. Mostly the use of the helicopter is to provide light in dark and shady areas.
The release states that some 30 gendarmes and an undisclosed amount of territorial police participated in the operation. Fines were issued for driving without a driver’s license, riding without a helmet, and not having a valid insurance.
In an unrelated incident, a 17-year-old girl was is nursing injuries she sustained after being knocked down by one of two vehicles that were involved in an accident in Orient Bay on Thursday.
According to the release, a car was exiting the lower entrance and the driver somehow misjudged the timing of his exit causing him to hit by a truck coming from the left.
Due to the impact, the car was thrown back to the sidewalk, hitting the pedestrian.
Philipsburg:---After almost two and a half months of a search for a new Dean, the Board has selected, Mrs. Joyce Watson, as the Dean of Academic Affairs. Joyce Watson has worked at USM for the past two years as the Accreditation Officer and has started the process of leading the university to its goal to be fully accredited in the near future. As a member of staff, who was seconded by the Island Government, Joyce Watson was able to apply for the Dean’s position through the internal posting of the position. The Dean of Academic Affairs provides leadership for the University of St. Martin’s Academic Programs and its faculty in the implementation of the University’s mission and goals; supervises the administration of all academic programs and support services; guides the development of new curricula and instructional strategies; is generally responsible for the recruitment and evaluation of all faculty and academic staff; and, is responsible for overseeing the process of accreditation for the university.
The hiring policy of the USM is in compliance with the laws, standards, and regulations of the Netherlands Antilles and the Island Ordinances of the government of St. Maarten and USM policies. The Dean Search Committee consisted of the USM Board President, USM Board Vice President, USM Board Faculty, Students, and Staff Liaison, USM President, and USM CFO. In addition, the committee was supported by one faculty representative and one staff representative. These support staff members allowed for transparency in the selection process.
The Dean Search Committee is pleased with the new Dean of USM, Mrs. Joyce Watson. She brings not only experience with the accreditation process to USM; she brings experience in the Island Department of Education and the education system of St. Maarten. The Foundation of the University of St. Martin is confident that USM will be able to make positive strides in the academic programs at USM with Mrs. Watson as the new Dean. Joyce Watson is a graduate from one of the top Education programs in the United States, The Bankstreet Graduate School of Education, in New York. She holds a Master of Science degree in Education and is pursuing further degree work at the Open University where she hopes to complete a Doctorandus degree in Policy and Management. USM congratulates Mrs. Watson and wishes her well in her new challenge as the Dean of Academic Affairs.
The United States Consulate General and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Curacao are proud to support the visit of Major League Baseball speaker Dr. Raymond Blais October 22-24, 2009.
Blais, a trained psychologist, was hired by MLB as the employee assistance professional to combat the drug abuse problem with presentations and seminars, and by working closely with baseball academy staff.
Educating future Major Leaguers about the dangers of performance-enhancing substances, drug abuse and the healthy alternatives available is also a priority for Curacao.
"In Curacao, steroids are no bigger an issue than in any other place, just like in the States." Speaking in general terms Blais said. "But it's such an underground issue that we won't get a player to say openly what he has or has not used; so there will always be some mystery. We know what positive tests are showing, so we get an idea of what substances are being consumed. The positive tests are decreasing, and we are optimistic that will continue."
Mr. Blais participates in two youth outreach programs organized by the Curacao Baseball City Foundation and other partners. The events are scheduled at the Humanist School in Buena Vista today and Tio Daou Ballpark on Saturday, October 24, 2009 between 9-11am.
We are pleased to cooperate with Major League Baseball and the Curacao Baseball City Foundation in these events that benefit the youth of Curacao.
Through the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) in Mexico, NAOC gets the opportunity to select coaches together with our member sport federations, to participate in international courses.
These sport technical courses are of a high international level, and consist out of about 56 hours of education. There are 42 participating countries of the Pan American Region.
Mr. Gilbert Snijders is selected to participate in the international Bowling course, which is taking place in Mexico (25-31 October). Additionally Mr. Nazario Martijn is selected to participate in the Swimming course also in Mexico, in the period 25-31 October.
The St. Maarten Lions Club entertained over one hundred and forty elderly persons from both sides of the island last Saturday at Boo Boo Jam, for its annual Nelson vd Linde Senior Citizen’s Party.
The day was organized by a committee headed by Zone Chairman Lion Chantal Schaminee, started with a traditional island breakfast, followed by live entertainment by local favorites Tanny and the Boys. Many seniors recited poems, sang songs, told old stories and took part in a mini fashion show much to the delight of the persons in the audience.
The highlight of the day was the Surinamese lunch and dessert, along with performances by Jan Beaujon, Carlton Velasquez, Fish The Mega Boss, Helen Hart and Fats James. It all ended with a big dance party whereby the seniors danced to calypso and meringue music with the members of the Lions and Leos clubs.
The Nelson vd Linde Annual Senior Citizen’s Party is an event which was started back in 1997 as an idea by the late Lion Nelson, who the party is named after and is usually held during the month of October as part of the yearly activities of the
St. Maarten Lions Club.
GREAT BAY– The Fire Departments of St. Maarten and the Municipality of Dordrecht in The Netherlands, signed a cooperation covenant on Wednesday.
Both departments have identified a number of areas that they will work closely together in further developing to the benefit of both services.
The covenant was signed by Governor Franklyn Richards on behalf of St. Maarten and Dordrecht Mayor R.J.G. Bandell.
Some of the areas identified are the exchange of ideas and views, disaster prevention, management, and personnel affairs etc.
Philipsburg: --- The Editor of the Today Newspaper A.H is now in police custody and is scheduled to appear before the judge of instruction on Monday afternoon. SMN News learnt that A. H. was arrested over the weekend after his girlfriend filed a complaint with the police. Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed the arrest of A.H whom he said would appear in court sometime during the afternoon on Monday. Mud said the suspect has been charged with theft. No other details on the case have been released.
It is further understood that A.H had a domestic dispute with his girlfriend and her brother last week. The newspaper editor published a story in the newspaper he worked for outlining details of the dispute, which he said, occurred during his son’s baptism.
Philipsburg: ---The Democratic Party received word on Tuesday that the Central Committee meeting, scheduled for November 26, 2009 to handle the draft budget of the island territory has been canceled until further notice.
The government provided no further elucidation on the reason for this cancelation, but obviously, the draft 2010 budget was rushed to the Central Committee of the Island Council to meet the deadline, without any consideration for the consequences of several decisions taken to “balance” the budget.
Also obvious is the fact that the NA part of the coalition sought to push through this budget without consultation with the Heyliger part of the coalition.
To reduce the budget for garbage collection; pull a number out of the sky for work permit fees; introduce a condominium fee during these hard economic times and several other such inconsiderate actions is clearly a desperate attempt to present a “balanced” budget and at the same time establish clearly, who is in control of the island government.
It is not too long ago that the Commissioner of Finance announced that the budget could not be balanced and that he was going to seek permission of the CFT to present a budget with a deficit.
How was the Commissioner then suddenly able to balance the budget? With a magic wand?
We expect that this budget will be “creatively’ amended to keep the NA/Heyliger government intact with more of the same tactics. The public commitments that the leader of Government makes without any consideration for the budgetary consequences and without any consideration for due administrative procedures will have to be honored.
Commissioner Heyliger will get his garbage collection budget and the people of Sint Maarten will be lead to believe, it was all just an oversight. Yes, right, an oversight after all the consultation with the CFT and with the civil service.
What will the explanation of the Government be? This one for sure they cannot pin on the previous administration like they do everything else.
So what will the “kiss and make-up” cost the taxpayer?
In addition, on whose program is this budget based by the way, since the people of Sint Maarten are yet to see the first page of the NA/Heyliger governing program.
A shooting took place at club orient today. Many Gendarmes are on the scene investigating. The victim was taken to the hospital.
More information will be given in subsequent report.
Philipsburg: ---One of the key factors in fighting the epidemic of HIV/ Aids is correct information and talking more about the disease. This was the message the management team of the HIV/ Aids as well as dignitaries of the island shared on World Aids Day. At the official ceremony Leader of Government William Marlin said in the past persons that were infected with HIV/Aids did all that was possible to conceal the illness, reason why he believed the epidemic escalated. Marlin said when persons were infected in the past they were heavily discriminated against simply because during the early years the disease had been kept cloaked up in the closet. Those who were infected by it were ashamed to come forward while family members almost retreated from active social life due to the infected family member. Marlin said it was due to ignorance of this disease that it spread over the years.
Marlin said because of the HIV/Aids, the management team of HIV/Aids St. Maarten is able to move away from the stigma, and those that are infected today are able to come out in the open and talk about the disease. He felt that St. Maarten needs to continue its battle to create awareness, which would help, eliminate the ignorance regarding the disease.
Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards in his address said this is the time to take stock and to see what else can be done to create more awareness about the disease. He said HIV/Aids has taken a toll on communities around the world where generations of people have died leaving a number of older people and children dependent on a shrinking labour force in some countries. Richards said millions of children have lost a parent to HIV/Aids they have lost best friends, resulting in the lost of hand to squeeze or a good night kiss. According to the UN, estimates there are 33.4 million people living with HIV/Aids including 2.1 million children. In 2008, approximately 2.7 million people were infected with the virus while an estimated 2 million people have died from the disease. Richards said based on statistical information most of the infected are infected by age 25 and died before they reach the age of 35. He said even though much has been done to create awareness about the disease it remains a threat to men, women, and children worldwide including St. Maarten. Director of HIV/Aids management team Suzette Moses said as long as there is stigma and discrimination against those living with the disease it would erode the progress that was made against HIV/Aids.
Richards said while treatment is the key to keep those infected alive, prevention is the is the key for the generation of tomorrow. Richards said prevention would not be successful unless the community changes it behavior. He said there was be talks about sexuality and sexual behavior and to exercise safe and consensual sex has to be part of the everyday discussions, which would result in a change. He said in countries where there is much more openness and honesty about the virus and the threat HIV/Aids presents progress are being made. St. Maarten he said can beat this epidemic if more effort is placed into it.
The theme this year is “Universal Access and Human Rights' which is geared at giving all persons infected with HIV/ Aids access to treatment and prevention and to protect human rights. Countries that discriminate against HIV/ Aids patients are called to remove laws that discriminate against persons living with HIV/Aids, women and organized groups.
Commissioner of Public Health Hyacinth Richardson said the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, and be protected. Richardson said because of this everyone needs to learn about sexual health as well as to find support when it is needed.
While director of public health Drs. Jorien Wuite in her address said the theme Universal Access and Human Rights has been chosen to address the critical need to protect human rights and attain access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. It also acts as a call to countries to remove laws that discriminate against people living with HIV, women and marginalized groups.
She said the executive director (Sidibe) of UNAIDS said: "Achieving universal access to prevention, treatment, care, and support is a human rights imperative. It is essential that the global response to the AIDS epidemic is grounded in human rights and that discrimination and punitive laws against those most affected by HIV are removed.”
UNAIDS made a recent statement that they welcome the US announcement of the final rule removing entry restrictions based on HIV status from US policy. The removal of HIV-related travel restrictions in the US overturns a policy that had been in place since 1987. Such restrictions, strongly opposed by UNAIDS in the last 5-10 years, are considered discriminatory and not effective to protect public health.
Wuite said St. Maarten can look back on a year with great progress such as the continuation of the Red Campaign, the availability of more funds through the partnership with EU funds for OCT countries, the extensive training for Health care professionals, more outreach testing possibilities, the renewal of girl power and the completion of the curriculum development by the established Education work group to ensure more re-productive health /sexual education for the youth. As director closely involved in the development of government’s first Strategic plan for HIV/AIDS in the days that St. Maarten was losing its commitment to the response activities,
Government’s Strategic plan 2007-2011 highlights four objectives to focus St. Maarten’s response to HIV and these priorities represent the areas that are of the greatest concern for our island. They are:
1. Advocacy, Policy Development and Legislation
2. Reducing the risk and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS infection
3. Care, Treatment and Support of persons living with HIV/AIDS
4. Surveillance and Research
For Care, treatment and Support of persons living with HIV/AIDS we prioritize a scaled up access to ARV treatment, Psychosocial care and support to PLWHA and those affected and the aspect of a New Care and treatment plan as SXM moves to Separate Status. That is why the current involvement of critical health care workers is considered an important step for the accomplishment is objective.
The National health insurance system that has been designed on paper this year will minimize residents being uninsured and strengthen:
• comprehensive medical packages, including care & treatment for PLWHA
• accurate financing and budgeting to overcome the present under financing of our health system and
• place more emphasis on preventive practices.
In the meantime, with the help of Commissioner William Marlin the HIV/Aids foundation managed to raise some $6975.00 and Naf. 200.00 during the radioton on Sunday.

Middle Region:--- Police was called to a home in Middle Region where they found a dead man. The man it is understood the man is from Haiti. According to police spokesman Ricardo Henson said the man seemingly was injured somewhere else since there were signs of injury to his head. It is understood that the man may have bled to death. Police have not ruled out murder neither are they calling it murder. The identity of the victim has not been released by police. Police searched the home to see if they would find any clue as to what has caused this suspicious death.

GREAT BAY: --- Several civil servants that took part in the course work to become extra ordinary police officers finally took the oath on Thursday at the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall.
Among them are workers from the Island Labour department, ROB, VOSEC.
The civil servants were urged by Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and commissioner of economic affairs Frans Richardson not to abuse the power given to them. Richards also asked the extra ordinary police officers to make sure they stay clean and not to end up in the newspapers negatively. Both Richards and Richardson also urged the officers to remain honest and most importantly to deal with the public humanely.
"I want to congratulate you for a job well done; I know that it took hours of work and lots of studying, but you came through. Today you are being sworn in as extra-ordinary police officers to carry out with authority a very important task. Do so fairly and in a humble way, for the person you are dealing with is also human. So do not abuse the power. Be sensitive, patient, and wise," said Commissioner Richardson.
MARIGOT- Gendarmes were kept busy on New Years Eve as they had to deal with at least ten incidents. The worst been in Sandy Ground where a brawl left two persons injured, one of the injured were unconscious when taken to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital.
According to a press release from the gendarmerie an argument began at a disco in Sandy Ground which got out of hand. One of the victims received cuts to his throat by a broken bottle while the other who entered into the argument as a referee was beaten about the head with a base ball bat until he lost consciousness.
While the first victim only needed some stitches to his throat the second victim is nursing injuries such as fractures to his face, skull and upper jaw.
The report stated that the gendarmes reported to some ten incidents and they had to add at least 30 gendarmes to the schedule that night. The report stated that if not all most of the incidents were alcohol related.
PHILIPSBURG - The Commissioner of Education, Sarah Wescot-Williams, recently signed an MOU on behalf of the Government of St. Maarten with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) located in Tallahassee Florida allowing study financing recipients from St. Maarten to attend that institution at reduced cost.
The general purpose of the MOU is to continue educational and academic exchanges and other scholarly pursuits. To continue the educational exchange program with FAMU, the Government of St. Maarten collaborates with FAMU to provide a scholarship program for the St. Maarten students who participate in this program (by qualifying for study financing).
The MOU is in support of the partnership agreement between the Island Government of St. Maarten and the City of Tallahassee. Since the executions of the Partnership Agreement, students from St. Maarten have enrolled at Florida State University (FSU), Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee Community College (TCC) and Lively Technical Center (Lively).

Philipsburg- Two Dutch students, namely Esther Vermeulen and Alisa Bulthuis from Hanzehoge School in Groningen, The Netherlands, are currently assisting Sector Health Care Affairs (SHCA) with the collection of data related to obesity in young children.
Their research has already included the gathering of data from the White & Yellow Cross Baby Clinic of toddler's 0-4-years of age and a random sample of parents whose children go to a daycare center.
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with more than one billion adults being overweight - at least 300 million of them are clinically diagnosed as obese - and it is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease and disability.
Childhood obesity is already epidemic in some areas and on the rise in others. An estimated 22 million children under five are estimated to be overweight worldwide.
Obesity is a complex condition, with serious social and psychological dimensions, affecting all ages and socio-economic groups virtually.
This study has been initiated as a response to the increasing occurrence of overweight among children on the island.
The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has more than doubled globally in the past 25-years with research showing overweight in 15 per cent of the 2-4-year-olds and this includes 3.7 per cent with obesity in 2007 alone. In the mid 1970s the prevalence of overweight was still five per cent of the 2-5-year-olds.
Overweight and obesity are also serious problems on St. Maarten with 70 per cent of the population being overweight of which 30 per cent is obese. Not only adults on the island suffer from it, many children are also known to have this medical condition.
Results of the "The St. Maarten School Health Program," showed that approximately 14 per cent of five-year-old children and 23 per cent of 10-year-olds are overweight.
The main goal of the study is to discover whether overweight is a problem among 0-4 year-old children on Dutch St. Maarten. This study also aims to identify the relevant internal and external determinants and to use this information to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
In general, an unhealthy lifestyle is an important factor of overweight and obesity and they are assumed to be the results of an increase in caloric and fat intake. Also steady decline in physical activity have been playing major roles in the rising rates of obesity all around the world.
Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of premature death and disability in adulthood. Overweight and obese children have a 77 per cent chance of staying obese into adulthood and are more likely to develop non communicable diseases.
Commissioner of Public Health is in full support of the study as it would allow for proper policies being developed to deal with the challenge of childhood obesity.
"This issue is very important. Improper healthy eating is behind the large number of lifestyle related illnesses or non-communicable diseases within out society. Are we sacrificing our health and by extension our lives to satisfy the yearning for tasty foods?
"Parents have a responsibility towards their children and are the number one educators for their children. What you cook at home and how you cook it affects the health of your family and yourself which is observed in your children's physical and health condition. If it's unhealthy, then the entire family will also be unhealthy and this reflects on the health of your children.
"I am appealing to our community to sever that love affair with unhealthy foods and become selective in their choice of food and methods of meal preparation. We want to be a healthy nation and that takes a lot of work, but it is well worth it.
"Take responsibility for your health and your children's health. Chronic non-communicable diseases and childhood obesity are preventable and are chiefly the outcome of harmful choices, which also includes low level of physical activity. During the New Year, make a conscious choice for you and your family. Be healthy," Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS).

Philipsburg: --- Police has so far confirmed they have an arrest warrant for a Guyanese national identified as C.S. who is accused of raping a young woman on the morning of January 10 2009. C.S presumably is wanted in Suriname and Guyana. He is known for using several alias names. He was arrested on Monday evening and was later released when his sister produced a valid ticket for his departure on January 17. However, even though police had a warrant for the man he was released without being questioned on the rape charges.
Police Spokesman Johan "Janchi" Leonard said the man was arrested on Monday evening during an immigration control by the Operation Trust 2 and while there is a warrant out for the man's arrest that information was not adequately distributed within the Police Force. He said the officer in the immigration department was not aware that the suspect is wanted for such a crime.
SMN News broke the story in our yesterday's edition since this is not the first person who is wanted on St. Maarten but manages to escape the long arms of the law.
This media house was reliably informed that the wanted man was re-arrested on Tuesday and he is now in police custody. Leonard said the suspect was spotted in Philipsburg during the midday hours yesterday and he was re-arrested. The senior police spokesman said that the man's release was a case of miscommunication.
The victim in this case made contact with this media house and said she is being harassed with threats from several of the rapist relatives. "The sister of the suspect who is well known on St. Maarten has been calling my sick mother and told her she has her police friends on St. Maarten who is looking for me."
The victim said she has been residing on St. Maarten illegally and the family of this young man believes she has no rights and she should accept whatever is done to her. She further stated that her mother ended up in the hospital after she heard what happened to her to on St. Maarten. "The young man has two brothers have been calling me all day yesterday threatening me saying if their brother go down then I would know what would happen to me", the victim told this reporter.
Late last year a Jamaican national and former employee of the Sheriff Security managed to escape from police custody it is said an officer was being careless which caused the wanted man who is considered to be armed and dangerous to escape.

Marigot: ---- "This nonsense has to stop and the time to send a message to the UPP group that is managing the COM is now" that was the sentiments expressed at the meeting held last night at the Chamber of Commerce Building (CCI) with the union and its members mainly the civil service of the COM.
The civil core turned out in large numbers as they come together to send a strong message to their leaders whom they said is selling out St. Martin to foreigners.
One of the questions the President of the COM will be faced with on Monday when the action begins is the job description of Pascal Avern who replied to the UACL, CGTG DE SAINT MARTIN when they sent the pre-avis to the President Frantz Gumbs. "It seems as if Avern is the President because he is the one who responded to the request sent to Gumbs" says the union.
The civil servants expressed their growing concern about their job description, salaries and other benefits. The Collectivity signed a protocol where they agreed to increase the salaries of its civil servants some 8 months later that increase is not yet on their pay-slips while foreigners are being recruited illegally and are given a huge salaries and benefits.
The intention of first industrial action since the COM was installed is intended to make clear to those elected that locals must be given first preference when it comes to recruitment. Salaries and other benefits must be given according the French laws.
The municipal police whose name has been changed to Territorial police without the necessary paper work will be demanding respect from their superior as well as their over time salaries and risk benefits.
Philipsburg- On Friday, January 23rd, 2008, the Department of Education will be holding its first seminar on the Ordinance for Foundation Based Education for Country St. Maarten's.
The Department of Education has invited the stakeholders and those of the Foundation Based Education Schools to come together to discuss any bottlenecks of our present Central Government Ordinance which will be taken into consideration when drafting the Ordinance for Country St. Maarten.
In taking over the tasks of the Ministry of Education, legislation governing education has to be established. This process provides the Island Government with an opportunity to make the necessary adjustments to the present Central Government Legislation and to establish new or adjusted legislation to regulate issues specific to education on the Island of St. Maarten.
The Commissioner of Education, Sarah Wescot-Williams, encourages all participants to see their input in the process as a contribution to building country Sint Maarten in general, and our future education system in particular. ‘This is our chance, let's grab it with both hands', the Commissioner concluded".

Philipsburg;-- Members of "Operation Trust II" along with officers of the Immigration Department ,Customs and V.K.S. went to Well road in the Cole Bay area to conduct an immigration raid on Tuesday evening.
During this raid several persons took off running to avoid being captured by immigration in connection with their status on the island. Among the persons that took off running was a man of Dominican nationality that goes by the name "Raul". While fleeing from the area he jumped into the neighbors' yard and was bitten quite seriously by the neighbor's dog.
However he managed to escape. During a search by the police officers in the apartment, in which Raul lives to see if there were any other illegal persons staying there, quite a number of electronic goods, such as car stereo's and speakers, computer screens, printers photo cameras, watches were found. These items seem to be stolen items. Also a considerable amount of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and equipment and special self manufactured tools for preparing of "bolitas" were found. All items were confiscated and taken to the police station for further investigation. A total of four persons were brought in for immigration purposes. The investigation continues.
MAHO- On Friday, January 30 GEBE reached a new milestone with the signing of an electricity supply agreement with the Maho Group of Companies. The contract was signed by ir. William Brooks GEBE Managing Director, and Saro Spadaro President & Chief Executive Office (CEO) of the Maho Group of Companies.
"This has been literally years in the works. It is a historic event not only for GEBE but for Maho as well. We built our own power station to produce our own electricity in a time when the services that GEBE would offer were not as reliable or as efficient as they have become," Saro Spadaro explained.
"Our core business is not in the power business; it is the hotel and tourism business. We looked for an opportunity to divest from the power generating business and refocus on our core business. However, this opportunity did not arise until Mr. Brooks and his team at GEBE came along and understood our requirements as potential clients and made it possible for us to sign this historic agreement," CEO of the Maho Group of Companies Saro Spadaro added.
Maho started self generation in 1993 because GEBE did not have the necessary equipment needed to guarantee a steady supply of the group's electrical power generation demands. The company went into a partnership with Ormrod Power Ltd. to secure its energy needs and has been operating its own power plant ever since.
Over the years GEBE has made significant investments in its power plant generation capacity and island-wide distribution grid. GEBE now has some of the best electrical power production equipment in the Caribbean and is able to produce electricity reliably and at a relatively low cost. "GEBE has been operating on heavy fuel oil, which is significantly cheaper than diesel. Our investment in new Wartsila engines also allows GEBE to run more efficiently. The signing of this agreement also signifies the confidence that the Maho Group of Companies has in GEBE with respect to its power generation capabilities, infrastructure and human resources," ir. William Brooks, GEBE's Managing Director pointed out.
Maho was faced with rising operational costs over the years as their equipment started to age and would need significant investments to upgrade its production facility to produce electricity in a cost effective manner.
Managing Director of NV GEBE was especially proud at the signing because he has been working on this agreement for approximately two years. "This is a major accomplishment for GEBE," William Brooks stated, "attesting to our increased reliability and cost effectiveness that has been invested into the infrastructure of the company as well as its human resources," Brooks added.
After the formal signing ceremony GEBE has two weeks to complete the physical connection to the Maho Group of Companies electrical infrastructure. Once the electricity supply has been established the Maho power plant will fall silent.

Philipsburg- Over the weekend, Commissioners Maria Buncamper-Molanus and Sarah Wescot-Williams took part in a series of healthy activities that were organized by Sector Health Care Affairs in commemoration of World Healthy Month.
There was the walk and aerobic activities in Philipsburg on the Board Walk.
Organized by Sector Health Care Affairs, listed in their Calendar of Events, the early morning exercise program is meant to encourage the community to exercise and to eat healthier.
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus thanked the participants for coming out to the early morning program, and said that because of their partaking in the exercise activities, "I feel energized. It really feels good. If you can get up, exercising is really a way to boost your morning and feel healthy."
For the past years Government have been trying to bring an awareness of health to the community, for prevention is better than cure. We plan to keep this awareness up and to continue the exercise, nutrition, and weight programs. I encourage you to join us in getting healthier.
The theme this year is "Finding the balance between healthy eating and living."
Sector Health Care Affairs Director, Jorien Wuite, gave an account of the health situation on St. Maarten. "Nowadays obesity is an issue, not only on St. Maarten but world wide. If we, as a population, are to be healthy, we have to exercise," Wuite said. We have to eat in a healthy manner and we have to exercise: It has to be balance. Though we have to take the subject serious, exercise is fun. Involve your family and friends."
Currently a high percentage of persons on St. Maarten are overweight. We lead inactive lives, and we need to eat more fruits and vegetables. Once we start and you experience it, you will notice the difference. So I encourage you to be healthier.

MARIGOT: --- Elected officials at the Collectivity of St. Martin is now using scare tactics to collect the outstanding road tax for the year 2008 says President of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs at a public meeting last night at the Chamber of Commerce building in Concordia.
Gumbs said elected officials has so far failed to properly execute the laws when implementing the road tax last year which is still illegal according to the French laws. He said so far no one within the legal framework is able to fine anyone for not paying the annual dues which was implemented by the COM. Gumbs further explained that persons who received the letters sent out recently should not buckle or have fear since the letter in itself has no bearing and it is an illegal document. The COM sent out close to 2,800 letters using a photocopied letter head of the State. The letter which came from the Treasury has no official stamp neither a signature. Already officials at the Treasury said the letter did not come from their office and it is not a legal document.
The Association MOCSAM has put together a letter which they distributed last night to those persons who received the threatening letter. This document they said must be filled out along with copies of the letters that came from the Treasury. The MOCSAM will have someone for three days next week which is Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Chamber of Commerce Building where they would be providing assistance to those persons who wish to contest the payment of the 2008 road tax in the administrative courts of St. Martin. The MOCSAM would also be collecting the letters and the necessary copies which will be mailed out to the Administrative courts by February 15.
The MOCSAM also plans to file an official court case against the COM and its elected officials who are harassing the citizens of this island with their illegal taxation.
Gumbs said that people of St. Martin have to get to the point and put a stop to the illegalities that is being conducted by its elected officials. He said the Territorial Council amended the road tax legislation where they increased the fees by over 45% something which he said cannot be tolerated.
Gumbs further explained that his movement is not against taxation but they are totally against the way the COM has pushed the new sets of taxes down the throats of the people. He said he does not believe the COM would have all that is necessary amendment or laws in place for these taxes before 2010 and no one would be forced to pay for 2008 and 2009.
In an effort to further confuse the population of St. Martin fourth vice president Louie Jeffry held a press conference yesterday afternoon at the COM encouraging the population to pay their dues.

Philipsburg:---On Friday February 6th the police department on Statia recieved a call informing them, that a house located on the Tijgerweg was on fire. The fire department and police patrols were directed to scene to investigate the matter.
On the scene the patrol noticed that the home owned by the man with initials M.C. was totally engulfed in flames and that this fire had the possibility of spreading to other nearby buildings.
The traffic in that area was rerouted in order for the fire department to carry-out their work effectively. However the fire was so intense that it spread to the roof a nearby unoccupied building.
It took the firefighters approximately two hours to put out the blaze. However even though endless effort by the fire department the house in question was completely destroyed by the fire.
The unoccupied building that had also caught fire suffered minor damage. No one was injured. The acting division head of Statia, Inspector Q. ROGERS, was also on the scene. According to the Acting Head of the Fire Department. Mr. TEARR the cause of the maybe because of faulty electrical installation.
Philipsburg: ---The deadline for calypsonians to submit their music sheets has been extended due to the record amount of Artists registered for the eliminations. A total of 22 calypsonians have signed up to vie for the 10 finalists spots and to go up against reigning monarch King Beau Beau in the finals.
Dr. Jones, King Barrow, King Stunky, De Phox, Dando, Genius, Young DOW, Mighty DOW, Father DOW, King Jacko, Mighty Pepper, Mighty Carlix, Fish De Mega boss, Kaiso Brat, King Timo, Young Carlix, King Repeater, His Majesty Baker Jr., Lady Baker, X-Rey, Mighty Chipman and Singing Olivia have all registered to participate.
The Calypso eliminations show is scheduled for Saturday March 28th at the Celebration Palace. 10 out of the 22 calypsonians will go on to the finals to challenge King Beau Beau for the crown and a winner's prize of U$ 10.000.00.
Considering the amount of calypsonians, the decision was made to extend the deadline for submission of music sheets to February 20th to accommodate the Artists; the organizers have announced.

POINTE-A-PITRE, Guadeloupe (AFP) - A union activist was killed overnight in Guadeloupe as the month-long strike on the French Caribbean island escalated into riots and shootings, local authorities said on Wednesday.
Jacques Bino, aged in his 50s, was shot dead while driving his car near a roadblock manned by armed youths who opened fire at police with buckshot in Pointe-a-Pitre, the island's main city, officials said.
It was not immediately clear who shot him, but he was the first victim of the escalating violence on the island crippled since January 20 by a general strike over the high cost of living.
"There were no police nearby," said local prosecutor Jean-Michel Pretre.
Bino's car was hit three times by 12-gauge Brenneke-style shotgun slugs. Two rounds hit the rear of the vehicle and the third was fired through the front passenger window and fatally wounded Bino in the chest.
"These were not stray rounds," Pretre said, adding that he was investigating the possibility that, given their age, Bino and his passenger had been mistaken for plain-clothes police officers by the youths.
He said, however, he had not ruled out other possibilities. "Here, everyone is armed," he explained, adding that Guadeloupe has four times the murder rate of any mainland French region with a similar population size.
Prime Minister Francois Fillon condemned the "extremely serious violence" in a statement and the interior minister called a crisis meeting to address the deteriorating security.
Six members of the security forces were slightly injured during clashes with armed youths, police said.
Bino, a tax official, was returning from a labour meeting, said Elie Domota, leader of the Collective Against Exploitation (LKP), the coalition of unions and leftist groups that launched the strike.
Gangs of youth's looted shops smashed storefront windows and threw up burning roadblocks overnight along the main streets of Pointe-a-Pitre and in at least two other towns. At least 13 people were detained.
"The government's message is first of all to appeal for calm, that is the most important thing," said spokesman Luc Chatel in Paris.
"Everyone is better off finding a place at the negotiating table than on the barricades," he told Europe 1 radio.
Ary Chalus, mayor of the town of Baie-Mahault where three police were hurt, described the scene as "chaos."
"We have 15-year-old children who are clashing with police. We may well have families in mourning," he warned.
The LKP has said it plans to step up protests this week after the government refused to bow to demands for a monthly 200-euro (260-dollar) pay increase for low-wage earners.
Domota appealed for calm but also accused French authorities of treating the island, one of its four overseas department, like a "colony."
"Guadeloupe is a colony because they would never have allowed the situation to fester for so long in a French department before taking action," Domota said on RTL radio.
The conflict has exposed race and class divisions on the island, where the local white elite wields power over the black majority.
The economy is largely in the hands of the "Bekes," the local name for whites who are mostly descendants of colonial landlords and sugar plantation slave owners of the 17th and 18th centuries.
A Socialist opposition leader, Malikh Boutih, said it was "shocking" to watch a police force "almost 100 percent white, confront a black population" and drew a parallel with the 2005 suburban riots in France.
"There are no concrete buildings, there are palm trees, but it's the same dead-end, the same 'no future' for young people, with joblessness and a feeling of isolation," Boutih said.
President Nicolas Sarkozy plans to meet elected officials from Guadeloupe and other overseas departments in Paris on Thursday to take stock.
As Guadeloupe's general strike against rising prices spreads across the Caribbean police clamp down and shoot a demonstrator.
Workers in Guadeloupe launched a general strike on 20 January in protest at the rising cost of living.
Most businesses, services and government departments across the island have been totally shut down since the strike began, and over a quarter of the population has taking to the streets.
Earlier this month workers in neighbouring Martinique joined the strike, and last night saw heavy rioting as impoverished residents escalated their struggle. Protesters burned shops and businesses and erected roadblocks with overturned cars and chopped down coconut trees.
Strikers warned that the government was preparing to murder demonstrators in order to quell the rebellion, after heavily armed French gendarmes were sent to the region.
Despite emissaries sent from Paris, and the dispute being isolated by French unions the strike has continued with shops out of stocks and petrol pumps running dry. At the height of the tourist season, two thirds of the 15,000 hotel beds in Guadeloupe are empty.
The Hindu reported that the strike is also being played out in the backdrop of tensions between the original inhabitants of the islands and the "Bekes", white colonisers who used slave labour to cultivate huge plantations until slavery was abolished in 1848. Former slave owners and a small white minority have kept a tight grip on the islands' economy ever since. "The situation in Guadeloupe is not far from social apartheid," warned Christiane Taubura, an MP from French Guyana. "The leaders of the strikers are not anti-white racists. They are exposing a reality...a caste holds economic power and abuses it," she told Le Journal du Dimanche.
The islands rely almost exclusively on imports sold in French-owned supermarkets at significantly higher prices than in France. A packet of rice or pasta, for instance, costs 90 per cent higher than in the "metropole". Petrol too is far more expensive.
The union delegate for Unsa police has said that the police are overwhelmed and facing 'guerilla tactics' and has warned people to stay in their homes.
400 gendarme's mobiles have already arrived and more are on the way.
The dead man is called Jacques Bino, and he was shot dead by a barricade, it's unclear who by at the moment.
The authorities are claiming that after the 'first' gunshot was heard police came under attack and three were injured and that they were driven back by gunshots, probably from a shotgun.
Police have reported three injuries from shotgun wounds in the capital as well.

NEVIS-A team of GEBE managers were among a group of regional electricity companies that attended the West Indies Power Geothermal Conference in Nevis on Friday, February 20, 2009.
GEBE Commercial Manager, Steve Duzanson, GEBE Saba Manager, Dexter Johnson, and GEBE Statia Manager, Fred Cuvalay, along with electricity company representatives from Anguilla, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St. Kitts, and Nevis were updated on the latest developments in geothermal electricity on Nevis. A presentation was held by Turbo Care, one of the world leaders in design, manufacturing and service of turbines used to generate electricity. The company is one of only three global players when it comes to supplying turbines for use in geothermal environments. Technical information was distributed [d1]on the types of geothermal engines that would be used to produce electricity from the steam from the steam wells.
The conference included a visit to one of the three test wells that was drilled by West Indies Power where a demonstration was held to familiarize the delegates with the steam and brine of the steam well[d2]. Construction of the geothermal power plant at Nevis will commence this year, according to West Indies CEO, Kerry McDonald. When completed, the Nevis plant could supply 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity; enough to fulfill all of Nevis' demand (approximately 10 MW[d3]) while the surplus could be sold to St. Kitts and other countries.
West Indies Power has also begun exploring geothermal energy in Dominica and will soon start exploration drills on Saba. Although the potential energy available on Saba is thought to be substantial, one of the challenges is that there is limited flat land available for the construction of a power plant. However, once these geothermal power sites are constructed and operational, power can be exported to neighboring islands via submarine electrical transmission cables. Ultimately, West Indies Power would like to create a Caribbean interconnection grid spanning from Grenada to the Dominican Republic that would be able to supply these islands with a constant supply of renewable electricity to meet their base load demands.
A second conference is planned later this year to discuss the technical trends and developments of submarine electrical transmission cables. The choice of cable will depend on the length of the cable, the amount of current running through it, heat loss factors, etc. The laying of these cables is very expensive and can run upwards of $2 million dollars per mile. Nevis is located 70 miles away from St. Maarten and Saba is 28 miles away.
GEBE is exploring the use of geothermal energy as a possible solution to diversify the islands' energy sources as part of the company's vision to provide quality, reliable and affordable electricity taking the environment into account. Part of the strategy to achieve this is to reduce the islands' dependence on oil especially after record high oil prices resulted in exorbitant electricity rates in 2008. It will be several years before the island could really be able to receive geothermal electricity and there will be a number of issues and challenges that will need to be resolved. GEBE believes that geothermal energy could be a feasible solution to provide a substantial portion of the Dutch Windward Islands' electricity in the future.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Telecommunication Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, met on Monday morning with Telecommunications Consultant Peggy Ann Brandon and Sector Director of Economy & Tourism Miguel De Weever where she was briefed with respect to preparations for St. Maarten to take over telecommunication regulatory responsibilities.
Bureau of Telecommunications & Post (BTP) is one of the areas listed for transfer to the island government by July 1, the date that has been set on November 24, 2008 by the Island Government and the Central Government.
The Executive Council approved a Strategic Telecommunications Policy back in July 2008 which determines the growth and development direction of the island's telecommunications industry.
Major progress has been made where it concerns an area code for country St. Maarten as well as an internet extension.
The Island Government is working towards having a technical telecommunications expert in place by April to assist with the establishment of the Regulatory Agency.
It is also in the planning to have all draft telecommunications legislation made readily available to the public and telecommunications providers in May.
An Island Ordinance establishing the St. Maarten Telecommunications Regulatory Agency has been drafted to be forwarded to the relevant government departments for review and then on to the Executive and Island Councils.
"I am very pleased with the progress to date by our local team who has been working diligently to put all aspects in place to meet the date of transfer from the Central Government to the Island Territory. This process and other processes of taking over the responsibilities from the Central Government will be done in an transparent manner as is currently being done with the telecommunications sector," Commissioner of Telecommunication Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).

Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, commends the St. Maarten Academy's Academic Campus for launching its "Honour roll Bumper Sticker" program in an effort to reward parents of students who stand out academically.
Each term the school rewards students for making the honour roll, but this term, based on the initiative of the school's student care department, parents of honour roll students have now been recognized through the bumper stickers.
The stickers read, "My Child Made the Honour Roll at the St. Maarten Academy!"
"The honour roll system which now also rewards parents is an excellent idea. I cannot stress enough the role that parents have in their child's education and that they are the ones firstly responsible for their child (ren)'s upbringing.
"As parents we are also the child's first role model. At the same time, I acknowledge that parenting has not become any easier and many parents work very hard at their children's upbringing and to provide for them. In providing for them and their future, education is the key. Especially young parents and single mothers are encouraged to see their child or children as a blessing, notwithstanding the circumstances of life.
"Parents will without a doubt be very happy to share the recognition that their child received knowing that they were also responsible for the child's achievements. Display it proudly to show your child you care.
"I encourage students to work hard; to use the talents they have to excel. They and their parents will be recognized for a job well done and even more so, they are putting a firm foundation in place for the future," Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams told the (GIS).
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Finance Roy Marlin welcomed the assurance given by a representative of the General Pension Fund of the Netherlands Antilles APNA during a presentation to the Central Committee of the Antillean Parliament, that APNA has enough funds to fully meet all its obligations in conformity with the pension ordinance for the next five years.
Due to the global financial crisis of 2008, APNA lost 36 per cent in value of the foreign investments it had which amounted to US$300 million (Naf.540 million) in the last months of 2008 which it had built up in the period 2003-2007.
"This is very serious business as in many and if not most cases, a pension is the only source of income for our senior citizens. The global financial crisis has impacted basically everyone directly and indirectly. When the pension fund of the Antilles looses more than a half billion guilders in investment value, it's an eye opening scary experience.
"APNA needs to hold information sessions on each Antillean island where pensioners reside. These people need to be fully assured that their pensions are safe. They may have many questions that they would like answered. They need to fully understand how the Antillean pension system functions in order for them to continue to have confidence in the system. They need transparency in order to allay their fears and worries of whether they will be getting a pension next month or next year.
"Our pensioners listen to the news on a daily basis and they know what is happening out there. In order to lower the anxiety APNA needs to come directly to them and inform them of what happened and what is the current status of their pensions.
"While it's all good to inform the politicians, the clients also need to be informed," Commissioner of Finance Roy Marlin told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Basseterre: ---Disruptive and sometimes violent general strike in the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique could be reaching a conclusion as union leaders and government officials negotiate over cost-of-living expenses and other issues. That would be welcome news to tourist officials in both islands, since the strike has had a serious impact on tourism, including cancellation of Martinique's annual carnival celebration, which was scheduled for Feb. 22-25.
Martinique has been hit less severely than Guadeloupe, but last week some shops in Fort-de-France were looted and cars burned. Island officials point out, however, that police responded quickly to the incident and that it took place far from the island's resorts.
The Guadeloupe strike has lasted six weeks and sparked some violent clashes between protestors and police, with one union leader shot dead. However, a pair of agreements between employers and unions signed last week has some hoping that the labor action is winding down.

Philipsburg- On Tuesday the Executive Council met with 2 groups of students from the Milton Peters College, the VSBO-TKL section, to provide them with information about the intricacies of Government.
Students, were given an explanation on the organization of government, the role of the Departments of Government Information Service and General & Internal Affairs, among other departments.
The tour consisted of some welcoming words by Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, who briefed the students on the Legislative Branch of Government and the apparatus in general.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams welcomed the students, "It is good to have you all here. You are in the most important room-the legislative hall. Here is where the Island Council debates,and once agreed upon by members, passes laws."
Further explaining on the particulars of the government apparatus, Commissioner said that Government is a large institution, so there is more than what you see. There are many departments of government like the fire department, the finance department, the health department, among others. All work in tandem to make the operations of government work efficient and effectively, and to provide service to the community.
"I urge you to ask questions during your tour, learn as much as you can," Commissioner Wescot-Williams said. "What is on your mind? Go ahead and ask... For now, on behalf of government, I welcome you to the Government Administration building and please enjoy your tour."
After Commissioner Wescot's address, Island Secretary Joane Dovale-Meit explained about the institution of the Island Secretary's office, which supports the Island Council, the Executive Council, the Lt. Governor F. Richards, and manages the entire government apparatus, which is divided in sectors, and departments.
The next presenter was Acting Head of the Government Information Service (GIS) Rodney Richardson who showed a short video presentation of what GIS entailed, and what communication tools they used to get the information of government to the community of St. Maarten and beyond, from GIS special programs to press releases to radio programs, and the soon to be established comprehensive government website.
Next was the Department of General & Internal Affairs, Acting Head, Ingrid Gumbs, she explained to the students the functions of the department, namely: 1. Archiving, the storing of documents, 2. Document Management, managing documents from their initial reception at the front desk to their proper storage, and lastly, 3. Facility services, managing government's buildings.
"Our aim is to provide you," Gumbs said, "the citizen, with excellent service and to store documents, whether originating internally or externally, in an effective and efficient manner, so that in case there is a need for a specific document for a decision or a court case, that the document can be readily found."
After the short presentations in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall, the students were given a tour of the Government Administration Building to get a hands-on experience on what the Government Departments do in the vicinity.
On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, three other groups from the same school and section will have the same tour. In total, there will be 5 groups who are schedule to visit the Government Administration Building.
Philipsburg:--- Chief Commissioner of Police Derrick Holiday will know his fate today as his appeal will be heard at the Court of Appeals today Thursday. Holiday the former top cop was convicted in October 2008 on forgery and fraud. Holiday had received a four month suspended sentence, three years probation and he was fined Naf. 10,000.
Even though maintaining his innocence the former top cop was charged for forging some 43 immigration re-entry permits. He also was condemned for defrauding the Netherlands Antilles of Naf, 88,000 in rental subsidy.
Philipsburg- At the funeral service for John P.F. "Boechie" Craane, the Commissioner in charge of Harbor Affairs, Theo Heyliger, paid tribute to the former Harbor Master.
The following is the tribute:
"The man, John Philip Frederick Craane born on the island of Bonaire on November 24, 1913 and affectionately known throughout the Netherlands Antilles as Boechie Craane, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning February 28, 2009.
Boechie spent close to half a century of his life on St. Maarten, where he worked firstly for the Federal Government from 1964 to 1963. During those years, he worked as Captain of the Federal Government owned vessel like the MV Antillia.
He later became Captain of the Blue Peter and the MV Hertha. These ships carried both mail and passengers among the Antillean islands.
He served as Harbor Master from 1978 to 1985-his retirement age, but later continued to work on a contractual basis.
Before Boechie started working in government employ, he was known to spend his time helping his father, who was a renowned shipwright. He was a captain himself and he also built vessels.
Boechie fell in love not only with St. Maarten but also with the love of his life-his wife Armelle Lake. Later he would start a family.
In recognition of his work and many years of service to the government and marine industry, the cruise terminal building at the A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities was named in his honor.
On behalf of myself and my family, the government and people of St. Maarten, the Board, Management and staff of the St. Maarten Harbor Group of Companies, I would like to express words of thanks and appreciation for his contribution towards the well being of St. Maarten.
To the immediate family and friends of Boechie, I would like to say that you have lost a father and a friend, a true son of the soil. I would like to wish you much strength in this time of bereavement. Rest assured the name Boechie Craane will always remain a fixture in the history of St. Maarten.
May his soul rest in peace.
MARIGOT-A second of safety and security advisory has been released from the gendarmerie yesterday. The information was taken from the Minister of Interior Affairs website. The advisory released yesterday deals with the use of two wheels vehicles.
The advisory has several hints on personal safety and security and reminds road users of the rules and regulations for scooters and motorbikes and the penalties when the laws are broken.
Persons desiring to have more information can log on to www.interieur.gouv.fr and click on sub heading "votre securite."
The Gendarmerie in their press release said too many fatal accidents that have occurred on scooters and motorbikes were also the result of riders not taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves in the event of an accident. Two persons who died in early 2009 on January 25 and February 6 were motorbike riders.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, left the island over the weekend leading a delegation to the City of Tallahassee, Florida on a fact-finding mission.
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus will explore the possibilities of intensifying the relationship between the City of Tallahassee and the Island Territory (IT) in the areas of Economic Affairs, Sports and Health Care. The working visit is in connection with the Sister City Agreement that has existed between Tallahassee and the IT since 1999.
"In the course of the 10-years that the sister agreement has existed, the IT has primarily made use of the education possibilities in that agreement. I intend to explore the possibilities afforded to us in the agreement as it relates to economic affairs, health care and sports," Commissioner of Economic, Sports & Public Health Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
On Monday the Commissioner and her delegations itinerary entails a meeting with the Economic Development Council; Florida House Representative Senator Alan Williams (Black Caucus); Florida House of Representatives at the Capitol Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda (economic development & policy committee); a tour of the Traffic Engineering/Security Room; a meeting with Mayor John Marks; a meeting with Eric Graham of Governor Charley Crist Office, Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Affairs/International Business Development; Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Meteorology Office.
On Tuesday the delegation will meet with Leon County Commissioners; Economic Development Council; Energy Department; and Tallahassee Medical Hospital.
On Wednesday the itinerary entails meetings with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Economic Program; Florida State University (FSU) Meteorological Center; and FSU Sports Department.
On Thursday, a number of meetings are planned with various officials from the Tallahassee Sports Council; County Commissioner Bill Proctor; City Manager Anita Favors; Chief Financial Officer State of Florida; and Disaster Preparedness Department.
On Friday Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus will also meet with St. Maarten students studying in Tallahassee and on Saturday she will be given a tour of the Local Farmers & Artist Market.
Accompanying Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus is Sector Director of Economy & Tourism Miguel De Weever and Executive Assistant Veronica Jansen.
The visit is being coordinated by St. Maarten's Liaison Officer in the City of Tallahassee Arthur Lugisse. The St. Maarten delegation is expected back on the island March 14.

Philipsburg/ Misson Viejo: -- The mother of missing American Leta Lynn Cordes has passed away on Friday last week after a prolonged illness said friend of the missing woman Elaine Karas. The elderly woman passed away last Friday. Karas said the family has been struck with yet another tragedy while the mother of Leta did not get the closer she needed on her daughter before she died.
In an email to SMN News Karas said "there is another sad chapter to the tragedy of Leta Cordes disappearance. Modena Mc Lendon, Leta Cordes mother passed away this past Friday March 6th, 2009 due to complications of Alzheimer's disease.
Leta was one of her mother's primary caretakers when she disappeared.
Only five months after Leta Cordes disappearance Mrs. Mc Lendon was placed in a State run hospital for lack of proper care. Sadly Leta Cordes mother died alone in a California State Hospital.
The only peace this news gives us is that Modena Mclendon is now in heaven with three of her children that left this world much too early. Rory has not only lost his mother and two uncles, but now his beloved Grandmother."
Leta Lynn Cordes went missing on January 11, 2008 after she allegedly left her Dawn Beach home to go over to the Westin Casino to gamble. Ever since that night the woman who hails from Mission Viejo has never been seen. Her husband Frank Cordes spent close to four months behind bars as he is considered a suspect in her disappearance. The prosecutor had to release Cordes for a lack of evidence however; he remains a suspect in the sudden disappearance of his wife.
Some weeks ago the friends of Leta teamed up with the RST and other security companies and conducted a massive search of the Le Galleon Beach in the hope of finding the woman remains. The searchers who had at least three cadaver dogs with them turned up empty handed.
However, the friends remain hopeful that the local authorities would be able to bring the culprit or culprit's t justice someday.
After introducing the Active Parenting Program to all FBE Schools, we will take a step further and re-activate Active Parenting in all VSBO schools on Sint Maarten.
By means of a 2 day LEADER training, scheduled for March 10 & 11, 2009, the participants in the LEADER training will learn how to use the combination video, discussion, and group activities to conduct Parent evenings in their own schools.
Active Parenting of Teens, has been revised for 2009: a new video, all new books, a new look, but with the same effective Active Parenting skills. It is a video-based discussion program teaching parents the skills they need to address such critical issues as drugs and alcohol use, teen sexuality and violence.
This training will cater to a total of 20 participants for now, among which are teachers, social workers, student guidance counselors and parents.
Active Parenting is not just helping parents; it is helping children, teachers and other members of the community by strengthening families. It‘s to help parents learn how to deal with their teens in a positive way.
The initiative is funded by USONA as part of the implementation of the Project Plan VSBO, Sint Maarten.
A new species of katydid is described from the Lesser Antillean island of St Maarten, Dutch West Indies. Phoebolampta caeruleotergum Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae. The Phaneropterinae as currently defined comprises some 14 tribes, but there are still over 100 genera of uncertain tribal position. The last major treatment of the subfamily.

Philipsburg- "It's incredible that we belong to the same kingdom: there's nothing Dutch here," observed Bibi Schobbers in astonishment. Ms. Schobbers who writes for the religious magazine, Zeilen, left the island Thursday afternoon after spending a week here attending the just-concluded Heineken Regatta, and exploring other stories about the island for her Dutch readers.
"I will try to convey the friendliness of the people of this island, their inspiring spirituality and the beauty of this paradise to my readers," she said, still bewildered at the fact that the Dutch language ranks about fifth among the plethora of languages spoken on the island.
Accompanied by photographer Guido Peter Briem, who was full of praise for the orderliness he observed among the thousands of people who attended the Heineken Regatta concerts, Ms. Schobbers said she thoroughly enjoyed her stay here and would not hesitate to relocate to live on the island if it were possible.
The group of six journalists - three from Holland and three Brazilians - was visiting the island for the first time and could not hide their excitement about the peculiarity of St. Maarten.
Appearing on Culture Time on PJD-2 radio on Sunday, the Dutch journalists asked as many questions as they answered. They were also guests on "What would I be?" hosted by Valerie van Putten right after Culture Time on the same day.
Following the conclusion of the Heineken Regatta, the Dutch journalists participated in activities such as dive adventures, site inspections and pursued their own story interests.
"This has been an unforgettable experience for me," said Guido, with his camera always at the ready for that unusual shot.
The others concurred.
"We expect that all of this will translate into some really positive coverage for St. Maarten in Holland," commented Regina LaBega, Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau who hosted the journalists as part of government strategy to create a favorable image for the island especially in the new emerging markets where it hopes to increase visitor arrivals.

Philipsburg- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, headed to Tallahassee to investigate the possibilities under the existing sister city agreement to seek assistance with the establishment of a reliable meteorology services on St. Maarten.
Under the November agreement signed last year by the political leaders of the Netherlands, Curacao and St. Maarten the responsibility for meteorological services will be transferred to St. Maarten on July 1st.
The preparation with respect to assuming the responsibility was started about a year ago, however the facilitating role of the Central Government has remained absent. This has made the exercise more difficult as the approach of Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus in this was to explore several options before making any recommendations to the Executive Council.
The obvious option available is the purchase of these services from the future Curacao Met office which over the years has been upgraded to a presumably up to par facility while the office in St. Maarten was neglected in both physical terms as well as in human resources.
Fortunately St. Maarten's very own Joel Pierre is a student at FSU (Florida State University) and is expected to receive his bachelor degree in December of this year making him a meteorologist with the ability among to observe and forecast weather developments.
In a meeting at the University, Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus was able to secure the commitment from the FSU that willingness to assess the St. Maarten Meteo facility at the airport and make recommendations to bring it up to at least a minimal standard before the transfer of July 1st.
With the existing relationship between Professor Fuelberg, the cooperation of the National Weather Center will be sought as part of this exercise which is expected to provide St. Maarten with at least options before the deadline.
Understanding the importance for St. Maarten the university also committed to providing Joel with the opportunity for internship preparing him better for the task ahead.
Besides this internship for Joel, FSU also promised to cooperate with St. Maarten in setting up Tailor made training programs for the current staff of the St. Maarten Meteo department.
Police Commissioner and Assistant Chief Ademar Doran along with the Police Coach Ronald Dongor accompanied their counterparts from Holland who paid a courtesy visit to the island Chief of Police and Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards.
The Directorate of Programs and Projects, Loekie Morales (of DPP) brought together members of the Monument Preservation Foundation and Herman George of the social and economic development organization-Reda Social-to discuss funding of the Revolving Fund for Monuments. George provided information on the intricacies of the venture and pledged his support in the matter. There are further meetings scheduled this week on the matter.
Philipsburg- There have been several meetings among the Directorate of Program and Projects, St. Maarten Preservation Fund, Herman George-Director of Reda Social, and Commissioner Roy Marlin at different times during this week to resolve the matter of establishing a Monument Fund for St. Maarten.
Commissioner Marlin was enthused about the idea of having a fund for St. Maarten. People could apply directly on St. Maarten, and not have to go through a longer and distant process. There will be $1.6 million in the fund; persons or families could apply for low interest rate loans to refurbish or repair their historically significant building or monuments.
The sprucing up of Historical important buildings, Commissioner Marlin said, is also a tourism attraction. So it is a win-win situation for all.
Herman George pledged his support in establishing the monument funds. Included would be the cost of having persons temporarily stationed in St. Maarten to assist in the matter. In addition, time is of the essence George said, for the funds are there only for a limited time.
Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner of Social & Labour Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, says that instructions have been given to the Social Affairs Department to see what assistance could be rendered to those who have been affected by the Over the Bank fire on Friday.
Inquiries will also be made with the St. Maarten Red Cross to see what assistance is being provided by the humanitarian organization.
Last Friday a fire broke out in what has been described as a two-storey apartment building leaving an unconfirmed number of person's homeless. According to media reports, approximately 25 persons, including four children are homeless.
"I am pleased that no one was injured in the fire and that everyone appears to be accounted for. I have given instructions to Head of the Department of Social Affairs to make inquiries with respect to the status of these persons that were impacted by the fire and to see what assistance could be rendered by the Government," Commissioner of Social & Labour Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Philipsburg- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies (SHGC), would hereby like to extend his condolences on behalf of the Supervisory Board and Management Team of SHGC to the nephew of the late Cyrus Sidney Wathey, Commissioner of Harbour Affairs Theo Heyliger and the Wathey family.
Sidney Wathey as he was affectionately known passed away last week Friday.
"Sidney Wathey played a significant role in the development of the island back in the 1980s while working as an Executive Assistant to the Executive Council.
"The supervisory board and management deeply regret the passing of Sidney Wathey and our thoughts and prayers go out to Commissioner Heyliger, Sidney Wathey's wife and two sons, the rest of the Wathey family and close friends," SHGC CEO Mark Mingo said on Monday.
US and overseas airlines asked the Obama administration to oppose an effort in Congress they said would threaten the global aviation alliances that allow relief from antitrust law to coordinate schedules and fares, particularly on transatlantic routes.
Lobbyists for airlines, hotels and other travel organisations said in a letter to US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Monday that ending the tie ups would cost jobs and weaken an industry nervous about softening demand amid recession.
"The emergence of global alliances - which are defined by their core European/US airlines partnerships - have eliminated inefficiencies, promoted best practices and fostered vigorous competition," said the letter to LaHood.
The move comes as LaHood's office considers two antitrust immunity applications.
Continental Airlines wants to join United Airlines Lufthansa in the Star Alliance. American Airlines and British Airways would like to cement deeper ties under the Oneworld banner.
Representative James Oberstar, the chairman of the Transportation Committee in the House of Representatives has co-authored a provision in aviation legislation that would launch a government study of whether the alliances serve the public interest, especially those with antitrust immunity.
"They sure work in the corporate interest," Oberstar told the International Aviation Club on Monday, underscoring his intention of allowing alliances to expire if the administration finds them unfair to consumers or monopolistic.
Oberstar believes concentration of the biggest carriers under three global alliance flags with immunity - Star, Oneworld and SkyTeam - would amount to what the influential lawmaker called "defacto mergers" over the routes they share.
"Is that what I voted for when I voted for (US airline) deregulation in 1978?" Oberstar asked. "Hell no."
SkyTeam is led by Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines, which last year merged with Northwest Airlines.
Antitrust immunity accelerated this decade to meet exploding world travel demand, allowing alliance members to operate as one flight on certain routes. Carriers are able to share pricing and scheduling information as well as ticketing and facilities.
Immunity is an easier way for carriers to build networks without running afoul of US law that discourages mergers between domestic and overseas airlines. The arrangements also can be lucrative and are cheap to operate, compared to a merger.
The airlines also argue that the alliances provide crucial flexibility with the recession eroding transatlantic travel, the most important overseas market for many American carriers.
Flights between the US and Europe fell 14 percent in the year ending January 2009, according to industry figures. Much of the drop in premium paying passenger traffic, especially between New York and London, corresponds closely to the financial services industry meltdown. Fares are also falling on overseas routes.
(Reuters)
Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams has been invited by the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bayer Inc. Philip Blake, to speak at a breakfast meeting on March 30 at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort.
Bayer Inc., an inventor company that puts science to work in the areas of health, nutrition and high-tech materials, both across Canada and around the world, is holding its President's Conference Club event on the island from March 28 to April 4.
Each year the company organizes an event to recognize a number of employees for their outstanding dedication and commitment to their work by inviting them to the President's Conference Club.
Bayer Inc. creates innovative products, breakthrough treatments and healthier alternatives to improve the quality of life for people, animals and communities.

Philipsburg- Commissioner of Public Health & Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus is encouraging the community to take part in a collaborative effort of the St. Maarten Lions Club of a Health and Wellness Fair at the Festival Village on Saturday, March 28 from 10.00am to 6.00pm.
On Thursday Commissioner Buncamper was presented with the official Health and Wellness Fair T-Shirt which will be worn by all stakeholders who will be part of the fair. An invitation was also extended to the commissioner to attend the Saturday event.
The delegation from the Lion's Club Health Committee took the opportunity to thank the Commissioner for the assistance provided by Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour.
Commissioner Buncamper expressed her appreciation for the work the Lion's Club is doing on the island and encouraged the members to keep up the good work they have been doing for the St. Maarten community.
A number of free and valuable services will be available on the day for those who visit the fair. There will be an abundance of health information and free glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol testing as well as vaccination for children four years of age and younger.
All parents/guardians and youth born as of January 1, 1986 through December 31, 2004 are invited and urged to visit the booth of the section Youth Health Care to either update their vaccination status or records.
Students of pre-exam and exam classes especially are urged to make use of this opportunity to either update their vaccination status or their records. You are required to bring along all your vaccination records.
Information will be available on breast cancer, mental health, pregnancy, safe sex practices, dental care and other general health care issues.
"This fair presents an opportunity for you, a family member or a friend to go and get free testing for a number of the things mentioned above. Your health is your wealth and I encourage everybody to make use of this opportunity," Commissioner of Public Health & Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the (GIS).
The fair is being organized by the club in collaboration with St. Maarten Medical Center, Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour, White & Yellow Cross, Diabetes Foundation and the HIV/AIDS Foundation.
GREAT BAY:---- The Island territory of St. Maarten is hosted its second naturalization ceremony, on Friday, March 27, as part of the process for non-nationals to obtain Dutch citizenship.
The ceremony was held at the Government Administration Building, as was the first such ceremony held in December 2008, on Kingdom Day. At that time, a total of 67 persons received the Dutch nationality.
St. Maarten introduced the ceremony, taking into consideration that becoming a Dutch national is, indeed, a very special occasion, similarly as in other countries, when non-nationals obtain citizenship.
The Dutch naturalization ceremony was first launched in the Netherlands in 2001 by the then Minister for Urban Policy and the Integration of Ethnic Minorities. At that time, participation still took place on a voluntary basis. In 2006, under former Minister for Immigration and Integration, Rita Verdonk, the ceremony became a compulsory part of the naturalization procedure.
What is also new to the procedure is a declaration of allegiance, to be administered to all new Dutch citizens in the Netherlands and on the islands. The declaration of allegiance will therefore become a permanent part of the ceremony.
The aim of this new compulsory part is to emphasize the allegiance to the Netherlands - or if a person lives in one of the other countries of the Kingdom: the allegiance with that part of the Kingdom - and the democratic legal order.
At Friday's ceremony, applicants will be presented with a notification of the granting of Dutch citizenship.
The purpose of a naturalization ceremony is to have new citizens feel more involved with their community and the kingdom of the Netherlands, fully appreciating the rights and obligations of all Dutch citizens. The ceremony is then seen as a culmination of the integration process.
The compulsory nature of the ceremony is seen as an advantage and seeks to reiterate that the attaining of Dutch citizenship is a serious matter to which a great deal of value is attached. It is also to show that authorities attach great significance to the successful completion of this procedure.
It should be noted that this formal procedure is intended for everyone who becomes a Dutch national through option or naturalization.
The new Dutch citizens invited to the event are reminded that they will only become a Dutch national if they attend the naturalization ceremony. If they do not attend the ceremony, they will receive a new invitation for the next naturalization ceremony. The maximum period in which one has a chance to attend the ceremony is one (1) year. If one fails to attend the ceremony within that year, one would have to be subjected to the naturalization process once more.
New applicants are meanwhile being reminded of the procedures for the administering of the new naturalization test. This is one part of the naturalization process for foreigners residing in the Netherlands Antilles, and which came into effect as of the 1st of October, 2007.
Foreigners desiring to become a Dutch national must first take a naturalization test. Only after having passed the complete test, may the foreigner submit a request for naturalization.
The naturalization test in the Netherlands Antilles is focused primarily on testing one's knowledge of the community and the governmental structure, as well knowledge of the Dutch or English language.
Candidates must first be screened at the Bureau Local Chief of Police, located at the Sun color building, before qualifying to take the naturalization test.

Philipsburg: ---Pupils of the Methodist Agogic Centre (MAC) Browlia F. Maillard Campus, Nature Foundation Rangers, EPIC staff and St. Maarten Pride Foundation volunteers came across the garbage depicted in these images during an excursion to the Little Bay Pond last week.

People have resorted to disposing of all sorts of garbage on the dirt road adjacent to the Little Bay Pond. Garbage in this particular pile includes: discarded books, kitchen cabinets, closets, clothes, a solar panel, a fan and parts of a bed-frame. The Foundations have sent a request to the department of Public Works to have the garbage removed from the area and reiterate their call to the public at large to dispose of their waste at the Landfill.

Philipsburg-Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams signed several agreements with USONA for funding in the areas of education and capacity building for the island government in relation to the future country St. Maarten
Present were the Dutch representative, based in St. Maarten, and from USONA the Dutch funding agency, Director Frans Versteeg.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams welcomed everyone and thanked the Dutch representatives, saying that we are here to sign off on some important projects in the field of Education and strengthening the Government Administration.
The Educational agreements were for projects in Compulsory Education (Naf. 427,000), a comprehensive study that is to take an accurate account of the undocumented situation on St. Maarten, concerning the undocumented students, these schools, and their capabilities; this study is to take place before the implementation of compulsory education.
The second project (Naf. 95,000) concerns the formerly known project as the Social Formation, now called St. Maarten Youth Program, aimed at helping High school drop outs or assisting young people acquire additional education so that they may enter into a SBO program.
The third Educational project concerns the Foundation Based Education (Naf. 13 million) and is geared towards 4 schools and increasing their compliance in relation to FBE standards, including the building of a SBO school in Cay Hill.
The other aspect of the funding project is for the strengthening the administration of government in different the new Ministries in relation to the future Country St. Maarten; there will be 19 persons hired, some of which has been referred to as critical vacancies. The amount for this project is Naf. 3.1 million for a period of 26 months.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus would like to commend the Maritime School of the West Indies for its role that the education organization has been playing in helping the nation's youth.
The Maritime School of the West Indies recently secured two spaces for maritime trainees on board the 245 foot Canadian tall ship Caledonia.
The youngsters will board the ship in St. Lucia for a two-week sail and island visits to Martinique, Dominica, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe, Antigua and other islands en route back to St. Maarten.
Two young students sailed from St. Maarten to the Virgin Islands and back on the vessel several weeks ago during a two-week cruise with about 50 passengers.
The maritime program is an initiative of the St. Maarten Small Business Development Foundation (SBDF) which offers a secondary vocational education SBO Maritime Assistant course.
"I implore our St. Maarten youths to strive for excellence in their academic and non-academic endeavors. You can be anything you want to be, once you are determined and you put your mind to it.
"Our young people who have succeeded in the maritime sector are examples of success. With guidance from various stakeholders, they have excelled in this area. I commend the Maritime School of the West Indies for its role and wish them much success for the future.
"Within every young person a wealth of talent exist which must be developed and channeled in the right direction. You must have a plan and be determined to succeed and excel in whatever it is you want to do.
"Despite a person's economic circumstance, you can still achieve whatever it is you would like to do. It takes a plan, will power and determination to see it through to the end. Cherish every moment and every experience in life.
"I appeal to young people to reject improper behaviors and embrace positive things in life that will lead to your own personal advancement," Commissioner of Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told (GIS).
Students interested in participating in the trainee program are invited to email the Maritime School of the West Indies at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Philipsburg:---Managing Director of Winair, Edwin Hodge edged his company another step closer to profitability as he inked a major deal with a leading Caribbean Insurance company.
The agreement which was signed on April 1, 2009, saw Hodge proudly accepting insurance documents from Henderson Insurances Managing Director, Mr. Neil Henderson.
This new agreement is geared towards enhancing the airline's aircraft fleet and liability coverage. Hodge noted that in his company's efforts to make Winair financially sound, management authorized Henderson to canvas the re-insurance market via NAGICO Insurances for terms and conditions which resulted in an overall savings and a more attractive payment plan.
"This new arrangement will certainly boost the company's bottom line," Hodge said.
The Winair's MD said that various incidents with both private and commercial airlines resulted in significant losses for the industry given the size of participating underwriters during 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, hence Winair could not realize higher savings, but remains optimistic that they can achieve improved savings in the future
He opined that like all airline companies worldwide, Winair must also comply with various coverage's which includes Hull, Spare parts, Passenger Liability as well as War Risk.
"We are very comfortable and confident with the arrangement that we made and I must add that management is impressed with the significant amount of work that was invested by Henderson Insurances," Hodge stressed.
Meanwhile, Neil Henderson, Managing Director of Henderson Insurances expressed satisfaction with the recent deal noting that he foresees Winair being more effective. Henderson promises to look for creative ways to assist in reducing Winair's fleet insurance.
"This new arrangement forms part of Winair's attempts and efforts to increase their profitability thus being able to increase their revenues," Henderson said.
He declared that with this new arrangement it will afford the airline's management an opportune moment to improve on the overall outlook of the airline.
Henderson Insurances are equally excited as we strongly believe that Winair's operations would be greatly boosted," he added.
Philipsburg- The public has two more days to take part in the 8th Landsloterij drawing for the year, with a chance to win not only the naf 500,000 first prize but also a 40 inch flat panel high definition television.
To participate in the raffle, all you have to do is write your name, address and phone number at the back of the ticket and drop in the raffle box after the tickets have played (the draw date), said Lynette de Weever, Landsloterij Depot Houder for St. Maarten.
The first prize is Naf. 500,000; second prize is naf. 80,000; and the third prize is naf. 40,000.
Tickets can be bought at the main Landsloterij office (Van Romondt Steeg) located in alley of Coliseum Casino, and across Manbo Chinese Restaurant, in Philipsburg.
The opening hours are from 8am to 12 noon. The phone number is 542-4536.
Landsloterij would like to remind their clients to beat the last minute rush and to come early so that persons can pick their favorite numbers and have the best chances of winning.
In addition, Landsloterij has a Jackpot prize worth naf. 25,000, and over 2000 cash prizes.
Please visit our website for more information or to see what numbers have played at www.landsloterij.org.

Philipsburg- Commissioner of Public Health & Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, would like to commend all those working in the health care sector on the occasion of World Health Day 2009 celebrated on Tuesday, April 7.
This years World Health Day 2009 focuses on the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers who treat those affected by emergencies.
Health centers and staff are critical lifelines for vulnerable people in disasters - treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for people's health needs.
This year's theme is, "Save lives - Make hospitals safe in emergencies."
"A hospital such as the St. Maarten Medical Center serves as a primary health care provider, meeting the everyday in-depth care needs related to chronic disease care, safe child birth among many other care services to the community of St. Maarten.
"In times of a national emergency such as a hurricane strike, the medical center plays an essential role in providing emergency services to the injured. Our medical center must be able to withstand hazards and serve people from our community in immediate need.
"As public officials, we have a responsibility to make sure that there is continuity of care during times of disaster. I can assure the St. Maarten community that government will continue to make the necessary investments required in public health especially related to making our public health infrastructure disaster resistant.
"Our medical center has gone through many hurricanes and survived, because it was constructed bearing in mind that we are in the hurricane belt.
"A crisis happens when we least expect it and a well trained hospital staff must be in place at all times. I commend the medical center training wing for training their staff on a regular basis as health workers are the first line of defense during crises so they must be prepared and ready to act.
"Life is precious and government will continue to make the necessary investments in public health as safe health facilities are central to community emergency response, preparedness and resilience," Commissioner of Public Health & Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS).
World Health Day, April 7 marks the founding of the World Health Organization and at the same time is used to raise awareness on a key global health issue.

BONAIRE-GEBE Managing Director, ir. William Brooks, met with BES Commissioner for the Netherlands, Henk Kamp, on Thursday, April 2, 2009, along with other members of the Water Platform Netherlands Antilles, Aruba & Suriname (WNNA) to discuss the developments of the transition from the Netherlands Antilles to the BES islands and country St. Maarten and the impact on the electricity and water supply for Bonaire, Saba and Statia.
The goal of the meeting was to introduce the utility companies of Saba, Statia and Bonaire as well as the Water Platform of the Netherlands Antilles and discuss some of the challenges that will be faced in the transition.
In the new structure, St. Maarten would receive country status, whereas Saba and Statia would become public entities of the Netherlands and form part of the BES islands along with Bonaire. Since NV GEBE is a publicly owned company of which 100% of the shares are jointly owned by its Shareholders Foundation on behalf of the Island Governments of St. Maarten, Saba and Statia, the ownership of the company and the continuity of operations in Saba and Statia would need to be addressed.
"We met our objective in this introduction meeting with Mr. Kamp in regards to the transition to the BES islands," stated Brooks, "GEBE and the Water Platform need to be proactive in investigating the impacts and addressing the challenges the islands of Saba, Statia and Bonaire will be faced with in regards to electricity and water production and distribution."
POINTE BLANCHE:---- Port of St. Maarten is poised to receive new cruise vessels in 2010 and beyond. Ten new ships will enter the market in 2009 with another 14 in 2010, eight in 2011 and five in 2012. In total 38 ships are under construction and or will be built during the next four years representing an investment of over US$21 billion.
For the first quarter of 2009, the Port of St. Maarten received 23,045 more cruise passengers than for the first quarter of 2008. For the period January to March, the destination catered to 541.023 passengers compared to the same period for 2008 of 517.978 cruise passengers.
Even though there will be a decline in cruise passengers for 2009, the figures are expected to increase in 2010 getting back to normal by the 2010/2011 season. The St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies along with the Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger, will be embarking on a new strategy where cruise line itinerary planning is concerned especially looking at the number of ships that will come online in the next three years.
The cruise business is not immune to the events of the global economic/financial crisis, but has met the challenge head on. Cruise lines have devised sophisticated revenue management techniques, and have the ability to make pricing adjustments weekly, daily, even hourly, to accommodate immediate customer demands.
Based on historical data, according to Vice President, Commercial Development of Royal Caribbean Cruises John Tercek, even in the most challenging times, at some price point, customers will set aside their worries about the future and book a cruise for a near-in sailing date. To date, through this financial crisis, ships have generally been sailing full, albeit at lower than optimum or forecast pricing. Tercek points out that like every previous crisis, this one will pass.
According to the Harbour Group's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo, the Port of St. Maarten will be approaching all cruise brands that have different business models seeking to have them add the destination to their itineraries.
"New vessels that will set sail for the Eastern Caribbean area; we want to make sure that the Port of St. Maarten is on that itinerary. Cruise lines entering the Caribbean Basin for the first time, here again, we want to make sure that our port is included in their itinerary planning as we have much to offer cruise passengers as a premier cruise destination.
"As a cruise destination we need to continue to build relationships with the industry and be persistent in securing new business for the island especially in these challenging times. We will continue to be innovative in our planning," St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies CEO Mark Mingo pointed out.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) expects 13.5 million people to cruise in 2009, an increase of 2.3 per cent over 2008.
A survey carried out by CLIA revealed that cruises rank highest in consumer interest and perceived value compared to other vacation options.
Philipsburg- As part of Sector Health Care's calendar of health observances, the sector will be creating awareness about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) within the general population. This year's STI awareness program campaign slogan is "Preventing STI's is Everybody's Business...We Care...Do You?"
In light of this slogan, the Preventive Health Department campaign objectives is to bring about awareness as it relates to STI; to encourage individuals to be more responsible for their health; to provide the public with general information and to increase access of condom availability during the next two weeks.
The activities range from articles in the newspaper, television and radio interviews, jingles, and condom and flier distribution at various locations.
STIs are infections that are spread primarily through person-to-person sexual contact. There are more than 30 different sexually transmissible bacteria, viruses and parasites.
The most common conditions they cause are gonorrhea, Chlamydia infection, syphilis, trichomoniasis, chancroid, genital herpes, genital warts, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and hepatitis B infection.
Several, in particular HIV and syphilis, can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth, and through blood products and tissue transfer.
STI's are infections that can be transmitted while having sex. Transmitted means passed on from one place to another, in this case it means passed on from one person to another.
If you may have been exposed to an STD, you should consult your general practitioner and get tested if you have ever had sex (vaginal, anal or oral) without using a condom with someone who has an STD or HIV, or whose status you don't know.
Some of the infections are treatable and curable. Treatable entails that medication is available to make the symptoms go away, but the disease stays in your body, and you can continue passing the disease on to another person. Some treatable infections are genital warts, herpes, hepatitis B/C and HIV.
Curable entails where medication is available to get the disease out of your body. Some of the STI's that are curable are gonorrhea (claps), Chlamydia, public lice (crabs) and syphilis.
For good sexual health care, consult with your family physician. One should have an open and frank relationship with their physician about their sex life and sexual health concerns. Some physicians might not ask and one is then left without having any tests or the right ones done for STI's.
Practicing safer sex reduces sexual health risks. Safer sex means taking positive action to lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections. The most common approach is the ABC approach which stands for Abstinence, Be Faithful and always Condomize.
Practicing safer sex is very important because it decreases the chances of transmitting sexual infections which are usually spread between persons who have no symptoms of infection.
You can lower your risk for becoming infected with a disease spread during sex by using a latex male condom or female condom the right way every time you have sex. Both condoms should not be used simultaneously; not using drugs and alcohol as they can get in the way of you protecting yourself; do not have multiple sex partners.
Remember most people who have an STI have no symptoms. Therefore you cannot tell by looking at a person if they are infected with a disease.
Get tested, get treated! It is possible to have more than one sexually transmitted disease at the same time. It's also possible to get the same disease again. The longer you postpone treatment, the greater damage caused by the disease. If you even suspect you've been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, visit your doctor or clinic immediately.
As Carnival 2009 gets underway, be aware unsafe sex results in unplanned consequences and don't let it be an STI. Be responsible for your health and have fun but be safe and remember your ABC: Abstain; Be Faithful; Condomize.
For (awareness) basic STI information you can also contact your local AIDS Foundation, Red Cross Foundation, The Family Life Foundation and/or the Preventive Health Department.
United Airlines will require obese passengers bumped from full flights to purchase two seats on a subsequent flight, matching the policy of some other carriers.
The change brings United in line with eight other airlines including Continental, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest, spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said on Wednesday.
"Last year we had 700 complaints from passengers who had to share their seats," she said.
Under the new policy, obese passengers - defined as unable to lower the arm rest and buckle a seat belt with one extension belt - will still be re-accommodated, at no extra charge, to two empty seats if there is space available.
If, however, the plane is full, they will be bumped from the flight and may have to purchase a second ticket, at the same price as the original fare, Urbanski said.
If the bumped passenger chooses to cancel the trip, the ticket will be refunded with no additional charge.
The policy is effective immediately.
Philipsburg:---The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis will on April 23rd sign a Partnership Agreement with Special Olympics International (SOI), Special Olympics North America (SONA) and Special Olympics Caribbean (SOC) to provide support, both technical and in some cases monetary to Special Olympics St. Kitts & Nevis, for the further development of the programme. Prime Minister, Denzil Douglas will sign on behalf of the government of St. Kitts & Nevis. The signing ceremony will form an integral part of the Annual Caribbean Business Meeting and Board meeting of Special Olympics Caribbean, which is scheduled from April 22nd to 25th at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel. Forty eight delegates from 17 Special Olympics programmes in the region will be attending for the two day business meeting. Special Olympics programmes through the 23 programmes in the region provide an opportunity for persons with intellectual disabilities to train for competition but equally important to train for life.
This meeting is held to bring all the Special Olympics programmes in the region, not only to discuss and celebrate the past years achievements, but also to educate the progammes on what is expected for the year ahead. There will be specific focus on options and strategies to increase sponsorship of individual programmes in light of the current global economic realities. The meeting will seek to ensure that the goals of SOC and the programmes in the region are aligned with those of SONA and the global Special Olympics movement.
In addition two workshops are conducted one designed to upgrade and develop Coaches and Training/Sport Directors and the other for Board Chairs and board members in capacity building and sharing ideas on fund raising and other strategies. Programmes are also expected to report on their past year's achievements and give their schedule of events for 2009.
St. Kitts is the third CARICOM territory to introduce special arrangements for People with Special Needs as a Government policy. Two such agreements have already been signed between the Governments of Jamaica and Belize and Special Olympics Jamaica and Special Olympics Belize respectively. Former Prime Minister Most Hon. P.J. Patterson signed on behalf of the government of Jamaica and Prime Minister Dean Barrow signed on behalf of the government of Belize.
SOC Executive Director, Candilla Berment Harper was selected to sit on a CARICOM Sports Advisory Committee which was formed to develop procedures and policy to ensure inclusion of all persons with and without disabilities participate in sporting activities throughout the Caribbean.
In addition to the business meeting, The SOC board will also hold their first of two annual board meetings on Apr. 22 and 23, in St. Kitts & Nevis. At this meeting the Board will review overall performance of the twenty three programmes throughout the region for which it has oversight. It will sign off on a calendar of training, coaching and competition events and strategies to identify sponsors for the work of the body. Board Chairperson Maureen Webber anticipates that this board meeting is especially important as the board seeks to increase the number of persons with intellectual disability across the region participating in sporting activities. The SOC Board members will travel from southern Florida, Cayman Islands; Guadeloupe; the Bahamas; Trinidad & Tobago; St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Barbados to attend this meeting.
Last year's Caribbean Business Meeting was held in St. Maarten.
News from Travel Technology Update: Bill Me Later likes to keep it simple, for both consumers and merchants. The company can approve U.S. residents for deferred payment in a matter of seconds, with just the address, the last four digits of a customer's Social Security number and a birthdate.
For merchants, Bill Me Later provides a guaranteed payment: Bill Me Later takes the risk of consumer defaults, although John Reistrup, vice president of travel marketing, said that rarely happens. "We've been pretty conservative," he said. "Our customers are more affluent, with higher household incomes than average. They are professionals on the go."
The exposure for customers is lower as well because "you never leave the merchant's site or use an account number," Reistrup said. "It's optimal for all parties involved."
Bill Me Later has a wide variety of merchants, from watchmakers to Wal-Mart.
Its foray into the travel industry began with airlines Continental, AirTran, JetBlue and US Airways offer the option and it has expanded to other areas of the industry through agreements with Rail Europe, Hotels.com, Hotwire and Solar Tours.
The company has further extended its reach through an agreement signed last year that enables airlines to use their existing UATP Network for processing Bill Me Later transactions.
Bill Me Later also is working on a new product that will enable travel agents to act as merchants through a single integration with the Airlines Reporting Corp. The customer authorization would be achieved through the GDS, Reistrup said.
Bill Me Later is as much a marketing tool as a payment option, Reistrup noted. "The ‘fly now, pay later' promotional message appeals to customers who are browsing," he said. "They see that they have 90 days to pay, so customers who might be price sensitive are more willing to buy. The speculative decision becomes a purchase."
Generally, it takes about four weeks to get a merchant up and running, Reistrup said. "There are a couple of different options, and some customization might be required depending on the merchant's objectives."
Some merchants want Bill Me Later to work with an existing payment network, while others want a stand-alone system, he said. Either way, "the customer's experience is consistent across all 1,500 partners."
Despite the current economic downturn, "we aren't seeing changes" in consumer behavior, he said. "It's pretty consistent. We've been doing some pretty intense work to see what is on the customer's mind, and a lot of their issues are with credit cards and banks."
For sole proprietors and independent contractors, who generally submit business travel expenses to their clients after they complete a trip, Bill Me Later allows them to be reimbursed before having to pay for an airline ticket.
As with other payment options, the merchant pays a fee to Bill Me Later, but Reistrup said that in general, that cost is significantly lower than credit card fees. "There is up to a 40% reduction in that expense," he said.
But merchants are not just saving on the fees. "There is a higher spend per transaction," Reistrup said. "It's double what you see with a credit card. Consumers are upgrading when they use Bill Me Later."
That fact has not gone unnoticed by travel suppliers. "Our partners are very pleased," Reistrup added.
(ATW)

Philipsburg- Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams, would like to commend St. Maarten students Quincy Turner (18) and Fransie Becker for their innovative idea of developing the "Poken."
The "Poken" is a digital business card in the form of a USB stick with contact and business information on it. The duo has established a company called YNA Enterprise.
The company recently entered an innovation competition in Holland on April 3 and won.
Commissioner Wescot adds that the success of the young St. Maarteners is testament that the educational system is producing innovative persons.
Innovation is key to the competitiveness of a nation aspiring to be among the top growth nations of the world.
"Countries are restructuring their economies from investment-driven to innovation-driven. Some people view innovation as high-tech machines and people with doctorate degrees working in laboratories. This is far from the truth.
"Innovation is nothing more than coming up with good ideas and implementing them to realize their value. Innovation is about value creation, whether in terms of product development, service delivery, process re-engineering or market creation.
"I encourage other young people to come forth with their ideas. As we move towards country status, let innovation be one of the sectors that will carry our island nation well into the 21st century. We will continue to create an environment that is conducive for ideas to flourish. Once again, congratulations to Turner and Becker," Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).

French Quarter:--- One person is now nursing injuries at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital after an accident which occurred yesterday on French Quarter main road yesterday. The accident occurred about 11:45 am just a stone throw from the Gendarmes outpost in French Quarter.
The accident occurred between a car and mini bus but no details of the accident have been released by the gendarmes.
The gendarmes also responded to a robbery in Hope Estate industrial zone where a car had been used to smash down the front door of a motor cycle store. Stolen from the store are two scooters and a motor cycle. The gendarmes are busy investigating.

CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA- Officials from Caricom member states are currently participating in a Regional Workshop for the Development of National Anti-Drug Strategies and Plans, in Saint Lucia.
Addressing the delegates at the opening ceremony this morning Tuesday April 28, 2009, Mrs. Chreselda St. Juste - Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Family Affairs, National Mobilization, Human Services and Family Affairs stated, "This workshop gives us an opportunity to rethink our ideological concept in relation to addressing the issue of drug abuse."
She added that the issues of drug abuse, both licit and illicit, should no longer be viewed within the prescription lens that gives the obscured vision that drug abuse is principally a health concern or a medical problem.
"The variables that fertilize the drug trade, and I reiterate both licit and illicit drugs and other substances, are many," Permanent Secretary St. Juste further stated. "These include economics, manufacturing and chemical diversion, commercialization, immigration, social recognition, power and influence. These are often times the underpinnings that significance and sustainability to the illicit drug trade."
The four-day workshop is a necessary foundation for the Government of Saint Lucia's intended National Anti-Drug Strategic Action Plan, which is expected to be implemented in this coming financial year.
The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat is the focal point for the implementation of mechanisms for the control, prevention, and use of drugs in Saint Lucia, as mandated by the Drug (Misuse) Act of 1988.
Later this year the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat is scheduled to hold a national meeting with key stakeholders to seek ways to harness a reconfiguration for better and closer relations between supply and demand agencies within Saint Lucia.
Additionally, according to Mrs. St. Juste, a national survey on the extent of drug use in Saint Lucia is expected to be conducted.
With all of these plans on the table, the ongoing four-day CICAD - EU supported workshop gives the participants the opportunity "to rethink our ideological concept in relation to addressing the issues of drug abuse."
This is crucial since the illegal drug trade as it relates to demand reduction, the victims of drug abuse who are in need of drug treatment, are often the residue of the supply trade.
This Mrs. St. Juste says "is a constant drain on our health services and health budget. Thus we must give consideration to the qualitative and characteristic components of the framework that will guide our intervention processes and approaches."
She also had a request for the work-shop participants. "In your deliberation, the Ministry of Health requests that in your curriculum for skills impartation towards the development of an action plan that the facilitators seek to sensitize participants of the need to combine both supply and demand approaches within the framework."
For a very long time, these two components have been treated as parallel, distinct and distant, despite the fact that they both target a common enemy, aimed at achieving a common cause.
The CICAD - EU workshop being hosted by the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat is expected to put a stop to the isolated approaches, an issue which the participants agreed have retarded the fight against the illicit drug trade.
GREAT BAY,- St. Maarten is to join communities in Holland and elsewhere in the kingdom, for the annual observance of National Remembrance of the Dead, on Monday, May 4. Men herdenkt alle burgers en militairen van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden , die waar ook ter wereld zijn omgekomen sinds het uitbreken van de Tweede Wereldoorlog (men gaat hierbij uit van 10 mei 1940) in oorlogssituaties en bij vredesoperaties. The event commemorates all citizens and soldiers of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, anywhere in the world, who have died since the outbreak of the Second World War.
De nationale herdenking bestaat uit een plechtigheid, gevolgd door kransleggingen bij het Nationaal Monument op de Dam in Amsterdam door de koningin en vertegenwoordigers van de regering , de krijgsmacht , verzetsbeweging en allerlei organisaties en groeperingen in de maatschappij.Here on St. Maarten, a short ceremony is planned, to be held at the national memorial monument on the Capt. Hodge pier, in Philipsburg.
The ceremony includes the laying of wreaths at the monument and observance of Om acht uur 's avonds worden twee minuten stilte gehouden ter nagedachtenis aan degenen die in en vanwege een oorlog zijn omgekomen.minutes of silence in memory of those who have died in and because of a war. St. Maarten's governor Franklyn Richards extends a cordial invitation to the public to be present.Op 4 mei 1994 werden voor de eerste keer de vlaggen die voorheen halfstok hingen gehesen tijdens het spelen van het Wilhelmus .
Throughout the kingdom, May 4 is seen as a unique tradition.
Many attach its importance to marking a day on which to honor not only the victims of the Second World War, but also a day on which to celebrate freedom and democracy.
The day is seen as an opportunity to pause and reflect on values and ideals of freedom, democracy and human rights. May 4 is additionally observed as a day of commemoration and contemplation.
In light of the effects of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus is having on travel, both Continental and United Airlines have altered their Mexico flights to accommodate the decline in demand.
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
Continental today announced significant, temporary reductions in capacity to Mexico, effective May 4, 2009, in response to lower demand. Initially, for the month of May, the company has reduced capacity to Mexico as measured by available seat miles (ASMs) by approximately 50 percent, compared to its original May 2009 flight schedule. Flight departures have been reduced by approximately 40 percent. These reductions constitute approximately 2.0 percent of Continental's system wide ASMs for May 2009 compared to its original May 2009 flight schedule. Reductions are being implemented by using smaller aircraft on flights to Mexico or by reducing the frequency of flights to any one destination. Prior to these reductions, Continental operated an average of 450 weekly flights to the country.
"Given the swift changes we are seeing in the marketplace, we need to react prudently but quickly to bring our capacity more into line with demand," said Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer. "We were already experiencing soft market conditions due to the economy, and now our Mexico routes in particular have extra weakness. Our plan going forward will be to continue to monitor demand levels we are seeing and adjust our capacity and costs accordingly."
Continental continues to serve all 29 of its destinations in Mexico, and customers are assured that return travel from Mexico remains available, although schedules and routings may change.
Continental is notifying affected customers about options for re-accommodation on different flights as close as possible in time to their original flights. In addition, the company extended its waiver policy for customers traveling to Mexico, allowing them to change their itinerary without penalty through May 31, 2009.
UNITED AIRLINESUnited Airlines today announced a temporary reduction in the number of weekly flights between Mexico and the United States.
United, which has less than 2 percent of its consolidated capacity dedicated to Mexico, will, beginning May 5, reduce the amount of its weekly roundtrip flights between the US and Mexico from 61 to 24 in May and from 90 to 52 in June. United will continue to serve all four of its year-round destinations in Mexico, including Cancun, Los Cabos, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta.
"We are responding quickly, adjusting our schedule to match customer interest," said John Tague, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "We will continue to monitor demand for travel to Mexico and will adjust our flight schedule accordingly."
United are notifying customers and travel agencies of the changes to its schedule and is re-accommodating customers on other flights. United has issued a travel waiver enabling customers to more easily change their travel plans for travel to, from and through Mexico.
(ETN)

Philipsburg:-----Guest performers from Saba are heading here for the 5th anniversary Boardwalk Mas on May 16, 2009, said parade manager Urmain Dormoy.
The guest group includes the Saba Drumband and the Saba Youth Cultural Group numbering between 50 and 60 people, according to Voltaire Simmons, a group representative. The Youth Cultural Group performs folk songs and dances and skits.
Ramon Wilson's Boardwalk Mas song.
What else is stirring for the 2009 masquerade or "mas"? "We are happy to have the first Boardwalk Mas song, contributed by Ramon Wilson," said Dormoy. "Ramon was inspired to release the song because of the cultural and family nature of the Boardwalk Mas," said Dormoy.
The playfully upbeat tune was in fact made over a year ago but it is only now being used in audio promotions for the festive event.
The Boardwalk Mas celebrates the island's traditional festive culture with marching bands, masqueraders, Carnival royals, martial arts, moko jumbies, and dance-theater along the Great Bay Beach promenade. The late afternoon parade is followed by an evening of dance, music, song and comedy performances at the Wathey Square on Frontstreet.
Fire-eaters and limbo dancers?
Over 40 groups and individual artists and performers have registered for the 2009 Boardwalk Mas, said Dormoy.
Dormoy is "very pleased that more schools are taking part in the parade." This year the Sister Borgia and Montessori schools are among the participating primary schools. The "Mask" is the theme for Boardwalk Mas 2009.
Dormoy admits that he is still "having some trouble finding a fire-eater and limbo dancer" to add to the folk art forms he would like to see on exhibition at the event on May 16.
Boardwalk Mas video on Cable Ch. 15.
In addition to preparations for the Boardwalk Mas anniversary celebration, the video of Boardwalk Mas 2008 will air on Cable TV Ch. 15 on Saturday, May 9, at 8 PM, said Regina Labega, head of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB).
Starring in the 30-minute movie are the participants from last year's parade and concert. The video, which will also be showing on MSR TV in Marigot, was directed by Fabian Badejo.
The Boardwalk Mas is an annual heritage program of STB, a department of the St. Maarten government.
Airport:---Winiar recently executed its first medivac flight from Barbuda to Antigua; this is according to Managing Director of the St Maarten based airline, Edwin Hodge. Hodge disclosed that Winair left Antigua at 9:10pm approximately 1hr 15mins after a request for medivac assistance.
Taking charge of the medivac flight was Capt Cornell and F/O Stafford who flew to Barbuda to evacuate a vehicular accident victim with broken bones. After executing a safe transfer the aircraft returned to Antigua at 9:55pm where the accident victim was transported immediately by ambulance to the Mount St John Medical Centre for immediate surgery.
Accompanying the victim was his sister and a nurse. Hodge noted that his airline was happy to be offering this service to the people of Antigua and Barbuda stating that executing such request forms part of the airline's policy of helping the communities that it serve.
"We are happy that we were able to transport the victim in a very timely manner while being of significant help to all concern," Hodge said.
The victim's sister expressed her gratitude and thanks to the airline noting that they have played a key role in ensuring that he received medical attention in a very timely manner. "I am thanking god and Winair as had it not been for the assistance of the airline I don't know what would have become of my brother," she said.
Meanwhile, station Manager for Antigua/Barbuda and Montserrat, Schena Drew, said that the effective service rendered to the injured man forms part of the airline's commitment to provide a service that is second to none.
She urged residents of Antigua and Barbuda to continue supporting Winair noting that the airline is still growing and as such needs the support of everyone in order to remain viable.
"We can only continue doing what we do if we are given the full and unwavering support of everyone and therefore I call on all to continue supporting us," Drew said.
She expressed speedy recovery to the victim who is warded at the Mount St John Medical Centre stating that she hopes that he makes a full and speedy recovery of all injuries.
Philipsburg: --- An island council meeting will be held today to discuss the reasons government has to dismiss the managing director of GEBE William Brooks. The supervisory board of GEBE has submitted a request to terminate Brooks's contract. Leader of National Alliance leader said while there is no government in place this agenda point can take place since the matter is one that pertains to the island council. He said GEBE is a government owned company and even though there is a foundation in place no shares were transferred by the Central government.
He said this is not a matter about an employee instead it' about the managing director. He said they are not saying that Brooks had not made mistakes but since St. Maarten is developing and they are calling on the youths to continue their education and have been constantly telling them to come back home they feel the matter warrants a public debate on the floor of the island council.
He said while there are efforts are being made to terminate Brooks there needs to be clarity on the reasons for the dismissal. He said this matter did not come up yesterday but instead it has been ongoing, especially since commissioner Roy Marlin has publicly called for Brooks' head. Marlin said one must bear in mind that the chairman of the supervisory board is the former managing director of GEBE. "you have bear in mind the commissioner made a public statement and it's now taking effect. We need to know if there is a direct link or if there are other motives" Right now the supervisory board offered Brooks an offer and in case he does not accept then they would seek that annulment in court.
Also on the agenda today is the ratification of a new agreement for the completion of the new government administration building. Marlin said he hopes the chairman of the island council would take off that agenda point since there is no majority in government. He said the present executive council that is now the caretaker government wants to issue a contract to a new contractor which involves thousands of guilders.

The Bottom:--- On Thursday May 7th and Saturday May 8th members of the 0-Tolerance team assisted by several police officers from Curacao, the Custom department, Marechaussee and Police officers in Saba held a joint control on that island.
The controls were held at the harbour and airport and also different locations known as hotspots on that island. As a result of these controls and ongoing investigation with regards to the importing of illegal drugs into the island, one man with initials K.L. was arrested and is in custody for further investigation.
Police also detained a transport agent working for a well known transport company that operates between the Windward Islands, was detained for a short while in Saba by the Custom Department and police.
This detention was in connection with the fact that this agent travelled on behalf of the transport company with a large sum of money and not declaring that with the Custom Department. The transport company was given a hefty fine after which the agent could continue his journey.
Marigot: ---The gendarmes are also reminding the general public to make use of their emergency number 17 only for emergencies where the patrols are needed. It is reminded that the general public should dial 0590 52- 3000 for general information. The watch commander at the post will then be able to direct callers to the department or person they are seeking to speak with.
The gendarmes also want to remind the general public that they would not be part of any settlement pertaining to accidents. In such cases the third parties must be able to make up a joint report to facilitate the settlement and or disaster.
These declarations and or reports must contain the circumstances of the accident and an identification of the victims and vehicles, including the addresses of witness must be provided. Victims of accidents must always look for witnesses to support their claim. These witnesses would be called to give details. Victims should not get excited instead they should fill out the settlement forms step by step which would describe the circumstances of the accident and not the opinion of the accident. This document would allow the gendarmes to establish the persons that are liable in these accident cases.

Philipsburg:--- Police arrested a man on Thursday they identified as Rawle E. Ward. "Terror". Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said a warrant was out for Ward's arrest since he was wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation. He is suspected of attempting to murder someone.
In the house where the arrest took place, police found a .40 calibers and ammunition, which have been confiscated. Terror appeared before the judge of instruction and he was given 8 days extension.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for the Civil Service Maria Buncamper-Molanus, says that during her last official working visit to Holland, discussions were held with the City of Amsterdam regarding the provision of assistance to train staff of the protocol division at the Government Information Service (GIS) in line with the nation acquiring country status.
The initial step to be taken is a training program in protocol and etiquette, which will take place from May 26 through 29.
Based on the Cooperation Agreement ‘Institutional Support' (IVB), a project was submitted to USONA in September 2008. The initial idea of the protocol training expanded and became a comprehensive project consisting of several components such as determining the mission, objective, and responsibilities of a department of protocol, work processes, and procedures.
The project also includes the establishment of a training plan in and out of the protocol department and the building of a databank of countries.
The entire project is expected to take eight months and the project leader is Lydia Arnell, who is supported by five other persons, who will work closely with among others the work groups responsible for the establishment of several Country St. Maarten entities such as the Ministry of General Affairs, Secretariat of Parliament, and the department of Foreign Affairs etc.
During the last quarter of 2007, Governor Franklyn Richards signed on behalf of the Island Government a protocol with Mayor Cohen of the City of Amsterdam with respect to various forms of assistance that could be provided.
In October 2007, Commissioner Buncamper signed a subsequent protocol with her counterpart in Amsterdam in the area of Public Health.
The trainer from the City of Amsterdam is Marleen Vermeer-de Groot of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The costs of the Island Government are minimal as the City of Amsterdam of covering the travel expenses of the trainer.
GIS

Cole Bay:--- The detective department is now investigating a shooting, which took place in Cole Bay and left a well-known businessman dead. SMN News understands that the shooting took place at a home in Cole Bay behind Victor's supermarket.
SMN News understands that the victim is Dayal Dayalani aka Danny and he is the owner of Danny's Appliance store, which is located in the center of Marigot.
Information reaching SMN News also indicates that the killing is linked to an early evening robbery. So far, no details on the attackers have been released by police. It is understood the attacker or attackers were at the home waiting for Dayalani when he arrived home. It is said the attackers stole Dayalani car in a bid to escape. They later crashed the car somewhere further down the street.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the police are busy investigating the shooting. Henson said so far he does not know the motives behind the killing and neither can he identify the dead man whom he said is about 50 years of age. "The detectives are still busy investigating the case and I do not have any information on what really happened except to say one man is dead, when the information becomes available I would surely release it to the media." Henson said.
In the meantime, President of the Indian Merchant Association Damu Ratwani said he could not confirm the incident since he only learned of it from someone in the media. Ratwani said he was deeply shocked when he learnt that Dayalani was killed in his Cole Bay home.
The detectives also arrested three men who were in the vicinity of Burger King. The police it is said suspected these men were going to commit some sort of robbery. Details on the arrest was not available up to press time.
Man Stabbed At Trey Wah Restaurant.
Police are also investigating a stabbing incident which took place at the Trey Wah Restaurant in Cole Bay. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said that the two men were having an argument which escalated and led to the stabbing. Henson said the victim who is yet to be identified was taken by ambulance to the St. Maarten Medical Center in serious condition. The incident he said occurred about 10pm and several witnesses were being heard up to press time.
Philipsburg: ---The Parent Teachers Association of the St. Dominic Primary School has called an urgent meeting with all parents to discuss several issues affecting them and the students of that school. In an email sent to several parents board member Fabiana Arnell said parents should come out to the urgent meeting that is to be held tonight at the John Larmonie Center at 7pm.
Some parents also spoke to this reporter anonymously saying that the school has been fleecing parents of monies they do not have. "Every week we are receiving letters for donations and when we do not cooperate they insult our children at school. The straw that broke the camel's back is the prices that parents are called to pay for new uniforms by the end of this month."
According to the parents, some administrative staff went to the USA and saw a particular uniform and fell in love with it. They said without consulting the parents and or PTA the school has decided to opt for that uniform. However, the principal and teachers did not shop around for the best prices. Instead, they accepted what is given to them and now are forcing the new inform and prices down the throats of the parents who are also caught up with the economic down turn.
"Can you imagine a polo shirt cost $28, a pair of socks $7 and a skirt comes with a $35 price tag. One mother said the school also brought in the same color and type of book bags and they are insisting that parents buy it for their children.
The mother said she does not intend to buy the uniform from the school and she would wait and see if her child will be kicked out of the school. She woman said if that happens then someone would have to tell her where does compulsory education fit in. Another concern for the parents is the fact they are compelled to pay book fees for primary school students. "Students of the St. Dominic Primary School are the only ones that pay book fee, even though the school is a Catholic School. Furthermore, the students are given recycled books. Even though all of this is done, the level of education at the school they said has dropped tremendously. She further explained that outside of this, the school has been loosing its standards and several parents are moving their children to other private schools.
The parents said the school is also selling candies, ice pops and other junk food to students during school hours, they said they have brought this to the attention of the principal who simply said if the parents don't want their children to eat sweets they should not give them monies. The parents also indicated that the health department visited the school and took a list of items that is sold at the school but to date nothing has been done. "It is time someone in the health department goes to the school and takes a survey to see how many obese students are there and do something about the junk that is sold at the school's canteen.
SMN News contacted board member Arnell who said she was not in a position to comment on the concerns of the parents. Efforts made to contact Mrs. Buncamper by phone last night proved futile.

Philipsburg- The best response to crime is one involving the entire community and not merely selective actions. So says the Local Chief of Police, Franklyn Richards, in response to businesses closed and presents public debate on the issue.
The Local Chief of Police is of the opinion that while solidarity is called for with all victims of criminal activity, certain reactions, may, at times, be construed as not being in the general interest. "Our reactions and equally justified condemnation of crime should never be expressed in such a manner that it gives way to unnecessary discussions which deviate from the matter at hand".
Any and all lives taken should be condemned and so should be all acts of violence in our community, notes Richards.
Compared to many other Caribbean destinations, St. Maarten is still a relatively safe place. This is not to say that there is no need to address the present expressions of fear and dissatisfaction.
The closure of many businesses, over the past days, does little to resolve the crime situation. It should not be a preferred response to drawing attention to the structural shortcomings St. Maarten has had to cope with, to combat crime. Moreover, one would do well to consider that St. Maarten is already facing the effects of a worldwide economic decline and any additional action affecting the economy negatively is discouraged.
At these stages of public discussion, participants are encouraged to present their views regarding practical examples of crime fighting and prevention, tailored to the needs of St. Maarten.
The process of searching for answers and adequate responses should involve dialogue with all who have an interest in the question. This includes the role of society, the role of parents, and the role of schools as well as social programs to avert especially the young from a life of crime.
The appropriate role of particularly the central and kingdom governments should be to provide support and technical assistance.
To facilitate the process, victims of crime and persons witnessing or suspecting crimes must report these to police authorities immediately, urges the Local Chief of Police.

COLE BAY - Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams at a press conference yesterday reacted to some of the statements made by the National Alliance leader William Marlin over the past weeks.
Wescot Williams said that even though her timing for speaking out may not be the best she felt it was necessary for her to respond to the statements made by Marlin especially after Friday's Island Council meeting.
The DP leader called the statements made by Marlin as misrepresentations against her party. "Over the past week the National Alliance has been the media almost everyday giving its side of matters after Independent Island Council Member Louie Laveist withdrew his support from the DP Executive Council"
She said that on Friday the NA had an agenda point where they would announce their new government. Also during the same meeting was the resignation letters of the sitting Democratic Party executive council, which were submitted before.
"It is remarkable that at the end of that meeting, after the point requested by the NA was withdrawn by the NA, that the reasons given for withdrawing that point was because the resignation letters of the commissioners had come in."
Wescot-Williams said that the resignation letters of the commissioners, which take effect on June 8, were in nearly one week before the National Alliance called for particular agenda point. She said they were fully aware of the resignation letters and the date on which it would become effective. Therefore, the excuse they have given for the withdrawal of the agenda point is pure baloney.
The DP leader said after the closing of the meeting Marlin had said that the Island Council had accepted the resignations. She said anyone listening to the meeting would realize that when the chairman dealt with agenda points 4, 5, and 6 all of which are the resignations he said he took them as notice.
When it regards to the formation of the national government and with Marlin's insistence that it is the Democratic Party, particularly Wescot Williams had refused or aborted the negotiations, Wescot Williams said those statements were misleading.
"I noticed now that he is also putting some blame with the Dutch Government, in stating that since they said what they said, it gives him even more reason not to join with the DP."
Wescot Williams said in analyzing the statements by the NA leader with respect to the events leading up to the latest botched negotiations, from the point of view of him being right,she said would first grab the account from the point when Laveist dropped his support for her government on May 7.
The DP leader said on May 8 she received a letter from the National Alliance leader who indicated to her his understanding of what had transpired and that he was prepared to form the next government since the DP had lost its majority.
"He got a response from me on that letter and that lead to some communication back and forth with as a result; I invited the leader of the NA to a meeting, which turned out to be the one that was held at the Holland House on May 14."
She said the NA leader clearly outlined at that meeting that he was not interested in negotiating a new government without the resignations of the four sitting DP Commissioners. This is the reason why the resignations followed that Monday.
Wescot Williams on May 19 she met with the leader of the National Alliance and the meeting was a very long one. That meeting you can say took us half way around the island where they discussed issues affecting the island and the possible formation of a new government.
Wescot Williams said they had agreed for leader of the National Alliance to present a written proposal for the formation of the new government but that never happened.
The following day she said when she inquired about the letter, she was told that the NA leader had drafted an agreement and he was presenting it to his faction. This agreement said was based on the discussions they had the previous day.
Days later the NA leader submitted a letter to the Lt. Governor and the media announcing that his party managed to form the next government with the support of the independent island council member Louie Laviest.
The letter that also sent to Wescot Williams, Marlin said his faction was no longer pursuing the negotiations to form a national or broad base government.
Wescot Williams said that NA leader has made a choice. He made a choice on the bases of his reasons, whatever those are, but she will not accept responsibility for not wanting to form a national government.

Willemstad"--- Reginaldo Doran will be appointed the new director of USONA, which is to take effect by October 1st . Reginaldo Doran will succeed Frans Versteeg as the director of the "Uitvoeringsorgaan Stichting Ontwikkeling Nederlandse Antillen" USONA (Implementing Body Dutch of Development funds Netherlands Antilles).
Mr Luc Steenhorst, member of the Board of Berenschot, has recommended Doran to the Board of USONA. The Board agreed with this in her latest board meeting.
Reginaldo Doran has been working for almost three years at USONA as deputy director. Previous to that he has performed management positions at among other things the " Stichting Studiefinanciering" and "AKZO Nobel". The assignment of the responsibilities is well under way and during the months to come Doran will come forward more and more as prospective director of USONA.
At the beginning of this year Frans Versteeg already reached his retirement, but had promised to complete the first five years as director, at the start of USONA on October 1st of 2004. He is very confident in his successor: 'The last few years we have worked together closely and specifically worked up to this assignment.' Now that last year the contract with the Ministry for the Interior and Kingdom Relations has been extended till 2012 and that in the meantime USONA also controls the EU-funds for the Antilles, Versteeg can by his own account, take leave as director 'with confidence'. Due to his considerably 20-years of experience with development projects he will continue to be related to USONA as advisor of the management for special tasks.
GREAT BAY:---- The new book by illustrious Caribbean novelist/thinker George Lamming has just been published here, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
Sovereignty of the Imagination, with its main essays "Sovereignty of the Imagination" and "Language and the Politics of Ethnicity," is the third Conversations title by Lamming and the second in the series published in St. Martin by HNP.
"The tight relationship between politics, knowledge, language, and the spaces of freedom in Lamming's writings makes him one of the most important political novelists in Caribbean Literature," said Anthony Bogues, a political scientist at Brown University.
Writer Fabian Badejo said that the Barbadian author's text is "rich, elegant and intellectually seductive as ever; the thrust always towards a new Caribbean ‘with the sovereign right to define its own reality and order its own priorities'."
"It is as if he were humming Bob Marley's Redemption Song as a dirge, then intoning it as an anthem of ‘cultural sovereignty' which [Lamming] describes as ‘the free definition and articulation of the collective self, whatever the rigor of external constraints'," said Badejo.
"For Lamming to publish a book of this quality in St. Martin, in the Caribbean, is also an investment in his belief and work, in the people and region where his life's commitment abides," said Sample.
In the essay "Language and the Politics of Ethnicity" Lamming brings up a daring and widening definition of Caribbean people, culture and identity that embraces the region's African and East Indian descendants in what we might call in St. Martin a ‘bold and brave' way," said Sample.
In the essay "Sovereignty of the Imagination" Lamming's take on Caribbean political parties and unions may be troubling to some, especially politicians, but will be revealing to other.
Dr. Lamming also challenges us to face up to the difference between governing and ruling in a region where the majority of the nation are independent but where realizing sovereignty is still a profound struggle, said Sample.
According to Badejo, Lamming, as an abiding father of Caribbean literature, is "daring us to embrace a new definition of ourselves as we seek to carve out a niche for our democratic future in a world bent on branding us as victims of the past."
"Lamming's preoccupation with freedom is today very apropos because one feature of our contemporary world is the resurgence of a current of thought and action, which heralds the virtues of empire," said Bogues, who is also a scholar with the Center for Caribbean Thought.
The book party for Sovereignty of the Imagination is the high point of the Book Fair closing ceremony at Belair Community Center, Saturday, June 6, 2009, at 8 PM. Lamming will be on hand to hear scholar and University of Miami professor Sandra Paquet deliver the introductory remarks about his new book, said Sample.
Sovereignty of the Imagination is already at van Dorp and Arnia's bookstores and online at Amazon.com and spdbooks.org.
MARIGOT--- With the recent spate of armed robberies on both sides of the island the gendarmes have arrested the daughter of a top ranking police officer, the young woman was also an immigration officer who was convicted some two years ago on falsification of immigration documents. Also in custody is the grand son of a retired police officer who is also part of the gang of robbers. The young woman was in a stolen vehicle that had on false number plate at the time of the arrest on Tuesday night. Also found inside the vehicle were a number of stolen items and ammunition. Prosecutor Jacques Louvier has identified the suspects as Valeska Simmons, Xavier Williams, Garvin Baptiste, and Michael Hassel all of the suspects Louvier said are adults and are between the ages of 20 to 24 all residents from the Dutch side.
Simmons was former immigration officer who was also arrested and convicted on the Dutch side of the Island for having being involved in the falsification of documents some two years ago.
Sources told SMN News that one of the youths is the grandson of a retired police officer who is now working with one of the commissioners. It is not yet clear if the two sides of the island would be conducting a joint investigation to see if the suspects were terrorizing residents from both sides of the island.
The Gendarmes managed to apprehend the four suspects who were driving in a stolen truck along the Belle Plaine Road. The four, three men and one woman had with them in the vehicle a number of stolen items from recent robberies as well as ammunition and an I-phone. According to a press release from the gendarmerie the owner of the vehicle spotted the truck when it passed the area and began pursuit. The man saw his vehicle about 11pm that night and he alerted the gendarmes who were at a check point controlling vehicles. The patrol in turn radioed his colleagues and the stopped the truck and conducted the search where the stolen items and ammunition was found. The occupants of the truck have since been detained. Commandant Loic Barras said the items recovered are from robberies committed on the French side of the island.
That same night a resident of Marigot filed an official report with the gendarmes indicating that two armed bandits, one carrying a hand gun entered his home and robbed him of his monies and jewellery before making their escape on foot.
Philipsburg: --- Leader of The National Alliance William Marlin is inviting its party board and membership to an urgent general meeting, which will be held on Friday June 5th at 7:30 p.m. at the Ferret House - The Party Head Quarters - on the Backstreet.
The only agenda point would be: The participation of The National Alliance in the new Government for St. Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG:---A sizable crowd attended the World Environment Day and World Ocean Day event at the Philipsburg Theater on Saturday afternoon.
Presenters for the eco-event were Tadzio Bervoets and Jessica Koelsch.
Bervoets gave the audience a powerful presentation on several topics, He also gave an outline on what the St.Eustatius Marine Park is currently doing, his real life experience with the lion fish and how he plans to tackle this predator fish once it is seen in our surrounding waters. Bervoets also spoke about shark conservation and why it is important to protect sharks.
Koelsch presentation focused on marine trash and debris and her work with volunteers in the St. Petersburg Tampa area with underwater cleanups and ridding the waters of discarded fishing line. She also spoke on the importance of the International Coastal Cleanup and how this worldwide action held every September can play an important role in awareness and bringing forth a detailed account that governments can use to bring about behavior and policy changes.
The event closed off with a showing of the conservation film SHARK WATER.
Organizers of the event, the Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation recognized several groups and one individual in the community for their constant dedication to environmental issues.
Recipients were Mr. Terry Peterson for his valuable and constant support to the International Coastal Cleanup and his rallying efforts to ban plastic bags on the island of St. Maarten. The groups were the Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders and the Scouting Antiano St. Maarten Mohican group .Both youth groups are very active in the community with beach and community cleanups as well as dedicated annual volunteers of the International Coastal Cleanup.
Pride Foundation

Philipsburg: --- All five members of the new executive council were elected without hindrance on Tuesday. William Marlin received seven out of the nine votes that were casted, while the two members of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams and Roy Marlin voted blank. Leroy De Weever and Maria Buncamper Molanus did not attend the meeting since they are both off island.
Sarah Wescot Williams made sure she voted blank for all of the in coming commissioners, however, in the election of Theo Heyliger Island Councilman Roy Marlin abstained from voting, out of the eight votes cast Heyliger also received seven votes in favor just like the other members of the National Alliance.
The only commissioner elect who was not able to take his seat on the executive benches on Monday was Xavier Blackman whose credentials have to be checked before he can officially take the oath. The chairman of the Island Council has called a special island council meeting for Tuesday where that procedure would take place.
Monday's Island Council meeting received a full house mostly members of the National Alliance and Theo Heyliger came out in numbers to support the incoming government.
Prior to the electing the commissioners, the island council members were each given 30 minutes to speak. The domestic rules that were set by the chairman of the island council were contested by the leader of the National Alliance and now leader of government William Marlin.
The first speaker Patrick Illidge first thanked God for making the occasion happen which he said was the right time and moment. Illidge wished the incoming executive council wisdom and understanding since the road ahead will not be easy. He called on his colleagues to take and make well researched decisions mostly keeping the people of St. Maarten in mind. Illidge said this is not the time for them to engage nor indulge in confrontational behaviour nor hostility nor is it the time for revenge. He said this the time for healing and coming together for the greater good of St. Maarten.
Illidge reminded the people they have heard their cries in the wilderness and they have come to their rescue. He asked the people to give them the time to sought out and put things in its proper prospective.
Island Councilman Rudolph Samuel said it is a fact that the Democratic Party is the one that won the 2007 Island Council elections. He said another fact is the leader of the National Alliance made more than one contact with the leader of the Democratic Party asking that they form a National Government. He said they were interested in forming a government that would benefit the people of the island. He said the DP leader turned down every initiative that they took saying she had a government in place. Samuel said it was only when Laveist pulled his support from the Democratic Party is when their phone began ringing. He said NA felt that the DP was up for game play when she said the NA and the people of St. Maarten would be up for a long hot summer. Samuel said the NA did not have the intention to give the people a long hot summer and that is why they tried another strategy which resulted in the formation of the present and new government. The island councilman said the National Alliance gave the outgoing government their full support in the constitutional process and now they are looking forward for that same type of support from the Democratic Party the Opposition in the Island Council.
Councilman Roy Marlin gave an overview of his accomplishments during his ten years in office. In his presentation he reminded the new executive council that they needed to continue on the same path for the constitutional changes. He said there are still things that he would have liked to see happen.
Marlin said they left 61 million guilders in government coffers. However, Councilman Frans Richardson did not miss Marlin when he said talking about the amount of money in the coffers is one thing and it sounded good but Marlin should have also mentioned how much debt the island government has with the contractors and other creditors. He also called on commissioner elect Xavier Blackman to reveal that information when he checks the finances of government.
Marlin said all the government owned companies are in a healthy financial situation that also has rules and regulations on co-operate governance. He said the DP government is also leaving behind two projects which are the improvement plan for the tax office and the administrational strengthening program which has to be carried out.
Marlin also spoke of the monies that will soon be transferred to the island government for tourism marketing. Marlin warned that the new executive council should pursue these marketing mainly in South America since the US Market will not improve due to the world economic crisis.
He also reminded the new government about the improvement projects for GEBE which has to be completed. He said government has to focus on increasing the water supply storage for the island since there is only a day and half water reserve in place.
Dishing out hard words was leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams to her former members namely Theo Heyliger and Laveist she said people are predictable when it comes to maintaining power.
Wescot Williams also laid out the events of the negotiations that took place between her and the National Alliance leader. She reminded the people of statements made by the NA against Laveist and Heyliger when they were not able to form a government in November last year. Wescot Williams also reminded the people of some the events during the SPA government and the NA and DP.
She then moved on to the events that happened in May 2009 when Laveist withdrew his support. She spoke of the meeting she had with Marlin while driving around the island and who is to be blamed for the lack of forming a government. She said she wants to know when the men on St. Maarten are going to show they have backbone.
The DP leader then read out emails that were sent to her by Marlin and asked if the island council members forgot the oath they took when they were elected the island council. She said the island council seat is not to be traded or bargained with instead it is a sacred seat.
The DP leader reminded the DP members that the people are the ones that voted them in office and if they are on the wrong slate then Crapo would smoke their pipes in the next election. She admitted her party had some good shake ups but they also bounced back better than before. In closing her lengthy statement she said the NA commissioners can now change the things they do not like in the constitution. She said they now have to deliver since talking for them is now over. She cautioned that the new government should not expect a honeymoon since a marriage of convenience does not deserve any honeymoon. Wescot Williams said the nearly 50% of DP members has now joined the NA the same members who were criticized by them. She also said she is leaving some $99,000 for the purpose of the campaigning en-route to country status.
Commissioner William Marlin did not miss Wescot Williams in his address he said the DP leader failed to mention the emails she sent to him telling him that joining with the NA would not benefit the DP whom she said is looking to be reelected for the 4th term. The email was read out by Marlin as he said that in any story there are the two sides and the truth. He also reminded Wescot Williams she made in politics for her own interest.
Marlin reminded the DP leader and Roy Marlin of the things they met in office in 1991. He mentioned the amount of land space that was left for housing but was not touched until commissioner Heyliger took over ROB portfolio. The new leader of government said that he did quite a bit for education that had to be completed when he left the office of government, but none of it was done. He also promised to meet with educators to rectify some of the pressing problems they are encountering.
Marlin praised Heyliger for the amount of work he performed on the road network while this was not touched by Roy Marlin who held the ROB portfolio for eight years.
Commissioner Frans Richardson had to move away from his prepared speech since most faces dropped when the former leader of government spoke.
Richardson said people expect them to hit the road running when they take up office. He said he intends to display political maturity and to be involved in public debate. He said he would provide the people with information since that is what he is used to. Present to witness the speech was the mother of Richardson who could not hold back her emotions and tears.
Richardson said there is a lot of animosities in the people even those that are still firing their venom. He asked when was the last time several issues regarding education were corrected. Richardson said the time has come for the DP government to check with the people instead of beating their chest like Tarzan saying what they have done. He promised to work with the environmentalist to further preserve the island for the future generation. He said everyone so far has been to the different radio stations telling their side of their stories but the real story and the truth will come out one day.
As word to Island Councilman Louie Laviest he said God will be with him as he goes through his legal battle. Richardson promised to further discuss with Laveist.
Richardson then lambasted the DP members for not defending Laveist when he posed questions to them on his legal problems. He said not one of the DP executive council did stood up to say anything on his behalf. As for Heyliger he said the people should be giving jack his jacket. "If it was not for you Theo the Democratic Party would not have been shinning" As for Roy Marlin he should have used some of the monies he claim to have in the bank to patch the roads and build some houses. Richardson said if it was not Heyliger the island would not have looked the way it looked. Richardson also called on the civil servants to give them a chance so that they can prove themselves. He said the civil servants who are driving force and not the politicians and they needed to be given credit.
He openly promised to listen to the civil service and department heads as they work together to move the island forward. Richardson also promised to make his mother proud since he is her only son. He said already people are labeling them as women haters when they all come from a mother.
Commissioner Theo Heyliger in his speech said after 14 years of being part of the Democratic Party it took the National Alliance to commend him for his contributions to the island. Heyliger whose mother was also present received his personal recognition as she normally does not attend political events. He said his mother sometimes gets very emotional.
Heyliger said he enjoyed the time he worked with the DP, he also said that he knows that they are going to be a forceful opposition. Heyliger made it clear to Roy Marlin that it is okay even though he did not vote for him. Heyliger then proceeded to thank several members of the Democratic Party. He promised the people that the work will continue and the people would soon see the true St. Maarten colors coming out in the days ahead.

PHILIPSBURG - Twenty years and some fifteen commencement ceremonies later the University of St. Martin (USM) is scheduled to have 45 more students inducted as alumni as they graduate on Saturday, June 13th.
The 15th Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2009 will be held at the Maho Convention Center beginning at 7pm under the theme "Building Country St. Martin with an Educated Youth."
The majority of the graduates will be graduating with Associates Degrees in Business and the number of students in this category is 18. The second largest group is the graduates in the education program. Seven students will be graduating with their Bachelor of Arts in Education degrees. Six students will be graduating with their Associates in General Liberal Arts degrees. Five students have graduated with the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and the Master of Arts Education degrees, respectively. Both of these programs are offered in conjunction with the University of the Virgin Islands. The students in this program received their UVI degree last month at a ceremony at UVI.
Three students are graduating with their Bachelor of Business Administration via a distance program offered in conjunction with Mount St. Vincent University in Canada. One student will be graduating with her certificate in teaching. The Class of 2009 will join more than 400 graduates as USM Alumni.
"I would like to congratulate all our graduates and wish them much success in their future endeavors," USM President Josianne Fleming-Artsen said, while encouraging students and graduates to be proud of having received their degree from the University of St. Martin. The University of St. Martin is very proud of the confidence our graduates have placed in this institution of higher learning."
"We are actually educating global citizens whose main geographic operating area may be St. Maarten. So, to say we are preparing human capital for St. Martin alone would be doing our graduates a dishonor. We are educating professionals to be able to function optimally in whatever environment they may find themselves immersed in, while also being able to give back to their community."
"Consequently we aim to see our graduates go from strength to strength whether they continue academically or decide to join the workforce. They are a reflection of USM in whatever they do and I am calling on them to represent the institution with pride and honor."
The Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Ron Pribble shares a similar sentiment.
"This year's graduates, like the hundreds from the past, demonstrate that USM is a place of learning where students can "start here and then go anywhere." The University will see its graduates move into professional positions on St. Martin and in other countries. Many graduates will continue along their educational paths at universities in other lands and receive substantial scholarships to support their continued studies. Their success is a testament to their growth and hard work and to the solid foundation of learning that USM fosters and develops," Dean of Academics Dr. Ron Pribble said.
"The University of St. Martin is so very proud to honor its graduating students."
The students graduating this year with their Associate of Arts in Business include Rosemar Africa-Willams, Julian Ashley, Catherina Carbon, Natacha Carriere, Sahcha Eustache, Antoine Fleming, Kevon Fleming, Shevon Fleming, Guerda Fremont, Daniel Hyman, Akintude Patrick, George Pelgrim, Satish Ramlall, Normaline Richardson, Tasha Richardson, Lavisha Sachdev, Conroy Thomas and Mery-Ann Welks. The students graduating with an Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts include Magdiona Gumbs, Monica Longville, Zola Maison, Ricky Mason, Jennie Stapleton and Curtis Thomas.
The students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education include Lissa Carter, Shirmel Dickenson, Yonnette France-Gordon, Reeder Jno Baptiste, Sarah Johnson, Claudine Spanner, and Lenworth Wilson Jr. Graduates with the Bachelor in Business include Conneir Thelwell, Giovanna Schotborg, Sophie Iles, Dion Gumbs, and Silviane John. Elmia Gumbs, Elfrida Job-Peterson, and another student is graduating with their Bachelor in Business Administration degree in the program offered in conjunction with Mount St. Vincent University in Canada.
Gracier Brown, Jackelene Gumbs, Juliana Hodge-Shipley, Kim Lucas-Felix and Jessica Richardson are graduating with a Masters Degree in Education. These students received their degrees from UVI in a ceremony last month. Peggy Illis-Bell will be receiving her Certificate in Teaching.
"As graduating students march across the stage at USM Commencement 2009 on Saturday, June 13, they will celebrate with friends, peers, and extended family members the capstone moment of their journey of personal, intellectual, and career development. Many of these graduates will celebrate the upward movement of their family banners-because their graduation represents so much in the history of families and the dreams of those who have assisted and supported them," Dr. Pribble noted.
"Students are not an island unto themselves. In fact, graduates are extensions of the families and friends who have encouraged and sometimes even pushed them forward and upward."
"The Board of the University applauds all of these industrious and energetic graduates. We know that each graduate will make a significant contribution to St. Maarten which is enhanced by education. The Board also wishes to thank the many contributors to the scholarships held by many of our graduates, including the Island and Federal Departments of Education, the Dr. Tien Scholar program, the Journey for Education and all the business sponsors who supported the degree efforts of our graduates," the president of USM Board of Directors Dr. Lockie Johnson said.
The keynote speaker for this 15th Commencement Ceremony is the Head of the Bureau of Constitutional Affairs Dr. Jeannette Hagen. The graduation will be held at the Maho Convention Hall.
Dr. Hagen, who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in offshore financial business: export transactions, entrepreneurial initiatives and organizational structures, holds a Bachelor of Business & Public Administration from the University of the Netherlands Antilles, a Masters in International Business majoring in Finance from Florida International University and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Inter-American Studies from the University of Miami concentrating on Development processes, International Business, Foreign relations, and Entrepreneurial experiences the Caribbean region.
Philipsburg:--The Commander of the Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten (VKS) hereby announces that the VKS is having a bivouac (camping out in the woods) from Friday June 12 until Sunday June 14, 2009.
Residents are advised they might notice VKS-members camping out, marching, guarding certain objects or firing blank shots.
The Commander regrets any inconvenience caused.
Philipsburg: ---Police were called to “The Valley Lane” Middle Region by residents who saw at least four cars that appeared to be stolen in a yard. SMN News understands a well respected resident of the area called on police when they noticed the cars in someone’s yard.
The resident who later spoke to SMN News said when they called a particular officer “C” and told him that there were some strange vehicles in the neighborhood he admitted that police were busy looking for four vehicles that were reported stolen. The resident said three of the vehicles had on French number plates.
The man said shortly after police arrived at the area where the stolen vehicles they were carrying out an investigation. The vehicles he said was later towed away. It is also understood that the people who lives in the yard where the vehicles were are involved in shady business.
Up to press time the police did not send out an official report on the stolen vehicles and neither the recovery of the four vehicles on Sunday.
...
Marigiot: --- The Association MOCSAM headed by Julien Gumbs is calling on the population to come together on Thursday afternoon at the Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues that are plaguing the community. In a poster press release Gumbs said, “It is about us, get involved.” Some of the issues to be discussed are the falling prices, local production, benefits, payrolls and taxes, projects for the future, renovation of Social Dialogue, Governance, Regional Cooperation, Equal Opportunities, and heritage.
These expressions will be held on Thursday afternoon June 25 at the Chamber of Commerce beginning at 5pm. Each topic will be discussed for about 45 minutes. The association is urging the public to come out and let their voices be heard which in return would make the future on St. Martin better and brighter.
MARIGOT: --- CHRISTOPHE COELHO head of the cabinet of Prefet Delegue Dominique LaCroix said there is no decree on the extension of the mandate of Laurent Fuentes on the Social, Economic and Environmental Council. The response came after Rene Arnell raised concerns on the process.
Coelho said there is a bill that was sent to parliament but he does not know when that bill would come up for debate and voted on. Coelho acknowledged that Fuentes the appointed representative for St. Martin on the council has until September 2009 on the council. He said they are aware the present of council has decided to extend the mandate of all the councilors for another year since there is a constitutional reform taking place.
The council wants to keep the present members on until September 2010 to continue discussions on the reform. However, he said when the bill is passed it will legalize the extension of the mandate of the present council.
Asked about the results of the election which closed off on June 1, Coelho said the consultations with the associations had to be placed on hold now that the reform is taking place. He said when the time comes for a new candidate the Prefet Delegue will nominate a new candidate and at that time it will become public knowledge.
On May 7th the Sous Prefecture sent out a request to 33 associations that were selected to give their support to one of three candidates that postulated for the seat on the Social, Economic and Environmental Council (CESE). The Associations were given until June 1 to send in their letter of support. The candidates were Rene Arnell, Laurent Fuentes and Jean Mark Dufftel.
Rene Arnell in an interview with SMN News said despite receiving this information late he managed to make contact with all the associations, most of whom agreed to endorse him as their candidate. Arnell said he was sure he won the election since he already has some of the letters of support that was sent to the Sous Prefecture. He said to date he did not get the results from the Prefecture instead he is reading in the news that there has been an extension of the mandate. Arnell said this is the second time he won the election and the state is not respecting the wishes of the people. He further explained that if the State had no intention of respecting the desires of the people they should not have consulted with them.
More annoying is that several of the associations that supported Arnell in his bid to serve his island said they would like for the Prefet Delegue and the Collectivity of St. Martin to tell them what Fuentes has achieved for St. Martin during the past year in Paris. “All we know is Fuentes is travelling to and from Paris but we are yet to see the fruits of his labor. We also know of the amounts of monies Fuentes is getting to be on that council but to date the people of St. Martin has gotten nothing in return.”
Arnell said he made contact with the Sous Prefecture on Monday and he was told that no decision has been taken by the Minister of Interior Affairs as yet. Even though there is some kind of notification on the extension of the mandate of the present council, there is no official document indicating that would happen.
MARIGOT— The gendarmes in a press release said based on an investigation in French Quarter in November 2008 they have recovered several stolen items and are asking the owners of these goods to come forward and claim them. The gendarme already issued a list where these items were published in all newspapers. This is the last time the items will be published the release states. The items were stolen prior to November 28 2008.
Owners of the items can claim their belongings at the gendarmerie in French Quarter, however, the owners must be able to produce their complaint filed by at the gendarmerie which indicated that they have lost such items, as well a bill as proof of purchase.
The list is as follows: Black Asus V6000 laptop computer, Sonic HM17F black flat screen TV, Pioneer DV-366S silver DVD player, Black Nikon digital camera, Silver Kodak digital camera, Black Sealife digital camera, Black Canon camera, with silver plating, Grey Panasonic VHS camcorder, Black and silver plated Motorola cellular phone, Silver and prune coloured Mobile N95 cellular phone, Blue Myway cellular phone, Cream coloured Nokia cellular phone, Black and silver Sagem cellular phone, Silver Digilife MP3 player, Grey Lexon pocket radio, and a silver 106cm Panasonic plasma TV screen.
The gendarmes also arrested two men aged 23 and 27 on Saturday after they were seen by neighbors stealing gasoline from a vehicle that was parked in Cripple Gate. The two were summoned to appear in court in October to answer charges.
Great Bay:-- - Lynnette's Twirlerettes, a State and Regional Championship group, will be performing on St. Maarten for the first time on Monday, June 29, 2009 at the Square on Front street in what is being dubbed “a special summer entertainment for the entire family.”
The renowned group will perform at 6:00PM alongside St. Maarten’s own twirlerettes group, Les Coeurs Enchantes, as well as the Soualiga Capoeira and the Soualiga Brass Band under the auspices of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau. The performance is free.
Lynette’s Twirlerettes is on a cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas and will visit three other destinations in the Caribbean but chose St. Maarten for its international performance because they believe the island has more to offer.
“They’re taking the performance on our island so serious that their rehearsals for it is being aired from Monday to Wednesday this week on their local Pennsylvanian station and can be viewed on Good Morning Pennsylvania at the following link: www.wnepcom,” said Director of Tourism, Regina LaBega.
Lynnette's Twirlerettes was started in 1983 by its director, Lynnette Lepre-Van Deusen, a licensed teacher and judge with various twirling organizations, who boasts of 35 years experience in twirling, modeling and pageant experience.
Lynette, as she is affectionately called, has judged Miss America Preliminary pageants in the state of Pennsylvania among other important pageants and also choreographed the 2007 Liberty Bowl halftime performance for the twirlers.
Her group, Lynnette’s Twirlerettes, has traveled widely and performed throughout the East Coast of the United States, and in Canada and Bermuda. The group has performed at the Miss America parade in Atlantic City, Salem Mass., at the Walt Disney World- Florida, Universal Studios-Florida and at the Liberty Bowl-Tennessee, among many other sites.
For the students, baton twirling is a means to acquire “a wealth of self-esteem, confidence, poise, grace, teamwork, and a lifetime of friendships and memories.”
Lynnette's Twirlerettes hopes to share the warmth of the family atmosphere it is known for with the people of St. Maarten in what it views as a brief but very important cultural exchange particularly with the youth of the island.
SIMPSON BAY – On Wednesday evening at approximately 7.00pm, the traffic measures and signs were changed indicating that the south lane of the Simpson Bay Bridge is now closed for vehicular traffic in order for that part of the deck to be jet blasted and coated as part of the bridge refurbishment works.
Vehicular traffic will accordingly be utilizing the lagoon side traffic lane of the bridge as this side has already been coated and is in the curing phase until the coating material has completely hardened.
Jet blasting of the under deck of the bridge has nearly been completed and should be finalized Thursday evening.
The bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic for short periods of time on Wednesday night after midnight. During these closures, the bridge deck was lifted allowing for the sides under the road deck to be jet blasted and then coated. This will be continued Thursday night. Each under-side of the bridge will take about four hours, but the bridge closures will be intermittent and up to 30 minutes each.
On Friday evening, both traffic lanes of the Simpson Bay Bridge will be back in use; however this is dependent on the weather. If it rains the contractor will not be able to coat the surfaces.
The contractor carrying out the works is Hofman Sliedrecht with the assistance of other local contractors.
With only one traffic lane available for vehicular traffic on the bridge, the flow of traffic is regulated by traffic lights and motorists are asked to continue to carefully observe and follow the traffic signs along the road.
Managing Director of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Russell Voges says that due to the constant intense vehicular movement over the bridge, the old coating on the deck was worn out and had to be replaced.
“I would like to thank all motorists and others who have to cross the bridge for their patience and endurance during this bridge rehabilitation period.
“The Lagoon Authority is very much aware of the inconvenience caused by the repairs to the road and maritime traffic and will limit this as much as possible. The Lagoon Authority apologizes for any inconvenience that this has caused and may cause in the coming days. The contractors have been working diligently and will continue to limit the inconvenience as much as possible,” Managing Director Voges pointed out.
The recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, (the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges) in their report of March 2007 are being executed to ensure the durability and longevity of the Simpson Bay Bridge and to ensure the safety and security of the bridge operations for all its users.
According to the planning in the work schedule, there will be a bridge opening for maritime traffic on Sunday June 28 at 6.00pm. The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority will announce when the bridge will resume its scheduled daily regularly opening hours for maritime traffic early next week depending on the progress made with the current repair works.
In the last two weeks of August, commencing August 15, contractor Hofman Sliedrecht will continue the repair works replacing the traffic barrier boxes and booms, installing new traffic lights, and installing a new electrical control cabinet for the bridge.
Any change in the opening hours of the bridge due to these scheduled repair works will be duly and timely announced.
For any further information please call the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority’s Collection Office at the Police Station in Simpson Bay next to the bridge at telno: 545 3183 or via the Police Station at telno: 545 5500/01/02/03/04/05 or call the Bridge Operator on VHF channel 12.
Philipsburg–Intensified controls of bars, restaurants, snack-its and clubs with respect to excessive sound which creates a public nuisance in residential areas, will commence by controllers from the Department of Permits, Licenses & Economic Control (VOSEC) and the Department of Control, Inspection & Security (CIB), early July.
Consequently, in areas which are otherwise considered as residential areas as well as mixed areas (residential and commercial development), commercial activity such as bars, restaurants and clubs, which create a nuisance to the neighborhood in which they operate, such as sound, smell and sight, will be limited.
Businesses should review their permits to make sure that they are adhering to the law and comply with the stipulations within their licenses.
Sound meters will be used in executing the controls. In case an establishment is emitting excessive noise, the following actions and penalties will be imposed, written warnings, closures of one week or up to three months and permanent revocation of the establishment’s license.
If an establishment doesn’t have the required documentation such as a business, operational or vending licenses, the penalty is immediate closure until all the documents are in order.
Approximately 10 controllers will be out in the field conducting the exercise. Some of the controllers are also extra ordinary police officers who are authorized to give fines and or make arrests if necessary.
GREAT BAY, (GIS) – Every hurricane season it rains due to the passing of tropical wave systems and other inclement weather. Residents are therefore advised to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding during the hurricane season.
Stagnant water in old tires and other types of debris in yards can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Take action by making sure there is no stagnant water in yards and disposing of responsibly old tires, empty drums, plant containers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around their homes and businesses.
An increase in the mosquito populations puts residents at risk for mosquito-borne illnesses. In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these covered. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquito breeding.
Philipsburg: NAGICO Insurances’ recent collaboration with the Department of Education Research Planning & Innovation (DERPI) has produced 14 staff, which was successful in completing the course “Active Parenting”. The video based parenting program was taught during office hours, in the NAGICO conference room which allowed staff who, under normal circumstances would not be able to attend the course to be present. Parental Involvement coordinator Mrs. Edna Rijkard stated, “We are pleased that NAGICO has allowed us to provide this course during working hours to its staff. I hope that other companies follow their example.”
The “Active Parenting” course which came to an end on Tuesday June 30th 2009 was well received by participating staff. NAGICO Agency administrator Tina Gernaro stated, “The information that we received was very stimulating. We were presented with different ways in which one should interact with their children. I am proud to work for an organization that provides such learning environments for its staff.” NAGICO staff was allowed to attend the course once a week for a period of three weeks after which they received a certificate of participation.
Great Bay,– What does a 6’8”, 254lbs, giant of a pro-basket ball player do off the court in off season? If your nickname is “El Train”, you round up a group of lifelong friends, jump on a plane, and jet to The Friendly Island, of course. That’s exactly what Philadelphia 76ers superstar, Elton Tyron Brand did last week.
He came, he saw, he liked it, and vows he’ll be back with some of his NBA stars to conduct a clinic for young St. Maarteners who nurture hoop dreams.
“We were happy to have Elton Brand choose St. Maarten as his vacation destination and are even more thrilled to have him commit verbally to return with some of his NBA friends to teach our kids what it takes to be a basketball star,” said Commissioner Frans Richardson who is in charge of tourism.
Brand came down with his friends for a well-deserved R&R after a grueling NBA season.
“St. Maarten is an ideal place for professional athletes, performing under pressure for most of the year, week after week, to come down and unwind,” said Director of Tourism, Regina LaBega.
“Professional basketball players are usually role models for our youth, and to have someone of the caliber of Elton Brand decide to come back for a basketball clinic on our island will not only be a big boost to the sport, but also attract others to consider spending their free time with us,” she added.
Commissioner Frans Richardson was even more upbeat. “This is not only about sports tourism; it is about inspiring our youth to shoot for the stars and dream big,” he stressed.
Elton Brand, the Sixers power forward, came to St. Maarten under the auspices of Tantra Night Club, where he and his friends partied over the weekend, with a DJ he brought specially for the occasion from the US.
Pharmacist assistant M/s. Jacqueline J. Kortlevens received a pin of the St. Maarten flag from Lt. Governor Mr. Franklin Richards, after the oath was administered to her.
Philipsburg:---NAGICO Insurances presented Oriental Caribbean Insurances (OCI) with the NAGICO Agent Of The Year Award 2008 for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba on Wednesday July 8th 2009. NAGICO CEO, Mr. Imran Mscood Amjad and Executive Director Raymond Ramphal were on hand to present the Award to OCI General Manager Mr. Theo Lui who missed the Awards due to commitments abroad. At the presentation which was held in the conference room of the NAGICO Head Office Mr. Mcsood stated, “We appreciate that you continue to support NAGICO and we are very happy to see that you have realized this level of growth; what makes it a very good thing is that it has been growth coupled with profitability.“
The Agent of the Year Award is chosen based on several criteria including premium production, growth, conservative portfolio and profit. OCI was able to provide the best figures in the above categories amongst the agents within the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. Mr. Theo Lui stated, “I am happy to be able to contribute to NAGICO, from the beginning NAGICO has been there with me, you have had confidence in my ability and you helped us to get started. Four years have run very fast and it is my goal to pass the 1 million mark next year.” When asked about his recipe for success, Mr. Liu indicated the key ingredients to his success, “Following the principals of honesty and trust are important, if you don’t have a good intention you’d never be successful.” Determination is another element which has seen Mr. Liu through, and this is something he passes on to the young people he helps through his Tae Kwon Do instruction, all a part of the community activity and sports which he says, helps to keep him balanced.
Oriental Caribbean Insurances (OCI) also received the NAGICO gold pin during the presentation. The pin is awarded to agents who were able to achieve premium rates between US $ 500,001 - $ 2.5 million. The gold pins are shaped to look like umbrellas representing the well known NAGICO logo.
Oranjestad, – On Saturday, July 11th 2009, the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation elected a new Board. Terrance Rey was elected as the new president, taking over from Elizabeth (Elly) Delien, founder of the Foundation and partner of Winair’s legendary pilot, the late José Dormoy, affectionately known as “Pipe.” Rey is managing director of AirStMaarten, a company specializing in private charters throughout the Caribbean.
Walter Hellebrand, historian and communications professional, was newly elected to the board and will take on the role of secretary. Elly Delien stays on as member of the board in the capacity of treasurer and the Board’s former secretary Nyna Burright, a shipping coordinator working for St. Eustatius Port Services, was also reelected. She will act as substitute secretary.
The Foundation was established on February, 12th 2008 by Elly Delien to preserve and promote the history of aviation in the Caribbean - in particular in the Windward Islands – and to pay tribute to the pioneers who opened up the islands to the outside world and thereby played an important role in their development. Some of the ways by which the Foundation tries to achieve its purpose include research and exposure of the history of aviation as well as projects to create more interest in the aviation history of each individual island.
When José Dormoy passed away in 2007, Elly Delien was left with a virtual treasure chest of documents, information and images relating to the early days of aviation in the Windward Islands, an eventful past in which her partner of many years played a very active role. She thought “Pipe’s” personal archive would make a valuable beginning of a collection of information about the history of aviation in the islands that was worth sharing with everybody. She therefore decided to start the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation.
Projects
In its first year, the Foundation’s sizable archive was inventoried and organized. Also, displays commemorating the aviation pioneers were arranged for Saba’s airport and Winair’s sales office in St. Maarten. The Foundation has a number of projects underway
set to launch in August and November of this year and, with the new team on the Board, expects to initiate several more to highlight the pilots who opened up the sky for the northeastern Caribbean islands.
Acknowledgments
Elly Delien expressed her thanks to all the former board members for their assistance with the establishment of the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation and especially acknowledged the support of Claudie Banare; film maker Pierre Brouwers, Jerry Casius; Leontien Durby; Michael Ferrier; Faustin, Denise and Robert Ledée; Michel Martinon; AirStMaarten, Mazinga Giftshop and Xerox.
The Board would like to encourage everyone with stories, material or images relating to the history of aviation in the northeastern Caribbean to contact the Foundation so that scans or copies can be made in order to increase the knowledge of its fascinating development.
Philipsburg – On Monday an agreement was signed for the financing of the “Project Bureau Justice” between funding agency USONA represented by Director F Versteeg and Leader of Government William Marlin.
An amount of Naf 824, 353.00 has been set aside for this project, with the goal to strengthen the civil service apparatus with four senior policy advisors and one administrative assistant for the building up of the Ministry of Justice Sint Maarten in order to facilitate the transfer of tasks and responsibilities from the Justice Department of the Central Government.
Some of the activities of the senior policy advisors will include developing a policy vision for the justice institutions, improvement of the police force and immigration services on St. Maarten, developing protocols and procedures for cooperation within the judicial chains on St. Maarten and setting up a criminal analyses system.
The project will be executed over a 26th month period.
Philipsburg:---As part of its mid-year conference activities, the Democratic Party will be holding a forum of information sessions this coming Wednesday, July 15th.
This event is part of the conference, which started last Saturday at the Rock House Restaurant.
The leadership of the Party has emphasized communication and information as the focus of its move forward as it strongly believes that an informed people will move forward confidently.
By listening, observing and inquiring, the topics of Government, Education, Health, Crime and Justice, the Economy and the Constitutional Process stand out in terms of a general desire to constantly and clearly be informed.
With the matter of currency and dollarization again at the fore, the party believes that this too needs to be not only explained, but debated by the public at large.
A well informed people will make well informed decisions.
On Wednesday, July 15th, the following topics will be presented:
Education: innovations and changes to the system, as well as management of education in general.
Government: islands regulation and state regulation, political parties and the system of country Sint Maarten.
Health: Agencies such as SVB, FZOG, BZV and a proposed national health system for country Sint Maarten
Constitutional Affairs: Where are we today in this process? What else is required to become country?
A panel of local experts will address these topics; namely Drs. J. Wuite on Health, Dennis Richardson, MBA on Constitutional Affairs, Attorney Ralph Richardson on government, and Educator Patricia Lourens on Education.
The session starts at 7.00 pm at the Philipsburg Cultural Center in Philipsburg and is open to the General Public. Come out, be informed and ask those burning questions on your mind regarding the topics mentioned above.
CAY BAY–DG#12 malfunctioned resulting in load shedding. The maintenance crew will be taking the engine offline to do a complete inspection of the generator on Sunday, July 19, 2009. Although the electricity demand is significantly lower on Sunday, some load shedding may result from this.
The load shedding schedule for Saturday, July 18, 2009 will affect the following areas:
From 14:00 - 16:00: Pelican area, Madame Estate, Suckergarden, Guana Bay, A.T. Illidge Road
From 16:00 - 18:00: St. John Estate, Retreat Estate, St. Peters, South Reward, Betty Estate, Ebenezer Estate, Cay Bay, Billy Folly, Cole Bay Lagoon
Please note that the load shedding schedule is an indication and is subject to change based on demand in the various areas, supply from the power plant and other influencing factors. GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience and will try to restore power to the affected areas as soon as possible.
Updates will be given to the general public and the media as soon as the information becomes available.
Here are some tips to prepare for an electricity outage:
• Unplug any sensitive electronics to avoid damage.
• Turn off all lights and electrical equipment. Leave on only one light or radio to alert you when the power has been restored.
• Try to minimize the time your fridge and freezer are open to keep the cool air in.
Gather any flashlights and check spare batteries.
• Be careful if you decide to use candles. Do not leave them unattended.
• Prepare by equipping your house with automatic power failure safety lighting so that it does not go dark when the power goes out. That gives you time to locate your flashlights and other items.
Read some more tips on How To Make A Power Outage Bearable.
French Quarter:--- Leader of the French Quarter Scouts Association Georgina Rohan is doing all she can to find part time work for the students who are now out of school during the summer vacation.
Rohan was seen with her group as well as a number of students from both French and Dutch side high schools cleaning several yards in French Quarter on Sunday. Decked in their red tee shirts the youths were seen cutting weed from the yards of the people who are not able to clean their surroundings.
In an invited comment, Rohan said the service she is providing to homeowners is free of charge but she intends to compensate the youths for the work they are doing. Rohan said the reason she chose to pick up the task was number students attending the Lycee and St. Maarten Academy has approached her telling her they needed something constructive to do. She said the youths are looking for a part time work so they can assist their parents with their book and school fees. “I just think I have to do something to take our youths away from the blocks and street corners, we cannot leave our young people in the cold, they need attention, and someone must do something to help them.” Rohan said.
Speaking to this reporter some of the youths said they do not want to hang out doing nothing and they wished if the French side had the summer job program in place. They said
GREAT BAY,–-- The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with senior executives of the harbor group of companies. Purpose of the meeting was to solicit information regarding their views on the current economic situation.
Attending the meeting with the commissioner and his delegation were Keith Franca, Managing Director of St. Maarten Ports Authority and Mark Mingo, CEO of the St. Maarten Harbor Holding Company.
They informed Commissioner Richardson that the cruise sector is seeing a double digital decline. Estimated recovery period is believed to be anywhere between 1 year to 18 months.
Ongoing or planned measures to alleviate the current impact of the economic decline include a shift in marketing strategy. Direct marketing targeting the individual cruise ship visitor is being pursued rather than general marketing.
Other initiatives are a road-show marketing of the island, investment in cargo facilities, in order to promote transshipment sector and the fuelling of ships to increase revenue flow.
Commissioner Richardson was informed about strategic agreements with Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines, which are expected to ensure approximately 1.1 million in cruise arrivals.
Suggestions discussed for structural short-term solutions, in collaboration with government, include stimulation of more activity in Philipsburg, increased police presence as deterrent to crime and control of rising food prices.
GREAT BAY (GIS)— Commissioner Xavier Blackman was present at the Princess Juliana Airport to say goodbye and wish the group of youngsters well, who will be participating in the cultural part of the Kingdom Games. The youngsters departed St. Maarten on Tuesday.
Commissioner Blackman extended a farewell and some words of encouragement to the traveling group, who will travel from St. Maarten to Aruba via Curacao. “I want you to compete hard, be respectful in your dealings, make St. Maarten proud, and have fun. It is good exposure for you, so learn as much as you can… make good use of the opportunity.”
The dance group, who hails from the Motiance dance school, will perform tomorrow night at the Cultural Night, where each island will have to perform an original piece, at the Kingdom Games Cultural Night.
The 6 young ladies—Khimony Antoine, Danielle Borsje, Anisa Dijkhoffz, Tanvi Goklanni, Saskia Jones, Rochelle Miller—will performance a dance routine, consisting of a poem and a hip hop section.
The Kingdom Games will take place from July 21 to the 27th, 2009. The theme is “Power.”
Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson also wishes the group well, and he wishes the group safe travel to Aruba, reminds them that St. Maarten is proud, and stands behind them all the way.
The Cultural component to the Kingdom Games was introduced for the first time in July of 2007 alongside the traditional Kingdom Games that focused primarily on Sports.
Every two years the Kingdom of the Netherlands consisting of Aruba, Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, celebrates Kingdom Games with the goals of:
Stimulating Sports Development in the broadest sense of the word on Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles with the youth as the main target.
Developing mutual understanding between youngsters of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba, and the Netherlands that ought to serve as the basis for mutual respect and togetherness.
GREAT BAY:--- (GIS) – Disaster Coordinator and Chief of the Fire Department Winston Salomon, is calling appealing to the St. Maarten community to finalize preparations for the 2009 hurricane season and not to be complacent this season.
This season’s theme is, “It Only Takes One.” So far, for the 2009 season, not one storm system has formed, however, a number of tropical wave systems have started to form and the frequency of these systems passing the islands in the coming months will increase.
“I would strongly urge those who haven’t done so already to make preparations in order not to have to rush and prepare once you have been notified to do so due to a threat of a hurricane.
“It only takes one system to cause damage to our island. Remember our theme and start preparing. Those who are prepared will suffer the least and recovery will be much quicker. We need everybody to make preparations for every hurricane season. It is a must do on your list of things to do,” Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Winston Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The 2009 Hurricane Season name list is Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, and Wanda.
Willemstad:--The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba will get 8 million euros for the restoration of monuments and historic buildings. The Aruban Minister of Labor, Culture and Sports, Mr. Ramon Lee, Lieutenant-Governor of Curaçao, Mrs. Lizanne Dindial, Commissioner of Bonaire, Ms. Marugia Janga and the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Mr. Ronald Plasterk, signed the protocols that regulate this in the presence of the Chairman of the National Restoration Fund, Prof. Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven. St. Maarten and St. Eustatius already signed a protocol earlier.
The monumental buildings of olden days remind the inhabitants of the islands as well as tourists from the Netherlands and other parts of the world of the way the rich and complex culture came about. It also helps people understand their origins, who they are and, therefore, also how to continue together.
The Islands are going to designate monuments and historic buildings for protection and the money is intended to help private owners and foundations with the financing of often expensive restorations of monuments and historic buildings. To that end, they can get a loan with low interest with which the financial burden of the restoration can be mitigated. The redemption of the loans will be used again to provide other owners with loans, due to which a continuous flow of money for the preservation of monuments and historic buildings in the Antilles gets into stride.
The Islands can ask for support from the National Agency for Cultural Heritage and the National Restoration Fund. Although by no means all monuments and historic buildings can be restored with this money, it is an important step in giving the preservation of monuments and historic buildings in the Antilles and Aruba a strong stimulus.
Philipsburg:---Seventeen local pathfinders led by Pathfinder Director Jacklin Standford, counselors and instructors will be representing St. Maarten at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, from August 11-15, 2009. Oshkosh is a city in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, United States, located where the Fox River enters Lake Winnebago. Oshkosh was named after the Native Indian American Menominee Chief Oshkosh, whose name meant “claw.” Pathfinders may have an opportunity to see the Menominee Indian Reservation there.
According to Terry J. Peterson, deputy director of the Rangers Pathfinder Club, “this World Camporee is one of the biggest youth gatherings for teens world-wide. Over 35,000 youth and young adults will be coming together from over 200 countries to celebrate Pathfindering, have fun and fellowship together under the theme: “Courage to Stand.” The International Pathfinder Camporee only happens once every five years and is a unique opportunity for our young people to experience a global life changing experience. Moreover, they will be ambassadors of our friendly island promoting our heritage of peaceful coexistence, adventure, and international friendship.”
Pathfinders are a worldwide co-ed organization of young people 10 to 16 years. Activities encouraged range from community/civic service projects both in their home community and across the globe to nature and environmental conservation studies to camping and high adventure trips. Pathfindering challenges the unique talents of each member. Pathfindering is built on an age-specific curriculum of six class levels along with approximately 250 specialized skill development topics covering arts and crafts, aquatics, nature, household arts, recreation, spiritual development, health, and vocational training. These often serve as a launching point for lifetime careers or hobbies. Active members of the Pathfinder Club enjoy club meetings, leadership training, camping and service adventures designed to develop survival skills and outstanding citizenship. The Pathfinder Club also offer a wide range of activities including, but not limited to activities promoting community pride & involvement through outreach activities such as helping in meals and wheels soup kitchens, collecting food for the disadvantaged, cleaning & maintaining communities and parks, and visiting and encouraging the elderly; and Interactive training in a variety of recreational, artistic, nature, conservation, vocational, and outreach areas, with awards (honor badges) given for successful completion of the interactive training modules.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the pathfinders can call Director Jacklin Stanford at Tel: 0590 878059, 0690878059, or Director Selwyn Corrion Tel. 5562958. Please make all cheques payable to Jacklin Stanford or Selwyn Corrion, Cole-Bay Rangers Pathfinder Club. For more information on the camporee, please visist the Pathfinder Camporee website at www.camporee.org.
Some of the activities the youth will participate in are:
ACTIVITY BOOTHS:
BASKETBALL FREE THROW
BLOOD DRIVE
CANOEING
CROSS TRAINING
DUTCH OVEN - COOKING OUTDOORS S
E-MAIL CENTER
H2O BOTTLE ROCKETS
HOT AIR BALLOON LAUNCH
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
PIN TRADING
FLAG CEREMONIES
DRILL PARADES, RALLIES AND CEREMONIES
REMOTE CONTROLLED CARS
WEATHER ALERT
SPECIAL INTEREST BOOTHS:
SPECIAL INTEREST BOOTHS
AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE
AMATEUR RADIO
RED CROSS
BIKE FOR LIFE
BIRDS OF PREY
HAWAIIAN LORE
INTERACTIVE BOOTH
INTERACTIVE PLANES
JUGGLING SPONSOR
NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTES
NATURE REVEALS CREATOR
OLYMPIC RUN
PETS FIRST AID
PUPPETRY
WAKEBOARDING
INDOOR DAILY ACTIVITIES:
INDOOR DAILY ACTIVITIES
HERITAGE
YOUTH RADIO
ARCHEOLOGY INTERACTIVITY
ART STATION
AMATEUR RADIO
AVIATION SKILLS
BRAILLE TRAIL
CLOWNS
DRAMA AND PUPPETS
EXHIBIT HALL
HEALTH SCREENING
JOSEPH EXPERIENCE
MAGIC OF SUCCESS
MIME
PACK-A-BOX AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
PATHFINDER HERITAGE MUSEUM
PATHFINDERS AND MISSIONS
RADIO CONTROLLED AIRPLANES
RADIO CONTROLLED CARS
SAM CAMPBELL EXHIBIT/STORIES
SCIENCE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES
TEENS ONLY BARN
UKULELE LESSONS
OUTDOOR DAILY ACTIVITIES:
OUTDOOR DAILY ACTIVITIES
ANTIQUE CARS
ARCHERY TARGETS
AVIATOR SKILLS
BALL HOCKEY
BALLOON ANIMALS
BICYCLING ACTIVITY
BIRDING
BLIMP
BUCKING BRONCOS
CAMEL RIDE
DONKEY BASKETBALL
DRILL AND MARCHING CLINIC
DUNKING TANKS
FOOSBALL
FOUR WAY VOLLEYBALL
FRISBEE GOLF
GYMNASTICS
PINEWOOD DERBY BUILDING
PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED AWARENESS ACTIVITY
HELIUM BALLOON RIDES
INFLATABLES
NASCAR EXHIBIT
KITE FLYING
MINING VILLAGE
MIME
NASA MODEL ROCKETS
MODEL RAILROADING
OBSTACLE COURSES
OREGON ROCK
ORIENTEERING COURSE
PATHFINDER TALENT BOWL
PETTING ZOO
PIN TRADING
PRECISION DRILL
SCUBA DIVING
SKI RAMP
SOCCER
STAR STUDY
TEAM CHALLENGES
TEEN ZONE AND TEEN CHALLENGE COURSE
THREE ON THREE BASKETBALL GAME
TUG-OF-WAR
VOLLEYBALL
WATER LAUNCH
YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM
ACTIVITY BOOTHS:
ACTIVITY BOOTHS
BASKETBALL FREE THROW
BLOOD DRIVE
CANOEING ON THE LAKE
LAKE AQUATICS
AIRSHOW
WATER SKI SHOW
CROSS TRAINING
DUTCH OVEN - COOKING OUTDOORS
E-MAIL CENTER
H2O BOTTLE ROCKETS
HOT AIR BALLOON LAUNCH
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
PIN TRADING
REMOTE CONTROLLED CARS
WEATHER ALERT
NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES
CAMPFIRE
TALENT NIGHT
On Saturday, August 8, 2009, the St. Martin Nation Building Foundation and the Association L’ Esprit de Concordia will be hosting a very interesting panel discussion.
This event will be held in celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People as observed by the UN on August 9 of each year.
The theme of this panel-debate will be ‘The State of the Native-indigenous St. Martin People’
In this panel-debate a number of very outspoken and conscious St.
Martiners will be giving an account of the state of affairs of native-indigenous St. Martin People, as well solutions to the many problems facing their country.
The program will be televised live on MSR Cable television network and will be simultaneously broadcast live by SOS Radio 95.9 F.M.
Do not miss out on this very important debate copies of which will also be sent to the UN, CARICOM and other entities as well.
It is about St. Martiners defining themselves and reclaiming their ancestral rights in their own homeland.
Philipsburg: --- Contractors will begin working on the unfinished police cells as of Monday next week. The contracts and further discussion on the work that is to begin was thoroughly discussed on Thursday with the management team of the police force.
A press release from the police department stated that on Thursday August 6 2009, discussions to finalize and upgrade the existing detention cells at the Philipsburg Police Station, took place.
The contract was signed on Monday August 3 by the outgoing Minister Justice Mr. David Dick. The discussions and signing of contracts took place at the Philipsburg Police Station between the contractors and the Police management Team, headed by Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Ademar Doran.
Work on the cells is to commence on Monday August 10 2009 and hope to finalize within 85 working days. The consultant for this construction is Pream N.V. and contractors are: WECC, CECC, and Collaborative N.V. headed by Mr. George GUNN.
The Acting Chief of Police Mr. Ademar DORAN on behalf of the members of the Police Department of Sint Maarten will like to thank those in authority who in one way or the other have made the finalizing of this project possible.
GREAT BAY,– Residents are advised to take preventative measures against mosquito breeding as we move further into the 2009 hurricane season where tropical weather systems will become more prominent bringing rain showers.
Based on preliminary research, there has been no increase in dengue cases on Dutch St. Maarten. However, the Preventive Health Department, advise all to take actions to prevent mosquito breeding.
Contractors on job sites are advised to empty buckets and cover water storage drums and have the site cleaned up at the end of the work day of anything that can hold water even plastic bags.
A special appeal is going out to owners of plots of land to have these checked and cleaned of all overgrown vegetation and debris/old containers that were dumped there and due to the overgrown vegetation cannot be seen. These could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Measures that residents must take to prevent mosquito breeding are:
Debris, old tires, and stagnant water in yards are the source or can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Residents are therefore strongly advised to take action making sure that there is no stagnant water in their yards and roof spouts; and disposing responsibly old tires, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, paint cans, and other items that can collect water around their homes and businesses.
In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these covered. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitos from breeding in the water.
Persons or businesses making use of the landfill in Philipsburg for the dumping of barrels, buckets or anything that can hold water should cut holes into the items to avoid the accumulation of water.
INSTALLATION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS FOR THE YEAR 2009/2010 HELD AT WESTIN DAWN BEACH RESORT & SPA ON AUGUST 1ST, 2009.
From left to Right:
Bernadette Davis: Secretary-President Elect
Marcellia Henry: Vocational Service Director
Claret Connor: Community Service Director/Immediate Past President
Meredith Boekhoudt: Fundraising Director
Martha Pouchie: Club Service Director
Angela Gordon: Sergeant at Arms
Cookie Biljani: Treasurer
Keturah Deweever: Vice President
Peter Dialani: President
Not in Photo: Joseanne Peterson: International Service Director
Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise would like to thank all Sponsors and Rotarians involved in the organization of the Change of Board Ceremony.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise meets at Air Lekkerbek restaurant every Tuesday mornings at 7.00am for fellowship and breakfast. For more information on the club, visit us at sxmsunrise.org
Philipsburg. Founder of the Peridot Foundation Gracita Arrindell, stated “As our foundation promised last May, 2009, Barbara Washington- Franklin, Attorney-At-Law and author of the bestsellers inspirational book; ‘When You’re Down to Nothing, God is up to Something’ is scheduled to arrive next Thursday August 20th and will be speaking the following evening, Friday, August 21st at 8:00 PM sharp at the BelAir Community Center in Cay Hill. The program is ready and will include a choir presentation by the well known and popular local Total Praise Ministries, opening prayers by Pastor Edwin Arrindell and singing of the Sint Maarten Song by the lovely and talented Miss Tatiana Gibs.”
Arrindell said she read the book carefully and was very much inspired by what she read. The stories are based on anyone’s day-to-day life’s experience and she must say often when reading it, the content brought a broad smile to her face and warmed and uplifted her spirits in facing the challenges of daily life. This experience is worth sharing with anyone who is open to the good news of the Holy Book.”
“Barbara is a top attorney and outstanding business woman and has been featured in several newspapers and magazines among others, Washington Women Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Vogue Magazine as well as the Washington Afro- American Newspaper. The author will also do a book signing at the upcoming event. “We have received many positive responses to our posters located at several locations on Sint Maarten and are expecting a good turn out.” Books will be available for sale and signed by the author. We take this opportunity to thank our sponsors who without their generous support, this exciting event would not have been possible. Peridot will provide its heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors during program. We urge everyone to please come on time. Remember, let us combat the hate and violence together and continue to ‘Guard those we may lose.’
Philipsburg:--- St. Maarten: NAGICO Insurances provided a donation to the Cole Bay Rangers Pathfinder Club so that they may attend the World International Pathfinder Camporee held in Oshkosk Wisconsin which started on August 11th and will run through to August 15th, 2009. The donation, made on August 3rd, 2009 at NAGICO head office allowed twelve (12) pathfinders and five (5) counselors to attend the event. According to the Cole Bay Rangers Director Jacklin Standford, “We were very excited to hear that NAGICO would provide the Pathfinders with financial assistance for this trip.”
The International Pathfinder Camporee only takes place once every five years and is one of the largest youth gatherings for teens worldwide. Approximately 30,000 youth and young adults were expected to gather from over 200 countries for this unique opportunity to have fun and fellowship together. Deputy Director of the Pathfinders Mr. Terry Peterson stated, “The Pathfinders are very pleased with the donation that NAGICO has been able to provide. NAGICO understands that social responsibility within a community is very important. They understand that this event will be a life changing, and that it will not only benefit the participants but the entire community.
The theme for the International Pathfinder Camporee was “Courage to Stand” and included daytime activities and positive night time programs. Community service which is one of the pillars of the Pathfinder organization will also be focused on.
GREAT BAY– At 5.00pm the National Hurricane Center out of Miami has downgraded Tropical Storm Ana from a storm to a depression.
The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service stated at 4.00pm that the Tropical Storm Watch for St. Maarten may be discontinued Sunday night or Monday morning.
The decision taken at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) earlier Sunday afternoon to keep schools closed on Monday, August 17 as a precautionary measure remains in effect. Schools are to open on Tuesday, August 18. According to the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service, there should be an increase in clouds, winds and sea conditions tonight and early morning hours of Monday. A small craft warning has been issued for the islands.
Businesses can operate as usual and all government offices will be open for business. Motorists are requested to exercise a level of caution due to the possibility of localized flooding in low lying areas. Residents living in hill side areas should be vigilant for rock falls that may be caused by any heavy rainfall.
The Public Works Department has been busy clearing waterways, gutters and drainage areas in preparation for any likely flooding. An artificial waterway will be created at the Great Bay beach near the Fresh Water Pond. Water levels in the Salt Pond are at a sufficient level to accommodate additional runoff water.
Former Tropical Storm Ana on Sunday at 8.00pm was located approximately 85 miles East of Dominica. Maximum wind speeds are near 35 miles per hour with higher gusts. The depression is rapidly moving Westward at 25 miles per hour.
Little change in strength during the next 24 hours is not expected and the poorly organized depression could even become a Tropical Wave later tonight.
Tropical Storm Bill as of 5.00pm this afternoon has strengthened further and is located about 1440 miles East of the island chain with maximum wind speeds of 65 miles per hour. This system does not form any threat to the island at this point in time. Bill is moving West North West at 16 miles per hour. Bill could become a hurricane tonight or on Monday.
PHILIPSBURG— On the 12 and 13 of August 2009 a AGO start conference was held for the St. Maarten Vocational Training School. The Department of Educational Research Policy in collaboration with the Insular Department of Education; USONA; Fide, Curacao and the SMVTS organized this conference.
The main objective of the start conference was to appraise every stakeholder of the developments pertaining to the Arbeidsgericht Onderwijs (AGO) program and what this means for the SMVTS. The English translation of AGO is Labor Market Oriented Education (LMOE). In essence, this program is a very practical program that targets a specific group of students. This group of students will receive a hands-on education in small groups geared at preparing them for immediate entrance to the labor market.
The structure, procedures, and methods used in this program are different than those used at a traditional Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education (PSVE) and as such, additional information was needed for the school. How these two educational programs will interact at the SMVTS was also a point of discussion during the conference.
An evaluation of this conference has shown that the start conference was in general well received by the staff of the SMVTS. Staff members said they left the conference armed with new information and a will to work on the implementation of this new educational program.
This start conference was the first step taken in tackling the challenge of gaining proper accreditation for the SMVTS. In the future, the school will be working on both the LMOE and PSVE programs to be implemented at the school, seeking temporary status, and working out other challenges on the educational, organizational, and infrastructural front. The SMVTS is not the only one with work ahead; the island government has also some work to do in order to adequately usher in this new educational system for the SMVTS. A collaboration of efforts from the school itself, DERPI and FIDE, Curaçao will be necessary to bring these future plans to realization.
Pointe Blanche:-- The captain of the Carnival Glory departed the St. Maarten Cruise facility less than two hours after it anchored. Keith Franka Director of the St. Maarten Port Services said the captain took the decision due to rough seas.
Franka said due to hurricane bill the swells at the Great Bay harbor were very high and the captain felt leaving St. Maarten was in the best interest for ship and its passengers.
St. Kitts:---Leader of the Peoples Action Movement (PAM) Lindsay Grant has made a stinging accusation against the Federation’s Prime Minister, Dr Denzil Douglas accusing him and his administration as acting like vultures picking at the flesh of a dying nation. Grant said that his observation of this action has been further confirmed by the conduct of the Prime Minister and his allies over the past several weeks and more recently during the current ongoing court battle, citing what he sees as the wanton abuse of the Federation’s finances as a point of reference.
He also made a passionate appeal to all for civil disobedience and for the various constituencies in the federation to mobilize and commence their own struggles in a serious bid to rid the Federation urgently and immediately of the injustices being perpetrated against society by the Douglas led administration.
Grant assured that he nor his PAM party has no intentions of retracting noting that they will continue to execute their house to house visits in an effort to ensure that all are made aware of what is happening. He also suggested that his party is contemplating preparing a petition that will be taken to several international organizations such as the United Nations of which St Kitts and Nevis is a signatory to many of its convention.
Grant said that of the fifteen year of Denzil Douglas rule, “and in particular the years, 1995 to 2009, Kittitians and Nevisisians must seriously ask the question, how much better off are we as a people while we see the Prime Minister owing some 15 odd properties thus he being able to claim that its Working while the ordinary man and woman are hurting.”
The PAM leader said there is no country that is going to create wealth if its leaders “exploit the economy to enrich themselves, or if civil servants can be bought off by its leaders who are known to be involved in questionable deals and acts.”
He noted that no business would want to invest in a place where there is widespread corruption citing a recent US advisory to the citizens of the United States of America which warned its people and others to desist from investing and or conducting business in St Kitts and Nevis. “This is certainly a sign that not only the local and regional communities are aware of what is happening but also the international community is cognizant of the corrupt practices and bad governance of Dr Douglas and his team,” Grant declared.
“No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery while for the past 15 years we have not been able to see Law and Order Working.” According to Grant, who will be contesting the parliamentary seat of number four his current struggle in Sty Kitts and Nevis was in his capacity as a citizen who has and still continues to contribute significantly to the social and economical sectors and that 15 years is a more than significantly adequate marking period to determine the effectiveness of the St Kitts and Nevis Labour party’s management of the Federation’s resources.
“The scorecard shows embarrassing failure, particularly from 2000 to present…In the education system those with parochial custody would not allow their charge a term or two of failure, without instituting corrective measures to halt their decline…Appropriate measures would be taken, for without remedial action, failure becomes the defining characteristic and is coupled alongside lost opportunities,” the PAM leader stressed.
Grant questioned what “we as a people do in light of a failing state, an immoral, lawless government that continues to see the prime Minister publicly claiming that he is 10 man in one and has demonstrated it is prepared to have relationships with known questionable characters; a government that is prepared to transgress the constitution; disrespect the court and its orders, discriminate and victimized because of one’s political; conviction.”
According to Grant, the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has had a proud history of struggle from the era of chattel slavery to independence status and “as a people, we have struggled against previous regimes, from colonial to local…By comparison these look like angels to what we currently face.”
The PAM leader posited that what has changed in St Kitts and Nevis from 1995 to now is, “our will to resist, unifying against oppressive forces, to recognize the enemy of the PAM man is also the enemy of the Labour man, the CCM, NRP and all others in St Kitts and Nevis.”
Philipsburg:--- The Windward Island of Chamber of Labour Unions met over the weekend to further discuss the situation regarding pensioners. In a press release, the unions said even though long overdue, it was very nice to hear that senior citizens will soon be entitled to Health Care Coverage through the SVB.
The fact that this new law is being proposed at the eve of “separate status” we must consider its potential implications for country St. Maarten. Along these lines, the Windward Islands Chamber of Labor Unions (W.I.C.L.U.) met in an urgent meeting over the weekend to which Mr. Neil Henderson was an invitee, particularly since the subject matter is one of Insurance.
In the meeting, it became evident that some key questions must be answered by Parliament.
Based on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) 2009, the Netherlands Antilles has 29.228 senior citizens.
To name a few questions that should be answered prior passing this Law are;
A. What is the projected premium income for the coming 20 years?
B. What are the projected expenses over the coming 20 years?
Lets’ all consider the following math.
Say, we have 30.000 senior citizens in the Netherlands Antilles.
- Say the average AOV income is Nafls.500.= per month (since we need to live 45 years in the Neth. Ant. to qualify for the max. AOV income, which is currently Nafls.726.-)
- Say the premium is 10.4% of Nafls.500.- = Nafls.52.= per insured p/m.
- Say the annual premium income is 30.000.x 52 = 1.560.000,00 p/m.x 12 months = 18.720.000.00 p/y
- Say, statistically we live up to age 76 in the N.A. it will mean that we should calculate having to pay premium for a period of 16 years.
This will result in 16 yrs. x 18.720.000.00 = 299.520.000.00
When St. Maarten goes “Separate Status” in a few months, how do we secure that the premiums are collected (should the S.V.B. seize to exist in its current form?
To give an example of the financial responsibilities towards the Senior citizens, only (thus excluding the employees and their dependants whom must also receive benefits):
- If each senior citizen consumes an average of Nafls.9.000.00 in health care services per year we must secure the funds based on this simple math:
- 30.000.00 Senior Citizens x Nafls. 9000 = 27.000.000.000.00 x 16yrs. = 432.000.000.00
When St. Maarten goes “Separate Status” in a few months, how much of this debt will we be responsible for?
We must make it perfectly clear that ABSOLUTELY no one is against the senior citizen having medical coverage, FORTHWITH.
However, let us also give due consideration to make good on these promises to:
- The senior citizen,
- The employees under S.V.B. level and their families as well as,
- The sole proprietor, which include bus and taxi drivers
Our senior citizens have been faced with embarrassing situations in distant and recent past where medical benefits have been denied. In addition, we recently had a Court ruling that basically justifies care being denied if the insurer falls short of certain obligations.
We are sure that everyone would like to know if this Law is going to be revisited in an effort to avoid recurrences.
This article is not per say scientific but merely a means of provoking each stakeholder and/or beneficiary of SVB medical coverage to start thinking hard.
In fairness to the beneficiaries of this proposed new Law, it is the firm believes of the W.I. Chamber of labor unions that Parliament holds information sessions in St. Maarten and allows all stakeholders and beneficiaries to not only understand the TOTAL implications of this proposed Law but more importantly give their input.
We also feel that due consideration must be given to the possibility of allowing St. Maarten the option to take care of its own senior citizens.
This is we believe is a justifiable option since we only have 2693 senior citizens.
Windward Island Chamber of Labour Unions
GREAT BAY:---– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) has changed its protocols of operation related to Influenza A Pandemic (H1N1) virus. Some of these changes are in line with international World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in managing the treatment of patients infected with the virus.
Persons suspected of having the pandemic H1N1 virus are requested to refrain from visiting the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) Emergency Room, and should remain at home. You should call your family physician who will advise you further and as a last resort you can call the PHD.
The second change in protocol is that the anti-viral medication Tami flu will only be given to certain classic risk groups also identified as persons with an underlying medical condition, namely pregnant women in the third trimester; persons with severe immune deficiency who are at an increased risk for complications of flu; persons with a heart condition; persons with a more severe/complicated course of disease and or/who are admitted to hospital; and children younger than two-year-of age. Once it is suspected that a person from a risk group has pandemic H1N1, they will receive treatment.
On August 21, the WHO issued guidelines for the use of antiviral medication. The guidelines represent the consensus reached by an international panel of experts who reviewed all available studies on the safety and effectiveness of these drugs.
Worldwide, most patients infected with the pandemic virus continue to experience typical influenza symptoms and fully recover within a week, even without any form of medical treatment.
Healthy patients with uncomplicated illness need not be treated with antivirals. On an individual patient basis, initial treatment decisions should be based on clinical assessment and knowledge about the presence of the virus in the community.
Worldwide, around 40 per cent of severe cases are now occurring in previously healthy children and adults, usually under the age of 50 years. Some of these patients experience a sudden and very rapid deterioration in their clinical condition, usually on day five or six following the onset of symptoms.
The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with a flu-like-illness to remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities.
This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Tourists are hereby advised if they develop a flu-like illness while vacationing on the island, to contact the PHD immediately.
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.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
TA number of persons representing Civil; Society, Non Governmental Organizations and various Political parties in St Kitts and Nevis have condemned St Kitts and Nevis Labour Spokesman reporter Lesroy Williams.
They have all issued a passionate appeal to the Leader of the St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party, Dr Denzil Douglas and Williams employer, the Hon Nigel Carty to immediately address the situation noting that Williams has and severely continues to abuse and bypass all the various decency and tenancy of basic journalism.
A joint statement issued by several media practitioners issued independently stated, “We fellow media operatives of St Kitts Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, St Maarten, St Lucia, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines are shocked, horrified and saddened at the notorious and reprehensible unethical conduct of Lesroy Williams who should be operating as a journalist, they said in a statement sent to the St Kitts Nevis Insider last evening.
The media practitioners reiterates that such behavior is a stranger to what is usually and acceptably practiced by media workers here and throughout the region and in no way speaks to its character, the statement said.
A number of representatives from various political parties including the Peoples Action Movement (PAM), Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) and the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) have indicated this utter disgust and dissatisfaction by the relevant persons in cautioning Williams over his unprofessional conduct.
A number of persons from civil society have called for immediate action to be taken by the Government and more so, the St Kitts Nevis Labour party and urged that the party undertake rigorous internal scrutiny to prevent the reoccurrence of such behavior by Williams and or any other individual in the employ of the party.
Meanwhile, contrary to continuous reports being peddled by Williams and the St Kitts Nevis Labour party, the Peoples Action Movement (PAM) wishes to categorically state that the allegations being made against two of its candidates in Ronald ‘Lui’ Williams and Roy Fleming stating that they are holders of triple and dual citizenship respectively are false and without substance.
The party wishes to state that neither Williams nor Fleming has veer held or currently holds citizenship for any other country outside of St Kitts and Nevis. In the past, operatives of the St Kitts and Nevis Labour party has publicized, printed and circulated information which sought to misguide and mislead the public deliberately.
This, the party said was done despite the lack of evidence to support their reportage. Though requested, there was no retraction or end of those reports by the Public Relations team of the St Kitts Nevis Labour party and some of its candidates.
Once again, PAM wishes to reiterate that the Labour Spokesman and Lesroy Williams are misleading the public through the publication and dissemination of information, which is totally devoid of any evidence. The party wishes to reiterate that both Williams and Fleming does not hold triple or dual citizenship and therefore under the circumstances, PAM is requesting that the Labour Spokesman and Lesroy Williams prints and disseminate a full retraction of the scurrilous information in the article.
“The deliberate and ‘unilateral’ approach being taken by the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, the Hon Dr Denzil Douglas must be seen as the latest evidence that the Douglas led Labour administration is determined to undermine the electoral and democratic process in the federation in his effort to remain in power, Political Leader of the Peoples Action Movement (PAM), Lindsay Grant said yesterday.
Grant in expressing his party’s disgust in the manner on which the federation’s affairs are being handled said that this is viewed as a ‘unilateral imposition of undemocratic by Prime Minister Douglas stressing that the Prime Minister is aware that the public has lost faith and hope in his leadership.
Grant said that its time that the Prime Minister respects the rights and wishes of the people that he claims he loves thus ensuring that a government of the people’s choice is elected. He stressed that workers are hard pressed as they seek to make ends meet while battling social, economical, and political challenges as many civil servants are grossly underpaid despite being hardworking.
Grant pointed out that his party has been calling for a more accountable approach by the Government in addressing national issues. He noted that it is total ‘injustice’ and an insult to impose on the residents and citizens of the federation a dictatorial approach which saw strong resistance from former Government Minister the Hon Dwyer Astaphan who stepped down last year while there are reportedly infightings within the party as Ministers Dr Timothy Harris and Sam Condor attempts to resist the style of leadership of the Prime Minister.
Grant noted that his party hopes that the Denzil Douglas led administration will see the light and recognize that the public truly deserve mature, responsible, accountable and creative leadership as they join in battling the many ills facing the worked today.
The PAM leader said that despite the effects of the global financial and economic crisis the Peoples Action Movement had already devised a plan of action, which he said, would have brought significant benefits to all concern. Grant stressed that tourism and financial services, which are significant revenue earners and job providers in the federation, have been severely affected by the crisis. He said that his partly due to a lack of vision and foresight by the current administration noting that creative and innovative style of leadership is not being explored.
Grant stressed that people in the federation are undergoing severe and harsh crisis due to the current economic depression noting that the irresponsible and unaccountable leadership of the Prime Minister. He noted that the real sector has been affected, as a fall in finances in many sector has resulted in less revenue for the federation.
The PAM leader recommended the government should respect the wishes of the people and as such, calls federal elections noting that the longer the PM takes to announce elections will see further depression and frustration by the people.
Philipsburg:---On Thursday August 27 and Friday August 28 a meeting was convened on Sint Maarten to discuss a European Commission funded project for disaster management. This project called Regional Risk Reduction Initiative (R3I) will benefit the Dutch and British Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT’s). The project is being coordinated by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) office in Barbados and was launched in March 2009 in Barbados. The present meeting is being held to discuss the project document and the annual work plan. Furthermore a project board is selected and working groups installed.
The objective of the project is to “develop the local capacities of the overseas countries and territories and provide them with tools (special data infrastructure and models) and best practices to support a comprehensive disaster risk management approach” and “capacity building in disaster risk management”. The project provides 4.9 million Euro for joint projects for the Dutch and British OCT’s.
Main project outputs will be:
- hazard mapping and vulnerability assessments;
- early warning systems;
- capacity building in response, rescue and recovery;
- technical assistance to OCT’s;
- coordination, training and dissemination.
Sint Maarten is very proud to be able to host this two day meeting at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. Fire Chief and Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon addressed the gathering during the opening session on behalf of the Island Territory of Sint Maarten. Mr. Salomon welcomes this initiative and is looking forward to more regional cooperation in the field of disaster management. With the transition to Country Sint Maarten cooperation with the region is deemed extremely important. The following OCT’s are in attendance: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands; Sint Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Turks & Caicos Islands and Montserrat. Representatives from regional and international organizations are also attending.
SIMPSON BAY - Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation Managing Director Russell Voges, announced that repair works at the bridge have been completed and that regular opening for maritime traffic resumed on Saturday, August 29.
The first vessel to enter the lagoon was the Netherlands Antilles/Aruba Coast Guard Vessel Poema. This was a special opening that took place on Friday after the pontoon was removed from under the bridge deck.
The normal three-times per day openings are 9.30am, 11.30am and 5.30pm.
Motorists are advised that they should carefully observe the traffic lights that have been installed to increase vehicular safety in and around the bridge especially when it comes to alerting drivers to stop in an orderly manner in order to facilitate the opening of the bridge. Cars are required to stop as soon as the green light jumps to yellow and then to red.
Small craft are required to make use of the port channel. Jet Ski’s are not allowed to pass under the main bridge channel with their waterspout up as this causes serious corrosion of the steel structure. Jet Ski riders must turn down their water spouts and pass through the port channel.
Considerable investments have been made to the bridge and everyone has a role to play in the longevity and safety of the bridge structure including those who transit in and out of the lagoon.
Hofman Sliedrecht NV will be back in November to carry out inspections to the bridge structure to make sure that everything is in order for the 2009/2010 mega-yacht season.
“The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority would like to thank the public, motorists, captains and owners of vessels for their endurance during the repair period.
“I would also like to thank the following companies for their contribution in the repair work of the bridge, Hofman Sliedrecht NV, St. Maarten Marine Services NV, Seacure Marine Construction NV, Hismar NV, Djindja NV, C&H Electrical Construction and Electec NV,” Voges stated on Saturday.
Philipsburg: --- The island council carried the amendments of the articles of incorporation for the St. Maarten Telecommunication Company and the St. Maarten Medical Centre on Monday. Some ten island council members were present to vote for the amendments, which was put forward by the executive council since August 13. Of the ten votes cast, nine voted in favour of the amendments while Island Council member Petrus Leroy De Weever said he was not voting for something he did not see.
De Weever said he requested the names and credentials of the permanent committee and to date he has not received them. He said he cannot vote for something that would never get back on the floor of the island council, shortly after making his statements De Weever said he would abstain from voting and headed for the door, but the chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards called out to him saying its either for or against since he is present at the meeting. De Weever then said he opted to vote against the motion.
Island Councilman Roy Marlin prior to voting reminded the chairman that during the discussion the island council was promised copies of the article of incorporation of the other government owned companies. He said the island council needed to have the articles for the airport and harbour, both the old articles and the amended version, which is still forthcoming from the executive council.
Also addressing the same issue was island council lady Sarah Wescot Williams who said that outside of the articles of incorporation they also have to receive certain answers that were posed to the executive council. Wescot Williams said her faction would be submitting their request to the executive council in writing and they also expect the executive council to send them the answers in writing. While island council lady Maria Buncamper-Molanus said, she believes every member of the island council is disappointed with the actions that led to where they are today. She said he hope in the future the island council would be able to conduct itself in a more professional manner particularly how they view the actions of the executive council.
Leader of government William Marlin also addressed the council prior to casting his vote, Marlin said it is clear to the National Alliance/ Heyliger and Laveist government that the issue of voting for the amendments could have been put to rest earlier. He said that the only reason the members of the opposition walked out of the island council is because they realised that the executive council did not have the majority that day and they needed them for a voting quorum. Marlin said in the past there were several adjournments something they are used to and it is unfortunate that members of the Democratic Party chose to play politics simply to delay the process. He said he hoped that the DP faction realised that their actions are only hampering St. Maarten and not the executive council.
St. Maarten– Winair has advised that based on the latest information and projections from the meteorological services it would like to advice passengers that they may be some interruptions of its flights for Wednesday September 2, 2009.
This is as a result of the anticipated passage of Tropical Storm Ericka, however the company continues to monitor the progress of this system.
Winiar will maintain normal business operations; however, passengers should continue to check with their local airport for further updates.
Philipsburg:--- A committee comprising of about 15 persons met yesterday with commissioner of Culture Hyacinth Richardson to discuss the preparations that are underway for this year’s St. Maarten Day. This year marks the 50th anniversary celebration, which would take place on the Dutch side of the island. Chairman of the committee Fabiana Arnell calls on the private sector to join them as they prepare to once again celebrate the island’s culture. Arnell also calls on all other cultures living on St. Maarten to also make contact with the committee so that they can also participate in the cultural activities planned for that day.
In the meantime, commissioner of culture Hyacinth Richardson has promised a grand celebration, reasons why he said the committee was broadened. He said several members of the private sector including someone that would look out for environmental issues has been added to the committee. The commissioner and his team would soon release the “theme for this year’s celebration.
Airport,– Winair has announced that there will be a number of changes to its schedule for Thursday, 3rd September 2009.
We would like to indicate that despite the following destinations Nevis, St Barths, Statia and Saba operating normal today they would join the other destinations tomorrow in not operating.
As such, we would also like to inform that the planes that are usually kept in St Maarten, Nevis and Antigua have been routed to St Lucia where they will remain until the passage of Tropical Storm Erika.
Therefore, passengers with confirmed bookings to the affected destinations are asked to contact Winair or their travel agent before heading to the airport.
Passengers are advised to contact their local airports and continue monitoring radio stations for further updates.
Winair will continue to issue further Advisories so as to ensure that passengers are effectively kept informed.
Philipsburg:---This week marks another anniversary of the passing of hurricane Luis.
It has been 14 years since this deadly storm hit St. Maarten, leaving behind a trail of material damage and human suffering, previously unknown to this island.
Steadfast, devoted and resilient, it is the people of St. Maarten that will forever be remembered for doing an extraordinary job in getting the island back on its feet, in the wake of hurricane Luis.
It is against this background that I wish to send a clear message regarding what was, once, the island's flagship institution.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the 600-room Mullet Bay Resort and Casino was one of the finest resorts in the Caribbean.
Today, during the last seconds of an airplane's approach, our visitors are exposed, as a first impression, to roofless ruins of two-level buildings littering a large golf course, in an area looking like a war zone.
There have been ample opportunities for the property owners to demonstrate some seriousness towards resolving this situation in a decisive manner. This has not been the case and for 14 long years, the public has had to bear witness to a lack of accomplishments in this matter.
While insurance money had been released after the 1995 disaster, we have had to endure legal battles between the individual owners of the condominium units and the former managing company.
The period for excuses has now passed. It is high time that significant deeds get underway, starting with the property owners and former managing company.
The people of St. Maarten deserve better and the present situation cannot continue without being addressed, once and for all.
The same can be said about abandoned buildings in the Cupecoy area, left behind as dilapidated structures. Here too, the situation must be resolved in the shortest possible period of time.
Philipsburg:---On Friday September 4th two patrols of the Zero-Tolerance Team were sent to the Prins Willem Alexander School in Sint Peters where an eleven year old student from that school was caught with a large butcher knife in his bag. At the school, police officer spoke to the principal of that school who stated to the officers that she had received information that the student in question was in possession of the knife and when she searched his bag the knife was found.
The student has been identified with initials R.M. stated to the officers that he along with another student with initials J.W. also 11 years old intended to stab a female student attending the Sint Peters Christian Hill Side School with whom for some time now he has problems. Both students were taken to the Philipsburg Police Station and their parents were called to the station. The knife was confiscated for further investigation. The case was handed over to the detectives of the Juvenile Division who will continue the investigation.
GREAT BAY Commissioner of Culture Hyacinth Richardson and the St. Maarten’s Day 2009 Committee want to involve the community of St. Maarten in selecting the theme of this year’s St. Maarten’s Day celebration, which is its Golden Anniversary—50 years.
“St. Maarten’s Day is probably the most important day on the calendar in terms of celebrating our heritage; it is a day marked by togetherness. As a gesture of such, I would like the public to submit their theme to the St. Maarten’s Day Committee,” Commissioner Richardson said.
The submission process will last for a period of one week, beginning Monday, September 7th and ending Friday, September 14th. The theme has to be accompanied by an explanation as to why they chose the theme for St. Maarten’s Day.
After the last day, out of the many suggested themes that were submitted, the committee will select one theme as the official theme for St. Maarten’s Day 2009.
That person will be recognized as the competition winner and will be awarded a gift and handed a token of appreciation from the committee and the commissioner.
Persons entering the St. Maarten’s Day Theme Competition should submit their suggested theme and explanation to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., along with their full name and contact information.
“This is the one day of the year when our entire community comes together in unity to reflect and celebrate St. Maarten, its culture and the blessings our island has given us. When coming up with a theme we are hoping that people will really think about what St. Maarten means to them,” chairlady Fabiana Arnell said.
The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten Netherlands Antilles, International Committee Director, Mr. Manoj Alwani along with Committee Members Mr. James Ferris, Mr. Bert Hofman and Mr. Stef Rumeser, in recognition of World Literacy Day, are proud to present their Dictionary Project. This project entails providing each Grade 3 student their very own English dictionary. The timing coincides with the practice of providing the student their first dictionary during their 3rd school year. This was a great opportunity for the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten to step in, making a difference where there was a need for more dictionaries. The Dictionary Project will be undertaken over the next couple of weeks with over 1000 dictionaries to be presented allowing each child to own, keep and use their very own dictionary.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—The Committee for St. Maarten’s Day 2009 and the Commissioner of Culture, Hyacinth Richardson, are asking all uniformed and cultural groups in the community of St. Maarten to attend an information meeting on Thursday, September 10th 2009.
The Uniformed groups are asked to attend the 7:00pm session and the cultural groups are requested to attend the 8:00 pm session.
The meetings will take place in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall of the Government Administration Building.
St. Maarten’s Day will once again experience two types of parades, namely, the official uniformed parade and the cultural parade.
The uniformed parade is open to all uniformed groups on the island from the Police Force of the Netherlands Antilles to the various scouting groups.
As for the cultural parade, this is open to all groups and/or organizations that would like to participate.
As we are looking forward to yet another grand St. Maarten’s Day celebration with a day full of activities and fun events for all, we are looking for the total involvement of all persons and/or organizations to make this event an extraordinary one.
Philipsburg:----Last week, August 31 thru September 3, 2009 , Cycle II FBE teachers participated in the Mathematics & Science trainings prepared by Sergeant Training International (STI)
The STI consultancy was awarded the contract from DERPI to prepare and execute the module for Mathematics & Science for the Teacher Retraining & Upgrading Program. This module is part of the mandatory Teacher Retraining & Upgrading Program for the Cycle II FBE teachers as stated in the Law for Foundation Based Education.
(Earlier this year during a working visit Minister O. Leeflang stated that all teachers working in FBE schools should have completed all the retraining & upgrading programs by the end of 2011 in order to meet the requirement of the Law regarding qualifications of a teacher in FBE schools. see Article 4- item 1.1 a & b Proof of competency)
The Mathematics & Science trainings have been divided in two phases;
• Phase I: August 31st thru September 3rd, 2009
September 28th thru October 1st, 2009
November 23rd thru November 26th, 2009
• Phase II: will continue during the new school year
The training days have been divided over the five (5) school boards in the following way:
Training for Cycle II FBE teachers:
Public Schools will be attending the trainings on Mondays,
Catholic Schools & the S.D.A. school will be attending the trainings on Tuesdays
Hillside & M.A.C. Schools will be attending the trainings on Thursdays.
Each training day is from 8:00 a.m. thru 4 p.m. and the Executive Council along with the Ministry of Education W.I. has given permission for these trainings to take place on the above mentioned dates.
At then end of each day, the participants were asked to fill in an evaluation form.
Here follows a sample of comments made by the participants in response to the questions on the evaluation forms
Please make comments that would help us to improve the workshop.
What Went Well?
Interesting – learnt a lot about patterns, and a lot of skills in math
Very informative and useful
Contents well delivered by presenters
Practical activities meaningful
Looking forward to next workshop
Great science simulation on mixed ability classroom
What Would You Like Us To Do Differently?
Got concepts but more examples on elementary level math
Next time more actual situations will be appreciated in math
Too long on one skill in math
Copy the science activities so we can use in our class
The abovementioned training is being organized by DERPI with funding from USONA through the Project Programma Onderwijs & Jongeren 2008- 2012
COMPUTER TRAINING FOR CYCLE II TEACHERS
One of the fundamentals of Foundation Based Education (FBE) is the use of ICT (Information Communication & Technology) in the classroom. The students are introduced to the computer in Cycle I and learn how to use and operate the computer to gain knowledge and do research.
Over the years DERPI has provided all FBE schools with computers for the classrooms through funding for education projects received through USONA.
During the school year 2008-2009 DERPI received requests from FBE School board representatives as well as from some Cycle II teachers for assistance in organizing computer training for the Cycle II teachers. Teachers also asked for assistance on how to use the computer as an instructional tool.
DERPI commissioned a Digital Literacy Assessment study of all Cycle II teachers, the results indicated that a large number of the teachers were not as computer literate as is demanded for them to operate efficiently in this system.
Presently the training has started with 86 teachers from Cycle II with training in basic training in Computer/ PC – Management, Power Point, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
The 86 training have been grouped according to their computer competency levels.
The training is scheduled to last for four (4) months. Each month the training will focus on one component, which will be Computer/ PC- management, Power Point, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. The sessions are held once a week in the afternoon from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
The Computer institute of The Caribbean has been contracted to provide the training based on the positive results of the ICT training for the FBE school directors during school year 2007 – 2008.
DERPI will look into organizing training in the future for those teachers who are in the category of an advanced level according to the Digital Literacy Assessment.
The abovementioned training is being organized by DERPI with funding from USONA through the Project Programma Onderwijs & Jongeren 2008- 2012.
Commissioner Frans Richardson recently had discussions with representatives of local environmental groups. The meeting addressed current environmental concerns and served as a forum to exchange views and ideas regarding current topics and proposals for sustainable development.
The commissioner was joined by members of his office team, during the discussions. (GIS Photo)
Philipsburg:---On Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Mr. Leopold JAMES, president of the SNBF/L’ Esprit organizations will deliver a power-point presentation entitled ‘ A draft proposal for a Joint-private-public-partnership-Saint Martin-St .Maarten.
Representatives of Government, private sector as well as a number of well known community- and radio personalities from both sides of the island have been invited to this session.
After the presentation those in attendance will be invited to give their input on this draft presentation in order to come to a final proposal and an eventual Memorandum of Understanding.
The organizers are looking forward that such a MOU being signed as part of the celebration of St. Martin’s day, November 11, 2009 in order to add more concrete content to the notion of unity among the people of the island as opposed just the usual annual rhetoric of the officials on that day.
Considering the fact, that short of more concrete examples of real and sustained island-wide partnership and unity in the daily lives of the people from both sides of the island, the event runs the risk of losing its credibility and interests of the people.
Undoubtedly, the proposed partnership has the potential to provide in a long felt lack of meaningful experience of cooperation on all levels in the daily, real-life experience of the residents on both sides of the island.
With this historical proposal from a grass root St. Martin movement, which represents all St. Martiners, regardless of nationality, and which can form a ‘bridge’ for all residents on the island, a new era is about to begin, which can contribute towards removing the current feeling of apathy and despair on the island.
Judging from the mood of the general public, especially of the native St. Martiners, the time for nice rhetoric about cooperation between both sides of the island is over and therefore not following up on this logical grass root St. Martin initiative is not an option.
It is the intention, that in the coming days and weeks, the organizers will be available on the various talk shows and local newspapers, to promote this initiative and to solicit input from the community as well, before presenting a final proposal to the Island government of St. Maarten and the Collectivity of Saint Martin for its ratification on St. Martin Day 2009.
DAWN BEACH--St. Maarten SuperHost (SMSH) is in full swing to prepare its facilitators for the upcoming customer service training sessions with staff of various businesses and organizations. A one-day refresher course was held on Saturday in The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa.
The twelve facilitators were updated on many developments made by Innovative Marketing Creations (IMC), the local SMSH agency and organizations that are interested and/or have dire need for SuperHost customer service training and certification.
This refresher course supplemented the original three-day (20 hours) training that facilitators received directly from the corporate SuperHost representatives based in British Columbia.
Facilitators were re-certified and received their official certificates that put them in the leadership team of St. Maarten SuperHost ambassadors.
“This group is comprised of passionate professionals, rooted in our community who are willing to go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service, and give of their time and effort to teach others the same values. Values that will help to bring St. Maarten back to the level where we can truly stand behind the island’s brand promise of being ‘The Friendly Island,’” said IMC General Manager Jacqueline Louis.
St. Maarten SuperHost tourism customer service certification programme is a very interactive training. Participants experience various scenarios and are completely involved in the process. The certification is valid for two years with refresher courses given throughout that term.
A very detailed follow-up programme evaluates how participants and businesses grow from the course through surveys and mystery shoppers. This allows for the continuation and helps to maintain quality customer service for everyone who has participated in the programme.
Louis said, “Our local facilitators know what it takes to give excellent customer service as proud members of our community. They have been given the charge to uphold the St. Maarten SuperHost standards of quality service, and also to evaluate on a regular basis the various businesses and organizations that have either gone through the training, or need this valuable service.”
SuperHost customer service training was first introduced in 1985 to prepare British Columbia’s tourism workforce to host the world at EXPO ‘86. The programme’s excellence is recognized internationally. After an extensive search for the best in the world, American Express selected SuperHost as its customer service programme.
St. Maarten SuperHost is one of several prestigious agencies certified and licensed to give this consumer service enrichment programme.
SuperHost is now the official consumer training programme for St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA).
PHILIPSBURG—NV GEBE is celebrating its 49th anniversary of providing electricity to St. Maarten, Saba and Statia. The company was established on September 16, 1960, less than 2 weeks after hurricane Donna devastated St. Maarten, destroying the few overhead lines in Philipsburg.
The NV Overzeese Gas- en Electriciteitsmaatschappij (OGEM BV), a Dutch company, established the NV Gemeenschappelijk Electriciteitsbedrijf St. Maarten (GESM) in Curacao to exploit electricity in St. Maarten.
OGEM got a concession for 10 years during which it would manage GESM. The concession was later extended and GESM was renamed GEBE (Gemeenschappelijk Electriciteitsbedrijf Bovenwindse Eilanden) to reflect the expansion of the company’s service to the islands of Saba and St Eustatius.
On Wednesday, January 25, 2006, NV GEBE was transferred from the central government to the island territories of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius. A Shareholders Foundation was established and 100% of the shares, which are owned by the three islands, were transferred to the GEBE Shareholders Foundation. Saba and St. Eustatius each have one representative on the Shareholders Foundation while St. Maarten has three.
NV GEBE has expanded from its small beginnings of electricity for 6 hours a day with a peak of 500 kilowatts, to 24-hours service with a peak of 54 megawatts, an underground distribution grid, and water distribution. A new vision for the company was introduced in 2007 that states that GEBE strives to be the leading utility company in the Caribbean by providing high quality and reliable electricity, water and waste water management services to the Dutch Windward Islands, in a customer oriented and cost effective manner, with a skilled team of professionals that strives to exceed expectations, taking safety and the environment into account.
On the occasion of the 49th Anniversary, GEBE Managing Director, William Brooks, will be featured on the Beverly Hyman show that will be aired on St. Maarten on Channel 15 at 8:30 p.m. as well as on the Valerie van Putten show on PJD2 102.7 at 5:00 p.m. A special showing has been arranged for Saba and Statia on Channel 7. GEBE Managing Direct, ir. William Brooks will be giving an update on the company, the GEBE vision and strategy for the coming years as well as outlining the challenges the company is facing.
GEBE will be celebrating with a company toast to mark the 49th anniversary and begin the preparations for the company’s golden anniversary in 2010.
Philipsburg: ---The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union WICSU (Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union) is keenly following the steps of Lawmakers to address the plight of the SIBA (Sint Maarten Insurance Brokers Association) that is now widely accepted as unfair competition with commercial banks in the Netherlands Antilles as it relates to insurance mediation.
This is a known problem for many years without any action or intervention from competent authorities. That Parliament through the person of Mr. Pedro Atacho is willing to table this matter is commendable.
We have also heard and appreciate the statements from Senator Erno Labega that SIBA will be invited soon to give clarity to the Finance committee of Parliament on this matter, which is not only unfair to its members but also limits the public and by extension our members to freely shop around for affordable insurance coverage.
We have been following this situation for sometime now and feel that customers must be given a chance to shop around, FREELY before buying anything.
With this current practice to force a client to sign-up a document on the spot and tie them to a long-term contract is in our opinion undemocratic.
These are hard economic times and we must do everything in our power as community leaders and government in particular to take care of the financially weaker-ones in our society.
We therefore with keen attention look forward to the commencement of the process to implement legislation that would provide customers the freedom to choose.
WICSU Press Release
World Alzheimer's Day is celebrated on the 21st of September each year. The day was launched with the support of the World Health Organization in 1994. Alzheimer Disease International co-ordinates events and produces and distributes materials around the world. World Alzheimer's Day is a day that unites opinion leaders, people with dementia, their caregivers and family, medical professionals, researchers and the media from all around the world. Having a globally coordinated awareness day sends a strong message to governments and policy makers alerting them of the fact that dementia is a serious health issue which will have serious implications on services and health systems around the world as the world's population grows older. In addition, by focusing on a different message each year, the day can be used to educate and challenge people's misconceptions about dementia. September 21st provides an opportunity for Alzheimer associations around the world to gain recognition and credibility for the work they do, placing themselves in a stronger position to influence opinion leaders and governments.
This year’s theme is “Diagnosing Dementia : see it sooner !”
What do you know about Alzheimer and dementia? How can you decrease your chances of getting Alzheimer or dementia? How can you help someone with Alzheimer or dementia? Why is it important to get a diagnosis in an early stage ? Are our medical professionals updated to recognize the disease in order for people to receive the treatment they need? There is an urgency for all to learn about these diseases and to know how to prevent them in themselves.
What have our legislators in the Netherlands Antilles done so far? The AVBZ ordinance has been passed and we all pay a percentage of our income for the treatment of chronic diseases in our society. Are there funds allocated for support of patients with Alzheimer or dementia? How much is needed to guarantee the Alzheimer or dementia patients and their families their human right to the highest attainable level of health care and their right to live a life in dignity?
Approximately 25 (twenty five) million people worldwide already have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The number will continue to grow as the baby boomers reach the age of retirement. What are the numbers in the Netherlands Antilles?
How to minimize your chances of getting Alzheimer or dementia?
1. Stop smoking! There is nothing positive about smoking. Studies have shown that smoking not only raises your chances of developing dementia, but it also increases your chances of getting other diseases.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Research suggests that the Mediterranean diet staves off the onset of dementia
3. Keep mentally active. Again studies have shown this, to be a way to delay the onset of dementia.
4. Keep physically active. Research indicates that moderate exercise at least a half an hour three times a week is another way to keep dementia from affecting you.
How can we help?
Raise the awareness of the disease. Be informed and start the prevention now. Get information how to help the people with Alzheimer or dementia at home or in institutions for elderly. What is the level of health care for people with Alzheimer or dementia in the Antilles now and what is needed to improve the level of care for Alzheimer patients, dementia patients and their families. Volunteers are needed to assist the families and the institutions with Alzheimer or dementia patients. Contact elderly organizations because they know where help or assistance for Alzheimer or dementia patients and their families is needed. Give your time and/or money. There is still no cure for Alzheimer or dementia. You or someone you know could develop symptoms tomorrow. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia is expensive monetarily, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
Intensifying areas of cooperation is high on the agenda at meetings being held in Tallahassee this week between the city of Tallahassee and St. Maarten.Leader of Government, William Marlin is leading a delegation to the city, on a working visit to coincide with the 10th anniversary of a sister city agreement between Tallahassee and St. Maarten.
On Wednesday, the delegation met with Commissioner Bill Proctor and the director of tourism and economic development, Lee Daniel, among others.
On photo, commissioner Marlin with both Tallahassee officials, joined by delegation members David Christian, in representation of the office of commissioner Frans Richardson, Calvin Mardembrough, section head study financing, Arthur Lugisse and Martijn Miekus of the St. Maarten Tallahassee Foundation. The latter group is coordinating the activities marking the visit.
On Tuesday September 29th 2009, The Commissioner of Transportation Frans Richardson accompanied by Councilman / Senator George Pantophlet met with Taxi Hulp - Chaffeurs stationed at the Princess Juliana International Airport to discuss a number of operational issues.
USS NEWPORT NEWS (SSN 750), a Los Angeles-class submarine, arrives in Curacao for a port visit on 30 September 2009 for a few days. USS NEWPORT NEWS is home-ported in Norfolk, VA, and is commanded by CDR David W. Alldridge, of the U.S. Navy. This submarine was commissioned in 1989, is 360 feet in length and has a crew of approximately 105 officers and enlisted personnel
USS Newport News (SSN 750) is the last ship in this class with its diving planes assigned to the sail structure. NEWPORT NEWS is the third ship in the Navy to bear the name.
The crew will be looking forward to enjoying rest and relaxation opportunities in Curaçao.
NEWPORT NEWS sailors will also devote some of their free time to the local community and conduct a landscaping and clean-up project at the Mgr. Verriet Foundation.
The Mgr. Verriet Foundation for rehabilitation care and a foundation for the mentally handicapped and rehabilitation care joined together to form the SGR group in 2003. The Mgr. Verriet Foundation was established over 60 years ago and together with the umbrella organization has various locations for the care of the handicapped on the island.
PHILIPSBURG - The University of St. Martin (USM) has extended the deadline for applications for the University of the Virgin Islands’(UVI) Bachelor of Arts in Business program to October 27, 2009.
This was announced on Thursday by the USM Admissions Office.
USM has been offering the BA in Business in conjunction with UVI for over two years now. Students in this program attend regular classes and also via a state of the art video-conferencing class room specifically set up for this purpose.
According to Admissions Director Angelique Hazel, several USM graduates have already completed their application to the Bachelor program and their applications will be sent today to the University of the Virgin Islands for timely review and admittance response.
“Other interested applicants, including students who have not attended USM but are in possession of an Associate degree in Business, can still complete their applications at the USM Admissions Office up to October 27, 2009,” Hazel said.
In addition to an Associate degree in Business, applicants for the UVI Bachelor program are required to submit official college transcripts, a US$25 application fee, copy of passport and proof of residency.
“I encourage all interested to take advantage of the extended deadline and complete the application in a timely manner,” Admissions Director Hazel said.
In addition to the abovementioned BA program, enrollment is also open for other USM degree programs.
The Associate of Arts degrees in Business with specializations in Business Management, Accounting and Computer Information Systems, the Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts, and Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education all share the November 6 deadline. The application deadline for both the Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management is July 8, 2010. Applications are currently being accepted for all the degree programs.
Philipsburg: --- Commissioner Frans Richardson reacts to media reports concerning the amount of weapons that was confiscated on school buses. The commissioner said he is not only reacting because he is a commissioner or member of government instead, he is doing so as a St. Martiner and member of the community.
The issue he said he wished to address is the ongoing phenomenon whereby children -- our children, children of our community --find it necessary to arm themselves to go to school.
He said he does not intend to lay blame; since he is not interested in reprimanding the youth, nor the parents, nor the schools nor law enforcement authorities.
This is not the time for it and it does no good to do so.
This is the time for us, as a community, to really take stock of what is happening and to collectively decide what we are going to do about it.
Let us not wait until a child is killed during a fight at school for us to really decide that ‘enough is enough’. Our children are our most valuable resources; they are our pride and joy; they are the ones which will guarantee our continuity as a people.
Our children are the ones who will be left behind to inherit all the good as well as all the bad we leave behind for them today. So, the challenge facing us, as a community, is real; it calls for urgent action.
The published reports and photos of the sharp knives, scissors, machetes and other weapons found on our children travelling by bus to school, in past weeks, is reason for alarm.
It is a wake-up call; it tells us that while we may choose to go about our daily lives as usual, this too, is one of the symptoms of a community in trouble.
The commissioner said he believes that this is calling for decisive measures, starting with the forming of a solid partnership between the public, the community, the schools, the churches, the community councils, parents and all other interested parties, including government.
We need to develop approaches and policies as a community effort.
It is vital that there is a sharing and supporting of the idea that it would be better to be engaged in preventive actions, so that not too much manpower and resources would have to be dedicated to merely reacting to incidents, which have already taken place and which could be avoided.
For this, community cooperation and input is necessary, considering that when it comes to one’s children and how they are likely to behave, parents or guardians usually know that child better than anyone else.
We cannot ignore some of the fundamental reasons, the perceived lack of prospects for the youth and a decline in moral standards, contributing to much of what we are now seeing.
Much of what I state is nothing new; you may have already heard some of it in the past.
If this is so, the question then is, why haven’t we resolved the situation?
Violence in and around St. Maarten’s (mainly secondary school) has long been a source of deep concern; now we have the additional component of dangerous weapons carried on school busses by boys and girls alike.
Today, many St. Maarten residents are touched directly or indirectly by violent acts, such as the tragic incident of last Friday, when a well-known St. Martiner lost his life.
Violence being displayed by our children is thus not surprising. And since violence is present in the wider community, our mission should be expanded to include avoiding violence across the life course.
In an effort to establish more complete violence-related policies, programs and practices, it is proposed to work from a multi-disciplinary platform on the subject of school violence and facilitating the building of bridges between the community, young people, parents, teachers, educators, policy makers and law enforcement agencies.
It is proposed to embark on a mission, which takes into consideration the following:
1. The collection of material and resources on the causes and prevention of school violence and providing direct information services to the public.
2. Offering assistance for the evaluation and development of school violence prevention programs.
3. Establishing prevention and intervention programs.
This point is of particular concern, since some children would tell you that they carry arms out of fear, for protection against other kids.
Of course, in such an environment children cannot excel; they can’t really learn in a setting where they don’t feel safe.
As a community coming together, we can do more to tackle the problem effectively.
It would be great, for instance, if we could draft some kind of partnership plan including the Insular Education Dept., the federal education dept., Public Prosecutor’s Office, W.I.T.U., School Boards, Parents-Teacher Associations, Christian Community Council, Police department, Court of Justice, St. Maarten Youth Council, community councils etc. etc.
But, any initiative would have to be supported by parents and the community at large.
The goal should be to create and maintain a positive and welcoming school climate, free of drugs, violence, intimidation and fear—an environment strongly supported by the community in which teachers can teach and students can learn.
It should be an environment wherein no child travelling to school by bus has any need to carry a weapon of any sort.
As we continue with our preparations for country status, I would want to propose a ‘safe school plan’, as a framework for action that can be used as a guide for current and future planning.
As I said before, sometimes, we are so busy addressing our personal needs, that we tend to overlook what is happening to our community.
We simply do not have the luxury to continue with that kind of mind-set. As a community, we need to address the behavioral aspects of violence prevention.
Establishing a safe school plan is a long-term, systematic and comprehensive process. As with most successful violence prevention interventions, the best safe school plan involves the entire community.
In other words, we need to promote an ongoing relationship with local law enforcement authorities, local businesses and other community organizations.
We need to establish guidelines and procedures for identifying students at risk of violence toward themselves or others.
We need to identify effective violence prevention programs that meet the needs of the school community, including both in-school programs and community programs appropriate for our community.
That is one reason why I continue to champion the benefits of sports programs, as one way to get young children and the youth involved in wholesome activities and off the streets.
We should bear in mind that:
School violence is increasing and the type of violence is also changing. Where it used to be stealing a cellular phone, it has already turned into injury of students.
Why do students commit acts of violence and carry weapons? Some say that it is because of gangs and the lack of supervision by parents.
Studies have also shown that usually violence at school or on the streets is started because of an argument between two young people. So, if we want to avoid violence we need to do more to teach young people how to avoid arguments that grow into violence.
We have a unique opportunity to come up with our own ideas about how our community can start programs to help students work out differences without major arguments that could turn into violence.
A separate remark I would like to make is directed at our youth: stay away from gangs or so-called friends, who tend to use or say they want to use violence!! If you’re already involved in a gang or have any such ‘friends’ ask for help in getting out or get new friends! It is possible!
To the community – particularly to parents – I ask that we consider the five premises that have developed regarding school violence worldwide:
1. Violence in schools begins in the lowest grades. It is not a teenage problem.
2. Violence is not avoided by advertising harsher punishments.
3. Metal detectors and strip searches alone will not stop school violence and children carrying arms.
4. The most effective tools we have to avoid school violence are our ears – let’s try to listen some more.
5. Children who do not like and respect themselves cannot like and respect other children.
In other words: Violence among our youth is not an isolated problem that can be solved at the school or by the school. It is merely a reflection of a way of life of violence and intolerance.
The most important thing that a parent can teach their child is for that child to love and respect himself or herself. A child that is raised to respect himself can respect other people and other things. A child who feels worthless or inferior will seek a way to fill that void in his life- either by belittling other people to whom he or she feels inferior (hating), by aligning himself with a group that will offer him a substitute for self-esteem (such as a gang), or by blinding himself to his feelings of inferiority (such as drugs).
I hope to have contributed somewhat to the public debate of what to do about so many of our youth who need to be guided, protected and cherished.
Great Bay – St. Maarten’s commissioner in charge of aviation affairs, Frans Richardson, is scheduled to meet with senior officials of Wes Jet airlines this week. The discussions are to be held at West Jet offices in Calgary, Canada.
An inaugural West Jet flight, signaling the commencement of regular scheduled service is to take place on November 1 upcoming.
On Wednesday, Commissioner Richardson will be holding meetings with West Jet officials, Duncan Bureau, vice-president Sales & Airline Partnerships; Chris Avery, vice president Revenue & Planning, Marketing; Gregg Saretsky, vice president WestJet Vacations; Lorne Mackenzie, director, Regulatory and Government Affairs; Robert Palmer, manager, Public Relations; Angela Braun, event Customer Service; Kim Brown, manager, Marketing Communications and John Watts, manager, International Regulatory Compliance.
Accompanying the commissioner is Regina Labega, Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and Fernando William, Advisor to the Office of the Commissioner.
Just recently the Council of Ministers of the Netherlands Antilles decided to honor a request to grant West Jet a permit to operate three scheduled flights per week on the route Toronto - St. Maarten and back.
Ever since taking office, Commissioner Richardson has been diligently pursuing the matter of additional airlift out of North America and progress was made with regards to attracting West Jet, a Canadian carrier to provide scheduled airlift service to St. Maarten.
West Jet is to become the first airline to provide scheduled airlift service out of Canada into St. Maarten.

Philipsburg;---On Monday October 5 the Rotary District Governor Errol Alberga accompanied by his lovely wife Leonie started a one week visit of our island. It is an annual visit and a compulsory task that the DG is required to accomplish within the first months of his year. In our District, which spans from the Cayman Islands on the west side to St. Maarten, St. Barths and Anguilla at the eastern border and north to Bahamas, there are some 75 clubs to visit. St. Maarten has two "past" district Governors; Aadu Abel and Reinier Heere. District Governor Alberga, who hails from St. Andrew North Jamaica attended the regular luncheon meeting of the St. Maarten Rotary Club at Divi Littlebay on Wednesday where he was also the speaker. He spoke about the global polio eradication program that the Rotary is part of and he brought a message from the Rotary International President John Kenny, that focused around the importance of the Rotary’s 4 way test of things Rotarians think, say or do: 1. Is it the truth, 2.Is it fair to all concerned, 3. will it build good will and better friendship 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned. The Rotary senior executive lamented on the appreciation expressed by governments around the world to Rotary for the role this volunteer organization plays by means of its community service. Equally the recognition given to Rotary by private organizations for the ability of this service club to get the job done as expected. The Lunch meeting was attended by the Assistant district Governor Mr. Louis Wever and his partner in service, as well as members of the Mid-Isle, Sunrise Club, The Roteract Club and Interact Clubs. Many members were joined by spouses and family members. The District Governor’s visit to St. Maarten will be concluded with a dinner at Captain Oliver’s on Friday October 9th during which he will address members and guests from several Rotary Clubs on Dutch and French St. Maarten.
Great Bay – St. Maarten’s commissioner in charge of aviation affairs, Frans Richardson, is very optimistic regarding the prospects for contributions to be made to St. Maarten’s tourism product, as a result of additional airlift offered by West Jet.
Commissioner Richardson met with senior executives of West Jet at the airline’s offices in Calgary, Canada, last week.
West Jet is scheduled to launch regularly scheduled service originating from Canada on November 1 upcoming.
Commissioner Richardson has disclosed that bookings for flights to St. Maarten are doing extremely well with load factors already in excess of 80% for the first 3 months.
As a result and based on the availability of fleet, West Jet may consider expanding its services to a year-round scheduled service instead of the planned initial seasonal scheduled flights.
The airline plans to commence regular service to St. Maarten, with flights via Toronto. Flight time will be approximately 4 hours, on board a Boeing 737-700 aircraft with 136 seat capacity and satellite TV service available at each seat.
West Jet will be expanding its fleet over the next 3 to 4 years and St. Maarten is expected to play a prominent role in these plans, said Commissioner Richardson.
West Jet is additionally expected to hold discussions with WINAIR on transporting passengers to surrounding destinations using St. Maarten as the hub.
The Canadian airline is meanwhile extremely interested in being updated with regards to marketing information and data regarding St. Maarten in order to further promote the destination throughout the Canadian market.
West Jet officials were impressed with the professional approach of Commissioner Frans Richardson, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau head Regina Labega as well all the parties involved in addressing and attending to their issues within such a short time frame.
MOLINEUX, ST. KITTS—Despite an impressive performance of 65 runs by Montserrat captain Lionel Baker, Montserrat were nowhere in sight of victory against a formidable St. Kitts team. Montserrat could only reply 187 for 9 in response to St. Kitts’ 285 for 5 at the Edgar Gilbert Sporting Complex in Molineux, St. Kitts yesterday in one of the opening games of the Nagico One Day Cricket Tournament. Like the Nevis match played in Cayon, rain shortened play but only by two overs, reducing the match to 48 overs. Within that period, St. Kitts’ Steve Liburd scored 59 runs, but it was the over 110 run partnership between Junie Mitchum and Esroy Powell that cemented St. Kitts’s stamp on the match. Powell was undoubtedly the man of the match after scoring a credible 68 runs not out. St. Kitts got off to a shaky start losing its first wicket at four runs. After Liburd and Shane Jeffers literally gave their wickets away to the bowling of Quinton Boatswain and B. Stephney respectively, Mitchum and Powell stood their grounds and entertained the home crowd with magnificent shot after shot. Powell’s intelligent stroke assured him a spot in future matches in this tournament, which continues today with St. Kitts facing USVI in Molineux. Mitchum on the other end was quite graceful with his strokes and intermittently delivered creative shots that kept the pace of the game before he was out for 56 from the bowling of Lionel Baker.
At the turn of the innings, it was time for the St. Kitts’ bowlers to shine and in the first few minutes, they did. Kevin Hanley showed no mercy to the Montserrat batsmen, easily grabbing two wickets for just 19 runs off four overs. Calvin Williams too had two wickets for 41 runs off 10 overs and Powell, the man of the match also two wickets in eight overs off 39 runs. Montserrat’s top order batsmen failed miserably with Nester Piper bowled by Hanley for four, Damien White gone for four from Williams’ bowling, Dalston Tuitt gone for seven and Shernyl Burns caught at slips for 14 runs from Powell’s ecstatic bowling. Jason Peters who was a fantatic wicket keeper for Montserrat was not good at the bat, going out for four along with Omari Allen who also scored four runs. However, Lionel Baker, in the face of defeat stood tall with a knock of 65 runs despite the heavy offensive bowling attack orchestrated by St. Kitts. He was later joined by the exuberant 17-year-old cricket Tevin Osbourne who meant business the moment he stepped onto the pitch. In 15 minutes, he raced to 20 runs and remained not out on 23. McPherson Meade, the other stalwart on the Montserrat team made 35 runs earlier before being run out. The last ball of the day was met with a hard hitting six boundary shot by Quinton Boatswain who made 10 not out.
Baker’s long stance in the crease was not pleasing to the St. Kitts coach Percy Daniels, who was not completely satisfied with his team’s overall performance. He believed that after starting brilliantly taking the first five wickets in a short time span, the team did not maintain the pressure, which is key in one day cricket. He explained that the game plan against Baker was not implemented. “The general idea is to bowl him outside the off stump, but they were bowling him directly on the wicket,” Daniels said. “If you are bowling him outside of areas he is not familiar with, chances are he will take risks and more risk puts us in a better position to dismiss the individual,” added Daniels.
“They are bonus points to be had from these games, and if we had dismissed the team for under 140 runs, we would have had those points,” Daniels lamented. “The team needs to understand that intensity is until the team is dismissed. We don’t want to have too long a lull….we still have to contain. When you contain a batsman or batsmen, it puts them under pressure to do what they are not used to doing and I did not see that today,” Daniels assessed.
He asserted that they will play competitive cricket today against the USVI and if it means sending an example to other opponents “then so be it.”
Lionel baker on the other hand was pleased with his performance, despite the loss. “At the end of the day we need a net run rate so I was thinking about that. We lost six batsmen when I went in so I was trying to get some batting practice, work the ball around and see how close we could get in the top ten. But unfortunately Macky (McPherson Meade) got run out,” Baker said. The Montserrat captain hopes they will bounce back today. He admitted that. St. Kitts played better today and deserved the win. He also noted that his teammates lapsed after 35 overs and they will have to regain their focus to win their matches today. Montserrat will play Nevis today in Cayon.
GREAT BAY:--– Due to the recent shower activity during the past couple of days, residents are advised to be proactive and take preventative measures against mosquito breeding in order to avoid mosquito-borne diseases developing such as dengue fever, according to the Preventive Health Department.
Contractors on job sites are advised to empty buckets and cover water storage drums and have the site cleaned up at the end of the work day of anything that can hold water even plastic bags.
A special appeal is going out to owners of plots of land to have these checked and cleaned of all overgrown vegetation and debris/old containers that were dumped there and due to the overgrown vegetation cannot be seen. These could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Measures that residents must take to prevent mosquito breeding are:
Debris, old tires, and stagnant water in yards are the source or can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Residents are therefore strongly advised to take action making sure that there is no stagnant water in their yards and roof spouts; and disposing responsibly old tires, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, paint cans, and other items that can collect water around their homes and businesses.
In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these covered. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water.
Persons or businesses making use of the landfill in Philipsburg for the dumping of barrels, buckets or anything that can hold water should cut holes into the items to avoid the accumulation of water.
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – The Civil Registry Department on Pond Island is calling on residents to make sure that the office has their correct physical residential address on file.
This is in preparation for the upcoming Netherlands Antilles Parliamentary elections scheduled for January 22, 2010. In order to receive your voting card, the department has to have the correct address of every eligible voter which would allow them then to participate in the elections by making use of their right to vote.
Persons move from one address to the next and fail to inform the Civil Registry Department of this change. Everybody is required to notify the department of their new address.
Friday, October 23 is the last day that any changes can be made to the voting registry.
In order to facilitate persons who need to update the office as to their current residential address, a special window will be open as of Tuesday, October 20 to Friday, October 23 from 8.00am to 6.00pm.
You are requested to make use of this opportunity. For further information you can call the Civil Registry Department at 542-2457.
Philipsburg: ---On Tuesday, October 20 at approximately 09.25 pm. a police patrol from the Philipsburg District was directed to La Differencia Bar on the L.B. Scot road for a case of ill-treatment. On the scene the patrol encountered the victim in this case with the initials J.O., who had large wound to the left side of his head from which he was bleeding.
The victim stated to the officers that he was beaten by a group of unknown young men for no reason. He further stated that a friend and himself were having some drinks at the establishment in question. After having several drinks he noticed that his friend had become quite intoxicated and he advised his friend to go home. At that same moment he was approached by the young men in question who asked him why he told his friend to go home. These young men seemed not to have been happy with the answer they had received from the victim and for no apparent reason started beating him, which resulted in him having injuries to the to head. The victim was treated on the scene by paramedics and then transported to the SMMC for further treatment. The detective department is investigating this case.
GREAT BAY– Due to the first successful information session that Commissioner of Education William Marlin had with St. Maarten students in Holland on Wednesday evening, a follow-up session is now in the planning.
Due to the positive feedback that S4 received from St. Maarten students who attended the session, S4 is now exploring the possibility of having a repeat session with a larger group of students.
The first session that took place involved 25 mostly first and second year students. The two-hour session took place at the Vrije Universiteit (Free University) in Amsterdam.
Commissioner Marlin updated students about constitutional developments and St. Maarten becoming an autonomous country as of October 10, 2010. Other areas of opportunity in the private sector were also discussed.
Marlin pointed out that the island needed its human resources who were now working in Holland to return home and contribute to the national development of country St. Maarten.
The follow-up session will include St. Maarteners who are working and living in Holland as well as students who were not able to attend the initial information session.
This session could be held during Commissioner Marlin’s working visit to Holland which takes place early November.
GREAT BAY--– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says with October Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming to an end, even after the month has come and gone, women should continue to examine their breast and report anything unusual to their doctors.
PHD commends the women of St. Maarten for maintaining good breast health and stresses that they should teach their daughters, sisters, and female friends about it and to continue to do it on a monthly basis.
PHD says that women need to be more aware and that they should ask their family doctors to teach them how to do breast self-exams. Women need to become aware of their own breast by knowing the normal texture, so if they find something unusual such as a hardened area, then that is a red flag where they should visit their family physician to have it investigated further.
Breast self-exams should be done about a week after a menstruation ends. If you no longer have a period, do a breast self-exam on the same day every month. Watch for any changes from month to month, such as fluid discharge from nipples; a sunken or pulled-in nipple, or a change in nipple angle. Most breast changes are not cancerous but must still be checked by your family physician.
The advice from PHD is the offices contribution to Breast Cancer Awareness and part of PHD’s annual Calendar of Health Observances. The aforementioned is to promote particular health issues or topics during a specific identified time of the year.
There are a number of risk factors for breast cancer. These include smoking and excessive alcohol intake. A woman who drinks two glasses of an alcoholic beverage a day, her risk of breast cancer goes up by 10 per cent, and if she has five drinks per day, it goes up 30 per cent.
Obesity is another risk factor and is related to the fact that obese women produce more estrogen.
Young girls who start their menstruation earlier than age 11 and women who continue to menstruate up to age 55, those who do not breast-feed their babies and those with a family history of breast cancer, are also at risk.
Women age 40 and older are advised to have mammograms done. A mammogram is a low dose x-ray examination of the breasts to look for abnormalities.
Women in mid-life, those 45 to 60 years of age, should have mammograms done every two years and those between the age of 40 and 50 once every year.
The PHD encourages women to do exercise on a regular basis, eat healthy by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and consume products that have antioxidants in them and avoid alcohol. By implementing the aforementioned, you lower your risk of developing breast cancer.
Marigot: --- Reliable information reaching SMN News states that the Haitian national who attacked a Police Aux Frontiers Officer (PAF) has surrendered to the gendarmes sometime last week. The source said the man was hiding out somewhere in Cape Bay on the Dutch side and police on that side of the island was moving in on him since the gendarmes provided them with a photograph of the suspect. SMN News also understands that the suspect was transferred to Guadeloupe and appeared before the courts to answer to the charges that were filed against him. SMN News further understands that the suspect is in his early 20’s.
So far, the gendarmes neither the Police Aux Frontiers did not release any information on the case. The Haitian national it is said threw a stone at the PAF officer who ran after him during an immigration control at a work site. The suspect it is said was working illegally on the French side of the island. More information on this case will be released in a subsequent broadcast.
GREAT BAY:---- On St. Maarten’s Day, at 1pm in the Great Bay harbor, there will be a traditional boat race with the “B Class” boats. These boats, which measure twenty-three feet in size and carry a crew of 8, are from both St. Maarten and Anguilla.
Boats will depart at 1 pm from Great Bay Harbor, sail towards a marker in the Simpson Bay Beach area and return to Great Bay Harbor.
Some of the boats participating from St. Martin are: Perfect Timing, Sandfly, Damage and Trouble.
Anguilla will be sending several boats over to compete against the St. Maarten, especially the boat called Perfect Timing, who won the Anguillian competition “Champ of Champs.”
The significance of the boat racing is that it started out when fisherman began setting their fish traps, would race to see who would be the first to get back into shore to sell the fish. On weekends they would also have races amongst each other as well.
In the past, the major sport was boat racing and was always organized with each festivity.
Somewhere in the 20th century, possible, early 1900, there were races in Marigot, Simpsonbay, Philipsburg, and currently Grand Case.
There will be cash prizes and trophies.
The sponsor of this event is The Windward Islands Bank, Ltd.
Through the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) in Mexico, NAOC gets the opportunity to select coaches together with our member sport federations, to participate in international courses.
These sport technical courses are of a high international level, and consist out of about 56 hours of education. There are 42 participating countries of the Pan American Region.
Mrs. Mildred Clara is selected to participate in the international Synchronized Swimming course, which is taking place in Colorado Springs, USA (3-9 November).
It is the intention of NAOC to upgrade the respective sport with this. The costs of the course are being covered by Olympic Solidarity.
GREAT BAY– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) has received 8000 H1N1 vaccines from Holland and the first persons to receive the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine will be high risk groups.
Vaccinations for these persons are available as of Monday, November 23.
Persons who fall under the identified risk groups are asked to visit their family physicians at the following clinics as of Monday, November 23 to Friday, November 27: Dr. Mercuur Clinic (12.00pm to 1.00pm), Bush Road Clinic (12.00pm to 2.00pm) and Dr. Deketh Clinic (2.00pm to 3.00pm). These persons are those who fall under the high risk group and who are clients of the aforementioned clinics. Other family physicians will be added to the list and this information will be announced once it has been compiled.
The Dutch Health Council and the Royal Institute for Public Health & the Environment has recommended that persons receive two A (H1N1) vaccinations. Approximately 4000 persons can be vaccinated with this first batch that has been received.
According to guidelines from the Netherlands Antilles Influenza A (H1N1) Protocol, all pregnant women who are in the last six months of pregnancy or second trimester – from their fourth month onwards – will be vaccinated.
Other persons who form part of the risk group that should get vaccinated are:
• Persons with chronic conditions e.g. with pulmonary disease; with cardiac disease; with diabetes mellitus, even if not on medication; with chronic kidney disease/failure; after a recent bone marrow transplant; with HIV-infection.
• Persons with a diminished resistance to infections: livercirrosis, (functional) asplenia, auto-immune illnesses, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medication;
• 60 years and older.
Health care workers who may be in contact with patients pertaining to the medical risk groups mentioned above (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics and general practitioner/specialist practices) should also get vaccinated.
Home care givers of people with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality due to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) should also be vaccinated.
Side effects of the vaccination are slight fever and some slight swelling around the area where the vaccine is administered. If there are any adverse affects, inform your family physician immediately or the PHD.
Besides vaccination against pandemic in¬flu¬en¬za A (H1N1), vaccination against seasonal flu remains important.
For persons who do not fall within the identified risk groups, you are advised to continue with implementing preventive measures (maintain high standards of hygiene), staying healthy and keeping a safe distance from persons with a flu-like illness.
MARIGOT—Organizers of the comedy show “Laugh till your Belly Burst” are urging the community of St. Martin/St. Maarten to come out this weekend and get a good dose of natural medicine. Glen Brooks the main organizer told reporters on Thursday that the show is scheduled to begin tonight (Friday) at the Sandy Ground Culture Centre at 8pm and it is scheduled to continue at the same time on Saturday and Sunday.
Some of the comedians that are expected to perform are Lemon from Jamaica. Errol Fabian, from Trinidad, Willy Brown with Woody and Rufus from the USA as well as Rolando Brison as the emcee.
Each comedians are expected to perform for half an hour. Office de Tourisme one of the sponsors of the show has put together some gifts for the comedians that are expected to begin the Christmas season.
Other sponsors are St. Maarten Cable TV, and the Windward Islands Bank. Brooks said they are going to offer something different in comedy.
Tickets cost 25euros or $25 and $30 or 30euros at the door and can be purchased from Van Dorp Bookstores, Chippie Café, Artsen Service Center (Hameau du Pont), and Best Buy Gas Station(French Quarter).
Marigot:--- The leader of the opposition party of the territorial council Alain Richardson in a press release denounces Senator Louis Constant Fleming about his newly acquired position as president of the Semsamar.
The following is the full text of the press release.;
The release states that one does not easily relinquish the enjoyment of power. It appears that he (LC Fleming) really missed his title as "President"! But, he has somehow reclaimed it. He is again President...!
The alleged "father of the Status", last occupied the presidency of the Island territory of Saint-Martin (COM), a brief passage marked by a forfeiture pronounced by the Council of State, no longer enjoyed the title and therefore, did not stand as representative and in leader of government and this, even if he always behaves as such and indirectly exerts "de facto" the President's functions. He simply needed, at all costs, his title of President.
The alleged "the father of the statute" would be, according to his own words, the "father of the SEMSAMAR" and in this capacity, he is back to claim control over his child. On Thursday December 3, 2009, our "ex- leader of government" and Senator was elected at the head of the SEMSAMAR – a public private partnership - while becoming its president.
Even if this election as head of the SEMSAMAR is absolutely legal in principle and that the Senator is one of its shareholders, the fact remains that his nomination at such a post poses a real ethical and moral problem. Indeed, how should one understand that the Senator who holds less than 5% of the capital of the Public private partnership of Saint Martin – SEMSAMAR - is elected as its president whereas the Island Community of St-Martin which holds more than 50% of that capital, which also had a candidate for this same position, in the person of its 4th Vice-president Mr. Louis JEFFRY did not win the election?
How should one understand, admit and consider this taking of the leadership of this organization, that Mr. Louis-Constant FLEMING, former president of the COM and Mr. Frantz GUMBS, current President in title, both call "the armed wing" of the Community?
Is it necessary, in passing, to remind the readers that the new elected President of the SEMSAMAR is the main partner and supplier of land on this territory of Saint Martin of the SEMSAMAR? Transfers of land, which are done at full price!
Isn't such a configuration likely to be generating conflicts of interests when one knows that Mr. Senator, equilibrist, cumulates on his head several hats:
- chair "de facto" of the Island territory of Saint-Martin, majority shareholder of the Public Private Partnership,
- leading vendor of land to the SEMSAMAR, (element essential to its principal activity as builder of social housing,
- shareholder of the Public Private Partnership with 4,73% of its capital,
Isn't there a dangerous resemblance with a mode of operation which has been denounced and severely criticized nationally and which regarded the mode of government of Gaston FLOSSE in French Polynesia?
If one looks closely to the doings of Mr. Louis-Constant FLEMING since the installation of the new Island Territory of Saint-Martin (COM), doesn't one have all reasons to believe that we are in a banana republic?
Why there was an adjournment during the elections for the presidency of the SEMSAMAR last Thursday December 3, 2009 and what took place at that moment? What happened during the negotiation, which could have caused the candidate of the Island Territory of Saint-Martin desist, giving his support to the other candidate and Senator? Which agreement could have been concluded between the Senator and his substitute Mr. JEFFRY so that the Presidency is attributed to the less representative shareholder?
We, the inhabitants, and leaders of Saint Martin rise against such practices and denounce them! We the inhabitants and leaders of Saint Martin denounce and condemn such operations, which do nothing but throw even more discredit and opprobrium on our incipient Community!
GREAT BAY,– Youth Health Care (YHC) is calling on parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against childhood diseases such as rubella, mumps and measles, and to make use of the school Christmas holiday period when YHC will be open for this purpose.
YHC will be open from 8.30am to 4.30pm and even through lunch, allowing working parents an opportunity to bring their kids in to update their child (ren's) vaccination status and or records. The YHC office is located at the Vineyard Office Park Building.
The administering of vaccinations against childhood diseases is free. There is no charge for children four through 17 years old to be vaccinated at YHC. This vaccination program is sponsored by the Island Government.
Vaccines help prevent infectious diseases and save lives. Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases including polio and tetanus.
Since the vaccination open house back in May up to the first week of December, over 1200 MMR2 vaccinations were administered to young people.
YHC has also changed its vaccination schedule. The schedule was changed in order to achieve more compliance and to ensure that children get their vaccinations on time. Parents would leave a long time pass before they would follow-up for another vaccination.
Parents/guardians are free to come into YHC to get information on their child vaccination status and if they allow their children to be vaccinated by their physicians or abroad, then, this information should be brought into YHC so that the vaccination records can be updated.
Disease prevention is the key to public health. It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it.
Those requiring further information can call YHC at 542-3553, 542-3003, or 542-2078.
Philipsburg: --- The police have arrested some four persons for the killing of French businessman Jean Claude Busquet. Busquet was killed on December 12 during an armed robbery at his business place, the Bumper car fun park.
The four suspects are said to be from Guyana and Jamaica, they have been identified as A.C, (19) D.F (26) from Guyana and D.E (33) and D.E (23) from Jamaica reported police spokesman Ricardo Henson. All four of the suspects already appeared before the judge of instruction and their pretrial detention have been extended.
The police spokesman said three of the suspects are directly involved in the brutal killing of the businessman while the fourth suspect an accessory to the crime since he was the one receiving stolen items from the robbery.
Henson said the person who is directly responsible for the killing of Jean Claude Busquet is now behind bars however, the police department has not ruled out the possible arrests of other suspects that may be involved in the killing. The police have also conducted several house searches during these arrests all of which took place over the Christmas holidays.
The police department has decided to form a new approach when dealing with murder investigations. This new approach is to combine several departments to work as a team.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the team consists of officers from the local police force, the police force of Curacao, as well as the RST. He said the public prosecutor's office believes that this new strategy will be used in murder investigations. The team Henson said was formed for the David Eustace murder investigation, which is still ongoing.

Orient Bay: -- Two gun men robbed the cashier of the Cadisco Gas Station located in Orient Bay about 11 am this morning (Tuesday). The attackers arrived at the service station on a motor cycle. A supervisor of establishment said that this is the second time in less than three months they were robbed at gun point while bandits also invaded the establishment during the month of October 2008 after closing hours.
The woman identified as Sandra E said she was not at the location at the time of the incident but confirmed a considerable amount of monies were taken. She said the robbery this morning (Tuesday) has left the victim (cashier) very traumatized. The gendarmes have confirmed the incident. They said no one was injured in the ordeal but the cashier is still shaken by what happened.
The gendarmes acted smartly after they received the call for help, they blocked off the roadways leading to French Quarter in the hope of catching the thieves. They used some 30 gendarmes in this operation. The release from the gendarmes states that they believe the suspects were caught between the trap when they collided with a gendarme vehicle. The two riders were thrown off their bikes and they proceeded to getaway on foot but during their bid to escape they dropped some of their belongings. Despite a desperate foot chase the two culprits manage to escape through the mangroves. The gendarmes said they are sure they would capture the two suspects since the items they recovered thus far has incriminated them.
While this has been the third incident in recent months, the owner of Cadisco Jean Pierre Passera Gas Station was killed during a violent robbery in 2005 in his home in Low Lands. It is understood that the elderly owner was one of the persons who were against the illegal gas tax that is being collected for road repairs. Just recently the gendarmes placed one of the owners on garde du vue after he fired a gunshot after one of his attackers.

Marigot:-- Elected officials within the New Collectivity of St. Martin would have to see how they would replace the monies they lost this year from the Octroi de Mer. Already these officials knew there was a possibility that St. Martin would no longer receive the funding which is derived from tax revenues. In the past the State of France were the ones collecting the tax revenues from St. Martin while the island was governed as a commune but since the island received it's status change based on article 74 where St. Martin would be collecting all taxes they have lost the rights to the funds which amounts to some 12 million Euros. This amount represents some 15 percent of the local budget.
While there was ongoing negotiations regarding this funding President of the COM Frantz Gumbs who went to Paris late last year with a delegation had said they proposed to the State not to take away the entire amount immediately. However on Monday the Constitutional Council in Paris ruled that St. Martin is no longer entitled to these monies for the next three years. Octroi de mer is funds are disbursed annually.
Reports are that the President of the Regional Council Victorin Laurel had voted against the need to extend the funding until 2011for St. Martin and St. Barths since the island still has 18- months to prepare a fiscal plan.
Laurel had said the State Secretary of Overseas Territory did not consult with the departments prior to saying he was going to extend the cut off date, thus Laurel and sixty other socialist deputies managed to secure a redress on the matter.
Right now the French side of the island is suffering from an economic set back and it is clear with the lost of these funds will deal the COM a severe blow since the COM does not have excess monies. So far politicians locally have not addressed the matter locally but Senator Louis Constant Fleming in an interview with another media house had said that he would be content with the matter if State Secretary of Overseas Affairs would at least look at the matter one more time.
Philipsburg: ----- Police arrested a man identified as R.B for allegedly shooting at someone at a home in Fort Willem. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the incident occurred on December 30. Henson said when police arrived on the scene they spoke with a man identified as R.B.M. The man told police that the suspect in question had fired shots at his nephew S. B who later related to him what had happen.
Henson said police did see the suspect car the same day but they did not find the suspect whom they were told was somewhere on Front Street. Even though police tried to locate the wanted man on that day they could not find him. He said on January 2, 2009 R.B surrendered to police and he was immediately arrested pending further investigations.

Marigot: --- Almost three hundred of the civil service of the Collectivity of Saint Martin down tools this morning as their union seeks to have the President of the COM Frantz Gumbs and his cabinet enforce the protocol that was signed with the Union CTCG and the former President of the COM Louis Constant Fleming.
The protocol was signed in May 2008 said the general secretary of UACL, CGTG de Saint Martin Serge Wienum.

Wienum said while the strike is one of a peaceful nature, the intention of the Union is to get the COM to begin implementing the protocol since workers of the COM did not see a promotion or increase in salaries for over ten years. He said one of their concerns is to make sure the local job force is given equal opportunity when there is a vacancy within the civil service.
One of their main concerns is the employment of several persons who are not from St. Martin and are earning close to 4000. Euros per month as well as housing and transportation.
The union representatives met with the management of the COM where they began discussing the grievances of the local civil core.
Students attending school was not able to get their lunch since the canteen workers are part of the industrial action. One of the protestors placed a lock at the gate of the one of the schools in French Quarter leaving the children locked out. This of course did not sit well with the union since they intended to hold a peaceful protest.
Should the discussions not bear positive fruits the strike would continue said Wienum.
Among the strikers was the brother of the President Fabien Gumbs.
Second Vice President Claire Javios was among the workers as they protest. The VP was the only elected official who made sure she is seen with the local people during the action.
Willemstad:--On Monday, January 26 Minister of Traffic and Water Management Camiel Eurlings will participate in a conference in Curaçao on aviation policy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On the agenda of the conference are the consequences of the future political relations for aviation within the Kingdom.
Eurlings will addres, among other things, the effects of the new relationships on air connections.
In addition, he will conduct talks in Curaçao with the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, Mr Goedgedrag, and with the Minister of Tourism and Transport of Aruba, Mr Briesen. He will also speak with the Antillean Minister of Traffic and Transport, Mr Adriaens.
In the margin of his participation in the aviation conference the minister will speak in Bonaire with the newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of the island, Mr Thodé, and representatives of the airport and the island government about the renovation of Flamingo Airport. The runways of the airport need repairing with a view to air traffic safety. In Bonaire Eurlings will also pay a visit to the Regional Service Centre. Onthis visit he will be accompanied by Henk Kamp, Commissioner for Bonaire, St.Eustatius and Saba since January 1st. The inhabitants of the island can apply to the
Regional Service Centre to ask questions about Bonaire's new position as a special municipality of the Netherlands. The object of the centre is to improve education, security, popular health and the infrastructure of the islands.
Curaçao and St. Maarten will become countries within the Kingdom of the
Netherlands, the BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba) will become parts of the Netherlands.
Philipsburg- Leader of Government and Commissioner responsible for Aviation Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, says that the next step to be taken at the recently concluded two-day conference on Air Traffic Relations held in Curacao earlier this week is the drafting of an Aviation Policy for Country St. Maarten.
The conference organized by the Netherlands Antilles Minister of Traffic & Communications Maurice Adriaens in conjunction with the Minister of Traffic & Communications of the Netherlands Camiel Eurlings, and held under the theme, "The Consequences of Political Changes for Air Traffic Relations," was informative and it clearly demonstrated the complexities that Curacao and St. Maarten will be confronted with as countries.
A deadline of July 1, 2009 has been set for all parties in attendance to have developed a draft aviation policy. A special forum in the form of a Task Force was suggested to deal with Winair, as Holland becomes responsible for air-connections to and from the BES islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
"The conference was very much focused on the position and role of aviation in view of the pending constitutional changes. Presentations on the issue of aviation treaties with and within the Kingdom were enlightening and clearly demonstrated the complexities that the new countries in the making will be confronted with.
"Another matter on which there are clearly differing views is the one of liberalization vis-à-vis support for "local" carriers.
"It was good to hear from a representative of the US Department of Transportation regarding the US' view and policies on aviation. Clearly, in this respect, attention is being paid to air transportation between the USA and the Caribbean.
"Representatives of the French Ministry of Foreign & European Affairs, and of the European Union (EU) highlighted the approach and aviation laws of the Republic of France and the EU respectively. The relationships - UPT or OCTs - with the EU make quite a difference in this respect. Naturally, the position of especially Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire came to the forefront," Commissioner of Aviation Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday.
Former Minister of the Netherlands Antilles Captain Leo Chance was the final speaker on Tuesday and he impressed the audience with a historic overview of advances in civil aviation, but not without struggles. His keen sense of delivery according to Wescot was well received by those in attendance.
The two-day conference was held at the Marriott Hotel.

Philipsburg-Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams met with Dr. Roosevelt Williams, President of the Association of Caribbean Territory Institutions Inc. (ACTI) to discuss a proposal for membership in ACTI. Also in attendance at the meeting were Mrs. Forsythe labega, Sector Director for Education and University of St. Martin President, Mrs. Josianne Fleming-Artsen.
USM is already a member of ACTI.
There are several benefits that can be had from membership in the ACTI and these were discussed with Dr. Williams. Commissioner Wescot explained that in St. Maarten's quest for country status within the Dutch Kingdom, expertise in the region could and should surely be used to assist with the many preparations that need to be made for country status. Education is no exception in this regard.
The talks with Dr. Williams were of an exploratory nature and the proposal will be analyzed as to its potential benefits for Sint Maarten as a country.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams considered the meeting fruitful and informative, and promised to have the proposal analyzed and to determine, within short, what the course of action would be.
ACTI's objectives are to:
1. Facilitate cooperation and collaboration among the institutions in a wide range of academic, administrative and other areas;
2. Facilitate more effective utilization of scare resources in seeking to enhance access, mobility, and quality in tertiary education;
3. Facilitate articulation among institutions;
4. Facilitate and promote the communication between the tertiary institutions of the region;
5. Assisting in identifying and meeting the ongoing tertiary educational needs of the region and individual territories.
Sint Maarten is also being considered as the venue for the ACTI's board of directors' meeting in March of this year.

Philipsburg:---First Caribbean International Bank lends its support to the 2nd annual "Music In Me" organize by the Foundation For Hope & Music Development to be held on Sunday March 8th, 2009 at the Maho Convention Centre. This year's concert will showcase and expose children who have musical talents in various instruments such as piano, saxophone, guitar, flute and trumpet, and others who are gifted in dancing or singing. The Music event, "Don Froston in Concert", first started in November 2007 to assist Mr. Froston in establishing a music academy on the island.
According to Froston, He could remember making his own instrument with a bottle and paper, because he wanted so bad to play in the band. He mentioned that he wanted to join John Larmony music school, which was a popular music institution in the 1970's on the backstreet, but he was too young to at time. "Man I would blow makes home horn on the side of the street next to the big boys when the band uses to march on the Front Street".
Derek Downes, First Caribbean Country Head, explained how he learned to play the bass by numbers "had my music teacher made the music lessons while in school more interesting, I too would have been much more musically oriented" Downes said. "That's why we believe it's important to support Don with his efforts to develop the musical talents of children on St. Maarten."
Froston thanked the bank for their contribution to the foundation.
Philipsburg-The HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team has thousands of unusable condoms available to anyone who wishes to express their creativity for the 2009 40th anniversary of St. Maarten's carnival by designing costumes made of condoms.
During the [RED] Fashion Extravaganza held in November last year, four pieces were made of condoms, including the exceedingly popular bridal gown, made with over 7200 condoms by Miguel Alexander.
Suzette Moses-Burton, HIV/AIDS Programme Manager stated:"The condoms are unusable (for sexual purposes) and the alternative is to have them destroyed, but seeing the success we had with the pieces made during the [RED] Fashion Extravaganza we decided to explore the option of having the costume designers, who may be interested, design pieces and simultaneously help raise awareness to the issue of HIV/AIDS during carnival."
Those interested in getting hold of these condoms have to do so before February 13 by calling the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team at 542-2078/542-3003 or 542-3553 and ask for Suzette Moses-Burton or Lorraine Scot.
A general strike against rising living costs has been in progress on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe since January 20. Forty-seven trade unions, associations and political parties under the umbrella organization LKP-The Committee against Extreme Exploitation (lyiannaj kont pwofitasyion in local dialect)-have brought economic activity to a standstill.
A massive demonstration of 25,000 out of a total population of 410,000 took place on January 24 in the capital Pointe-à-Pitre. All shops, supermarkets, schools and public services were closed.
Although the fight against the increasing cost of living affects all of France's citizens and Guadeloupe is officially part of the French Republic, the traditional labour organizations in metropolitan France have isolated and ignored the struggle and media coverage has been rare and superficial.
The demands of the strikers led by the majority trade union, the UGTG (General Union of Guadeloupean Workers), have centred on the price of basic necessities. They call for an immediate reduction of 50 centimes on car fuel, a lowering of prices of transport and water, a rent freeze, an increase of €200 in the minimum wage, permanent contracts for all temporary workers and the right to education and training for youth and workers. One demand calls for priority to be given to Guadeloupeans in key employment posts and an end to racism in employment. The development of local production to satisfy the population's needs and an end to taxes on fertilizers and cattle feed also figure among the total of 146 demands advanced by the strikers.
Guadeloupe, an archipelago 600 kms from the Dominican Republic and 7,000 from mainland France, has been a colony since 1812. In spite of its integration into the French state in 1946, it has, like all other French possessions, remained economically backward.
The effects of the world recession have been felt earlier in this already deprived island community. Guadeloupe constitutes a recognized region of France whose local council is run by the French Socialist Party (PS) and is the 97th French Department. According to 2007 figures, unemployment is well over 23 percent and prices for all basic necessities are 30 to 60 percent more expensive than in France. Only rum, bananas and cigarettes are relatively cheaper.
Guadeloupe belongs to the group of the 13 poorest regions in Europe with a GDP of only 55.8 percent of the European average.
Yves Jégo, President Nicolas Sarkozy's secretary of state for overseas territories, was rushed to Guadeloupe the weekend of January 31-February 1 to calm things down and negotiate a way out before the social explosion links up with mainland France. On the neighbouring French island of Martinique, 12 trade unions launched a one-day general strike call for February 5 against the decrease in purchasing power, which has especially affected the 70,000 people on the island living below the poverty line.
Jego announced several measures in an attempt to placate strikers and break the cohesion of the Guadeloupean strike. "We have succeeded after three days of negotiations in obtaining a clear commitment from supermarket chains to reduce 100 items of basic necessity by 30 percent in 60 supermarkets until the end of the year," he said. A rent freeze was announced and the minimum social welfare payment (RSA) for those actively engaged in work will be implemented this year instead of next.
The negotiations are ongoing and the reaction by the LKP strike committee is to maintain the strike. However, Jego has succeeded in reopening the 115 service stations after promising the owners to limit any new installations affecting their profitability. Road blockades and demonstrations closed service stations last December and obtained a reduction of 31 centimes per litre on petrol.
While the strike has been solid and peacefully run (40,000 attended a January 25 carnival to support the strike), the French government has sent extra CRS riot police to intervene wherever and whenever it sees fit. Memories are still fresh in Guadeloupe of the 100 people shot to death by the CRS during a demonstration in 1967.
Yves Jego arrived on the island commenting, "Guadeloupe has lived through an exceptional two weeks and the usual avenues of resolving a conflict have not produced a solution," he said. "I am well aware," Jego added, that "we need to give a response to the LKP collective which will give them satisfaction." UGTG leader Elie Domata was quoted by Radio Télé-Guadeloupe as welcoming Jego's decision, which "gave the impression of having heard and understood that Guadeloupe is on the edge of an explosion and social chaos." The Socialist Party president of the regional council, Victorin Lurel, hoped Jego had come "armed with solutions."
In this tense situation, Domata issued an open letter to French trade unions and "left" political parties, calling for international solidarity. This call has fallen on deaf ears. While issuing vague messages of "solidarity" in press statements, none of these parties or trade union leaders has called for strikes, sympathetic actions or protests of any kind.
The French Communist Party (PCF) called for "transparent and global negotiations," stating that "it is urgent the government commits itself." The main CGT union, which is close to the PCF, remarked that "it is examining the way in which to get the powers that be to find urgent responses to the Guadeloupean workers' demands."
Alain Krivine of the LCR/NAP (Revolutionary Communist League/New Anti-Capitalist Party) wrote in Rouge: "This united general strike is an example for all those who are fighting here for an extended ‘everyone together' (tous ensemble) against the isolation and dispersing of resistance ... and the best way to help it, which helps us so much, is to multiply our efforts to ensure the success of the protest strike on the 29 [in France]." Such empty remarks are a cover for the silence of the trade leaders; no demands have been made for urgent action to come to the aid of Guadeloupean strikers. In the name of unity, Krivine has no public comment to make which might embarrass his party's relations with the trade union bureaucracy.
In the same edition of Rouge, an interview appears with Patrice Gonot, the leader of the Cercasol party, the LCR's new NPA party's sister organisation in Guadeloupe. He is also active in the CTU union (United Workers Centre). After citing the strikers' demands, Gonot states: "There have been united meetings in all the towns. All our resentments are put to one side, because it is the future of Guadeloupe which is at stake." The working class and its political independence is relegated to the future of "Guadeloupe," which includes the propertied classes.
Gonot makes clear that for Cercasol the demands are negotiable: "We are conscious that our platform of demands is enormous. There are the short term, long term and intermediate goals." Gonot makes no mention of the need for solidarity action in France and the treacherous role of the trade unions, but blithely concludes, "Everyone, including the bosses, admits that there is a problem in Guadeloupe. But the questions posed go beyond the Guadeloupean framework. We realize that the local powers are incapable of answering questions that the Guadeloupean people pose."
The Socialist Party's national bureau issued a press statement which completely distorts the strike's aims. It expresses no support for the strike, but arrogantly asserts the demands to be its own. It claims its document proposing to stimulate the French economy by helping business and banks, as well as proposals for insignificant minimum wage increases, have been adopted by the strikers. The PS holds the presidency of the devolved Guadeloupe regional council, which bears part of the responsibility for the current degradation of workers' living standards, inflicting as it does at every turn the politics of the Sarkozy government on the French population generally. The SP controls 22 of France's 24 regional councils.
The "left" establishment, whether in Guadeloupe or metropolitan France, is duping workers and handing the initiative to Sarkozy's right-wing government to foist the consequences of the economic crisis onto the backs of the working class.
In order to satisfy all of the Guadeloupean workers' legitimate demands, the unity of the working class must be forged on the basis of socialist internationalism. The current bourgeois regimes should be replaced with workers' governments, which would reorganize the economy under the democratic control of the working class for the satisfaction of social needs of the vast majority.
WSWS.ORG
Marigot: --- Teachers from the Lycee and the three colleges on St. Martin plans to continue with their protest action today Monday until solutions is found for their grievances so said President of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs last night. While teachers from the main high schools will remain focused some of the teachers from the primary schools are expected to go back to work while other would be joining their colleagues in action.
Gumbs said members of the MOCSAM plans to continue holding meetings throughout the day with several unions and associations as they prepare to meet with the delegation from the Collectivity of St. Martin including the Sous Prefet at 5pm.
A meeting was scheduled on Friday when close to 700 people took to the streets of Marigot in protest of the high cost of living. The teachers have been out of school since last week Tuesday as they protest against the conditions in which they are forced to teach. One of the main concerns of the teachers is the high cost of living parents are faced with on St. Martin, reasons why they are not able to provide adequate nourishment for their children.
The teachers are also protesting against the dilapidated condition of the Lycee while the Colleges are lacking materials. President of the COM Frantz Gumbs had said on Friday that he is fully aware of the school's need and that they were busy working on the files. Gumbs also said that many of the work that is needed to be carried out at the school can only take place when the students are out of school.
One of the concerns of the MOCSAM is the road tax which they said was implemented illegally. The MOCSAM Association would be doing their best to make sure the COM suspend the collection of the road tax until proper procedures are being followed. Gumbs said right now the residents of St. Martin are being pressured to pay the additional taxes while they are going through an economical crisis.
He is calling on the local residents to come out and support them with their fight since they all would need to fight for their island's survival.
...

International Herald Tribune, Reuters, The Associated Press
POINTE-À-PITRE, Guadeloupe: As President Nicolas Sarkozy prepared Tuesday to meet with labor unions and employer representatives to try to head off mounting unrest over France's declining economy, a month-long general strike on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe escalated into widespread rioting, raising fears that political violence would spread to other French territories.
Protesters ransacked shops and torched vehicles in Guadeloupe overnight as a strike over the cost of living escalated, and one senior local official said the island was "on the verge of revolt."
Trees and smoking car wrecks were strewn across streets in Guadeloupe's largest town, Pointe-à-Pitre, and in other areas including Sainte-Rose in the north after a night of clashes between the police and protesters, although no injuries were reported.
Tear gas was fired during a standoff overnight between a group of 60 protesters and two squadrons of riot police, according to the French newspaper Le Monde, which reported that some protesters were armed with shotguns.
Interior Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie issued a statement appealing for "calm, responsibility and restraint." The French government, which last week deployed 100 riot police officers to Guadeloupe, has become worried about violence spreading to other French territories.
Today in Europe
In mainland France, 1 million to 2.5 million people took to the streets Jan. 29 in the largest general strike in three years. French unions are demanding that Sarkozy better protect jobs and consumers during the global economic crisis, and are already planning new strikes for March.
Sarkozy called a "social summit" earlier this month in a televised address during which he sought to reassure a nation nervous after the Jan. 29 strike, which hobbled transport systems, schools, hospitals and mail services.
French university professors have also been protesting higher education reforms for three weeks, and have called their own strike for Thursday.
In the back of everyone's minds are massive protests that shut France down for weeks in the winter of 1995 and sapped President Jacques Chirac's appetite for reform for years to come.
Despite putting in place a €26 billion, or $33 billion, economic stimulus package and pledging billions of euros more to aid the car industry, Sarkozy is coming under increasing criticism for seeming to do more to help businesses than average French workers. Reversing that view is the president's challenge at the meeting Wednesday, which will include the leaders of France's five labor unions and three employers' organizations.
The following day Sarkozy plans to meet with lawmakers and local leaders from Guadeloupe and Martinique at the Élysée Palace in an attempt to calm the situation, French news media reported. He has said he may address the Guadeloupe crisis when he gives another televised address the same day.
Victorin Lurel, the Socialist president of Guadeloupe's regional council, told France Info radio that the island was "on the verge of revolt," adding, "there is a tense standoff between the security forces and demonstrators."
The demonstrations, which have been coordinated by an alliance of about 50 unions and associations known as LKP or "Liyannaj Kont Pwofitasyon" - "Stand Up Against Exploitation" in local dialect - have been peaceful. But the tone has grown angrier recently as the government in Paris has refused to budge on a demand for a €200 monthly increase for low-paid workers.
The LKP leader, Elie Domota, warned in a television interview Saturday that "if anyone injures a member of the LKP or a striker on Guadeloupe, there will be deaths."
Guadeloupe, a French overseas department, has been brought to a standstill for nearly a month by strikes and demonstrations over high prices for food and other necessities. The situation has degenerated over the past two days as protesters have set up roadblocks in different parts of the island and police have made dozens of arrests.
Living costs are high on the French islands, which depend heavily on imports and use the euro. Prices for many staples are far higher than in mainland France, while salaries are generally lower and unemployment is high.
The strike also is exposing racial and class tensions on islands where a largely white elite, many the descendants of colonial settlers, makes up only 1 percent of the population but controls most businesses.
Fears are rising in the government that similar unrest would spread to other French territories, the newspapers Le Monde and La Tribune reported. The popular far-left leader Olivier Besancenot, who has been a key figure behind recent protests in France, was planning to travel to Guadeloupe on Friday, according to the newspaper Le Figaro.
France's National Travel Agencies organization has reported that 10,000 tourists have canceled planned vacations in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Several hotels in Guadeloupe reported Monday that they could not accept guests because protesters were congregated outside and staff did not show up to work.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Tourism Affairs Roy Marlin extends congratulations to the management and staff of Royal Islander Club La Plage and La Terrasse on its 24th Gold Crown.
The award recognizes the highest level of excellence with respect to the products and services that a resort offers its guests.
"Providing good service to our visitors is what keeps them coming back to the destination. Service is key in this business and due to the hard dedicated work of management and staff; your work has been recognized for a period of 24-years.
"Continue to maintain the high level and quality of service as you are a prime example to your island colleagues who also work in the hospitality sector," Commissioner of Tourism Roy Marlin told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The RCI Resort Recognition programme is based on that membership organizations adhere to the highest standards of accommodation and hospitality.
Commissioner Marlin is also pleased to hear that the Royal Islander La Plage reopened on February 14 after a four-month closure due to damage caused by Hurricane Omar.
Philipsburg- Economic Controllers have been assigned to control all businesses for business & director's licenses plus operational licenses for businesses that retail and wholesale alcoholic beverages, bar and restaurant, hotel and guesthouses and ice cream parlors.
Businesses that are open after 6:30 p.m. must have a license from the Lt. Governor allowing them to open after the afore-mentioned hour.
These business owners are required to have the licenses displayed in the establishment and must therefore have the licenses available upon request by the controllers.
Businesses that are operating are required to have the necessary licenses issued by the Island Government.
Persons born in the Netherlands Antilles of Dutch nationality who are operating a business as a sole proprietor do not require a business license, however they must present the Chamber of Commerce registration.
However, if the business is one of the above-mentioned businesses, then the Antillean business owner must have in their possession an operational license.
This exercise is done twice a year or as the need arises.
Businesses found without the required license will be issued a warning and will be informed to either present the documents at the Department or submit the application for the required licenses at the Department of Permits, Licenses, Public Vending and Economic Control (VOSEC). The business must remain close during the time their request is being processed.
This exercise commenced on December 2nd 2008 in Philipsburg and will be continued through out the island.

Philipsburg:---For a fourth year, First Caribbean International Bank has proved its commitment to the youth of St. Maarten by contributing to the efforts of 4-Milton Peters College students from VWO-5 who will be competing in the annual Mathematics A-limpid, Nederland's Wakened Olympiad' in Gardener in the Netherlands in March.
The students are Sit-in Fong, Mae-Ann Snider's, Tin van Even and Jonathan Etna. These students will be going up against some of the best high school Mathematics students from the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Aruba.
The Dutch Mathematics Olympiad has been organized since 1962 and is the oldest Dutch school Olympiad. Since 1969, The Netherlands also participates in the International Mathematics Olympiad. In 1979 the NWO School Prize was established.
First Caribbean Country Head, Mr. Derek Downs, wishes all the competing students best of luck in the upcoming Mathematics A-Limpid. "St. Maarten has some very competent and bright students and we expect them to give their very best while in the Netherlands. A delegation consisting of five people, including the Mathematics teacher, Mr. Iwan Blankendal will be travelling to the Netherlands in the Month of March.
Marigot;---- For a week now, the services of the gendarmerie of SAINT-MARTIN have been informed of an escalation of aggravated thefts.
On February 19, 2009 a person who was driving a car at the level of Rambaud on the RN7 was forced to stop as a car was across the road and, under the threat of weapons, his was stolen.
An aggression took place at Marina Royal whereby a person was shot. On Friday, February 20, at Pic Paradise, tourists were robbed of their moneys under the threat of a weapon by individuals who left the scene driving away with the vehicle of their victims. On Sunday, February 22, in the evening, there was an armed robbery in a place of business at Cul-de-Sac during which several shots went off injuring two persons. On February 25, in the middle of the night, tourists driving in Marigot were blocked by a vehicle which armed individuals exited in order to take the victims' vehicle. Finally, still on February 25, close to the Oyster Pond Border, a theft with violence was committed against a person whose vehicle collided with another before coming to a stop, violence was exercised by the aggressors.
The gendarmerie has deployed all its resources to try to curb these occurrences and undertake the necessary investigations. Besides the patrols carrying out general supervision, the investigating officers of the research squad and of the community squad, backed by technicians in criminal identification, have been using every possible means to identify the culprits of these very serious offences. For this reason, the group VAMA (for armed robberies), instituted several months ago, identified the presumed perpetrator of a theft with violence committed against two tourists in Grand Case on February 21 early in the afternoon; after being placed into custody for questioning, he was sent to Guadeloupe on February 25 to answer his acts.
Some rules of caution are recommended for victims confronted with such situations: as much as possible one needs to stay calm and keep one's cool without physically resisting the aggressors; one must never try to play the "hero": obeying the aggressors orders is the best way not to irritate these individuals whose behaviour is unforeseeable.
Despite the difficulty and presence of mind required in such circumstances, one must try to detect certain elements about the perpetrators and their vehicle, and take note of them without being influenced by them.
Seeking elements that will be useful to the investigation also requires the preservation of traces and signs. On waiting for the investigating officers, one must preserve traces and signs by not adding any more on the premises of the offence (cups, cigarettes, footprints, etc.); do not touch objects that the culprits have touched or left behind.
In all cases, 17 (emergency number of the gendarmerie) must be dialled as soon as possible, preferably by witnesses or other persons.
Philipsburg:---On Thursday morning, at about 11:00 a.m., police were called to the Beacon Hill area for a robbery.
A man identified as P.S., (62) from Cuba, told police that he opened the door of his apartment after hearing knocks of the door and voices indicating that they were police/immigration officers.
The man said when he slightly opened the door, the three unknown men who was wearing no masks on, pushed him and the door aside and walked in.
The bandits tied up the victim with black tape and under threat of a fire arm and a knife demanded money and valuables. They searched the apartment and left it upside down. The bandits made away with a laptop. The detectives are investigating this early morning robbery.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, says she is looking forward to the meeting of the Justice Steering Group meeting scheduled for March 23 where a new proposal will be tabled related to direct funding for judicial projects on the island.
The Justice Steering Group meeting brings together the Ministers of Justice of The Netherlands and Netherlands Antilles.
"In my discussions with Dutch Secretary of State for Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveld during her stop-over last week, we discussed a number of things including the funds for St. Maarten for the improvement in the area of justice.
"A new proposal on how to bring the decision-making with respect to the funds destined for the island closer to St. Maarten will be discussed at that steering group meeting. I am confident that this matter will be resolved allowing us to work on long overdue improvements to the judicial system," Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
Wescot-Williams also appraised the State Secretary about plans presently underway for a mission to The Hague in April. Constitutional Developments Coordinator Dennis Richardson was in Holland several weeks ago executing some preparatory work for the mission.
A quick review was also given of the process of constitutional change the nation is currently engaged in and the nation's transition activities and the execution of the November 24, 2008 agreement.
The next Political Steering Group meeting is scheduled for March 25 and 26.
Philipsburg: --- As per March 1, 2009, the fuel clause relief of 9 cents per kilowatt-hour has been removed from the utility bills. The fuel clause relief was introduced in September 2006 when the price of a barrel of oil was approximately $65. The relief was increased to a total of 9 cents per kilowatt-hour in September 2008 after oil reached a peak of $147 per barrel in July. Largely due to lower demand for oil as a result of the global economic crisis, the price for oil has stabilized around $40 per barrel, which is about $25 less per barrel than when the fuel clause relief was originally introduced.
Although the price of oil continued to drop in 2009 to levels that no longer warranted any fuel clause relief, GEBE maintained the relief for the full six months as originally promised.
GEBE continues to encourage customers to conserve energy in order to maintain low electricity bills. Especially in times of economic crisis, saving money is even more important. Ways to reduce your electricity consumption are to use less air-conditioning, change your light bulbs to Compact Florescent bulbs or LED lighting and turn off or plug out electrical appliances when not in use.
GEBE also clarified that even though oil prices are currently low, the company would continue to pursue renewable energy sources for St. Maarten, Saba and Statia to reduce the dependence on oil. We also need to take into account that when the global recession ends, all of the factors that drove oil prices to record highs last summer will reemerge and oil prices could possibly rise above $100 per barrel again. We cannot afford to become too complacent. GEBE will continue to work towards affordable, reliable and quality electricity taking the environment into account.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Tourism Affairs Roy Marlin welcomes KLMs capacity increase to the island on March 29 when the airline introduces its new summer schedule.
The larger Boeing 747 will replace the current MD-11 that has been flying to the Antilles and Aruba during the last two years. The aircraft will fly to the island on Tuesdays and Thursday on its way to Curacao.
"This change means that the capacity of passengers that are able to fly to the island will increase due to the larger aircraft which seats 428.
"We are living in challenging economic times and this additional seat capacity can result in additional Europeans who can afford to travel to the island.
"This once again signifies the confidence that the airline has in the island as a destination," Commissioner of Tourism Affairs Roy Marlin told the (GIS).

Philipsburg - Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, says the Island Government is looking at a possible synchronization of policies where it relates to immigration, compulsory education and labour.
A multi-disciplinary team comprising of the Education and Labour Departments, representatives of the Cabinet of the Governor, and St. Maarten's Judicial Affairs representative Richard Gibson Sr., met to discuss current developments and brainstorm about synchronization of policies where it concerns the Island and Central Governments.
"For example, there is a discrepancy in policies where it concerns the type of documents needed for a child to register at a school and this is confusing for parents as well as school administrators. A norm needs to be established on all levels where the registering of especially undocumented kids is concerned and where the parents don't have to fear immigration raids.
"You have a policy at the Central Government level where regardless of the child's status, the child should be allowed to attend school, however this does not mean that their parents will be granted a residence permit.
"The Island Government has decided to implement a phased process related to complying with compulsory education, whereby the Department of Education has started the process to register 4 to 6-year olds and have them placed in the school system for the 2009-2010 school year. Compulsory education will be implemented over a five-year period.
"There are a number of things that need to be synchronized. Policies at the Central Government level are conflicting with policies at the Island Territory level. There are changes taking place within the sphere of immigration and the Executive Council has not been consulted on these. The Central Government needs to be more forthcoming.
"Country St. Maarten cannot shy away from its responsibilities and will deal with the challenges that will be left behind when the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles has concluded," Commissioner of Educational Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Another project that the Island Government is currently seeking funding from USONA for is a study of the status of undocumented schools with respect to teachers' competencies, qualifications, physical infrastructure of buildings, and the learning abilities and disabilities of the children attending those schools as well as the training of truant officers.
It became clear in the meeting that the program needs to be implemented to clear up the backlog of persons whose status remains undocumented or in process and who have been residing on the island before December 31, 2005.
The next question of course would be according to Commissioner Wescot is, what about those persons who came in after December 31, 2005?
Everybody agreed that border controls needed to be enhanced in order to stop the future influx of persons who continue to put tremendous pressure on public and social services.
PHILIPSBURG-The GEBE Supermarket Challenge Team surprised scores of shoppers with prizes at grocery stores during the month of February as part of the GEBE Reusable Shopping Bag campaign. Assisted by representatives of the Nature Foundation and St. Maarten Pride Foundation, the GEBE team presented a prize of Naf 100 to the first shopper leaving with any reusable bags instead of plastic bags at the participating supermarkets of Afoo, Le Grand Marche, The Fresh Market, Sangs and Sunny Foods.
So far, a total of 18 shoppers using their reusable bags won Naf 100 on the spot. "I didn't believe it at first," a winner explained. "I just use the bag because it holds so much. My home has stairs and it is easier to walk once with one bag than three times with 10 plastic bags." Due to the great response, the GEBE Supermarket Challenge will continue the program into March. "We have another nine certificates to give out," explained Giselle Dirckx-Williams, GEBE Corporate Communications Officer, "So we will be coming to a supermarket near you with more prizes, but only if you are using a reusable shopping bag."
The GEBE reusable bag program is aimed at reducing the amount of plastic bags in our environment by encouraging shoppers to walk with their own bags. It is estimated that St. Maarten uses hundreds of thousands of plastic bags per year; all of which end up on the landfill and in our environment. But changing behavior can be difficult. Many shoppers leaving with plastic bags were less thrilled to learn that they did not win. Especially those who had forgotten their reusable bag either at home or right in their car. "It's hard," explained Barbara Cannegieter, a St. Maarten Pride Foundation volunteer, "First you have to remember to put the bag in your car and then you have to remember to bring it with you in the store."
"We still have a way to go in educating the population on the drawbacks of plastic bags," Dirckx-Williams explained, "The majority of shoppers still use plastic bags, but we are seeing a gradual increase in the amount of customers shopping with reusable bags."
Plastic bags have an enormous impact on our environment. They litter our beaches and surroundings, end up in our landfill and since they do not biodegrade, the plastic stays in our environment for up to 1000 years.
Reusable bags are on sale by most major supermarkets, such as Cost U Less and Le Grand Marche, who recently launched their own brand of reusable bags that sell for $2 of which proceeds go to the various environmental organizations. Other non-profit organizations such as the Animal Welfare foundation also sell reusable bags as a way to raise funds for their cause.

St. Peters:--- Students of the Starlight Education is getting back to normal and are moving ahead speedily with their school work says director of the institution Carmen Hodge. Hodge said students of the school is receiving half an hour each day to make up for the five weeks they have lost when the students were locked out for lack of rent payments. She said teachers and the students also attended school last week when there was school mid term break for the other schools. "with the time we have allotted we will surpass the amount of hours the students missed when the school was locked" Hodge said.
Asked if the 6th graders are adequately prepared for the high school entrance examinations next month Hodge said all 21 students in that grade are prepared and the teachers are doing their vey best to make sure they are up to par. "The sixth grade teachers are really pushing hard and they need to get credit for their efforts while the students are also fully involved with the extra school work they are given.
Philipsburg:--- The TODAY newspaper has become the latest victim of burglary. It is understood that workers of the Today Newspaper realized their office was broken when they showed up for work yesterday.
It is said it seems as if the office was broken into on Saturday night since one of the staff members passed by the office during the day on Saturday and did not notice anything suspicious.
The thief destroyed a padlock on the gate prior to smashing the glass door of the office to gain entry. Once inside he ransacked all of the desks, leaving some checks behind, as well as laptop computer that were in one of the drawers.
In a back office, the bandit broke open a door that leads to a storage space. It seems as of the thief must have injured himself when he broke into the office since it seems as if he bled profusely and he left some clear shoe prints behind in his own blood.
He finally made off with a cable box. The police responded promptly to the burglary report on Sunday afternoon. A forensic detective took pictures of the crime scene.
The burglary fits a pattern of burglaries in the same neighborhood. The modus operandi suggests that the burglary is the work of one man.
Press Secretary to the Commissioner states the following:
Philipsburg:--"Commissioner of Sports Maria Buncamper-Molanus welcomes the involvement of Councilman Frans Richardson in getting the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex (RISC) renovated. As the Commissioner has said publicly on numerous occasions, the process is well underway to ensure direct government involvement in the board and the daily management of the facility. This type of involvement will be new as the articles of incorporation of the RISC was established in away that did not allow government as much involvement as it should have in the facility.
The new board members have been identified and await approval by the Executive Council. A plan is being drafted to completely refurbish the RISC. The Commissioner in the past has also visited the facility on three different occasions and participated in discussions with the former board for quick-fixes when was necessary at the facility. However, the Commissioner is adamant about ensuring that the facility is adequately equipped and maintained for the hundreds of people, young and old alike, who make use of it on a daily basis.
It is also one of the reasons she is currently in Tallahassee exploring options for RISC in terms of equipment and other infrastructure improvements of the facility. Councilman Richardson is a sports lover, just like the Commissioner, so his voice is an important one in this process. The Commissioner looks forward to his bi-partisan cooperation when the time comes to get RISC back to a level we can all be proud of."

Philipsburg- The just-concluded 29th Annual St. Maarten/St. Martin Heineken Regatta was more than "serious fun" for some: it also served as the entrée for a group of journalists drawn from The Netherlands and Brazil to feast on the rich culture and heritage of St. Maarten.
According to Dutch journalist, Ellen Vogel, visiting the island for the first time, the regatta was "only a very small part" of her assignment here. Although she writes for a sailing magazine - Yacht Vision - with a circulation of some 26,000, she is more interested in telling a more compelling story about the island "from a different angle".
A visit to the St. Maarten Museum may have provided her with the story she is looking for, as well as the "different angle". She was very impressed by the dedication, commitment and passion with which the Museum director, Elsje Wilson, goes about her work, while she finds the island's history quite fascinating.
Bibi Schobbers writes for a religious magazine, Zeilen - and like Ellen Vogel, sees the regatta as an excuse to explore the realities of St. Maarten. Accompanied by photographer Guido Peter Briem, Bibi says she is so impressed by what she has seen so far that she would gladly move her family here.
"This is so different from what we hear about St. Maarten in Holland," she said, stressing that she came without any particular expectations, but with "an open mind".
Sunday morning worship at Praise Tabernacle Church in Colebay was for her, "very inspiring," while her photographer Guido rated it "the highlight of our stay here so far."
"There's hardly anything Dutch here," observed Bibi, after discovering that the Dutch language is not among the top three most commonly spoken language on the island.
The film crew from Brazil was busy capturing not only the exciting scenes from the regatta itself, but the breathtaking beauty of the island and its people as well. Cameraman Daniel took as many shots as he possibly could, including of the concerts. He was particularly struck by the high-energy performance of the Youth Wave band, which was the opening act for Carimi, and all the journalists were swept off their feet by the Wailers.
"It is totally incredible that you have so many thousands of people without any pushing and shoving," noted Ximena, the TV journalist/producer, who compared the atmosphere at the concerts with that of carnival in Sao Paolo.
Another Brazilian journalist, Antonio Carlos Alonso Vera Jr. who writes for Nautica Magazine, was equally thrilled by his experience on the island. "The food is fantastic, the people are very nice, and you have a very beautiful island: this is paradise, indeed," he said.
Regina LaBega, Director of Tourism, hosts of the journalists, expressed satisfaction at their experience of the island.
"I'm sure this will generate a very positive coverage for St. Maarten, especially in the Dutch market where the island seems to have been suffering from an image problem, and of course, in Brazil where we are intensifying efforts to increase our market share," Ms. LaBega commented.
"At a time when all the predictions point to a significant decline in world travel caused by the global financial and economic crisis, we can do with all the positive coverage we can get in markets such as Holland and Brazil where St. Maarten needs to become more visible," she said.
LaBega added: "These journalists can help to convey the truth about the beauty of our island and the genuine friendliness of our people, and in so doing, paint a more positive picture that will make more visitors choose St. Maarten as their vacation destination."

Philipsburg- Leader of Government and Commissioner responsible for Education Sarah Wescot-Williams, would like to wish the students participating in the 2009 Math A-Lympiad much success as they vie for the honour of being named Math A-Lympiad champions 2009.
A group of students from the Milton Peter College (MPC) left the island last Thursday for Garderen, the Netherlands to compete against 16 rival math teams from Holland, Denmark, Germany and Aruba.
The St. Maarten students are Jonathan Etnel (17), Syt Bin Fong (16), Mae-Ann Snijders (16), and Tijn van Veen (16).
"The math A-Lympiad is a pinnacle event for the youth with a passion and special talent in maths. They are the best of the best. Competitions such as the aforementioned is an excellent opportunity for our top math students to pit their knowledge and skills with the best and to network with youth who could be future leaders in their chosen field.
"It is important for students to be exposed to a range of disciplines. Country St. Maarten will need all hands on deck as we continue to develop socially and economically. I would like to thank those persons who have prepared these students for this challenging event and I wish them much success as this is an opportunity of a lifetime," Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).

Philipsburg: ---- Perla Rombley member of the Dutch Taxi Association (DSTA) has been officially suspended by the DSTA board for five days. In an interview with SMN News Rombley said she met with the President of the DSTA and five other members yesterday morning at the DSTA office. She said in that meeting she expressed her grievances to the board concerning the other board member whom she claimed has been harassing her. Rombley said instead of the board seeking to rectify the problem and bring about a solution to the ongoing feud they poured gasoline on the fire instead of water.
Rombley said she is now accused of trying to run over the president of the DSTA board with her van. In the letter that was given to Rombley it is stated that when the Vice President approached her she was disrespectful and she tried to run over the President to which there is two witnesses. The continued to say Rombley has to respect the rules and regulation of the DSTA and be respectful in the future.
"This is a complete lie and I already sought advice from my lawyer who would be seeking compensation from the DSTA board. As a member of the DSTA I know the constitution of the DSTA. The DSTA cannot suspend anyone from working since taxi drivers do not work for the Association. The DSTA constitution does not have anything in it that says the Association can take such actions. I intend to seek compensation for the six days I was prevented from work." Rombley said she also have two witnesses who were in the vicinity and saw differently.
Managing Director of the A. C Wathey Cruise Facility said he is aware of the situation and he actually asked Rombley to remove her vehicle since he could not allow anyone to disturb the free flow of business at the facility. Franca said he also spoke to the president concerning the matter and expected that they DSTA would deal with the issue professionally.

Philipsburg:--This week from March 9th thru 12th 2009 all Cycle II teachers enrolled in the Teacher Retraining & Upgrading Program will attend the LAB Sessions on the Project Approach training.
These sessions are held at the Carl's & Sons Conference Room from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Project Approach is one of the five (5) modules that the Cycle II teachers have to complete to be certified as an FBE teacher for Cycle II.
According to the book "The Project Approach" by S.C. Chard, "A project is an in-depth study of a real world topic or theme. The study may be carried out by individual children, groups of children, or the whole class."
The module of the Project Approach started at the beginning of February and is scheduled to finish at the end of March 2009.
During the module the Cycle II teachers are taught how to introduce the Project Approach in their classroom by having them actively participate in the execution of their own project.
They had to select a topic on which they wanted to do an in-depth study, and then go through all the phases of the study such as the introductory phase, the research phase and the review phase.
The Teacher Retraining & Upgrading Program has been outsourced by DERPI to the USM who are coordinating the training. The instructors of this module are teachers representing the five (5) primary school boards who have been trained by S.C. Chard.
The funding for these trainings is provided through USONA from the Dutch development funds.
After this training all parents of students in Cycle II can look forward to their children being involved in this new approach of doing Project work.

Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, recently met with Antillean Minister of Justice David Dick, and was provided with an update related to the various law enforcement initiatives that his ministry is working on.
The meeting was on the basis of the discussion that the Executive Council had with the Antillean Prime Minister and the Governor-General during their recent official working visit to the island.
"Issues discussed with the Prime Minister and the Governor-General as well as matters addressed in writing to the Minister of Justice such as the immigration issue at the Princess Juliana International Airport and plans for the Police Force were discussed at length.
"I also addressed the communication that the Executive Council sent to Minister Dick regarding the ‘quarter master' (kwartiermaker) we appointed for immigration matters in the person of Ligia Stella. It is of utmost importance that the plans which the Minister is executing now for immigration be coordinated with whom we have put in place to set up the immigration department for country St. Maarten as well as those persons responsible for the transfer of justice tasks to the island.
"As I have stated before synchronization of processes is essential and while information exchange is important, it's now it's to work together in putting things in place," Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The meeting of the Justice Ministers on the Safety Plan Netherlands Antilles scheduled for March 23 has been canceled, however it is the intention that the plan be put on the agenda of the Political Steering Group meeting of March 26.
Minister Dick has consented to give a presentation to the Central Committee regarding the various law enforcement initiatives that he is busy with.

Philipsburg:--- As a truly sincere gesture of generosity, the students of the Interact Club of St. Dominic High School conducted a fundraising to support fellow students from the St. Maarten Archaeological Center (SIMARC), who are organizing a celebration of St. Maarten National Day of Trees this coming Sunday afternoon.
President of the Interact Club of St. Dominic, Ms. Dolly Miripuri, presented a check to the SIMARC President, Dr. Jay Haviser, to support the Tree Day activities of SIMARC. This fundraising was the initiative of Interact Club and SIMARC member, Mr. Suvir Pursnani, and it really highlights the importance of youth helping youth. Together with the Interact Club members, were their Rotary Club observer Mr. Jon Hart, and their teacher observer Ms. Lucas. This Sunday, March 22nd, from 3:30pm-4:30pm at Emilio Wilson Park, the Welgelegen Roundabout, the Pond fill parking at Philipsburg, and at the Simpson Bay Police Station, will be simultaneous tree-plantings with the entire public invited to help make St. Maarten a more beautiful place. This is a cooperative project of SIMARC, the Rotaract Club, and the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau. By taking one hour of your time to come out and support our National Tree Day, it is an excellent way to show that our community and nature are growing together!

Leader of Government participates in Tree planting at the Emilio Wilson Park.
Air France will formally register its interest in Czech Airlines' privatisation today, eyeing potential central and eastern European network gains.
Today marks the cut-off for expressions of interest in the privatisation, which was launched last month by the Czech finance ministry. It has placed just over 91% of the Czech SkyTeam member up for tender and is aiming to reveal the winning bidder by no later than 30 September.
Air France says: "Air France-KLM today will be submitting a non-binding expression of interest in order to access the airline's data room.
"Czech Airlines is a close partner of Air France-KLM, particularly in the SkyTeam Alliance, of which it has been a member since 2001. Its network is highly complementary to that of Air France-KLM. Among other things, it would enable the group to strengthen its position in central and Eastern Europe."
Air France adds that the Czech finance ministry is not expecting any binding offers until June, allowing time for due diligence.
"This process reflects the broader view of Air France-KLM on the air transport industry, as the group has very often expressed its intention to take part in the necessary consolidation of the sector," says the French SkyTeam member.
When it detailed the tender, the Czech finance ministry said the winning bidder will have to maintain Czech Airlines' core air transport operations, its safety and security standards, as well as a domestic base at Prague Airport for a minimum period of five years after the takeover.
Last year Czech Airlines delivered a pre-tax profit of Kc500 million ($23.4 million), Kc389 million up on 2007, maintaining its revenues at Kc23.24 billion.
Aeroflot has tentatively expressed an interest in Czech Airlines, although last month the Russian carrier said it was seeking a Czech partner to participate in the process.
Scheduled service airline passenger fatalities fell 25.2% to 439 in 2008 from 587 in 2007, though the actual rate of accidents decreased only "marginally," according to preliminary figures reported by ICAO last week.
There were 11 fatal accidents worldwide in 2008, identical to 2007. "The accident rate for scheduled air services, measured in passenger fatalities per 100 million passenger-km. performed [the number of passengers multiplied by the number of km. traveled] decreased marginally, from approximately 0.01391 in 2007 to about 0.01370 in 2008," ICAO stated. "This was almost identical to the 2007 rate."
But the UN organization pointed out that from 1990 to 2008, "there has been a significant decline in the accident rate, from around 19 accidents per 10 million departures in 1990 to around four in 2008." Annual fatal accidents have decreased 62% compared to 1990, when there were 29.
On the security front, ICAO reported 24 acts of unlawful interference on scheduled service flights in 2008, leading to 11 fatalities and 31 injuries; in 2007 there were 22 acts, 18 persons killed and 33 injured.
"While the safety and security of commercial aviation keeps improving over the long term, we continue to work. . .to consistently reduce even more the number of accidents and fatalities, Council President Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez said. "This is imperative if air transport is to keep growing." IATA released its own figures, which differed slightly, last month.
(ATW Online)
Philipsburg - Head of the Census Office Leona Marlin, would like to remind residents especially seniors and other persons holding an old St. Maarten identity card (ID), that as of April 1, the cards will be invalid and persons may not be able to access certain services if they use the old ID card as a form of identification.
Persons are hereby reminded to visit the Census Office before April 1 to turn in their old ID cards and replace it with the new credit card size cards that were introduced several years ago.
Banks and other institutions where some form of ID is required for services, will no longer accept the old St. Maarten ID card after April 1. Persons still have Friday and next week Monday and Tuesday to turn in their old St. Maarten ID cards for the new credit card size card.
The administrative cost for a new ID card is Naf.35 and for senior citizens (60+) Naf.15.
The ID card is legal proof of identity. It is used to open bank accounts or other types of services that requires some form of identification.
The ID card is also a required document for some government procedures and services.
The law requires that a person carries some form of identification with them at all times and the ID card is the handiest one and preferred method of formal identification.
Failure to produce the card may result in being denied access to premises or attainment of goods and services.
Those who require further information can call the Census Office at: 542-2457 or 542-5375.
PORT-DE-PlAISANCE----- The effect of the regional and global economic impact has the full attention of the Parliaments of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba and the National Assembly Suriname. According to the President of the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles "this is something that we have to monitor closely."
He stressed that even though there is not any development of any strong economic development over a number of years there is need for caution in the near future so that the world economic crisis does not develop into a slowdown of the economy. He called on the governments to look at economic development projects in several countries and also that the Central Banks must have a "close supervisory look at the financial and development of the countries."
There was also a discussion on obesity which is said to be prevalent in the countries and sees this as a problem that is affecting the entire population of our countries. He said in an investigation that was done it was proved that about 63% of the population was obese and as a result they have concluded that it is important for the people recognize that they have a problem.
He said that the Minister of Health Omyra Leeflang in her presentation spoke of encouraging the population to move and eat healthy.
GLOBAL WARMING
The matter of Global Warming also came up for discussion during the Tripartite meeting. According to the president of Parliament there were very enlightening discussions on the matter. He indicated that the delegations who attended the sessions were very concerned about the climate change and is in favour of regional co-operation of mutual respect since the global warming is not a natural phenomenal.
If nothing is done by the present administrations by the year 2100 the air temperature will rise between 1.4 degrees to 4 degrees Celsius and in some parts of the world there will be no rainfall and in some areas there will be flooding. It was also reported that the sea level will rise to as much as 80 centimetres and as result will have serious consequences for the islands in the Caribbean Sea.
It was decided that they will adopt the recommendations by the experts in the inter-governmental panel on climate change that is expected work with the recommendations for a policy. They are urging the governments to install a committee in all the countries of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba and Suriname to come out with a policy for climate change and participate in the inter-governmental forums on solutions and are cognizant of the fact that they alone cannot make the change.
"This is the only way that the countries in the world can come up with solutions for the world that we can live in for generations to come. It was decided that in the next Tripartite meeting that they will further discuss this matter.
Philipsburg: -- Former Island Council member Gracita Arrindell expressed personal thanks and appreciation to the Board of Directors of the Q-Kingdom Ministries and a special appreciation went out to Rt. Reverend Sylvetta Hamilton- Gonzales, founder and principal of MACADEMY School of Science and technology and founder of the Women of Great Esteem Award (WGE) Award for the recognition and encouragement to ‘ascend on the ladder of accomplishment and world recognition. The other five honorees of which she had the privilege of sharing this memorable occasion are; Mrs. Sandra Grannum, Esq. from New York., Mrs. Nilcia Robinson- Hazell form St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jane LP from Hong Kong, Rosemarie Wright- Pascoe MBBS, from Jamaica and Posthumously, the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs- Jones former Congress women from the State of Ohio".
Gracita stated "A special honor meeting with the Honorable Congress Woman Mrs. Yvette D. Clarcke and receiving from her several certificates of appreciation from the City of New York, including a certificate of special congressional recognition in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community."
‘As stated during the acceptance speech Saturday evening a wonderful award ceremony among local dignitaries, friends and family, the highest esteem and admiration went out to the students and faculty of the school for its accomplishments to educating our children, because education is the great equalizer in the world. It was a special treat for me to meet and interact with the brilliant and well mannered young students of the MACADEMY, who are being prepared at an early age to be the ‘global leaders' for tomorrow".
Gracita concluded in a press release that being recognized for her contributions to Public administration, Good Governance and politics on St. Maarten inspires her to continue contributing to do public service to the people of St Maarten".

Philipsburg:--- After a lengthy meeting with GEBE the President of the United Federation Union Francis Olivachi has refused to sign any other protocol with
the utility company. The meeting was held on Monday afternoon after workers of the company protested in the parking lot demanding monies they say is long overdue.
The UFA has since dispatched another letter to the Board of Directors asking for a meeting with them while they informed GEBE management team in the person of Managing Director William Brooks they must pay all employees their 5% that is owed to them. Olivachi said the 5% represents 3% penalty for the lack of the appraisal system and 2% their cost of living adjustment.
Olivachi said when the UFA met with GEBE management team they brought forward two documents for the union to sign and the two documents are contradicting each other. The UFA president further explained that the union will not be signing any more documents and or agreements with GEBE regarding the 5% since they already have a standing agreement which is still valid. He said the only thing that can change their agreement is another Collective Labor Agreement and the union will not be negotiating unless the workers are paid in full. The union is calling on GEBE to pay its workers for the past three years that they owed them.
Advisor to the UFA Willy Haize said the union will not be signing anymore documents and GEBE must pay the workers in full before April 15. Haize said GEBE management is claiming they have an appraisal system in place and they have requested a copy of it since the union does not have any such thing in their possession. Haize said if GEBE has this appraisal system then it is not hard for them to provide the union with the copies.
Haize said if leading utility company does not comply then the union will move to plan B while GEBE can go to court if they want to go through that route.

Philipsburg-Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams received a signed copy of the book: "From the trash can to the dinning table" by Pastor Elston A. Thomas, yesterday who launched his book at the Family Bookstore in Philipsburg.
Pastor Thomas welcomed Commissioner Wescot-Williams to the signing and said that it was a pleasure for her to be here at the launch. He then proceeded to sign a copy of his book and presented it to the commissioner, adding that he feels very blessed for being here.
The author of the book, Pastor Thomas, who is of the Tabernacle Ministries in Aruba, is about my life story, which is mainly about my plight out of the drug life and into the realm of God.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams was pleased to be there and extended a warm thank you to Pastor Thomas for inviting her and wishes him the best with his book launch. Commissioner added that his life story was a very inspiring one. "Young People can take heed from your story. It shows that regardless of where you were, one can arise from whatever situation. I wish you the best, and I wish you success on the initiation of your book. You are an encouragement to all. I want to congratulate you."

Saba:--- The Police recruitment team travelled on Wednesday April 1st flew over to the sister island of Saba, where they officially kicked off the recently launched major recruitment drive for police officers.
Present at this event were the Minister of Justice David Dick, state secretary Ernie Simmons, the Lt. Governor of Saba Mr. JOHNSON, the acting Chief of police commissioner Ademar Doran and members of the unions NAPB and ABVO. A presentation was done at the Saba Comprehensive School by the coordinator of the recruitment drive Chief Inspector Carl JOHN, assisted by members of the committee.
The students of the school were all quite impressed with the presentation and several of them showed interest in becoming police officers. Also a large billboard was place front of the police station in the Bottom. There were also several posters placed on different locations of the island.
Philipsburg: ---SCDF is inviting all the selected participants for the Youth Extravaganza Show that will take place in the Festival Village on April 22nd 2009 to a very important meeting that will be held at the Government Building on Monday April 6th 2009 at 7:00 pm sharp and they are asking everyone to please be on time.
On Tuesday April 7th 2009 a meeting will be held with all the Soca Monarch contenders at the Government Building at 6:00 pm followed by a meeting with the Road march contenders. Please make an extra effort to attend theses very important meetings.
On Wednesday April 8th 2009 a meeting will be held with all the Troupe leaders and all band leaders at the Government Building at 6:00pm followed by a meeting with the booth holders at 7:30 pm Please make an extra effort to attend these meetings.

Philipsburg:--National Alliance State Secretary of Health George Pantophlet considers it extremely worrisome the manner in which the frequency of controls are done on St. Maarten. Recent articles appearing in the media related to the sale of the band Amens powder and now the revelation that a wholesaler has been caught selling items for which he is not qualified are of grave concern. The Inspector of Pharmaceutical Affairs stated that pharmaceutical products (and permit me to add most products) are being imported without the necessary control. To make matters worse, according to the Inspector of Pharmaceutical Affairs this was done by the wholesaler with commodities they don't know about.
Apparently the business in question was previously controlled in 2005 and was warned about this infraction. Now in 2009 it appears this practice did not cease. This discovery can bring one to conclude that this establishment has not been controlled in almost 5 years. That's a very long time indeed. One can only imagine what has been sold to unsuspecting consumers during this period and how many other businesses might be involved in this practice. The reason given by the Inspector for this lack of control has to do with understaffing and finance. That the authority for the inspection of pharmaceuticals is the competence of the Central government does not exclude our local government from its responsibilities. Remember we want to become a country. As a matter of fact I was informed that legislation exists that provides the local government with the opportunity to appoint someone in this field. I was told that at present this is now taking place. My question would be why this training did not take place years ago. However on the matter of controls in general what is being exposed here is a need for constant and vigorous controls not only on pharmaceutical items but also food items, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, living conditions, working environment and the list goes on. We need regular controls. The idea is to create an environment that will serve as a deterrent to businesses and or persons who are involved in these practices. Where there is lack of control there are those who will abuse the system. Finally on the issue of controlling the importation of goods it is something both governments Dutch and French must sit down and find a solution for this long ongoing problem.

Philipsburg: --- Police is calling on members of the public who witnessed a hit and run accident on Sucker Garden Road on Monday night to come forward. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said a 45 year old man identified as J.J. D from St, Lucia was struck by a jeep while crossing the road next to house 85. Leonard said the man went airborne before falling to the side of the road and as such he suffered multiple head injuries including a wound to his right hip. The victim remains in coma at the St. Maarten Medical Center. The police spokesman said the driver of the jeep continued on his way on the Sucker Garden Road. Leonard said another driver who was behind the jeep decided to follow the hit and run driver who managed to escape on the Arch Road. Traffic police recovered the side mirror of the vehicle on the scene.
On Tuesday, at around 7:10 am in the morning, police were called for a road traffic accident on the Union Road. A scooter MF-284, driven by a 38-year-old Haitian national was overtaking a bus while heading in the direction of Marigot when a car P2545 came out from a side road and made a right turn in front of the overtaking scooter. The scooter slammed into P-2545. The driver of the scooter suffered a broken right leg and was taken to the Medical Center, where he was operated upon. The traffic department continues with the investigation.
Again on Tuesday morning police had to handle another road traffic accident with a quad (a 4-wheeler) on the A.Th Illidge road. Bus-48 was coming from Belvedere area and was making a left turn to drive into the Gibbs drive while the driver of the quad J.H. (25) was heading in the direction of Belvedere.
When the driver of the bus noticed the quad he stopped, the driver of the quad swerved to the right, came off the road, drop into a hole on the side of the road and flip over throwing the driver of the quad to the side of the road. He suffered several injuries among others a broken pinky and was taken to the Medical center for treatment. The traffic department had a very busy day as of late with several road traffic accidents. Most of these accidents could be avoided if motorist pay more attention to the traffic. Especially for the upcoming Easter Holidays and carnival activities, if you're driving don't drink and if you're drinking don't drive.
This morning a new batch of 8 Civil Servants took the oath of office in front of Lt. Gov. Mr. Franklin Richards, as it was administered by the Island Secretary-Mrs. Joan Meit-Dovale.
Philipsburg: --- The police department is announcing that the inspection of all vehicles that are to take part in the upcoming carnival parades has started on Wednesday April 15th
The deadline for the inspection of motor vehicles taking part in the Junior parade is April 24th 2009.
The deadline for the inspection of those vehicles taken part in the Jouvert Jump-up, Grand parade and any other parade(s) is April 27th 2009
The police department wants the public to know that they are not going to be inspecting any vehicles on the day of these parades.
Persons wishing to inspect their vehicle should call Inspector J. RIJNA during office hours which are from 08.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. at telephone 54-22222 ext 226 or 227.
The department has also issued a number of safety tips to all revelers during the carnival season.
...

Philipsburg: ---Persons who have had experience in and would like to improve their calypso judging skills are being invited to attend a series of calypso judging workshops scheduled for this week. Organizers have announced that there is still space for more participants in the workshops.
Eric "Pink Panther" Taylor will be returning to St Maarten on Monday to conduct a second series of workshops over the next few days as The Sky is the Limit Foundation attempts to train more judges on St Maarten in the art of effective calypso judging. Following a very successful calypso judging workshop in March, promises had been made to have Pink Panther return to conduct another session. "We are very pleased to have Panther return and to have the Windward Islands Bank and Sonesta Great Bay on board as sponsors who see the need to again support these workshops; Toontje Buncamper stated.
The intention is to have two workshops daily; one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Each day the workshop will be held for 4 hours. The organizing Committee of the Senior Calypso workshop will also have a session with Pink Panther to discuss ways of further improving the artform on the island.
The training will be held over a four day period:
Group 1: Tuesday April 21st to Friday April 24th from 1.00pm to 5.00pm
Group 2: Tuesday April 21st to Friday April 24th from 6.00pm to 10.00pm
The workshop will be held at the WIB training Center at the Wathey Commercial Complex in Point Blanche.
The trainings will be interactive workshops where discussions can take place. Once the pool of judges has been trained, they can be selected randomly to fulfill their role at any Calypso show.
Invitations have been sent out to several persons, but there is still space for more participants. Anyone still interested in attending the workshop can contact Mr. Rolando Tobias at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (580-5915) or Toontje Buncamper at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (520-1188).
The organizing committee also announced that these workshops are only open to judges and not calypsonians.
Philipsburg:---As of April 15, 2009 the island government, in cooperation with the Dutch Inspectorate of Health and the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare & Sports, appointed Mr. Robert (Rob) Cornelis Sardeman for a period of 1 year to establish the new Inspectorate of Health for Country Sint Maarten. He will not only set up health inspectorate but health social services and labor inspectorate, which reflects the situation to be established in the new constitutional structure (ministry). (VSA - Public Health, Social Services and Labour).
The establishment of the new Inspectorate of health is part of the Cooperation-project "Growth in motion (Groei in Beweging)" to strengthen the civil apparatus of Sint Maarten in preparation of country status. The objective is to determine if and under what minimum-conditions the establishment of a new independent Inspectorate of Health is possible within the framework of constitutional changes to Country Sint Maarten. As interim R. Sardeman has the task to ensure that an effective Inspectorate agency is set up to secure safety for citizens in the above mentioned areas and therefore have a positive effect on the quality of services.
Mr. Rob Sardeman is a general practitioner with a vast experience in the Dutch Inspectorate of Health. Mr. Sardeman will be full-filling the function of Inspector-General. He has been given the assignment to develop a detailed plan of action within one month-period.
The new inspectorate of health, (social services and labour) will be based on the principles of planning and control, whereby the yearly planning of the activities will take place on basis of risks-analysis and with a yearly assessment of the output.
The general objective of the new Inspectorate of Health will be:
"to provide an efficient and effective manner of supervision of public health, healthcare, supply of medicines, food safety, daycare centers and other social institutions on a collective- and individual level to ensure the promotion and safeguarding of a qualitative high level of public health and healthcare for the citizens of Sint Maarten". Labor inspections in the interest of labor laws and occupational health
The following new functions among others will be created:
• The supervision of cure activities (on institutional and individual level);
• The supervision of care activities (on institutional and individual level);
• The supervision of the supply of medicines and ionizing radiation;
• The supervision of public health;
• The contribution to international cooperation with regards to the detention of narcotic- & psychotropic substances and chemicals;
• The handling of complaints;
• Giving requested and/or non-requested advise to the local government and Ministry;
• The registration of medical institutions and/of medical professionals;
• Informing and communicating to the public of executed supervisions and inspections.
In the start up phase, the following activities among others will be carried out:
• expanding the present personnel of the hygiene and veterinary affairs and labor inspection by recruiting more qualified personnel; also merging of labor tasks and inspection of daycare.
• establishing the operational budget of the inspectorate;
• training of personnel;
• acquiring new ICT-software/hardware;
• setting up a digital archiving-system,
• building a website etc.
It is important that the new Inspectorate of Health should be able to execute their tasks independently by acquiring the legal authority from the Central Government; have a minimal personnel formation; and have an operational budget to conduct their work as efficiently and effectively as possible. Besides these aspects, the present Federal ordinance of the Inspectorate of Public Health of the Netherlands Antilles should be adjusted to the new situation, whereby the autonomy of the supervision of the new Inspectorate of Health is strengthened.
Finally, by means of establishing the Inspectorate of Health the objective is to improve health care services for the people of St. Maarten.
As we review several options, the transfer of this Central Government responsibility is targeted for July first 2009.
Philipsburg:--Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus re-iterated yesterday evening that there is a need for a structured and integrated strategy care-plan for the management of diabetes on St. Maarten.. The Commissioner was addressing a gathering of stakeholders at the Great Bay Beach Hotel whose focus was on determining the feasibility of developing a Diabetes Mellitus Disease Management policy framework for St. Maarten.
The Commissioner's remarks were kept in the context of the areas of priorities in healthcare for government. Central to these priorities is the promotion and development of a collaborated multidisciplinary approach in respect to treatments, preventive activities and the management of health problems.
Based on this, government has approved the development of the Diabetes Mellitus Disease Management Policy Framework for St. Maarten, establishing government's commitment of continuing programs which are aimed at promoting a healthy island through primary healthcare and the prevention of chronic diseases.
"Diabetes Mellitus is one of the main chronic diseases that are highly prevalent in the population of St. Maarten. It is one of the leading causes on the island of amputations, blindness and other debilitating complications. However, as was discussed during the healthcare conference in January, these complications can be prevented if they are diagnosed in a timely fashion and treatment is accurately managed and monitored," the Commissioner said.
Furthermore, she added, according to the St. Maarten Health Study, 45.7% of the total sample (people) used reported to having one or more chronic conditions which become more prevalent with an increase in age. The study also revealed that 10.2% of the sample in the age group 45 and up reported being diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus.
The aim of the project Diabetes Mellitus Disease Management is to develop strategies that will ensure a collaborated, structured and integrated multidisciplinary approach in the management of Diabetes Mellitus on the island, culminating in a national policy on Diabetes Mellitus Disease Management for St. Maarten. This project has 5 phases:
1. Taking inventory the current situation: determining the key-stakeholders within this project and formulating a national mission statement on this topic.
2. Analyzing needs: developing a national policy framework, which will be the main guideline within this process?
3. Analyzing risk factors and bottlenecks: presenting and discussing various areas of intervention for implementation.
4. Prioritizing activities to be achieved: developing a plan of action.
5. Developing a strategic plan, whereby the priorities and strategies to be used are outlined.
"To execute the abovementioned phases the Sector Public Health, Social Development and Labor is collaborating with the consultancy firm ASCION, which has a vast experience in developing instruments for needs and risk-analyses, strategic planning, quality indicators & monitoring parameters as well as change management. They have also developed programs and instruments for various health problems including Diabetes Mellitus," Buncamper-Molanus said.

MARIGOT: ----President of the Collectivity Hon. Daniel Gibbs (center) and his predecessor the Hon. Frantz Gumbs (R) pose with Bahamian poet, essayist and lawyer Marion Bethel (L) at the president's office here on Friday morning. Bethel paid a courtesy call on the Collectivity government leaders and engaged a lively discussion about "the nation of the imagination."
The author concluded her morning with a visit at the Collège Mont des Accords to discuss literature and "how to love reading" with the junior high school English class of teacher Jacqueline Hamlet-Lubino. On Saturday, April 25, Bethel will conduct an HNP Poetry Workshop at the public library. On Saturday evening Bethel will recite what Guyanese critic Petamber Persaud calls her "shamelessly beautiful" poems at the Poetry & Pan concert at the Collectivity Garden (former Mairie's location). The public concert, which starts at 7.30 pm, is the finale of the "Poetry in the Garden" program organized by the culture department and hosted by the territory's government, said culture department head Minerva Dormoy. Leading steel pan man "Mighty Dow will provide the exceptional musical entertainment.
There will be an Imbali dance performance and readings by Laurelle Richards, Joseph Maccow, Montauban Marjorie and poets from the One Poet Society," said Dormoy. Bethel, a Harvard University scholar, is also on the Friendly Island to launch her new book at the Poetry & Pan concert. Her award-winning poetry collection, Guanahani, My Love, was published by House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP). (Saltwater Collection photo)
Philipsburg-On Monday at the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center, members of the Tallahassee delegation, a group that is part of the Tallahassee-St Maarten Foundation, gave a presentation to members of the community.
Present were Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams and Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams provided some welcoming words. "Good morning and welcome. It is indeed a pleasure to welcome the delegation from Tallahassee, who is here to meet with the business community. As we continue, this our 10th anniversary of this relationship, much has happened and much more will happen in the future. Lets explore new relationships, new ideas, so that the relationship can grow between these two entities.
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus also gave a short introductory speech about the relationship that exists between Tallahassee and St. Maarten, the need to further develop the relationship, and explored different economic areas that can be beneficial, such as the agriculture & fisheries, and marine industry, projects that engage our youth, creative industries, finance and off shore sector, logistics and distribution, call centers, education center, among other topics.
Bill Proctor, Tallahassee County Commissioner, spoke about economic developments on St. Maarten and in Tallahassee, including some of his observations on St. Maarten, some ideas on how the relationship can be strengthen, and the current economic situation in the US.
The objective was to provide a venue whereby local and Tallahassee delegation members in the business world can network and explore new opportunities. During this week, there will be several individual meetings between these two groups.
There will be presentations by the Tallahassee delegation on different topics and possible investment opportunities during individual meetings with the business community.
Besides the Commissioners, there were other speakers: Miguel de Weever, Sector Director of Economy and Tourism, who spoke on Economic developments in St. Maarten; Benjamin Harris, Representative of the Economic Development Department, Stephan Knight, President of the Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation, J.R Richards, President of the Bond Community Health Center, Arthur Lugisse, Executive Director of the Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation, Dr. Keith Simmons, Professor of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, and James Weaver, Business Consultant.
The meetings will revolve around these key areas:
- Programs of ongoing relationship between Tallahassee and St. Maarten with regards to education, student exchange and media.
- Business to business relationship between Tallahassee and St Maarten Chambers of Commerce
- Investment opportunities by way of the City Program
- Financial opportunities for businesses in Florida
- Business Exchange program
- French student exchange
- Legal presentation for students
- Organization and function of the Community Bond Center in Tallahassee
- King Arthur's Tool (www.katools.com)
- Janitorial Foodservice & Paper
- Business & Tourism package
- National Cultural Heritage Initiative
- E-Florida
- Trademark and copyright registration in Tallahassee
- Rotary Club
- Sports & Culture
- Billboard Exchange program
- Student exchange and internship opportunities at FAMU
- And others.
Philipsburg. former island council member Gracita Arrindell has extended her deepest condolences to the people of the Netherlands and the royal highness queen Beatrix and the kingdom for the tragic and senseless act of violence which has caused the deaths and injuries to bystanders and they celebrate the queen's birthday "An act of violence no matter the reason, is a terrible human trait regardless of where, when and who it strikes. I was personally touched by HRH Queen Beatrix's apparent pain when she delivered her condolence message to the victims, their respective families and the people of the Netherlands on this sad day. A day, which was supposed to be a happy celebration of ‘Queens Birthday' throughout the Kingdom."
"AS SINT MAARTEN CELEBRATED IT'S 40TH CARNIVAL, MANY OF US WERE SHOCKED TO SEE THE HORRIFIC IMAGES ON THE DUTCH TV AS A CAR PLOWED INTO THE UNASSUMING CROWD, AS THE ENTOURAGE WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY PASSED JUST 15 METERS AWAY."
"I take this opportunity as well to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. Wilfrido Plantijn a member of the Antillean dance group, ‘Expression Kultura' from Almere with this tragic passing.
As the flags hang half mast in the Netherlands and throughout the Kingdom in the wake of this tragedy, our thoughts and prayers go out to the survivors, the families and the people of the Netherlands."
"May God continue to bring his love, grace and protection to the Queen, her family and the people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands?"
Philipsburg- On Friday morning Governor Franklyn Richards activated the island's Emergency Disaster Preparedness & Management Organization/Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to continue with preparations to deal with any outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) virus also known as Swine Flu.
Members of the Executive Council and a core group of the island's Emergency Disaster Preparedness & Management Organization headed by Governor Franklyn Richards as chairman, met at the Government Administration Building on Friday morning to be briefed about current state of affairs and to get an update on preparations.
The activation of the EOC comprising of 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) was necessary to execute the national influenza pandemic preparedness plan with respect to steps outlined in it and to continue to remain on high alert.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Committee announced on Wednesday that based on assessment of all available data on confirmed outbreaks of a deadly new strain of the flu virus Influenza A (H1N1), the WHO has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5.
Phase 5 means the virus is spreading from human to human in communities with outbreaks. A pandemic flu is a type of influenza that occurs every few decades and which spreads rapidly to affect most countries and regions around the world.
Sector Public Health (ESF-6) on Friday morning met with representatives at their offices in the Vineyard Building from the St. Maarten Medical Center, Family Physicians, and SLS Laboratory to discuss institutional plans, approach response to an outbreak, and a review of the inventory of resources (material, equipment) for first responders and other health care staff.
The Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles has been able to secure from Holland 25,000 courses of antiviral medication that can be taken to treat the virus once the person is infected. St. Maarten is to receive 6,250 courses of antiviral medication.
Residents are being advised to maintain high standards of hygiene in order to avoid getting the flu virus. At this moment, there are no cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus on the island.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
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. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
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.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. For people developing symptoms following international travel should follow the same procedure. People who are ill are recommended to postpone travel.
Most cases of influenza A (H1N1) so far reported around the world appear to be mild. There is currently no vaccine for the new strain of flu but severe cases can be treated with antiviral medication.
The Preventive Health Department has intensified surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.
"I appeal to the nation to continue to exercise vigilance and proper hygiene. The Island Government continues to prepare for a global pandemic and everything is being done to minimize any possible impact on our island. There is no reason to panic," Commissioner of Public Health Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Friday.
Persons seeking additional information should contact Sector Public Health at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus says she is in full agreement with United Nations (UN) General Secretary Ban Ki-moon that countries around the world must continue to be vigilant and prepared as the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus also known as Swine Flu continues to evolve.
There is still not much that is known about this new strain and the dangers it poses. As of Monday more than 1080 cases have been reported in 21 countries.
Preparations on the island to deal with any outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus is continuing with an intensified media campaign to get underway this week.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to maintain a pandemic alert phase 5 level which means the virus is spreading from human to human in communities with outbreaks.
The WHO also reported on Monday that it has no plans to raise the global alert level to Phase 6 at this time.
Residents are being advised to continue to maintain high standards of hygiene in order to avoid getting the flu virus. At this moment, there are no cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus on the island.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
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. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
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.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. For people developing symptoms following international travel should follow the same procedure. People who are ill are recommended to postpone travel.
Most cases of influenza A (H1N1) so far reported around the world appear to be mild. There is currently no vaccine for the new strain of flu but severe cases can be treated with antiviral medication.
The Preventive Health Department has intensified surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.
Persons seeking additional information should contact Sector Public Health at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu
or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg: --- The president of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) Kendall Dupersoy was given a letter of non confidence on Friday. Dupersoy confirmed that he received the letter which was signed by all six of the executive board members. The letter he said was given to him at the end of a board meeting.
In an invited comment the ousted president said he is now working on an advice which will be given to government. One of the points is that advice is for government to make sure the entire board of the SCDF is shuffled. "What we have is bunch of old members who have been rotating over the years and they want to dictate how carnival should be celebrated without involving the stakeholders. For me this should not be the stakeholders should be involved in the management of carnival.
Dupersoy said he had several sleepless nights and he even offered to make his position available to the board during the carnival season since he was not getting any type of cooperation from the executive board. "While some of the committee members were extremely co-operative and at least one member of the executive board the others were not. "every idea and proposal was shot down, it was no no for everything and I basically had to do all the work alone and without their blessings." Dupersoy said. Asked what the letter entailed, the ousted president said they claim they no longer have confidence in him since he took independent decisions to pull off the 40th carnival celebration.
SMN News was not able to make contact with any of the board members for a comment.
Philipsburg:--- The police department is presently investigating as much as five armed robberies all of which occurred over the weekend from May 8th to May 10th reported police spokesman Ricardo Henson.
Henson said on Friday May 8th two men with initials M.X and F.P. both from the island of Dominica and staying on board of a cargo boat presently on the island stated that on that same morning at approximately 12.50 a.m. they were both attacked and robbed of their belongings by two unknown men outside of "Le Petit Chateau" on the Soualiga road.
One of the suspects was armed with a handgun and threatened to use it The victims were punched several times in their face and body by the attackers. The victim M.X. took off running in the direction of the police station and tried to get away from the attackers but he was caught. Both victims were severely beaten and left behind. Their personal belongings were also taken away from them.
On Saturday May 9th a man with initials G.H. filed a report stating that he was robbed of his wallet. He stated that on that same day at approximately 01.00 a.m. after having some drinks with some friends, he took a taxi to Caines drive in Dutch Quarter. While walking through Caines drive he was suddenly approached by an unknown man who asked him for a dollar. The victim told the suspect that he had no money. The suspect then pulled out a knife and threatened to use it. The suspect pulled the victim's wallet away from him and took out the money that was in it. He then searched the victim pocket and took his cellular phone away from him. The suspect then fled the scene.
Then on Saturday May 9th a lady with the initials X.P.C. filed an official report stating that on that same evening at approximately 09.30 p.m. after just arriving at her home in the Cole Bay area, with her family, she was attacked by two unknown armed men who were hiding in the dark. These suspects fired several shots when the victim was attacked. The victim threw her bag over the fence into the neighbor's yard to avoid any further confrontation with the suspects. Both suspects then fled the scene taking the bag of the victim along with them. The bag contained some cash, cellular telephones, passport I-d card and other personal belongings.
On Sunday May 10th the detectives of the Special Robbery Unit was directed to the parking lot of Border bar in Oyster Pond in connection with an armed robbery. On the scene the detectives spoke to the victims with the initials C.M.M.L. and M.D.F.P, both from Portugal. Both victims stated that they were attacked by two unknown armed men, as they were entering their rental car. At least two shots were fired by the suspects before being robbed of their money and other personal belongings. The robbers also too the keys to their car and took off with it.
Also on Sunday May 10th a lady with initials S.M.Y.K. filed an official report stating that on that same evening at approximately 11.55 p.m. while walking on the Board Walk from Lizzy's Place to Sea Palace, she was attacked by an unknown man, who struck her with a hard object to the back of her head. The suspect then took her waist-bag (pouch) and ran away with the contents. The bag contained a small amount of cash and other personal belongings.
Marigot: -- The gendarmes have arrested a 20 year old man for an armed robbery of a cellular phone. The incident occurred on May 3rd 2009 in the center Marigot. The accused would have to appear in court to answer charges sometime in September.
The gendarmes also managed to arrest two persons a 30-year old woman along with male who attempted to rob a bar located in Grand Case. The incident occurred on May 5th. Witnesses to the incident managed to restrain the 30 year old woman, while her male companion got away and were arrested the next day and place into custody. They are to appear before a judge next month to answer charges.
The gendarmes are also investigating another incident of robbery under the threat of a knife which occurred on Monday May 11th. A report from the gendarmerie states that a shopkeeper in the center of Marigot was attacked at knife point. When the attacker was confronted bystanders he took off on foot. An immediate search did not reveal any positive result.
Philipsburg: --- Police arrested Anderson Hughes as well as towed away his green vehicle from the Clem Labega parking lot yesterday morning after Hughes punched an elderly French woman in her face.
According to eyewitnesses the woman was about to reverse into a vacant parking space when Hughes came from behind and drove into the space the woman was about to occupy.
One eyewitness and security guard for the island government said that the woman got out of her vehicle to inquire from the young man why he took the space and the man identified as Anderson Hughes responded by throwing punches in the woman's face.
The culprit later left the scene and went about his business as if nothing had happened leaving the woman on the parking lot ground.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in his police report said the woman filed an official report since her face was swollen from the assault. Henson said the two drivers had an issue, which flared up and resulted in the attack. Henson said the attacker was arrested and questioned before being released. The detective department will be forwarding a report to the prosecutor's office for a decision to be taken.
Philipsburg:---On Wednesday May 13 at two masked and armed men stormed into the administration office of Marina Plaza, located at Pelican Resort Club and while threatening the victims with initials R.A.I. and V.V.W robbed them of their cash, a laptop computer, and their cellular phones victims.
The victims filed an official report with the detective department and an investigation is being conducted by the Special Robbery Unit.
While on Thursday May 14 two unknown men of dark complexion and possibly a young white female went to the Marina Plaza.
At the Marina Plaza, the two men threatened the security guard on duty that was stationed at that location with a firearm and forcefully took him to the administration office of the marina. He was ordered to knock on the door and tell those inside it was security.
When the door was opened, the security guard was pushed inside by the robbers. All persons inside the office, while being threatened with the gun, were told to stay calm. One of the robbers ordered one of the employees to open the safe while the other robber taped the mouths shut and tied the arms of the other persons in the office together. After committing their act and receiving some cash, the robbers fled the office. The Special Robbery Unit is asking anyone who may have any information about these two robberies to call the police station and pass this information on.
The investigations into both cases are ongoing and it is still too early to say if both cases are connected.
"I WILL SAY OF THE LORD, HE IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS: MY GOD; IN HIM WILL I TRUST." PSALMS 91: 2
WITH DEEP SADNESS WE ANNOUNCE THE SUDDEN PASSING OF OUR BELOVED
MOTHER, SISTER, AUNT, GRANDMOTHER, GODMOTHER AND CLOSE FRIEND

MRS. HYACINTHE VALERIENNE BRYAN-BROOKS
AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS: CINTHIE
SUNRISE: 2ND JULY 1942..........SUNSET: 15TH MAY 2009
LEFT TO MOURN:
CHILDREN:
LUNA BROOKS AND FAMILY
MARCIA BROOKS AND FAMILY
TERRITORIAL COUNCILOR NOREEN BROOKS-GRANT AND FAMILY
CHARLES BROOKS ("BIG C") AND FAMILY
PIERETTE BROOKS-RAYMOND AND FAMILY (GUADELOUPE)
FOSTER CHILDREN:
MADELIN JACOBS, JACKIE RICHARDSON, GLENN GRAHAM AND FRANCIS JANUARY
DAUGHTER-IN-LAWS:
NORINE LAKE-BROOKS
SONS-IN-LAWS:
BRUNO RAYMOND AND ADRIEN GOMBS
SISTERS:
DOROTHY WEBSTER AND FAMILY
AURELIE WARNO AND FAMILY
ILENE FLANDERS AND FAMILY
BROTHERS:
ERNEST BRYAN AND FAMILY
LAURENT BRYAN AND FAMILY
ETIENNE BRYAN AND FAMILY
ELIE BRYAN AND FAMILY
FERDINAND (FEFE) HYMAN AND FAMILY
GRAND CHILDREN:
Michael Gumbs; Elisha Glasgow; Mario Gumbs; Erica, Micheline, Terisha, Brent, Mervin, Charles and Michaela Brooks; Michael and Bianca Raymond and Donte Grant
UNCLES:
PHILIP CHEMONT AND FAMILY
LOUIS GUMBS (CURACAO)
SISTERS-IN-LAW:
ELAINE BRYAN (HER BEST FRIEND), MARILYN BRYAN, ARGENTINA BRYAN AND ROSERITA LAPORAL
BROTHERS-IN-LAW:
RUFUS WEBSTER, LAURENT FLANDERS (ORLEANS HARDWARE) AND GASPAR JACOB (GUADELOUPE)
GOD MOTHER:
GERTRUDE SIMMONS (CURACAO)
NIECES, NEPHEWS, GREAT NIECES AND NEPHEWS TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION
GOD CHILDREN TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION
CLOSE COUSINS:
Amelia Wellington, former Senator Marcel Gumbs, Marva Gumbs Pablo (Curacao) and Patricia Gumbs
CLOSE FRIENDS:
Madeline Philips, Adolph Gumbs, Lillian Chittick, Louise Berry, Marie-Lawrence Glasgow, Lue Henry, Vera Arnell, Mabelle Nester-Hubert, Bernadette Wescott, Ross Loramol, Members of the St. Joseph Catholic Choir and Community of which she was a founding member.
SHE WAS RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING FAMILIES: Brooks, Bryan, Webster, Gumbs, Grant, Chemont, Raymond, Flanders, Hyman, Gombs, Barry, Richardson, Lloyd, Thomas, Fleming, Jacob, Glascow, Arrindell, Mathew, Beauperthuy, Chittick, Connor, Hodge, Menta, Rogers, Harrigan, Wescott, Thomas and Bertin-Maurice.
FUNERAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE MRS. HYACINTE VALERIENNE BRYAN-BROOKS WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY MAY 22ND 2009 AT THE SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH IN FRENCH QUARTER.
VIEWING WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 1.30 P.M. UNTIL 3.00 P.M. SERVICE WILL COMMENCE AT 3.00 P.M. FOLLOWED BY INTERNMENT AT THE OLD GLORY CATHOLIC CEMETERY IN FRENCH QUARTER.
A WAKE WILL BE HELD AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE DECEASED ON THURSDAY MAY 21ST 2009 FROM 7 P.M. TILL 11 P.M.
Philipsburg: --- The detective department has arrested four persons thus far in the killing of Marco Beaumont who was shot to death on May 1 2009. The latest person to be arrested was the owner of the house where the shooting took place.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed the arrest of the four suspects. Stein said the investigation is its early stages and they are not able to divulge much information on the case. Stein said all the suspects behind bars are locals and are all adults.
Marco Beaumont is the second person that lost his life this year. He was the first to loose his life at the hands of gunmen while the first person killed this year was Angel Marlin who was stabbed to death by his tenant.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus says she is confident that a vaccine for Influenza A (H1N1) also commonly known as swine flu, will be available within six-months.
Commissioner Buncamper added that the Island Government would be securing a certain amount of the vaccine when this becomes available.
The number of Influenza A (H1N1) infections continues to climb and is near 10,000 in 40 countries around the world. The United Nations (UN) health agency, the World Health Organization (WHO), is moving forward with efforts to create a vaccine.
The WHO convened a meeting in Geneva on May 19 with heads of all companies making influenza vaccines to ensure developing countries have fair access to an inoculation against the new flu strain once it is developed.
The WHO continues to maintain a pandemic alert phase 5 level, which means the virus, is spreading from human to human in communities with outbreaks.
Residents are being advised to continue to maintain high standards of hygiene in order to avoid getting the flu virus. At this moment, there are no cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus on the island.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
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. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
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.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. For people developing symptoms following international travel should follow the same procedure if they develop symptoms seven to 10-days after travel. People who are ill are recommended to postpone travel.
The Preventive Health Department has intensified surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.
Persons seeking additional information should contact Sector Public Health at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1).
GIS

Marigot: --- An apparent intervention by Prefet Dominique LaCroix has caused the President of the Territorial Council to refer the EPIC policy to the territorial council for amendments if it is necessary for amendments to be made. The advice was given to the Collectivity after the RRR party sent a prefectural referral to LaCroix pointing out some of the illegalities taken by the COM when the executive council amended the policy.
In a press release sent by the RRR group it is said the Territorial Council now eliminates some of the amendments that were made in the executive council and the policy must now pass through the territorial council.
Another concern for the opposition is the no show of the president of the Tourist Office when matters are to be debated on the Tourist Office. The opposition made it clear that it is not normal for the EPIC president to stay away from meetings when major decision has to be taken regarding tourism.
The RRR group had asked that the agenda point be taken off the last Territorial Council meeting since the president of the Tourist Office was not present at the meeting to answer questions on the changes that are to be made.
The leader of the RRR Alain Richardson is obviously annoyed with the President of the Tourist Office since she has not been showing up to council meetings when there are matters pertaining to that office on the agenda. Richardson said he specifically asked that the agenda points regarding the tourist office be taken off until the EPIC president is available to debate the issues, but his request was not honored.
On May 7, the president of the COM submitted the decision for approval but the RRR abstained from participating due to the fact the opposition pointed out several loopholes in the policy, which is not to benefit of St. Martin tourism.
Leader of the RRR Alain Richardson said the COM is making some hasty decisions regarding tourism and they need to reflect on how these decisions, which would hamper the economy of the French side.
Following a futile debate and the absence of relevant information presented to the elected officials focusing on the different possible structures with advantages and disadvantages, our group has objected to the choice of the President and his majority for the structure "EPIC." The objections were made grounds that it lacks flexibility, but more importantly, it can penalize the island in the non-French markets, which represents more than 80%.
The RRR said they are deeply concern since they believe some of the decisions taken by the UPP/UMP are not to the benefit of the island but it is simply dogmatic.
The RRR stated in their release that the executive council has been making these amendments without consulting with the socio-professionals an agency that is defined to work jointly with the EPIC. Presently the EPIC has to function based on the decisions taken by the EXCO who has no experience on dealing with the subject.
Philipsburg:--- Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin has made a public appeal to the island Lt. Governor and chairman of the island and executive council Franklyn Richards to urge the other remaining commissioners to resign immediately. Marlin said he is asking Richards to make the same appeal as he did to Laveist even though they are not having trouble legally.
The NA leader said that State Secretary of Kingdom Relations, Anke Bijleveld-Schouten, is expected to visit St. Maarten next week as well as the Parliamentarians, and Governor of the Netherlands Antilles.
These officials he said are scheduled to meet with the executive council and since the current executive council has lost its majority, he felt the honorable thing for them to do now is to resign. "I believe the Lt. Governor can now write a letter to the remaining commissioners and urge them to resign since that would be the honorable thing for them to do." Marlin said.
Marlin further explain that the reason the leader of the Democratic Party has decided to post date their resignation to June 8 is to delay the process and hold on somewhat longer to their commissioner's seat. Marlin further explained that had the National Alliance brought forth a motion of non-confidence then it would take at least three weeks before the process is finalized.
Philipsburg:---- Law enforcement authorities on St. Maarten and those at the central and Kingdom levels have to remain committed to curbing and eventually put a halt to the most recent increase in serious crime activities plaguing St. Maarten.
With St. Maarten still subjected to many of the law enforcement shortcomings of past years, an urgent appeal is being made to the Central Government, particularly the Minister of Justice, David Dick, to look into the possibility of making available additional manpower and resources for the St. Maarten police force, within the shortest possible time.
This according to St. Maarten's Local Chief of Police, Governor Franklyn Richards.
The call comes against the backdrop of the shooting and killing of a businessman resident in Cole bay on Tuesday evening as well as a spate of armed robberies, home invasions and burglaries witnessed all over the island in past weeks.
Richards is expressing sincere condolences to wife, Nisha, family and friends of the late Haresh "Danny" Dayalani, the person killed on Tuesday night. At the same time he said that he wishes to express solidarity with all victims of the recent upsurge in crime.
"This week's senseless killing and the repeated reports of armed bandits using violence against innocent victims, is indicative that the criminal element is operating with disdain for life and safety considerations of the public", says Richards.
He notes that the present situation is truly alarming and is one requiring the immediate response of the responsible authorities, charged with guaranteeing safety and security for the people of St. Maarten.
Local Chief of Police, Governor Franklyn Richards says that the public and operators of businesses have no other choice but to stay alert, at all times, in an effort to aid authorities in their ongoing efforts to apprehend robbery suspects still at large. "All of us need to stay alert and recognize that we need to do more, in order to safeguard against the innocent loss of life. As has now unfortunately been confirmed, whenever firearms are used, something can go desperately wrong, and someone has lost his life", noted the Local Chief of Police.
As such, Richards is joining the police department in calling on the public to provide information of suspected armed robbers and of persons acting suspiciously around homes or business places, which could be likely targets for armed robberies, home invasions, burglaries and other acts of violence.
"It is evident that the criminal element has, once again, set out to wreak havoc upon residents", says Richards.
"With the police department still coping with a structural lack of manpower and resources, the arrest of suspects could certainly be aided by a more alert public", says Richards.
Residents and business establishments will do well to educate themselves, employees and security staff in what to do and what not to do before, during and after coming face to face with armed criminals.
"What is important is that residents of St. Maarten do away with the notion that a home, a neighborhood or business establishment and its surroundings is that secure that it will not become a target of armed bandits" adds the Local Chief of Police.
"The events of late are a stark reminder of the need to receive immediate aid to address the concern about safety in our relatively peaceful and safe community. It's better to have received this aid and be prepared that not be protected and experience victimization on a grander scale", warns Governor Richards.
"With this way of thinking, the police as well as the public could be more involved in early intervention initiatives; the community can assist in finding solutions to armed robberies and other crime incidents that would reduce actual crime numbers and help prevent crimes. Added to this is the critical element of preventive focus. In order to create effective and lasting solutions to crime problems, preventive problem-solving strategies must be developed and used to complement the continued practice of responding to incidents after they happen" says the Local Chief of Police.
Governor Richards says that he remains in favor of greater police visibility with the presence of more police officers on the streets, intensified controls, and increased cooperation with the Marechaussees and RST team as well as possible temporary police re-enforcements from Curacao.
The still to be completed structural enhancement of the local police force, will do much to take a bite out of crime, says Richards.
Philipsburg: --- The National Alliance Faction yesterday made it clear that they were not willing to work with the present Democratic Party led government when they requested that the seventh agenda point be taken off the agenda of yesterday's Island Council meeting.
The island council meeting was called yesterday after the National Alliance submitted a letter to the chairman of the island council indicating that they now have the majority in the island council with the support of Independent Island Council member Louie Laveist.
At yesterday's emergency meeting the Island Council accepted the resignations of the present executive council.
However, installing a new executive council yesterday would have meant that the National Alliance would have formed a technical coalition with the DP just for a few days since only two of the new commissioners would have been allowed to take office.
Marlin in a statement to the press after the closure of the island council meeting said he has made several appeals to the three remaining commissioners to resign but they have refused to comply. Marlin said his faction would wait until after June 8 when the resignation of the commissioners become effective before installing the new executive council.
Marlin said he had already indicated that once the commissioners have resigned from the executive council and it is accepted by the island council there is no need to move a vote of non-confidence against them. He said the resignation would go into effect on June 8 and another Island Council meeting would be called where the new executive council will be appointed. The NA leader said there was no need to appoint two commissioners on Friday since that would have not made sense technically it would have formed a coalition. He said he even asked the governor to urge the present commissioners to resign and move on. Marlin said he felt it does not make sense that these commissioners hold on to their offices unless they have their little goodies to take care of.
Asked how the talks are going with Commissioner Heyliger Marlin said the talks are going well and he should be wrapping things up in the coming days.
In the meantime, Councilman Leroy De Weever did not attend the meeting; he however indicated to the governor by letter that he was unable to attend yesterday's island council. In addition, present yesterday was independent island council man Louie Laveist, it was clear Laveist is giving his support to the NA faction since he clearly stayed with the NA members in the tribune of the AC Wathey Legislative Hall. Laveist sat alone in his regular seat during the meeting perusing paper work, when the meeting closed he went over to the opposition benches before leaving while Heyliger was missing in action.

Philipsburg: --- Co-founder of Democratic Party the late Clem Labega will be laid to rest today announced his son Senator Erno Labega. Labega passed away early Wednesday morning at the St. Maarten Medical Center; he was 83 years of age and was ailing for sometime.
Funeral service for the late pioneer and former island and executive council member will be held at the Royal Funeral Home, viewing of the body as well as tributes will take place from 1-3pm after which the service will take place.
An extra-ordinary island council meeting will be held in memory of Labega at the A. C Wathey Legislative Hall where tributes will be paid to the Former Island and executive council member.

Philipsburg:--- Advisor to the United Federation Union (UFA) Willy Haize said that the Indian Merchants Association (IMA) has acted too quickly when they closed down the island last week after the brutal killing of businessman Haresh Dayalani. Haize said he believed the IMA should have allowed justice to take its course and see exactly why Dayalani was killed.
He said even though the prosecutor has said it was a robbery that went bad the IMA should have waited to see if in fact that was the case.
Haize said the business community has to realize they created a social time bomb on St.Maarten since youths as well as thier parents are not being employed by these businesses.
The unionist said right now the youths on St. Maarten are reacting to the social crisis with violence since they are not able to find work so that they can properly feed themselves. He said for years he has been calling on government as well as the business community to eliminate poverty on St. Maarten by employing and paying the islanders correctly. Haize also blamed the island government for the situation they created since they are the ones who granted commmercial licenses to all sorts of people. He said the island government caused the influx of foreign labour to St. Maarten which eventually phased out the locals.
The UFA advisor further explained that the very business community who now has control of the economy are the ones protesting against the full implementation of the new integrated labour policy. These businesses came up with all sorts of things against this policy that was created to eliminate poverty and the influx of foreign labour to St. Maarten.
Haize said if the youths on St. Maarten are not able to find work and they cannot live comfortable in their own country they are going to create hell here. He said it is time the island government study this situation and come up with ways and means to tackle it.
Government has to now tell these businesses that they must hire locals if they are to avoid crime and violence on St. Maarten. He said bringing in more police would not answer to the social problems facing the nation.
Haize said the IMA asked government do all they can to reduce crime and they said they are willing to assist, with whatever is needed. "My advise to them is to begin hiring the parents and youths on St. Maarten and stop importing foreign labor. They also need to stop hiring the undocumented people on St. Maarten which is competing against the locals.
Philipsburg: ---Within short the new government is going to take office. The difficulty of the task ahead cannot be overemphasized. As the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin stated clearly that constitutional change will be our priority as we continue to move towards country St. Maarten. Expanding and including other persons with expertise is definitely a necessity and we are calling on all those who are willing and capable to assist when called upon.
Expectations are high and a lot needs to be done. What should not be forgotten is the fact that we can't do it alone. We are calling on our partners in the Kingdom not just to extend a hand but to seriously assist and help us prepare for separate status. We and the Netherlands are joined together by the hip and nothing will ever change this. We know that the Netherlands is under pressure from external forces and therefore it is within their best interest and reputation to ensure that the people of the Netherlands Antilles and St. Maarten succeed.
The campaign slogan of President Barack Obama is "Yes we can" my slogan as we prepare to enter into office is "We can't do it alone. The public and private sector have an important role to play. Professionalism is the key. This is no time for political grandstanding and rhetoric but serious governing. It is not about whose party is in government, it is about what is in the best interest of the people. We are facing a global financial crisis effects of which are starting to be felt more and more, we are dealing with the issue of crime, the H1N1 virus is spreading and our educational system needs serious attention. We are asking the people to give us a chance to work. Rome was not built in a day and remember "We can't do it alone".
Philipsburg:---Democratic Party leader Sarah Wescot Williams whose resignation has become valid on Monday June 8 and who would be moving across the isle in the island council has issued a statement informing the population on their achievement while in government. Below is the full text of the statement.
"After 10 years of uninterrupted government rule, the Democratic Party has started a new chapter in its political life.
A chapter, where work on behalf of the people of St. Maarten will have to be carried out from the opposition benches for the time being.
It is a chapter that has been forced upon us, but might be the best thing yet to happen to the Democratic Party.
As strange as this might sound coming from my mouth, it comes like a breath of fresh air, albeit with some apprehension, comparable with children making the decision to leave their parental home. You can try to keep them from going for as long as you can, you can fight it, you can try to persuade them, but once they have made that decision to leave, it remains a matter of the right time and potential opportunities for themselves.
Preserving the home and its inhabitants becomes even more difficult when members of the house no longer see eye to eye. And like every departure out of any "house", a good house cleaning always helps to overcome the disappointment and the accusations.
Looking back on the DP years in government, there is no denying, there have trying times. But overall for me nevertheless extremely rewarding. Not rewarding in a monetary sense of the word, but rewarding because of what we have been able to do for the people of this island.
Many changes have taken place on St. Maarten during the past 10 years. Changes in government, in our society, in politics, you name it. We have seen much positive growth and development; and not only in the economic sense.
In government we have moved far away from the time when governing this island could have been done by spending 2 hours a day in office.
Today, 24 hours in a day are not sufficient for those who want to move this island forward.
Constitutionally we have moved from the time it was said No, absolutely not to granting St. Maarten any change of status. We have moved to where today we command the respect of every partner in the Kingdom for St. Maarten, its drive, its commitment and its determination.
This I could never have done alone.
I am grateful for the support of the people of St. Maarten and to have served them, in this capacity for nearly 10 years, day in, day out, through hard times and good times. I thank the people not only for their support at the polls in 1999, 2003 and 2007, but also for their support of the entire Democratic Party during all these elections.
I thank especially all the people of Sint Maarten for the trust that they gave me to work on their behalf, and that is what I did for the last 10 years, steadily, tirelessly, relentlessly, daily and often times nightly.
The people allowed me this space.
While I had and still have some fierce critics, they are few in numbers. The people of St. Maarten looked out for me personally, as they would do a mother or a sister. They were concerned about my health, my wellbeing, my state of mind.
The support of the people of St. Maarten also manifested itself in the prayers bestowed on me and the members of my party in government. For this I am extremely grateful.
What we have achieved over the last 10 years could never, never have been accomplished, unless many others, especially our civil servants did not go out of their way, and some beyond the call of duty to achieve for St. Maarten what we have achieved.
The members of the DP, each and every-one of you, thanks for your loyalty and commitment to this party. Don't change this for any reason. We have faced fiercer storms and have prevailed.
My staff, what more can I say. How does one say thanks when it deserves more than thanks. When thanks begin to sound shallow, because you say it so often. Yet, I say it again. Whatever you continue to do, do it with passion and conviction.
Even midway our term of office, all of you have the right to be proud. For what together we have been able to accomplish.
And so does my family, for each of you in your own special way being there no matter what. Not for the glory, but for me, who you realize , is driven by a passion for this island and its people, that is unequaled and your respect because of it.
My last campaign slogan was country above self. And this is how I live and work. Country above self, and with me I know of so many others who do as well, and I thank you.
This for us, the Democratic Party is not the epilogue, but rather a new chapter for the Democratic Party, and a new era in the chronicles of our island St. Maarten .
We, your Democratic Party's representatives remain in the position that we were actually elected to by the people of St. Maarten and that is the island council of St. Maarten.
2 of the 6 seats given to the Democratic Party have abandoned us. Our number in the island council has subsequently diminished, but the soul and the heart which are the members, the supporters, the well-wishers, each and every individual, remain strong and more committed than ever to keep the party for which they have labored, going strong and moving forward. Never yet in modern times have we been defeated outright by any one political party, and by the grace of God and the strength of the Almighty we will continue to be strong and true to the principles on which this party was founded.
Every so often the tree needs to be pruned so that the branches can shoot anew and strong, nurturing the new leaves that will grow in abundance."

Philipsburg:---Members of Rotaract District 7020 from 7 Caribbean islands who were on St. Maarten to participate in this year's Rotaract District 7020 Conference, which took place from June 4th to June 8th, 2009 at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, carried-out a Beach Clean-up at Mullet Bay this past Sunday June 7th, 2009. The Clean-up was conducted as a part of the Conference's planned community service events and the district's "Rotaract Goes Green in 2008-2009" program, which aims to raise awareness of- and support sustainable solutions to the environmental challenges the Caribbean is faced with. Rotaract volunteers filled over 20 large garbage bags with waste ranging from umbrellas, beer bottles and soda cans to bottle caps and cigarette butts, participants were amazed at the amount of garbage found on the beach and urged St. Maarten's residents and visitor alike to "make a greater effort to protect the island's natural resources". The Clean-up was made possible through the assistance of St. Maarten Pride Foundation and generous sponsorships from Victors Wholesale and Ace Home Center.

Philipsburg:--- The mother of a six month old baby who died mysteriously some two weeks ago remains in police custody confirmed Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein.
Stein said that they believe the mother of the young infant had something to do with her death and they have enough to keep the young woman behind bars a bit longer.
Asked if the death of the baby was brutal or accidental Stein said if the latter was so then the woman would not have been in police custody that long. He further explained that the pathologist has to conduct some microscopic tests to determine the exact cause of death of the young child, and unless that is not done and the results are not in no one should speculate on the cause of death.
Some two weeks ago police held both parents of the child after they were called in by doctors of the St. Maarten Medical Center when the dead child was taken to the hospital for treatment. Police has since released the father from custody.
Philipsburg:--- Despite not having an office space at his disposal and only two days in office the new commissioner of labour Hyacinth Richardson said he has some ideas on how to reshape the labour industry on St. Maarten.
Richardson a former employee of the labour department for 17 years said he is fully aware of the economic downturn and its effects on the island. However, he felt government has to be creative if they are to better the unemployment and the economy of St. Maarten. He said his vision is making sure some of those people who are not working gets back in the workforce. Richardson said he plans to see if the island government can pay some of the businesses to employ the unemployed. He said the idea is to make sure the salaries of the employee is given to the company who would train the new worker.
The advantage he said would be after six months of paying the salaries while the worker is being trained the company would then have to hire the employee who may have been on welfare. He said he cannot guarantee that government can execute his plans since he did not discuss it with the executive council as yet. However, he said he is fully capable of managing the labour department he considers himself to be full of experience in the labour industry.
As for health care he said everyone has to be healthy, it is important for him to scrutinize the department prior to executing. Richardson said he intends to place a lot of focus on prevention.
Richardson said he holds the labour and social affairs as well as health care, youth and women's affairs as well as culture portfolios. He said he had wish he had the sports portfolio but nevertheless he has confidence in the new commissioner of sports.
Richardson said he never considered himself an opposition member since he has been actively serving several sectors via his foundation. He said that he is the producer of one of the most significant culture programs on St. Maarten, the St. Maarten Multi Cultural Extravaganza. Richardson made clear that he would not be able to answer much questions since only two days ago they took office.
He did say that he have been looking at the integrated labour policy which was introduced in February this year and felt that some parts of it would need to change. The new commissioner said he would not itemize those changes at this time since he does not want to be held accountable for what he said prior to fully discussing it with the executive council.
Philipsburg: --- The chairman of the main voting bureau for the island territory of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards in a public notice said that in keeping with article 128 of the voting ordinance, that the resolution of said bureau to appoint George C. Pantophlet as member of the island council of the island territory of St. Maarten, is available for public scrutiny at the office of the head of the civil registry.
Pantophlet a former member of the island council had resigned last year to take up the position of State Secretary for health after Joan Berkle resigned from the position. Due to the political shake up on St. Maarten these last weeks Pantophlet has once again change his position to senator and island council member. The release from the governor's office did not state when Pantophlet will be re-appointed to replace Patrick Illidge who has already resigned from the island council to take up office in Curacao.

Philipsburg:---Last Wednesday, a sample of literature books and CDs were presented to the Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL) by House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP), one of the St. Martin Book Fair organizers. The books are gifts from Cuba's Casa de las Americas for libraries in St. Martin. The University of St. Martin (USM) library received a sample of titles on June 5, following the President's Forum at the 7th annual St. Martin Book Fair (June 4-6, 2009). A set of books will also be presented to the Marigot Library, said Shujah Reiph, president of Conscious Lyrics, a book fair partner. Casa received the book fair's President's Award on June 6 in recognition of its 50 years of publishing and contributing to the literary and cultural arts in the Caribbean and Latin America. Caridad Fernandez, a research specialist at Casa in Havana, delivered the President's Forum lecture at USM and received the award on behalf of Casa at the closing ceremony of the book fair. (Interestingly, a few years ago PJL and HNP had jointly presented books about St. Martin's culture, history and politics to Cuba's Jose Marti National Library).
Marigot: -- Former School teacher and activist Leopold James will be making a presentation to the Territorial Councilor and civil servants on Monday. James said he was invited by the President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Frantz Gumbs. He is expected to inform his audience on the island’s Cultural identity.
Almost two weeks ago James had sent a letter to Gumbs requesting a meeting to discuss the escalating crime rate on both sides of the island. It is not clear if the president’s invitation has anything to do with the letter sent to him by James.
James is also scheduled to meet with the island Lt. Governor and Chief of Police on Wednesday where he would be discussing his ideas and structural approach into combating crime.
After the meeting with the governor and the president of the COM, James would take the opportunity to invite all associations, the business community and citizens in a joint effort to achieve unity in the community, as a deterrent for crime.
Port of Spain, Trinidad- Delegates from Eight member and Associate states and Six International and Regional Organizations attended the 17th Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction at the Association of Caribbean States Headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad on May 29th 2009. The Netherlands Antilles was represented by Ms. Ari Sutton, Policy Assistant at the Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs. The Primary objective of the meeting was to renew the focal points in the area of Disaster Risk Reduction and to strengthen the National Platforms of the Membership. The Netherlands Antilles took this opportunity to strengthen its ties in the region and reestablish contacts with other member states.
The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) is an organization comprising of 25 member states and 3 Associate Members. The primary objective of the ACS is to strengthen regional cooperation and integration in the region and promote sustainable development of the Greater Caribbean. The Netherlands Antilles is an Associate Member of the ACS.
Philipsburg: ---In 2008 DERPI commissioned a study by Dutch Language expert drs. Petra van Gent, on the use of the Dutch methods in Cycle I of all FBE schools. The outcome of this research indicated that the methods in the schools were not age appropriate for the students. The information of the research was shared with the school boards and the discussions began to look for a more interactive method introducing Dutch as a Foreign Language to our students.
The Sr. Regina School started the new school year 2008-2009 with the introduction of the interactive method of “IK & KO” in the first 2 years of Cycle I.
The “IK & KO” is an interactive Dutch language method used in the Netherlands in multi-lingual schools with the 4 and 5 year old students.
DERPI made contact with the Sr. Regina School to see the method being used. A suggestion was also made to all school boards and the school directors to visit the Sr. Regina School to have a look of the method. Drs. Petra van Gent was also asked for advice on this matter.
The end result was that all school boards indicated to DERPI that they would want this method ordered for their Cycle I classes. The order was placed under the condition that all Cycle I teachers participate in the training to introduce the new method in the schools. The method will be adapted to the St. Maarten situation and will be introduced in the context of Dutch as a Foreign Language. A two day training session is planned for the month of August 2009 for all Cycle I teachers.
Next school year DERPI will purchase a common reading method based on the same program for year 2 and 3 of Cycle I and for Cycle II to ensure that all schools have the follow up methods.
During the first week of June 2009 all FBE schools received the Dutch method to be used in the Cycle I classes. The financing for this project comes from the USONA Funding of the Onderwijs &Jongeren Program.
written by RAWLE NELSON
Airport:---The promotion of intra-regional travel as a mechanism for accelerating and increasing the benefits of tourism forms part of one of the key goals of Windward Islands Airways International N.V (Winair) new website.
This is according to the company’s Managing Director, Edwin Hodge speaking to the media recently.
Addressing the issue of the modified website, Hodge said that one of the airline’s immediate objectives was to place the new website service at the disposal of local, regional and international travelers thus ensuring that all benefits from the various services that is being offered by the company.
“Like any airline we are always seeking to improve its service and increase market share while at the same time explores the possibilities of new markets, Hodge said.
Commenting on the company’s aim with the new website, Hodge said; “we have to understand that part of the aim of this initiative is to promote a more progressive commercial culture in the Caribbean that will allow for the easier movement of persons from one island to another, “Hodge noted.
According to him, Winair’s new website could provide an affordable marketing opportunities for both large and small enterprises as the website will also provide two new innovative and dynamic features. These features are Winair News while it would also afford register member users an opportunity to receive the company’s monthly newsletter via their email.
As such, Hodge noted that there would be a number of advertising opportunities for companies and individuals who would like to expand or widen their advertising reach thus being able to encompass the many possibilities that such a website executed by the airline company will provide them.
The website conceptualization is being spearheaded by the company’s Vice President / Director of Marketing and Sales, Claudio Buncamper. The VP / Director of Marketing and Sales pointed out that the initiative was also a response to what the company saw as a somewhat unsatisfied customers base who wanted more while he stressed that with the current global economic situation faced by many it had been able to bring out the creative and innovative spirits in many.
“Once we began to look at the project more closely we recognized that it could also be applied to the rest of the region thus WINAIR is proud that even though we are considered a small airline this website can be touted as the best within the region in term of features and scope for garnering information,” Buncamper said.
Addressing the challenges faced in getting the project completed, Buncamper said that it included collaboration with several stakeholders thus its success.
Making purchases on line, Buncamper noted that all transactions goes through the on-line credit card system which are facilitated by their clearing bank who verifies the liquidity of the card holder and authorizes all credit transactions. Programming for the new, exciting and innovative website is being done by a locally based company Secur Tech International.
Meanwhile, Hodge said that the company’s new site had broken new ground in the region. “it I important to note that we were motivated with the fact that there are many things that Winair has been doing positively, however not much is publicized and
promoted and therefore, we felt that as a company the public should be able to easily access such information thus the new added features,” he said.
Philipsburg- Two information evenings were held on Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16 for health care workers at the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall to give information about the upcoming HIV [e] education training. The information sessions were facilitated by Ms. Gonneke Hermanides, Regional Coordinator Health [e] Foundation of the Netherlands.
Attendees were given an overview of the internet/online based HIV training programme, which is designed for a wide range of interdisciplinary health care providers. Present at the information sessions were general practitioners, nurses, physicians’ assistants, social workers, psychologists, lab technicians, pharmacists and specialists here on the island.
Gonneke also made the same presentation during CCNAPC’s (Caribbean Coalition of National AIDS Programme Coordinators) new national AIDS coordinators orientation workshop on Monday morning at Holland House.
Gonneke stated that this program is set up as a means of focusing on sustainable HIV care in small settings. In addition she stated that it provides education in the field of HIV as a means to get more health care workers to provide improved quality care in the field of HIV/AIDS.
Suzette Moses-Burton, HIV/AIDS Programme manager stated, “One of our priorities for 2009 is the strengthening of the health care sector to deal with the issue of HIV/AIDS. We are looking at developing an integrated approach to treatment and care for HIV as part of a long-term strategy for treating HIV as a chronic manageable disease. The involvement of all players in developing a care and treatment plan will be critical to its success and successful implementation will be reliant on the increased knowledge and skills of health care workers.”
Training will be held for health care workers (HCW) as a means of promoting the development of improved social services programmes, care and treatment for persons living with HIV/AIDS and to develop a care and treatment plan.
The aim of HIV[e] education is to provide healthcare workers with complete and updated information on all aspects of treatment and care for patients with HIV/AIDS. These courses will be done via USB sticks and the internet, and is being done by Health[e] Foundation, a non-profit organization based in the Netherlands.
Interested persons can contact the PMT at 542-2078/5423003 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Philipsburg: --- The two Sri Lankans (Tamils) Gobinath Navarathinan (25) and Chantihiralingan Logesan (21) would have to spend some more time in prison until the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten finds a way to deal with their cases. That was the decision taken by Judge Noord Huizen at the court of first instance on Monday. The judge also felt St. Maarten should not be the transit point for traffickers.
The two Tamils were represented by attorney at law Denicio Bryson who argued that his clients have been locked up since April 15 giving them a total of 67 days in a police cell. The two it is said were arrested while staying at the Sea Breeze Hotel, it is further understood they came to the island by boat from Antigua. However, the police records show the two men were arrested on May 16th and they have just over one month behind bars. Bryson said his client’s detention order which was issued by the Lt. Governor on May 17 has expired since June 17, some five days ago and his clients are now being held illegally. He urged the judge to release both men for humanitarian reasons.
Bryson said having represented Tamils before he is convinced the two young men are running away from the present civil war in their country. He told the judge that both his clients are of fighting age and they are used by the ethnic groups in that country. Bryson then showed the judge the injuries one of his clients suffered due to the civil unrest in Sri Lanka. He said while he is knows the Tamils is not interested in staying on St. Maarten he believes the experiences of the past should not be used as an impediment against the two Tamils who are now in police custody. The attorney at law who handles immigration cases said he himself has lost courage in representing the Tamils because of an experience he had with five of them.
Bryson said he went through several lengthy court procedures for these Tamils who were granted a two hour interview by the Geneva Convention, and were given a both residence and work permits for St. Maarten yet three of them jumped on a boat in bid to escape to Canada where they can apply for asylum. Unfortunately he said the three men never made it to Canada instead they lost their lives at sea when the boat they were in collapsed. He said he understands the risk that is involved when the Tamils are released from police custody but he does not believe they are to be kept there. He suggested that the Lt. Governor send the Tamils to Holland where there are asylum centers. Bryson said the Netherlands Antilles do not have these facilities and sending the Tamils to a third country is a waste of time. He reminded the judge of a case where the police took some Tamils to the French side to hand them over to the Police Aux Frontiers (PAF) but the French he said refused them since there were no records to show that the Tamils were ever on the French territories. He said in this case the two Tamils before the court do not even have a passport and it is impossible to send people to anyone’s country without a travel document. “The idea right now is not how they got here, they are here and we need to deal with them in a humanitarian way.” The defense agreed that the two should not spend their lives behind bars but said he believes the Governor should be given more time to deal with their cases.
Gobinath Navarathinan broke down in tears when he was asked what he had to say for himself the young man told the judge he has lost a brother and sister at the hands of the civil war, he also showed the judge his misplaced hand that was injured while in his country. The young man pleaded to be released. When told that the request was denied since he is only behind bars just over a month now, he tried telling the judge they have been there some 67 days now.
The deputy director of the Netherlands Antilles Directorate of Culture and Sports, Mrs. Jolanda Ng, on Tuesday met with sports commissioner Frans Richardson, at the latter's office on Tuesday morning. Also in attendance was Sports Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson (far right) and Dorothy Lake of Commissioner William Marlin’s office.
The meeting served to update the commissioner on the upcoming Culture Games and Sports Kingdom Games.
While the kingdom games have been around for many years, 2009 will only be the second time that the Culture Games are to be held. The event targets youth between the ages of 13 and 18 and is held within the framework of celebrating culture in the broadest sense of the word.
Philipsburg: ---The University of St. Martin Admissions Office is reminding all current applicants and those interested in applying to the University degree programs of the upcoming July 8 deadline. Students wishing to enroll in classes for August (FALL 2009 semester) are required to complete applications by July 8.
These persons are also reminded to request transcripts from their high schools before they close for the summer break. Enrollment Days have already started for the Fall semester and will continue until July 8. Students are encouraged to complete their applications within the enrollment days; late fees will be levied after the July 8 deadline. Applications are currently being accepted for the Associate of Arts degrees in Business and General Liberal Arts, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and the UVI-USM Bachelor of Arts in Business programs.
Regionally acclaimed St Maarten based sculptor, Michael Magihro is one of six regionally acclaimed individuals who will be recognize for their contributions regionally. Magihro who is well known throughout the region for what many critics have dubbed as superbly gifted and dynamic work will be recognize by the Director of the Pan American Health Organization for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr Gina Watson.
Dr Watson forms part of a delegation of internationally personalities that will be descending on the Caribbean to recognize the selected individuals. The grand and anticipated impressive awards ceremony is slated for Saturday July 4th in St Kitts and will be hosted at the newly build Sweet Smile Restaurant at Port Zante.
According to a source close to the organizers, a number of prominent public and private sector officials will cover the awards cocktail reception ceremony which gets underway at 7pm. The source said that Michael Magihro will receive the “Barbados and EC Recognition Award for his sterling, significant, continuous and creative contributions to in the area of sculpting in the region. Adding significance to Magihro’s award is the fact that a prominent company, BD based in Mexico and the United States of America will also recognize Magihro for what they have dubbed as his breathtaking designs and work which have attracted international attention far and wide.
The source pointed out that the recognition of the six individuals’ forms part of a collaborative effort being undertaking by Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Non Governmental Organization in partnership with PAHO in an attempt to show the region’s appreciation for the sterling, enormous, continuous and unselfish contributions that the awardees have all made in their respective areas of recognition.
It was pointed out that Maghrio who is originally from Nigeria settled in St Maarten some twelve years ago and has since been making sterling and significant contributions thus aiding the island in garnering regional and international exposure. “Michael’s award is befitting as this is due to him a long time now as we are of the firm belief that he has and continues to make significant contributions in the area of sculpting and therefore recognizing him now is very important,” the source said.
A source close to the award organizing committee said that the contributions made by Magihro is deserving of recognition. “We want to acknowledge the sterling efforts of Mr. Magihro for the last twenty three odd years, we have recognized that he has been receiving regional and international attention in the enormous work that he has been doing,” the source noted.
According to the source, this year some six persons from the region will be conferred with the historic inaugural staging of the awards. The source while declining to name the other recipients pointed out that the six recipients are worthy of regional recognition adding that he is very happy that they would be recipients of such a prestigious award.
The source extended thanks to Magihro for his selection to receive the award while urging him to continue his brilliant and creative work within his community adding that the quality and standard of his work have drawn and will continue to draw administration from many.
“This is a sterling effort and we would like to say thank you to Mr. Magihro and we sincerely trust and hope that Magihro will continue his great and very impressive work,” the source added.
GREAT BAY: --– The last five laboratory samples take on June 23 and sent to the lab in Holland for testing for the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus have come back negative while two new swab samples taken on June 25 from two women who recently returned from a country with laboratory confirmed cases, have been sent for laboratory analysis according to the Preventive Health Department (PHD).
The two women who reside on the island, developed flu-like symptoms six/seven days after returning to the island. They consulted with their family physician and are being treated with antiviral medication. They have also been told to remain at home.
The latest global update by the World Health Organization (WHO) as of Monday reveals 70,893 persons have been infected and 311 deaths.
The island’s public health surveillance system was placed on alert since the onset of H1N1. When the WHO raised its pandemic level to phase five a few months ago with the introduction of Influenza a (H1N1) Virus, surveillance alertness was heightened.
Public health authorities due to the heightened surveillance have the capabilities to detect and treat cases early.
Persons who are immune-compromised such as HIV patients or persons on cancer treatment and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension as well as pregnant women should ensure that they check with their doctor if they have flu-like symptoms.
Parents should also pay attention to the health condition of their children and to remind them to observe good personal and environmental hygiene.
The St. Maarten community has an important role to play in reducing the impact and spread of Influenza a (H1N1) Virus. Persons with flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician immediately.
Follow the guidelines as provided by family physicians and or the Preventive Health Department. The use of medication, the need to remain at home and the need to follow the preventive measures are your contribution to minimizing the spread and impact of H1N1 in our community.
Personal basic intervention measures that can be taken at the individual level to reduce the risk of infection are: respiratory hygiene (covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing); disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully (bagging and binning them); avoiding non-essential travel where possible to affected countries; hand washing frequently with soap and water (reduces acquiring the virus from contact with infected surfaces and from passing it on); cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen counter tops, door handles, frequently using a normal cleaning product).
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.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A (H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Marigot:--The “Mouvement Citoyen Saint Martin” MOCSAM is thanking those that came out and shared their views and news at its first session, and is informing and inviting the general public to a second evening of reflection and discussion on its future, using as support the following topics:
• Falling prices
• Projects for the future
• Equal Opportunities
• Heritage
This expression session will be held on Thursday July 02nd 2009 at maison des enterprises in Concordia (CCI), starting at 5:00PM in the form of an introduction followed by a discussion of 30 to 45 minutes per topic.
Come one, come all, and let your voice be heard, give your opinion and participate in the making of a better and brighter future for St. Martin.
The Philipsburg Toastmasters Club last Saturday evening installed Competent Communicator Competent Leader Donna Morrison as their new President for the 2009 – 2010 term.
For the past year, CC Donna Morrison functioned as the Vice President Education with Valerie Brazier as President and formed an excellent Team in having the Club attain the President Distinguished Club level. As President, CC Morrison intends to continue guiding the 41 member club to achieving full personal development of its members’ communication and leadership skills. The Club’s slogan for the term is “Moving forward with Excellence” and CC Morrison is convinced that the Club is up to the task.
Toastmasters International sets standards for all Clubs to attain that ensures the majority of its members can advanced in the communication and leadership skills based on manual projects and trainings. Each club is required to add 8 new members, 4 competent communicators, 2 Competent Leaders, 2 advanced Communicators and 2 advanced leaders as well as ensure that membership dues are up to date. The Club Officers are required to attend two training sessions in leadership annually.
The Philipsburg Toastmasters Club was founded in 1994 by John Hodge, Rolando Tobias, Miguel Arrindell and Dennis Jeoffrey. Competent Communicator Donna Morrison is the second female president of the Club. The entire Board for the new term consists of Donna Morrison as President, Nina Lambert-Diaz as Vice President Education, Enid Van Putten-Gregory as Vice President Membership, Elroy Hughes as Vice President Public Relations, Nick Hemrajani as Treasurer, Angelica Arrindell as Secretary and Angela Gordon as Sergeant At Arms. Valerie Brazier will function as Immediate Past President and advisor to the Board.
Hillside Christian Schools has recently conducted its sixth Active Parenting Workshop and has awarded parents their certificates on Wednesday, June 24, 2009.
The 3 workshops were conducted by trainers Rozella Lawrence and Myrna Richardson (first in front row), and Grace Linger and Barbara Philips (third in front row), who are both staff members at Hillside Christian Schools. The final count is 51 parents who successfully completed the program including 13 males.
Mrs. Asha Stevens, the General Director of the school (second front row) who was at hand to present the certificates, congratulates the parents on behalf of the School Board on their achievement. She applauds the sacrifices the parents have made to attend the sessions after their working day and encourages them to apply the discipline methods and positive communication skills at home with their children. School Board, Management and Staff of Hillside Christian Schools also extend words of appreciation to the Management of DERPI, and the coordinator parental involvement, Ms. Edna Rijkaard for introducing Active Parenting. We are convinced the family, the school, and society at large will benefit from the sessions.
Philipsburg,: NAGICO made a donation of polo shirts to the Leeward Islands Cricket Umpires Association (LICUA) on Friday 3rd July 2009 as the company continued to show its dedication to the development of the sport. The polo shirts carry the logos of the LICUA on the front breast pocket and the NAGICO logo on the back; they will be worn by the umpires during the LICA 3 day tournament which started play on July 3rd 2009 and runs until the end of the month. Member of the organizing committee of the Leeward Island Cricket Umpires Association Mr. Emanuel “Spoony” Stapleton stated, “On behalf of the association, we would like to thank NAGICO Insurances for sponsoring the polo shirts for the 3 day tournament.”
NAGICO is a main sponsor of the Leeward Islands Cricket Association, and has worked closely with the association in increasing the level of cricket in the surrounding islands. Over the years NAGICO has been extremely supportive of regional cricket including their own NAGICO LICA One Day Tournament and now they have expanded their involvement by sponsoring the umpires.
Philipsburg/Charlestown—GEBE Managers attended a one-day geothermal workshop in Nevis organized by West Indies Power Company in collaboration with the University of New Zealand’s Institute of Earth Sciences & Engineering which took place on Thursday July 2. GEBE is following the developments on geothermal energy in the region very closely because it believes that geothermal can be a viable, cost effective and abundant source of alternative energy for the Dutch Windward Islands.
This one day workshop coincided with the final session of the 1st Eastern Caribbean Geothermal Conference which was held at the Mount Nevis Hotel on the island of Nevis. The well attended conference was organized by the Nevis Island Administration, The Organization of American States (O.A.S) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation & Development.
Saba, where some preliminary geothermal surveys are currently being conducted, sent a delegation consisting of Commissioner Bruce Zagers and local power generation expert Dexter Johnson. The latter is also the manager of GEBE Saba. They were later joined by the manager of GEBE Statia Mr. Fred Cuvalay and GEBE Commercial Manager Steve Duzanson for the one-day work shop. The Nevis Geothermal Workshop attracted some 40 high ranking energy officials from around the Caribbean including CEO’s of utility companies and CARICOM/CARILEC/UWI officials.
The workshop was based on the P.G. Certificate Course which is given at the University of New Zealand’s Institute of Earth Sciences & Engineering (IESE) and covered topics such as Conceptual Models for Geothermal Fields, Ground Water Exploration, Geophysical Exploration and Geothermal Engineering. It was moderated by Dr. Graham Ryan (a young geophysicist originally from Montserrat) and Prof. Dr. Peter Malin (Director of the IESE in New Zealand).
One of the subjects that generated a lot of interest during the workshop was Prof. Dr. Malin’s assessment on manmade earthquakes and a recent investigation he conducted on this subject in Basel, Switzerland. The Basel case grabbed worldwide media headlines when a geothermal exploration project in the middle of the city was halted by the Swiss government after it was alleged to have caused an earthquake there. Dr. Malin showed that the two events were totally unrelated and argued that there has never been an earthquake of any significance caused by geothermal exploration.
Philipsburg:--The Immigration administration department at located in the Philipsburg Police Station and the Department of Police Affairs located at the “Sun Color Building” will be relocated a press release from Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said.
In order to offer better service to the general public and especially those persons who want to apply for a residence permit or to apply for the Dutch citizenship, both departments will be brought together at the same location. The new location of the above mentioned department will be at A.Th. Illidge road # 8, next to the NAPA Building.
As of July 30th 2009 the Immigration administrative department ( Police Station)will be closed to the public in connection with the relocation. On July 31st 2009 the Department of Police Affairs (Sun Color Building) will also be closed in connection with the relocation. Both departments will officially start their operation from the new location as of August 3rd 2009.
This Department will be known as the "Immigration and Naturalization Department."
The opening hours and the official telephone numbers of this department will be announced at a later date once they become available and are in operation.
Great Bay, -The HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team is currently receiving technical assistance from Dr. Ansari Ameen of the Caribbean Health Research Council (CHRC) as it relates to developing indicators to monitor and evaluate the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan and to assist with the development of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan for the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team.
Dr. Ameen is also doing some work for the upcoming mid-term review of the National Strategic Plan for which he will return to St. Maarten on August 24 for one week. Dr. Ameen has been on the island during the last week of June gathering his data from various stakeholders for the M&E plan.
Based on the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team’s Work Plan for 2009, one of the priority areas for this year is surveillance and research, and under this priority area one of the activities is the development of a monitoring and evaluation plan to measure the progress and impact of St. Maarten’s HIV programme response. Also scheduled for this year is a mid-term review of the implementation of the National Strategic Plan.
Suzette Moses-Burton, HIV/AIDS Programme Manager stated: “The conduct of the mid-term review is very important as it will help us to determine what progress we have made since 2007 and identify any challenges being faced by stakeholders. This information will enable us to make any amendments to the programme for the next two years that may be required based on the outcomes of the evaluation and also help us to determine which areas are working well and what we must do to ensure that we continue to make progress.”
Dr. Ansari Ameen is a Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist, working with CHRC since 2003. He plays a leading role in all M&E projects in the Caribbean by providing capacity development and other technical support to country programmes and regional agencies.
GREAT BAY,– Head of the Census Office Leona Marlin, says that it is compulsory for children as of the age of 12 to have an identity card (ID) and is appealing to parents to visit the Census Office during the summer holiday season to get this regulated.
Marlin pointed out that schools are required to request from parents the child’s ID card when registering the child for the new school year.
The ID card is legal proof of identity. It is used to open bank accounts or other types of services that requires some form of identification.
The ID card is also a required document for some government procedures. The costs related to the ID card are Naf.15.
Failure to produce the card may result in being denied access to premises or attainment of goods and services.
An appeal is also being made to all Dutch citizens with passports to check the status of their travel documents.
Persons should check to see that they have a valid passport before making travel plans and if their passport has expired to immediately make arrangements at the Census Office to have the passport renewed.
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the person. A valid Dutch passport is required for all to enter and leave foreign countries. Only the Census Office has the authority to grant, issue or verify Dutch passports.
Persons who should maintain a valid Dutch passport are those with family living or traveling abroad; thinking about a vacation abroad or for any other reasons that would require international travel.
In the event of an emergency, already having a valid passport will save time, money and stress.
The costs related to updating your travel documents are: New passport for adults Naf.150; Children below 12-years of age and senior citizens 60 and above Naf.130.
Those who require further information can call the Census Office at: 542-2457 or 542-5375.
GREAT BAY:-- – The further international spread of Influenza A (H1N1) virus is unstoppable. With more than 100 countries around the world reporting cases, the best response by the St. Maarten community is to continue to practice high standards of personal hygiene entailing covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., after sneezing and coughing).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza pandemics are remarkable events because they spread throughout a world population that is either largely or entirely susceptible to infection.
The WHO adds that in densely populated areas, a steep increase in the number of cases is seen, with a sharp peak, followed by a steep decline. Once the virus has swept through a susceptible population, transmission may continue, but at a much lower intensity.
In more populated areas, the peak may be flatter. Mexico, and especially Mexico City, experienced this tidal wave of cases, and its peak, back in April. Other countries, where the virus was introduced later, are experiencing it now, and more countries will see this pattern in the months to come.
The worst for Mexico should be over now, at least during the first wave of spread.
The WHO remains confident that this pandemic will be of moderate severity, at least in its early days. Some social disruption has been taking place in various countries such as the closing of schools or camps, which bring added demands on parents and their employers.
Research published according to the WHO reveals that most patients experience mild influenza-like illness. Most cases of severe and fatal infection continue to occur in people with underlying medical conditions.
Pregnant women are at increased risk of complications. This heightened risk takes on added importance for a virus, like this one, that preferentially infects younger age groups.
According to the WHO, the full clinical spectrum of this disease is not yet fully understood where the predictive factors for severe or fatal infections are concerned.
As more data become available, on warning signs that can signal the need for urgent medical care, symptoms of concern include difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain and severe or persistent vomiting.
In adults, a high fever that lasts for more than three days is a warning sign, particularly when accompanied by a general worsening of the patient’s condition.
Lethargy in a child, that is, a child that has difficulty waking up or is no longer alert, or is not playing, is a warning sign.
Persons seeking additional information should contact Preventive Health Department (PHD) at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
GREAT BAY,– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with the Indian Merchants Association (I.M.A.) as part of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders.
Representing the I.M.A. were board members Haresh Boolchand, Dayal Alwani, Adesh Baharani, Cookie Bijlani, Prakash Menghani and Damodar Rawtani.
Current concerns voiced by the I.M.A. include allocation of marketing stimulus funds, lack of sufficient parking in Philipsburg, insufficient street lighting at night, security and traffic flow in Philipsburg, specifically Front Street. In addition, the association voiced concern regarding the abandoned Mullet Bay resort premises as well as the high cost of air travel from Caribbean destinations and its impact for shoppers coming from surrounding islands.
The association further informed Commissioner Frans Richardson regarding their sentiments with regard to a shorter cruise ship season.
During the discussions, the I.M.A. proposed a number of initiatives as short-term and structural solutions to their concerns.
Among these are the encouraging of wholesaling economic activities to neighboring islands and introducing incentives for low and middle income home construction.
Also addressed was the idea to increase dialogue, I.M.A. support for community projects and integration of I.M.A. in the community.
Philipsburg:---St. Maarten Pride Foundation argues that if government seriously intended to address St. Maarten’s traffic congestion challenges the commissioners would have long pursued the implementation of the comparatively more cost effective proposals aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the long-term as listed in numerous government commissioned reports such as the Multi-Annual Policy Plan, the Tourism Master Plan and other studies.
Pride points out that the Ring road project as it now stands is slated to cost the island millions of dollars, which can be spent a great deal more effectively. Whether this particular project is initially funded through what remains of the “Harbor buy back funds”, USONA, or some other means of creative financing, the island’s tax payers will ultimately be indirectly burdened with covering the costs of the project by having to pay for much more necessary projects such as the upgrading of existing roads or the building of much needed solid waste or sewage management infrastructure.
Based on the aforementioned and that no studies have indicated that the planned Ring Road will ease traffic congestion in the long-term St. Maarten Pride Foundation has come to the conclusion that the Ring Road project cannot be aimed at alleviating traffic congestion. The Foundation believes the project is very likely about appeasing the island’s large construction companies and the shipping companies involved in transporting the tons of material and equipment needed for the project to the island.
The Foundation is furthermore of the opinion that Commissioner Heyliger’s recent announcement in the press to involve local truck operators in the moving of sand for the Ring Road is just a means of gaining local support for the project. The work concerned is however very short-term and will not provide long-term sustainable income for local contractors. The construction of direly needed solid waste and sewage treatment infrastructure and facilities as well as the upgrading of St. Maarten’s roads on the other hand, would provide sustainable income for local contractors as these projects will take years to complete and will require constant maintenance and additions as roads wear out and neighborhoods grow.
St. Maarten Pride Foundation wonders how the Island and Executive Councils can even consider approving a multi-million dollar project such as the planned Ring road in the Great Salt Pond without having commissioned any studies to determine whether or not the project is feasible and will have the desired effect of alleviating traffic especially when there are much more essential projects which need to be carried out.
GREAT BAY: -- There have been some interesting amendments/changes to the Kingdom Law on the option procedure and acknowledgement. For clarification purposes, the terms Dutch Citizen, Dutch National, Naturalized Dutch Citizen is terms used interchangeable, and they signify the same.
1) As of March 1, 2009, minor children, 0—18 years of age, acknowledge after birth by an acknowledger with the Dutch Nationality becomes as of the date of the acknowledgement Dutch Nationals.
2) Children born after April 1, 2003 and before March 1 2009, and are younger than 7 years of age, the guardian(s) of said child (ren) can come to the Census Office to start the petition to become a Dutch National.
3) Children born after April 1, 2003 and before March 1 2009, and are 7 years or older. If acknowledger can prove within one year after acknowledgement, via DNA testing that he is the biological father, the guardian(s) of said child (ren) can come to the Census Office to start the petition for the child to become a Dutch National.
4) If the acknowledger cannot prove within one year after acknowledgement, via DNA testing that he is the biological father of the child (ren), then the former procedure of after April 1 2009 and before March 1 2009, whereby after 3 years, the acknowledger would have to prove that he has been raising, caring for and educating the child (ren) will still be in effect. The guardian(s) of said child (ren) can come to the Census Office to start the petition for the child (ren) to become a Dutch National.
We want to inform the public of these changes/amendments to the Kingdom Law: said Denise Williams, a senior worker at the Department of Civil Registry, also known as the Census Office. “In addition,” she said, “she would like to remind everyone, to have in their possession a valid passport which identifies a person and the nationality they have at the moment, and a valid residence paper.”
There are several ways that one can become a Dutch citizen: 1) By birth, when the parent(s) are Dutch nationals; (2) Through third generation: when at the time of birth the mother and/or father of the child has been registered and residing in the Kingdom, and at the time of the birth of the mother and/or father their parents has been registered and residing in the Kingdom. (3) Through the adoption process: whereby a child is adopted thru court procedures. (4) Through the option procedure: by submitting a statement that you wish to become a Dutch National; (5) Through the Naturalization procedure.
The Office of Civil Registry is there to serve the public, so do not hesitate to come to the office for information on your concerns. All are encouraged to make an appointment, Williams said. The telephone # is 54-22457, fax # 54-24267.
Philipsburg: --- The island council of St. Maarten now has seven members after island council member George Pantophlet was sworn in on Thursday. The Democratic Party was requested to give the current executive council the quorum to hold an urgent island council meeting announces Island Council woman Sarah Wescot Williams. After a 30-minute adjournment three members of the Democratic Party Faction signed in so the meeting could he held.
After the notices, a committee was formed comprising of leader of government William Marlin, leader of the opposition faction Sarah Wescot Williams and commissioner Theo Heyliger who verified Pantophlet’s credentials before he took the oath. Several members of the council from both factions congratulated and welcomed Pantophlet back into the council. He is now Senator and Island Council member and former State Secretary of Health.
The island council also approved the contracts that were signed by the former executive council for several companies that worked on the new administration building. Leader of Government William Marlin said the reason they have to seek the approval of the contracts was that the former executive council did not comply with the bidding process prior to signing the contracts, something that is mandated in the laws of the financial management. Marlin said that even though the contractors had signed contracts they were not being paid simply because the island council did not approve the contracts. He said additionally the contractors have some other agreements pending which was agreed upon by the former executive council.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—Investing time, energy and resources to achieve the stabilization of the employment market, improve job training and career development opportunities, decreasing the number of unemployed persons and improving communication between the business sector and government are only a few of the objectives of Mr. Hyacinth Richardson as Commissioner of Labour Affairs.
To continue to realize the aforementioned objectives, Commissioner H. Richardson along with his staff members and local persons seeking employment were apart of a group treated to a tour of the Blue Mall located in Cupecoy on the Friday 24 July 2009. The orientation tour proposed by the office of Commissioner Richardson was meant to present the building to the commissioner and present the future labour situation, whereby it is projected that the mall could hire approximately 500 persons.
One of the first initial introductory meetings with Commissioner Richardson, his Executive Assistant Ms. Theolinda Richardson, Blue Mall Managing Director Mr. Luis Gioia and Mrs. Sandy Mourillon-Sandiford of Versant, a local firm already working with the new development took place in June of this year.
While the main focus of this first meeting was to acquaint Commissioner Richardson with Blue Mall a joint venture between Cupecoy Development N.V. and Venezuela based Fondo Valores, it became imperative for the commissioner to see and experience what the development of this mix-use project that comprises 84 retail spaces earmarked for luxury brand stores, gourmet restaurants and high end services and 38 full ownership luxury apartments would represent for the employment market in St. Maarten.
The Blue Mall is a totally new concept, Gioia said, there will be entertainment on the first level, shopping and food on the other levels. The stores will be selected based on synergy. As well, there are 10-15 major brands companies that are looking for operators and investors, thus there is much opportunity.
All people’s present young and old were privy to a video of Blue Mall after the completion and an actual tour of the building, which boosts some of the most picturesque views on the island.
Representatives and developers of Blue Mall have already indicated their willingness to work with the Labour Department to find local residents to fill positions, ranging from management to service providers when the mall opens next year. The Commissioner however got a jump start on finding some perspective individuals for employment at Blue Mall by inviting Ms. Christina A. Baly an emerging marketing professional, Mr. Ted Gregoire a sales specialist, Ms. Davania Bruney and others.
The quality and quantity of the jobs on the island are directly affected by outsourcing many jobs, that should be readily available to locals living on the island or returning to the island from pursuing higher education abroad, the Commissioner said.
Commissioner Richardson thanked Mr. Luis Gioia and staff during the first part of the tour for working to possibly create a much needed influx of jobs and investment to the island. This partnership is one supported by all parties as boasting the economy and image of the island is foremost in the mind of all individuals involved in making this endeavor a success for the island.
Many of the 500 projected jobs will come online with the final set up and opening of the mall in 2010. The representatives of Blue Mall along with the Labour Department intend to host at least two job fairs in preparation of the opening.
Before this takes place, the commissioner will work diligently on improving the manner in which unemployed persons are registered at the Labour office, as this general improvement on the island would go along way in improving the employment market for country St. Maarten.
Philipsburg: --- The editor in chief of the Daily Herald Newspaper Courtney Gibson was thrown into sudden mourning over the weekend. Gibson who is presently off island attending his son’s wedding is now mourning the loss of three of his relatives who perished in car accident in Bryan County Georgia. In addition, nursing injuries are three young children.
According to information, reaching SMN News is that the family was on their way to attend the wedding celebration of Gibson’s son.
Below is the scene of the accident taken from Savannahnow.com.
4 killed in wrong-way crash on I-95 in Bryan County.
RICHMOND HILL - Four people were killed and three children were injured early Saturday morning in a head-on collision involving a minivan and a pickup that was going the wrong way on Interstate 95 in Richmond Hill.
Michael Delph, 28, of Phenix City, Ala., was driving his Chevrolet S-10 truck north in the center lane against traffic in the southbound lanes when he collided with a 2001 Mazda MPV minivan, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The collision occurred about 6:30 a.m. nearly two miles south of the U.S. 17 exit on I-95.
Trooper Chris Cuddington said Delph was killed in the wreck. Also killed was the minivan's driver, identified as Michelle Carryl, 41, of Apopka, Fla.
Two passengers in the minivan also died. They were identified as Dwight Spencer, 19, also of Apopka, and Cyril Millington, 59, of Queens, N.Y., the trooper said.
Carryl's children - a 15-year-old boy and two girls, ages 9 and 13 - were taken to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah - one by helicopter and two by ambulance. They were expected to survive their injuries, Cuddington said.
Although it was still early in the investigation, Cuddington said early Saturday afternoon that "alcohol is going to be a factor."
He added that there were open containers of alcoholic beverages inside the pickup.
All six occupants of the minivan were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, Cuddington said.
Delph, the pickup driver, was not wearing the safety device, the trooper said.
The crash shut down a roughly 10-mile stretch of the southbound interstate for much of Saturday morning as state troopers and Bryan County authorities picked through the mangled wreckage.
All southbound traffic was detoured south onto U.S. 17, through Midway, until about 11:30 a.m.
"I sold a lot of maps," said Anil Patel, a clerk at El Cheapo, the first fuel stop that rerouted motorists encountered off I-95. "A lot of people were confused on how to get to Florida. But the policemen did a good job of (traffic) control."
By early afternoon, Patel said, "it's quiet now - we were busy before the road opened."
The sudden swell of travelers on the smaller thoroughfare also meant more trash than usual.
"They were all overloaded," Herbert Button said of the trash bins he is paid to replace at convenience stores and fast-food places along that stretch of highway.
At a small crossroads in Midway, where the traffic turned east toward I-95, nearby resident JoeEtta Williams said that on an inconvenience scale of 1 to 10, Saturday morning was "about a 7."
"Thank goodness there's a traffic light here," she said.
Philipsburg: ---St Maarten Toastmasters continue to excel in their communication and leadership skills yet another member has achieved a title. Stuart Johnson, one of the newest members of the Club has completed the basic Communication manual to attain the Competent Communicator award. The basic communication manual develops Toastmasters presentation skills in areas such as Vocal variety, body language, organizing of speech, use of visual aids and persuading and inspiring your audience.
With this achievement, Stuart Johnson is well on his way to excelling in his communication and leadership skills. Johnson was also appointed to the Area Council Board as Secretary by Area Governor Valerie Brazier.
Club President Donna Morrison commended CC Stuart Johnson for his commitment in achieving his goal by attending meetings and presenting speech projects at all clubs on the island. Valerie Brazier who was President during the last period was instrumental in inspiring Johnson to attain the Competent Communicator award in record time, also congratulated him on his accomplishment.
ON WEDNESDAY Mr. Peter van Vollenhoven and his entourage was welcomed by lt. Gov. Mr. Franklin Richards, along with Dutch State secretary Mrs. Ank Bijleveld and Director for Kingdom Relations Mr. H. Gerritsen, who arrived on SXM a day earlier , to accompany Mr. Vollenhoven on his trip to Saba and Statia.
PHILIPSBURG:----Club officers of the four Toastmasters clubs on St Maarten spent their Sunday afternoon equipping themselves with knowledge in order to better serve their membership for the next year.
Some 22 Toastmasters Club Officers (board members) met the requirements set forth by Toastmasters International to attend 4 hours of training in their roles and responsibilities as Board members. The trainings, which were facilitated by Toastmasters trainer Rolando Tobias and aspiring trainer Valerie Brazier, consisted of duties to be performed by each member outside the Club meetings and during the Club meetings. The importance of planning, execution, and knowledge of Parliamentary Procedures were all highlighted. The session was an interactive one with senior Club Officers exchanging ideas with new Club officers in order to better serve their respective Club membership.
The trainings have proven to be a very important part of preparing the Club Officers to fulfill their leadership roles within the organization.
This afternoon Com. Mr. Hyacinth Richardson and the Interim Manager of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr. Raphael Boasman and the employees of said department held a farewell party at the “La Cabana Lounge-Royal Palm Hotel” in honor of the section head for Care (Zorg) Ms. Elvia Guy, who has been a civil servant for 32 years and have perform her task to the highest satisfaction of her Dept. Also retiring with her, after 22 years of service, is Social worker-Mrs. Elencia Baptiste-Boasman. Both ladies were highly praised for their excellence of service by Mr. Boasman and Mr. Richardson and would be very much missed by their colleagues and the general public for their service.
We all join in tanking you for a job well done, and hope that you will find your place as we prepare for our new country status.
May God Bless you as you further your journey in life.
O’Neil Richardson (G.I.S.)
GREAT BAY (GIS)—On Friday, Commissioner Blackman and his financial advisors had an informative and introductory meeting with St Maarten’s representative on the “College financieel toezicht” (Cft[translated: Council on financial supervision]), Mr. Roland Tuitt. During the meeting, the 2010 budget, corporate governance, and other related matters were discussed.
Within short, Commissioner Blackman will also meet with other board members of the Cft and the Cft’s Secretariat on Curacao. A meeting between the Cft and the entire Executive Council is expected to take place during the Cft’s next visit to the islands in the fall.
Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson hosted a meet and greets orientation session with Montreal based reporter and producer Melanie Reffes. The reporter interviewed the Commissioner briefly on various tourism related interests. Reffes is a long time contributor to many island magazine publications that are geared towards the St. Maarten Tourist product.
Philipsburg:--- On Wednesday afternoon some 37 persons took the oath to become Dutch citizens. The oath taking ceremony took place at the A.C Wathey Hall in the presence of Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards.
Commissioner of Education, Mr. William Marlin and his adviser, Mrs. R. Hughes-Coram met with the Management of Public Education, Mrs. G. Davis-Holiday and Mr. Q. Harrigan to discuss important matters pertaining to Public Education.
GREAT BAY—The production crew that will be producing a new promotional video and other types of advertising for St. Maarten left the island on Friday, August 14, 2009, but their work for the Tourism Bureau and by extension the community of St. Maarten will hopefully be remembered by visitors and locals alike.
Tambourin, the Ad agency executing the Marketing and Branding aspect of Tourism Marketing for St. Maarten, along with Kahn Travel Communications, who is the Public relations arm, will be producing 3 promotional videos consisting of one 30-second ad, one 60-second ad, and one 3 ½ minute feature ad.
The group also took a customized image while on St. Maarten to be used in brochures and other promotional materials.
“The aim of the project is to get a feel of St. Maarten,” said Rafael Cardozo, President of Tambourin. “We are not here to do a documentary type of promotion, but to create a feeling of being here. St. Maarten has a very glamorous aspect, which we are trying to high light in the marketing and branding.”
It takes a lot of work, and a team to put something like this together. In this respect, Cardozo commended the Tourism Bureau for contributing in the many ways that they did. “We could not have done what we did without their invaluable assistance. We requested a lot of items to use in our video productions, and we requested interesting locations to make St. Maarten unique, the Tourism Bureau assisted in every way.”
Tambourin, formerly known as Gideon Cardozo Communications, had a production crew of 20 people, including 12 local models, who worked 20-hour days. The video and photo crew was at times divided in two teams to maximize the short period of one week.
Cardozo said that he was impressed with the beauty and talent that St. Maarten has. It is important to invest in the community, as well as to use the human resources that are here, he said. For this assignment, we chose individuals that reflect the diversity of St. Maarten.
In addition, Cardozo said he wanted to approach this assignment from different angles—the North American, South American, and the European; so by reflecting the different types of groups and cultural traditions, makes the material was inviting to different target markets.
I hope the St. Maarten people will be proud of the work, Cardozo said, for external marketing is just as important as internal marketing.
Tambourin has been in existence since 1982 and has been working with Caribbean Islands for over 20 years.
GREAT BAY--- Governor Franklyn Richards commends law enforcement agencies and the St. Maarten community for a job well done in the apprehension of the suspects allegedly involved in the violent robbery at Maho Reef Shopping Center several weeks ago.
One suspect was detained by the combined resources of the Netherlands Antilles/Aruba Coast Guard and the Arrest Team over a week ago.
“I would like to commend law enforcement management as well as the men and women who have been able to put the pieces together during their investigations which led to the successful apprehension of these dangerous persons.
“I also commend the St. Maarten community for whatever role they have played in providing tips and information to the investigative teams that were deployed to bring these persons to justice. Combating crime is a community effort and not only that of law enforcement agencies.
“As a community we must continue to work together to prevent crime, increase community safety and revitalize neighborhoods. This can only be done by working together with residents in communities and other stakeholders to develop solutions that deter crime, promote economic growth, and enhance quality of life,” Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
The Peoples Action Movement (PAM) through its political leader, Lindsay Grant has once again condemned the country’s Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas for statements he and some of his government ministers have been making with regards to PAM’s Deputy Political Leader, Eugene Hamilton while also condemning the Prime Minister on his handling on the country’s already escalated crime situation. The federation has reported 19 murders for the year with four of those murders occurring so far in August.
In extending sympathy to the relatives to the latest victim, Grant expressed the view that when his party takes office a moiré concerted and effective crime-fighting plan would be implemented so as to tackle the alarming murder rate. He called the attacks on his party candidates more in particular on Eugene Hamilton, Shawn Richards and himself as an attempt to divert attention from what Grant said as the recent disclosure by Clico in Barbados over allegations that Dr Douglas was part of a ring of persons who benefited significantly from flying around the world and other numerous benefits of the company’s private jet which according to the report was paid for by monies collected from subscribers.
Grant declared that PAM has been on “on target” regarding bad governance, inefficiencies and the Clico issue and the implications which that would have for thousands of persons and the Peoples Action Movement views the Prime Minster’s remarks as an attempt to divert their attention from exposing what is going on within Government. He declared that the party will not be distracted by the antics and unjustified ramblings of the Prime Minister and or his government Ministers.
Dr Douglas in recent statements have accused Hamilton of not being worthy of ever holding public office he had also accused both Grant and Richards of attempting to use their recent courts actions as a means of stalling the electoral process expressing the view that the Peoples Action Movement was afraid of losing for a fourth consecutive term.
He blamed the current financial woes experienced by Clico and British American by the decisions of CL Financial Board among them being Lawrence Duprey of Trinidad and Leroy Parris of Barbados.
He said that part of the problems surrounded huge investments around developments that these two individuals made in projects in Florida by CL financial and members of its group, which he said, resulted in a number of investments going sour.
“From all appearances the development company in Florida was owned by Lawrence Duprey and two other partners under a company named D Y L . Therefore, I want to say that British American and Clico are in very much the same position being subsidiaries of CL Financial however you do not hear accusations about Clico and its management team in St Kitts,” Grant said. He questioned if this is because Hamilton is not at the helm of Clico.
However, in some stinging accusations Grant stated that a 2007 report by Clico have shown that some 9 million United States dollars were spent on private jets and leasing of the company jets to travel to various parts around the world, which he noted, included the federation’s Prime Minister.
“The media needs to ask the Prime Minister to state how many times he has flown on jets owned and leased by Clico through friends and associates Duprey and Paris. When can the country expect him to withdraw the honorary consul status that Paris currently enjoys despite being at the centre of the Clico fiasco,” he said.
Grant said that the Prime Minister and his government love to accuse the Peoples Action Movement for a lot of things but go quiet sometimes; he suggested that the government has a lot to hide. Grant demanded that the Prime Minister should provide the public with the many answers that they seek in an attempt to demonstrate his honesty by revealing all information to the public.
Grant said that PAM views with disgust the “totally false and reckless statements” made by the Prime Minister who he said should know better and declared that tie will reveal all hidden information that the government has been hiding. Grant further noted that the Party finds it strange that as election nears, the Prime Minister, as he grapples with the economic and crime challenges would use this as a diversionary tactic. “We wish to state that while the Prime Minister has gone on unwarranted attacks on Mr. Hamilton and other party members critical and pertinent issues are being ignored as he (Dr Douglas) desperately seeks to manipulate the electoral system.”
“The statements made by the federation’s Prime Minister are reckless, irresponsible, and without foundation and any merit whatsoever but because it was made by the Prime Minister, PAM is requesting that Dr Douglas hands over whatever information that he has to the public”, Grant declared.
Curacao Commissioner of Finance and Economic Affairs David Dick met with leader of government William Marlin on Tuesday. No information pertaining to the meeting has been released.
SIMPSON BAY - Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation Managing Director Russell Voges, announced on Wednesday that repair works at the bridge should be completed over the weekend and that regular opening for maritime traffic is anticipated on Sunday, August 30.
There was a special opening on Wednesday where the Coast Guard vessel Poema left port as well as a dredge.
Sunday openings will be 9.30am, 11.30am and 5.30pm.
If bridge maintenance activities are completed earlier than scheduled, the bridge will open earlier than Sunday, however this will be announced.
Motorists are advised that they should carefully observe the traffic lights that have been installed for the bridge openings. Cars are required to stop as soon as the green light jumps to yellow.
The maintenance repair work at the bridge entails rewiring of the electrical system and the installation of new traffic barriers.
Boat owners and captains were informed several weeks ago about the two-week closure of the bridge in order to facilitate the necessary maintenance repairs. These repairs started on August 17.
All the repairs to the Simpson Bay Bridge are based on the recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges.
The USS DOYLE (FFG-39) will arrive in Curacao for a port visit on 28 August, 2009. The ship is participating in the Southern Seas Deployment 2009, an annual naval deployment to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean that provides opportunities for participating nations to train and learn from each other. The ship is part of Task Group 40.0.
While in Curacao, the USS DOYLE crew will be conducting professional exchanges with sailors from the Royal Dutch Navy. In addition, USS DOYLE sailors will participate in community relations projects.
“Theater Security Cooperation visits like these are very important to these sailors and the U.S .Navy as a whole” said Captain Rodelio Laco, Commander of Task Group 40.0.
The U.S. and Dutch Navies have a strong working relationship, often participating in bilateral and multilateral exercises that provide humanitarian assistance throughout the region.
USS DOYLE is home ported in Mayport, Florida and is commanded by Commander John Zuzich. The ship was commissioned in 1983 and has a crew of approximately 190 officers and enlisted personnel. For more information on USS DOYLE, please visit their webpage at: http://www.doyle.navy.mil.
Airport: --- On Sunday August 30, a group of 18 recruits traveled on Insel Air to Curacao to attend the Police Academy in Curacao, where they will be training to become Immigration officers. Eight recruits are from the sister island of St Eustatius and ten are from St Maarten.
The training will have duration of approximately six months, which will take place in Curacao for the entire duration. On Friday the Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Ademar Doran, in the presence of the Coordinator of the recruitment program Chief Inspector Carl John and Inspector Ricardo Henson, spoke to the recruits regarding to their training and what is expected of them. Doran also gave them many words of encouragement and wished them much success.
The names of the recruits are: From Sint Eustatius: A.A. Dormoy, I.M. Courtar, P. Lijfrock, S.N.D. Brown, R.N. Duinkerk, H.T. Mithchell, A.S. Brown, M.S. Girigorie.
Those from St. Maarten are S.N. Sanwirjatmo, J.G.M. Richardson, S.A.
Jermin, R.R. Pantophlet, V.VGumbs, K.L. Baptist, R.J.
Brooks, A.E.A. Blijden, S.A. Alexander, and R.S.M. Rommy.
AIRPORT– Winair has launched a new initiative, which according to many is geared at seeing people travel at an exceptionally low rate. Launched under the umbrella of Winair airfare fest the promotion will run from September 7th to October 31 this year.
Managing Director Edwin Hodge said that the promotion will be open to the airline’s nine destinations and already purchases for the 41,000 odd seats have already begun since August 28th. “Beginning August 28th we have already begun seeing passengers taking advantage of our latest promotion as many persons wants to be part of this mega airfare fest,” Buncamper said.
VP of Marketing Claudio Buncamper however warned that tickets for the promotion are non-refundable and instant purchase is required within 24 hours. He also said that all Winair Fares for this promotion are available at 25% discount of the regular fare. Some Winair traditional low day trip fares have also been further lowered, examples are like follows: St. Maarten to Saba or St. Eustatius as low as US$ 81.00 roundtrip including all taxes and surcharges.
Those latest promotion forms part of a number of series of new and exciting promotions that the airline has been introducing. However, Management said that it forms part of the airline’s attempts to creating a stimulus package for persons who travels in an attempt to assist in reducing the impact caused by the financial crisis.
Management pointed out that the airline also sees its as part of its responsibility in lending assistance by way of enhancing its travelling public while at the same time enhance business related opportunities for the islands that it has flights to and from. This, Hodge said will help significantly in stimulating business in the traditional slow season whilst giving some relief to its passengers.
He noted that the public should take advantage of the promotion noting that despite the evident global challenges facing the region that Winair has sought to ease some of the challenges by introducing such extraordinarily low fares.
Philipsburg: ---The leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams announced on Tuesday that her party would be contesting the federal elections if it comes to that. She said based on all indications given by the Central Government the elections would take place as announced by the Prime Minister Emily de Jongh-Elhage. However, the Democratic Party faction is concerned on how the matter has been handled since none of the island members were consulted prior to a decision being taken. Wescot Williams said it sounds as if the Minister of Constitutional Affairs did not seem to know what was happening.
She said while it was decided at the political meeting of the Kingdom on June 24 to postpone the parliamentary elections, which is to be seen as the transition in conjunction with the transition date of country status.
The central government based on this decision commissioned a report back then was the basis for the central government submitting a draft law to postpone elections to the Council of Advice.
Immediately upon receipt of the advice, the Central government announced that they would not submit their own draft law to postpone the parliamentary elections to the Parliament.
The DP faction leader felt the most decent in their opinion would have been to await the September meeting in which a date for country status must be decided on and then deal with the matter of postponement or not of elections.
AIRPORT:---Princess Juliana International Airport operating company (PJIAE) on Friday August 28 2009 honored six of its workers for exemplary service in the first half year of 2009 and promoted two to higher ranks, as part of the company’s employees recognition and promotion policy in its endeavors to show appreciation to employees and promote service excellence.
Honored were Security Department administrator Ms. Brinda John (January 2009), Mr. Mathew George of the Facility Maintenance Department (February 2009), Mrs Liana Ulloa-Woods of the Planning Project and Systems Control Department (March 2009), Mr. Robert Brown of the Quality Assurance Department (April 2009), Mr. Shaun Brown of the ITT Department (May 2009) and Mr. Charles Thomas of the Operations Department (June 2009). At the awards ceremony Friday afternoon, two Security Officers, Mr. Joel Wilson and Mr. Abraham Rogers, were promoted to the rank of Supervisor.
Expressing congratulatory remarks to the honorees, all speakers at the ceremony commended PJIAE for being committed to recognizing and awarding workers’ excellence. PJIAE President drs. Eugene Holiday explained that giving honor when and where it is due is one of the core values of the company that PJIAE will not stray from. He congratulated the honorees and made specific mention of Facility Maintenance Department worker Mathew George, who has now received his Department Manager’s and the selection committee’s nod no less than three times. “The kind of excellence Mr. George displays in the execution of his duty is obviously, routine for him,” said Drs. Holiday.
While the promoted workers all received their appropriate epaulettes, the awardees were presented with plaques and gift baskets. Besides PJIAE officials, the ceremony was attended by family members of the awardees.
Great Bay--- Sports Commissioner Frans Richardson is extending words of congratulations and deep appreciation to the St. Maarten Special Olympics Foundation (SOSM), on occasion of its fifth anniversary.
Commissioner Richardson says that he is supportive of the endeavors of the foundation and looks forward to their continuing to conduct activities throughout the year, with volunteers donating their time.
As commissioner with the portfolio of sports, Richardson has taken note that St. Maarten has been represented at regional Special Olympic programs in Aruba, Bonaire and St. Kitts. The SOSM also participated at an international Special Olympics meet in Shanghai, China in 2007, when the two St. Maarten athletes participating in the event, Lindomar Carvon and Linda Richardson, brought back medals.
On occasion of the foundation’s anniversary, Commissioner Richardson wishes to extend words of encouragement to the foundation’s 10 volunteers, the 40 athletes participating in athletics programs, coaches, supportive family members and its dedicated board, chaired by first lady Angela Richards-Huggins.
Commissioner Richardson is calling on the public and commerce sector to get more involved with the foundation so that it may reach its goals of, among others, acquiring better sports equipment and organizing additional coaches training workshops.
This would be in addition to whatever support government can provide, says Commissioner Richardson.
Philipsburg:--- The spirit of the National Alliance that was rekindled during the Retreat last Saturday, prompts president of the interim board, Mr. Dexter Doncher, to call the Party council together for deliberations on the recent determination of Parliament elections in 2010 by Emily de Jong. Elhage, prime minister of the Netherlands Antilles,
It is a decision that has serious consequences for the proper, timely, and expedient preparations for country Saint Martin. A major accomplishment of the National Alliance leader, William V. Marlin, was having the Central government comply with his wishes to make haste with the dismantling process of the Central government. The central government, as a prerequisite, will support a fortification trajectory to enable the transfer of central government tasks at the latest per January 1, 2010 to Saint Martin. This transfer of central government tasks to the islands of Curacao and Saint Martin will begin in October 2009.
In the Central government Newsletter Nr. 1 - 2009 the National Alliance leader, commissioner of general and constitutional affairs, William Marlin and prime minister of the Netherlands Antilles, Emily de Jong-Elhage are featured on its front-page signing the agreement to set up central government dependencies on Saint Martin in a meeting of June 23, 2009.
On Friday, July 10, the Council of Ministers agreed with the presentation of a concept transition regulation to decentralize the Netherlands Antilles, with explanatory memorandum and appendix, to the island-territories of Curacao and Saint Martin for their concurrence. – As stated in the central government Newsletter, Mr.
The consequences of Parliament elections in January 2010 are crucial to the expediency of country Saint Martin. It will significantly delay the process of dismantling the Netherlands Antilles; it will derail the proper transfer of the Central government tasks to the island territory of Saint Martin. Most of all, it sends an ominous signal to the island of Saint Martin; a signal of ignoring the integrity of the Central government as it concerns its commitment to realize constitutional change - in effect, true democracy,
In essence, it means the Central government has recklessly handled the wishes of the people of the Netherlands Antilles and in particular, the island-territory of Saint Martin, as they were expressed with the adoption of the referendum of 2002 and ratified by the island council of Saint Martin on December 2006.
Therefore, Dexter Doncher, president of the National Alliance board, at the behest of the National Alliance leader, William Marlin, and based on the resolutions of the Retreat, convenes a Party council meeting.
It is imperative that all members of the Party council be present, as well as the participants of the Retreat to deliberate Prime Minister Emily de Jong-Elhage’s proposed Parliament elections in January 2010 and establish a date for the National Alliance Congress.
Philipsburg:---The Management of the local police force (KPSSS) has recently announced, that in connection with the upgrading and professionalizing of its personnel , all persons employed with police department and hold a supervisory position will be following a “Coaching and Supervision Course”. The total amount of persons to attend this course will be thirty-one. Twenty-one of them are from Sint Maarten, seven from Sint Eustatius and three from Saba. The course would be for four days course supplied by Linkels en van Wilgen and given by the instructor Eligio Reenis. This course instructs the supervisor that they have the responsibility to coach their employees, to deal with pressure from their own superiors and to efficiently deal with many challenges a supervisor is confronted with. Some of the topics that will be discussed are: The supervisor and management process, Working with people, Communication and -Disciplinary Action.
At the end of the course an examination will be given to the participants and those who a score a six or higher will receive a diploma. The first group to attend this course ended their session on Friday September 4.
Philipsburg:---State Secretary of Health, Mr. Patrick Illidge and his Executive Assistant, Terry J. Peterson, made a courtesy visit to the St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) on Monday, 7th September, 2009. Mr. Illidge met with the Managing Director of SLS, Drs. Ing. Hose S. M. Booi, Team Leader and Microbiologist Lab Technician, Ms. Lourdes M. Richardson, and Supervisor, Mrs. Wilma P. Vrutaal-Arrendell.
Drs. Hose Booi, used the opportunity to discuss various issues as they relate to the structure, expansion and functioning of SLS, since he assumed the directorship of the lab. The State Secretary expressed that he was very impressed with the improvements at SLS since the Council of Ministers approved the resolution guaranteeing the complete transfer of laboratory services to the Island Territory of St. Maarten in September 1, 2008. He noted that Drs. Hose Booi had come highly recommended by his predecessors, particularly former State Secretary of Health, Drs. Rodolphe Samuel, and that he was very pleased with the vision and foresight of the new director. He also commended the staff of SLS for bringing home quality, prompt and efficient service to the community, and hoped that other possible new labs in Sucker Garden and Cole-Bay can also complement those in Dutch Quarter and Betty’s Estate in the near future.
The State Secretary said that SLS must be better than just a mirror of ADC. He expressed his willingness to assist SLS wherever he can to seek possibilities and opportunities for water testing and pathology. He emphasized the importance of recruiting our students and training local St. Maarteners to take up new opportunities that will be available as the lab continues to expand and move into its new location in Cay Hill. Finally, Mr. Illidge promised to remain in close contact with SLS and to follow-up on its progress.
The Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is gearing up for the upcoming International Coastal Cleanup scheduled for Saturday September 19. 2009 at the Mullet Bay Beach.
This year volunteers can choose between the Mullet Bay Beach location or the Mullet Pond location, which is situated at the old Mullet Bay water, sports-near the Towers.
Site Captain for the Mullet Pond cleanup is Mr. Rueben Thompson.
All volunteers are welcome at both locations.
In addition, an under water cleanup for experienced and certified divers will also take place on September 19.
To participate in the under water diving cleanup, please register with Jefferson and Luciana at the Ocean Explorers dive center located at Kim Sha Beach. The dive cleanup will start at 9am.
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation visited the Sr.Borgia school in Philipsburg on Tuesday morning to explain the 6th. graders about the importance of the International Coastal Cleanup. The students will be attending the cleanup along with visiting students from the United States that are on an ex change program with the school.
Philipsburg:---Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus cautions the Executive Council about reinventing the wheel and wasting precious human resources and time.
The Councilwoman is referring to the idea of establishing an e-zone (economic zone) on St. Maarten. This topic appeared in the local media in August when the present commissioner of economic affairs met with a group of interested business people.
“With the objective of achieving a balanced and managed economic growth, consistent with the constraints of the island (i.e. size of land, resources, labor market, educational facilities, health and social services) the government commissioned and received several studies aimed at this objective, including the Carrying Capacity Study, the Tourism Master Plan (Tourmap) and the Economic Diversification Study (EDS), to provide a basis to develop and implement an social-economic strategy. The Social Economic Initiative (SEI), which was prepared in collaboration with the Netherlands, provides coherent program with measures aimed at improving the start-position of Sint Maarten as a prospective new country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; this program will replace the current Comprehensive Economic Development Plan (CEDP) as a frame work for joint funding by the Dutch and Sint Maarten governments of the socioeconomic development”. This is a quote from the DP Government Governing Program 2007-2011.
It is about creating an attractive tax environment says the former commissioner of economic affairs. “Falling under the umbrella of diversification, the DP Executive Council already did the necessary research and received a report from KPMG regarding this topic. The DP Government also had, the previously mentioned diversification study, done in which financial services, was listed as a feasible economic activity among others. In February of this year councilwoman Buncamper-Molanus, then commissioner of economic affairs, traveled to Curacao with among others the Director of Economic Research and Development on a fact finding mission and met with the relevant persons in this field in Curacao including the State Secretary Mr. Alex Rosaria”.
Finding our niche was the recommendation given from all corners when it comes to developing our financial services. We should be cautious not to copy Curacao or anyone else for that matter, as St. Maarten has its own unique market say the Councilwoman.
The Harbour through its chairman expressed the interest in establishing, for the purpose of being competitive, an economic zone for transshipment. In addition the American University of the Caribbean, represented by attorney Suzy Romer, met with the DP Executive Council to discuss their interest in applying for an economic zone for this educational institution as they approached the end of their tax holiday.
Parallel to this, far reaching discussions were held with Soualiga Development Group who submitted a proposal to Government to help St. Maarten prepare the establishment of our very own “Bureau Intellectual properties”.
This same group was also preparing a proposal for the establishment of an office that could properly facilitate businesses interested in doing business on St. Maarten within the e(conomic)-zone. This would naturally only be possible after St. Maarten effectuates the federal legislation. The latter being a rather simple process of bringing a draft ordinance to the island council for approval.
The assignment was given to the department of economic development and research in May of this year by the DP Executive Council to prepare the draft legislation, making it possible to establish economic zones on St. Maarten.
However government should not act without properly evaluating the pro and cons of establishing geographical economic zones compared to establishing economic zones in particular service areas. The wrong decision could distort the economy to such an extent that instead of generating more employment and revenues the contrary takes place.
At the end of the day the benefit to the overall economy must be the primary objective. This is no simple subject, but if properly done can be the solution to totally changing the labour market, elevating it to the level necessary to create job opportunities particularly at middle and high income levels.
“It must be emphasized that precious resources have already been invested in research, reports, and the NA/Heyliger Executive Council should not simply discard this investment made because the process was initiated by the Democratic Party Government. The draft legislation should be presented to the Island Council and should the present Executive Council choose not to do so, the Democratic Party faction will,” concludes Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
Commissioner Frans Richardson met with the vice-president of the territorial council, Daniel Gibs, on Thursday at the Government Administration Building. Purpose of the meeting was to discuss ongoing issues in public transportation. Vice-president Gibs was accompanied by public transportation officials of the collectivity of Saint Martin while several officials of the sector Economy and Tourism along with advisors to the commissioner were present during the discussions.
A follow-up meeting at technical level is expected to be held shortly, to further iron out issues. (GIS Photo)
Philipsburg:--- Senator and chairman of the Central Committee George Pantophlet in reaction to the constant meetings called by the Democratic Parry faction said the Democratic Party has resorted to calling meetings every week as they have promised is not to prove how concerned they are about the business of the people but an attempt to frustrate the National Alliance led government.
Pantophlet reoffered to an editorial in one of the local newspapers the editor was hoping that they would see maturity at this time and cooperation in the interest of the people but alas this will not be the case.
He said in critical times such as these instead the members of the DP using their experience to inform the people they have decided to play politics.
He asked why should he as chairman, of the central committee call island council members to schedule meetings? Aren’t they the ones who said they would be calling meetings every week? Are they not aware that if a meeting was requested on Monday September 7, 2009 that it has to be convened within 7 days? Are they not aware of the upcoming summits on Curacao September 16 and 17? Are they not aware that the constitutional process of which both parties agreed to work on in the interest of the people is in high gear? Yes they are, but as was stated by a member of the minority government, they will be calling meetings every week.
On the matter of the agenda point for Monday’s island council meeting the financial economic situation of St. Maarten, there should have two presentations. One by the former Democratic Party government from 1998 until June 7, 2009 and one from the National Alliance led government from June 8 until September 12, 2009. Pantophlet said need not go into the issues of the unrealistic budgets that were presented over the years. The latest information is already known to the media is that the debt at this time is 50 million guilders and climbing. He said he is sure this did not occur in the last 100 days. With regards to the Central committee meeting, the following agenda points: the Codes of Conduct for civil servants and political functionaries, the establishment of the Ombudsman, the New electoral Law, Registration and Financing of Political Parties and appointment of members to the Monument Council what was the former Democratic Party government waiting on to deal with these issues? He concluded by saying that his government knows what the priorities are and that is administrating the business of the people in a responsible manner.
Philipsburg:---This agenda point has been requested by the faction of the Democratic Party in the island council and not without reason.
But before I go into the reasons, let me explain what we expect out of this meeting. In our opinion, we have passed the stage of “government, do something about it”. But we are asking the government, what can we together do about it? To get to that point, however, government needs to be forthcoming with information, with data, that only they have or can get.
There is no denying that the financial and economic situation of our island and that of its citizens is on the mind of every inhabitant of this island. Whether it is business, labor or government, how our people are faring must be a concern to all.
The effects of the global financial crisis and the ensuing economic slump, especially in the United States have hit this region hard and St. Maarten is no exception. In fact, regional reports suggest that the Caribbean economy is close to a depression.
(15 JULY 2009) THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) OF LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN WILL CONTRACT 1.9% THIS YEAR, RAISING UNEMPLOYMENT TO 9% AND AGGRAVATING POVERTY LEVELS, ACCORDING TO THE ECONOMIC SURVEY OF LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 2008-2009 PUBLISHED BY ECLAC.
LOWER EXTERNAL DEMAND LED TO A 30% VALUE AND 7% VOLUME FALL IN EXPORTS DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WITH REGARD TO THE SAME PERIOD IN 2008. REMITTANCES ALSO DROPPED (5%-10% BETWEEN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2008 AND THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2009). FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT FLOWS ARE EXPECTED TO DECREASE 40% THIS YEAR DUE TO THE GENERAL DETERIORATION OF FAMILY AND BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS, WHICH NEGATIVELY AFFECTED CONSUMER AND INVESTMENT DECISIONS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.A CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT EQUIVALENT TO 2.3% OF GDP IS EXPECTED FOR 2009, COMPARED TO THE 0.6% OF GDP DEFICIT OBTAINED IN 2008. THE TERMS OF TRADE WILL ALSO FALL 10.8% THIS YEAR, FROM A 3.0% INCREASE IN 2008.
ALL OF THIS HAS IMPACTED THE LABOUR MARKET. FROM EARLY 2008 TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2009, OVER A MILLION PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS IN URBAN AREAS, AN INTER-ANNUAL RISE IN UNEMPLOYMENT OF 0.6%. THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM 7.4% IN 2008 TO ABOUT 9% THIS YEAR, LEAVING AN ADDITIONAL THREE MILLION PEOPLE WITHOUT WORK. THIS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY GREATER LABOUR INFORMALITY, WHICH WILL AGGRAVATE POVERTY LEVELS AND MAKE COMPLIANCE OF THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS MORE DIFFICULT.
While some might feel that the aftershock of this all to the economy of Sint Maarten was not as severe as other places, far and near, the effects of such have crept up on us and are spreading rapidly.
In the first quarter, and even into the second quarter of this year, we have held our ground somewhat.
Not to say that the economy was booming, but we managed, without a serious collective (!) effort really, to somehow hold it together until now.
Surely, several factors can be attributed to this:
We were on an upswing, and so you saw a slowing down, before an actual decline.
The flexibility of our people and as an extension of our economy kept us going, when others were already reeling from the effects of the global crisis.
If this were not the case, then surely, it would be unthinkable that the government of Sint Maarten (mind you, I am using the collective term) could take so long to come up with what has been dubbed an economic stimulus package.
I use my words very carefully. And I do so, hoping to avoid even the perception of looking for some-one to blame.
This matter, in our opinion is one in which the quicker we can find each other, the better it will be for all the people.
Recognized agencies, representatives of business, labor or even of government have a platform from which they can launch their queries, suggestions, yes and even pressure for governments to act.
But what about the man and the woman in the streets?
They too hurt. They too wonder.
We might try to dispel or downplay this fact, but people are losing their jobs. Right here on Sint Maarten and it is happening today.
A serious deficiency that we have as an island, is the lack of a statistical agency, where economic information can be collected, analyzed and made available to policy and decision makers in a timely fashion. An agency that functions on the basis of a law and where cooperation with that agency in terms of providing truthful information is obligatory.
In the absence of such, we go by bits and pieces from different sources, difficult to assimilate, because of the lack of synchronization.
The airport collects its data, the seaport does the same, there are tourism statistics, labor statistics, banking statistics, marine statistics.
What do they tell us?
I know what people tell us. And it is not only me. Because the very things that I am saying today, not too long ago, the former opposition was saying as well.
What are we hearing on the streets?
As I said before, people are losing their job. The control on the labor market is not as effective as it should be.
Business is hurting! There is no denying that fact. And of course, one has to do with the other. That businesses look for cheap labor is a consequence of the foregoing as well. Or better said, it is exacerbated by the foregoing. It is made worse.
I think I am preaching to the choir here. But there is much more to it. The effects of all of this on our community, on the mental state of our citizens are alarming.
And I know that there are always extenuating circumstances. E.g. if I tie in to what I said earlier about joblessness, and speak of families who face poverty because of this, I acknowledge that it is not the only reason.
Some people who have work, face poverty. They either don’t make enough or they do not have their priorities right, that also happens.
But if we can agree here today, that large sectors of our community are hurting; that prospects for economic recovery are not immediate, that there is no one group (in our out of government) responsible for this malaise, then we can go one to the next topic.
What can we do?
Again in my opinion, people need to hear some-thing concrete. Something tangible. Hope for the future gives strength to weather the storm.
There might be a legitimate reason for the delay in arriving at a economic stimulus package. I don’t know, but if there is, government should explain this. To the island council and to the people of this island.
Is there some type of relief for the average citizen? If there is, can we hear about it? I would not have to break my head about suggestions for relief, if something is already in the making.
Has any-one checked their utility bill lately? Especially electricity? Has any one of us in this council wondered how the person on a low and fixed income is able to survive? Well I have and I have not come up with the answer.
What is in the package for these persons?
What about the elderly? Has government considered this group?
Has government analyzed the effects of the medical insurance for 60-plussers by the SVB?
And I stress, by the SVB.
Because I know that the DP-administration was busy with amendments to the medical care ordinance, specifically to deal with medical insurance for the elderly. As you might know, if the income of an elderly is above a certain maximum, that person can not receive a government doctor card. However, the elderly, the pensioner who has a little apartment or 2 on rent along with his or her pension, cannot get a government doctor card. And for doctor consultation and the like, that person might not even want a doctor card. But when it comes to a chronic illness, such as cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, and others, this can wipe out whatever little savings that person has. Insurance is out of the question for this category.
And I know we are working on a general insurance, but for now, will government finalize the amendments to medical ordinance for the elderly?
If not, does the government have the assurance that the recent SVB policy which is yet to be put in law, and which details are unknown to our faction as least, will fill this gap?
Does the government concur that this SVB policy should be publicized and explained consistently to the people of Sint Maarten?
We know our people. And if they once know that after pension, you get no medical coverage from SVB, they are not going back to the SVB.
What about some ads on tv and radio?
But again, and before anything else, has government analyzed this SVB proposal and what are the benefits, compared to e.g. the expansion of coverage via the government doctor card system?
In essence I ask the government a couple of things:
What is the status of the economic stimulus or economic relief package?
What are the immediate prospects for the elderly and their medical care?
Give us the data regarding unemployment and the trends in the last 6 months or so.
Dismissal requests?
Performances of key sectors such as the harbor, airport and marine and the prospects for these sectors for the coming season?
Any information on real estate performances?
By the way, 2008 budget figures of the central government for transfer tax on Sint Maarten were surpassed and one of the budgetary adjustments was this post, adjusted upwardly with 3.9 million guilders
The same holds true for turn-over tax, also an upward adjustment of 5.4 million guilders. You see why it is important that data is collected centralized and analyzed. Does the government have information how real estate transfer tax and turn-over-tax have been performing in 2009?
We are advocating as the Democratic Party, considering the transfer of responsibilities from the central government to the island government; that as far as we know the central government has not yet broken down their budget to transfer the funds along with the tasks, and given the surplus on the central government, which has now become a reserve, we don’t think it is a cry in the wilderness, to seek either a reduction in the turn-over-tax by the central government or a bigger portion than the one-third to come to the island government. Because if the latter happens, then the island government can reduce income and profit tax that will benefit the business and the consumer, and thus stimulate the economy. I recognize that the island government can only reduce the surcharges on the profit and income tax. And while it means less revenue for the government, the question is whether government is willing to bear this loss for the gain of the entire community.
That is a question to the government?
Again, maybe this is part of the impending package of relief. We just don’t know.
What economic model has or will the government use for this package of relief? Where matters like, should the government get or keep the money or should it go in the pockets of the citizens can be analyzed?
I just want to have a sensible discussion with government on these matters. One of the council members of the other faction always refer to the DP faction as a minority government. This is not correct. A minority government is a government. We are not the government, but we are part of the governance of this island.
Part of the highest governance of this island.
The last part of my discourse ties into the finances of government.
Members of the faction of the Democratic Party have been asking questions regarding the finances of government. Unfortunately to no avail.
However, again we are not blaming any-one for having to amend the 2009 budget. We would have had to do it, if we were in government.
When can we expect the amendments to the budget of 2009 to reach the island council?
Will these amendments include: any additional cost for compulsory education; the reduced work permit fee for certain categories/
How much has the change of government on June 8 cost the tax payer, in terms of additional personnel, office equipment and vehicles? Were the applicable financial rules followed for the purchase of office equipment and vehicles?
Can we receive an overview of the monthly income and expenditures of government for 2009? These are available at a press of the button. Can we have it before this meeting is over?
The point is that there is information that the NA/Heyliger executive council has to submit information to the island council, which they have not.
The quarterly reports, according to the Kingdom resolution on the CFT. We haven’t received the first quarter, let alone the second quarter, which was due on mid-august. What we have heard from the Commissioner of finance and that was on July 17th was that the first quarterly report was submitted to the CFT and it “was well received”. Now that might be so, and that is not the issue, The issue is that in accordance with art 18, these reports must be sent to the island council. Why have we not receive any of these reports?
On July 31st, the Commissioner was still of the belief that the 2010 draft budget and the annual financial accounts should be ready by August 15th. A month later, where do these matters stand? Annual accounts and draft 2010 budget?
The Commissioner of Finance stated publicly that the 2010 budget, which by the way is overdue, can not be balanced. In broad numbers, explain the island council what the total of the draft budget 2010 is, and which are the largest components of the deficit?
These are the numbers I suspect that the Commissioner will be pleading his case with for permission to submit a budget with a deficit, so these numbers must be known.
This question I have before: what is the overall financial standing of the government-owned companies, especially in a dividend relationship with government. (All of them should be, but we know some are just not making money)
I think more than 2 weeks have passed, but I have not received any information regarding SLAC and the fees charged by that government company? That company too, I would like to know how it stands?
Can this government tell us: what is going to happen with GEBE? With all the debacles, can the consumer expect relief in this area? If not, why not?
How is the government going to prioritize its spending in the light of the economic slow-down (some prefer melt-down) according to the following pillars?
Education
Health
Human resources (personnel)
Economy
Infrastructure
Constitutional Affairs
How will this differ from let’s say, what was spent in these areas in 2008?
What is the status of the payment by the Netherlands to the outstanding creditors of the island territory?
In how far have the stipulations regarding government’s bank accounts been apply? Article 22 of the Resolution on Financial Supervision:
I am going to try from the financial angle to get an answer as to whether there is an agreement with the Dutch Government as prescribed by the Resolution on Financial Supervision on the matter of corporate governance? Article 32.
I wish to interject here that good governance and good corporate governance (buzz words lately) also encompass the elements of accountability (to the island council); openness and transparency (towards all citizens and especially the taxpayers) and dialogue (with stakeholders). Communication is also an element of good governance. In fact, without these elements, the formal parts of good governance (laws, policies and ordinances), will remain exactly that: formalities, on the books.
And finally; considering the agreement between the island government and the central government of June 24th last and the efforts up until then to have the consultancy of KPMG provide the support to establish and strengthen the services of country Sint Maarten, have these efforts been abandoned? Has the input by KPMG been changed? What in essence is the status now? What has it cost government until now? Or until it was stopped?
FULL STATEMENT BY WESCOT WILLIAMS.
Philipsburg:--In the earlier meeting of the island council today,(Monday) the members of the Democratic Faction had attempted to sail a new course in the relationship between government and opposition. We tried to steer clear of attacks, rhetoric, blaming, accusing, innuendos etc. etc. It is clear from the proceedings in the island council meeting of this morning that this will not be easy and we are not close to an ideal situation. That’s a pity.
The well known quote by Maria Robinson (author and poet) has been paraphrased in many different ways, but the essence remains the same:
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
We can rehash old things over and over again, but unless we make up our minds how we want to change things for the future, we will remain going around in the same circle, over and over again.
This stalemate is also evident, from your release regarding this central committee meeting. It is our belief that the office you hold as chairperson of the central committee should be a neutral one. In that position, you represent the island council, not a political faction.
I am not sure how to interpret your statement regarding convening of meetings.
Maybe you can explain that and I re-iterate again, the DP faction is not a minority government.
We are part of general governance. In democratic forms of governance, you have the government and the opposition. The roles of these 2 are quite clear and internationally accepted.
Some regard these roles more serious than others, whether it is in government or in opposition. It is pretty much a personal choice and dependent on personal circumstances (knowledge etc) how one acts or neglects to act in carrying out the function entrusted to him or her.
Our letter requesting this meeting is self-explanatory. We expected with the elucidation provided in our letter to set the tone for this meeting.
We stressed the commonality of purpose to get beyond the stage “who did or who did not do”. If getting beyond this stage takes me admitting that I should have anticipated a sudden government change on June 8th and thus rush through everything that could have been finished before that date, then let’s accept for argument sake, that that is the case.
And indeed, I could have put everything aside and focus for example on this matter. Or put this aside and focus on completing some other matter before June 8th. I yet need to see the day that any government can brag: “today we are where we should be with nothing left to be done”. That would be the day.
The matters mentioned in our letter are but a few that contribute to improving governance, that contribute to good and better governance. How the governance of a country is measured, includes many components. The more complex the society, the more governance and governing need to be regulated. And it is not static. As a nation develops, so does the need for new practices and new approaches to governance. In this morning’s meeting, I mentioned accountability, openness and transparency, dialogue and communication as tools to improve governance.
With the crafting of our country’s constitution which in itself has been a process of several years, we needed to rethink our basis of governance: the rudiments of the relationship between the government and those who are governed.
Discussions like on the fundamental human rights of all citizens are discussions we have never had the opportunity to have until now.
With a constitution comes the enshrinement of other rights and obligations as well.
Our constitution establishes the basis for more than 40 laws. These laws embedded in the constitution are called organic laws.
It was a quite a feat completing those organic laws that needed to meet the criteria as agreed to in the letter of the VRTC of March 2006. Some of them could be taken over from other parts of the Kingdom, but others need to be crafted carefully to suit St. Maarten.
Having done this, having passed the vetting process of these laws and receiving the acknowledgement of such in the RTC of December 2008, as commissioner I embarked on identifying those laws, already drafted, that we have the authority as an island territory to implement presently.
The first one that comes to mind is that of the ombudsman. The relevant law for country Sint Maarten can be adapted to serve as an island ordinance.
This is one of the first laws for which it was commissioned to prepare the implementation plan. A plan of which the first draft was submitted in May.
Roughly, we have analyzed that at least the four mentioned in our letter can be implemented without having to wait for country status.
Upon close scrutiny, there will probably be more, where while the matter has until now been regulated by the central government, nothing prevents the island government from establishing legislation in that area. The “comptabiliteitsverordening” is one that comes to mind in this context.
We would gladly hear from the government which other draft laws specifically can be passed and implemented now.
Let it be stated that none of these draft laws, although they have been deliberated upon and vetted, have been handled in a public meeting of the island council.
And while it might have politically expedient to call for an island council meeting, we don’t believe that the objective would have been met.
Namely, to discuss:
1. Does this committee agree with converting these existing drafts to island ordinances?
2. Are there others that the central committee feels should be added to the list?
3. Can we have a research done to determine such?
If there is a general consensus, then we ask of the island secretariat that these draft be submitted within short to the island council with an advice as to the conversion of the drafts into island ordinances, which will then follow their course.
For clarity sake, it is not as if there is no consensus on the issues under consideration, the only thing is they were approved for country Sint Maarten. Given the reasons outlined in our letter of September 7th; the constant pounding on “show us how it will work in practice”; the apparent consensus amongst us, we think it can work.
With respect to the matter of integrity, we have a two-prong trajectory: 1) the draft country ordinance “integrity in government” and part of the integrity trajectory of the island government, we have 2) the draft code of conduct as referred to earlier.
Philipsburg: --- A national of Curacao is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday next week to answers charges of drug smuggling confirmed prosecutor Rienk Mud. The suspect was identified a N.S.H who arrived on the island from Curacao with some 55 bolitias(750 grams) in his stomach. Mud said the case is set for Wednesday next week.
GREAT BAY– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) is advising persons at risk with the onset of the annual flu season, to get their flu shot. One must also bear in mind that the flu shot will not protect you against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus.
It is documented that one of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, and people of any age can get it.
It can be mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. One of the best ways to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and lessen the chance that you will transmit to others is to get a ‘flu shot,’ and the other possibility is preventive measures or good health habits.
There are two types of influenza vaccines that protect against seasonal flu.
The ‘flu shot’ is an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. Persons who are at risk and should take their seasonal flu vaccine include person’s 65-years and older; pregnant women, persons with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and persons with immune compromised conditions.
Persons who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities and health care workers should also get their flu shot.
The second type of influenza vaccine is the nasal-spray flu vaccine. It is administered by nasal sprayer and is approved for use only among healthy people 2-49 years of age.
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.
Consult your family physician about seasonal flu shots, which can also be administered by the former.
Good health habits may also protect you against the flu. These include covering your cough and washing your hands often, which can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting too sick. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits such as getting plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553.
Philipsburg: --- NAGICO Insurances on Thursday launched the Leeward Islands Cricket Association one-day tournament. NAGICO has been sponsoring this tournament for the past seven years and has committed itself to continue sponsoring it despite the economic hardships confirmed Chief Executive Officer Imran Macsood Amjad. Amjad told reporters that despite the hardships and the economic backlash investors and businesses on St. Maarten cannot give up instead this is the time for everyone to get on board in trying to keep youths off the streets of St. Maarten. Another objective Amjad said is to make sure youths on St. Maarten get involved in the sports that can take them to greater heights. Amjad said no one should allow economics to decide what should happen to any society since they all have to continue to develop the youths. He said youths have to be developed in a positive direction, which is to keep them off the streets and fight the effects of drugs and unemployment which can negatively influence any society. He felt that this is the time people especially businesses have to invest more in the youths especially sporting activities. The CEO of Nagico said they rest committed to continue sponsoring cricket and other sporting activities throughout the region.
Amjad said that already the company has been donating to sports, education, and other social activities; however, they are honored to be able to host the LICA (Nagico) one-day finals on St. Maarten. The company CEO presented a check of EC100, 000.00 to the president of LICA Gregory Shillingford.
The St. Maarten Cricket Association would be the host for this year LICA one day tournament. The St. Maarten Cricket Association has also revamped its board and has installed several committees who would target youths in all schools so they can become active cricket players. Amjad who is also the Chairman of the St. Maarten Cricket Association said there were concerns as to where cricket was going on St. Maarten. He said that because of constant pressure from the community he returned as chairman of the association, which has been restructured and they believe would benefit the future of the sport and well as the island. Presently the association has an executive board as well as general board and several committees to enhance the sport.
The LICA tournament is set to kick off on October 12 and will culminate on October 18.
St. Kitts, Anguilla and St. Maarten are the venues for the this year’s zone A and B preliminary matches. The semi finals and finals will be held on St. Maarten on October 16 and 17 at the Carib Lumber Ball Park.
The competing teams are assigned in two groups, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, and the BVI make up Zone A while Zone B teams are Anguilla, Antigua, St. Maarten and USVI with the defending championship is Antigua.
Regional Jet Express announces its impending launch October 18th , which will see the company become the only jet operator in the Caribbean when it establishes daily flights to 5 islands next month.
Regional Jet Express’ Fairchild Dornier 328 jets will serve ; Dominica; Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic; St. Croix and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Regional Jet Express will add Cuba and Haiti to this list of island destinations soon, using non-U.S. registered aircraft for these two countries.
The Fairchild Dornier 328 jet is the world’s first 32-seat regional jet, which was adapted from Dornier’s 328 turbo-propeller plane, the premier turboprop in the 30-seat class. A regional jet is simply a short-haul, turbofan-powered aircraft used for commuter flights.
Major commercial airlines that have used Fairchild Dornier’s 328 jets and its turboprops for their commuter flights include Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation (AWAC), Delta Connection, Hainan Airlines, and Midwest Connect.
The fuel-efficient, wide body twin turbofan-powered Fairchild Dornier 328 jet features:
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306B turbofans that provide better fuel efficiency and higher speed than other forms of transport in the Caribbean region, resulting in halved flying times and cheaper fares (Fares range between $100 USD and $700 USD, depending on the destination)
• A spacious cabin that offers two seats on one side and one on the other, and ample cabin height (headroom) of 6 feet, two inches
• A whisper quiet ride unlike noisy turbo-propeller planes that fly in the Caribbean region
• Cutting-edge technology that allows the 328 jet to climb fast (3,690 feet per minute) and land on short runways; its state-of-the-art cockpit has the same instrumentation as a Boeing 777
• A seating capacity of 32 to 34
• An upper altitudinal limit (flight ceiling) of 35,000 feet
• A high-winged design that enables excellent views because the wings and engines are positioned above the windows
The Wyoming-based Regional Jet Express will have a satellite office in St. Croix, USVI. Contact the Regional Jet Express call centre at 1-767 440-7184 to access flight/reservations information. The call centre will start accepting phone calls shortly. It will operate Monday through Thursday from 8:00a.m. to 8:00p.m., and Friday as well as Sunday from 7:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.
As part of a working visit to the city of Tallahassee, Florida, a St. Maarten delegation led by Leader of Government, William Marlin, on Wednesday paid a visit to Tallahassee Mayor John Marks III. The visit is coinciding with the marking of the 10th anniversary of the sister city agreement between St. Maarten and Tallahassee. The event was celebrated on Wednesday afternoon during a ceremony at the Tallahassee City Hall.On photos, Mayor Marks and Commissioner Marlin exchange plaques of appreciation, during the earlier mentioned visit to the Mayor's office.

Philipsburg:-- The third graders of the Christian Hillside School received their English dictionaries from the Rotary Club of St. Maarten as this community service club continues to make its contribution toward improving literacy on the island. The project will continue throughout the Dutch side of St. Maarten until all 1000 dictionaries have been distributed.
Committee chairman Manoij Alwani and other committee members assisted with the distribution. It has become evident to the Rotary Club that more assistance is necessary and encourages all to join in the effort to improve literacy on St. Maarten, in particular amongst the island's children.
GREAT BAY :--The Department of Permits & Licenses, Public Vending & Economic Control (VOSEC) and the Department of Control, Inspection, and Security (CIB) are taking part in a Customer Service & Productivity Improvement training for three weeks at the John Larmonie Community Center.
Commissioner Frans Richardson was present to provide words of support and advice.
“When given the opportunity, it always gives me pleasure to provide words of encouragement. This morning you are going to take part in a very important training session to upgrade your skills in crucial areas.”
“This training should be embraced by all because it provides us the opportunity to learn, to improve ourselves, and to deal with the public in a better manner. Too often civil servants are criticize and forgotten. This training, however, allows you to upgrade and develop yourself; take advantage of the opportunity. St. Maarten will be a better place because you are here now,” Commissioner Richardson said.
The Island Government has made these courses available to their personnel to enhance the level of service while increasing productivity within departments such as CIB and VOSEC, said Miguel de Weever, who is the Director of Economy and Tourism.
Head of the VOSEC Department Justine Webster extended to the participants a congratulatory message, “Thank you for your efforts in coming out to this training. It will be for 3 weeks and it will be interactive. Take as much as you can from the training.”
The facilitator for the training sessions will be Clarence Richardson, who will focus on providing quality service, communication successfully, dealing with difficult customers, positive attitude, and team work. He added during the introductory part that it will be up to you, the participants, to absorb the material and learn as much as you can so that you could provide excellent service to the community.
The Department of VOSEC, Webster said, renders service to the public by processing applications for business/directors/branch licenses, operational and vending licenses and the issuance of these licenses. As well, the department executes various economic controls. Both departments have daily contact with the public, so it was important that we have such a workshop.
The Control, Inspection, and Security (CIB) Department have daily contact with the public as well through controlling and inspecting of traffic and road related matters. The security officers deal constantly with the public.
Head of CIB, Shervin Frederick said that the department performs the inspection before the issuance of operational licenses and conduct controls whenever the business is in operation.
In addition, the Taxi dispatchers, who are the first our visitors meet after they have cleared their luggage, regulate the taxi operations at all taxi stands. They ensure that the passengers are transported in a clean and safe vehicle.
A total of 32 persons will participate in the training: 19 persons from VOSEC and 13 Taxi Dispatchers from CIB.
The Training was approved by the Executive Council on July 21 2009.
Philipsburg: -- The MV Karma caught fire on Saturday; the cause of the fire is still unknown stated owner of the boat Robbie Lawrence.
In a statement, Lawrence said they lost a familiar face when the catastrophic fire began on board starting in the engine room, which he said spread quickly throughout the engine room, wheelhouse and accommodations areas, destroying them quickly. Lawrence said they would be able to get on board the boat sometime soon where they would be able to closely inspect the damage.
The crew of the Tug Culpepper and the personnel of the St. Maarten ports authority have his utmost appreciation and respect for the quick response in assisting the vessel and crew. He also thanked the crew of the Cutter Poema and the St. Maarten Fire Brigade.
It is because of these people that the damage was limited to the vessel and did not impact Great Bay harbor.
The M/V Karma has been a staple in the inter-island trade for close to thirty years and was usually the first vessel available to assist St. Maarten and the surrounding island immediately after the passing of major hurricanes.
Many will remember the first delivery of ice and fresh bread to the island immediately after hurricane Luis in 95 and the delivery of ice, bread and water to Saba after Hurricane George.
The loss of the M/V Karma is the end of an era and sadly not the way this grand old lady should have gone out.
It is anticipated that arrangements will be made to allow the weekly service to the U.S and British Virgin Islands to continue, Lawrence said.
Guana Bay:--- The board of the United Federation Union expressed disappointment to the few members that attended the meeting called on Wednesday night. No more that 23 employees of GEBE showed up to meeting, which started over an hour late. President of the UFA Francis Olivacchi expressed his disappointment with the members of GEBE. He said ever since he was elected president of the union he has been trying to encourage the workers of GEBE to form an internal board. Olivachi said to date that board is not formed and he strongly believes that because of the nonchalant attitude of the workers they are in a predicament with their employers.
The UFA board members then proceeded to explain those that attended the meeting the procedures they followed in the hope of resolving the labour conflict they have with management of GEBE.
One of the procedures UFA followed was they sent a letter to the island Lt. Governor requesting that he chair a meeting with the government owned company, supervisory board, the island council member of St. Maarten, Saba and Statia, but to date the Lt. Governor has not responded to the letter.
Outcome of the meeting in our subsequent report.
GREAT BAY:---Commissioner of Finance Xavier Blackman, in his capacity of Sint Maarten’s National Authorization Officer for European Union Funds, and his advisors recently met with Mr. Christian Hiddink, who is a consultant for the European Union.
Hiddink has been commissioned to analyze if and to what extent the Netherlands Antilles are eligible to receive budgetary aid from the European Union starting in 2011.
Currently visiting the Netherlands Antillean islands, Hiddink is conducting research on government finances, reform of the financial management, and the macro-economic situation. He is also meeting with representatives of the Central and Island Governments, as well as the Cft—(College financieel toezicht) or freely translated: Council for financial supervision.
Under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) 24 million Euros have been earmarked for the Netherlands Antilles, preferably in the form of budgetary aid. About 4.75 million Euros of that amount is expected to be earmarked for St. Maarten.
Commissioner Blackman outlined St. Maarten’s financial situation and the plans that are being worked on to improve the financial state of affairs.
What are the different options and procedures for receiving financial disbursements from the EU? According to Hiddink, there are three ways in which the EU disburses funds, namely via direct budgetary aid, program aid, and aid for individual projects.
Hiddink pointed out that the EU has made a shift towards providing direct budgetary aid. This new procedure allows the receiving governments to apply the funds towards the implementation of their policies and result in direct benefits to the communities at large and the citizens. Direct budgetary aid, however, requires government to comply with certain conditions and have clear policy objectives and mechanisms in place.
Mr. Hiddink’s report to the EU is expected to be completed by the end of November. Based on the decision of the European Union, follow-up will take place by the Department of Finance in order to secure the funds that will be allocated to St. Maarten.
Simpson Bay: --- On Friday evening October 9, police patrols, and detectives were directed to Simpson bay near X-pert hair salon for a shooting incident. On the scene, the investigating officers learnt that the victim had already been transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for treatment.
The Forensic department conducted their investigation on the scene of the crime. At the Sint Maarten Medical Center the victim who was in stable condition stated to the detectives, the while walking towards Mc Donalds restaurant from Soggy Dollar Bar he was unexpectedly attacked by a masked man who was armed with a gun. A struggle between the attacker and the victim who turned out to be the bouncer at Soggy Dollar Bar took place and during the struggle, a gunshot went off. The bullet penetrated the victim's left palm and entered his lower left leg where it remained lodged. The gunman took-off running in the direction of the Simpson Bay Bridge. The victim stated that he walked back to Soggy dollar and informed the manager what had taken place. He was then transported to the hospital for treatment. The detectives are investigating this case.
GREAT BAY, – On Wednesday morning at the Sundial school Commissioner of Public Health Hyacinth Richardson presented Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus bookmarks to Sundial school students and faculty.
The 5000 bookmarks which are part of the Government Information Service (GIS) public awareness campaign, contains preventive information on what measures should be taken to prevent the spread of Pandemic H1N1 influenza. The bookmarks will be distributed to all secondary schools.
During the presentation, students thanked Commissioner Richardson on behalf of the schools student body for the bookmarks. Commissioner of Public Health Hyacinth Richardson told the students that they should pay keen attention to the preventive messages and to inform their friends about the information on the H1N1 bookmarks.
Sundial Principal Mireille Regales-Peterson reminded students that they should walk with the bookmarks all the time and to remember the most important points such as good hygiene.
Preventive Health Department (PHD) Head Maria Henry appealed to students to share the preventive message with other students and family and to keep St. Maarten safe against the Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.
PHD has provided all principals from primary and secondary schools, as well as day care centres with a package of information on how to prevent the spread of Pandemic H1N1 Virus.
The information package included brochures, posters and a booklet.
Preventing the spread of germs is the most single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.
Children should know to wash their hands frequently with soap and water; cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of your elbow/sleeve; dispose of used tissue paper in the trash properly; stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.
The symptoms for children with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus are similar to that of adults. The symptoms include high fever, a runny nose, cough, sore throat and body aches. At times these can be accompanies by, diarrhoea, breathlessness and dizziness.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg:---The Theme for 2009 is “Achieving food security in times of crisis”.
Every country should strive in one way or the other to encourage agriculture so that in times of crisis we would be able to feed ourselves.
Many years ago the government of St.Maarten was very much involve in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. We had an agricultural station where much was done under the leadership of an Agricultural expert.
During the last 30 -40 years there has been little or no government involvement in the Agriculture sector.
However over the years some people did continue involving themselves in agriculture, but this was not in any organize manner and without help of government.
In view of the aforementioned I have decided to tackle the sector Agriculture head on and various plans are now being prepared to be executed very soon.
St.Maarten has the opportunity to become the trend setter in Agricultural Enovation in the Caribbean.
We have a unique situation where we have over 1.2 Million tourist visiting each year and along with or local population they all have to eat. At the moment we import everything that they consumes.
In our approach to food security we have to bear in mind the limited available agricultural land. So in order for us to achieve any level of food security, we will have to employ all of the feasible innovation in agriculture available to us.
This approach is going to be applied to the sector Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.
Such approach will include Hydroponics, Aqua-ponics, Aqua-culture and the Verty-Grow system.
Animal Husbandry will also be taken to a new level, where quality breeding stock will be made available to animal keepers to up grade there local stock.
In order to achieve these goals we have started to revitalize the Agricultural Foundation, which has been dormant for some years, they will be responsible for the set up and good functioning of the Agricultural Station.
This Agricultural Station will be manned by our own local professional agriculturist.
Several areas are being looked at for this purpose.
In order to make this program a success I am counting on all interested persons to get involve by contacting our local Agriculturalist Mr. Joslyn Richardson at 580-5157 or the commissioners office at 542-4672
In Commemoration of World Food Day we encourage the population to
Focus on healthy eating habits.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—This week, Health Care Affairs are participating in a program called Girl Talk, established by the Pharmaceutical company Johnson and Johnson, which aims to educate and orient preteen girls in the Caribbean about changes during puberty, hygiene and menstruation, sexuality, and other essential phases and issues of their lives.
This program is sponsored by Manrique Capriles and in joint cooperation with the Preventive Health Department visit schools.
Over the last four years, except last year, this program has taken place on St. Maarten. The program consists of talking frankly to young girls about their development as young ladies.
This year is the first that Health Care Affairs is participating in the Girl Talk program, and they regard the program as part of a their comprehensive program, which includes, speaking to young boys and girls about their sexual development, their personal hygiene, and the changes that they are experiencing as a young person.
Nurse Helen Piper was the main speaker. She talked to the preteens about hygiene, body care, their growth and development as a preteen, and the importance of concentrating on school, and not worry about boy-girl relationships.
Nurse Piper, who has been doing this talk for 5 years throughout the Caribbean, speaks directly to the young ladies and impresses upon them the right things to do while growing up.
She explains about the effects and initial changes, which shows that your reproductive system is beginning to work.
At the conclusion of the session, participants received a small bag containing additional information on sexual reproduction and other related topics.
Schools participating in the program are: Oranje, Sister Borgia, St. Joseph, Sister Marie, M. Genevieve de Weever, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Hillside Christian, Sister Magda, St. Dominic Primary, MAC, John A. Gumbs Campus, Ruby Labega, Prins Willem, MAC Browlia Millard Campus, Sister Regina Primary, Leonard Conner, Seventh Day Adventist.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—Commissioner Frans Richardson attended the signing agreement of a Sport Scholarship between The Netherlands Antilles Olympic Committee(NAOC) and Naomi Korstanje.
Commissioner F. Richardson welcomed the signing and the commitment. He also pointed out that besides this agreement, he is committed as well to her athletic development, and that his office is open to her. “I want to congratulate you on this day, and I know that your family supports you 100%. I also want you to know that the community of St. Maarten supports you as well,” Commissioner Richardson said. “I want you to know too that you are an example to other young athletes on St. Maarten. I am here for you. If we don’t take care of our own, who will?” he asked.
The agreement between NAOC and Naomi stipulates the commitment of both parties to each other for the next four years. The agreement is in the areas of financial, athletic, nutritional, and health support, among other areas. The agreement also requires that Naomi has to do well in school and that she participates in Olympic sponsored programs of which there are about 4 or 5 before the Youth Olympic Games 2010.
According to Naomi’s mother, Carina Reyes, Naomi has been in the water since she was 3 months old, and she got her first swimming degree at 6 months old. She has been swimming competitively since the age of 8; since 11, Naomi has been part of the Carib Swim Team. Today, Naomi is 16 years old, and on her way to the Olympics with the assistant of her longtime coach Ian Lee, who has been coaching for 15 years.
The present objective is to go to the Youth Olympic Games 2010 in Singapore, slated for August 14-26. The NAOC has committed to support the young athlete, in conjunction with the local affiliated arm—in this case, the St. Maarten Sports Federation, who will work with Naomi’s coach to develop a program that is supported financially and otherwise by both the Federation and NAOC.
President of the St. Maarten Sports Federation Aartwichgt Bell said that the organization is here to support athletes and to develop them in various aspects throughout their athletic careers. Other aims of the organization, he said, are to bring athletes together, to increase sport participation, and to debate issues in sport, among other aims and objectives.

A very large gathering was in attendance last night in a meeting called by National Alliance Acting District Leaders, Mr. Steve York, and Mr. Sylvin Flanders in Sucker Garden. The purpose of the meeting was to share information about the upcoming National Alliance Congress and to elect a new district board. The people present at the meeting used the opportunity to share the concerns of the people of Sucker Garden and the issues facing the community. The newly elected president, Mr. Sylvin Flanders, charged his board members to let their voices be heard, to explore all possibilities for the benefit of the community and the island of St. Maarten, and to ensure that the electorate continues to support the National Alliance. Other elected members of the council are Vice President, Jocelyn Arndell; Secretary, Patricia Philips; Asst. Secretary, Elaine Illis; Treasurer, Ricardo Flanders; Asst. Treasurer, Stanley David; Board Member, Antonio Bryan; and Advisor, Steve York. Together, the new district council will submit a list of delegates for the November Congress and nominate names for the party board and honorary awards.
...
Great Bay:---Cornelius De Weever assistant HIV/AIDS Programme Manager recently attended the “Regional Consultation on Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), Transgender and HIV: Partnerships for Universal Access” three day meetings in Panama.
This consultation has been organized by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in cooperation with other UNAIDS co-sponsors as a means of strengthening the national responses to HIV for MSM and transgender persons. By using working documents based on existing documents and ongoing sub regional consultations, the consultation aims to provide the key elements for three products, namely, a guide for minimal national requirements for an effective national response to HIV for MSM and transgender persons; guideline for UNAIDS co-sponsors in supporting national response and a UNDP regional strategy for HIV, MSM and transgender persons.
Results expected out of this three day meeting are: Identification and consensus of the basic elements for key documents; UNDP regional strategy for supporting effective responses to gay and other MSM and transgender in the context of HIV in the Latin American and Caribbean region; Clarity on moving forward and increased commitment of stakeholders.

Fellow Rotarian from the Sunrise Club, Hendrik-Jan van Ieperen, worked for the cities of Rotterdam and The Hague as a policy advisor prior to taking on the challenge of head associate of spatial planning for the Island Government of St. Maarten in 2007. Mr. van Ieperen gave an over view of the work that VROM does as well as a birds eye view of what the Island Government is working on with respect to zoning. According to Mr. van Ieperen VROM is a part of R.O.B. (Ruimtelijke Ordening en Beheer) which deals with everything that concerns the space that we live in on St. Maarten. Responsibilities of R.O.B. are among others, the maintenance of the infrastructure, Government buildings, Government land, physical development of the island, building permits and inspection. The VROM department deals with 'zoning' regulations. The existing regulations are based on the Zoning Ordinance of 1993, but other than Fort Amsterdam, zoning is rare on St. Maarten, although comprehensive zoning plans are being developed which can take up to 2-5 years. The objective is to have a policy that will guide the overall development of the island while offering economic benefits to it's people. Other regulations which are currently applied are the the Hillside Policy and the Beach policy, while a draft development plan has been prepared for the Lowlands area and approved by the Executive Council. USONA funds have been made available for zoning and the intention is to consult the general population in the development of these plans. Mr. van Ieperen concluded that he is convinced that with these development plans, taking St. Maarten, it's people and it's culture of land ownership into consideration, we will have proper regulations that will guide the growth of our island in a sustainable way.
GREAT BAY,– The Civil Registry Department has identified 16 polling stations for the upcoming Netherlands Antilles Parliamentary elections scheduled for January 22, 2010.
The last federal parliamentary elections were held on January 27, 2006 and there were 14 polling stations at that time.
The total number of persons eligible to cast their vote on January 22 is 19,355.
Of these, 10.006 are persons born in the Netherlands Antilles, which also includes those born on St. Maarten (5.841).
The 16 voting districts are as follows:
Stem district 1 John Larmony Center
Stem district 2 Sundial School
Stem Lokaal Huis van Bewaring
Stem district 3 St. Maarten Senior Citizen Recreational Foundation
Stem District 4 Sr. Marie Laurence
Stem District 5 Dutch Quarter Community Center
Stem district 6 Milton Peters College
Stem District 7 Rupert Maynard Center
Stem District 8 St. Maarten Academy
Stem District 9 Celebration Palace
Stem District 10 Raoul Illidge Sports Complex
Stem District 11 Charles Leopold Bell
Stem District 12 Leonard Conner School
Stem District 13 Simpsonbay Sports Community Center
Stem District 14 Belvedere Community Center
Stem District 15 Melford Hazel Recreational
Stem District 16 St. Maarten Home
The Civil Registry Department also made a recent appeal to residents to make sure that the office has their correct physical residential address on file. This was necessary prior to closing off the voter’s registry which took place on October 23, 2009.
For further information you can call the Civil Registry Department at 542-2457.
Philipsburg:---The Police traffic Department reported that between Thursday October 29th and November 1st 2009 to have handled 10 traffic accidents, 5 of which persons were injured and four of which were "hit and run" accidents. All accidents are under investigation.
On Sunday morning November 1 at approximately 10.20 a.m. a female driver lost control of her vehicle on the Union Road in Cole bay hitting an unknown vehicle that was driving in front of her and then colliding with several walls and concrete structures on the side of the road.
As a result, of this accident one car that was parked on the side of the street was damaged by flying debris. The driver of the car after being checked at the hospital had suffered a fractured left leg. The traffic department is busy investigating this accident.
The Police Traffic Department is informing the owners of the following license plates which were lost or missing for the tax year 2009, P-7585, P-3452, M-3357, M-5022 and M-9096 can come to the Philipsburg Police Station (Traffic Department.) and collect these plates.
GREAT BAY:---- The St. Maarten’s Day Island Government Domino Tournament will be held at the Festival Village at 1pm sharp and end at 6:30pm.
Teams taking part in this tournament will be placed in three different pools: 1) Pool A will consist of the Local Domino Teams, 2) Pool B, a Business Class, and 3) Pool C the Law Enforcement Class.
5 in Pool A - Public Works, Country Boys, Presidente, Gebe and Sit-up.
5 in Pool B - UTS, Telem, WIB, Post Office and PJIA.
5 in Pool C - Vks, HvB, KPSSS, Brandweer, and Douane/Kustwacht.
Teams must consist of six players or more. There will be a total of 15 teams taking part in this tournament.
Teams interested in registering for this tournament can contact Martin Wilson at 580-4463 anytime of the day.
Dead line for registration to take part in this tournament is November 6, 2009.
Rules of the game is time limit: first set, two best of three; and the final game three
best of five.
Philipsburg:--The commissioner responsible for sports, Frans Richardson, on Thursday afternoon hosted St. Maarten born major league baseball rookie Dudley Leonora Jr.
The 17-year-old Leonora who signed with the Baltimore Orioles last year, was accompanied by his proud father, Dudley Leonora Sr., at which time the commissioner was briefed regarding Leonora's upcoming spring training in the U.S., his future plans as well as his role as a utility player.
Commissioner Richardson was full of praise for the young professional baseball player, who he hailed as as example for "young people on St. Maarten" and a prospective "ambassador for St. Maarten", by virtue of his present and expected achievements in baseball.
He emphasized on Leonora, the need to remain focused and not to be led astray by the temptations that come with the live of a baseball major league player. He implored on the Baltimore Orioles player "not to forget where you come from" and to make St. Maarten proud.
Commissioner Richardson assured Leonora and his father of his continued support and commitment towards the young player's career in the major leagues.
COLE BAY—GEBE representatives attended the SHTA General Managers’ Retreat on Friday, November 13 to update Hotel Managers on the challenges that are being faced in the GEBE operations on St. Maarten, Saba and Statia as well as projects and strategic plans that address these challenges on the short, medium and long term.
GEBE Managing Director, William Brooks, was originally scheduled to give the presentation but was out due to illness. In his absence, Steve Duzanson, Commercial Manager, and Giselle Dirckx-Williams, Corporate Communications Officer, outlined the current and future challenges in the company as well as the solutions being worked on in the power supply, to upgrade customer service and to create clarity on the fuel clause.
GEBE has been facing electricity production challenges with a tight operating capacity that has led to numerous outages from July 2009 to date. “The shortage in the generation capacity was identified in early 2007, which resulted in two 11.3 MW generators being ordered by Brooks” he explained. The installation of the new generators is 5 months ahead of schedule and is more than 90% completed. The new engines are projected to be commissioned and brought online in the end of December 2009. The new generators are radiator cooled which will make them more reliable especially during rough seas and hurricanes since they will no longer depend on sea water for cooling.
Although the two new generators will stabilize the production capacity on the medium term, GEBE still faces the ongoing challenge of keeping the electricity supply ahead of the demand on the island, especially with the construction boom and a large number of projects still in the pipeline. A third generator could therefore be ordered for as early as 2011 and retiring and replacing of older engines, some as old as 40 years, that are smaller and less efficient, is also being planned.
The high cost of electricity as a result of the volatile oil price was also discussed. A tariff study that will realign the cost of electricity and fuel was completed and presented to stakeholders. The proposed tariff structure would update the base rate which has not changed since the electricity concession was given in 1960, and make the fuel clause a pass through as is the case with many electricity companies around the world. However, the realignment would only marginally decrease the cost of electricity.
Attendees were therefore cautioned that as long as the island continued to use oil to generate power, the cost for electricity would be volatile until energy production was diversified with such projects as solid waste to energy and renewable energies such as solar, geothermal and wind energies. Any new investments in alternative energy will be evaluated on environmental benefits as well as economic impacts.
GEBE launched its online services in 2007 with E-Billing and has been expanding its E-services to include the new GEBE website which was launched in March 2009 www.nvgebe.com, E-receipts and e-mail notices and continued its efforts to improve the customer experience. “Going into 2010, GEBE will add SMS-services to reach clients even quicker with outage information and power updates” she added.
The information was well received by the hotel managers. They also indicated that they were very happy GEBE‘s presence at the Retreat and more public awareness is needed on the production capacity and what is being done by the company to upgrade the power plant. Suggestions made by the group to GEBE included improving the outage information, to creating more clarity on the fuel clause as well as updating the GEBE website to make the information provided during the presentation readily available to the rest of the public.
Airport Road:----Regional airline, Windward Islands Airline Winair has announced that it would be terminating the route St. Maarten to Anguilla with effect from December 1, 2009. According to Vice President of Marketing, Claudio Buncamper, this is as a result of the airline suffering significant loses for the past several months which he said have resulted in the airline being unable to continue suffering loses.
Buncamper pointed out that all passengers are being contacted to inform them of the suspension of flights to Anguilla. He said that all passengers that booked directly with Winair will have the option to travel on the services of Anguilla Air Service (Winair partner Airline) using the same ticket. The VP of Marketing further explained that passengers booked using one of our interline partners, will have to refund their tickets via their travel agency or partner airline the ticket was purchased from and book directly with Anguilla Air Services
Giving an explanation for the airline’s decision to close the Anguilla route, Buncamper said that the cancelation is the poor performance and loss making of the route. “We have tried desperately over the past several months to keep the Anguilla route operational owing to the fact that we have recognized that over the years the resident and citizens of Anguilla have supported Winair,” Buncamper said.
He however noted that with the airline already faced with a number of challenges among them a decreased travelling market, rising operational and other costs it has placed the airline in a very challenging position to make such a critical decision. “We are always committed to delivering the best quality service possible and therefore we are unable to continue delivering the level of service that we recognize is needed for Anguilla owing to the significant challenges and difficulties that the airline is faced with.
As such, the management team have thought long and hard and after significant evaluation and consultation it have decided to end the route to Anguilla. Buncamper stressed that passengers should note that adequate arrangements have already been implemented to ensure a smooth transition. Winair will however maintain its sales office in Anguilla which is handled by our partner airline Anguilla Air Services (AAS), passenger can buy their tickets by AAS to fly with AAS to St. Maarten and connect to any Winair flight.
He pointed out that most airlines today are faced with growing and rapidly increasing challenges thus resulting in management being forced to take measures on lost making routes. “We, the management team have looked extensively at our other markets, WM already took measures in the beginning of the year on several routes and we held on to AXA but unfortunately things did not improve, as such, we recognize that we needed to take action now or failure to do so may result in the company incurring further financial loss,” Buncamper declared.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Winair, Edwin Hodge in commenting on the situation has expressed his personal disappointment noting that whenever the company has to make such decisions it will always be one that painful to everyone. “We within Winair have had a great and family related relationship with the residents and citizens of our various routes and knowing that we would no longer be flying there is indeed one of disappointment,” he said.
He noted that with the company already suffering significant financial ;looses with the route that has not been making a profit for several months it was evident that such a decision be made if the airline is to remain operational and competitive. Ï am confident that sometime in the future Wiuair will return to Anguilla as Winair and the people of Anguilla have always had a very good relationship,” he stressed. Currently Winair operates in nine other routes.
The Soualiga TM Club recently added two new civil servants to their club membership.
Mr. Rodney Richardson, acting head of the Government Informational Service (GIS) and Mrs. Alida Henry-Brown , secretary at the Personnel Affairs Dept.
When asked why they joined the Toastmasters Club, Richardson responded that he decided to join the Toastmasters Club after much thought because " I wanted to challenge myself in an area where I felt I could improve, that area is Public Speaking. Recently I have been called upon to do more presentations, chair meetings and to be more vocal in general. After attending Toastmasters meetings I have seen where I can also learn how to structure the message I am delivering and build confidence as I learn from others. My final reason for joining Toastmasters is to continue to build upon the networking of civil servants that can lead to better working relations within the civil service and beyond. "
The toastmasters hands on approach, "you learn by doing" , its comfortable environment and the social aspect which allows you to meet and interact with persons from all different backgrounds and educational levels is an ideal learning environment for everyone.
Mrs. Henry-Brown said she always wanted to join Toastmasters because she wants to improve her presentation skills. She works a lot with youth, always organizing various activities and the Toastmasters can help her with speaking in public. It will help her build confidence for she tends to freeze when she gets in front of a crowd. She also likes the idea of learning different types of presentations for different occasions. Henry-Brown states that "knowing the information and presenting it is two different things". "I think Toast masters could help me with my work by helping me build my poise and self-assurance. I would like to be able to represent my department optimally when called upon to do so."
Henry-Brown is especially interested in the manual regarding speaking on television, for that takes an extra form of assuredness.
Training is a key tool to assist persons in becoming better speakers, listeners and generally better participants in today's society. Being a member of Toast masters prepares you for the best, it boosts self confidence and allows you to communicate effectively.
The Soualiga Toast masters Corporate Club continues to work with civil servants encouraging them to be their very best.

CAY BAY— A major power outage on Wednesday morning at 5.50am was caused by an earth fault triggering emergency shutdown of several power generators at the Cay Bay Power Plant. The outage lasted more than an hour in some districts.
GEBE technicians along with those from Power Generator Manufacturer Wartsila, managed to make the necessary adjustments to the power grid system and got the generators up and running again.
In the meantime, the two new 11.3 megawatt generators will be officially turned over to GEBE from the manufacturer around December 21 if all goes according to plan where performance testing is concerned.
Currently, during the performance testing phase, which will take approximately one week, the generator sensors and other technical systems will go through a series of tests to make sure the machines don't develop any mechanical problems.
Last Sunday the green light was given that all systems are good and that performance testing could begin.

During the performance testing phase, the two generators will run to full capacity for one week 24 hours per day. Wartsila engineers will be on hand to monitor this process assessing the performance of the engines before they are handed over for commercial operation.
GEBE is looking forward to the handover, which would bring an end to the current period of challenges of frequent power outages due to mechanical problems and a shortage of capacity due to high demand for electricity.
GEBE once again apologizes for the inconvenience caused, however it is beyond the control of the company when these events take place, but every effort is being made to limit these events by having sufficient capacity.

Great Bay – On Friday December 18, 2009 a delegation from Anguilla, led by Minister of Tourism Victor Banks, met with Commissioner of Tourism & Aviation Frans Richardson and Acting Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Mrs. Millicent Acuna-Lopez De Weever amongst others.
The meeting which was coordinated by Commissioner Frans Richardson, was chaired by the Acting Lt. Governor and addressed challenges expressed by Minister Banks which Anguilla inbound and outbound visitors face while in transit via St. Maarten.
Some of the challenges Minister Banks expressed surrounded both air and sea bridge mediums of getting to and from Anguilla. With Anguilla's visitor traffic via Blowing Point seaport terminal representing approx 75% and WallBlake Airport representing the remaining 25%, the need to streamline a more efficient handling/ processing of the immigration documents of visitors in-transit in St. Maarten is important to enhancing the visitor/resident travel experience.
One of the challenges specifically in the case of visitors destined for Anguilla who arrive at the Princess Juliana International Airport, is the cumbersome process of clearing immigration via the long lines. Minister Banks would like to see a more efficient processing of intransit passengers in a separate line. This would reduced the number of passenger misconnects and or delays via air or sea. Additionally the process after clearing immigration in the arrival terminal still faces further logistical challenges, which creates further delays in getting to the departure hall for connecting flights. While during the meeting the airport authorities proposed some solutions, Commissioner Richardson pledged to have further discussions on this process with the Airport authorities and Immigration to see how this situation can be improved, in the shortest possible time.
Other challenges pertains to passengers destined to and from Anguilla via motor vessels. There are some delays that passengers encounter due to the logistical challenges for the clearing process at the Simpsonbay Police Station. The two key pickup and drop off points (Dutchside) are at the former Stop and Shop Dock at the airport and the Police Station at the Simpsonbay Bridge. Parties agreed that this will require a more in depth structural solution to facilitate the process. However now that there is a better understanding of the issues, parties have agreed to diligently workout solutions in the interest of enhancing the tourism traffic both islands enjoy and the resulting economic spinoff thereof.
The Anguilla delegation consisted of Minister of Tourism Victor Banks, Donna Banks (Special Advisor Tourism) and Brenda Proctor (Deputy Director of Immigration). While St. Maarten was represented in the meeting by Acting Lt. Governor Mrs. Millicent Acuna-De Weever, Commissioner Frans Richardson, Geronimo Julliete (Head of Immigration), Regina Labega (Head of Tourism Department), Edward Dest (Tourist office), Fernando William (Advisor to Commissioner Frans Richardson), Eugene Holiday (President-PJIAE), Larry Donker (Oper. Dir PJIAE) and Migdala Artsen (Legal Advisor PJIAE).
A follow up meeting to present short term as well as long term actions and possible solutions, that will be worked out will be scheduled shortly after the parties involved have had a chance to evaluate the situation.

Great Bay: -- They left the sounds of samba and tango in Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires, respectively, as they came to The Friendly Island for a weeklong stay, uncertain of what rhythms they may have to dance to.
The eight (8) Brazilian and three (3) Argentinean journalists who were hosted by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau during a CVC press trip quickly fell in love with the multiple rhythms that set the island aside as one of the most exciting destinations they have ever been to.
Following an Island tour the day after their arrival, the group that also included a dozen high-performing travel agents from Brazil, got to see and taste what makes St. Maarten special.
"The food here is simply fantastic," said Luciane Horcel of the Gazeta de Povo, a daily newspaper that carries a tourism section which reaches a readership of 232,000 in Brazil. The rest of the group would chime in with thumbs up for the gastronomic fare they were treated to throughout their stay. "Now, I understand why they call St. Maarten the Gastronomic Capital of the Caribbean," she added.
Gabriel Guirao, who writes for the online trade publication Panrotas that receives over 7,000 unique visitors daily, turned 22 on the very day the press group arrived on a charter flight from Brazil. Dinner at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort's Point restaurant was followed by a night out at Tantra night club.
"Wow, I thought Brazilians could party; St. Maartiners beat them," he said without any signs of exhaustion the next day. "I don't want to leave, I don't want to go on that plane back to Brazil," he said feigning tears on the eve of their departure.
"Everything has been just perfect," said Ms. Priscilla Bures, Media Relations officer of CVC Brazil.
The group's itinerary included visits to the Butterfly Farm, the Guavaberry Emporium, the St. Martin Museum, and several fun activities such as the 12-Meter Regatta on board of authentic America's Cup yachts, snorkeling trip on the Golden Eagle and kayaking, courtesy of TriSport in Simpson Bay.
Whether dancing to Caribbean sounds dished out by DJ Ruby on the Boardwalk, or DJ Blaize at Secret; whether being briefed by poet/author/publisher Lasana Sekou about the island's literature and culture and the work of House of Nehesi Publishers or taking photos of the sunset at where else, Sunset Beach Bar at Maho, the Brazilian and Argentinian journalists "fell in love with St. Maarten", as Vera Achcar of our Brazilian representative firm said.
The shopping experience was just "out of this world", in the words of Barbara Puzoni Raffaeli Pereira of Viajar pelo Mundo travel and tourism monthly magazine with a readership of over 180,000.
"Brazilians love to shop," observed Lisa Coffi of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau. That may have been an understatement: one of the Brazilians who came with a larger group on the same CVC charter flight returned with her luggage weighing over 80 kilos!
Apart from shopping, St. Maarten's culture was what caught the interest of Susana Vilma Marinucci of Clarin newspaper, Argentina's largest daily publication with a readership of 1.7 million.
"There is such diversity, such variety here," she said with an enthusiastic smile. "The only thing missing here is the tango," she added with a wink.
Both Vitor Hugo Brandalise Junior of O Estado do Sao Paolo daily newspaper with almost a million readers and José Roberto Serra Pinto of the daily O Globo (1.1 million readers) could not hide their excitement about the island.
"This is Paradise!" exclaimed Vitor Hugo, while Jose Roberto nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Great Bay – When seasoned travel writer Melody Wren of the Toronto Star and Grand magazine went to inform her friend a teacher at the 'Sir Isaac Brock' kindergarten class in Guelph, Ontario, Canada of her impending press trip to St. Maarten little did she know that the children in that class would be so moved by her reference to I CAN FOUNDATION and the work its founder, Cassandra Gibbs had begun that they would collect toys for her to take to them.
Wren packed a separate suitcase full of these gifts and agreed to play Santa Claus only that her sleigh was a WestJet flight that brought her to St. Maarten for the first time on a trip hosted by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau which also included several other colleagues from the US.
On the Sunday afternoon when she had a free time, Wren jumped in a taxi from the Westin hotel and asked to be taken to the Foundation – home for orphaned children.
"How wonderful it was to be among the children and to see their faces as they opened the gifts," she said.
"Miss Cassandra Gibbs – Debbie, I think she's also called – is doing such a great job that it has inspired me along with some other colleagues to do something more substantive," she continued.
"Felicia and I are going ahead with a foundation for Caribbean children, and will be setting up a website as soon as possible," Wren further disclosed, referring to Felicia Persaud of Caribbean World News, who was also on the press trip. "Alexis (Lipsitz) that writes the Frommers guidebooks is going to include it in the next guidebook so loads of tourists will be directed to it."
Ms. Lipsitz was also part of the US-Canadian press group that recently spent some four days getting to know the destination.
According to Wren, the Ontarian kindergarten students would be thrilled to know that gifts were not only delivered but also that they have inspired a whole new charity effort by journalists who are normally on the hunt for similar stories than being the protagonists of such stories themselves.
Philipsburg: --- The son of Inspector Carlton Philips is calling on the Police Management team to publish the report on the investigation conducted by the Police Internal Affairs of Curacao. Norwin Philips in his letter said he has been following the case against his father Carlton Philips very closely since the management team of the police forces accused his father of destroying evidence while working at the CID department of the Police Force of St. Maarten. Earlier this year Inspector Carlton Philips in an open letter accused the police management of self-enrichment as well as falsely accusing him of a crime. He said since that time he has requested an investigation hoping to clear his name however, after seven months of pleading with management, the prosecutor's office and the local chief of police to no avail Philips took his case to the media hoping that the police management as well as the Minister of Justice would intervene.
The letter from Norwin Philips reads as follows.
OPEN LETTER TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE POLICE FORCE OF ST. MAARTEN.
Philipsburg December 27, 2009.
As we are moving speedily towards the ending of the year 2009 and moving with great expectations towards the beginning of the year 2010, I am wondering what happened to the investigation that was carried out against my father, inspector Carlton PHILIPS.
Almost a full year has gone by since he has been accused of destruction of information during the time that he worked at the Criminal Intelligence Department. He left the department in the year 2002. Because of this allegation, his police carrier has been negatively impacted. He kindly requested that an impartial investigation be carried out in order to clear his good name and his honor to be restored.
After waiting for seven long months, he was forced to go public with the hope that an investigation will be carried out to prove his innocence.
Management of the police force never expected him to go public. Members of the "Internal Affairs Division" from Curacao were brought in to investigate my father in an attempt to punish him for going public.
According to information the investigation has been completed, a report has been submitted to the relevant authorities, but up to this date this report is being kept top secret. I am certain that if there were any evidence that my father had done anything wrong, you would have been happy to inform the public. I wonder if there is something in this report that the public should not know.
By means of this letter, I am respectfully requesting you to publish the result of the investigation, apologize publicly to my father and bring this episode in his life to rest. I know that my father will never forget, but I believe he will be able to forgive you some day.
Norwin PHILIPS
...
St. Peters: --- President of the Windward Island teachers union (WITU) Claire Elshot is not pleased with management of the St. Maarten Vocational School whom she said denied her members valuable information and barred her from entering the school during school hours yesterday.
Elshot said she was called by her members urgently yesterday morning and she agreed to meet with the teachers at the school during their break-time. She said when she arrived at the school she was basically pushed around by the school management who felt that she does not have right to meet with her members during school hours. Elshot said even though the Principal of that school knew he was not going to allow the meeting to take place he was playing games with her before he finally told her he would not allow her to meet with her members. She said she asked the Principal to at least allow her to inform the teachers but instead he decided to walk ahead and told them they were to report to their classroom since there would be no meeting. Elshot said she still managed to speak to a few of the teachers who did not have class at the time and only then she realized that the school management was withholding valuable information from the teachers.
Elshot further explained at that point she decided to call the directress of public education Mrs. Oldsdine Bryson Pantophlet who invited her to a meeting at her office. The Union head said during that meeting Bryson- Pantophlet showed her a letter in which she responded to the teacher's request, telling them that she was busy meeting with a consulting agency where she is seeking to have a security coordinator for the school.
Elshot said her members did not have any knowledge about the letter and she was able to meet with the teachers after 2pm yesterday where she updated them.
Teachers Taking Stand.
The teachers of the school have since decided to send a stronger letter to Bryson-Pantophlet since they need a security at the school. She said the teachers would be making a resolution which will be signed by all the teachers before sending it off to Bryson- Pantophlet. She said the reason the teachers are holding out is because other schools managed to obtain security and their school which is the ‘dumping ground" for bad apples cannot get a security. In the meantime, Elshot said she strongly condemned the attitude of the Principal and she intends to follow up the matter with the head of public education.

Philipsburg: While it is reported locally and in Curacao that members of Operation Trust confiscated weapons during a house raid on Monday Police Spokesman said that information is completely false. He said on Monday January 12 Operation Trust began their activities in the morning. Those activities he said are traffic controls which started on Sucker Garden Road, that operation he said lasted for two hours. The officers he said then moved to the Philipsburg area and a house search was conducted in Schoolsteeg number 5. The confiscated items are goods, 46 bullets for .38 special and 19 bullets for p44 slugs
Leonard said during these control two persons were arrested with illegal drugs, while another was arrested with a knife. While someone was arrested for being in possession of ammunition there were no guns confiscated. The police spokesman said he does not know where the media got the false information from but hopes that this would not happen in the future. He said a total of 43 persons were searched while 121 traffic fines were issued.
Eight persons were detained for their legal status on the island. During the first day operation 39 vehicles were towed away for one reason or the other, 5 scooters, one quad and one motor cycle.
The police department is advising all drivers to make sure they have the relevant documents in their vehicles. Residents and non residents should make sure they have some sort of identification. Leonard said this would safe both the officers and the general public a lot of time. The intention he said is to make St. Maarten a safer place for everyone.
Marigot:--- Residents of St. Martin was thrown into mourning yesterday when they learnt that Jean Francois better known as (Fanfan) passed away. The elderly man who is known to be seen in the Maires when Mayor Albert Fleming was in office is the cousin of former Mayor. Fan-fan passed away at the St. Martin's Home.

Philipsburg:---Commissioner responsible for Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus highlighted the success of government's Business Outreach and Placement Program has had over the years as a prime example of how serious effort by young people produces great results.
The program caters to pre-exam and exam secondary school students and is on schedule to be carried again this year with registration to open in April. Students also have to be 16 years of age. The program serves to provide career guidance, improve employability by preparing the youth for the job market, provides life and technical skills and builds character.
"The character building aspect of the program is one of the more significant. The work environments where the students will be for a few weeks require responsibility, accountability, discipline communication skills, interpersonal skills, opportunities for creativity and initiative," The Commissioner said.
"These may sound like lofty goals for jobs that some may view as mundane, but the benefits are definitely real, and the skills invaluable in the workplace," she added.
The Commissioner went on to mention a few examples of young people who applied themselves to their job assignments and has since been taken into full government service.
Wendy Jack, Venacio Saunders and Makini Hickinson at the Department of Economic Policy and Research, Valetta Brown and Davida Holaman at the Island Secretary's Office, Solaika Serbony in Commissioner Wescott's office, Shantilia Higgs, Dolicia Skeete Anderson and Ferdinand Jermin at the Finance Department and many more who have also gone into the private sector after completing their job placement assignment.
"In the summer months when a young person is home for the summer vacation, it is better for them to be productive than just idling at home. I hope the schools and parents encourage young people to register for the opportunity to gain valuable work experience," the Commissioner said.
"I would also like to thank the private sector businesses that have in the past taken on so many of our students and subsequently hired them. Thank you for the time devoted to our students and for putting them in a position that taught them something about your business, even if it wasn't exactly what the student was looking for. But that's the reality of having a job in the "real world. I am looking forward to continuing this cooperation with the business sector," Buncamper-Molanus said.
She also stressed that there still criteria that a young person have to meet before they are chosen for a job assignment, as well as interviewing with the government department or private sector business at which he or she would like to work. The Commissioner also thanked Shermina Powell-Richardson and her team at the Department of Social and Welfare Affairs youth section for the hard work they put into the program every year.
PHILIPSBURG:....Close to seventy people have already registered for the health conference on case management that takes place this Friday 23 and Saturday 24 January at Great Bay Beach Resort. "We are all set to go," said drs. Pyt Lucas of For A Change NV, the consultancy firm that has been contracted as conference organizer by Sector Health Care Affairs.
Themed ‘As strong as the weakest link', the health care conference opens just after 6.00pm on Friday, with remarks by Public Health Commissioner Mrs. Maria Buncamber Molanus.
The gathering will take a look at the current approach toward case management in St. Maarten, through presentations by local health care providers. Keynote speakers dr. Leo Kliphuis and dr. Javier Asin will present best practices and possibilities for improvement.
The conference will aim at sensitizing all stakeholders on the establishment of better arrangements between caregivers about the content and the organization of the care. The ultimate aim is to establish Case Management in St. Maarten and define realistic goals for 2009. Stressing the importance of improved coordination between healthcare providers, Commissioner Buncamper Molanus earlier this week urged all stakeholders to attend.
Drs. Pyt Lucas said registration is still open via email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Philipsburg:--- Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, chaired her first Permanent Committee for Constitutional Affairs (PCCA) of the Island Council on Friday, January 23 in the Dr. A. C. Wathey Legislative Hall.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams reported on the Round Table Conference (RTC) held on December 15 and that with the conclusion of that RTC, the development phase of the constitutional process with respect to the preparations of laws and agreements had been completed.
The next stage of the process which has now started is the implementation phase. Commissioner Wescot-Williams informed members what this part of the process entailed as agreed to at the Start RTC of November 26, 2005.
Some of the other issues discussed in the over one-hour meeting was the transfer of tasks from the Central Government to the Island Government; the Advisory Council; and the vetting process of the draft constitution and organic laws that were submitted by St. Maarten.
Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told her colleagues that St. Maarten had complied with the criteria set out for the aforementioned documents, a fact that is recorded as such in the conclusions of the aforementioned RTC of 2008.
Another issue discussed at length was the proposal in the draft constitution regarding suspension or termination of a Member of Parliament or government, when an investigation is started against that member respectively when that member is convicted of a crime. The Chair concluded on this point that the matter will be further debated in a subsequent meeting of the PCCA.
Representing the Democratic Party (DP) were Island Council members Roy Marlin and Maria Buncamper-Molanus and for the National Alliance was Councilors William Marlin, Frans Richardson, Patrick Illidge, Rudolphe Samuel, and Hyacinth Richardson. Absent with notice were DP Councilors Theodore Heyliger and Leroy De Weever. Also absent was independent member of the Island Council Louie Laveist.
Paris/St Martin--- Several unions in Paris will be holding a general strike today (Thursday) Some of the issues at hand is the financial crisis, the weak purchasing power, human rights issues. A reaction to a rage in the population. It is expected teachers on St. Martin would fully support the one day strike.
France's rail network, airports, public schools and government offices face work stoppages today, after the country's eight biggest labor unions called for a one-day general strike.
In what could be the largest such action since President Nicolas Sarkozy was elected in May 2007, the unions are demanding that the government do more to counter rising unemployment and falling purchasing power as France enters its first recession in 16 years.
"Everyone should participate in the strike -- the unemployed, retired people for whom also life is tough," Bernard Thibault, secretary general of the Confederation Generale du Travail union, said on France 2 television. "The more the numbers, the greater the chance of our being heard."
Public and private sector workers are set to take to the streets, disrupting service on the Paris subway and commuter trains, on the national railway, at airports and on Air France- KLM Group flights. Employees of companies including Electricite de France SA and French units of International Business Machines Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. are among those likely to participate in the strike.
In neighboring Germany, commuters in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and six other cities also braced for disruptions tomorrow after rail unions Transnet and GDBA called a half-day strike over a dispute with state-owned Deutsche Bahn AG on wages and work schedules.
‘Real Anger'
In France, public schools and government offices are preparing for poor employee attendance during the strike, with unions for teachers, doctors and other civil servants asking for "urgent measures for employment and wages" and a further boost to the economy. About 67 percent of school teachers are joining in the strike, Le Monde reported, citing unions.
"There is a lot of concern," Jean-Francois Cope, the head of the ruling party in the national assembly, said on RTL radio today. "There's irritation, real anger for those who have to work. Isn't there another way to express your unhappiness?"
Unions say measures announced by the government so far are inadequate. Sarkozy unveiled a 26 billion-euro ($34.4 billion) economic-stimulus package in December.
"I understand your difficulties," Sarkozy told workers during a visit to a plant near Chateauroux, in central France, yesterday. "But I must consider that with a cool head, calmly, thoughtfully, and mustn't decide in accordance with what's written in newspapers or with whoever shouts the loudest."
Rising Unemployment
About 69 percent of the French people back the strike, according to a poll by CSA-Opinion for newspaper Le Parisien on Jan. 25. Forty-six percent support the strike, while 23 percent "sympathize," with the union call, Le Parisien said. Of those interviewed, 12 percent were opposed or hostile to the strike.
It's the first time in Sarkozy's presidency that a "social movement" has had such public approval, Stephane Rozes, head of CSA-Opinion told the daily.
The French economy, the euro area's second largest, may contract 1.8 percent this year, the worst performance since World War II, the European Union projected on Jan. 19. Companies are cutting jobs as the credit crunch derails purchases of homes, cars and factory machinery.
The EU sees France's unemployment rate at 9.8 percent this year and 10.6 percent next year. The number of jobseekers in France has risen for seven months, recording the biggest jump on record in November.
Trains, Planes
Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais, or SNCF, France's national railway, said starting at 8 p.m. local time today, about 60 percent of the regional TER train services and 40 percent of high-speed TGV lines will be disrupted.
Eurostar and Thalys services to London and Brussels will run normally, SNCF said. All overnight domestic and international trains will be canceled except for a Berlin-Paris train arriving in the French capital on Jan. 30.
Up to 50 percent of domestic high-speed services from and to Paris will be canceled, and 70 percent of the Corail domestic trains will be canceled, the railroad said.
RATP, the Paris transport authority, said the city's subway service will range anywhere from normal to one-out-of- three trains. One bus out of four will be canceled. At best, one train out of five will be running on its A and B RER regional train lines.
Calls for Concessions
DGAC, the French aviation authority, recommended that airlines flying into and out of the Paris-Orly airport pare flights by 30 percent, while those going through Paris-Charles de Gaulle by 10 percent. Air France-KLM Group said last night that it plans to maintain all long-haul flights, while canceling 30 percent and 10 percent, respectively, of its short- and medium-haul flights from Orly and Charles de Gaulle.
Power and gas supplies may be hit after EDF and GDF Suez SA employees said they are participating in the work stoppage. Previous strikes have led to lower electricity output at power producer EDF.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon last night dismissed calls for concessions to appease the strikers.
"It's not the government's role to make gestures," Fillon said on France 2 television. "It's the government's role to keep reforms on track." Bloomberg.com
French Postal Workers To Join General Strike
French postal workers are to join many other public sector workers by striking in protest over what they see as poor leadership from the French government over the economic downturn.
Others expected to join the general strike include journalists and car workers. The action is backed by the major unions as the French and other European governments desperately try to minimise the damage of what looks likely to be a prolonged recession.
In the UK, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that doing nothing during the downturn was not an option and only by maintaining a fiscal policy across Europe could European countries see a faster return to stability and growth. Opposition leaders say that massive borrowing will only create an extended period of high taxes later on and would do little to stimulate the economy, drawing attention to the recent drop in VAT rates which they say has so far not seen a resumption of consumer confidence.
Growing unemployment and a fall in growth in France has fueled the protest which could yet escalate into further protests.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus is inviting the public to take part in a Fitness Walk and a special Aqua Aerobics session on Saturday, January 31, 2009.
Participants are expected to gather at the Cyrus Wathey Square in the vicinity of the Beach Promenade at 5.30am. This event is expected to conclude 8.00am.
The two events are organized in commemoration of "Healthy Weight and Nutrition Awareness" Month and is being held under the theme, "Create a balance between nutrition and physical activity."
In the calendar of observances of Sector Health Care Affairs (SHCA), the month of January is identified as Healthy Weight and Nutrition Awareness. The calendar of observances is aimed at promoting health related issues and topics during a designated time of the year.
To maintain your body weight the energy that you expend through your daily activities (such as breathing, sleeping and moving around) and additional physical activity should equal the energy you consume as calories. If these two things (energy used and energy consumed) are equal then you are in ‘energy balance'.
To lose weight you will have to either increase the amount of energy expended through additional physical activity or decrease the amount of calories consumed, or both. Remember however to get all the nutrients that your body needs to maintain good health.
Eat foods that are high in nutrients but low in calories. For most adults a reduction of 50-100 cal/d from food and beverage consumed may prevent gradual weight gain. Therefore taking small steps and eliminating foods that are high in calories and little nutritional value is a positive step in the right direction to maintain a healthy weight and eating healthy.
Calorie in take needs to be balanced with calorie out put in order to maintain body weight, which is why it is also important to include additional physical activity on most days. You should engage in at least 20 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days. To prevent weight gain, 60 minutes of moderate to intensity activity on most days, but not increasing or eating more calories than required. To maintain weight loss, 60 to 90 minutes of moderate to vigorously intense activity on most days, but not increasing or eating more calories than required.
The month of January is just about over and you still have the opportunity to set small and realistic goals that will help you achieve your ultimate goal of maintaining a balance between food and physical activity.
"There is an unfitness epidemic taking place. Being fit is not just one of the things to do today that you check-off your list. Being fit will improve the quality of your life. Research has shown that people who exercise regularly are more productive at work and achieve more on a daily basis.
"Active people generally have a more optimistic outlook, think more clearly, lead happier lives and have been found to make more money. A direct benefit from exercise is the ability to concentrate and to be goal-oriented," Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus told (GIS).

Philipsburg:--- Today Monday February 2nd ,"World Wetlands day", marks 38 years since the adoption of the Ramsar Convention/Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian City of Ramsar in 1971. "The Convention's mission is the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world". (Ramsar COP8, 2002). Presently there are over 150 signatories to the convention with over 1800 wetland sites designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Significance.
World Wetlands Day has been commemorated annually since 1997. Hundreds of Non-Governmental Organizations and other community based groups around the world make use of this second day of February to take action aimed at raising government and public awareness of the importance of protecting wetlands.
Sint Maarten is party to the Ramsar Convention as part of the Netherlands Antilles and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Antilles has so far designated five so called "Ramsar sites" all on the island of Bonaire (Salina Slagbaai, Goto, Pekelmeer, Lac and Klein Bonaire). The Convention however allows and encourages parties to add more wetlands to already designated Ramsar sites.
Ecological and environmental significance of wetlands
Sint Maarten's wetlands (ponds and lagoons) all serve important ecological and environmental purposes. The island's wetlands support large mangroves communities which serve as nurseries for shrimp, lobster, conch and many species of juvenile reef and deep sea fish. Mangroves are also important feeding, breeding and nesting areas for many species of migratory and resident birds. At least 65 species of migratory birds have been recorded at Sint Maarten's wetlands.
Ponds and lagoons furthermore serve as a natural cache for much of the run-off water from surrounding hills. Removing or even partially filling ponds or lagoons, such as has been done on St. Maarten, will have drastic consequences for the surrounding districts as excess run-off water will lead to the flooding of the areas adjacent to partially or completely filled ponds or lagoons. Additional consequences will most likely include discoloration and washing away of the sand on nearby beaches and an influx of sedimentation into the sea that can be extremely harmful for coral reefs nearby. The flooding of the Zagersgut, Cul de Sac, Sucker Garden and Philipsburg areas during heavy rains are a clear example of the aforementioned effects of filling in ponds and natural gutters.
Cultural Heritage/ Historical significance.
Besides their ecological and environmental functions Sint Maarten's wetlands also have cultural and historical significance. The Great Salt Pond, for instance, played a prominent role in Sint Maarten's history due to its immense size and its central location, particularly in the wide scale Salt mining industry which started with the Dutch around 1631. Salt was collected from the Great Salt Pond and subsequently exported or locally used to conserve food. The last commercially significant salt reaping occurred in the 1940's. Many Sint Maarteners are descendants of people who worked in the Great Salt Pond during and after slavery, a fact which makes the Great Salt Pond an important aspect of the island's heritage.
The Welgelegen or Little Bay Pond and the Red Pond in Gibbs Bay, played an essential role in Sint Maarten's History as well, particularly in the survival of our ancestors, as these ponds were used for farming shrimp, fish, crabs and ducks both during and after slavery.
Ponds recommended for protection.
Sint Maarten's ponds have been recommended for protection in reports such as The Ponds of Sint-Maarten, (Ecovision, 1996) and many other studies which concluded that the ponds are of ecological and environmental importance. Some of the island's remaining ponds, especially Mullet Pond, may therefore have a good chance of meeting the criteria of being wetlands of (inter)national significance and could potentially be designated as Ramsar sites.
The Destruction of Sint Maarten's Wetlands.
Despite Sint Maarten's Conservation and Heritage Foundation's numerous appeals against the destruction of the island's natural ecosystems, the systematic filling in and destruction of ponds and the Simpson Bay Lagoon unfortunately seems to have become the norm rather than an exception.
In 1950 Dutch Sint Maarten boasted at least 19 ponds (all documented in maps available at the Cadastre's office); by 1995 this had been reduced to 10 ponds and today 14 years later less than 5 remain intact. A list of ponds that have been destroyed in the past decade alone includes the Flamingo Pond (completely destroyed in 1998), two of the small ponds at Cupecoy (completely destroyed in February 2005), the pond at Guana Bay (completely destroyed in March 2005) and Dawn Beach pond (completely destroyed in May 2005).
Environmental Protection In the Caribbean reiterates its calls for government to develop, implement and enforce Wetland Protection legislation and zoning plans to protect Sint Maarten's few remaining wetlands, coastal zones and other ecologically valuable areas.

Philipsburg: --- Police had to respond to a stabbing incident on Saturday at Frances Bar, located on the A.Th. Illidge Road. On the scene the investigating officers learnt from another police officer who had arrived on there earlier, that the victim who was stabbed had already been transported to the St Maarten Medical Center by the Ambulance Department.
The officer stated that the victim was behaving quite aggressive and violent towards the personnel of the ambulance department. According to witnesses the victim with initials J.D.R. who at the time seemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol had a problem with another unknown man.
The victim at one point was seen running behind this man with a knife. However shortly bar and everything seemed to be back to normal.
A while after there was a report that the victim had been stabbed in the vicinity of the "Rolling System". No one on the scene could give the investigating officers any information to what had happened and how J.D.R was stabbed. A bloody knife and T-shirt were found on the scene and confiscated.
At the Sint Maarten Medical Center the victim continued with his aggressive behavior and did not want is attended to by the on duty doctor.
He wanted to leave the hospital and refused to sign the release form stating that he would leave at his own risk. The police officers at the hospital, after a lengthy with victim convinced the him to allow the doctor to treat him. The victim was not in condition to give any statement at the time because of the seriousness of his wounds. On Sunday morning the detectives spoke to the victim who gave an statement to what happened however, witnesses have to question to determine exactly what happened. This case is still under investigation.
Philipsburg- Cyril Ebenezer Richardson, born on April 15, 1943, passed away February 3, 2009 was a member of the Island Council of St. Maarten from 1987-1991, and during that time he was Commissioner of Public Works, Finance & Sports as well. He served in the Executive Council along with Patricia Flanders, Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet and Dennis Pantophlet from 1989 - 1991.
In memory of Mr. Cyril Ebenezer Richardson, there will be a Condolence Register in the lobby area of the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg. The public is invited to sign the Condolence Register for the late Ebenezer Richardson. The register will be open from Thursday, February 5 to Monday, February 9.
On Monday, February 9th at 9 a.m., there will be an Extra-ordinary Island Council meeting in memory of Mr. E. Richardson
On behalf of the entire Civil Service and the Island Government of St. Maarten, the Executive Council expresses sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Cyril Ebenezer Richardson.

Philipsburg: ---Commissioner for the past three years you have assigned Ms.Olga Mussington to be the coordinator of the Emerging Global Leaders Program.
A program that is sponsored by Scotia bank and York University one of the leading University in Toronto Canada. This program is designed to provide an opportunity for students from across the Caribbean to integrate their academic studies with their knowledge skills and attitudes and put them into practice with their peers. Students from various schools here in St. Maarten have benefited from this program and as you know, 14 students attended this program, last year in St. Kitts.
We are here today Commissioner to say that your selection of Olga to be the coordinator was prefect and to also recognize Olga for an excellent job that she has performed in the last three years and hopefully will continue to do so in the future. She is well organized, committed, focused, shows initiative and is a very caring individual. It was truly a pleasure working with Olga. On behalf of my staff and Scotia bank I hereby present Olga with this plaque and gift certificate, as a token of our appreciation.

Cay Hill:---While there is an urgent need for more gynecologist at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) Dr. Randal Friday is yet to sign the contract given to him by Director of the medical institution Dr. George Scot. Scot who was not pleased when several reporters asked him if the contract was already signed said when that is done he would be the first to notify the media, he said he is now waiting of Dr. Randal Friday to decide whether or not he would agree to work at the institution under the terms set down.
The St. Maarten Medical Center is working with a skelton staff in the gynecology section said he is busy working on a contract with the French side hospital since one of his doctors resigned while another one went on vacation without notifying the medical institution.
Efforts made to contact Dr. Friday for a comment on the developments could not be reached by phone.
Philipsburg:--- While this is a very sensitive case that involves minors Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed two students of the St. Maarten Vocational School is in custody suspected for rape. He said the victim in this case is a 15-year old and a female.
Stein said due to the nature of the case he is not able to release anymore information on the case.
The two students were arrested on Thursday last week at their school. Sources said the incident did not take place on the grounds of the school.

Philipsburg: --- The court of first instance will be busy today as the commissioner Louis Laveist will be appearing before the judge to answer charges of fraud, forgery and bribery. Laveist case will be called before the judge at 2 pm confirmed Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. Stein said it is expected that the case will be postponed since the lawyer for the commissioner is expected to call several witnesses. During the morning hours Prosecutor Martin Hemlaar will be in the courtroom as he seeks to confiscate the riches of convicted police commissioner Marcel Loor.

Philipsburg: --- The citizen movement MOCSAM will be holding a march tomorrow Friday in protest of the high cost of living and the road tax which the Collectivity is demanding from its citizens. President of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs said it was decided by the residents and teachers who participated in the public meeting last night (Wednesday night) that a march is held.
Marchers would be gathering infront of the Lycee Polyvalent in the Spring where the march would begin to the Sous Prefecture of St. Martin.
Once there the delegation would deposit a list with their grievances. Those grievances include the high cost of living and the illegal road tax that the COM is demanding from its citizens through scare tactics Gumbs said. "We want clear answers from the Sous Prefet, he would have to tell us why he is endorsing this illegal taxation and we would be demanding that this be stopped or put on hold until the State legalizes the taxation." After that the marchers would move to the Collectivity where they would deposit another list before moving over to the Nina Duverly School. He said a podium would be installed in front of that school where a number of persons would be speaking. The idea Gumbs said is to make sure the people of St. Martin fully understands what is taking place in their country. He further explained that this would not be a one day protest. The protestors would decide on what other move to take when they hear from their State and local officials.
Gumbs is calling on all residents of St. Martin to come out and support the march. He said it is time for the population to take action since life on St. Martin is getting extremely hard. The EDF, Service des EAU and the Collectivity staff will be supporting the march set for Friday. While rumors have it that water and light will be cutting off when the action begins Gumbs said that the MOCSAM asked these companies to support the action but they did not request from the companies to cut off people light and water. He said since the beginning of the week there are all sorts of rumors but he could not confirm any of it.
According to information circulating this is action is held in collaboration with Guadeloupe and Martinique. Residents of the Overseas territories are calling on the State to do something about the high cost of living and the recession in France. So far Yves Jego walked out of a meeting that was being held in neighboring Guadeloupe.

PHILIPSBURG-GEBE managing director, ir. William Brooks, presented the GEBE donation check to University of St. Martin board member, Danny Ramchandani, on February 12, 2009, making GEBE one of the University's Partners in the construction and upgrade of the university campus.
"The contribution comes at the perfect time," Ramchandani explained, " The construction of the second floor and upgrading of the classrooms is being finalized and the last payment is being sent to the contractor. In the next month, we will have the opening, so our partners can see what has been done."
GEBE community policy focuses specially on the youth, schools, sports and seniors. GEBE also adopted the Oranje School many years ago and continues to assist the school. "The donation to the university is very much in line with the GEBE community policy," Brooks explained, "Education and training are very important aspects of preparing for the future. During the past two years, the focus in GEBE has been on training, training, and training. We will continue to invest in our community and our schools."
"I am very happy that GEBE has become our partner in education. We look forward to full support in the future," Ramchandani stated as he accepted the check on behalf of the university. "The future of the university is very bright and now with GEBE on board, being an electricity company, it will be even brighter."

Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Telecommunication and Aviation Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, met with Antillean Minister of Telecommunications Maurice Adriaens and his delegation on Friday morning in her office at the Government Administration Building.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams provided the Minister with an update on the current preparations related to receiving the authority from the Central Government for a St. Maarten Bureau of Telecommunications & Post, Shipping and Aviation Affairs, Meteorological Services, and Air Traffic Control.
Wescot pointed out that coordination of activities in preparation to receiving the tasks and responsibilities were critical to the process embarked upon, and that it must be done in an open and transparent manner in tandem with the Central Government.
Minister Andriaens was very pleased to get an update about the process and he stated that his ministry was readily available to assists wherever possible in making the process move forward without any major challenges along the way.
"I was glad for the opportunity to give the Minister and his delegation an update on our overall preparations for Country St. Maarten and in particular in the areas of telecommunications and transportation. In my introduction I informed the Minister that already six ministries have been approved by the Executive Council with only the Ministry of Justice which is still being worked on.
"The Minister was informed about the role of KPMG where it concerns organizational structure, legislation, resources and personnel. KPMG is currently assisting with studying the possibilities where the Postal Services are concerned. With respect to United Telecommunications Services (UTS), this will be part of the division of assets and liabilities of the Netherlands Antilles.
"Regarding Shipping and Maritime Affairs, the department in Curacao has organized training for our civil servants here with respect to the overall structure and administrative set-up, and this is taking place this week.
"The legal structure for our own Bureau of Telecommunications & Post (BTP) has been drafted and submitted to the Minister. BTP is one of the areas listed for transfer to the island government by July 1, the date that has been set on November 24, 2008 by the Island Government and the Central Government.
"The Island Government will continue to work with all parties concerned in an open and transparent manner in building the government and organizational structures for Country St. Maarten.
"It is very important that we have these types of engagements between both levels of government at the level of minister, as it would facilitate a much smoother process where it concerns the transfer of tasks and responsibilities," Commissioner of Telecommunication and Aviation Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Friday.

St. Louis: --- Residents of French St. Martin mainly the village of St. Louis were thrown in mourning when they heard fireman Luther Bruno Richards passed away during his sleep during the early hours of Saturday morning. Luther Bruno Richards a 34 year old young man suffers from epilepsy said his mother Laurel Richards. Richards said her son have been suffering from epilepsy for some years but other than that he was a strong young man who was involved in several types of sports. Richards said her son began suffering from epilepsy when he made 29 years of age. She considered the illness to be very severe which led to his death. Richards said her son worked for the fire department for the past 12 years, prior to that he worked on the Mullet Bay Gulf course and after that the funeral home on the French side of the island.
Laurel said normally someone would always sleep with her son Luther knowing his medical condition but on the night he passed away no one stayed with him. Luther Bruno Richards leaves to mourn his mother, two daughters, brothers, sister's aunts, uncles and other relatives. Also mourning the lost of Richards are the team of the fire department on the French side. Eric Daniel one of the chiefs in charge yesterday said that the fire department has lost a great colleague who was always willing to work.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, would like to congratulate the Catholic School Board, management, staff, students and parents of the St. Dominic Primary School on their 20th anniversary.
Festivities to commemorate the anniversary are scheduled for this week.
The St. Dominic Primary School in South Reward opened its doors unofficially in August 1988 followed by an official opening in January 1989.
"It is important that we recognize that the St. Dominic Primary School's basic purpose has always been centered on the needs of children, in building citizens for the future.
"As we move towards country status, this school and others on the island will continue to play an essential role in preparing students who not only acquire a body of useful knowledge, but who also have been taught to be honest, who are stimulated by risk and danger, who get satisfaction from achievement, who are patriotic, who have curiosity and humor and imagination.
"A good education is one of the finest gifts afforded by any democracy to its children. I am confident that this school will continue to be flexible and discerning in its curriculum design to take full advantage of the increasing knowledge of ourselves, the world and the universe.
"I extend on behalf of government our sincere congratulations for the very successful record of achievement during the past 20-years and may the school continue to serve the St. Maarten community in meeting the educational needs of our island nation," Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, along with officials from the Capital City of Florida, Tallahassee, will in an official ceremony, on Wednesday afternoon exchange proclamations between the City of Tallahassee-St. Maarten, marking a 10-year relationship between the city and the island.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place at City Hall at 4.30pm, St. Maarten time.
The proclamation ceremony can be viewed live on the internet at the following website address: www.talgov.com/communications/wcotlive.cfm
The City of Tallahassee Department of Communications will be streaming live the ceremony.
Commissioner Wescot is being accompanied by Head of Study Financing Calvin Mardenborough on her working visit to Tallahassee which started on February 17.
The Leader of Government is expected back on the island February 22.
PARIS - (AP) An agreement between Guadeloupe's employers and its striking workers is "perhaps not that near," the head of France's employers' federation said on Sunday, more than a month into protests that have paralyzed the Caribbean island.
Medef head Laurence Parisot warned that talks are "still very complex." She told Europe-1 radio in an interview Sunday: "The latest news that I received last night demonstrated that we were perhaps not that near a deal."
Parisot also complained that delegates representing the island's employers were "not sufficiently listened to" by France's minister for overseas departments, Yves Jego. Government officials should help "everyone advance together" and "not take sides to make one side advance against the other," she said.
The strike, by workers demanding a higher wages for Guadeloupe's low earners, began in late January. Violence flared last week and a striking labor union member was shot to death, apparently by rioting youths.
But tensions largely died down following a televised address Thursday by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who announced a euro580 million ($730 million) financial package to help development in France's overseas regions.
French officials have suggested an accord that would end the standoff is on the horizon, but negotiations have proven slow. Strikes have also spread to neighboring Martinique.
Airport:--- The PJIAE on Monday afternoon initiated the process of reviewing the bids for the rerouting of the Airport Road in front of the terminal building. Two companies - Windward Roads and MNO Vervat- had been invited to bid on the project that is meant to create better traffic flow and improve safety for travelers around the airport. The tendering process started on January 23, 2009, after PJIAE obtained the necessary building permits from Government.
MNO offered to construct the new road for US$ 2,197,982. Windward Roads bid for US$2,335,668.
After the offers by the contractors were opened in their presence on Monday, a PJIAE Evaluation Committee - comprising officials from the company's Technical and Financial Divisions- will evaluate the bids. Bids will be evaluated on the basis of their completeness, compliance with required specifications and price. "We should be ready to announce the winner of the bid within two weeks," said drs. Holiday. He said that bearing in mind the urgency to improve the traffic situation at PJIA, the intention is to execute this project as soon as possible. "We're looking at a period of eight month and possibly in a shorter timeframe."
The rerouting works should in broad lines follow the original Master Plan for the development of the airport. During the execution of Phase II of the Masterplan -which included the construction of the current terminal building - the original plan for the road network envisaged in the Master plan had to be adjusted. Drs. Holiday explained: "To execute the rerouting of the airport road as originally intended, PJIAE would need to acquire property east of the new terminal and north-west of the new terminal, the latter being the former BBW property. However, given that discussions associated with the acquisition of the latter property were not progressing favorably and considering the need to move the Phase II project forward, we decided to adjust the road plan"
In September of 2007 PJIA commissioned Netherlands Airports Consultants (NACO) to develop a new plan to reroute the Airport Road as much as possible in line with the original plans for the airport road.
AIRPORT ROAD REROUTING BIDS ACCEPTED.
The proposed airport road rerouting plan is a variation of the plan originally envisioned in the Masterplan and aims at:
1. securing and enhancing adequate traffic flow to/from the airport;
2. relinquishing the pedestrian crossing over the main road;
3. increasing the car parking capacity;
4. maintaining the possibility of future airport development in line with the master plan.
Coming from the east the proposed rerouted airport road will connect at the bend, where the entrance to the public car parking is currently situated, a roundabout will be created at that location. The new road will continue along the Simpson Bay lagoon flowing along the eastern and northern shoreline and then curves following the perimeters of the public parking lot to the west. At the front of the Terminal building the new road will connect with the existing airport road. To reach the public car parking coming from Philipsburg direction, motorists can turn left at the roundabout. To reach the public car parking coming from Maho motorists can use the airport frontage roads.
PJIAE hopes that through this investment that it will contribute to alleviation of the traffic congestions on this side of the island as well provide some stimulus in terms of economic activity in a period of uncertain economic times.
Reacting to questions by reporters, Drs. Holiday announced that the next project to be executed as PJIAE continues its role of catalyst of development is the Runway End Safety Area, which is an addition to the airport runway, located at its eastern end. "This project also entails a rerouting of the airport road, where the area is already filled in. We're in the process of finalizing the building permits," said Drs. Holiday.
![MEMBERS OF THE ST. MAARTEN MEDICAL CENTER [RED] COMMITTEE. smmcredcommittee](/images/stories/localnews/smmcredcommittee.jpg)
Philipsburg:---On Friday, February 27, the St. Maarten Medical Center will be hosting their last [RED] Friday for the month of February. According to the [RED] Committee at SMMC there will be refreshments, a game and a raffle for a weekend stay at Pelican Resort. All snacks are being prepared by staff of the SMMC.
All persons visiting the SMMC on Friday will be able to enter a raffle with a prize of a weekend stay at Pelican Resort. In addition to that persons will be treated to food and drinks, and will have the opportunity to take part in a game entitled the ‘Love Box.' The usual HIV/AIDS awareness packets will also be given out.
According to Brunilda Illidge of the [RED] Committee, "It was quite an experience to be able to make our contribution to such a worthy cause. SMMC feel proud to be part of the Think [RED] Campaign."
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, says that the Executive Council would like to receive information about the reorganization of the Netherlands Antilles Immigration Service as well as about plans for the establishment of an Admissions Organization for the current Netherlands Antilles.
An invitation for a meeting early March has been sent to Antillean Minister of Justice David Dick with respect to the aforementioned.
Wescot-Williams says that the immigration service of the Netherlands Antilles over a period of many years has had a major challenge in securing the borders and controlling migration to St. Maarten.
"Based on the November 2008 agreements where the transition of responsibilities of various tasks is concerned, St. Maarten is still being left in the dark where immigration and judicial planning is concerned.
"As we move one more step closer to the attainment of country status, our island nation has to have a border control system in place that adequately controls those who enter and leave the island as well as those who overstay their welcome.
"Due to the lack of attention paid in the past, our island nation is confronted with a number of challenges which are being dealt with and others which can only be dealt with once we receive the authority to do so. However, in order to deal with these in a comprehensive and correct manner, the left hand needs to know what the right hand is doing.
"An invitation was extended to the Antillean Minister of Justice in January for a meeting; however we have never received a response. Decisions are being taken which have far reaching consequences for St. Maarten as an Island Territory as well as Country. Synchronization of processes is essential," Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus is seeking to establish an early relationship with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of Miami since the responsibilities of the Central Government meteorological service will be transferred to the Island Territory as of July 1, 2009.
The transfer of tasks and responsibilities is based on the November 24, 2008 agreement that was signed between the Island Territory and the Central Government.
"In anticipation of the takeover, the Central Government will be asked to cooperate with the action plan of St. Maarten which is taking a pro-active approach in preparing for country status and the responsibilities that come with it.
"St. Maarten is in the hurricane belt and we need to establish direct protocols with the NHC out of Miami which has the resources with respect to satellites and aircraft that keep track of these systems throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico and provide early warning for the residents," Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.
The 2008 hurricane season according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) produced a record number of consecutive storms to strike the United States and ranks as one of the more active seasons in the 64 years since comprehensive records began.
A total of 16 named storms formed in the 2008 season, which included eight hurricanes, five of which were major hurricanes at category three strength or higher.
"According to the NOAA, the 2008 hurricane season continued the current active hurricane era and is the tenth season to produce above-normal activity in the past 14-years.
"The 2008 season overall, is tied as the fourth most active in terms of named storms (16) and major hurricanes (five), and is tied as the fifth most active in terms of hurricanes (eight) since 1944. St. Maarten as an island nation in the hurricane belt has to ensure that we have direct links with institutions that can provide reliable early warning information in order for residents and businesses to prepare for an approaching storm," Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus explained.
Philipsburg:---In preparation for the Economic Summit the SHTA has requested a number of figures from Government departments, as well as conducting its own survey, because the SHTA believes that the first step in solving or mitigating any problem is having accurate information and a comprehensive understanding of the problem.
The data the SHTA requested included: Room tax, Timeshare Tax, Car Rental Tax, Wage Tax, TOT, Electricity & Water consumption, Shipping volumes and import duties on gasoline up to January 2009. Instead, the SHTA received the figures up to October/ November 2008. The SHTA is very concerned and disappointed that the information ends then. For not only does this limit the extent to which they could prepare for the Summit, it also prevents all parties from analyzing the actual situation.
The financial meltdown of the American International Group (AIG) and Fannie Mae, which was the first indicators of the Financial Crisis, both occurred in mid-September; therefore the SHTA feels that the effects may not have been reflected in the figures provided.
Regardless of the lack of current data, the SHTA is pleased that all stakeholders have finally agreed to work together towards the common goal of obtaining relief for St. Maarten and will continue to be an active stakeholder in this effort.

Philipsburg: --- The Memorandum of Understanding between the stakeholders and the island government o the economic summit was signed yesterday. On behalf of the island government Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus outlined the MOU which is for a six month period.
Parties have agreed that they are aware of the potential effects of the current global financial challenges on the economy of St Maarten, and the need for urgent joint action to address this issue;
It has been determined that where feasible to mitigate the effects of said crisis on the economy of St Maarten and work towards sustainable economic growth and prosperity for St Maarten and its citizens on the short-, medium-, and long term.
President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty made clear that the task given at the summit today is not an easy one. He said while many persons from the different sectors will be attending this summit with one or more goals they all need to work together to find solutions to mitigate and deal with the crisis ahead in the interest of the island. Carty said he already predicted a challenge if not this would not work. While he feels that some may one to gain political popularity or most recognized unions. He said that he felt that these persons would have to put aside their differences so that they can overcome their negative impact of the global crisis.
He said the most important part of this is the implementation of whatever solutions are found. He said despite what they have to make this effort work.
(MISOPLWHA'S STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF OECS MEDIA INITIATIVE ON HIVAIDS CO-FOUNDER AND GBN PRODUCER, JENNIFER JONES)
THE Grenada and OECS media fraternity have lost a young hero of the modern press.
Miss Jennifer Jones, Co-Founder of the OECS Media Initiative on HIVAIDS and a producer with the Grenada Broadcasting Network has died.
Though a very young and rapidly rising media star owing to her very impressive well structured and effectively executed television documentaries, Jones had gained national recognition within Grenada as a well respected and trusted producer.
The young lady's passion for journalism was evident and this saw Jones going the length and breath of her native Grenada to garner human interest stories and features that other media colleagues did not noticed or were too laid back in garnering. Her investigative reporting skills and passion to see the eradication of Stigma and Discrimination was evident when along with Rawle Nelson and a number of other media colleagues from St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Dominica and Nevis they established the OECS Media Initiative on HIVAIDS.
While Jones's name is etched in the annals of Grenada and the OECS media history for being instrumental in creating an awareness and interest in the approach taken by the media to the issue of HIVAIDS more in particular on stigma and discrimination.
She will more latterly be remembered for her active role when a few years ago she had made a passionate plea for the implementation of Heath Reporting training programmes for media workers within the OECS so as to assist them in becoming better at their craft.
Lately she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Edward Greene Recognition Award and the PAHO/WHO Eastern Caribbean Response to HIVAIDS award. Jones did not see the execution of these two awards despite being instrumental in the section of the inaugural winners and also playing a key role in some of the ground work implementation after the initiative was taken readily on board by the OECS islands representatives.
Jones like many other persons on the committee felt that too many times people were being honored when they are too old and dead thus calling on national and regional institutions and organizations to recognize those that needed to be as she was of the opinion that recognition to a dead person or an individual that is very old would have lost its true meaning which should be recognition and motivation for the enormous work he or she would have made.
She had pointed out also that they were a number of persons within our society who was giving of their best but was not being recognized for their sterling contributions thus she saw the two new awards as a means to pay tribute and homage top some of those individuals.
However, due to unforeseen circumstance the two awards ceremony presentation which was slated for Saturday March 7th on St Maarten was postponed. While there were doubts that Jones would have attended the ceremony due to an unexpected cut in sponsorship budget for the event many persons were speechless and shocked to have learnt that Jennifer J as she was familiarly known in the HIVAIDS circle has died suddenly from a suspected massive heart attack while visiting her sister in England due to the illness of a close relative.
Though Jones was working for a privately owned media house she played a significant role in demonstrating to her other media colleagues the importance of not stigmatizing and discriminating against persons living and or affected by HIVAIDS. This fight was one that she fought vigorously and with the support and assistance of MISOPLWHA (Media in Support of People Living With HIVAIDS) Jones continued the fight until her sudden and unexpected passing.
For Jones and all those who stood by her side in her battle to eradicate stigma and discrimination of people living and or affected by HIVAIDS, she was of the firm belief that the region must move ahead in ensuring that education and understanding of the disease is widespread so as to inculcate a behavioral change.
She however felt that this must first begin with the media who she said should be blamed for failing to educate its readers, listeners and viewers through lack of education thus setting precedent for other OECS countries to follow.
Our heartfelt condolences to Jones's mother, sisters, relatives, the Board of Directors and staff of the Grenada Broadcasting Network, Executives and members of the OECS Media Initiative on HIVAIDS, and her friends in the Grenada, OECS and wider Caribbean media fraternity especially Kishawn Thomas.
We are confident that her sterling and passionate contribution to the media landscape especially in the area of HIV/AIDs will be long cherished and perpetuated by her competent team of colleagues in moving ahead the still young OECS media Initiative on HIVAIDS.
In mourning her sudden loss, we must sustain the torch-light of eradicating stigma and discrimination thus ensuring that people living and or affected by HIVAIDS can continue to live normal life with the full support of family and friends and not be placed into a corner so as to be stigmatized and discriminated because of their situation as a society that is sensitized, informed and educated about HIVAIDS is what Ms Jennifer Jones had fought for.
Philipsburg: --- The Guyanese man who has been identified as N has been released from pretrial detention yesterday afternoon after he appeared before the judge of instruction for an extension of time.
The man who works at the harbor is accused of molesting his 12 year old stepdaughter over a long period of time. This media house was reliably informed that the suspect may have molested other teenage girls that are now being investigated.
SMN News understands that the court of guardianship has removed the teenage girl who is highly traumatized and is now being rejected by her mother from the family home.
While it is understood the man allegedly abused all three of his stepdaughters the prosecutor said they have only received one complaint which pertains to 12 year of Starlight Education. Despite this it seems as if the prosecutor is not able to produce sufficient evidence against the suspected child molester.
This media house understands that the man may have fathered a child with his oldest stepdaughter who was his first victim and was sent back to Jamaica when she began talking with neighbors about the sexual abuse. It is said the young woman returned to St. Maarten and not long after became pregnant.
SMN News further understands that two of the children has since moved out of their mother's home and is now living at their aunt's house. The source said last Monday when the 12 year was abused she left her mother's house and went to her aunt who told her she did not have space to take her in. The child it is understood then went to a neighbor who rescued her for the night before turning the case over to the court of guardianship and police.
Several persons in the area where the family resides said the mother is rather upset with her daughter saying that they don't like her ‘husband" thus they are lying on him. One neighbor said the woman is even accusing the school director for calling the police since she is fully aware that the school knows what was happening over a year now. The source said the woman even called the school using fowl language at the teachers.
The Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation (PDHF) said though women's contributions, strides and sufferings cannot be confined to time and place it joins with the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis in saluting them on International Women's Day (IWD).
In a press release the PDHF said women's contributions to a number of critical sectors within the federation are many.
It said the common values that both the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation and the Government of St Kitts and Nevis share in their undertaking to unite people have led to a national partnership where women have been instrumental in keeping the wheels of industry turning.
In keeping with this the Christian related NGO said it recalled the many and very significant struggles in years gone by that women of the federation had made so as to crate a platform fort the women of today to continue building upon.
At the same time, the foundation said women should also use this occasion to take stock of the progress of the cause and the need for reassessment of priorities. It said despite the accomplishments there are still "challenges that they face even in the 21st century."
The PDHF said it recognizes that in the beautiful federation of St Kitts and Nevis the average woman's opportunities for upward mobility are a fraction of that of a man's and that most women in the labour force are in lower paying jobs.
It said though in principle women's rights have improved worldwide "women continue to bear the greater share of the burden of inequality in every corner of the world."
This imbalance must be corrected the foundation said. Meantime, the membership of the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation extends their gratitude to the local workforce which it said has an estimated 60% of which are women.
Philipsburg: ---On Saturday, police arrested two suspects in an ill-treatment case that had taken place on the A.Th Illidge Road. According to reports on Saturday afternoon two young men on seeing a man who they believed had stolen some items from their home a few days ago, abruptly stopped their car. One of the occupants jumped out the car with a machete and ran behind the man with the machete and injured the man. They then jumped back into the car and left the scene. The victim who was from Jamaica, D.W. (23) suffered cuts on his right hand and needed to be treated at the St Medical Center. At the police station in Philipsburg the two suspects were arrested for ill-treatment and for taking matters into their own hands.
Police also arrested on a Guyanese man who had ill-treated his former girlfriend. The suspect who had a child with his ex-girlfriend had slapped her and threatened to kill her if he was not allowed to see his daughter. He told police he was working two jobs to maintain his child. At the station it also turned out that the 34-year-old Guyanese suspect was not in possession of legal documents to reside on the island.

Philipsburg: --- Former Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflek who is now working for the island government as an advisor is expected to discuss his status with the Minister of Justice David Dick who is on the island for a two day visit. Pannflek who requested to leave the KPSSS and be at the disposal of the island government is seeking to have his Lands Besluit which the Minister has not issued.
Roland Ignacio of the ABVO said they already had some discussions on the issue of Panneflek. He said the ABVO indicated to the Minister that he should live up to their agreement. He said Panneflek should be meeting with the Minister while he is here and is expected to inform them on the outcome of the discussions. Ignacio said if the Minister does not live up to the agreement he has with Panneflek they would have to intervene and hold talks with the Minister. He said they have no intention to mobilize their members because Panneflek had an agreement directly with the Minister. Ignacio said since Panneflek is one of their members they would be looking out for his best interest which does not necessarily mean they would have to mobilize their members. He said the union will be taking administrative actions and if needs be they would be taking legal actions against the Minister of Justice.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, says she supports the initiative taken by the United Nations telecom agency, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the European Commission to protect children, among the most active and most vulnerable users of the Internet from online dangers, including cyber-bullying and paedophilia.
According to recent surveys, over 60 per cent of children and teenagers talk in chat rooms on a daily basis. Three in four children online are willing to share personal information about themselves and their family in exchange for goods and services. One in five children will be targeted by a predator or paedophile each year.
"We must ensure that everyone is aware of the dangers for young people online which also include cyber-bullying. At the same time we must promote efforts that are being made around the world to limit these dangers.
"The internet has become a place for social networking. Many websites have been developed for social networking such as Hi5, Facebook and MySpace. Parents need to question their kids about the use of the internet and monitor as well what they are doing.
"I would encourage parents to purchase child online protection programmes in order to ensure a safe and secure online experience for our youth," Commissioner of Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told (GIS).
Marigot/ Philipsburg: --- The second suspect in the French Quarter Grocery robbery has decided to go come over to the French side of the island face prosecution for the robbery he committed on February 27.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said the suspect whom he identified as R.M 37 years of age from St. Maarten reconsidered his decision and decided to cooperate with the gendarmes and go over to the French side. The man he said was transferred to the French side of the island on Thursday.
In a press release from the gendarmerie states that the suspect is suspected of committing two armed robberies on February 27 in the French Quarter area. On Friday the suspect was condemned to three years behind bars. The first suspect is already serving time in Basseterre since he had cooperated with the investigation.
BASSETTERRE----The Guyana Government has appointed a former Guyana Defence Force Senior Non-Commission Officer Stanford Conway as the Honorary Council to the Federation of St. Kitts /Nevis. Conway who is also a graduate of the University of Guyana was working as the Bureau Chief of the St. Kitts Nevis Observer and left to attend a conference in Guyana and was surprised when it was announced that he was appointed as the Honorary Council to the twin island Federation.
Conway, who is a journalist, has had extensive training in the Guyana Defence Force and was the Force Communications Officer when he resigned in 2004. After his resignation he was recalled to function as the head of the Communication department but later left to do a stint in education where he taught English, Social Studies and History.
Among his duties are to protect Guyanese nationals in the country of his post and render assistance to those in distress. Transmit applications of nationals for new passports and applications for birth, death and marriage to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for processing.
Conway, who is a journalist, has had extensive training in the Guyana Defence Force and was the Force Communications Officer when he resigned in 2004. After his resignation he was recalled to function as the head of the Communication department but later left to do a stint in education where he taught English, Social Studies and History.
Among his duties are to protect Guyanese nationals in the country of his post and render assistance to those in distress. Transmit applications of nationals for new passports and applications for birth, death and marriage to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for processing.
Philipsburg:--- Police are busy investigating a case of theft at the IAR garage where five scooters is reported to be stolen said police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard.
The scooters were removed from the premises without authorization after destroying the locks on the main gate. The scooters were dragged away leaving visible signs and traces in the soft dirt road on the Pond-fill close to the "dump". In minutes after the case was reported, detectives were able to apprehend three suspects in this case by simply following the tire tracks that lead police to the culprits. One of the suspects was residing not to far from the garage.
Police is also busy investigating the case of destruction of property after it was reported that at least seven vehicles were damaged (destroyed). Apparently during the morning hours the destruction of these vehicles had occurred on the premises of the Island Government of St. Maarten. Among the damages vehicles were 5 Island Government vehicles and two private vehicles. No motives have been given to the police.
Caribbean Net News
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos: Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Governor, Gordon Wetherell, in a broadcast to the territory on Monday announced that the constitution of the TCI would be partially suspended for two years following receipt of the final Commission of Inquiry report into government corruption, which is due on or before April 30, 2009.
This is not the first time that the Constitution in the TCI was suspended. Twenty-three years ago, in 1986, Britain took similar action following a publication of the report of an earlier Commission of Inquiry into arson, corruption and related matters. That report severely criticised both the Turks and Caicos government and the opposition for alleged malpractice and criminality.
But perhaps the biggest and most controversial suspension took place in October 1953, when Britain suspended the then British Guiana constitution after the Jagan government was in office for only 133 days, claiming that the government was far too left, and that Jagan, the Premier, was an avowed communist.
The British Governor brought several battalions of British troops to maintain law and order after he suspended the constitution, but the British soldiers had little or nothing to do while they were in the then British Guiana. Everything was quiet; there was no reaction from the public. They had a good time drinking rum and having fun with local women.
Most countries in the Commonwealth criticised Britain for taking such drastic step because there was no evidence that the government was communist and it was wrong to throw out a duly elected government that had swept the polls less than five months before.
St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla had a disruption in 1971, four years after the islands gained full internal autonomy, when some leaders moved to secede Anguilla from the other two islands. Anguilla still remains a British Dependent territory while St Kitts and Nevis gained independence and is now known as the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.
The TCI Governor in his broadcast did not give many details, but he indicated that the Cabinet and House of Assembly members would be removed and that powers and functions currently exercised by Ministers would be exercised by the Governor acting in his discretion, including those in relation to public finances, legislation and necessary regulatory reforms.
The Governor added that an Advisory Council was to be established to assist him in the formulation of policy and exercise of his functions.
The Governor also indicated that the Commissioner, Sir Robin Auld, was not ready to formulate provisional findings or recommendations for the institution of a criminal investigation in relation to any individual or any interests he or she may have.
However, Governor Wetherell said, "I can confirm that consideration is being given to the establishment of a special civil recovery team, and the need to bolster the capacity of the police and to appoint a special prosecutor to undertake prosecutions which may be warranted in keeping with any evidence of criminality which may be disclosed by it (the final report)."
Meanwhile, reports from the TCI have stated that most people are pleased with the report, and they would like a special prosecutor to be appointed as soon as possible to track down those involved in corruption.

Maho: --- Education Minister Omyra Leeflang said St. Maarten should focus on making its students multi-lingual instead of wanting to spend monies on translations. The minister said despite the constitutional change when St. Maarten becomes country all administrative work will remain in Dutch and the best way to access the information is to make sure the people is proficient in the language. Leeflang said if one wants to be the owner of their own legal system then they have to be proficient in the language in which the laws are written.
Despite what she said all administrative work will remain in Dutch and for those who wants to change or translate these laws would have to spend much needed monies to do the translation. She said the island can either find the monies to do the translation or use the same monies to enforce education and or public health or build more homes. But making the people proficient can access the information at no cost. The Minister said her dream is to make sure her country is not judged by its size instead it is judged by its quality and competences of its people. "We can be small in size but big in our achievements and competences". She said one must remember that the Antilles are part of a Dutch Kingdom and while speaking more than one language should be considered a privilege it is also a "must" which means it is an important language. However, she made clear that this cannot diminish the importance of the other languages since English is just as important and Spanish which is becoming a second language in some of the Leeward Islands. She said this is also beneficial to those students who wanted to further their education in the Netherlands.
In the educational law made by Minister Leeflang it said that all students on the islands must learn at least two languages and Dutch is one of those languages. Students attending school in the Antilles must take Dutch as a subject until they are 18 years of age. The other languages are Papiamento (for the Leeward's Islands) and Spanish.
Responding to questions on why she is pushing to have more IT in schools the Minster said she is trying her best to facilitate the requirements in the educational law.
All islands of the Antilles met at the Maho Convention Center where they discussed certain topics. Discussed on the first day of the meeting is the organizing of a seminar where they would focus on technology which can be used in education especially in presenting the islands as multi-lingual community. The seminar is scheduled to take place in September 2009. She said the idea is to show that the islands are successful in being multi-lingual. Another topic discussed is to have a UNESCO chair at the University about small islands states. She said the aim for this chair is to present themselves as the expertise as the small islands development states. This she said would enable the islands to show their strength in economic development.
The Minster explained that the first day of the meeting was indeed successful and the islands participated well.
In the meantime, Marcella Henry the UNESCO representative of St. Maarten said four of the islands participated. These meetings she said are held annually which gives the islands the opportunity to discuss relevant issues. She said several delegates will be attending the seminar to discuss culture, education and science and communication and other issues.
Henry said the UNESCO representatives from all the islands also discussed the youth forum. Confirmed she said is someone from St. Maarten who would be part of the delegation that would be going to Paris in October. Also discussed is the participation which would enable the islands to receive funding from UNESCO.
The seminar that is scheduled for September will be focused on the role the media plays in education.
Henry said while all of the topics are important they also discussed the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles. She said they already brought in someone from Jamaica to walk the islands through the process of requesting to be member of UNESCO when the islands become a country. The discussion she said focused on seeing if St. Maarten and Curacao would have their own associate membership as part of UNESCO. She said the BES islands were also discussed since they too would be affected.
Asked how the idea of the minister was received on introducing more technology in schools Henry said even though the seminar will be held on Curacao that deals with media she requested that a follow up seminar be held on St. Maarten where they would target teachers and policy makers with the idea.
Philipsburg:--- A mid morning fire Over the Bank has left some eight people homeless, six adults and two children. One family whose home was home did not burn down told SMN News that the fire started in one of the apartments. Both husband and wife said it seems more than likely that the origin of the fire seems to be electrical. They said that victims include the landlord who has a number of people living in his building.
The victims said they needed to find homes to rent since they are now homeless. Churches and other community minded people came to the victims rescue. Most of the families slept at the Souliga Guess House last night.
Philipsburg---Concerned residents and policy holders of ALICO Insurances are now posing serious questions as to whether they are going to remain insured or loose their benefits knowing that ALICO stems from AIG in the United States of America.
Presently AIG is in financial straits and the American government is constantly called to bail the company out of its financial dilemma. Some wondered if ALICO would go under or declare bankruptcy without notifying its policy holders. One concerned resident said its time the commissioner of economic affairs check to see if the island residents would stand to suffer. The resident said it is clear with the current trend of the AIG group in the United States will not be able to meet the financial obligations of its customers.
The man who wants to remain anonymous said it is critical, for the local government representatives address this issue and referred particularly to the Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus. The resident is calling on the Commissioner to inquire at the Central Bank about the status of the insurance company The resident contended that there is a negativeimpact of the policy holders such as Life Insurance policies, group medicals, pension plans and as a result if there is a serious cases of terminal illnesses then it will be devastating for the client. If about six clients of the Insurance company are terminally ill and they demand about five hundred thousand guilders per month one wonders how they will pay these clients.
Meanwhile, ALICO's policy is that they do not cover patients who suffer with illnesses such as HIV and AIDS so if a patient gets infected after they have had a life policy with the company it is said that the policy will be terminated. This is illegal.
According to the source it is instances such as these that government and the regulators of Insurances companies should follow up.
Another concern is that there are some policies which cannot be transferred to other companies such as life insurances, which in most cases clients purchase at an early age and if for example this policy is taken to another company when the persons are about 60 years then the premiums will be much higher and at that age will be subjected to all types of medical examinations before they are accepted by the new insurance company.
It is important for regulators and government to keep abreast of the current situation with regards to the development with particularly this insurance company and protect the residents from these types of insurance companies which could be potential danger to the country.
So far ALICO General Manager has refused to participate in interviews with the media.
...

Philipsburg:---A number of young men who have been accused of being members of the 'blue gang' have come forward to dispute what they are calling as misconceptions and untruths about them adding that the public should stop referring to them as gang members as it creates a negative view of them.
"We are no killers as what many people are peddling on the radio stations and in the newspapers. We are simple poor young men who wants to make meaningful contribution to the growth and development of the federation in which we live and the media has to be more responsible in allowing this nonsense to be peddled vi their media house," a young man who requested anominity said.
The young men had gathered o discuss economic, crime and other social ills facing their community with the President of the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation. The invitation which was extended by the foundation as part of it Let's Talk Initiative met with the youth in a four hour meeting to iron out a number of issues while deciding on a way forward in an effort to seriously address crime.
In the very vocal meeting the youths warned callers about jumping to make allegations and other suggestions against them without first understanding the issues that they are faced with. "Some people say that we should be locked up because they (callers) say that we are a gang but what have we done to be locked up when we are merely congregating as any group, club or institution. Locking us up for very long period will not help because in the end there is more hatred, hurt and frustration," a young man passionately declared.
The young man went on to say that many of the callers are creating a negative approach of members within the society towards then noting, "we are not the ones that they need to be afraid of as we are merely young men who are trying to do positive things within our community but how can they be peace and love when we are constantly harassed, brutalized, singled out and chastised within our society," he asked.
A number of allegations were leveled against the police and other key individuals within society. Among them were constant police brutality, society's quick reaction to label misguided young men while refusing to offer them a second chance at integrating themselves within society, significant long years for crimes thus preventing any possibility for convicted persons to be rehabilitated, corruption among prisons officials and what they dubbed as politician's refusal to lend any meaningful assistance to the affected communities plight.
"You can't talk about bringing red and blue together to live in harmony when both red and blue has issues that needs to be iron out within their own communities. We must begin by firstly addressing the respective issues that we face in both communities before we can even attempt to talk about both red and bleu getting on," another young man said.
The young men expressed disappointment and disgust at what they said as been people's joy to have them incarcerated for very long time forgetting that many of them have children to feed adding that they are creating and instituting hatred in many of these young men children. "When we are incarcerated and our young children have nothing to eat and their mothers have no way to sleep or turn to they (mothers) will resort to having another man or being involved in prostitution while the children will resort to crime as a way out of poverty. A hungry man is an angry man so stop looking at the issue from one angle and look at it properly," a young man pleaded with the public.
"Many of us are seeking second chances but we are not getting any and with the media houses mainly radio stations giving the public significant airplay in creating hatred against us it will not help the situation as while the public builds hatred against us we are building with disgust and frustration over how we are being treated when we only want a second chance," he warned.
"When we go to jail in many cases we have a girlfriend, mother, sister, child and brother out there and like anyone they feel the pain and anguish that we go through at the hands of the police and prison authorities who are bent on making their life a living hell. So how can we make meaningful contr8bution to society when all people talk about on the radio is to lock us up and do this and do that, well they must understand that they are not curbing the problem they are making us into harden criminals as all the jail serves to do is to strengthen and making us stronger," a young man who was visibly upset said.
We are ready and willing to respond to any approach that is geared towards addressing the many problems that we faced with rather than deciding already that we should be excluded from society. Many of the young men criticized government's and the police action in addressing the crime situation adding that with a different approach the situation will be effectively addressed. The youth stressed that government has to begin weeding out corrupt prison and police officers if they are really serious about addressing crime,
"If the Prime Minister wants a solution to this problem let him get rid of those corrupt police and prison officials so that we (young men) can live a meaningful life as a cornered cat will only scratch back," the young man said.
The young man went on to speak about several "oppressive actions against prisoners" used as a means of breaking the prisoners. "they would continue to bang us but we will continue to be strong, there are a lot of persons who are excited to jump unto the airwaves saying that we are creating fear in society but they are the ones creating fear as while they (callers) are criticizing about this and that none had come forward to suggest what they are prepared to do so as to help. I think that many of them should really shut up as they have no knowledge of what is really going on," this is not a problem of red against bleu or blue against red it is a problem of how we are treated within society by both the public and the oppressors (police and prison officials)," another youth noted.
A young man who said that he had spent some years in prison said that upon his release he had no where to go thus being forced to seek help and assistance from his friends," when I went to jail I had an apartment but after being incarcerated I lost it and upon my release my family was so pressured by society to shun me that my brethren willingly open their hands to me to offer me a shelter and food," he said.
Accusing religious and political leaders of being ignorant about the problem he said that many religious leaders are merely talking but not doing anything. all the religious leaders are talking and telling us to come to church but no body is asking is if we have a place p rest our heads, clothes to wear and food to eat when we are released from prisons, how can we accept their offer of god getting into our lives when they are all taken up with other things in the church and merely just using we as window decoration," a young man questioned.
"The churches are failing to open their eyes to reality as many times when you confide in the pastors or senior members within the church within days the whole world is told about your life story while many of the churches do not ask those attending whether when they leave to go home if they have any thing at home to eat, they are only interested in building numbers, we are interested in survival at all cost," a young lad noted.
We are truly committed in turning our lives around but institute genuine programmes and initiatives that we can recognize that we are being afforded a second chance. Also be aware that we also can make meaningful suggestions in curbing the problem that we are faced by," the young men said that they would like an urgent private meeting with the Prime Minister so as to relay their concern in a frank private manner.
We do not want tie and suit business with lots of people telling us what we want we want the PM to come and listen to us in a frank and open way and not just show up for 30 minutes but to give us at least a solid two three hours we can tell him what I the root and contributing factors to the problem.
Another thing that had to be looked into the corrupt practices whereby a number of girlfriends are forced to sleep with prison officers so as to ensure that their boyfriends in prison has preferential treatment while in prison. Many times if the young ladies refuses to get involved with some of the police and prison officers their boyfriends are treated severely bad, this has to stop now as what they (prison officers) are doing is turning a good man into a killing machine," a young man passionately related.

Philipsburg - Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams met with the regional Director of the UNESCO office, Kwane Boafo, to discuss general matters, but also how St. Maarten can establish a commission when the constitutional developments have been attained.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, director indicated that they are willing to assist. However there are areas of development that needs to be developed, namely, in building demographic information.
Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams said that St. Maarten is taking the opportunity, since Mr. Boafa is here for the general meeting with the Netherlands Antilles and UNESCO, to discuss this issue, among others. We are exploring ways how St. Maarten and the UN office can have a closer working relationship. We would like to use the resources of the office more.
Philipsburg:---St. Maarten Carnival, this year marking its 40th anniversary, kicks off this Saturday with its first activity for the season, when 22 calypsonians go up against reigning King Beau Beau in the Calypso Elimination Finals. Organized by the Sky's the Limit Foundation in collaboration with the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF), the show starts at 8pm sharp at Celebration Palace. Admission is US$ 5.
SCDF expects a great event that will jolt the celebrations into full swing. Carnival is this year themed "Looking Splendid and Fine, for Carnival 2009" and officially runs from April 16th to May 4th 2009; the official start off event is the Opening Jump Up on April 16th. The season winds down with the traditional burning of King Momo in the Festival Village.
In between those two dates is a joyful rollercoaster ride of activities, parties and top notch musical performances, lasting no less than 19 days. Everyone is invited to join in, whether it be leaping lips first into the daytime culinary spectacle of the Festival Village, jamming along during the parades, or while enjoying one of the shows that are lined up for this season. Being the 40th anniversary of the island's premier festivity, this will be one Carnival no one will want to miss!
Federal inspectors will soon begin poring over American Airlines maintenance records, manuals and other documents as part of a lengthy review of safety at the Fort Worth-based carrier's operations.
The audit will begin next month, said American spokesman Tim Wagner. It will primarily involve a detailed review of safety data, including evaluation of maintenance and flight manuals, records and other documents, rather than inspections of airplanes, said Alison Duquesne, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration.
She said the agency is still putting its team of investigators together, and is still working with American officials on how to best conduct the audit.
The in-depth review comes after months of criticism of maintenance practices at the major airlines. Last year, the FAA grounded jets at American, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and others for emergency inspections after it was determined some inspections weren't properly conducted.
"We told Congress last year that we would be doing some focused audits of the major air carriers," she said. The FAA has already completed similar reviews at Dallas-based Southwest Airlines and Houston-based Continental Airlines.
The review will look at all aspects of American's operations, including flight, ground operations and maintenance.
A March 20 letter from officials with the Transport Workers Union, which represents American's mechanics, states that the audit was precipitated by three factors:
Problems the FAA unearthed last year with wiring in the wheel wells of MD-80 aircraft. The agency forced American to ground its entire fleet of MD-80s for a week to check the wiring, which resulted in more than 3,000 canceled flights.
The termination of a safety program that allowed pilots to report safety-related issues without fear of reprisal from the airline or the FAA. That program ended after American and the Allied Pilots Association failed to negotiate terms for a renewal.
An increase in safety reports issued to mechanics last year.
"I think we're well prepared (for the audit)," Wagner said. "It's an extension of what the FAA does with us every day."
At a briefing for union leaders, company officials said the audit will take six months, and could result in fines if problems are found.
American said "if the FAA finds things that fines will likely be the result, and seemed to imply that those costs would likely result in further headcount reductions," wrote Bob Owens, president of TWU Local 562, in the letter to union members. "While I certainly hope we come out of the audit well, I find this claim incredulous."
Fines are a possibility, said FAA spokeswoman Duquette, but the agency could also use a wide slate of tools to correct any problems.
Airline safety has been in the spotlight during the past year. In addition to the inspection problems at Southwest, American and other carriers last year, several high-profile incidents, such as the January landing of a U.S. Airways jet in the Hudson River, and the February crash of a Continental Express flight that killed 50 people, have some passengers increasingly worried about safety during flights.
A congressional investigation led by U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., accused FAA officials of having a "cozy relationship" with Dallas-based Southwest that led to lax safety standards.
The FAA fined Southwest a record $10.2 million last year for inspection lapses, and later lowered the full amount to $7.5 million.
Philipsburg:---Members of the Police Force of Sint Maarten Saba and St. Eustatius came out in large numbers this morning at the Maho Beach Hotel, to receive detailed information with regards to the present situation and the future of the police corps of the Windward Islands. The team day under the leadership of the Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Ademar Doran was attended by the Minister of Justice David Dick, state secretary of justice Ernie Simmons, state secretary George Pantophlet (health) the Lt. Governors of Sint Maarten, Saba and St Eustatius and representatives of the NAPB, ABVO and WICSU.
The team day was organized by the Acting Chief of Police Commissioner DORAN. It is the second time that Commissioner Doran, in this capacity, has addressed his police force. Besides dignitaries from the island of St Maarten, there were also members of the police force living on Saba and Statia present at Maho Reef. Approximately one hundred persons present were asked by the Acting Chief of Police to take an active roll in developing this police organization." Looking back a number of years ago, we noticed that we were not prepared for the constant new changes taken place" Doran Said, who for quite some time has been a member of the K.PS.S.S. Just as in society as in the police force there have seen several new developments, which had a paralyzing effect on the force. Some members lost vision and some lost trust. The result of this was the lack of team spirit en drive. This has a lot to do with the lack of proper communication, according to commissioner Doran. With this team day, the management team consisting also of the interim coach Ronald Dongor and head of operations Lourdes Books-Lake are hoping to bring changes. Commissioner Doran invited the minister of justice along with other employees of that department to give presentations with regards to projects that have been executed for the last two years on behalf of the KPSSS. Madeleine Scharbaai. project leader of the Human Resource Management and Human Resource Management en-lighted those present, automated Personnel Information System, "People Time".

Philipsburg:--Yesterday the first sounding board meeting for the development of the Quality Card (P) SVE took place. The sounding board group should consist of school boards& management, the task manager & assistant task manager, the service centre and inspection of Prepatory& Secondary Vocational Education. All stakeholders were invited to discuss the concept version of the instrument in this meeting, right before it will be tried-out as pilot in the (P) SVE schools/institutes at St. Maarten.
Based on the success of the Quality Card Foundation Based Education (BPO, 2007), DERPI agreed with school boards on the development of a Quality Card for Prepatory& Secondary Vocational Education in the period February-June 2009. DERPI assigned the developer of the Quality Card FBE, Floor van der Zwan (MSc, PhD Candidate), to carry out this task. Now working as Vanderzwan Educational Research& Development she was formerly employed by Bureau Process Management of the Ministry of Education of the Netherlands Antilles.

The Quality Card (P)SVE is a self-evaluation instrument on the level of the teacher, team and management. It is based on research in (P)SVE, like literature review, data collection as lesson observations, interviews with observed teachers, coordinators, head of departments, directors, a focus group with or questionnaire for teachers of non-visited schools, and sounding board meetings with stakeholders.
The next steps in the development and implementation is adaption of the instrument based on the results of the sounding board meeting, a pilot in 5 of the 6 (P)SVE schools guided by the schools' own (Innovation) coaches who will receive extensive training, and a second sounding board meeting 2nd of June. The final version is scheduled to be presented on June 10, 2009.
This initiative is funded by USONA.
For further information, please contact DERPI or the Service centre SVE on 5421064 or Floor van der Zwan (
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Pictures: the sounding board members discussing the concept of the Quality Card (Prepatory) Secondary Vocational Education at Carll's Unique Inn.
Philipsburg- Landsloterij has began selling their tickets for the Half-a-Million guilder prize drawing at the Landsloterij ticket house, located in the Van Romondt Steeg, Philipsburg.
Persons interested in trying their luck with the Lottery House with the best chances of winning can stop by and buy a ticket.
The first prize is Naf. 500,000; second prize is naf. 80,000; and the third prize is naf. 40,000.
A 40 inch Flat Panel TV is also one of the prizes for the Big Draw. To be eligible for the Flat panel TV, write your name on the back of the ticket and place in the drop box at the main office, after the draw has been played.
Landsloterij has over 2000 cash prizes and a jackpot prize of naf 25,000.
The winning numbers are published in the Saturday Edition of the Daily Herald newspaper after the drawing has been completed, or at the Landsloterij, N.A. website, www.landsloterij.org to check your ticket.
Philipsburg:---National Alliance State Secretary George Pantophlet would like to congratulate the members of the KPSSS on the creative and excellent manner in which they have started the campaign to recruit new persons for the Police Force.
A career in the Police Force can be an excellent one. To the prospective recruits he said he must say that they have to first and foremost have love for people. Today the world has become an extremely complicated place. And the pressures people are facing do not make and will not make the job to serve and protect any easier. But I believe the training in the Police Academy will give some preparation.
The rest will be up to you. It is important that trust and respect for the Police force be restored. As preparation is being made to become country St. Maarten clarity as to the legal position (Rechtspositie) of all is vital. Discussions such as were held on Monday last at the Maho Hotel are needed. As was stated in one of yesterday's daily newspapers there was quite a large turnout from the Police Force and many questions were posed by those present. Some wanted to know when the existing vacancies within the force would be filled. They also wanted to know about the issue of housing and repatriation cost. Further discussions on housing and other related matters should be continued as this will also have an effect on the new recruits. Constitutional changes will bring the responsibility of the Police Force in the hands of country St. Maarten. It is essential that meetings be held on a regular basis between the Minister of Justice and the Executive Council. Some of the questions that were asked can only be answered if there is clarity on who is responsible to provide what. The present personnel and the new recruits will need this information on the road to becoming country St. Maarten. Again to the persons who have organized this recruitment campaign, excellent job.
Pantophlet also sends congratulations to the the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and the White and Yellow Cross Foundation on installing a complaint committee. The fact that these are institutions that were willing to take this initiative is commendable. There is nothing more important than one's health. This means that these institutions are open to scrutiny as it regards the manner in which they provide service to our community. They have put pressure on themselves to provide the highest quality of service. I would like to encourage persons if the need arises to make use of these committees. He said he hopes that there would not be too many complaints but if there weren't any then there would not be a need for this committee. Accountability is what it is all about.

CAY BAY-The GEBE Water Laboratory assisted the Dutch division of the UNESCO-IHE with a Quick Scan water study on St. Maarten.
Fred Kruis, Head Environmental Laboratory, and Jan Peter Buiteman Senior Lecturer in Sanitary Engineering at UNESCO-IHE, visited St. Maarten to conduct tests of the surface water quality on St. Maarten including beaches, the ponds and even effluents from treatment plants. A variety of tests were carried out at the GEBE water lab, including E-coliform and total plate counts, some tests were done at the Waste Water Treatment Plant on the Illidge Road, using portable test kits, while other samples were accumulated to be tested further in their laboratories in Delft.
During their visit, they met with GEBE Managing Director, ir. William Brooks and the GEBE Water Quality Control team for a short workshop. A tour was also organized of the GEBE Water Lab, and the AIRFIN Water plants at Cay Bay and Low Lands. Jan Buiteman expressed his appreciation for the high level of cooperation they received from GEBE to execute their water study, as well as for GEBE's hospitality and the use of the GEBE water lab facilities.
The UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education was established in 2003. It carries out research, education and capacity building activities in the fields of water, environment and infrastructure. The Institute is based in Delft, the Netherlands and is the largest water education facility in the world.

Philipsburg:--- Governor of the Island Territory of St. Maarten, Mr. Franklyn Richards, reminds the general public that Friday, April 10 (Good Friday) is an official holiday. Sunday, April 12 (Easter Sunday) and Monday, April 13 (Easter Monday) are the additional Easter holidays.
In keeping with the Law on Shop closure (Publication Sheet 1969, nr. 58), all places of business must be closed on Good Friday. This includes all stand alone casinos, which are also expected to remain closed on Good Friday.
By decision of the Executive Council, taken on January 13, 2004, it was decided that the Executive would not deviate from adhering to the law on shop closures on Good Friday and that absolute respect for the holiday in question should be taken into account.
As result of the decision of the Executive Council, again reaffirmed by decision of February 10, 2004, no exemptions are granted for business establishments to be opened on Good Friday.
The aforementioned is not applicable to certain businesses mentioned, i.e.:
- Pharmacies, as far as it concerns the sale of medicines and medical products;
- Bars, restaurants;
- Hotels and guesthouses;
- Stores located in hotels, on airport (Princess Juliana International) and harbor (A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo facilities) premises;
- Funeral parlors;
- Gas stations and
- Bakeries selling pastries, milk and milk products
The general public, operators of business establishments in particular, are further advised to additionally bear in mind that additional upcoming pubic holidays are the traditional carnival day off (Wednesday, April 29), Queen's Birthday (Thursday, April 30) and Labor Day (Friday, May 1).
Businesses may open on holidays, with exception of Good Friday, with employees opting to work on a voluntary basis.
Employers are reminded that they must adhere to the labor laws, as laid down in the labor regulations of July 27, 2000 (Publication Sheet 200, no. 67), on these official holidays.
Employers are thus asked to keep in mind the relevant labor laws regulating work performed on that day.
This entails that persons can only be put to work on a voluntary basis and must be paid the tariff for holidays stipulated in the labor laws, if work is performed on the holidays in question.
One of Suriname's top comedians is coming to St. Maarten to perform especially for Dutch speaking residents of the island. Stephen Westmaas, wildly popular in Suriname as Wesje, will do his trademark thing on April 24. "He is bringing material from his Wisje Wesje Wasje show, for the first time outside of Suriname," said promoter Norbert Graves.
Westmaas has for the last couple of years taken the former Dutch colony in South America by storm, maturing from funny-man to leading comedy talent in the country. "His approach to the business is pleasantly professional," said Graves. The comedian not only does a regular one man show, but also secured a contract with the national telecommunications company TELESUR, lending his face, voice and talent to all the company's promotional efforts. An MP3 sample of one his youngest products for the company, a skit in which his personage "Tommy Krishnadath" successfully uses TELESUR's TeleG product, is going around among Suriname netizens like wildfire. "Tommy Krisnadath is a funny, but colorful Surinamer of Indian descent, who appears in Stephen's Wisje Wesje Wasje show that he will be performing here," said Graves.
He said the show will be a lighter moment for everyone who speaks Dutch, Suriname's official language. "The Wisje Wesje Wasje performance is light fun and appeals to every member of the family, so people can actually bring their children. The first time he did this material, he was performing for a group of Senior Citizens in Suriname," Graves hinted.
The show will take place at the Cultural Center on Back Street. Adding musical sauce will be DJ Mario, Suriname's # 1 DJ, who Graves also flew in three years ago to play at Q Club and other gigs. "Mario is still doing his thing," the promoter said about the skilful DJ who is house DJ at Millennium, a club in Suriname, and is also the official DJ for Surifesta, Suriname's wild year-end blast.
Philipsburg:---- The local Police Department is announcing that on April 16th, they have received the assistance of 15 police officers from Curacao, who will be on the island during the entire Carnival season.
The much needed assistance is of great importance, mainly for the maintaining of public order and safety for the entire community and the visitors to the island during this festive season. The Acting Chief of Police commissioner Ademar DORAN, during a brief speech, welcomed the officers to the island and said to be looking forward to a fruitful and pleasant working relation with them during this period.

Marigot:--- The office of the Lt. Governor and the Public Prosecutor's Office has decided that they need to implement the Zero Tolerance Policy after several incidents were reported on the opening night of carnival. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the decision had to be taken to avoid the negative impact violent behavior can cause to the island. The Zero tolerance policy will be in effect for the entire season and anyone who makes themselves guilty of any public violence and related criminal activity would be held for investigation until the end of the season.
Police was called just after midnight on Thursday for an apparent drive by shooting incident which took place in the Down Street area.
Henson said several persons who were frighten after hearing several gunshots called police. According to information the police patrol and detectives received is that several young men, while walking in the Down street area, were suddenly shot at for no apparent reason, by an unknown person or persons driving by in a white car.

The persons responsible for the firing at least three shots and the license plate of the suspect car could not be determined, because at the time of the shooting, the intended victims fled for cover.
During a further investigation, the detectives noticed that a private car, parked on the side of the street was hit by at least two shots.
Both shots in the left rear-door of the vehicle. One shattering the glass window of the door and the other penetrating the door. The Forensic Department. Was called in to do an investigation. The damaged vehicle with was also confiscated for further investigation. The detectives are still investigating this matter to determine exactly who committed this act and why.
Also during the opening of carnival a gang fight took place where shots were fired and several machetes were confiscated.

Henson said just about 08.00 p.m. the Jump-up for the official opening of carnival season for 2009 left the Rauol Illidge Complex in Cay Hill with its destination Festival Center (Carnival Village). On the route to the festival Center several fights took place, however the police immediately intervened and handled the situation without any incidents.
However as the parade neared the Festival Center on the Walter Nisbet road a major fight/confrontation between two large group of rival youngsters and or gangs broke out. The situation at some point became un-controllable when the police tried to break-up this fight. The police on the scene found themselves in a very threatening situation as these group of youngster turned on them in a very aggressive manner. To gain control of the situation of the situation the police saw it necessary to fire three warning shots in the air. Shortly after the situation calmed down and the jump-up continued on to the Festival Center. No one was arrested in connection with this case. However at around 11.30 p.m. in the vicinity of the Soualiga Road-About, police received information about three young men carrying machetes hidden under their clothing. In connection with this case three young men with initials J.J.S., J.D.B. and L.A.E. from Sint Maarten were searched by police and three large machetes were found and confiscated. They stated that they carried these machetes for protection. All three young men were arrested on the spot an taken to the police station for further investigation.

Philipsburg: -- Six new cadets left St Maarten on an Insel flight to Curacao, where for the next 15 months they will be undergoing training to become full, fledge police officers.
In Curacao the new cadets met with the other cadets from St Maarten that are presently in training.
Two of the six new cadets, who are Miss Ilka Schmidt and Mr. Rexcarlos Courtar, are from the sister island of St Eustatius. The community of St Eustatius is quite proud of having two of its own attend the police academy in Curacao. The other cadets are; Rumini Rogers, John Boyrard, Suandy Doran and Gerson Jakobus. Before boarding the flight the Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Ademar Doran spoke to the cadets and gave them some kind words of advice and a lot of encouragement. They were also told to make the St Maarten community proud.
...
Philipsburg:----- Despite the global economic meltdown, and all the other challenges facing the travel industry, a recent poll published in an article in the Thursday, April 16, 2009 edition of Caribbean Business in Puerto Rico shows that about four out of every five residents continued to travel outside that island.
Commenting on the article, Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Regina LaBega said, "This is wonderful news. It is important in substantiating the need to immediately execute a campaign in Puerto Rico to support the Insel Air and additional American Eagle flights to and from that destination."
She stressed that "particularly during this ‘low season', tapping into the Puerto Rican market where nothing seems to dampen the desire of the people to travel, will assist in making St. Maarten a truly year-round destination."
The poll, conducted jointly by Caribbean Business, WOSO radio and Gaither International, asked a sampling of 1,000 respondents in face-to-face interviews if they had traveled abroad recently. A surprising 79% answered "Yes" while only 19% replied "No". The statistical margin of error is +/- 3.2%.
Explaining that respondents generally considered traveling to the mainland United States and the US Virgin Islands as "traveling abroad", Beatriz Castro, research analyst for Gaither International, pointed out that the results of the survey are consistent with the findings of a similar poll last year.
Older Puerto Rican residents seem to have traveled more abroad than the younger ones, according to this year's polls, with 83% of those 55 and above indicating that they have done so against 76% of those in the 35 to 52 age bracket, and 71% of those under 35.
Out of all the respondents, one quarter (25%) had visited the Dominican Republic, 10% other Caribbean islands, and 6% had gone to Europe.
Also, the poll found that the more educated the respondents, the more likely they are to have traveled abroad, with almost 90% of college graduates stating that they had traveled abroad recently, while 78% of high school graduates and 65% of high school dropouts had done so. This result coincides also with the socio-economic levels of the respondents.
"In all instances, the higher the socioeconomic level of the respondent, the more likely is to have traveled to any destination," the Gaither International analyst stated.
"All these indicators will certainly help our representative firm in Puerto Rico to come up with an effective strategy for targeted marketing to attract more Puerto Ricans to visit St. Maarten," noted LaBega, who added that the necessary marketing funds are essential in facilitating such efforts in a market she describes as "full of potential."
Philipsburg:--State Secretary of the National Alliance George Pantophlet says that it is no public secret that as a former member of the Island Council of St. Maarten he has been hammering on the issue of controls. It was just recently that a wholesaler was found selling products for which the establishment was not qualified. To make matters worse this practice has been ongoing for some years now. The Inspector of pharmaceuticals is busy working on measures that will be taken against the perpetrator. We have no idea how many persons health have been affected by this.
Now health and hygiene inspectors found some Supermarkets selling spoiled and expired products. Again how long this has been taking place is not known. That fines should be issued against these businesses should not be even a topic for discussion. They have broken the laws of food safety and endangered the health of the people of St. Maarten. What have me extremely concerned is that the persons most affected are those with low income because these items are sold at discounted prices and therefore more attractive. "I want to applaud the person or persons who launched a complaint with the competent department and the speedy response by the inspectors to this urgent matter. I will continue to emphasize frequent controls." If human resources and equipment are needed these should be provided forthwith. Nothing is more important than our health.
Philipsburg:---As a community oriented airline-company that is cognizant of the current economic challenges that many persons are faced with, Winair has introduced a package deal which is slated to help. As part of St Maarten's 40th carnival anniversary the airline has introduced a ‘carnival steal of a deal' package which is geared to ensuring that travels to St Maarten can maximize upon.
Managing Director of Winair, Edwin Hodge said that with immediate effect passengers from St Saba / St. Eustatius will pay ANG 178 / US$ 99.00, St. Barths EUR 130 / US$ 169 while those from Nevis US$ 183.00. Hodge noted that these fares are roundtrip while it also includes all the required governmental and airport taxes.
"As an airline company we have and still continue to seek ways to aid our travelers who have remained confident and supportive of this company. Therefore, recognizing the importance that carnival plays in any country we felt that this was an opportune moment to make our usual contribution thus we are giving these ‘steal of a deal fares'," Hodge said.
Meanwhile, VP / Director Marketing & Sales, Claudio Buncamper pointed out that seats for the promotion are limited urging the travel public to make full advantage of the promotion immediately. He cautioned that the promotion is only applicable to persons staying seven or fewer days "Once you are going to spend more than seven days you cannot benefit from the promotion so you must stay seven days less," Buncamper said.
He disclosed that the promotion which commences today comes to an end on May 5th that the traveling public wanting to capitalize on the promotion need to do so immediately.
"We have always had a mad rush towards our promotion and therefore I would like to urge the general public to take full advantage of it," Buncamper noted.
The MD reiterated his company's support towards community based projects pointing out that while it is a difficult period giving back in a tangible way to the public who has kept his company going over the years is the right and honorable thing to do.

CASTRIES Saint Lucia - Supply and reduction strategies are key to a successful implementation of the national anti-drug plans, a fact which was recognized by participants at the four-day Regional Workshop for the Development of Anti-Drug Strategies and Plans in Saint Lucia.
Throughout the deliberations, one issue kept coming to the fore; the support from and to the political directorate. As one participant stated, the political directorate are the policy-makers and have to have the near perfect balance in budgetary allocations.
In looking at the situation faced by the Caribbean's political leaders, John Carnevale stated, "The drug issue permeates many issues in society that they are dealing with; problems with employment, housing, and health. These are three areas they would have to think about, but they have to remember that drugs are problems in all those areas."
He recognized that the politicians are the ones who have to sell their political value to the electorate, yet at the same time formulate policies aimed at reducing the drug menace, yet maintain an acceptable level of positive economic activity.
This is a near impossible balance in the Caribbean he says since the societies are so inter-mingled and persons so inter-dependent on each other.
"The drug problem is not just about the drug problem but of the other problems it creates in other aspects of the economy and of the society," Carnevale added. "My advice is not forget about the drug issue as you formulate policy to move forward."
Politicians get their jobs by running for office by interviewing the entire society to get their jobs, and must explain their actions, decisions, and policies to the voters.
"Political issues that are news worthy are the ones they will talk about the most," observed Carnevale. "The more news worthy issues that they are dealing with such as social and economic problems are very much affected by the drug issue and they can do a lot to address those problems by dealing with the drug issue. "
He further pointed out that perhaps they will not talk so much about the drug issue but of the benefits of addressing that issue in solving other problems that are news worthy.
The workshop's participants concur with his opinion, and think that the time for the critical decision-making are long upon the region, and that the Caribbean's leadership must quickly move towards collective decision taking on the drug use and abuse issues.
One of the participants said that while the national anti-drug plans are of critical importance, in her opinion, "there needs to be the immediate formulation of a regional anti-drug plan which would further strengthen the programmes and policies of the individual countries."

Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams says that the prayers of the nation and the government are with the Royal Family after an attempt was made on their lives Thursday.
Commissioner Wescot added that her condolence goes out to the families of six persons who lost their lives and her thoughts are with the others who suffered injuries from the attack.
During national celebrations in the Dutch city of Apeldoorn on Thursday, April 30, traditionally celebrated as Queen's Birthday throughout the Dutch realm, a 38-year old man drove his car at high speed through police barriers in a deliberate attempt to crash the vehicle into the royal bus carrying the Royal Family.
The driver of the car also died at the hospital hours after the attack due to injuries sustained bringing the total death toll to seven.
"It is a terrible tragedy. I was shocked and in disbelief to hear what had transpired and I can imagine that the rest of the nation was as well. It was a sad day for the Kingdom and our prayers are with the Royal Family, the families of those who perished and with the injured," Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Philipsburg: --- Experienced filmmaker and producer, Jüergen Podzkiewitz and director, Dietmar Schumann, arrived on St. Maarten April 26th just in time to film the Senior Calypso Monarch Finals the following day at the Festival Village.
The duo is part of a German crew that wants to feature St. Maarten Carnival in a two-part documentary film, each of 45 minute duration, for German TV Channel, ZDF, and the largest of its kind in the whole of Europe. The documentary is expected to be shown during prime time at Christmas time later this year.
"We want to show St. Maarten as colourful as possible to attract attention to TV viewers which will bring you a lot of tourists. We expect about 5 million viewers in Germany," explained the award-winning Podzkiewitz who boasts 25 years of experience in the film and television industry and has been a University lecturer, teaching journalists and cameramen at TFH Berlin.
His films have been shown at international festivals such as Sundance in the United States, the Berlinale, and also in London and Gothenborg. He also made the best-selling DVD "Fascinating Curacao", while his company, Blind Eye N.V. made the official film for the Coast Guard of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba titled, "Samen Sterk".
The documentary on the 40th anniversary of Carnival, which will be directed by Dietmar Schumann, will feature not only calypsonians, but also Mas camp artisans and crafts people, as well as the Grand Carnival Parade.
"This is a great opportunity to showcase St. Maarten in the German market and hopefully begin to attract more German visitors to the destination," remarked Regina LaBega, Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, which is coordinating the visit of the German film crew.
"With the impact of the global economic and financial meltdown expected to linger until next year, at least, we must seize every opportunity to increase the visibility of St. Maarten in relatively new markets like Germany which is considered one of the high-end source markets in Europe," added LaBega.
"These documentaries will have a very positive effect on tourism," stressed Podzkiewitz. "I personally know St. Maarten very well," he revealed.
The crew departed St. Maarten on May 2, 2009.
Philipsburg: --- MNO Vervat has introduced its new general manager Max Schakel to several members of the community as well as to government officials at a cocktail party yesterday evening at the Pasanggrahan Hotel.
The introduction came because the present general manager Jeroen Grootenhuis has been promoted to Director of the company. Grootenhuis will be leaving the island to take up his new job in Holland. However, he should be visiting St. Maarten on a monthly basis.
Philipsburg: ----The Journey for Education Foundation has announced that the deadline for submission of applications has been extended until May 31st.
The organization has had a very good fiscal year with its fundraising activities. Funds for supplementary scholarships are raised by means of a gala dinner and fundraising walk. In addition, several companies have pledged annual contributions towards the scholarship fund. "There are several persons that have picked up forms, but haven't returned them as yet and we felt it was only fair to send out a reminder extending the deadline; stated JFE's President Rolando Tobias.
Criteria for supplementary financing is that the student should complete the application form, already have a scholarship, are of the Dutch Nationality and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Applications can be picked up and dropped off at the Office of Michmar Agencies on the A.T. Illidge Road.

Philipsburg:--Last week the Zoo received a visit from several student teachers at the University of St. Maarten. They received a guided tour and learned about the different animals found at the zoo.
In a thank you letter to the Zoo, Ms. Mary Barry stated that "We the students of the university have captured a wealth of education pertaining to the different animals and birds. We can now speak with confidence about the zoo to our future students and other people we will come in contact with."
The student teachers from the University of St. Martin, - the even division -visited the zoo as part of the field trip assignment. The student teachers said that the tour was informative and knowledgeable. The students expressed their gratitude to Mr. Steven for his generosity and steadfastness in which he conducted the tour.
The Zoo welcomes all such groups to visit the zoo and learn more about the zoo and the animals living there.
The Zoo is an important educational tool which can be utilized as part of any teaching experience.
For more information, call the zoo at 543-2030.

ST. VINCENT-GEBE's technical engineer, Paul Ideler, attended a two-day solar energy workshop in St. Vincent hosted by the local utility company, VINLEC. As part of GEBE's vision to provide high quality electricity while taking the environment into account, GEBE is establishing a business development department that will among others investigate the possible implementation of renewable energies including solar, wind, geothermal on St. Maarten, Saba, and Statia.
The core of the program was to highlight the importance for Caribbean energy companies to look at renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint as well as to become less dependent on fossil fuels with its volatile price changes. Types of renewable energy such as solar, wind, and geothermal were presented along with their respective advantages and disadvantages on small Caribbean islands.
Although currently solar power generation is expensive compared to other sources, advantages in technology as well as an increase in economies of scale are bringing down the cost to produce electricity from sunlight. Plus new solar technologies such as thin film and spray on solar power cells increase the possibilities of incorporating solar power into building structures.
The specific objective of the workshop was to provide an in depth understanding of PV (photo voltaic) technology requirements for grid connection, installation and operation. Solar energy basics as well as theory and PV systems were covered. More in depth topics and technical information such as materials, performance curves, optimal conditions as well as inverters and PV systems that connect to the electricity grid were also discussed.
Solar power and Caribbean utility companies was an important topic discussed in the workshop. Updates were also given on several Caribbean islands that have already implemented solar power such as Grenada who is currently offering net metering. Information was given on the Grenada long term renewable energy goals, renewable energy policy as well as the Grenada net metering philosophy.
Ideler indicated that incorporating solar energy into Caribbean utility companies was a very interesting component of the workshop. "The workshop touched on requirements, standards, codes, etc., for tying in solar power to the electricity grid as well as the steps that the customer has to take to apply and qualify for a grid-tied solar system such as an impact study. The workshop was very valuable for benchmarking the developments in solar energy in the Caribbean and for investigating the feasibility for implementing net-metering or grid-tied solar energy systems for NV GEBE."
The solar energy workshop was organized by the Caribbean Utility Association (CARILEC) and funded by the United Nations Development Program in Barbados with lecturer Dr. Indra Harasingh of the Department of Physics of the University of the West Indies in Trinidad.

Philipsburg: ---The Department of Labour has handled some 273 new requests for working permits during the first quarter of this year announced commissioner of labour Sarah Wescot Williams. Of that amount, 211 of them were for dancers while 62 were for other positions.
The department also handled some 269 renewals. Of the total amounts submitted from January 12 to April 12, some 495 were given a positive advice.
The 269 persons who submitted their renewals 243 were granted. The island government based on its paid invoice determined that 53 applications were for managerial positions.
In breaking down how the applications were, handled Wescot Williams said during the first month from January 12 to February 12, the department dealt with 8 new permits and 40 renewals. From February 13 to March 12, 20 new permits were processed with 94 renewals, while from March 13 to April 12 ,34 new permits were processed with 135 renewals.
All of the above working documents were processed under the revised labour policy Wescot Williams said.
MARIGOT- The Prefecture on St. Martin has disclosed that there is a probably case of Swine flu on the island. The suspected patient just returned from Florida. The indication is from results an analysis received from the Pasteur laboratory Institute in French Guyane.
So far, the suspicion of swine flu has not been lifted against the person. The Public Health authorities are advising persons who are on the island or those that have visited the island and were in seats 21, 22,23, 24 and 25 of American Airlines flight 729 that departed Miami on May 9th and 5:10 pm bound for St. Maarten to call 15 Health authorities are informing persons staying here, or who are from St. Martin, and who were in seats 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 of American Airlines flight 729 that left Miami on May 9 at 5:10 pm bound for St. Maarten, to contact Center 15. . Added information can be obtained from the local health inspectors at 0590 27 16 16.
The largest group of developing-world journalists returns to boost media coverage of climate change in a critical year of negotiations.
The Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP) has today opened its 2009 Fellowship Programme. It encourages all journalists in developing countries who report on climate change to apply.
This programme comes during a critical year of negotiations that ends in December with the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen where a new global deal could be struck.
Forty journalists will be awarded fellowships which will give them skills training and access to world class experts to enhance their knowledge. They have until midnight UK time (BST) on World Environment Day, 5 June, to file their applications.
The innovative programme is organised by the CCMP partners Internews, Panos and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), along with numerous regional groups.
"Climate change will disproportionately impact developing nations, yet journalists from these countries rarely have the resources to attend the intergovernmental negotiations aimed at tackling the problem," says James Fahn, Global Director of Internews' Earth Journalism Network.
Patrick Dambula, a former CCMP fellow from Malawi , highlights the importance of the fellowships: "There are so many journalists in Malawi who don't know what climate change is all about and they go on to report the issue, which means there are chances they can misinform the people".
The CCMP aims to address this by involving journalists from across the global South in a programme of activities over several months, including reporting on the Copenhagen summit. Here, in addition to receiving training and mentoring, they will take part in a media clinic and interview sessions with leading climate change experts and negotiators.
The CCMP has already brought a total of 74 developing country journalists from print, broadcast and online media to the last two UN climate summits, in Indonesia and Poland. At these meetings, the journalists produced over one thousand climate-change stories for media worldwide. At both summits the CCMP formed the largest single media group, providing politically independent journalistic scrutiny of the negotiations.
Comments from former fellows indicate the strength of the CCMP programme:
• "I do think this is one of the best training opportunities I've had," journalist in Mexico
• "Simply an unparalleled experience for a journalist," journalist in Nepal .
• "The benefits have been incomparable and immense," journalist in Sierra Leone .
"Former CCMP Fellows include journalists who have gone on to become some of the world's most knowledgeable reporters on the topic," says Mike Shanahan of the International Institute for Environment and Development. "Nearly 400 journalists applied for places on last year's programme and we expect that competition will be even more intense this time. However, even the unlucky candidates will still benefit by receiving CCMP briefings and other materials."
For the first time, the CCMP will be working with journalists in the run up to the UN summit, and not just at the summit itself. The partnership will commission articles and run a regional workshop at the pre-Copenhagen climate change negotiations in Bangkok beginning in late September.
"The Bangkok workshop will be a crucial stepping stone on the road to Copenhagen ," explains Po Garden, project director for Internews' Earth Journalism Network. "It will provide regional journalists and editors with a special opportunity to deepen their understanding of climate change issues and help them prepare their coverage for Copenhagen ."
Governments from around the world have set themselves a deadline of December 2009 to agree a new deal for addressing climate change.
"Without media from vulnerable countries there to report on the talks, negotiators will be under little public scrutiny," says Indi Mclymont-Lafayette of Panos. "The CCMP programme creates the opportunity for journalists to report in depth on the negotiations. They can also share their stories with millions of people especially those in developing countries who might not yet understand how climate change will affect them."
This year the programme funding consortium is led largely by a grant from EuropeAid. The CCMP is seeking additional financing to expand the number of journalists it can bring to Copenhagen.
Philipsburg- The application deadline for Mobility Passes for the 2009 Hurricane Season will conclude on Friday, May 22, for the business sector and vital organizations.
The process started on April 14. The pass allows the aforementioned to assess possible damage to their property. Potential applicants have to present all relevant information related to the process of requesting a Mobility Pass.
For the 2009 season, the application form as well as information sheet can be downloaded from the Fire Department's website www.brandweersxm.net
Under the link "Hurricane Information."
Passes are issued to the following categories: government personnel, personnel of essential companies or organizations, (sub) contractors for Sector ROB-Public Works, transportation passes for hotel staff, business owners, and members of vital organizations.
The hurricane pass application procedure is only intended for businesses and vital organizations with respect to their key personnel receiving an exemption to a curfew.
The Office of the Fire Department & Disaster Management is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Governor of the Island Territory of St. Maarten.
The hurricane mobility pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations. The Governor assesses the damage after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.
After a disaster has struck, and a curfew has been imposed, the public roads can only be accessed by emergency crews. The Governor will ensure that the curfew is limited to the essential time that is needed to execute emergency and disaster relief and recovery efforts.
§ Businesses and vital organizations can request personal passes for their key personnel. In principle, only one (1) pass is granted per business, but for larger companies more passes can be requested.
§ This pass will allow the bearer to visit his place of business to assess possible damage to the property, ONLY during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Governor in a curfew situation.
§ Proof must be submitted that one has a business on given address and/or is a member of a vital organization for which a pass is requested. Therefore, a copy of the most recent business license (2009) should be submitted (or proof of registration at the Chamber of Commerce for vital organizations).
§ The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management, located at Backstreet 56 (upstairs) before May 22, 2009, with all necessary documents attached:
- copy business license fee paid for 2009;
- copy new model Sint Maarten ID-card (old cards are null and void);
§ When the request is submitted per form Nafl. 50, - in leges stamps, to be obtained at the Island Receiver, needs to be included. This is a non-refundable handling fee.
§ One (1) passport picture must be submitted with the request for new applicants.
§ The emergency pass is only valid for the year 2009 hurricane season and will remain the property of the Island Territory. Passes have to be requested on an annual basis.
§ The Governor approves the granting of the hurricane passes to applicants.
§ Persons whose applications have been turned down will be notified on behalf of the Governor. Appeal is not possible.
§ Persons without a valid residency permit will not be issued a pass.
§ One will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the Office of the Fire Department & Disaster Management on Backstreet 56 (office hours are Monday - Friday, 8.30 AM - 3.30 PM).
§ The Island Territory is authorized to verify the information that is supplied by the person / business requesting the emergency pass.
§ Failing to comply with the abovementioned procedure, omitting information, or handing in the form too late will result in the application being turned down.
For those without internet access, application forms are available at the Fire Department & Disaster Management Office located on Backstreet 56 (upstairs).
(GIS)
Philipsburg :-- Founder of the Peridot Foundation Gracita R. Arrindell, stated in March 2009 on International Women's Day that the Peridot Foundation would increase public awareness regarding the eradication of domestic violence from our society.
Peridot intends to increase awareness programs from once or twice a year to a more regular format. The increase of violence against women and increase of aggression in general on St. Maarten is cause for great concern to many in our society as well as to our Foundation. Obviously, we have to remain vigilant and guard against the trend of venting our frustrations against each other in a violent manner. Awareness against violence in all forms must remain on the front burner of our attention if we are to remain a peaceful and friendly island. In this respect, our guest for the month of June 2009 is Ms. Varshnie Singh, the former First Lady of Guyana, who is visiting St Maarten for the first time. Ms. Singh will share with us her views regarding domestic violence and what lessons we can learn from her experience as a high profile female. Ms. Singh, founder of the Kids First Fund has a mission of fundraising for children who cannot afford but are in "need of life saving heart surgery."
"With all the outward physical aggression and silent suffering by many, there is obviously also a need for an uplifting and positive soul searching message. Therefore, we are very excited to welcome to our shores, Attorney Barbara Washington- Franklin author of the well-respected inspirational book captioned; ‘When You're Down to Nothing, God is up to Something.' Attorney Washington-Franklin is also a first time visitor to Sint Maarten who will reach out in her presentation to warm our spirits with her messages based on her life experiences and biblical principles. Attorney Washington-Franklin is a well-respected attorney and outstanding businesswoman in Washington, DC. She has been featured in several newspapers and magazines, among others, Washington Women Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Vogue Magazine as well as the Washington Afro-American Newspaper. The author will also do a book signing at the upcoming August event. We are looking forward to giving both illustrious personalities a warm and friendly St. Maarten welcome."
"Peridot foundation takes this occasion as well to launch our ‘Power of the Pen' project. Briefly, the main purpose of this project is to encourage authors' female and male, to write why it is important to protect our women and children against domestic violence, and what needs to be done to eradicate this form of violence from our society. Writers who have published before from Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, Saba and Statia are asked to submit an essay of 500 words to our foundation at www.Peridot Foundation.com under the heading Essay. We have also spoken with our contacts in Statia in respect of furthering the cause for the awareness of domestic violence. The intention is to have the submitted works published by House of Nehesi Publisher with whom we have already established discussions regarding this project. Submissions must be in no later than June 25th 2009."
"We use this opportunity to ask our esteemed public to work individually and collectively toward having a more ‘Kinder and Gentler Society' and refrain from what we regard lately as a worrying trend towards a ‘Wolf Pack' behavior. Sint Maarten and its people and our visitors deserve better." Arrindell concluded.

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of Aviation Affairs Sarah Wescot Williams said the management of the Princess Juliana International Airport and the executive council has a meeting to further discuss the implementation of the Franco Dutch Treaty. She said the PJIAE requested the meeting since they need to look at the introduction of the policy. Wescot Williams said that management of PJIAE would say exactly how they intend to deal with the implementation.
The executive council will also be briefed on the projects that are being undertaken by the airport.
The aviation commissioner made the announcement on Wednesday during the executive press briefing. She said the discussion will be surrounding the logistics of the policy. Wescot Williams said a follow up meeting with the committee that is working on the implementation process is scheduled for May 25. That meeting she said will be held on the French side of the island.

Philipsburg:---After almost two years in the making Commissioner of Sports Maria Buncamper-Molanus announced this morning that the Integrated Sports Policy will be handled by the Executive Council within short. "I've always believed that something of such importance should be done right rather than rushed. The Sports Policy is a collaborative effort of all stakeholders of sports on St. Maarten."
While recognizing that the articulation of public policy is ultimately a governmental responsibility, various partners were invited to participate in the development of the St. Maarten Sports Policy document. All were driven by a common goal - to make the sports system more effective and inclusive. The policy challenges all stakeholders to open sports to every segment of our society. It welcomes and seeks to involve all those who do not currently consider themselves a part of either the sporting community or the sports system, but have the potential and the desire to contribute.
There are several reasons that mandate the formulation of a sports policy with the main two being.
1. To further strengthen and develop sports on St. Maarten
2. To ensure an atmosphere that enables all citizens to achieve the highest quality of life.
As such, the goal of the policy is to achieve a situation in which:
1. Sports on St. Maarten are strengthened and developed;
2. An atmosphere, which enables all citizens to achieve the highest quality of life, is ensured;
3. The coherency between the decision makers and the practitioners of recreational and professional sports is facilitated;
4. The development of facilities and sporting infrastructure is consonant with the needs and resources of the country;
5. A proper structure outlining the implementation of physical education and sports in our educational system is ensured;
6. The formulation of strategies and programs that will facilitate the development and management of sports is ensured;
7. Career opportunities (talent scholarships, elite sports) are developed;
8. The integration of sports is ensured when developing governmental health, economic, social, educational and environmental programs and policies.
Stakeholders in the field of sports during the policy consultation process were invited to discuss a number of areas that are crucial to a positive development of sports in St. Maarten and as such Government recognizes and accepts the vital role that it has to play in this process. Government also recognizes and accepts the reality that the only way to achieve the goals that have been prioritized is through an active partnership with volunteers and the private sector.
To achieve the goals listed above and to build the platform from which fitting programs and projects for sports can be developed. The involvement and active participation of all key stakeholders are essential. To name but a few areas:
1. Sports legislation.
2. Sports and the elderly
3. Women and Sports
4. Sports and the youth
5. Sport and Mental & Physical development
6. Ethics, values and moral development
7. Sports and the Media
8. Facility Management
9. Sport & Tourism
10. Sport and Economic Development
11. Sport exchanges
Lastly, there are also various bodies, agencies, councils and departments that are part of the sporting infrastructure and as such, a proper management structure has to be designed. The division and balance of authority, responsibility, and tasks are extremely important considering some bodies will have a supervisory and advisory nature and others an execution nature.
While the government's Department of Youth & Sports will be responsible for the development of sport policies in consultation with other relevant stakeholders, the task of implementation will fall with the Sports development Foundation. It will also be responsible for the administration and coordination of sports within the country including where such sporting activities take place in the school system. In addition, the Sports Development Foundation will be responsible for raising and distributing funds for sport from both governmental (after approval from the Executive Council) and non-governmental sources.
Also important to mention is the task of the St. Maarten Sports Federation. The Federation will be responsible for mediating and possibly resolving sporting disputes before they reach Courts of Law and function as a facilitator between local sports organizations and athletes.
As Commissioner in charge of Sports and Sports Development on St. Maarten, I am thankful to the many co-authors of the policy and for the overall service, they have rendered to sports. Rome was not built in a day. It took years and years to attain magnificence. In this context, a start in the right direction has been made with the sports policy.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus is recommending to the community to continue to take measures to prevent mosquito breeding and thereby an outbreak dengue fever.
Buncamper is referring to last year's outbreak of dengue fever, which started in August and declined in January 2009.
"It has been raining off and on during the past weeks and this presents opportunities for an increase in the island's mosquito population if nothing is done. We have the hurricane season approaching and this usually results in more rainfall.
"I urge residents to continue to take preventative actions in order to prevent an outbreak in 2009. A community effort is required in order to keep our island community dengue fever free," Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.
The Department of Hygiene & Veterinary Affairs will continue to take vector control measures along with fogging activities.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death.
Preventive actions that every household should take are Debris, old tires, and standing clear/clean water in yards are the main source and breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These areas should be immediately eliminated.
Immediately check for clear/clean standing water in roof spouts, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, saucers, paint cans, and other items that can collect water around your homes and businesses. Where clear/clean standing water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene, just to cover the surface as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding or just get rid of the container.
In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these properly covered and check every three days to make sure that mosquito's have not laid any eggs. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water.
Anyone requiring information concerning measures to prevent mosquito breeding or to report areas of standing water, overgrown vegetation etc should contact the Hygiene Department at 542-2079.
(GIS)
Philipsburg-GEBE technicians attended safety training as part of the company's vision to increase safety awareness.
The two-day safety training was given by Dr. Frederick Isaac of Energy & Advanced Control Technologies Inc., who has been giving various technical and safety trainings for the past 20 years. This safety training has been previously organized by CARILEC, the Caribbean Association of Utility Companies, and has been very successful in other Caribbean islands.
The safety training covered safety procedures, proper handling of electricity generation equipments and good housekeeping, identifying hazards and rapid response to emergencies such as fires, short circuits, as well as more in depth technical information on protective equipment.
Power Plant Department Head, Kenrick Chittick, organized the safety training to improve the general awareness of safety procedures on the job. We are aware of many safety rules but at times, we need to be re-enforce and refresher trainings are always good. "As GEBE technicians, we work in a very dangerous environment, with high voltage electricity, harmful chemicals, flammable fuels, and large machinery. A job-related accident can easily be fatal if the proper safety procedures are not in place. The information coming out of the training is not just GEBE related but a great deal can be used at home in and around the house as well. Safety does not start at GEBE gates!"
Philipsburg: ---The Lt. Governors of the respective island territories of the Netherlands Antilles are meeting on St. Maarten for their regular Governors' meetings.
The island territories of Bonaire, Curacao, St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius are all represented at the meetings. His Excellency the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, Mr. Frits Goedgedrag, arrived here on Wednesday to join the discussions on Thursday. A tour of the A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo facilities cruise pier extension project is also planned for Thursday. The discussions are to be concluded on Friday.

Philipsburg: --- The autopsies on murder victim Haresh Dayalani is expected to be conducted today (Monday) confirmed Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. The coroner he said is expected to be on the island on Monday. Dayalani was shot execution style on Tuesday night at his Cole Bay home; authorities believed the killing was linked to a robbery that went bad.
The coroner would also be conducting an autopsy on a six-month-old baby that died mysteriously last week. So far, both parents of the infant are in police custody as authorities are not satisfied with the statements given to them surrounding the child's death.
Philipsburg:--- Commissioner Theo Heyliger who is on the verge of declaring independent and break away from the Democratic Party met with the leader of the party Sarah Wescot Williams early Tuesday morning. It is understood during that meeting Heyliger informed the party leader that he intended to part ways.
SMN News understands that the two met over breakfast where they discussed Heyliger's plan and why he decided to call it quits from the party his grandfather co-founded.
The commissioner also held meetings with Commissioner Roy Marlin and Marcel Gumbs on Monday evening at the Chesterfields. It is understood that the members of the Democratic Party is doing their best to convince Heyliger to stay on board with the DP even if they go in opposition.
SMN News further understands that Heyliger does not intend to return to the DP since his mind is well made up on leaving. It is said the commissioner made his decision when he learnt of a meeting held between the leader of the DP and Commissioner Marlin on May 20. The source said the party leader was looking for three commissioner's seat which did not include Heyliger.
It was expected that Heyliger was going to declare his independence on Tuesday but so far he did not, SMN News further understands that Heyliger is looking for a commitment regarding his portfolios from the National Alliance. It is also understood that the two are at loggerheads over the housing portfolio which Heyliger wants to maintain along with his other portfolios. Reliable sources said that Heyliger and the leader of the National Alliance are still working on an agreement on the housing portfolio. "They are basically dotting the I's and crossing the T's in the agreement.
In the meantime, the National Alliance has requested an Island Council meeting for Monday June 8 where the new executive council of five commissioners will be appointed. SMN News understands that five members of the Island Council namely, William Marlin, Frans Richardson, Rudolph Samuel, Louie Laveist and Patrick Illidge signed the letter of request for the meeting of Monday June 8.
Philipsburg: --- On Tuesday School boards, management and coaches of Preparatory & Advanced Secondary Vocational Education gathered at Carl's Unique Inn for the second (and last) sounding board meeting. This meeting was especially designed to receive input from stakeholders on the final concept of the Quality Card P&ASVE, a self evaluation instrument for PSVE schools and ASVE institutes to improve the quality of Education.
The sounding board members also received an update on the development trajectory. After literature research and extensive data collection like class observations, interviews and a focus group, the first sounding board meeting gave their input on the first concept of the instrument. This first concept was piloted in the school with a twofold purpose: to try out the content and organisational set-up of the instrument and to enable the trained school coaches to practice working with the Quality Card.
The 5 out of 6 St. Maarten P&ASVE schools/institutes who where piloting the Quality Card, where mostly enthusiastic and showed an unexpected pro-active attitude; while discussing the outcomes of their self evaluation the school team planned for action on those areas they felt need improvement. To name a few: school safety, team building, management guidelines for better recognizing teacher' strengths, regular team meetings and student care. A number of schools mentioned the importance of an evaluation by students while another school would like to use this instrument for other types of Education as well.
After the pilot, a suggestion form was filled-in by the team members of all the pilot-schools. Based on these and the outcomes of the pilot, a final concept was made and after the input of the sounding board meeting, the final Quality Card P&ASVE will be presented.
For more information please contact DERPI, Service centre SBO or Vanderzwan Educational research&Development (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
This initiative is financed by Dutch Development funds, through USONA.
Philipsburg: --- Workers of BZV St. Maarten put down their tools yesterday on the orders of their union ABVO. Treasurer of the ABVO committee St. Maarten Sajoel Richardson said the workers of BZV St. Maarten never had a Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) and it has been eight (8) years now the union has been in negotiations with the health insurance company.
Richardson said negotiations began since 2001 but each time the process had to stall due to change in management.
Richardson said finally they were able to finalize negotiations with the present director Mr. Evertsz but the board of BZV was not able to say when it would be possible for the signing to take place.
Richardson said they were supposed to sign the long awaited CLA on March 14, but this he said could not take place due to the referendum in Curacao.
The ABVO representative said the union has been patient and they again gave the medical insurance more time but on Wednesday they were told by the Director that he does not know when the CLA could be signed.
This he said upset the union and its members and they were forced to down tools for most of the day on Thursday.
Richardson said ABVO delegation met with Mr. Davelaar in Curacao who said the signing would take place on June 25th. He said the union was also able to address other issues concerning the BZV employees. Those concerns he said relates to the merging of BZV and SVB in January 2009. Richardson said St. Maarten workers would be under the National Health Care Insurance this new program he said has to be executed by the AZV. The ABVO he said made sure they got a guarantee from Davelaar that the employees of BZV will not suffer any loss of income. He made clear that even though there has been a guarantee there is no protocol in place.
Richardson said after the meeting the workers of BZV St. Maarten returned to work by 2:30pm.
Airport: ---Due to the start of works to facilitate the airport road upgrade traffic will be affected as of Tuesday. Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company (PJIAE) apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and hereby asks for the understanding, cooperation and patience of motorists, in light of the changes that will be implemented.
MNO Vervat on Friday May 29th 2009 started with airport infrastructure upgrade works, from which a modified and rerouted road network should emerge. When the construction is completed, traffic coming from the direction of the WINAIR offices through a roundabout at the location where the entrance to the public car park is currently situated; From that point the new road will continue along the Simpson Bay lagoon flowing along the eastern and northern shoreline and then curve to the south following the perimeters of the public car park to the west; At the front of the Terminal building the new road will connect with the existing airport road.
He pointed out that the temporary situation is an important facet in the island's overall development. "This project will result in the reduction of traffic congestion, thus reducing the loss of valuable productive time and reducing the chances of people missing flights," drs. Holiday said, placing the construction in line with the development of the airport within the framework of the airport master plan. "We're calling on motorists to use extreme caution during this period," urged PJIAE President drs. Eugene Holiday.
The new road represents a US $2 million investment. This project forms an integral part of the adjusted Airport Masterplan and is aimed at securing and enhancing adequate traffic flow to and from the airport and airport parking; relinquishing the pedestrian crossing over the main road; Increasing the car parking to a capacity from 313 to 383 parking locations; and maintaining the possibility of future airport development in line with the master plan. Besides the construction of the new roundabout and the expansion of the public parking lot, the project also entails the relocation of the entrance of the public parking lot closer to the terminal equipped with double barrier at the exit; the relocation of the car park ticket office with additional pay machine; the installation of a separate entrance and space for authorized car rentals; and the upgrading of the irrigation system for the landscaping.
Philipsburg: --- The new executive council which was appointed Monday and Tuesday has completed the division of portfolios among the five commissioners. Reliable sources have informed SMN News that the new leader of government William Marlin would be handling Constitutional Affairs, Education, Housing, Telecommunications and General Affairs. Frans Richardson would be handling Economic Affairs, Tourism and Airport Affairs, traffic and transportation. Hyacinth Richardson would be handling labor, culture and Health Care Affairs.
Theo Heyliger would be handling ROB, Public Works, and environmental affairs, harbor affairs and Heyliger would also be over GEBE while Xavier Blackman would be handling finance, personnel affairs as well as legal affairs.

Philipsburg: -----Commissioner of ROB Theo Heyliger showed up to the weekly press briefing on Wednesday to answer questions that the media had for him regarding his portfolios. Asked what he would do differently at the sector ROB where it is said there are a number of irregularities. Heyliger said the new executive council has to discuss what changes have to be made. He said the new executive council intends to do things collectively in all departments. However, he did say there are plans to make some changes. Heyliger said he visited the department on Wednesday morning outlining some of the priorities of the new government.
One of those priorities will be regarding personnel since several rules and procedures have been changed in last two years and these new regulations would now have to be incorporated. Heyliger said persons requesting building permits would now have to wait until the request has been published and approved before it is issued. With this new procedure everyone would know who would be building next door to them and their concerns would also be considered. The commissioner said that a briefing will be given to the executive council in very near future.
The commissioner said very soon the executive council would be receiving an advice regarding the shortage of personnel in that department. He said it is necessary for the department to have people with judicial background working in the department because of the new rules and laws now that St. Maarten is going to become country. Heyliger said the department is also working on its island wide zoning plan something he said is paid for by the Dutch government. He said they are also looking in to re-diverting some of the monies in the SEI to the zoning of the island.
The commissioner also acknowledged that there is an ongoing investigation taking place at the department by SOAB. Heyliger said he did not receive any information on the investigation since SOAB normally sends their report directly to the governor.
Philipsburg: -- Some 45 students graduated at the University of St. Martin on Saturday night. The ceremony was held at the Maho Convention Center. Among the dignitaries that attended the ceremony was former commissioner of education Sarah Wescot Williams, Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards, Commissioner Frans Richardson.
Addressing the graduates was commissioner of education William Marlin who only last week took office. Marlin said the graduation of USM was his first official function as commissioner of education.
The following is the full text of Marlin’s speech to the graduates.
It's is truly an honor to be given this opportunity to be part of your graduation as your new Commissioner of Education. As a matter of fact, it is my first official function as Commissioner of Education, since taking office again, less than a week ago.
38 Years ago, I too was among several young persons who were the graduates then, when I obtained my degree in Education. We were not decked off in gowns and caps and with government officials and others in attendance, but we were, nonetheless proud graduates, just like you are tonight.
I am therefore proud of you all right now, as I know how you feel.
I am especially hopeful with the caliber of talent and amazing dedication represented here this evening. What an impressive assembly of human capital to help in the building of Country St. Maarten!
I cannot help but think, that in one of those chairs could be someone who will find answers to the senseless crimes and violence plaguing our community. Or in one of those chairs could be someone who will go on and finally find a cure for cancer. And hopefully in of these chairs could be someone who will transform AIDS from one of the greatest disasters of the 20th century to one of the most curable diseases of the 21st century. In one of those chairs could be sitting a person who a few years from now will become the Prime Minister of Country St. Maarten, the Chairman of Parliament of Country St. Maarten or the Minister of Education, Justice or Finance.
But this hope that I have for your class is possible if we continue to build Country St. Maarten more and more with Educated Youths.
This reminds me of a story of an excited university student who had just received his degree from a respectable university, rushed out at the end of the graduation ceremony and onto the street and shouted at the top of his voice, "Here I am, world; I have a B.A. degree. To which someone passing by, replied: "Very Good son, but sit down and I’ll teach you the rest of the alphabet; there is more to the alphabet than just the B and the A.
Every one of us began our journey in Education with some part of the alphabet. The rest of the alphabet includes the C for Constitutional Change and Country Status. On June 23rd it will be 9 years ago since a majority of the voters of St. Maarten voted for St. Maarten to leave the Netherlands Antilles and become an autonomous country in the Dutch Kingdom.
In the days, weeks and months ahead of us the negotiations and discussions will continue with the other partners in the Kingdom, and we look forward to St. Maarten achieving its new status soon.
The alphabet also includes E- for Education for All and Economic Recovery.
I am sure by now you have realized that the rules of the game have changed. The world is changing faster than we could have imagined. Today the world economy, including St. Maarten’s own, is in crisis, but we are confident it will bounce back.
Science and technology and automation have rendered certain occupations obsolete over the years, but have on the other hand created new and better opportunities. As Tom Friedman points out in his book, The World is Flat; over the last decade these forces – technology and globalization – have combined like never before. So that while most of us have been paying attention to how much easier technology has made our lives – sending emails on blackberries, surfing the web on our cell phones, instant messaging with friends across the world, e-commerce – a quiet revolution has been breaking down barriers and connecting the world’s economies. Now, businesses not only have the ability to move jobs wherever there’s a factory, but wherever there is an internet connection.
China realized this. They understood that now they need not just be a source of cheap labor or cheap exports. They can compete on a global scale. The one resource they still needed was a skilled, educated labor force. So they started schooling their kids earlier, longer, and with a greater emphasis on math, science, and technology, until their most talented students realized they don't have to immigrate to another country to have a decent life - they can stay right where they are, and build themselves and at the same time, their country.
Someone has said, that "talent is 21st century wealth.” We must find ways to capitalize on the economic changes and diversify our economy. If you've got the skills, you've got the education, and you have the opportunity to upgrade and improve both, you'll be able to compete and win anywhere.
As your new commissioner of Education I can assure you that Country St. Maarten will have an Education Ministry that is truly dedicated to developing the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for promoting sustainable development of our country. This means that education will no longer be a privilege. Compulsory education must become a reality and every child guaranteed a place in school. Together we must also increase the number of University Graduates at USM. We must do more to increase the access of St. Maarten students to scholarships and funding opportunities to allow them to obtain advanced education.
It is also time to take USM to the next level. After consultations with all stakeholders, we will continue to support the agreed path for the continued evolution of USM as a fully accredited tertiary institution of learning.
The alphabet also includes S- for Safety and Security
Our new government regards the security of our people and our nation as a priority. We are concerned about the pervasive climate of fear and high levels of crime and violence in our communities. Government will seek to restore St. Maarten as a safe and Friendly Island managed by a caring government. There must be a national vision for responsible family and community life to make our homes, businesses and public institutions more secure. Family values must be at the core, and respect and discipline, must be upheld at all levels. It is the plan of government to return to the principles of good governance to our society and provide safety and security for all residents of St. Maarten.
My hope for all of you is that you leave here today with the determination to assume the responsibility for the further development of our country St. Maarten. Yes you will be tested by the challenges ahead, and at times you may feel like giving up. But always know and remember that you have within you the power to try to make a difference.
Generations who have come before you have faced these same fears and uncertainties in their own lifetime and triumphed. Through hard work, and God's providence, and our willingness to shoulder each other's burdens, St. Maarten will continue on its precious journey towards that glorious horizon, and a better day. Let us build St. Maarten with Talented, Educated, Beautiful and Handsome Young People.
I thank you, Congratulations once again and much success to you as you continue your journey through life’s alphabet.
Philipsburg:--- Several teachers of showed up at the office of the Windward Islands Teachers Union in Madame Estate on Monday night protesting against the short comings in their vacation monies.
President of the WITU Claire Elshot said most of the teachers that visited her are from the public education. She said the former government paid out the monies prior to leaving office. The monies she said was deposited on the teachers accounts last Friday, while the teachers received their slips on Monday.
Elshot said according to the law the teachers are supposed to receive 6% of their yearly income which is to be paid out during the second half of June each year.
Elshot in a press release said the board of the WITU received numerous calls starting from Saturday until late today of several Public School teachers, who were surprised by the fact that their vacation allowance was deposited in their bank accounts late Friday evening.
After receiving their slip for this payment of vacation allowance they were shocked and bitter by the fact that they were short changed to the tune of more than Naf. 1000,- (one thousand guilders.
According to the ordinance for civil servants and teachers vacation allowance, this is a 6% of your yearly income. The WITU has started the process of investigating what went wrong, but will be demanding from the new government officials an immediate correction of this error.
The affected public school teachers has pulled their slip from last years to make this comparison and not planning to give in to this cut and therefore sought to have their union address this matter on their behalf.
Elshot said she already contacted the new commissioner of education William Marlin hoping that he can look in the matter and give the union a valid explanation as to what went wrong.
CAY BAY—The malfunctioning of three generators at the GEBE Cay Bay Power Plant resulted in certain areas being without electricity Monday, June 15, 2009. A broken water supply pipe on Diesel Generator #12 reduced the output by 10 MW, causing GEBE to resort to load shedding until the necessary repairs could be made to the diesel generator. Repairs consisting of major welding to the supply pipe were already underway and all electricity is expected to be restored by Monday evening.
The broken pipe supplied water to the generator coolant system which maintains the generator temperature and avoids overheating. The diesel generator was automatically shutdown to prevent further damage to the generator. As a result areas of Philipsburg, St. Peters, Ebenezer and South Reward were affected by the load shedding especially during the peak demand of power in the afternoon.
GEBE is already operating on a tight electricity production schedule since a fire seriously damaged a major diesel generator in 2008. Customers have already been experiencing some short outages during the past few days as a result of minor mechanical problems. These outages were quickly contained through immediate action by the GEBE technicians and therefore only lasted between 10 minutes to 1 hour and were limited to small areas on the island. The power plant is currently being expanded to house two new generators that will stabilize the supply however; the new generators will not be commissioned until December 2009.
Grand Case:--- Rescue and Emergency Services seen here trying to rescue victims of plane crash in the Grand Case Beach. The emergency exercise lasted for about two hours, which was organized by the Sous Prefecture. Onlookers from both sides of the island were on site to witness the training exercise.
Cole Bay:--- The Island Government of St. Maarten the Department of New Projects Development and Planning informs the general public of the following construction works on the Midas Roundabout (Cole Bay Roundabout), upgrade of the infrastructure.
The construction works has already begun to improve the traffic situation at the intersection at the bottom of Cole Bay Hill; A.J.C Brouwers Road connecting Union Road and the Welfare Road, whereby all traffic going to and coming from Philipsburg intersect at that specified point creating a dangerous situation for all.
Therefore the realization of this project has begun and works are being carried out. The first traffic hindrance will be over the weekend (June 20th and 21st). Works include grading and resurfacing of the road, the public are being urged to drive with caution. Further assistance will be provided by the traffic control department. The Union Road at the intersection of A.J.C. Brouwers Road will become a temporary one lane traffic situation up until the Shell Gas Station.
The total duration of the project is estimated at two and a half months with the project due to be completed in the month of August 2009.
With regards to the progress of work on the Midas Roundabout, diversion routes will be set in place with sufficient information boards and traffic signs commencing June 20 to August 9th indicating the diversion routes. We are urging the community to please abide to the changes for a smooth and safe transition, so please take extra caution while driving along these routes.
The department apologizes for any undue inconveniences that these traffic alterations may cause. Trusting to have informed you sufficiently, working together towards a better St. Maarten for us all.
Philipsburg:--The challenges of successfully dealing with children during their teen years have always been among parents’ hardest won -achievements.
Active Parenting for Teens”, was introduced in 2001 to the VSBO / PSVE schools and re-introduced in May of 2009 in all VSBO schools on the Island.
Active Parenting for Teens is a program designed by Dr. Popkins, with the purpose to provide training and support for families experiencing the dynamic changes of teenage development and to help parents and other care givers prepare teens to survive and thrive in a democratic society
The program is offered to parents in 6 workshop sessions of 2 hours each.
In March of this year, 20 new leaders have been trained in this program in order to conduct parent evenings at their own VSBO School. The Sundial, MPC, SMVTS and PSVE Academy hosted workshops for invited parents since that time.
The evaluation session of the re –introduction was held on June 11.
The facilitators will be certified as Leaders in Active Parenting of Teens by Active Parenting Publisher after parents evaluate them during the last workshops. The Sundial school and MPC concluded their parent’s workshop sessions while PSVE Academy and SMVTS will continue to do so.
DERPI encourages all parents to make use of the opportunity to get informed. Get educated on how to prepare your teens and sign up on any of these schools for the workshops.
This program is free of charge. All parents will receive a parent’s guide and in six sessions packed with activities, discussion, real-world examples, and feedback, you’ll learn a proven approach to parenting, plus indispensable techniques for overcoming obstacles, that will bring happiness and harmony into your home
DERPI congratulate all trainers, leaders to be, school managements and school board for giving the parents this opportunity.
This program is part of the innovations in education and is funded by Dutch Development Funds through USONA.
WILLEMSTAD, On the 23rd of June 2009 the Government of The Netherlands Antilles and the Untied Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a project document entitled “Capacity Development for Nation Building in The Netherlands Antilles”. The document was signed by her Excellency Mrs. Emily de Jongh-Elhage, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles, and Ambassador Dr. Marcia de Castro, Resident Co-ordinator of the UN System and Resident Representative of the UNDP for the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, and co-signed by the Director of the Department for Development Cooperation, Ir. Ralph L. James, in this case acting as the representative of the Executing Agent of the activities) mentioned in the signed document.
The project must be seen in responds to a request from the Government of the Netherlands Antilles for technical assistance during the transition period of the constitutional reform of the Netherlands Antilles, in which new countries c.q entities will emerge.
With the signing of this project document between the two signatories a new cooperation phase is being ushered from which all the islands of the Netherlands Antilles will benefit greatly from, taking into consideration the advantages that the UNDP and the UN system have to offer to developing countries.
This project, which will be funded from resources made available to the UNDP by the Government of the Netherlands Antilles, constitutes three main components:
• Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening for assessing the development progress of the Netherlands Antilles through the preparation of a Millennium Development Goals Report, and for monitoring progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Netherlands Antilles.
• Strengthening change management skills, both on federal and island government levels, for public officials of Curaçao and St. Maarten, as these countries move forward in attaining their new country status’ within the Kingdom.
• Training of federal and island government officials to negotiate with multi-lateral organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union, in order to maximize benefits from their membership of the multilateral community.
The project implementation will benefit from the recruitment of a United Nations Volunteer in the office of the UNDP ResRep. This person will have the responsibility for liaising with the Government of the Netherlands Antilles in matters pertaining to activities mentioned in the signed project document.
The implementation of the different components highlighted in said document will take place over a one year period in close cooperation with the island territories of the Netherlands Antilles.
PHILIPSBURG— Margit Eggebrecht, a German trainee studying at the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands presented her preliminary findings of a study conducted for the Caribbean Water Association (CWA). Ms. Eggebrecht was charged with reviewing the different water distribution networks and calculating the International Leakage Index (ILI) factors for the water companies of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. The International Leakage Index (ILI) is a measure of how well a distribution network is managed (maintained, repaired, and rehabilitated) for the control of real losses, at the current operating pressure. Although some preliminary figures were given a lot of data is still missing to make a fair comparison between the islands.
The Caribbean Water Association (CWA) Distribution Committee convened here on St. Maarten to discuss the measurement and reduction of water losses on the islands of Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire and St. Maarten. The GEBE contingent consisted of Managing Director ir. William Brooks, Distribution Manager Emmanuel Brooks, Chief Operations Paul Marshall, and Ramiro Hernandez of the Operations Department. They were accompanied by Boei Marchena, CWA Research & Development, and Daniel Corsen of Aqualectra.
Through the Caribbean Water Association, formally known as the Water Platform of the Netherlands Antilles, the utility companies of the Dutch Islands achieve economies of scale that are difficult to achieve on their own to find innovative solutions to water related problems. This research project which is usually expensive was split over the four participating companies making it more cost effective for each participant.
GEBE Managing Director, William Brooks, explained the benefits of being a member of the CWA: “We are all in the same position as water companies in the Caribbean. We have the responsibility to provide cost effective and quality drinking water to our communities. So it is only logical that we continue to work together to achieve these common goals by doing joint research, investigating new technologies and investing in joint training. Together we are able to achieve cost savings, economies of scale and share a wealth of expertise.”
Since 2004 GEBE has been a member of the association, cooperating and sharing information on a number of water related issues including water quality, water production processes, water safety and security, human resource development and training, Legionnaires disease, and public relations. GEBE has taken an active role in the association benefiting from the economies of scale, joint research and training. With the transition of Saba and Statia to the BES islands, the relations with Dutch water companies for drinking water quality standards has been very useful. Further, with GEBE developing the waste water treatment on St. Maarten, the input of knowledge and expertise from within the association and its partners is advantageous.
...
Philipsburg: --- The Chamber of Labour Unions met on Saturday to discuss the removal of the revised labour policy by the executive council. Addressing members of the media were President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty who also participated in the meetings with the unions.
Carty said the unions as well as the chamber would be seeking to have an urgent meeting (tripartite meeting) with government to discuss the reasons why they chose to put the revised labour policy on hold. He said there is a resolution in place for government to discuss matters such as these with the tripartite committee before decisions are taken. The Chamber president said the former executive council implemented the policy without notifying the committee while this new executive council removed it without saying anything. In both instances they learnt of the decisions taken by government via the media.
Carty said as the Chamber they do not have answers to several questions their members would be posing about the future of the policy. He said at the moment they do not even know which policy is being used for the application and processing of the labour permits. The chamber also wants to know how government would proceed with the applications that were filed since January 12 when the new revised policy took effect. Another concern for the chamber is how would government deal with the persons who already paid the processing fees according to the revised policy, and if the applicants whose requests that were turned down laid down by the stipulations of revised policy can now reapply?
He said he wants know if the applicants would have to pay again should they re-apply or if government intends to reimburse people half of their monies since those that applied as of January 12 paid double. Carty said while businesses have valid questions the Chamber simply cannot answer them because government did not see it fit to update them on how they intend to move forward.
The Chamber President said he believes government should have met with them so that all of their concerns would have been clarified. He said the unions are angrier because there is modern day slavery taking place on St. Maarten and there are things that need to be tackled. Carty said while the Chamber was never in full agreement with the entire policy and that they are happy that it is no longer effective, he still wants to know how government intends to tackle the unnecessary influx of foreign labour.
In the meantime, President of the Chamber of Labour Unions Willy Haize said the unions not only want a meeting with government but they are going to insist that the revised policy be reinstated. Haize said government has an agreement with the tripartite committee to evaluate the policy by August this year and they were to meet and discuss the policy and the amendments.
Haize said by throwing out the policy workers on St. Maarten are left powerless since they no longer have rights. He said the revised policy clearly indicates that St. Maartener’s would have first preference in the labour market, second comes the Antilleans, thirdly the Dutch after which persons with permanent residency can be considered for vacant positions.
Haize said all foreigners wishing to come to St. Maarten to work has to remain off island until their working documents and proper accommodations have been provided. He said the reasons these stipulations are in the policy was to have control on the influx of foreign labour. He further explained that there are several conditions that have to be met in the revised policy such as housing, since people can no longer be living in shacks on St. Maarten.
Haize said according to international laws everyone should be employed in their own country but if one has to look at Front Street there are only Indians working in the stores, while the locals are not able to find work.
He said should these people be allowed to work on St. Maarten they would have to train the locals which is what is stipulated in the policy. This he said also goes for the Chinese who are not employing locals.
Haize said he became very angry about the matter after the United Federation Union President Francis Olivacchi approached the commissioner of labour Hyacinth Richardson and asked him why he removed the policy and not consult with the tripartite, the commissioner of labour he said responded by saying he is government and they are free to whatever they wanted and those that are not happy should seek a meeting so that the matter can be discussed. Haize said St. Maarten is not in a state of communism instead this is a democratic island. “When a commissioner can say things like that it leaves us to wonder where we are heading as a nation”.
Glen Carty said after the meeting both the Chamber and the unions wants the same end results. He said the Chamber represents good cooperate citizens or businesses that do not exploit the labour force, meaning that locals must be given priority in the labour market.
Carty said right now the innocent are paying for the guilty with the revised policy. He said there are instances where locals cannot be found for certain jobs, for example in heath care and the employers are stuck with the revised policy. He said the Chamber had intended to bring these matters forward in August and for the exact reasons they said they were happy when the policy was pulled last week.
He said he felt that since the executive council decided to put the policy on hold last week he felt they would have begin working immediately but so far no tripartite meeting has been called leaving the business community in limbo. Haize said right now they do not know if the tripartite committee still exists or if the new government has abolished this committee. If the tripartite is still in place then the government would have to consult with them prior to taking decisions he explained.
In the meantime, President of the Windward Island Civil Servant Union William Reid said he wants to emphasize that the present government did not oppose this policy when they were in opposition. Reid said when the policy was debated in the island council the opposition did not oppose it which means they had agreed to it and they want to know what has changed from then to now.
He said now that government has ignored them from the inception they want to send a clear message to them that this cannot continue and they should not take the Chamber of Labour Unions for granted and figure they can continue this way. Reid said they want government to know they disapprove on how they handled this matter and the CLU will not tolerate this type of attitude. Also raising their concerns is the President of the Windward Islands Federations of Labour (WIFOL) Theophilus Thomson said government violated article 144 of the ILO convention which clearly states that there must be social dialogue with all stakeholders when establishing any policy that would effect society. He said the business community, government and labour are the three essential avenues to developing any nation, therefore they agree in consensus that an urgent meeting should be held with the tripartite body.
Philipsburg/ Marigot:-- Caribserve has sent out an email warning its clients to beware of emails they are receiving concerning their accounts credentials.
We were recently made aware of several Email SCAMS/HOAXES that are spoofing the sender’s identity to appear as though the emails were sent to you by CaribServe.NET.
These HOAX/SCAM emails often ask you to provide your personal information and/or CaribServe.NET account credentials via email or by means of visiting a random website. Some of these hoaxes claim that we (CaribServe.NET) suffered a database issue and need to restore your account information but we do not have that info on file while others ask for the same information for an “upcoming mail/authentication system upgrade”, etc.
Fact is – if you were able to download the suspect email from our mail server then you should take note that CaribServe.NET DOES NOT HAVE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR ACCOUNT AND/OR CREDENTIALS as you were able to access your mailbox on our server with the very same credentials you were using all along and the very same credentials the HOAX/SCAM email claims we do not have!
Moreover, although we sometimes do send out important information to you via email, WE WILL NEVER REQUEST YOU TO SEND US IMPORTANT AND PERSONAL INFORMATION, SUCH AS YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION, DATE OF BIRTH, ACCOUNT PASSWORDS, ETC. VIA EMAIL, PHONE OR ANY OTHER METHOD. ANY TRANSACTIONS HAVING TO DO WITH PERSONAL OR ACCOUNT-RELATED INFORMATION REQUIRES A PERSONAL VISIT TO ONE OF OUR OFFICE(S) OR AGENT(S) BY THE ACCOUNT HOLDER WITH A VALID PICTURE ID.
PLEASE DO NOT PROVIDE ANY CARIBSERVE.NET ACCOUNT-RELATED INFO TO ANYONE ASKING FOR SUCH INFORMATION BY EMAIL, MAIL, PHONE OR IN PERSON!
Please contact our office at 542-4233 if you replied to any of the HOAX/SCAM emails with your account info. The most we will be able to do is to change your password for your account so the unwanted parties cannot access your emails, etc. We will not however be able to provide you with the new password over the phone or via email as we have no way of virtually identifying your true identity. In order to collect your new password, you (original account holder) would need to visit one of our office(s) or agent(s) with a valid picture id.
If you are unsure about whether an email you received is indeed from CaribServe.NET, please feel free to call our technical support department via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at (599) 542-4233 before taking any further actions.
Cole Bay: ---The Management of CARL & SONS UNIQUE BAKERY would like to publicly apologize to our valued clients for our obvious oversights and negligence in some specific areas of our bakery operations. A press release from the company reads.
“While we accept full responsibility for the situation, we hasten to state that in our opinion some of the reports were exaggerated and misrepresented the real situation. We can however assure the public that our products never posed any health risks to the consumer. We are currently in the process of a special general cleaning of our entire production facility and every piece of equipment.”
In addition we are rectifying some of the technical issues, which can create hazardous situations if left uncorrected. Management and the dedicated staff of CARL & SONS UNIQUE BAKERY are leaving no stone unturned to meet the understandably stringent Government and acceptable standard requirements to resume normal baking operations. It is our intention to reopen for business as soon as possible, serving you with the best locally produced bread and other products. We sincerely regret the temporary closing of our operations and pledge to do everything we can to regain your confidence, support and valued patronage.
Registration being held.
After successful reunions in the United States and in the Dominican Republic, one of St. Maarten’s largest native families is holding its third family reunion in St. Maarten, where it is believed the family originated.
The Mardenborough family reunion will be held in St. Maarten July 12 – 19 and will include a number of fun and exciting activities to bring the family together to rediscover their rich history. The family is also hoping to finalise its family tree during the weeklong event, which is expected to draw some 200 family members from the Netherlands, United States, Anguilla, Aruba, Curacao, the Dominican Republic and St. Martin.
About 129 persons have already expressed interest in attending the reunion, which kicks off with an opening ceremony at the French Quarter Cultural Center on July 12 from 7:00pm. The details of the opening ceremony are still being fine tuned but it will include a brief history of the family and fun and frolic.
The reunion will continue with a church service at the Cole Bay Methodist Church on July 13 at 11:00am.
Family members will also be treated to an island tour with visits to several historical sites including the two fortes on both sides of the island starting at 1:00pm on July 13. The tour will also include visits to the Butterfly Farm and will wind its way pass the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities, when over one million cruise passengers disembark per annum.
Fun and frolic is the theme for a beach outing slated for Le Gallion Beach on July 14 from 10:00am.
The historical Emilio Wilson Historical and Cultural Park will provide the perfect backdrop for a family picnic carded for July 15 from 10:00am. The day out will feature fun and traditional St. Maarten/St. Martin games, the sharing of memories and all round fun. The reunion will wind down with a buffet at Le Flamboyant Hotel on July 16.
Family members will get a chance to relax and do some individual touring with a free day on Friday July 17. Other activities are planned for July 18 and 19.
Family members can now register for the reunion by contacting main organisers Sharon Cangieter (524-1112); Leona Patrick-Gibbs (553-6168) and Charles Benders (522-5759). Registration ends on Wednesday, July 8.
Registrants will have to pay US $80 for adults and US $30 for children (ages 4- 12) for the entire week of activities. The fee includes a T-shirt bearing the Mardenborough family logo. Those interested in participating only in the buffet dinner pay US $40 per adult and US $15 per child (age four to 12). Purchasing the T-shirts only is US $10 each.
The reunion was first held in the United States in 2003. The second one was also held in the US in 2005 and the third in the Dominican Republic in 2007
The family decided to hold the reunion in St. Maarten this year for family members to acquaint themselves with relatives they haven’t met and to bring the family closer together.
The Mardenborough family is related to the Hodge, Cangieter, Eduardo, Benders, Sutton, White, Patrick, Gibbs, Arrindell, Arundell, Arndell, Lynch, Biggs, Buntin, Pantophlet, Richardson, Carolina, Romney, Henson, LeBlanc, Helligar, Carti, Lambert, Morris, Schmidt and many other families.
Patrick-Gibbs, a court recorder who along with her children attended one of the reunions in the US, said information collected thus far shows that the family tree dates as far back to the eighteen hundreds when the late Richard Mardenborough, a Dutch Quarter resident tied the knot with Georgiana “Gumbs/Baker” Biggs.
Patrick-Gibbs is a fifth generation Mardenborough while Cangieter, who works in the education sector is a sixth generation Mardenborough and Benders, a central government employee, a fifth generation family member.
Also on the coordinating team are Antonio Carolina, a banking employee, is treasurer of the committee and is also assisting with the Information Communications (IT) aspects; catering committee head entrepreneur Doris Lynch-Gibbs, and educator Rosa White, who is representing the family in French St. Martin and head of the decoration committee.
The coordinating committee invites all family members to sign up and be part of this historic reunion, which is shaping up to be the biggest ever. Check out their website for more details: www. mardenboroughfamily.com.
CAY BAY—GEBE Power Plant experienced more problems with the Diesel Engine # 12 which has resulted in continued load shedding while repairs are being carried out. The generator is tentatively scheduled to come back online at 1.30pm, Thursday July 2.
The areas that are being affected are: St. Peters and Ebenezer, Pelican, Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, Low Lands.
From 11.00am and up until 1.00pm, the following areas are under load shedding – St. Peters, Ebenezer, Pelican, Cole Bay, Simpson Bay and the Low Lands.
At 1.00pm – Belvedere, Over the Bank and Cole Bay Lagoon.
The published load shedding schedule is subject to change depending on the demand of the specific areas and the supply available from the power plant. Please check for updates as the information becomes available on the homepage at www.nvgebe.com.
Philipsburg:--- The Public Education Management End of the School Year Program recently received a gift from NAGICO Insurances; the program is scheduled for Friday, July 3rd 2009. NAGICO has contributed eight hundred dollars ($800) worth of insurance vouchers which will be awarded to Public Education’s top 2008-2009 staffers.
According to Mrs. Glenderlin Davis – Holiday, Assistant Managing Director of Public Education, “At this special event teachers or staff members of each of the public schools, is awarded for outstanding performance throughout the school year. Each person receives an award in various categories, according to their job function. The motive for doing this is to encourage our teachers and school staff.” She expressed great appreciation with the donation NAGICO.
Marketing Manager, Jasmine Payne commented, “NAGICO is pleased to be doing its part in helping the public Education system since it is the education of the youth which will move the country forward and strengthen the foundation of
St. Maarten.”
Philipsburg: -- The team of divers that were searching for the bodily remains of Leta Lynn Cordes has ended the one week search with no trace of the missing woman. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said there would not be any more major searches for the missing Mission Viejo woman unless they get new leads. Stein said the investigation on the missing woman would remain open and her husband Frank Cordes still remains a suspect in his missing wife case.
The police department along with friends of Leta Lynn Cordes participated in at least four major searches on both sides of the island in the hope of finding the 47 year old woman who went missing since January 11 2008. Cordes allegedly left her Dawn Beach home to go over to the Westin Casino to gamble her husband told police and the media.
Great Bay -- Continuing his round of discussions with a variety of major stakeholders, aviation and tourism commissioner, Frans Richardson, on Tuesday afternoon hosted a meeting with the top brass of Insel Air at the Government Administration Building.
Purpose of the meeting was to, among others, hear about the company's route expansion plans and marketing opportunities for St. Maarten's tourism product.
Representing the airline company were Insel Air CEO, Albert Kluyver, Chief General & International Affairs, Edward Heerenveen and St. Maarten station manager, Alonzo Hassell. Netherlands Antilles Minister for Constitutional & Home Affairs, Roland Duncan also sat in on the meeting.
Others attending the discussions were tourism head Regina Labega, Marla Chemont of the tourist bureau, Keith Graham and Emile Lee of the S.H.T.A. with Fernando Williams and Romeo Pantophlet of the office of Commissioner Frans Richardson.
Philipsburg: ---Recently the detective and forensic departments have been investigating several break-ins into several businesses on the island. During these investigations they have noticed that even businesses that are equipped with alarm systems have been broken into without the alarm system being activated.
The culprit or culprits involved in these break-ins are tremendously skillful in being able to bypass or deactivate these security systems. The detective department is hereby advising all business-owners to contact their security company and have their alarm system completely checked out and if necessary to have the system upgraded.
Business-owners should have their establishment and alarm system in their business checked on a regular basis. (Not because the alarm system did not go off, means that your business was not broken into. Business-owners should personally go to their establishment and check it out on weekends and holidays) said Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson.
Most alarm systems presently in use, are hooked-up to landline telephones and do not have a back-up system or a secondary alarm system. Once the communications in these lines have been unknowingly interrupted, there is no way to know what is going in your business until long after the break-in has taken place.
Business-owners that have security cameras installed should make sure, that the video-recorder is properly hidden and that this security-system is equipped with a secondary or back-up system at another location. When businesses that have security cameras are broken into, the culprits always take the video-system along with them, which they later dispose of.
If your business has a safe, make sure that the safe is not visible to the clients or anyone coming into the establishment. If this safe is also connected to an alarm-system, you should also make sure that it has a secondary or back-up system, in the event the safe is tampered with.
During a recent break-in at one of these establishments a substantial amount of male watches and gold chains were stolen. During the investigation done by the detective and Forensic department. found, that the telephone and electrical wires to that establishment were cut, causing the alarm not to be activated. If this establishment had a secondary or back-up system it would trigger the alarm and the police department would have been notified. The Detective department is also asking any-one who may have been approached to buy watches or any other type of jewelry not to do so and to immediately contact the police. The jewelry you are buying might be stolen.
Great Bay: ----HIV/AIDS Programme Manager Suzette Moses-Burton recently returned from the European Union planning and launches meeting in Curacao, which was held on June 25 and 26 at the Hilton.
The purpose of the meeting in Curacao was to officially launch the EC/OCT project; review the implementation and results of the first year and to identify priority issues and activities for inclusion in the second year work plan.
Suzette stated that on day one attendees to the meeting looked at the logical framework with all indicators, reviewed year one activity, and were given an update of the project as it relates to where it is at this moment. Year two for the project starts in October 2009 and ends September 2010.
During the planning meeting all focal points from the 11 countries made additional comments, and raised the necessary issues regarding the project for year two for submission to the Steering Committee.
“The Dutch territories made specific recommendations, which were to reduce the number of indicators, and to change some of the indicators based on the situation of the Dutch territories as opposed to the British territories, which is not the same,” said Moses-Burton.
One of the indicators, which was: By December 2011, there will be 50% reduction in new HIV infections (Baseline: new infections in 2007) was revised to: By September 2013 there will be a 50% reduction in the reported number of new infections.
During the two day meeting, persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) met with stakeholders to discuss community involvement in the project. All changes were submitted to the Steering Committee for approval.
A few of the activities planned for year two is:
• Document the [RED] Campaign as a best practice
• Increase the involvement of PLWHA in prevention activities
• Lobby for increased access to improved care including psycho-social support
• Conduct integrated behavioral survey among hard to reach population (men who have sex with men/commercial sex workers)
“Strengthening the Integration of the British and Dutch OCTs in the Regional Response to HIV/AIDS through the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS” is the title of this European Union Project.
Willemstad: --- The swearing in of two State Secretaries took place on Friday. Theswearing in was done in the presence Governor General Fritz Goedgedrag. Coming from St. Maarten was Mr. Patrick Illidge representing the National Alliance (NA) party and Julio G. Constansia representing Curacao of the Frente Obrero (FOL) Party.
The swearing in ceremony for the two State Secretaries took place at 11:30 at the Governor's Palace at Fort Amsterdam in the presence of the Prime Minister Emily De Jongh El Hage, President of Parliament Pedro Atacho, Senator Myrna Godett, representative of the Netherlands in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba Rob Vermaas, Invited Guests, Professor Kunnenman and Proceutor General Dick Piar, family and friends of Mr. Illidge and Mr Constancia
Mr. Patrick Illidge will be State Secretary of Health and Mr Julio G Constancia will be State Secretary of Traffic and Communications.
Philipsburg:---St. Maarten Pride Foundation warns that the building of the Ring road, particularly during the Hurricane season, could potentially lead to disastrous flooding of the Sucker Garden and Greater Philipsburg area and is therefore extremely irresponsible.
According to a Government commissioned report titled “Report Great Salt Pond water storage capacity” carried out by Lievense Consulting Engineers; the present water storage capacity of the Great Salt Pond is 132,1 ha (hectare). Based on this same report the minimum storage capacity of the Great Salt Pond is required to be some 109 ha (hectare). The report indicates that with the construction of the Ring road the Great Salt Pond’s water storage capacity will be 110,4 ha (hectares) a reduction of 21,7 ha (hectares) or 16,4 percent of the Pond’s present water storage capacity and just 1,4 ha (hectares) above the aforementioned required minimum storage capacity of 109 ha (hectares).
The clearing of vegetation on the Great Salt Pond’s surrounding hillsides and in valleys for the building of homes, businesses etc. or the construction of roads continues to reduce the water retention capacity of these areas and therefore channels increasingly large volumes of water to the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond. The influx of rainwater into the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond over the past few years has consequently increased at a rapid rate. In addition hurricane experts have estimated that the 2009 Hurricane season will have about 5 hurricanes, 11 named storms and at least 2 major (Category 3-4-5) hurricanes. Considering the aforementioned, St. Maarten Pride Foundation believes that Government and in particular the Commissioner in charge of infrastructure and the environment should be planning for increased water storage capacity rather than reducing the Great Salt Pond’s water storage capacity to just 1.4 ha (hectares) above the required minimum.
St. Maarten Pride Foundation calls on the Lt. Governor and the island’s Disaster Management and Preparedness coordinators to take a close look at the Ring road plans as it is obvious that the Commissioner in charge of the project has not taken the safety and well-being of St. Maarten’s residents and their homes into consideration with the proposed plans for the construction of the Ring road.
GREAT BAY:--– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently continued his series of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders, by meeting with representatives of the banking sector.
Representing the Windward Islands Bank was Managing Director, Mr. Jan Beaujon, while the RBTT bank was represented by Mr. Wayne Kowlessar, President and Country Head & Ms. Cheryl Lake-Valies, Country Operating Officer. First Caribbean Bank was represented by Alphons Gumbs, Credit Manager.
Additionally present during the discussions were Mr. Romeo Pantophlet and Mr. Fernando William of the commissioner’s office along with Ms. Lucy Gibbes, Department Head and Ms. Hickinson of the department of economic policy and research.
In considering the current economic developments and future prospects, there is a general consensus, that overall the market has declined due to a global economic downturn.
As main indicators to reach that conclusion were, among others:
• Slowdown of construction projects as a consequence of a downturn in pre-sales of some major projects.
• Reduction of employment in construction (and trade sectors) and subsequent reduction in consumer spending.
• An average 30 to 35 percent drop in credit card sales.
• Drop in loan demand (particularly in the commercial sector)
• More small businesses requesting an extension in overdraft facilities, in order to survive.
• Higher delinquencies on consumer loans as compared to 1 ½ year ago.
• Increase in late loan payments
While the banking sector has reportedly not recorded a significant change in foreclosure trends, Commissioner Frans Richardson was told that banks are working with clients on an individual basis to prevent foreclosures seen as an absolute last resort.
Home mortgage demand has meanwhile remained stable with private/residential buildings still being constructed.
Another development is that higher end/modern rental spaces are not being rented.
With regards to Interest rates, these have dropped within the last four years from 13% to as low as 7% at present.
Commissioner Richardson was encouraged to hear that the banking sector has taken measures or is in the process of doing so, to mitigate the current impact.
Among the initiatives is the incorporating of special packages (in the commercial sector) by the banking sector, in order to stimulate economic activity.
The banking sectors have made a number of tangible recommendations for short-term & structural solutions in collaboration with government.
Those are at present being reviewed.
Philipsburg:---National Alliance Senator George Pantophlet says that the past government in instituting the new labor policy did not take St. Maarten’s reality into consideration neither the negative effects it has had and will continue to have on the economy. It has created chaos, uncertainty, fear and frustration. The policy will not help reduce illegal immigration and protect locals but to the contrary it will increase illegal immigration. What the past government forgot was that people’s lives are affected and in this case in a very negative sense. Any law regulation or policy that is put in place has to improve not frustrate lives. Government has to be an enabler not a destroyer. Today while looking at the island council meeting on the new labor policy requested by the council members of the Democratic Party I received a call from an employee of foreign nationality who said that they were informed by their employer that they had to pay $900 to renew their working permit. This same person who earns minimum wage had recently moved from their former dwelling because after inspection it was concluded that it was not an ideal place to live. They decided to share a house with a friend for $700 of which each would pay half. Last month the friend moved out and now they are left with having to pay the $700 a month rent. Now in addition to this they are told that they have to pay $900 previously $450 to renew their permit. They have been living on St. Maarten for some 15 years and at their former address for 5 years.
Another person came to my office and explained to me that after living on St. Maarten for some 19 years and working on their 6th renewal it was turned down because their two bedroom apartment with a separate living room kitchen and a porch was too small. They have been renting the apartment along with their partner and two children for the last 7 years and paying $550 a month. While having some 4 weeks to respond this person out of fear of being deported paid $750 to appeal the decision all of this because of the new labor policy. And these are just a few of the many who are facing similar problems. What has to be understood is that these persons will not just leave St. Maarten they have made this island their home. I will again repeat a call I made some years ago for synchronization of working and residence permits. It cannot continue where some employers refuse to request working permits for persons who have are in their employ sometimes for years and these same persons are not permitted to regulate their status on the basis that they are employed and can prove this by submitting the necessary documents. The new labor policy must be withdrawn and a more realistic one presented.
Philipsburg: --- The police did not find anything in the Middle Region home that was searched on Tuesday evening confirmed police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. The police spokesman said the investigation and search was conducted by the Atraco team as well as the Detectives of the local police force and not the RST as was previously reported.
Leonard said police arrested a 21 year old St. Maarten man identified as K.B who allegedly stole a number plate from a vehicle last Sunday. Leonard further explained that suspects stole a car at gun point from a man early Sunday morning in the vicinity of Border Bar. Police caught K.B with the number plate of the stolen car on Tuesday.
The young man he said remains in custody as police is busy investigating the case.
GREAT BAY: ---- The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with representatives of the WIFOL, WICSU and teachers union as part of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders.
Current developments and concerns, which the commissioner was informed of, include a reduction of workdays, in some cases, from six to 2 days per week, for employees.
The trade union sector has informed Commissioner Richardson of its concerns regarding a shift from traditional stay-over facilities to timeshare and condominium projects. The trade union sector is of the opinion that this development does not provide for long-term employment and very limited employment opportunities for workers.
Other issues, which the commissioner was informed of, are concerns regarding the availability of training programs for workers, escalating crime, traffic congestion, and expensive airlift to St. Maarten.
The trade union sector is of the opinion that if the cost of airlift can be reduced, the number of arrivals may also increase, translating into additional jobs in the workplace.
During the discussions, union representatives raised the matter of activating the St. Maarten Social Economic Council (SER), to advise government on social economic issues.
Expressed to Commissioner Richardson were also concerns regarding the need to look into alternative sources of energy and investing in the upgrading of the infrastructure.
Suggestions for structural short-term solutions to a number of the discussed issues include a need for retraining programs for workers and training for workers in alternative industries.
The trade union sector further suggested a quota system, which limits the number of foreign workers.
Another suggestion was the revival of the consumer foundation.
We have a production shortage of approximately 8 MW.
Area Time out Time in
Dutch Quarter, Union Farm, Belverdere, Bishop Hill area, Dawn Beach, Tamarind Hill, Red Pond 14.00 16.00
Pointe Blanche, WG Buncamper Road, Vineyard area 14.00 16.00
Cupecoy area, Mullet Bay area, Beacon Hill, S'bay village, Airport Road 15.00 17.00
Beethoven str., Belair, Little Bay, Fort Willem 16.00 18.00
Belverdere, Oyster Pond, Westin Hotel area 17.00 19.00
Orange Grove, Almond Grove, Colebay lagoon area 17.00 19.00
GREAT BAY– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Small Business Development Foundation (SBDF), as part of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders.
Chamber president Glen Carty and board member Arthur Bute represented the chamber and director Ludwig Quenniche represented the SBDF.
Commissioner Richardson was informed that the chamber is experiencing a significant reduction in the number of businesses being opened and that operating business establishments are reporting a reduction in activity due to the economic downturn.
Suggestions for structural short-term solutions, to be implemented in collaboration with government, include the protection of businesses, without introducing protectionism. The renewal of Philipsburg, especially Front street and Back Street was also offered as a good idea.
The stakeholders informed the commissioner of their views on the issue of quality versus quantity, considering that, according to stakeholders, the island has to make a choice of how it is perceived. Mentioned was the proliferation of counterfeit goods and the need for consumer protection.
Other recommendations entail rectifying the practice of parallel imports, which create unfair competition, and that all businesses must be required to have a crib number before a business license is granted.
Additional ideas offered were to limit the possibility of companies being retailers and wholesalers at the same time, to avoid monopolies and price manipulation, implementation of economic zoning and improving the communication between VOSEC and the chamber.
CAY BAY – GEBE technicians late Tuesday afternoon and early evening, completed their repairs to the DG-12 Generator (which can produce 8 to 10 megawatts of electricity) and will now go through the start-up of the generator as well as the test phase before the engine could be certified to be put back online.
The test phase will take a number of hours and if all goes well, the DG-12 Generator could be back online providing electricity to the community on Wednesday morning with the positive result of no more load shedding.
GEBE technicians had to replace the piston liner and rings. An abnormal amount of combustibles in the lube oil was found which GEBE engineers suspect was caused by a damaged piston ring.
Consequently, all parts had to be removed and replaced which proved to be rather labor intensive and time consuming and hence the need for load shedding.
Philipsburg:--- The Windward Islands Teachers Union is not at all happy with the explanations given to them regarding the shortchanging of the teachers vacation allowance. President of the WITU Claire Elshot said the union received a response from the executive council outlining the reasons teachers received less monies this year.
According to the letter, which was given to the media it, stated that an indebt investigation was carried out by the finance department and they discovered that there was an error when calculating the vacation allowance.
The error being that the 16..3% Windward Island Allowance was calculated twice during the school year 2007-2008. According to the finance department, they made a mistake since the vacation allowance was integrated in the new salary scales, which went into effect in April last, and the calculation for the vacation allowance was done in the month of May. Elshot said the letter sent by the executive council is not clear because according to the union these calculations are done in the month of June for July. She said and even if the island government made a mistake, they have the right to correct that mistake but not to collect the extra monies that were paid out. She said based on what was taken out from the 2008-2009 vacation allowance it looks as if the finance department corrected the error and also took out the extra monies they claim to have payed the year before. Another explanation given by the finance department is that the pension fund has been increased from Naf. 72,000 to Naf. 77.544, which also caused an increase in the premiums taken out. The executive council also indicated to the union they would be sending each teacher a detail letter explaining them the reason for the drastic decrease in their vacation allowance. However, the union plans to conduct their own investigation into this matter which they intend to follow up Elshot explained.
The unionist said they also held a meeting with the commissioner of education where a number of issues were discussed. She said even the commissioner feels that some of the pending cases regarding teachers should go before a judge so that a ruling could be issued. Elshot explained that even though several of the cases have been filed in the court system the union is of the opinion that a special committee should be installed to deal with these issues which would save both parties monies. She said the persons in charge of the education department cannot be judge and jury in these cases where they themselves did not act fairly.
Philipsburg: --- Daniel Evans the St. Maarten representative giving the one-week training on human smuggling and the use of fraudulent documents said the training is progressing well thus far. Evans said the training, which began on July 24 thru July 29, is a follow up training on the request of the Minister of Justice David Dick.
He said the first part of the training took place in Curacao almost two years ago and the Immigration, Customs Enforcement was more than happy to hold a follow up on the first program. So far, there are about 120 officers from ten islands participating in the program to which they are receiving certificates.
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Philipsburg: -- The police department has received a number of reports on petit crime over the weekend and late last week confirmed police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. The police spokesman said the department is presently investigating two cases where handbags have been snatched on different occasions. The first incident he said occurred on Thursday evening near Casino Royale.
The police spokesman said a 55 year old Canadian woman told police that she had just exited the casino and was about to enter her car which was parked on Rhine Road when a man attacked her and snatched her handbag. The woman had visible marks on her arm and knee when she engaged in a struggle to guard her bag. Leonard said inside the bag was $1000, and other personal items.
Police is also investigating another case where a Jamaican national reported that her handbag was snatched while she was walking on Back Street on Friday. The 33-year-old woman told police that she had $400 plus an airline ticket to and from Jamaica along with other personal items in the bag.
Police is also investigating an armed robbery, which took place at Western Union on Welfare Road Cole Bay. Leonard said two masked and armed men entered the establishment on Saturday morning brandishing handguns as they approach the cashiers. The police spokesman said luckily the cashiers operating at that establishment was behind a bulletproof glass and the attackers was not able to reach their target even though the made several attempts. However, after failing to rob the cashiers the bandits turned to a customer who was inside the building at the time and robbed them of $400. After committing the act, the bandits escaped from behind the building.
Marigot: --- Several persons including the territorial council are questioning the intentions of the president of the Tourist Office who wants the council promote the interim director to director of the Tourist Office. A meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday afternoon with the council where a decision has to be taken on the promotion. SMN News was reliably informed that the meeting had to be postponed twice because the territorial councilors did not show up on at least two occasions protesting against the decision of the EPIC President. If the meeting is held on Wednesday, the Council would be asked to vote on the matter. It is not clear if the opposition is in favor of the move or if they are against it since this would be another foreigner that would be assigned to a top position.
SMN News understands that the president of tourist office was called in and a discussion was held on her intentions. SMN News further understands that the director was hired as a consultant (Picaut & Fine Companies) to conduct the audit of the Tourist Office Association prior to her being hired as the interim director. It is also forbidden for any consultant to manage an EPIC according to French Administrative laws.
Questioning is her salary which stands at Euros 4, 500. The EPIC also has to provide housing, car, and phone and to cover the new employee’s moving expenses from France to St. Martin. Sources say the new director is also a friend of the president of the EPIC a situation she fought against with the former director who was fired.
It is not clear, how the council intends to deal with the issue, which has become highly controversial and if the prefet delegue would take actions against the illegalities taking place at the COM and Tourist Office. Already the treasury had taken action by not paying the utility bills of the tourist office some two months ago. The building was without phone, electricity, and water, which was restored after payment was made.
Curacao. The singer and songwriter Ephrem J was recently in the Dominican Republic for recording purposes and is back in Curacao ready for the release of his new single “Amor en la Luna”. The song was written and composed by Ephrem J and arranged by Martires de Leon from the Dominican Republic. When listening to the song, one can easily become confused about the source of the creation, considering that the arrangement combined with Ephrem J’s interpretation of the song, don’t leave any doubt that this young gentleman is putting quality above everything which in turn represents a serious threat to bachata bands like Aventura and Extreme.
The theme of the song, interpreted in a perfect Spanish, illustrates making love on the moon, where stars, comets and planets celebrate love and all distractions are muted while doing so. The melody of the song is also captivating. Without any doubt Ephrem J can look back on a great support with regard to the production of this song by Martires de Leon. About De Leon, the following is said on the website
http://www.iasorecords.com/bachata.cfm?subsecid=108:
“Although not the best known, guitarist Martires de León has probably been the most influential figure in bachata from 1998 to the present. De León, a prodigiously talented guitarist, has dedicated himself to the study of a wide range of styles on the instrument—among them blues, trio music, and jazz harmony. As an arranger, he has dominated the genre as no one else, with the exception of Edilio Paredes before him; an astonishing number of the most popular acts in bachata use De León to arrange and record their songs, among them Monchy y Alexandra, Alex Bueno, Los Toros Band, Yoskar Sarante and El Gringo de la Bachata. De León and his talented group of musicians have also perfected the formula which Anthony Santos and his contemporaries developed of a melodic introduction, verse, and a rhythmic “mambo” section marked by increasingly percussive bass parts and merengue-like patterns on the bongó and güira.”
With this modern approach to bachata, Martires de Leon has created a new style, specific to Ephrem J’s voice and style.
Pleasant information is that this bachata mastermind will be in Curacao to perform as a guitarist along other top Curacao musicians during Ephrem J’s concert with dancing opportunity to be held at the end of October 2009.
The song “Amor en la Luna” can be heard in its pre-release phase on the home page www.ephremj.com with a link to the lyrics. In the coming days, all radio stations and DJs in the Netherlands Antilles will receive the radio demo of the song, while the video clip of the song that was also recorded in the Dominican Republic will soon be released. The video clip was directed, recorded and edited by Jose Calles of BlackBoxVisuals.
SIMPSON BAY - Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation hereby announces that mid-August the Simpson Bay Bridge will closed to maritime traffic for a two-week period to facilitate additional repair work.
The main contractor Hofman Sliedrecht will continue the repair works replacing the traffic barrier boxes and booms; installing new traffic lights and installing a new electrical control cabinet for the bridge.
All the repairs to the Simpson Bay Bridge are based on the recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges. They are done to ensure the durability and longevity of the bridge structure.
In August 2009 Inspectors of Rijkswaterstaat will once more asses the condition of the bridge after all the improvements and will submit a report to the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority.
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Philipsburg: --- The police are busy investigating a shooting incident, which took place sometime on Sunday afternoon in the vicinity of Le Petit Chateau on Salt Rock Road.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release identified the victim of the shooting as R.A U 39 years old from the Dominican Republic. The police spokesman police encountered the victim who was bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound to his right thigh.
According to witnesses on the scene, two groups of totaling about six, came to the scene in two separate vehicles and for no apparent reason started shooting at the clients who were at the time sitting in the Carmita Bar. The victim who was also in the bar was hit by one of the bullets. After committing their act, the suspects fled the scene. The victim was treated on the scene by paramedics and then taken to the St Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. The detectives are busy questioning witnesses to determine exactly what happened because it is still very unclear what happened and why. The victim was treated at the hospital for his wounds and was allowed to leave after his treatment.
Then investigation is in full swing.
In recognition of their sterling, continuous, and significant contributions to the continued growth and development of the airline, staff initiatives and the communities that they serve two of Winair’s most senior employees were honored Sunday during the airline’s first annual Family Fun Day held at Emilio Wilson Park, St Maarten.
The employees, Managing Director, Edwin Hodge and VP of Marketing, Claudio Buncamper were fittingly recognized by the organizing committee who praised both Hodge and Buncamper for the current success that the newly formed Winair Activities Committee was enjoying.
However, it was a double for Hodge also who was also honored by the I Can Foundation, a locally based Non Governmental organization that caters for abused, underprivileged children living within the St Maarten‘s community.
Receiving their awards both Hodge and Buncamper expressed their appreciation and thanks to the staff for honoring them reiterating their commitment to continue supporting staff related initiatives.
Buncamper said that he saw it as important to lend his unwavering support and assistance reminding staff that it was some eight years ago that activities of this nature had gone dormant. He recollected that during years gone by the staff were more united crediting it with the many opportunities that they had in getting to know each other while being able to build stronger bond and relationships through the many opportunities of interaction.
“He noted that the award is a symbol to remind him that staff unity and interaction are critical tools in better marketing and promoting the airline so as to maintain the high level of service that the airline has been giving over its 47 odd years of operation.
“This award is special as it has been given to me from the staff of the airline in recognition of my support and assistance. I am very grateful and thankful to the committee and staff members for honoring me today and would like to say that I am very appreciative of their gesture,” Buncamper said.
Meanwhile, MD Hodge in accepting his award thanked the staff for what he described as being their creative and innovative initiative. He expressed excitement from management to have been supporting such an activity, which was solely conceptualized and executed by b the staff noting that it demonstrates that staff can continue to achieve success within the airline.
Hodge also gave his company’s assurance that future initiatives and activities will continue to receive support and assistance from the airline. He stressed that despite the challenges faced by the company as a direct result of the world’s financial crisis Winair will continue to strive in ensuring that opportunities are provided for staff development and enhancement so as to continue aiding in delivering service of high quality and value to the travelling public.
“Despite the many challenges that we face today we can ill afford to sit back waiting on things to happen and through activities like these we are confident that it will help in uniting employees more thus ensuring that they can continue to function at a high level thus we the management will continue to support,” Hodge declared.
Hodge was also recognized by the I Can Foundation for his continued support and assistance to community development more in particular the Ngo who noted that his significant support has tremendously helped in enhancing the lives of the children that resides at the home.
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CAY BAY / PHILIPSBURG— Power production and office operations were disrupted on Wednesday as a result of a mechanical failure at the power plant and an IT system failure. The incidents were unrelated.
The GEBE Power Plant experienced some mechanical problems with its production diesel generator DG #9 resulting in load shedding. DG#9 was stopped in order for the GEBE power plant technicians to perform some emergency repairs. As a consequence, the distribution grid experienced a shortage of approximately 5 MW resulting in load shedding. The technicians at the power plant were able to minimize the effect of the outage by bringing a smaller engine, DG#3, that was being repaired online thereby reducing the number of areas that would have been affected. Several areas experienced power outages that lasted just over an hour. Power was expected to be restored by 17:00.
GEBE is already operating on a tight electricity production with just enough capacity to meet the current demand. Any mechanical problems may lead to short power interruptions. GEBE power plant is already being expanded with the two new 11.3 MW generators that arrived on the island last month. The engines are currently being installed and are scheduled to be commissioned by the end of December 2009. The addition of the 22.6 MW will stabilize the generation capacity.
GEBE customers were also not able to pay their bills due to an IT systems failure. Cashiers and customer service personnel were not able to access the administrative system. Despite the valiant efforts by the ICT staff to get the system back up and running, the customer service desks remained closed to the general public so the necessary repairs could be made to the system. GEBE expects to resume regular office operations by tomorrow.
GEBE apologizes to its customers for the interruptions in services and the inconvenience caused.
Philipsburg:----The Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation will be coordinating a cleanup of the Cul de Sac cemetery this coming Saturday from 8am-10am.
PRIDE is asking all community minded groups and individuals to join in this very worthwhile venture as the historic graveyard is in a deplorable state.
Bottles, cans, and other trash are littered between graves and many of the graves are covered with over grown bush and trees.
The Cul de Sac cemetery located across from the TEXACO gas station and Le Grand Marche on Bush road is on the Monument List of protected monuments.
Many notable Sint Maarteners dating back to the early 1800's are buried there. Families such as the once powerful Von Romondts can all be found there, as well as Sint Maarteners that have contributed to our society, the likes of the Nisbets, Waymouths, Hazels. Sint Maarten's first Commander John Philips, named after our Capital is buried there, as well as Sint Maarten's first botanist Dr. Hendrik van Rijgersma who's work is on display at the Swedish Museum of Natural History to this day.
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is looking forward to broad support from the community for this cleanup, and the foundation is appealing to the public to pay more respect to our heritage and monuments and treat them with the respect they deserve.
On August 13, 2009, an historic anchor was found by divers during the sea bottom cleaning operations in preparation for the Great Bay dredging. Upon realization of the importance of the find, Deon Swarts, director of Aquatic Solutions, called in the discovery to Lievense project director Rogier Brans, who then contacted Paul Martens of the Fire Department. Mr. Martens called the St. Maarten Museum director, Elsje Bosch and the SIMARC president (and Archaeology authority for VROM), Dr. Jay Haviser, who both immediately went to see the artifact on one of the diving boats. Onboard they saw that this is a large (3.5 meter long) historic anchor covered with coral and barnacles, often referred to as a ‘Fisherman’s type’ anchor, which probably dates from the 19th century.
This quick response cooperation between Lievense, Aquatic Solutions divers, Fire department, VROM, St. Marten Museum and SIMARC, shows a responsible procedure being conducted during the operations in Great Bay, with regard to archaeological / historic artifacts found. Indeed, this case is a very good example of efficient application of the Malta Treaty international requirements for the proper deposit of historic objects, which are found under the sea and must be provided to the related government authorities. The Netherlands Antilles ratified the Malta Treaty in 2007, thus its application to St. Maarten also applies. As well, the SIMARC already does conduct periodic walking surveys of the sand dredged from the bay, to investigate what materials are found and to make artifact collections if necessary.
This historic anchor will now be deposited at the SIMARC archaeological facility for about a month, to have the SIMARC students carefully remove the coral and barnacles. After that cleaning, the anchor must be submerged in fresh water for about a year to remove the chloride from the seawater imbedded in the iron. After that soaking, the anchor will be treated with specific chemicals for preservation, and then it can be displayed for the public. The location of display will be decided at a later date, closer to the time the SIMARC conservation measures are finished.
GREAT BAY– The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP), calls on residents to continue monitoring the progress of the season’s first hurricane, Bill which is located several hundred miles east of the islands.
Bill continues on a West North-West track which would keep it well away from the island as it continues on that forecasted direction at 16 miles per hour.
Hurricane Bill at 5.00pm on Tuesday had wind speeds of 110 miles per hour making it a Category 2 hurricane. Bill is expected to become the first major hurricane category 3 for the 2009 hurricane season, either Tuesday night or on Wednesday.
“Residents should continue to maintain vigilance. The system according to the National Hurricane Center is forecasted to pass well to the North East of the islands late Wednesday night and early Thursday.
“Until Bill clears the area, monitoring the hurricanes progress is necessary. For residents who have not yet made preparations for this hurricane season, please do so. It’s better to be safe than sorry later. Remember our theme for the season, ‘It Only Takes One’,” Fire Commander/Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Tuesday.
National Alliance Senator/councilman George says that he is not an economist and cannot give a concrete explanation on the consequences of dollarization. Some of the discussions mentioned such as St. Maarten’s major use of the currency (US tourism) and the fact that Saba St. Eustatius and Bonaire have already opted for the dollar are valid ones. What was not mentioned thus far and maybe this will take place on Curacao during a presentation given on dollarization on Monday August 24 at the Central Bank building next week is the issue of seigniorage. For example the cost of paying to have the money printed since it is not our currency, the fact that the interest rates on savings in guilders at present are much higher than in dollars.
Furthermore what are the requirements going to be that will be set by the Federal Reserve and can we meet them? Another important factor that should be looked into has to do what happened in the Netherlands with the introduction of the Euro. There were numerous complaints from the public of businesses and other organizations changing the sign in front of the products etc. from Hfls. to Euros. Also how will the salaries be calculated? Will someone who at present is earning Nafls.3 600, be earning $3600,- or will they be earning $2000 instead? At present most rents are charged in dollars so that will not be a major problem. But, will this mean no central Banks for the countries to be? Pantophlet said he is almost sure that these have been addressed by the experts but one never knows things can be overlooked at times.
It is good that government will be present to hear what the probable consequences are going to be. Because we should not forget that a political decision was taken to have one Central Bank with equal authority and a rotating president. It will be interesting to hear what discussions will be taken in the future on this matter.
Philipsburg: --- The new Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba, who visited St. Maarten on her first official visit on Monday, was confronted with a group of disgruntled police officers. Jacoba arrived on the island just after midday with her delegation and former Minister of Justice David Dick. On her first official visit she was supposed to meet with the management team of the police force but several officers of the police force captured the new minister’s attention the moment she stepped foot on St. Maarten. After a brief meeting with the island’s chief of police and was updated on the situation regarding the police Jacoba decided to meet with the officers briefly where a list of their grievances was presented to her prior to meeting with the management team of the police force.
She immediately met with the management team who also briefed her on the management of the Police Force. The minister then entered into another meeting with the police officers and their union representatives who itemized their grievances. ABVO representative Mr. Josepha said they were not happy with how the meeting ended because the Minister needed time to study their case, since only recently she took office. He said the police on St. Maarten are constantly asked to wait and no one wants to take their concerns into consideration, as such, they plan to continue their protest action on Tuesday. Josepha made clear that even though they are protesting safety and security on St. Maarten is under control.
In an invited comment, the Minister of Justice said she asked the police to give her a fair chance since she only took office a week ago and this is her first visit to St. Maarten. She said the police are asking for fair treatment and she believes that they should also give her a fair chance. Jacoba said she intends to look in the matter and decide what has to be dealt with as she intends to pick up where from where the former Minister left off. Asked if she felt the St. Maarten Police Force has been neglected by the Central Government.” With all that, I am told that is going on within the police force I do not think they have been neglected. I believe the officers just need to exercise patience.” Minister Jacoba said she believes that the police have to also exercise some patience since they have been waiting according to them a long time and few more days would not change anything. The Minister is scheduled to leave St. Maarten on Wednesday where she would be visiting Saba and Statia on Thursday. She is to return to Curacao on Friday.
Several police officers from the police force KPSSS walked out of the police station as they stage a protest against what they described as unfair treatment. The walk out took place on Monday the same day the new Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba arrived on the island.
The protest was led by Officer Giovanni Sprott and union representative from the ABVO Mr. Josepha. Sprott in a short statement to reporters said they gathered in front of the Government Administration Building because the police on St. Maarten are faced with some grievances over the last years. Sprott said while the Central Government has been providing Curacao, Bonaire and the other islands with their needs St. Maarten had been neglected. He said the sergeants in the police force are the ones who decided to protest because officers of the same rank were promoted to either major or inspectors while those on St. Maarten did not see or hear anything about their promotion, which has been pending for a number of years. He said the officers on St. Maarten are not even getting the opportunity to upgrade themselves with the training courses that are being provided, while they are now faced with a situation where officers from other islands are coming to St. Maarten with these higher ranks.
The veteran police officer who is no stranger to prosecution said the officers believe that other people are now reaping the benefit from their hard labour, which is no longer acceptable. Sprott said they submitted a document to the management team of the police force, the NAPB, and the Chief of Police Franklyn Richards.
The police are also calling on their elected officials especially the executive council to look into their grievances especially since they are soon to be going into a new status.
The officers felt that even though they have a number of years in service they are forgotten by the Central Government and this would no longer be accepted at least by the St. Maarten Police Force.
Also addressing reporters was ABVO representative Officer Josepha who also participated in the walk out. Josepha said he personally participated in number of meetings regarding their promotion and felt those responsible have taken them for granted. He said even though they are protesting the police are still on duty since they do not intend to sacrifice the community. Josepha said all three unions, the NAPB, the ABVO, and the WICSU were informed of their plans, but somehow the WICSU did not show up to represent the police. Good to note is the vice president of the Windward Island Civil Servant Union Lourdes Lake is part of the management team of the police force. Asked about this issue, which is clearly a conflict of interest, Josepha said the unions already discussed the matter with the WICSU president, however, he said the matter is internal and they intend to further discuss it.
NAPB representative Norwin Villarreal joined the officers shortly after the walk out where he was briefed. The NAPB representative quickly took over and went to deliver a letter, which was prepared for the Chief of Police he also participated in the meetings with the Minister.
Chief of Police Franklyn Richards who also participated in the short meeting said they did not expect the police to react in such a way since he was not informed prior to the Minister’s arrival. Richards acknowledged receipt of a copy of the letter, which was sent to the acting chief police commissioner Ademar Doran.
SIMPSON BAY - Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation Managing Director Russell, announced on Sunday that repairs activities at the bridge is progressing well.
A pontoon is currently located under the bridge, which is being used to implement repair work under the bridge deck.
Current repair works denote that no maritime traffic can enter or leave the Simpson Bay Lagoon. The bridge according to Managing Director Voges will only be opened during a weather emergency such as a storm or hurricane threat as was the case when Tropical Storm Ana and Hurricane Bill had posed a possible threat to the island.
“The pontoon will remain under the bridge until Thursday most probably. Most of the vessels that sought shelter in the lagoon from the inclement weather have already left.
“The maintenance repair work at the bridge entails rewiring of the electrical system and the installation of new traffic barriers. The latter have already been installed on both sides,” Voges explained on Sunday in a press release.
Boat owners and captains were informed several weeks ago about the two-week closure of the bridge in order to facilitate the necessary maintenance repairs. These repairs started on August 17.
All the repairs to the Simpson Bay Bridge are based on the recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges.
Philipsburg: --- The New Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba who arrived on St. Maarten on Monday on her first working visit was given a tour of the new immigration and naturalization department on Tuesday. Among the delegation that toured the building were former Justice Minister Mr. David Dick, Junior Minister Mr. Ernie Simmons, Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Ademar Doran, and Chief Inspector Robert Barby who will be heading the department.
In an invited comment former Minister of Justice David Dick said that when he published the Brooks Tower Accord based on an discussion with the incoming Minister Magali Jacoba.
In the meantime, Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba said she intends to implement the Brooks Tower Accord, which was part of the plan of the former Minister of Justice. Jacoba said when the new immigration and naturalization department opens her office would see to it that the policy which is aimed at regulating the undocumented is implemented.
Philipsburg:--- The police in a press release have sent out an appeal to parents and guardians of students attending school. In a press release police spokesman Ricardo Henson said since the opening of the new school year the police department have received several calls from concerned citizens and persons in the community and from at least one schoolteacher informing them that there are some serious rumors circulating, that several unknown individuals or a group or groups of youngsters possibly attending school in the Sint Peters/ South Reward area are intending to restart the fighting among each other.
One of these reports came in to the police as recently as Wednesday morning. For some time now these fights have constantly been monitored and prevented by the police in order make sure that the area is safe for all students and of course the community in general and will continue to do so.
The police are doing their utmost to prevent these types of incidents from happening, but they cannot do it alone. The police department is therefore asking the parents of these children to do their part in preventing these incidents . Speak to your children about the negative impact these incidents have and if their children are involved in any such type incidents to avoid doing that. Pick up your children on time so that they do not have to hang around the school area unnecessarily. This is not only a police problem but also a community problem. We all have to give a helping hand to solve this matter.
GREAT BAY– A number of Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) met in the conference room at the Cay Hill Fire & Ambulance Department Building last week Tuesday to discuss preparations and get an update on the current state of affairs in preparation for the peak period of the 2009 hurricane season.
The month of September and the first two weeks of October fall within the peak period of the hurricane season when most hurricane formation activity takes place.
Chairing the Tuesday meeting was Disaster Coordinator Fire Commander Winston Salomon.
A number of issues were discussed such as flood prone areas like Beacon Hill and Cay Bay, and what solutions could be developed to deal with these challenges.
A representative from the Public Works Department pointed out that they are still finding garbage and other debris in trenches and are appealing to the public to refrain from throwing garbage and other waste in the culverts and water ways. The debris will create blockage and cause flooding of surrounding areas.
Disaster Coordinator Fire Commander Winston Salomon is once again appealing to residents not to throw debris and garbage into trenches and to also take preparations for the hurricane season serious.
The flood gates and the Sucker Garden Pump Station; nation-wide curfew preparations and implementation procedures, the role of the Royal Dutch Marines and the St. Maarten Voluntary Korps; shuttering of government offices and buildings; and a review of back-up generators, were all areas touched upon during the meeting.
The Police informed the group that they are currently on standby and ready to uphold public order before, during and after a hurricane strike.
Those present for the meeting were representatives from the Public Works Department, Government Facilities Management, Police, Tourist Office, Fire Department, and the Government Information Service (GIS).
The hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
Last week all the teachers who teach Spanish as a subject for the TKL/PKL and PBL at the various PSVE schools gathered at Carl’s Unique Inn for a three day – Spanish teacher training.
This training was especially designed to cater to the specific needs of the teachers for the TKL/PKL and PBL educational tracks. During these days, the teachers discussed the attainment targets, examination requirements and they were offered practical hands-on exercises for listening comprehension, verbal and reading skills. They were able to share their knowledge and experiences with the professional support of two experienced trainers from Curacao.
On the last training day, the participants prepared a presentation for the School Managers of the various PSVE schools. The presentation, entailed among other things, their input and specific suggestions for improvement and upgrading of the subject Spanish at their respective schools.
The teacher training was well received and had a total of 15 attendees from Sint Maarten and 2 attendees from the G. van Putten PSVE School in St. Eustatius.
This initiative was organized by the DERPI office and funded with Dutch Development funds, trough USONA.
Philipsburg: --- Island Councilman Roy Marlin has sent a letter to the leader of government and commissioner of housing William Marlin asking several key questions pertaining to the purchase of Hope Estate. The island councilman said even though the island leader made the announcement on the purchase of the land his sources told him no decision was taken in the island council. He said based on newspaper reports the commissioner said the land would be purchased by the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation whereby government would be providing a subsidy to the latter.
The councilman said while he applaud, the initiative of government to embark on such venture t provide affordable homes he needs to be provided with certain information.
Marlin wants to know when the executive council took the decision to purchase the land in Hope Estate. He wants to know what the purchase price of the land is and which financial institution will provide the loan to the SMHDF and at what interest rate.
The former commissioner of housing said he also wants to know how long the executive council would be subsiding the SMHDF for them to pay back the loan.
For how many years will the Executive Council have to subsidize the SMHDF to pay back the loan? Marlin said if the period is longer than five years if the decision of the executive council would have to be sent to the island council for approval, which is according to the law on financial management.
Has the Executive Council considered including the amount needed to purchase the land as part of governments capital expenditures which would have allowed this to be financed from the borrowing authority awarded to the Island Territory of St Maarten, which also entails that the Dutch State can at all times subscribe to a bond in order to make the interest rate competitive? Marlin said he also wants to know the total amount square meters of the island that is to be purchased and how much is suitable for the construction of homes. He is also asking for the certificate of ad-measurement if there is any or with a topographical map of the property. The island councilman said he also wants to know if there are appraisals for the property and if so he can be provided with copies of those appraisals.
Marlin made clear that when he was about to sell the lands in Belvedere he was accused of having a hoax, he said today there are number of people who are now seeking their building permits since the lands was indeed sold. He said he believes that the announcement made by the leader of government is one to be called a hoax.
Marigot— A 19 year old young man was arrested at the Marina Royale sometime around 4:45 pm by gendarme brigade who was patrolling at the Marina. The youth was among several youths who were in the process of robbing a business establishment. The other suspects managed to escape, while the 19 year old is scheduled to appear in court on December 3 2009.
Philipsburg: --- Three members of the Democratic Party faction have requested a meeting of the island council. The letter of request was sent to the Chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards on Monday.
Island Councilman Roy Marlin in an email said three members of the DP faction signed the request while council member Leroy de Weever is off island and therefore was unable to sign.
When the meeting is called the members of the DP faction would be requiring clarification from the Executive Council on a number of issues with regard to the finances and economy of the Island.
Issues such as the preparations for the budget 2010, the statement by the Commissioner of Finance reference the 2010 budget that will have a deficit, clarification on the quarterly reports to the CFT, which have not been submitted to the Island Council as prescribed by law, budget amendments 2009 and an overall review of the performance of the 2009 budget projections v/s receivables.
In addition, the Democratic Party feels at this point and time that the Commissioner of Economic Affairs and the Commissioner of Finance must be in a position to provide clarity to the Island Council and in extension the business community and the people of St. Maarten on the economic stimulus program of the NA/Heyliger government. As recently as last week, the SHTA called for the implementation of the proposals, which came out of the economic summit. The Executive Council remains mute on these issues. In the absence of a governing program of the NA/Heyliger government which was due in three weeks since the NA/Heyliger government took office, which should be among others the guiding factor for the management of the finances of government and the economy of this country it is essential that government will then have to clarify its plans on the floor of the Island Council.
GREAT BAY: --- Head of the Ambulance Department Cylred Richardson is very pleased that two certified ambulance nurses namely, Khalilah Blijden and Tynisha Arrendell, have received the opportunity to attend Intensive Step-Up Course 2009 currently taking place in Curacao.
The course has been organized by the Netherlands Antilles Foundation for Clinical Higher Education (NASKHO). The course, which started on September 7, runs until September 12 in the Ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel.
“The course focuses on a variety of topics in emergency medicine and participants will receive hands-on skill and simulation during the entire course,” Head of the Ambulance Dept. Cylred Richardson told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Tuesday.
Nurses will be studying some of the following course subjects also referred to as skill stations, Mega Code (practicing airway), Trauma Code (peak flow), Insertion and maintenance of tubes and catheters, Fundoscopy and small procedures (small surgical procedures and stitches).
“The skills gained offer each participant to the course an opportunity to practice and to
“The topics being addressed are of importance to the ambulance department certainly in the field of emergency medicine. Upon their return, the two nurses would be requested to make various presentations to the remaining operational staff members of the department,” Richardson said on Tuesday.
Airport: ---On Sunday September 13, six new cadets from the Windward Islands flew to Curacao where they will be attending the Police Academy to become police officers. In Curacao these cadets will be joined by one more cadet who already is in Curacao
The names of these cadets are G. Lake, S. van Bosse, F. Perres-Torres, D. Every, R. Henson, J. DeBruin from Sint Maarten and I. Woodley from Sint Eustatius. These cadets will be accompanied to Curacao by the coordinator of the recruitment campagne 2009, Chief Inspector Carl John. On this trip Chief Inspector Carl John will be having talks with the management of the Police Academy ( LPO) with regards to the progress of all students (police and immigration) presently attending the police academy. Several trips to Curacao by members of the recruitment team in Sint Maarten will take place in order to monitor the progress of the cadets. The amount of cadets from the Windward Islands attending the Police Academy in Curacao at present will be 40 persons. 20 for police officers and 20 for immigration officers. The management-team of the KPSSS wishes the cadets much success.
French Quarter: -- A woman who was riding a scooter in French Quarter was hit off her machine as she tried to overtake a car. The rider had to be taken to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. Several bystanders that witnessed the accident gathered at the scene and had to be controlled by the gendarmes. The accident occurred next to the entrance of the French Quarter Clinic and Pharmacy. According to bystanders the rider attempted to over take the car that was about to turn in the entrance leading to the pharmacy when she collided with the car. A press release from the gendarmes confirmed the accident, no details on the victim’s condition was not released up to press time.

Philipsburg: --- Island Councilman Louie Laveist has sent a letter to the chairman of the island and executive council on Tuesday seeking clarity on certain information he has been receiving concerning a senior civil servant.
Laviest in his letter to the council said that he understands that the civil servant in question has been seeking out unscrupulous business for his wife, a member of the island council. Laveist said he received information that the department head has been lobbying and possibly threatening companies that does contract work for the island government to use his wife’s consultancy firm.
Laveist said he understands that the consultancy firm charges some $10,000 per month and per company that utilizes their services. He said if the allegations are true and if ten companies commit themselves to this retainer’s fee then the firm in question would receive $1,200,000 annually. Laveist said in light of this he is posing certain questions, which is in accordance with the island’s regulation of the Netherlands Antilles. He asked if the executive council could inform the island council if the above allegations are true. If answered is in the affirmative would this be in conflict with the code of conduct regarding civil servants and government officials. The island councilman said he also would like to know what would be the response of the executive council on this issue. Laveist said he also wants to know if the companies that has committed to the consultancy firm can be issued with a fine if they fail the report this blatant abuse of power from a senior civil servant. Laveist also wants to know if the executive council would condone any member of the civil service core to abuse their power with the ultimate goal of enriching their immediate families and their self.
CAY BAY--- Shell service stations in St. Maarten are performing to very high standards. In recent weeks Shell stations in St. Maarten scored well in cleanliness and presentation, and in customer service, prompting commendations from both Shell and its Caribbean representatives Sol.
All stations in the St. Maarten network were deemed worthy of awards for cleanliness and presentation, after an audit in July by Luis Wong, Shell’s Brand Licensing Relationship Manager Caribbean. Mr. Wong carried out a thorough review of St. Maarten stations and concluded that St. Maarten boasts a world-class network of gas stations that can hold its own against any network in Europe, the US or elsewhere. “I only found a few small things that needed fixing. I am very impressed,” Mr. Wong said after his visit from his headquarters in Guatemala.
Shell audits its gas stations annually on “state of repair” and “cleanliness”, explained David Antrobus,
General Manager - Northern Caribbean for Sol Group, Shell’s representative in the Caribbean. The auditor looks at how clean the station is and how well Shell’s brand is represented. “These audits are tough. What Mr. Wong could see was that there is a good competition going on amongst the stations in our network,” said Mr. Antrobus.
He reported that since all seven stations in the network achieved the threshold of 80 %, they were all presented with awards at a special ceremony at Duzong in Cole Bay. R & R Tackling in Cole Bay, which had a close-to-perfect score with a 97 percent report-card, received a special commendation.
The ceremony also served to present Shell Madame Estate with a silver award from Sol for customer service. As part of a program called “People Make the Difference Real” 84 Shell gas stations in all 14 Caribbean countries where Sol is present were visited by mystery shoppers from the beginning of the year. The stations were judged on a number of customer service criteria.
Shell Madame Estate achieved the 80 % threshold in the second quarter of the year. Of the 16 awards -5 Gold and 11 Silver- that were given out over that quarter, Shell Madame Estate claimed 14th place and a silver award.
Sol GM Mr. Antrobus was proud that stations in his network claimed the achievements and got the appropriate accolades. “They excelled in service, cleanliness and presentation, which is what we expect from our partners. That they were awarded with prizes speaks for Sol’s core belief that excellence should be rewarded,” he said.
Great Bay:--- Commissioner of Tourism, Frans Richardson personally welcomed Ms. Rebecca Wilson, winner of the “Travel Reporter for St. Maarten” contest organized in July, 2009 in Holland by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau in The Netherlands and the online travel magazine, Surprisetickets.nl.
Ms. Wilson was chosen out of almost 900 participants in the online competition who submitted ideas regarding what they would write about if selected as a Special Travel Reporter for the island. The prize included a one-week stay for two at the Divi Little Bay Beach resort during the month of September plus airfare, and an extra €500 pocket money.
“I’m happy you chose to participate in this online competition to become a Travel Reporter for St. Maarten,” Frans Richardson said while welcoming Ms. Wilson to the island Wednesday afternoon. Ms. Wilson was accompanied by her brother Rob, who is also a photographer. They both arrived on the island Tuesday aboard KLM.
“I hope you enjoy your stay on our island and that you’ll return and write good things about your experience here,” the Commissioner added.
Ms. Wilson’s winning idea entails writing about a Trail Tour around the island, which would include historical, cultural and nature highlights. At the end of her stay here, Ms. Wilson, a book editor by profession, will be required to write an article based on her experience in St. Maarten for publication upon returning to Holland.
Commenting on Ms. Wilson’s idea, Director of Tourism, Regina LaBega, said she found it very interesting.
“I also think it’s an excellent idea as we are currently developing an official tour booklet for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, and this trail booklet can definitely enhance and/or coincide with our efforts. We are pleased to host Ms. Wilson and her brother,” she said.
Rebecca Wilson and her brother were given an extensive tour of the island Wednesday, organized by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau. They are due to return to Holland on September 15.
Willemstad - Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba is visiting Bonaire on Monday and Tuesday for follow-up meetings to deal with issues she encountered during her visit in early September, The minister has studied several problems given to her during her initial visit, which she believes needs to be solved during her two day meetings.
Minister Jacoba was on Bonaire on the 3 and 4 September for a familiarization visit. During that visit she met with the police, the Registry and Public Prosecutor's Office, Probation office, the Guardianship Council, the Maria Höppner Foundation and the Department for Civil Affairs aliens. Lieutenant Glenn Thode accompanied by Minister Jacoba some of these visits where the problems were outlined.
The Minister noted that there have been some positive developments, such as the reorganization of the police, the progress avn New Admission Organization in the Civil Division and the appointment of the first residential court on Bonaire.
The minister also proposed a number of solutions to the bottlenecks she encountered. One of the institutions she believes needs urgent attention is the Probation Service, and Administration Committee institution for family.
She said that due to the problems at the Maria Höppner Foundation, which manages the children's home in Bonaire, no new children are currently placed in the home. Minister Jacoba wants an urgent solution to this problem, reason for her visit today where she would have all stakeholders sit around the table. "The interests of children must come first," said minister Jacoba "That is my starting point, and also the basis of the discussions to begin today. We need to ensure adequate care of children who for one reason or another cannot stay home. "
On Tuesday Jacoba is going consult with the leadership of the Police Corps Bonaire (KPB). There is also an information session for the Corps on the path to improvement and decommissioning. The minister is assisted by Suzy Camelia-Römer and Anthony Cijntje during her visit. She is expected to attend a nine hour training session with the Corps. She is expected to continue with her consultations with the other services later that day.
The Minister has a list of concerns for all judicial services on Bonaire. These will be discussed one by one, so there is clarity for everyone. "Transparency of policy is very important," said Jacoba. "Everyone should know where he stands, so that together we can move forward."
The delegation traveled to Bonaire, but the minister is Robert Anthony, director of the Department of Judicial Affairs, and Tiara Haselhoef, program manager Netherlands Antilles Security Plan.
Philipsburg:--- On Wednesday afternoon Lt. Gov. Mr. Franklin Richards received a courtesy visit from Mr. Jesús Silva Ambassador of Spain stationed in Jamaica.
Philipsburg:--- Island Councilwoman Maria Buncamper Molanus during a press conference on Monday is calling on government to evaluate the health care system. The issue that many of senior citizens do not have health insurance is once again in the lime light, this time however with some international pressure says Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus. “The idea of ensuring that all people have health insurance is certainly one that is undoubtedly supported by all. And so it all eagerly awaiting the detailed explanation from Minister Leeflang on this proposal. Mind you the proposal for insuring all persons over 60 who have been previously covered by SVB is not a new proposal; in fact it has been on the table for more than 10 years”, says the former member of Parliament (2003-2006).
Arguments thus far being expressed by the Central Government are that this proposal will secure health insurance for approximately 5700 persons and save the Government 2 to 3 million guilders.
Buncamper-Molanus states that a relevant question could be whether this number includes the people living on St. Maarten Saba. St. Eustatius and which Government will be saving? Some insurance experts say that the average medical expenses per senior citizen are Fls 9000 per year.
The Central Government is proposing a premium of 10.5%. The question that one would have to ask is from what; is the basis the already very small AOV pension being collected. How much can be expected to be raised in premiums? Have the necessary calculations been made to safeguard continuity and avoid a repeat of the FZOG fund which is completely depleted putting our senior citizens who have this insurance, so often in an insecure position because of the inability of the FZOG fund to cover the medical expenses. And then we have not even touched on the predicament that the caregivers and service providers are put in because of payments not being forthcoming.
Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the media on Monday last that a common complaint in the Windward Islands is that the SVB insurance is prohibitive; accessing healthcare by means of the insurance is in some cases particularly for the Windward Islands just not affordable. More so for Saba and Statia than St. Maarten, when requiring medical care not available on Island the daily allowances provided to the patients are simply insufficient to pay transportation to get the medical attention required. Patients leaving from St. Maarten to Curacao experience the same. So while the insurance may be in place accessing it remains a problem, the result then is the same as not having insurance at all. This means that the Central Government must address both access to insurance and the access to medical care at the same time.
Buncamper-Molanus, the former Commissioner of Public Health on St. Maarten, pointed out the fact that there are initiatives being taken by the islands themselves, St. Maarten for example with the ongoing development of a national health insurance which, at least when DP was still in Government was being developed to secure health insurance for everyone.
“How does our local government view this proposal as it relates to all the preparations being made on St. Maarten, by St. Maarten with respect to health insurance for all our people. How does the cost of the National Health insurance for St. Maarten, compare to the cost and the accessibility to healthcare of the Central Government’s SVB proposal” the former commissioner questions.
The bottom line is, with one foot in and one foot out of the Netherlands Antilles, the Central Government is surely embarking on an important proposal, health insurance for our seniors, who were previously ensure d with SVB and now have no medical insurance. The problem is that while our seniors might be paying for it they will not necessarily be accessing it says Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
Our representatives in Parliament as well as the Island Government of St. Maarten should look closely at all the developments. Evaluate the progress we have been making in this area and consider whether, we should go along with this Central Government’s proposal, simply because they are coalition partners, or because the idea sounds good, compared to determining the amount of persons who do fall in this category of non-insured and implement a temporary coverage for those who currently have no health insurance by issuing them a Government Doctors card, which will at least guarantee the senior citizens currently not insured, health care coverage, but most importantly accessibility to healthcare. The changes have already been drafted to the regulations while DP was in government, thus the current Island Government is advised to follow up, pick up where the Democratic Party left off, and complete the process.
“Insurance for our seniors, SVB 60 plus is extremely necessary, our representatives must also insure that these same people actually get the care they are paying for and that is the bottom line. Moreover, that all others, now not insured will also be considered. A draft proposal is at legal Affairs. We encourage our Island Government to follow-up on this proposal left behind by the DP government and concentrate on helping all our people to acquire access to healthcare,” concludes Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
GREAT BAY– Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Governor Franklyn Richards, is reminding residents that the 2009 hurricane season is not yet over, don’t be fooled by the lull in activity, and to continue to be vigilant by monitoring weather reports over the next eight weeks.
Richards added that it was mid-October when major Hurricane Omar, a category three system passed 55 miles from St. Maarten last year causing different types of damage to the island, however due to the quick response of all concerned, the island made a quick recovery and was back in business within a short period of time.
So far for the 2009 hurricane season, there have been six storm systems, namely four tropical storms (Ana, Claudette, Danny and Erika) and two major hurricanes (Bill and Fred). Bill became a category four and Fred a category three hurricane system.
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Climate Prediction Center announced recently that the El Nino weather pattern will strengthen this fall and should produce a below average hurricane season for the Atlantic and Caribbean.
The stronger the El Nino, the lesser the impact will be of storm formation.
The US National Weather Service is forecasting between seven to 11 storms in the Atlantic and Caribbean region this year due to the El Nino effect with three to six becoming hurricanes.
“As a nation, we should fare well this hurricane season, however as the theme of our Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness says, ‘It Only Takes One,’ hurricane to ruin the season. Continue to maintain a state of preparedness until the end of the season,” Governor Franklyn Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Governor Richards would like to express his deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and governments who are currently dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake and tsunami.
On Tuesday, an earthquake caused a tsunami that killed more than 100 people in the South Pacific. On Wednesday, an earthquake shook Western Indonesia killing dozens.
The hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
GREAT BAY,– The Preventive Health Departments (PHD) says ageing is a privilege and a societal achievement. It is also a challenge, which will impact on all aspects of society in the 21st century. It’s a challenge that cannot be addressed by the public and private sectors alone, but requires a joint societal approach.
PHD adds now that International Day of Older Persons, celebrated on October 1, has past and gone, the community still has a responsibility to overall help older people remain healthy and active which is a necessity, and not a luxury.
As part of the Calendar of Health Observances, the PHD said that October 1 was a special day to pay tribute to the nation’s seniors for all they have given and continue to give to our lives. The PHD says seniors should have the opportunity to participate and be healthy, active, and safe and secure no matter where they live.
In 2000, there were 600 million people aged 60 and over. There will be 1.2 billion by 2025 and two billion by 2050. Today, about two thirds of all older people are living in the developing world; by 2025 it will be 75 per cent.
The PHD questions whether services and structures are ready to deal with the increase of an aging population. The Health Survey Study in 1999 revealed that St. Maarten is generally a young population however, 10-years later that young population is aging and the question is, do we have sufficient services, and capacity to deal with the need of the aging population?
In the developed world, the very old (age 80+) is the fastest growing population group. Women outlive men in virtually all societies; consequently in very old age, the ratio of women/men is 2:1.
October 1 also represented Senior Health & Fitness Day. Eating healthy and keeping active will go a long way in contributing and maintaining a healthy life style.
The international theme was “Toward a Society of All Ages,” which signifies social inclusion, respect and dignity, along with the promotion and protection of human rights for all.
MARIGOT—Residents and visitors of St. Martin would be able to see all the security forces on the French side this Saturday. The Prefecture of St. Martin is organizing the Interior Security Open day a press release from the State Office stated.
Coming together would be the Gendarmes, the Police Aux frontiers, the Territorial Police, Fire Brigade who would all assemble for the second annual interior day of Security.
Each department would be having a stand to expose their materials and equipments on the Marigot Water front. Information would also be provided to the general public.
The public would get a first had view of how the gendarmes and other security forces work together when apprehending dangerous suspects. Also in use would be a trained Alsatian dog that is used to capture someone that is armed and dangerous.
Also on demonstration that day would be the extinguishing of a fire.
Philipsburg:---The Police Traffic Department is hereby announcing to the public, that in connection with some work that has to be done on the Welgelegen road, the section of that road between the entrance to the Sint Maarten Medical Center and the Sea Breeze Hotel will be closed off to all traffic.
The section of road will be closed from Thursday October 08th at 09.00 p.m. until Friday October 9th 2009 at 06.00 a.m. The public is urged to take notice of this announcement to avoid any un-necessary inconvenience.
Philipsburg;--- Halloween season is here again. Last year the Police Department received many complaints of youngsters throwing eggs, some of which were rotten at passing buses and private vehicles causing a lot of damage. Since last week, during the midterm school vacation police have received the first complaints of youngsters throwing eggs. Even though this season is considered a festive season, the throwing of eggs at any moving vehicles can be very dangerous to persons in these vehicles and can cause a lot of material damage whether its to the vehicles or to the clothing of the persons in the vehicles. The Police Department. is hereby making serious plea to all parents, to talk to their children to refrain from this type of dangerous and intolerable behavior. The Police Department wants to make known to all parents, that they will be held responsible for any damage that is caused by their child or children as a result of their intolerable behavior. Any youngster caught in this type of behavior will be taken to the police station. The parents of these youngsters will then be called in and they will have to stand responsible for any damages their child has caused.
Marigot: --- Several gendarmes responded to a fight outside of the College Mont de Accords on Monday afternoon... When the officers arrived on the scene, the fighting students had already left the area and proceed to continue the fight in St. James area. A press release from the gendarmes stated by the time they reached there the students had already disappeared.
Please be informed that as of Wednesday October 14th 2009 one lane of the D.A. Peterson street (road on picture adjacent to the Windward Island Bank) will be closed off for a period of 2 to 3 weeks to enable the construction of a drainage gutter for the Cannegieter street that will be connected onto the recently constructed drainage gutter on the E. Camille Richardson street.
Once the drainage gutter alongside the D.A. Peterson street has been completed, works will begin immediately on the Cannegieter street (section from Windward Island Bank up until the Virgon building) which will be closed for vehicular traffic from Monday October 26 up until Friday December 18 2009. This section of road from WIB up until the Virgon building will be completed before the start of the Christmas holidays.
The final section of the Cannegieter Street (from Virgon building up until the Jubilee Library) will commence after the New years holiday in the third week of January 2010 and will be completed by March 2010.
With the execution of the works sewage lines, underground cables, drainage provisions, side walks will be included in the beautification works of the Cannegieter street.
We do apologize for the inconvenience during the execution of the works.
Philipsburg:---The leader of the Democratic Party in her recent address portrayed herself as one of the women in the story of King Solomon in 1 Kings chapter 3 verses 16 through 28, who were fighting about who a child belonged to. The National Alliance agrees with several persons in the Christian Community that this is an outrageous, shameful, reckless and deliberate political manipulation of sacred scripture by the Democratic Party, and is nothing more than a reduction in absurdity. Everyone knows that the focus of the text is more about Wisdom rather than the maternal capabilities of two harlots. This is yet another example that proves how out of touch the Democratic Party has become. If they can’t quote the Bible correctly, are they really capable of leading SXM? We don’t think so and when you look at what the DP stands for, you’ll come to the same conclusion. This media circus only confirms that the Democratic Party cannot be trusted to make decisions on the general interest of the people. It is clear that the National Alliance is more competent to lead St. Maarten into Country Status. The DP knows that country St. Maarten is a new beginning; they want you to be afraid of a new beginning while they carry on with their old ways in the new St. Maarten.
Nine years of the Democratic Party governance left the St. Maarten constitutional ship adrift, the finances of government in disarray, investors and banks anxious, the people destitute and the image of St. Maarten badly bruised. The people of St. Maarten responded overwhelmingly to call of the National Alliance to rescue St. Maarten from national and international embarrassment, scandals, corruption, nepotism, social strangulation, economic collapse, substandard governmental services, and neglect for our youth.
The National Alliance is more concerned about the issues our people are facing and what we are going to do to make the people of SXM lives better. That is why immediately after assuming office, the NA-led government embraced the enthusiasm of the people of SXM and began to positively set about transforming our island, restoring its respectability, integrity and national confidence and making our people ready for Country St. Maarten. In our first term of office we channeled significant investment and energy into attaining the landmark achievement of phasing in Compulsory Education. We moved from a horrible situation where, every year, hundreds of children were being denied a place in school, to one where every 4, 5 and 6 year old child is now guaranteed a place in school. Education is no longer a privilege of the few, but a reality for all. We went on to reverse the poorly-conceived labor policy of the DP that endangered local small businesses and investor confidence, and we are busy refocusing and rebranding our tourism product to make St. Maarten the region’s number one destination of choice. The National Alliance government is also committed to reducing the economic burdens of all St Martiners, particularly the elderly and poor. We are busy exploring effective possibilities to bring relief to our people. In addition to this, affordable homes are being built, the long awaited Ombudsman law will be heading to the Island Council soon, and our leader will be going to Holland to discuss assistance from the Dutch to help put the necessary infrastructure in place for Country SXM which the Democratic Party failed to do.
But some will do anything to try to destabilize a secure and stable government in order to kill progress and change. Their only priority is scoring cheap political points, not the progress of the island. True “Country Above Self” puts people above party politics and personal gain. It is noteworthy that for Parliamentary elections of January 18, 2002, upon realizing that separate status was at the top of the agenda in the federal elections, the SPA invited all political parties to put country first, to band together and present a unified and inclusive team called the National Alliance, vowing to work together for St. Maarten. The Democratic Party, on the other hand, did what was in the best interest of DP party and ran on its own. While the DP bragged for 9 years, the National Alliance has been working for better days. The National Alliance will always remain committed to Team St. Maarten, for SXM is bigger than anyone of us.
Leader of Government, William Marlin, is in the Netherlands on a working visit. He is being accompanied by Head of Study Financing ,Calvin Mardembrough. The commissioner and Mardembrough paid a customary yearly evaluation visit to S4 offices in Holland, in preparation for the start of the new study financing period.
The commissioner spoke about the critical positions that need to filled within the governmental apparatus of St. Maarten, as the island continues en route to country status. The occasion was used to discuss the vital role that the commissioner envisions the S4 foundation playing in maintaining a proper database, tracking St. Maarten's young professionals in the Netherlands and encouraging them to return home or to undergo additional training in needed areas. The commissioner and head of study financing are scheduled to meet with a group of St. Maarten students in Amsterdam, later this week.
CAY BAY— Tomorrow Wednesday October 21 no major load shedding is expected. At 17.30 on Tuesday, the Power Plant was able to phase out the load shedding. The last area to be brought back online was Pelican.
The power plant is running at a very tight capacity and any breakdowns can lead to some form of load shedding. This critical situation is expected to continue until the two new 11.3 MW generators are up and running sometime in December.
DG#12 is still out of commission; final repairs and assembly is expected to continue throughout Wednesday. If all goes according to plan, it should be available on Thursday morning running at its full output of 8 MW.
GEBE technicians managed to get DG#7 running but only at 60% of its capacity. This engine, which was severely damaged by a fire last year, is still giving some problems. Tests show that there are still some unresolved wiring issues. The technicians worked until late Tuesday night troubleshooting the engine with modest success.
Test runs will be resumed on Wednesday morning and will continue until the engine can run at full capacity without any problems.
GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience caused.
Updates will continue to be posted on www.nvgebe.com to ensure clients have the most accurate and up to date information so they can plan around the load shedding to minimize the inconvenience.
POINTE BLANCHE:-- – The Port of St. Maarten will be represented at the 16th Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show which starts on Monday, October 26 and runs through the 30th in St. Lucia.
Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger left the island on Friday leading a delegation comprising of members of the supervisory board and other officials.
More than 1000 cruise industry partners and more than 100 cruise executives from the FCCA member lines will be present to discuss a full agenda of doing business with cruise lines and cruise line executives.
The conference has been billed as a perfect opportunity to showcase your destination and/or product to Cruise executives from the FCCA member lines.
The Conference includes a series of round table discussions hosted by executives from the FCCA Member Lines. Topics covered will be marketing, shore excursions and operations. Of particular interest this year, guest speakers will focus on the economic forecast for the cruise industry as it relates to the well-publicized American economy.
The FCCA Conference is the only event that also offers pre-set meetings with select Cruise Executives on a One-on-One basis for pre-registered Delegates. This is the perfect opportunity to meet with key players, analyze industry trends and discuss current issues.
“We will get an update on the cruise industry and expectations for the coming years based on the current global economic situation. The situation today is different when compared to a year ago when we all met in Trinidad & Tobago at the conference.
“Besides getting an update on trends and developments in the cruise sector, the FCCA Conference also offers us an opportunity for the Port of St. Maarten to get an update on current cruise market trends and developments where it concerns cruise passengers; and secondly, it also offers us the opportunity to give a status report of our cruise destination with respect to additional facilities and improvements to island infrastructure.
“Our presence once again at the FCCA Conference is very important especially in these challenging times. We look forward to meeting with our cruise partners and assessing new opportunities for the Port of St. Maarten,” Harbour Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo stated prior to his departure to St. Lucia.
SIMPSON BAY - Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation Managing Director Russell Voges, says that bridge repair and maintenance works will begin on November 6 until 14.
Vehicular traffic will not be affected, but maritime traffic will have to work with two opening times on a daily basis from Friday, November 6 to Saturday, November 14, namely 6.30am and 6.00pm for outbound and inbound movement of vessels.
During the late evening hours, the bridge will be opened for short periods of time of no more than 15 minutes in order to be able to finalize the conservation of the underlying sides of the bridge deck.
On Sunday, November 8 only, the bridge will open during the three regular opening hours of 9.30am, 11.30am, and 5.30pm for outbound and inbound maritime traffic.
From Sunday, November 15 until Monday, November 30, the bridge will open during the three normal opening hours of 9.30am, 11.30am, and 5.30pm for outbound and inbound maritime traffic.
As of Tuesday, December 1, the opening times will go from three to six per day for the season, which runs from December 2009 to May 2010.
The daily seasonal openings will be: 9.00am outbound, 9.30am inbound, 11.00am outbound, 11.30am inbound, 4.30pm outbound and 5.30pm inbound.
Contractor Hofman Sliedrecht NV will be carrying out the maintenance works.
The maintenance works entails the strengthening of two main girders and subsequent conservation of the structure; the repair of the bridge fenders; the finalization of the electrical circuits and the standardizing of the traffic lights for maritime and vehicular traffic.
Motorists are advised to pay extra attention while crossing the bridge. A bucket truck will be parked on the sidewalks of the bridge deck and motorist should exercise caution when passing.
Considerable investments have been made to the bridge and everyone has a role to play in the longevity and safety of the bridge structure including those who transit in and out of the lagoon. The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority would like to apologize for any inconvenience that the maintenance works will cause during the period of November 6 to 14.
At the conclusion of all repair and maintenance activities, representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Water Management will inspect the works that have been executed and prepare a report for the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—On Monday, October 26, the President of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) Eugene Holiday held a press conference in the conference room to give the media an overview on the developments at the airport for 2008, and to hand over PJIAE Annual Report 2008 to the Commissioner of Sports, Tourism, and Aviation Frans Richardson.
The commissioner said that he is proud of what the airport has accomplished and it could only have been done through the hardworking people.
“Though we are faced with challenging times, we are still doing well,” Commissioner Richardson said. “We have to continue to forge ahead and be the best that we can be. I look forward to working together with airport management to face the challenges and seek solutions to such. In the area of marketing our island, the airport plays a key role, whether as the main destination or as a transition point to other neighboring islands.”
In addition, Commissioner Richardson said, “Everywhere I go, I am continually reminded by people of the beautiful airport we have and the quality service we provide. Our airport is second to none, and I want to commend you Mr. Holiday and your management team and the personnel at the airport for doing an excellent job.”
About the presentation, Holiday provided an in depth yet brief account of PJIAE Annual Year 2008, and the prospects and challenges for the years 2009 and 2010.
In spite of current economic developments, we have to strive to be competitive, diligent, and consistent in our aims of providing safety, security, and excellent service, for in tough times, while other destinations falter in these areas during declining demand, it is imperative that we continue to keep these factors at a very high standard.
Holiday added that the airport is working together with airlines to continue to improve services, and provide what the customers want. Some of the changes the airport is looking into are increasing the number of gates from 11 to 13 and introducing self-check kiosks.
Managing Director of WINAIR, Edwin Hodge has rejected claims being made by CEO of Port Services Limited, Makeda Mikeal that he had sought to repossess the check in counters which was on lease.
This, Hodge noted is a continued deliberate attempt by Mikeal to tarnish the very reputable name of WINAIR. “She is aware that we (WINAIR) have done nothing wrong thus her attempts to discredit the company are very unprofessional and unfortunate,” Hodge declared.
He pointed out that there were a number of reasons why the company terminated its contract noting that one of the many reasons was the continued very unprofessional conduct of Mikeal and her company.
“Winair has been in operation for several years now and this is a testimony of the continued faith and confidence that the public have entrusted in us and therefore, we have a moral responsibility to ensure that we can deliver what is expected of us thus we could no longer continue the relationship with Port Services Limited,” Hodge said.
Responding to further allegations that Port Services Limited and Winair have been disagreeing on a number of issues for over a year. Hodge said that it was a case where every time the company sought to urge Port Services Limited to improve their standards and code of operations it was met with great disdain and resentment from its CEO.
He pointed out that while they sought to appraise Port Services Limited about the continued complaints that they were receiving as well as the correcting of various issues no attempts were made to correct their shortcomings.
He pointed out that he and his management team is very confident that the new agent, Caribbean Airport Services will do a much better job thus ensuring that all agents of the airline is managed and operated professionally.
Philipsburg: ---The National Alliance Council in District Six will be walking the neighborhoods of St. Peters, Weymouth Hill, Ebenezer, and South Reward this week to invite community members to a “meet and greet” on Friday, November 6, 7:30 pm at Helena’s Home on Carrot Road #24, South Reward.
The purpose of the meeting is to listen to the concerns of the community, hear from our elected representatives and to share information about the upcoming National Alliance Congress.
Together, the district will submit a list of delegates for the November Congress and nominate names for the party organization and honorary awards. The National Alliance has met a lot of new and interesting people in its last eight district meetings as it continues to share its message of inclusion and unity, and build momentum for the NA Congress on the 15th of November at the Dutch Quarter Community Center under the theme, “Together, Moving Forward.” The National Alliance remains committed and dedicated to empowering our community through education, health-care, job training, housing, tax relief, and business development.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—On Thursday, November 5, the Director, a.i., of the Directorate of Programs and Projects Udo Aron made a presentation about the directorate to participants in the 10th European Development Funding (EDF) workshop.
Aron explained about the sector’s mission and tasks, portfolios, programming process, cooperative programs, and the execution of programs.
He explained that the aim is “to develop and execute the strategic policy for the Government of St. Maarten, having the core responsibilities of guaranting adequate program and project management, securing quaity funding for executing programs and projects, and preparing multi annual development plans.”
Aron further explained that “by means of cooperation with the sectors and a maximum cohesion between the programs to effectively utilize the available funds to achieve a balanced support to the activities of the government.”
“Activities should encourage enhancement of knowledge and expertise in all levels of the government.”
“Furthermore the existing cooperation agreements with the Netherlands will be reviewed in light of the the desire of the government to attain ‘increased autonomy o development aid policy.’”
The directorate’s portoflios, Aron said, consist of “Institutional strengthening & reinforcement of government; Social Economic Initiative; Harbor buy back, Education and Youth; Government projects, Safety Plan Netherlands Antilles; Constitutional development program, and Projectbureau Justice.”
The steps in the process are “defining the program lines, project indentification, drafting of a concept program, approval process, and signing of the program. After which there is the monitoring and evaluation of said program.”
After the presentation, Aron answered some questions about his department.
On Friday, November 6, the workshop concludes.
GREAT BAY, (GIS) – During the working visit to the Netherlands this past week, the St. Maarten delegation visited the Koninklijke Marechaussees at the Koningin Beatrix Kazerne in The Hague.
Discussions took place with Lt. General van Putten regarding support to the immigration department at the ports of entry by the Marechaussees on St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius.
Philipsburg:--DP Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus expresses her gratitude to the Public Health Department for informing the public of the developments regarding the availability of the H1N1 vaccine. While from newspaper articles it is clear that the vaccine is not yet available, it is at least good news that, a few days after the DP faction in the Island Council sent questions to the Executive Council about this issue, information is provided to the public regarding preparations which are being made for the arrival of the vaccines and that a protocol is being prepared according to which the vaccine will be administered to people in our community.
The hope is that the Government of Dutch St. Maarten is collaborating with French St. Maarten as much as possible to ensure the most efficient and effective use of the vaccine. Many persons living on one side of the island attend school on the other side, likewise when it comes to employment. “These are just some the practical aspects that should be kept into consideration”; says former Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
The press release from the Government on the H1N1 vaccine also emphasizes the importance of members of the Island Council asking questions. And so if there were any doubts about the role Island Council members, in opposition in particular, play when it comes to the governance of this island, this should herewith be clarified.
In Chapter I “The Island Council”, Part V, article 24 of the Island Regulation regulates the responsibilities of the Island Council. Sub. 1. Of this article states that the Island Council is responsible for handling all matters related to the island territory, which are not regulated in one or more other laws, or which are the responsibility of the Lt. Governor or the Executive Council . Sub 2 refers to the responsibility of making island ordinances related to the responsibilities of the Island Council. And finally the right to make inquiries is regulated in article 42 sub 1. of the Rules Of Order established by the Island Council.
One could conclude that says Councilwoman Buncamper-Molanus that the environment exists for proper democratic governance. The application of those in the relevant positions of responsibility determines how effective it is and the contribution it makes to run the peoples affairs.
CAY BAY— A number of generators over the weekend experienced various mechanical problems causing short outages in various districts. As explained before, the generators are working to full capacity especially during the work week in order to meet demand and should one machine develop mechanical problems, outages and load shedding would be necessary and the public should continue to bear this in mind.
Once the two new 11.3 megawatt generators come online next month, the current outages being experienced will be a thing of the past as GEBE will have sufficient generating capacity to carry the load being generated by the community. Should one generator fall out, consumers will not experience any outage and the same can be said when required maintenance takes place.
Weekend outages in most cases lasted for less than an hour. GEBE technicians have been working around the clock to stabilize the generators that developed the problems. On Saturday morning DG#14 developed low water pressure which resulted in interruptions in service to customers from Low Lands to Oyster Pond.
Generator DG#17 tripped offline around 6.00pm on Saturday affecting Oyster Pond and the residential areas of St. Peters and South Reward.
On Sunday morning several areas including Belvedere, St. Peters, Saunders, Oyster Pond, Madame Estate and Guana Bay were without electricity service several times due to generators DG#15 and DG#17 going offline.
On Sunday and into the evening hours, GEBE technicians are working on DG#16 in order to ensure that there won’t be any interruptions when the load increases Monday morning due to the start of the work week when the demand for electricity increases.
GEBE continues to operate on a very tight electricity production schedule due to the high demand of electricity from customers especially during the work week.
GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience caused.
Philipsburg: ---Senior Citizens of St. Maarten were treated to the annual Lagoon cruise organized by the Rotary Club of St. Maarten. November 7th marked the 21st time The St. Maarten Rotary Club hosted a “full house” of St. Maarten seniors on the Explorer. Entertainment was provided by Tanny and the Boys while Rotarians and Interactors (Youth wing - ages 14-18) ensured that lunch, drinks, dance, conversation, etc., where provided to guarantee the seniors a memorable day out. With the cooperation of the weather and the assistance of caregivers, family and friends all efforts culminated to another well deserved day of celebrating life for those so precious to us all.
Community service director Robert Keough assisted by Mary Every were instrumental in coordinating this year’s event and ensuring that all Rotarians got “on board” to making this “Rotary signature event” a success for the 21st time.
Philipsburg – The Youth Link Foundation recently announced its stance on the issue of education and the construction of the new public school in Belvedere.
It is commendable to see how the current administration is continuing to carry out projects initiated by the previous Government,” Stuart Johnson President of the Youth Link Foundation (YLF) said.
“But Government must also equip the new school with teachers who are trained in Foundation Based Education (F.B.E.) and ensure that the necessary materials reach all classrooms,” Johnson said. “Today we have schools whereby teachers feel neglected and unappreciated along with the lack of adequate materials being found in the classrooms. These problems do not fall blame to one individual but it’s a collective responsibility of many who have the task of implementing the correct education policies,” Johnson said.
He alluded to the fact that many of the issues in education stemmed from the issue of those in authority making decisions using a “top-down approach” instead of vice versa.
“If the suggestions and feedback of teachers were considered before certain critical changes took place, we would have a better system in place today. Teachers carry the responsibility of educating our children, and have the hands on daily experience of working with our children.”
Johnson added, “I firmly believe the time has come for us to stop blaming and ignoring what is going on within the education field. Education is a nonpartisan issue, and should be treated as such. All hands are needed and I am personally willing to be part of any committee to bring about a positive education reform.”
The Youth Link Foundation would also like to see that the Government name, the soon to be constructed public school in Belvedere, after the late Vance James Jr. Johnson said, “He was a son of the soil, a former member of the Executive and Island Councils of St. Maarten, and most importantly an educator. His valuable contributions, throughout the years, to the development of our beloved St. Maarten should not go unnoticed.” Johnson concluded, “Let us continue to salute our heroes and continue to build this island into the greatest country in the world.”
Persons who fall under the risk groups are: pregnant women who are in the last six months of pregnancy or second trimester – from their fourth month onwards – will be vaccinated; persons with chronic conditions e.g. with pulmonary disease; with cardiac disease; after a recent bone marrow transplant; with a diminished resistance to infections: livercirrosis, (functional) asplenia, auto-immune illnesses, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medication; with diabetes mellitus, even if not on medication; with chronic kidney disease/failure; with HIV-infection; persons 60 years and older; health care workers and health care workers (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics and general practitioner/specialist practices); and home care givers of people with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality.
Clinics administering the H1N1 Vaccine for their patients in the identified risk groups are:
Monday, November 23 to Friday, November 27
- Dr. Mercuur Clinic (12.00pm to 1.00pm)
- Bush Road Clinic (12.00pm to 2.00pm)
- Dr. Deketh Clinic (2.00pm to 3.00pm)
- Simpson Bay Medical Clinic, Dr. Tjaden & Datema Clinic (Wednesday & Thursday, 2.00pm to 5.00pm)
Other family physicians will be added to the list and this information will be announced once it has been compiled.
For further information, contact Preventative Health Dept. at 542-3003 or 542-3553.
GREAT BAY,– The family physician clinics of Dr. Ruth Douglas, Union Road Clinic of Dr. Van Osch, and Simpson Bay Medical Clinic of Dr. Tjaden and Dr. Datema, have now been added to the lists of facilities that will administer the H1N1 vaccine.
The Preventive Health Department (PHD) has received 8000 H1N1 vaccines from Holland and the first persons to receive the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine starting Monday, November 23 will be high risk groups.
Persons who fall under the identified risk groups are asked to visit their family physicians at the following clinics as of the specified days and times:
- Dr. Mercuur Clinic (Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 1.00pm);
- Bush Road Clinic (Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 2.00pm);
- Dr. Deketh Clinic (Monday to Friday, 2.00pm to 3.00pm)
- Dr. Ruth Douglas (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7.30am to 9.30am)
- Union Road Clinic of Dr. Van Osch (Wednesday, Thursday 2.00pm to 5.00pm)
- Simpson Bay Medical Clinic of Dr. Tjaden and Dr. Datema (Wednesday and Thursday, 2.00pm to 5.00pm).
These persons are those who fall under the high risk group and who are clients of the aforementioned clinics. Other family physicians will be added to the list and this information will be announced once it has been compiled.
The Dutch Health Council and the Royal Institute for Public Health & the Environment has recommended that persons receive two A (H1N1) vaccinations. Approximately 4000 persons can be vaccinated with this first batch that has been received.
According to guidelines from the Netherlands Antilles Influenza A (H1N1) Protocol, all pregnant women who are in the last six months of pregnancy or second trimester – from their fourth month onwards – will be vaccinated.
Other persons who form part of the risk group that should get vaccinated are:
• Persons with chronic conditions e.g. with pulmonary disease; with cardiac disease; with diabetes mellitus, even if not on medication; with chronic kidney disease/failure; after a recent bone marrow transplant; with HIV-infection.
• Persons with a diminished resistance to infections: livercirrosis, (functional) asplenia, auto-immune illnesses, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medication;
• 60 years and older.
Health care workers who may be in contact with patients pertaining to the medical risk groups mentioned above (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics and general practitioner/specialist practices) should also get vaccinated.
Home care givers of people with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality due to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) should also be vaccinated.
Side effects of the vaccination are slight fever and some slight swelling around the area where the vaccine is administered. If there are any adverse affects, inform your family physician immediately or the PHD.
Besides vaccination against pandemic in¬flu¬en¬za A (H1N1), vaccination against seasonal flu remains important.
For persons who do not fall within the identified risk groups, you are advised to continue with implementing preventive measures (maintain high standards of hygiene), staying healthy and keeping a safe distance from persons with a flu-like illness.
Philipsburg:---The Special Robbery Unit has reported, that with regards to the spate of armed robberies that took place recently in which two suspects were arrested that the investigation is still ongoing. The police department confirms that the suspects in custody were busy committing robberies in several areas on the island such as, Sucker-Garden, Cole bay, Cay Hill, Simpson bay Middle region, South Reward, Pelican, Philipsburg and French Quarter.
On the first day of their arrest, they had admitted to 5 robberies. As the investigation continued the suspects have admitted to have committed seven more, making the total of armed robberies they have committed to a total of 12. The investigation is still ongoing.
Philipsburg: --- The Executive Council has approved the appointment of five members of the Cooperate Governance Council announced leader of government William Marlin. Marlin said these persons would be on the board for a period of four years an evaluation on their performance would be done prior to the end of their term. Marlin warned that even members of the island council had sent out misconceptions on the term of this board.
Those appointed to the council are Minerva Vlaun an economist, Agnes Gumbs an accountant, Maria van der sluis Plantz a lawyer, who is currently residing in Holland, retired civil servant Louis Duzanson, and well-known businessman Francis Carty.
The board he said would soon begin their work, which is to advise government in several areas.
Philipsburg:--- Leader of Government William Marlin told members of the media at the executive press briefing that he recently shared his concerns with the Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba on the process being used for the Brooks Tower Accord.
Marlin said the guidelines that are being used on St. Maarten are not clear and it is different from what is used in Curacao. He felt the program that is currently being used on Curacao is much more user friendly than the one that is used on St. Maarten. He said persons living on Curacao illegally for years do not have to go through the rigorous exercise of providing proof for each year. Marlin said he used several cases as example to the Minister in order to show the process is not compatible.
Marlin said there are persons who are living on St. Maarten for years and they have their passports to prove they have never left the island but these persons are asked to provide at least three proofs per year they have lived on the island illegally before their application for the Brooks Tower Permit is accepted.
He felt that the system and the requirements in place are utter nonsense and if the Brooks Tower is meant to help people to come out from their hiding places to regulate their status. He said with a process that is currently in place would send these people further into hiding.
Marlin said the process that is used on St. Maarten is not the same that is used in Curacao and he brought this matter up with the justice Minister who agreed with him and has promised to look at the matter.
Marlin said he has been meeting with the Minister of Justice on a weekly basis to monitor some of the processes. Reasons he gave for these meetings were that St. Maarten would soon be responsible for justice as well as the police.
Marlin said the recruitment drive for a police chief on St. Maarten has started and he informed the Minister that St. Maarten would also want to be part of the selection process. He said whoever is the candidate for the seat must also have the blessings of the Island government.
The island leader said even though this is a responsibility of the central government and the Minister of Justice very soon St. Maarten would be handling its own affairs and it would not be fair to leave the island out. Marlin said some five top police officers would soon be recruited to strengthen the police force. He said that so far four persons have been identified of which two would be selected for two different positions.
Marlin said that within short the two persons would be interviewed shortly, while the process continues to find the other three candidates.
(Willemstad, Curacao) – A task force to oversee the transfer of the shares of Winair, as well as its service to Saba and Statia has been installed by Minister of Constitutional and Home Affairs Roland Duncan in agreement with the Dutch Minister of Traffic and Communication Ir. Camille Eurlings.
Appointed to the Task force where: Mr. S.J. Fransciso representing the Minister of Traffic and Communications, Ms. Ellen Bien, representing the Dutch Minister of Traffic and Waterworks, Mr. Kenneth Kong representing the Island Government of St. Maarten, and representing the Minister of Constitutional and Home Affairs, Ms. Nadya Nercisio, who will also chair the task force. The SOAB will provide administrative and financial assistance to the task force.
Minister Duncan will be on the island of St. Maarten the entire week for several meetings:
He will meet the Executive Council on Tuesday morning regarding the assistance to be provided by the Central Government as well as the transfer of tasks of the several Ministries and Central Government authorities.
On Wednesday the Minister will participate with his colleagues in the Central Government, Minister G. Ter Horst and State Secretary Bijleveld of the Netherlands, Commissioner Zita Jesus-Leito, and Commissioner William Marlin in the last Political Steering Group meeting of the year.
On Thursday the Minister will attend an information session for Central Government employees from 9 am at Belair Community Center*.
Other governmental meetings are also scheduled during the week.
For more information please contact Ms. Ari Sutton at the Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs at Brooks Towers, Phone 542-9081.
Philipsburg: ---National Alliance Senator and Island Council member George Pantophlet said he was a bit surprised by the motion presented in the Dutch Parliament Second Chamber against the Brooks Tower Accord.
Pantophlet reminded the public of famous WODC Report. The report had mentioned several issues such as the Judiciary, illegal immigration. It had questioned the fact that although the economy of St. Maarten seemed strong it was not reflected in the government's coffers.
The Brooks Tower Accord has exposed the exploitation and or abuse of workers it exposed the fact that approximately 70% of businesses are not paying their taxes and this practice continues to date. The senator said only recently he received a as call from an employee whose employer refused to give them a pay slip.
Based on information he received from the Inspectorate of taxes only 30% of businesses and persons are carrying the load in taxes. "What we need from our Kingdom partner is cooperation in dealing with the difficult issues that is facing country to be St. Maarten". Pantophlet said that if there is a time to start with cooperation its now. The Netherlands Antilles in general and St. Maarten in particular is trying to find a solution for the many undocumented immigrants and they need all the assistance they can get.
He made clear that St. Maarten is not rewarding illegality but are trying to deal with this problem. If all goes well St. Maarten will become country on October 10, 2010 and government is doing its utmost to ensure that they know what our reality is.
Ironically, the same fears expressed by the Dutch now on the Brooks Tower Accord are those, which are being expressed by St. Maarten in being overrun by Europeans. Furthermore, access to the Netherlands is not as easy as one would think.
There are stringent requirements in place. First of all a working and residence permit does not give immigrants free access to the Netherlands as the person would require a visitor's visa. Where the Dutch Nationality is concerned, one has to be registered five consecutive years and has to pass through a rigid test. "If we would look at the statistics, less people are coming into consideration for the Dutch Nationality than in the past." The senator said. At present, the Minister of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles is responsible for all five islands. When St. Maarten becomes country, this responsibility will be in the hands of the Minister of Justice of St. Maarten, and government already has some ideas as to how to address the immigration issues. I can start by pointing fingers as to who is responsible for what but that is water under the bridge and does not solve the problem. "I think our Kingdom partner should applaud our efforts in tackling such a daunting task and see us as willing to grab the bull by the horn." Pantophlet said.
PHILIPSBURG - The Soualiga Optimist Club of St. Maarten is encouraging students in our local schools to contemplate the question "The Internet: Today's Evolution or Tomorrow's Menace? " as part of the Optimist International Essay contest for 2010.
The Soualiga Optimist Club will judge the local students' essays based on the theme The Internet: Today's Evolution or Tomorrow's Menace? , and determine the top winners. Winners will receive awards and the winning essay will be sent to the district level for judging. Essays will be judged at the district level and each district will send top entries to the International level. College scholarships are available for top winners at the district and international level.
"Young students today have so many fresh ideas about the world and their future," Club President Olga Mussington said. "As Optimists, it is our goal to encourage them and do what we can to bring out the best in each of them. This gives them a wonderful opportunity to tap into their creativity and pursue possible scholarships at the same time, "Mussington said.
Essays application forms with guidelines may be collected at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library or the Rupert I. Maynard Youth Community Center in St. Peters. All essays must be submitted along with a birth certificate and essay application form before January 31st , 2010. Essays should be submitted at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library. Persons desirous of having the application form sent to them digitally, should email the Soualiga Optimist club at the email address provided below.
The Soualiga Optimist Club has been participating in the Optimist International Essay Contest for the past two years since the club was chartered in October 2007. The local competition has been won by Abigail Hermoso of Learning Unlimited and Bert Jno Baptist of St. Maarten Academy.
Persons interested in finding out more about the Essay Contest may contact Optimist Dwayne McRae at 523-1076 or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.The Soualiga Optimist Club is currently embarking on a membership drive. Persons interested in learning more about the Club are invited to attend its general meeting on Saturday December 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Rupert I. Maynard Youth Community Center in St. Peters.
Philipsburg: --- Reliable information reaching SMN News states that police on the Dutch side of the island have made a break through in the case of David Eustace (Priest) who was killed on Friday October 02 2009 at the entrance of Casa Blanka adult entertainment club. The man arrested has been identified as C.B from French Quarter. SMN News has learnt that the alleged killer is well known to law enforcement on both sides of the island and he was arrested two days ago somewhere on the Dutch side of the island. The source said that C.B was also wanted for a crime he committed in 2007.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed the arrest of C.B but said he was not arrested for the murder of David Eustace. Asked for what C.B was arrested Mud said he will not divulge anymore information on the case, since the investigations are still ongoing. "All I would say at this point is that we have arrested CB."
Information reaching SMN News states that police had the information on the alleged suspect less than 10 minutes after the broad daylight killing took place. The source said the first person that approached the bus in which the victim was killed was given description of the green Samurai jeep in which the killers escape. It is understood that the suspect was seen speeding away from the scene of the crime. SMN News understands that the main eyewitness had given police all description jeep they knew was also from French Quarter.
According to information reaching SMN News, Eustace was shot on the right side of his abdomen with a shotgun. He was shot three times at point blank range from the passenger side of the Chevy bus. The shooting it is alleged seems more like a hit and not any type of robbery. Eustace was driving a bus, which had one of his close friends Leroy Richardson (Sweet Leroy) inside the bus when they left Casa Blanca. Police found at least four spent shells belonging to a shotgun on the scene.
This media house has been reliably informed that a green Samurai a soft-top jeep with either two occupants was in the area of the adult entertainment club. The number plate on the vehicle it said were covered with a piece of cloth while the shooters remained unmasked.
GREAT BAY,– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) reports that four dengue fever cases have been reported within a short period of time. An appeal is going out to the community to take urgent measures in order to prevent a dengue fever outbreak.
The four cases range in age from 17 to 36 and are from different residential districts.
Residents are urged to take proper control measures around their homes to reduce breeding of the Ades aegypti mosquito which has the potential to transmit dengue fever.
To avoid being bitten by a mosquito, use repellent and wear long sleeves shirts/blouses as well as pants. Place screens at windows and doors.
Public action is necessary to keep the mosquito population in check, and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The recent rains open up the possibility of stagnant water being found in items around the home.
Immediately after the rain, search for and eliminate all water accumulated in containers and help your community to prevent dengue.
The Ades aegypti mosquito breeds mostly in domestic environments as a result of human activity. The Aedes aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. In only one week these eggs hatch and grow into adult mosquitoes. Residents therefore have a major role to play in eliminating the aforementioned mosquito and reducing the possibility of another dengue fever outbreak.
The Preventive Health Department is calling on households and businesses to keep their surroundings (in and outdoors) mosquito free.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death. Symptoms are similar to the flu e.g. fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea/vomiting, rash, and hemorrhagic manifestations.
If you have the aforementioned symptoms, ask your physician to request a lab test for dengue.
If you have dengue, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid pain relievers that contain aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.
Preventive actions that every household should take are: Debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in yards are the main source and breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These areas should be immediately eliminated.
Immediately check for clear/clean standing water in roof spouts, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, saucers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around your homes and businesses. Where clear/clean standing water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene, just to cover the surface as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding or just get rid of the container.
In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these properly covered and check every three days to make sure that mosquito's haven't laid any eggs known as larva. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water.
Cooperate with the public health inspectors who may request to check the exterior and interior of your premises for mosquito breeding sites.
GREAT BAY - The WIFOL union continues to express dissatisfaction with the manner in which the USM president and board are handling the commencement of the collective labour agreement (C.L.A.) negotiations and other operational matters at the island's sole institution of higher learning. These remarks come after the USM president finally sent the union a letter on behalf of the board—after at least three formal requests—stating that the board was unavailable to meet with the union to commence negotiation for a collective labour agreement (C.L.A.) until January 2010.
Some of the operational matters the union is concerned about include the president and board's ignoring of staff after they had submitted a written petition requesting that the dean selection process be reviewed and declared null and void. Since the nomination of the dean, the staff continues to show their disagreement with the appointment of the dean in a number of ways, including wearing all-black, walking out of meetings, and writing of letters concerning the dean's behavior. In one example, the staff have questioned how after only two days on the job, the dean could issue a warning letter to a subordinate employee who had received accolades and served with distinction under four previous deans. Another long-time, senior staff member, the Education Division head, was issued a strongly worded letter by the dean within the first month on the job, and since then, the dean and the president have refused to meet with the Education Division head to resolve the matter although WIFOL attempted to mediate. Neither has the president or the board acknowledged or responded to the staff's written petition, which was submitted on October 28.
Without the knowledge or consultation of the language division head, USM administration submitted the name and credentials of the division head to secure USONA funding for a major project, which was prepared by the former dean (R. Pribble) and the current dean while she was "accreditation officer," without the input of the Language Division. The matter is currently in the hands of an attorney. Another USM staff member had to secure the services of an attorney to fight for her compensation for work she had performed. To date, the staff member has not been paid even though the USONA funding has already been received by USM.
Just recently the USM president told certain staff members that at least two additional board members have either resigned or are on the verge of resigning as a direct consequence of the board president's interfering in the day-to-day affairs of the University. From WIFOL's perspective, the board owes the staff and the general public an explanation for the unrest at the board level and the direction in which it is taking USM.
The staff is speculating whether the USM president's inaction on these and other matters, such as the dean's incompetence, are due to her expressed political aspirations. Furthermore, staff is also apprehensive about who will be acting president when the USM president is off-island.
The WIFOL union is calling on the USM president and board to ...rectify these and other matters, including the settlement of severance pay for former USM employee, Aida Bryson, who was forced out of service after serving 19 years at USM and 13 at Mullet Bay, simply because she joined the union. The WIFOL is also hoping to have the CLA negotiations commence and conclude within short in the new year so that, USM can progress into the institution to serve the needs of the St. Martin community.
St. Maarten need the current USM or another USM to produce the competent recourse personnel needed for country St. Martin.

Minister Roland Duncan, Minister of Constitutional and Home Affairs sent a letter to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica congratulating him on the landslide victory of the Dominica Labor Party in the recent elections. Duncan commended Prime Minister Skerrit for the confidence entrusted him by the Dominican people and pledged to continue working with the Dominican government to strengthen the bonds between the island nations.
Duncan visited Dominica several times during his trips to the OECS over the past years and has discussed relevant tourism and trade issues with the Commonwealth.

It is that time of the year when families and friends are coming together to share in the joy and celebration of the Christmas spirit.
One of the amazing things about the Christmas holidays is that is never grows old. Each year it comes and goes and we look forward to its return next year.
Christmas has a special meaning for each of us, whether we are rich or poor, old or young. Christmas for all of us is a time to celebrate, and share the joy we feel when family and friends come together.
It is a time for sharing, bonding and for spending quality time.
It is also a time for forgiveness, generosity, compassion and tolerance.
As a nation, we must remember those less fortunate and give something to help provide joy and comfort to the elderly, the homeless and the lonely.
Let each of us as a community try to share something with someone this Christmas. May it be a small gift, a meal, a helping hand or just to say Merry Christmas and May God Bless You.
I urge all St. Maarteners and other inhabitants of the island to take this Christmas spirit into the New Year 2010 and beyond for the good of our island nation.
On behalf of my family, Angela, Joaquim and Keshia and members of my cabinet, I extend sincere wishes for a Christmas filled with peace, love and thanksgiving.
Wishing all St. Maarteners, residents and visitors alike a happy, prosperous, healthy and safe holiday season.
Merry Christmas St. Maarten!
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, would like to congratulate the board and staff of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry which marked its 30th anniversary on March 12.
Commissioner Buncamper also expresses her appreciation for the founding members namely, the late Vance James Jr., Charles Vlaun, Pieter Kanaar, and Edward Buncamper, and those who are still alive, Joseph Lake Jr., Franklin Brison, Louis Peters, Roy Solomon and Francis Carty.
Buncamper also welcomes the announcement by the current President Glen Carty that the Chamber will be expanding its offices to the ground floor of the current building; is in the process of restructuring and automating its services to facilitate businesses and investors with information online.
"I would like to commend the founding fathers of the Chamber of Commerce, many of them no longer with us today, but they would be proud of what has been accomplished during the past 30-years by the various presidents, boards and the staff that manage the office on a daily basis.
"Today, our island nation is challenged by the most serious economic-financial crisis that the world has known since the 1930s. The Chamber and the Island Government are working diligently with all stakeholders to see us through these difficult times. This working relationship culminated into the Economic Summit on March 5 and now a Task Force will be tasked with developing a workable plan of action to be presented within 30-days.
"To date our island nation has not felt the full effect of the global crisis. We must work enthusiastically together in order to soften the any adverse impact, and position our island nation to take advantage of any new opportunities. The St. Maarten business community has an important role to play by working closely with the Chamber and government in these times of adversity," Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS).

Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams would like to congratulate the Sint Maarten Dominican community on their country's 165th year of independence as a sovereign state.
"It's been more than a century and half since the Dominican Republic became a sovereign nation state. At this same time we must celebrate the contributions made by the Sint Maarten Dominican community to the socio-economic development of our island nation.
"I take this opportunity to call on all to continue making a positive contribution to our nation's national development. Members of all communities that have made Sint Maarten their home must continue to work along with us in building the Sint Maarten nation.
"We still have a long way to go, but with all on Sint Maarten working together for Sint Maarten, we too can continue to achieve great things.
"Congratulations to the Sint Maarten Dominican community on your independence and long live the people of Sint Maarten and the Dominican Republic," Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Philipsburg- The dengue fever outbreak that impacted the island since August 2008 even though officially over, however, members of the public are requested to continue to take preventive actions to keep mosquito levels at a minimum in order to prevent a future outbreak.
The number of reported dengue fever cases continues to fall and remains under the identified numbers that would constitute an outbreak, which is five cases per week for two consecutive weeks. For the months of January and February, confirmed dengue fever cases stood at 19.
Dengue Action Response Team (DART), the Island Governments multidisciplinary team will continue to monitor and meet randomly to review data collected in the field.
Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus fully supports the call made by the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), calling on all countries in the Americas to increase their efforts and work together in the fight against dengue, which has broken out in almost every country in the Americas.
Mosquito surveillance and control personnel from the Department of Hygiene & Veterinary Affairs have an important preventive role to play during non-outbreak periods, but the community also has a role and is expected to be proactive in taking the necessary preventive actions that have been publicized and promoted during the heightened public awareness campaign.
Mosquito control workers cannot eliminate mosquito breeding in all homes and businesses, so an important element of dengue management is the education of members of the public about their role in eliminating mosquito breeding at home and protecting themselves from dengue. This campaign will continue in the months to come.
The objective of this campaign during a non-outbreak period involves informing the general public about the risk of outbreaks and the importance of regular mosquito control.
The population level education strategy about dengue prevention is designed to create and maintain awareness and motivation within the community.
The house-to-house/yard campaign will resume in April and will run for a three month consecutive period. The Hygiene Department has a working relationship with the environmental inspector who will be available to issue fines when inspection crews come across unsanitary conditions.
The Hygiene Department is calling on households and businesses to start tidying up around their yards and premises before the campaign starts and avoid having to pay a fine.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death.
Persons experiencing dengue fever-like symptoms should visit their family physician. Persons should also follow-through by going to the lab to have a dengue fever test carried out to determine if they actually have the virus. This is one way to ensure the registration of dengue fever numbers.
To keep dengue fever numbers on the downward trend, it calls for each resident to change his/her behavior by keeping their immediate surrounding mosquito free. Those who require additional information about preventive actions should contact the Hygiene Department at 542-2079.

Philipsburg- The governor of the island territory of St. Maarten, Franklyn E. Richards, has called on Commissioner Louie Laveist to live up this responsibility and tender his resignation as a member of the executive council of St. Maarten.
Richards did so in a letter addressed to Laveist, in keeping with his position of chairman of the executive council and gatekeeper of good governance.
In the letter, Governor Richards refers to past correspondence by Laveist. By letter of November 6, 2008, addressed to leader of the ruling DP faction, Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, Laveist had indicated that he will be a non-active member of the executive council and that he would be an independent member of the island council.
By letter of November 10, 2008, Laveist signed three letters, indicating to the governor of the island territory that he was withdrawing his support for his DP faction, that he would be taking a non-active role in the Executive and that he would be an independent member of the island council.
On November 16, 2008, the governor, in his capacity of chairman of the island council, received a letter, signed by all DP members in the island council, voicing support for the St. Maarten executive council, comprised of DP commissioners Maria Buncamper-Molanus, Theodore Heyliger, Roy Marlin and Sarah Wescot-Williams.
With the 6 signatures appearing on the letter, it can be argued that the executive council has a majority support in the island council.
It is the opinion of the governor that the letter of November 16, 2008, also signed by Commissioner Laveist, voicing support for the 4-member executive council, did not take into consideration commissioner Laveist.
As chairman and member of the executive council himself, Governor Richards is not quite sure what to make of the letter of November 16, 2008. This in view of the earlier decision taken by Laveist to withdraw his support for his DP faction and announcement that he considers himself a non active member of the executive council.
The chairman refers to the fact that it is the island council which appoints and dismisses members of the executive council.
The island council has, as of this date, not dismissed Mr. Laveist as member of the executive council while the latter has not tendered his resignation as such.
This would mean that the executive council is, at present, comprised of six members, including the governor as chairman of the council. Because Laveist remains a member of the executive council, his presence is required to form a quorum and he does have voting right. This remains so, even in light of his claiming to enjoy a non-active status and his not attending meetings of the executive council. This situation is then in conflict with the correspondence of November 16.
Separate from all of the aforementioned considerations, it is not in the best interest that Mr. Laveist retains all the perks and privileges associated with being a commissioner. This while explicitly indicating in the November 16, 2008 correspondence not to wish to continue serving as commissioner but instead adopting a non-active role.
The present situation creates uncertainty and affects transparency in government, which is damaging to the image of the government of St. Maarten and is, above all else, not in the general interest of the people of St. Maarten.
Again referring to the November 16, 2008 letter signed by Laveist, the governor of the island territory is of the opinion that the only tangible approach would be that Laveist tenders his resignation as commissioner.
This since the claimed status of non active member of the executive council is not in accordance with the island regulations of the Netherlands Antilles (ERNA).
The function of commissioner is one which requires that content be given to the position. It does take into consideration occasions whereby one is unable to be present. These are not applicable in the case of Mr. Laveist.
Governor Richards emphasizes that commissioners hold a public function and as such ought to serve the general interest, at all times.
The present situation however does just the opposite.
The executive council has in the meantime decided to redistribute the portfolios formerly assigned to commissioner Laveist. This followed his detention and correspondence from justice authorities addressed to the chairman of the island council, indicating among others, that Laveist is the subject of a criminal investigation.
With all of the abovementioned in mind, the governor has addressed Laveist exclusively on his position in the executive council and not as member of the island council.
The governor, as is known, does not interfere with matters which resort under the competency of the island council, such as composition of the executive council.
In the interest of good governance, an urgent appeal has been made by governor Richards to Mr. Laveist, to tender his resignation, thereby showing that he takes his responsibilities seriously, and which would end the present unwarranted situation, construed as contrary to our democratic principles.
Governor Richards has requested Mr. Laveist to react to his urgent appeal within a week's time.
Copies of the letter have been sent to His Excellency the governor of the Netherlands Antilles, to members of the island council and to members of the Executive Council.
Governor Richards reiterates for clarity sake that justice must be allowed to take its course, also in the case involving Mr. Laveist. He too, has a right to the premise of "presumptio innocentiae", innocent until proven guilty.

Marigot: -- Delegated Prefet Dominique La Croix in his New Year's message said he noticed over the past 18 months St. Martin was not getting the type of representation it needed in its mother country and the appointment of Laurent Fuentes to the National Social and Economic Council as well as the election of Senator Louis Constant Fleming was indeed warranted.
He said he strongly believed that St. Martin was given a distorted image in France and in most cases not in the best interest of the island. Furthermore St. Martin is not well known and the realities of the island are not well perceived. Recent television shows has unfortunately distorted the island's image for yet another time. The State representative said he believed it is of uttermost importance that some proper communication and explanation which will portray a more accurate image of St. Martin be done.
LaCroix said St. Martin now holds more competencies in its hand since the transfer of those competencies from the Region, Department and State has taken place.
St. Martin also has full control over its resources and capacities. Even though the State is aware of the financial predicament which is linked to the collection of tax revenues.
Addressing the loss of the Octroi de Mer funds which amounts to some 12 million Euros LaCroix said those monies are right here on the island if all taxes are collected. He said should everyone pay their share of taxes then the lost monies can be recovered.
LaCroix said even though the Constitutional Council has eliminated the promise the State made when they said they would have accompanied St. Martin for at least three years until its tax revenue has improved. However, he felt even though challenged the island and its people will recover faster that they expected if they collect the taxes that is levied.
Lacroix said that it is the citizens of this island (Saint Martiners) have to determine their ability to shoulder its burden, and to do that they would need to adopt certain tax policies. The head of State said everyone must pay their dues since their can be no public service without taxation. He said the island has one injustice by having one sets of people paying taxes and others fail to uphold their civil obligation.
Already the State has begun taking its responsibilities seriously since the necessary reinforcement of the Prefecture has already taken place. Another successful challenge he said is the fight against illegal employment even though there has been an influx of migrants to the island.
He said the fight will be strengthen when the new labor inspector takes office in March this year.
Crime and Violence
LaCroix said the island suffered at the hands of criminals since violence in crime had drastically increased during September and October last year. These crimes he said was committed by gangs from the other Caribbean islands.
To deal with the crime situation an Armed Robbery Team was put in place with some arrests being made by both side law enforcement officers. LaCroix said he learnt two lessons in fighting crime which involves investigative work in a discreet and unspectacular way. However, this takes time and consumes lots of resources both human and financially.
He said the headquarters of the Gendarmes took note of what they have learnt during this last 18 months and added two more investigating officers to the team for 2009 while a specific amount of monies was given to Guadeloupe which will be used to send a fresh supply of people upon request.
The head of state said everyone living on St. Martin has a responsibilty and it is not only the state's business. The municipal police as well as the elected representatives have to take up their role. Including the social services and the schools along with the business community both public and private sectors.
One cannot say at the same time that security is the most important question in St Martin, that conditions the survival and the development of the economy, and not to put in one's own contribution, which starts with respecting the law.
One cannot complain about a society where the young people have no reference or role models and at the same time. people in general have to respect the rules of society. LaCroix admitted that there still remains a lot of work to do on St. Martin when it comes to restoring law and order It is all about reinstating the rule of law which they have committed themselves to do since delinquency will not if the society does not reject it.
Indeed, local realities and specificities have to be taken into consideration and, that is the meaning of the autonomy given to St. Martin.
For that purpose, the organic law provided the possibility to adapt the law to local realities. Legal and institutional tools are in place; it is up to you to use them. LaCroix said.
ECONOMIC CRISIS
LaCroix said he thinks that the worldwide economic crisis must be a lesson for us, as te society is at stake... I am afraid that St Martin is sometimes suffering, from ills similar to those of the world economy. We know that the year 2009 will be difficult because the crisis in general and it is to be feared that neither the very beautiful beaches, nor the leisure offered to visitors, nor the attractive climate will be sufficient to protect St. martin from the impact.
He outline at least three qualities that the island possesses which if properly used will assist them in the crisis ahead. :
- The presence of quality enterprises with enterprising, serious and motivated managers.
- An economic diversification that is already a reality because if tourism is the main pillar of the economy, other sectors are active and will provide jobs, such as construction, public works or services.
- Third motive of optimism, the organization and structuring of the services of the Collectivity in the so essential field of professional training. It was necessary for enterprises that are in need of qualified staff; it was necessary also to enable each one to find his way in society. It was finally the prerequisite to mobilize European funds available in quantity in this field.

Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams is delighted to hear that the impasse between the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) and a group of Carnival Stakeholders has been resolved satisfactorily.
"I commend the concerned group of Carnival stakeholders and the SCDF board for working diligently to resolve issues that had shed a negative light on preparations for Carnival 2009.
"This national cultural event is a significant part of our nation's cultural heartbeat. The 40th anniversary of our Carnival is a milestone.
"I extend an open invitation to all those who love carnival to visit us in April and help us celebrate our 40th Carnival anniversary. All those on the neighboring islands and throughout the region are most welcome," Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told GIS.
...
Philipsburg- "The net result of Insel Air's new direct scheduled service from St. Maarten to San Juan, Puerto Rico will be increased travel through Princess Juliana International Airport. This is good for our travel partners, the people of St. Maarten and it's in time for Carnival." This was the view expressed by Commissioner of Aviation Affairs, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams following her meeting Wednesday afternoon with a top-level delegation of Insel Air.
The commissioner further praised the stated intention of Insel Air to use St. Maarten flight attendants for the new service.
"It always makes a difference when you know that you have a St. Maarten flight attendant on board," she said. "It gives a feeling of confidence and excitement."
Commissioner Wescot was accompanied by the Director of Tourism, Ms. Regina LaBega, while the Insel Air delegation was led by the airline's Chief Executive Officer, Albert Kluyer, who stressed his company's commitment to St. Maarten as a hub destination, evidenced by the commencement of direct scheduled service from St. Maarten to San Juan, Puerto Rico. This twice weekly service (Mondays and Fridays) will start on April 3, 2009, about two weeks to the official kick-off of the 40th anniversary celebrations of St. Maarten carnival.
The airline will use a Jet Service with a seating capacity of 152 passengers on the route.
According to the Director of Tourism, Ms. LaBega, "the service will once again assist in positioning St. Maarten in the Puerto Rican Market, and also enable St. Maarten residents to travel to Puerto Rico at a reasonable rate."
She urged the airline to work in close collaboration with St. Maarten's marketing firm in Puerto Rico, Paradigm, to further stimulate traffic from that island to St. Maarten.
"With competitive airfares, the new Insel Air service to Puerto Rico could be a tremendous boost for tourism during this challenging period," LaBega stated, noting that Insel Air's proposed services are in line with St. Maarten's airline development and growth plans as well as the Tourism Master Plan.
Insel Air's CEO, Kluyer, similarly disclosed that the airline is also interested in servicing St. Maarten from Valencia, Venezuela. In this regard, Commissioner Wescot encouraged the airline to work closely with the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau to develop the demand from the Venezuelan Market and other South American countries.
Insel Air's mission is to develop Curacao and St. Maarten as a hub for European, North American and South American Traffic, Kluyer stressed. He said the airline wants to develop St. Maarten as a second headquarters, like Curacao; a home away from home for the company.
Also attending the talks on behalf of Insel Air were Chief Commercial Officer, Jurgen Lippinkhof, and Station Manager Alonso Hassel.

Oyster Pond:---On Monday, at around 1.10 a.m. a robbery was reported in the parking lot of "Border Bar", Oyster Pond. According to the victims while they were still sitting in their parked car in the parking lot, they were suddenly blocked by an unknown car.
Two armed men brandishing guns exited the car, while two other unidentified men remained in the car and under threat of the fire arms, robbed them of their belongings, among others a wallet containing cash money and documents. Several similar robberies have taken place in these night venues, some are being reported and others are not being reported said police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. Those that are not being reported everyone knows why but that is not the point. For the safety of the visitors it is advisable placing of security cameras or more security guards at these locations. The Police on their part would continue to monitor the area as often as possible.
On Tuesday, evening the man P.S. (33) from Guyana, reported to have been robbed by two unknown individuals in the Philipsburg area. The victim told police that while he was walking in the alley of Hotelsteeg near L-Escargot, he was jumped from the back, while one of the bandits held a gun to the back of his head, the other robber, rammed his fist in his right side of his body and was forced to unwillingly handover his belongings. Among others, they made away with a wallet containing cash money and documents, his jewelry and cellular phone. The robber's faces were covered during the robbery. This case also has the attention of the Detective Department.
Also on Tuesday morning a security-guard reported an incident that had taken place since last year December 2008. He reported to have been attacked on December 28th, 2008, during his night shift at the St. Maarten Academy School at around 11.15 pm. The guard reported that while he went to his car which was parked outside of the school premises, he was attacked by 3 masked men who was wearing dark clothing and armed with a machete, rocks and a two-by-four. During the attack, the pelted rocks broke his parked car's windshield, left side mirror and damage left front door and received a cut above his left eye and a swollen left eye. The victim J.W.A. (44), from Haiti filed the complaint at the Detective Department. The report however does not make mention of other personal losses.
Philipsburg- Leader of Government and Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, says she is very pleased with the appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State of the United States, and sees this as a another step forward to the Obama Administration working much closer with the Caribbean region, often considered as the United States' third border.
Clinton during a diplomatic reception at Washington Union Station on January 20, hours after the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States stated that she expected to deepen engagement with countries as part of the effort to bring about more productive relations with America's trading partners.
"We need US engagement with our region as there are a number of issues that need the attention of the US. In these trying economic times, matters such as trade and investments, education, health and combating crime are top priorities.
"I do believe that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will do a great job and I look forward to this engagement with the region," Leader of Government Sarah Wescot-Williams (GIS) on Sunday.
Middle Region:-- Police are busy investigating a case where a gun shot was fired and someone maybe possible hurt. The incident occurred yesterday morning on Madrid Road in Middle Region where a firearm was used and possibly some-one been shot.
Several police officers responded to the scene said police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. On the scene the man with initials D.C. from Jamaica claims to be the victim at the time was treated by paramedics for a small wound to his forehead and a small wound to his right knee.
The victim stated that he was attacked from behind by an unknown man with a gun. He said that a struggle took place between him and this armed man whereby a shot was fired. D.C. also stated that he had fallen to the ground during the struggle and the armed man had fled the scene after the shot went off.
After the suspect fled the scene he (the victim) went to a nearby home from where the police was notified. During the investigation, done by the Forensic Department clues were found that indicate that there might be a second person that may have been involved in this incident who may also have been injured. No other injured persons were located during a search of the area. D.C. who after treatment at the Medical Center was taken to the police headquarters for further investigation. The Detective and Forensic Department are busy carrying out their investigations to determine exactly what took place.

Philipsburg:---- The St. Maarten Institute of Technology and Hospitality (SMITH) is looking for a stronger relationship with its current student body in order to ensure optimal results and success for 2009.
Last month SMITH organized a retreat for its newly formed Student Government Association (SGA) compliments of the Summit Hotel. It was a week-end filled with team building exercises and bonding experiences to prepare the SGA to work more optimally together as a team in 2009.
Social Coordinator of SMITH, Erna Mae Francis, MA, DD who led this expedition comprising seven members of the ten member SGA board, was pleased with the results of the week-end. She expressed a sense of hope as she saw the students begin to cultivate a strong team spirit on the way to the resort and while shopping for groceries at the supermarket. This experience reinforced the sentiment that when persons feel a sense of belonging to something, they are more committed to the process, SMITH's Education Coordinator Sidonia Hodge-Lacorbiniere explained.
The majority of students clearly indicated that on a scale of 1-10 their commitment level as a result of the week-end was a 9 or higher.
Upon arrival at the hotel, the first activity was a word of exhortation and charge from Sidonia Hodge-LaCorbiniere. She offered each student an opportunity to pick one of her treasured books and upon their selection inscribed in each of them: "Readers are leaders."
After the word from Hodge-LaCorbiniere, devotions were held by Francis to invoke a sense of gratitude to God for granting the participants this opportunity to spend time together in such a beautiful environment.
"After devotions, the students prepared a sumptuous meal; rice and curry chicken by Angele; with each member assigned a task to assist in the preparation and clean up.
"At the conclusion of dinner, and further bonding, Dr. Francis engaged them in team building exercises in the form of "the human spider web." The students completed this team work task in record time and then had the opportunity to discuss the exercise by reflecting on who took the lead, which followed and what it felt like to work as a team in tackling the challenge of unknotting themselves.
"Individually they were then assigned the task of saying with conviction why they were important to the SGA board. Their presentation was then judged for creativity, humour and conviction. This exercise resulted in some spirited presentations which helped each of them to further discover their purpose in the group and challenge them beyond their comfort zones. The winner of the exercise was Donika McKenzie who had the overwhelming number of points. After this exercise, the students enjoyed a fun time of fellowship at the pool," Hodge-Lacorbiniere told (GIS).
On one of the days of the two-day weekend, the students were left alone for most of the day to rest and to share on their own time. In the afternoon a debriefing session was held as to how the week-end retreat was for them. They all disclosed that the retreat has connected them tremendously and that they looked forward to doing more of these retreats. They were then encouraged to take the time to brain-storm their plan of action for the coming year. This brainstorming activity would then be used as a guide in determining the course that their first year as a SGA would take.
The students were also asked to demonstrate how they'd build bonds of community with the four other board members who were unable to attend the activity. They came up with a few suggestions and realized that for the SGA to be effective, team work is essential. Overall, the week-end was well spent and should prove effective in school retention and commitment among the students.
Those requiring further information can visit the SMITH's office which is located next to the Central Drugstore on the E. Camille Richardson Street #23 in Philipsburg or can call SMITH's administrative offices at 542-1620. Office hours are from 8.30am to 4.00pm.

Philipsburg-Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams and Governor Franklin Richards were presented with a copy of the newly English translated Traffic Booklet for 5th graders.
The book was presented by Mr. Mathias Voges, President of the Catholic School Board, who coordinated the effort, seeing the need for such-there were no English language traffic books for students.
"For years now there existed only a Dutch version of the traffic books, which were printed in Curacao and used in the 5th grade of the elementary school in the Windward Islands," Voges said.
The traffic book translation, which started in 1993 by Lillian Voges, has been completed with the assistance of Grace Maccow. The Foundation for Traffic Safety has been instrumental in bringing about this booklet as well, Voges pointed out.
"Finally, we can offer our elementary schools a traffic book in the English Language. We have also adapted the book to the local situation, talking about our own Princess Juliana Airport and the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility,"
For their contributions, Voges said, I wish to thank the Windward Islands Bank and Print 2000 for their good corporate citizenship in publishing this book.
Each 5th grade of the English Schools in St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius, will receive 30 English Language Traffic Books free of charge.
The Book, entitled, Safety on the Road, is 64 pages and consists of the rules and regulations of traffic ordinances. The book explains what is traffic, rules of traffic, traffic by air, water, and land; language of the road, traffic signs, right of way, safety, traffic and the environment, traffic and tourism. After each chapter, there are questions and assignments for the students to debate and answer.
The traffic exam has been given to 5 grade students for over 50 years now. The date of the exam is June 2 of every year. Students will start right away using the book to study for the up-coming traffic exam.
For more information, please contact the Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Philipsburg: --- In the next two weeks Commissioner Louis Laviest has to appear in the Court of First Instance to answer charges of bribery, fraud and forgery. The Commissioner received his summons last week. Ever since Laveist arrest in October last year his party leader Sarah Wescot Williams said she had personally requested from the commissioner his resignation.
The island leader had said she was confident that Laveist was going to do the right thing. However, nine days later when the commissioner was released he placed the government in shambles when he said he was no longer supporting the Democratic Party and he was going Independent all because the executive council decided to take away Laveist portfolios leaving him with nothing to do.
In an interview with SMN News Unionist and Democratic Party supporter Willy Haize said he is standing 100% behind Laveist with his decision not to resign. Haize said that the Commissioner is willing to work and he should be given his portfolios back since he was elected by the people of St. Maarten and not appointed by a selected few. Haize said if the Island Council which is the highest body does not have confidence in Laveist then they should be the ones to remove him. He said the efforts made by the National Alliance were from ill fate since this party tried to form a government with Laveist but failed.
The Unionist said Laveist is innocent until proven guilty and he should be treated fairly. He said the Democratic Party to which he supports had treated Laveist badly and they would have to try and make their wrongs right since he personally told Laveist not to buckle to any pressure and resign.
Dr. Roosevelt paid a working visit to education officials Mrs. Josianne Fleming-Artsen & Mrs. Claudette Forsyte-Labega who represented Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams.

Philipsburg: --- Members of the Operation Trust 2 managed to arrest five persons and confiscated a large amount of drugs and monies during a sting operation early Sunday morning.

Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said several persons in the community informed police that drugs are being sold at a particular house on Bruce Drive Cul de Sac. Henson said members of the Operation Trust 2 found a large amount of crack cocaine and cocaine powder, cellular phones, jewelry and a considerable amount of monies was also found. The police spokesman said all of the items have been confiscated, while five persons have been arrested.

The investigation he said is handled by the Narcotics division of the police department.

Marigot: ---- The two suspects who were detained on Sunday morning for their involvement in the shooting death of 21 year old Christopher Williams will be transferred to Guadeloupe today said head of the Gendarmes Loic Barras. The two men were arrested during a house search in Rambaud. The operation was conducted by some twenty gendarmes who are part of a special team within the gendarmerie.

The gendarmes also managed to find at least two weapons that were used during the early morning killings that left Williams dead.

In a brief ceremony the Sint Maarten Fire Department honored 7 employees for their outstanding attendance. The following 7 persons did not report sick during the year 2008: Carlos Arndell, Marvin Dollison, Antonio Gibs, Clemente Jones, Karl de Palm, Jonathan Williams and William York.
As a token of appreciation, these persons were presented with a certificate of achievement by Fire Chief Winston Salomon. The Fire Chief commended these 7 persons for his fact, in the presence of other fire fighters. He stated this achievement should be seen by all as an example to follow. He also expressed the expectation next year more certificates could be awarded if all personnel would follow suit. In the fire department team work in the shifts is very important and all shift members depend on each other's input and performance. Therefore the department decided to award these certificates to encourage all staff members to excel.
Philipsburg- An enthusiastic group of 40 plus strong students, instructors and staff participated in the St. Maarten Institute of Technology and Hospitality's (SMITH) orientation exercise on Monday February 2, 2009.
Key note speaker, Perry Wilson, Senior Branch Manager of First Caribbean International Bank, inspired the students and faculty with his moving story of how he climbed the corporate ladder from the age of 17 as a courier, to his position now as a branch manager.
He shared that he started with the Windward Islands Bank without a high school diploma, transporting mail from one location to the next, then after getting an opportunity to move to the data entry department he recognized the need for higher education when he realized he could go no further without a high school diploma. Consequently, after a few years he attained his GED; then an Associate's degree and finally a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Finance and Accounting, at the Hogeschool van Groningen, in the Netherlands.
Wilson's testimony impressed upon the students that the path to success is a life long journey of persistence, perseverance, determination and endurance to reach your desired goals and that furthering one's education greatly enhances that journey. The students were both challenged and inspired by his talk about his journey to success, as he spoke directly to where many of them find themselves now. His story also provided them with encouragement that despite their past setbacks, they are capable of succeeding in life if they persist.
SMITH's Education Coordinator, Sidonia Hodge-Lacorbiniere, exhorted the students that SMITH believes in them and expects from them excellence. Consequently, SMITH will demand their best efforts for maximum results so that ultimately they will complete the next two years of their programs successfully. She also emphasized that SMITH was just the beginning of their life-long road of continuing education of attaining their dreams in life and that they can be assured of the quality of their education.
Vice president of SMITH's recently formed Student Government Association (SGA), Isha Marlin also greeted the new students and shared some of SGA's goals and objectives for their term in office.
These ambitious goals include:
1. Assisting SMITH in acquiring its own facilities so that the students may have better facilities and their own identity as students.
2. Providing SMITH with more visibility within the community.
3. Encouraging and motivating the students to stick with the program and successfully complete their education.
SMITH's Social Coordinator, Erna Mae Francis, M.A., D.D. also shared her words of encouragement and inspiration to the students and facilitated an icebreaker which culminated in the participants sharing their favourite inspirational quotes. Sharing of these quotes was designed to provide inspiration for the students to successfully pursue their education. From this exercise, the class chose a cutting-edge quote to live by for this school year: "Go where there is no path and leave a trail."
Persons interested in attending SMITH or who would like more information about the courses offered, may contact the SMITH office at E. C. Richardson Street #23, Philipsburg, St. Maarten or call 542-1620 or 542-8969.

Cay-Hill:-- The staff of the St. Maarten Medical Center has joined the HIV/ Aids team yesterday as they would be thinking RED for the month of February. All dressed in their Red Tee Shirt the staff was in all smiles when the hospital's medical director George Scot declared the RED month open. Anthony Pantophlet said it took his staff two weeks to prepare for the launching of the RED Month which he believes would serve to educate the staff of the medical institution of HIV and AIDS. Pantophlet said while the hospital is a place where treatment for HIV/ Aids is give the staff has a lot to learn about the disease. "This month there would be a lot of information on HIV/ Aids at the SMMC and people would be more informed on the disease. It is intended that activities would be held on a weekly basis in recognition of HIV/Aids.
The St. Maarten Medical Center will be Thinking [RED] and Doing Safe for the month of February with an event every Friday. At the entrance of the hospital a special table will be set up with HIV/AIDS awareness packages and complimentary refreshments will be available to persons visiting the medical center every Friday.
The staff of the St. Maarten Medical Center will also attend HIV/AIDS awareness sensitization workshops, which will educate the staff about HIV/AIDS in a very interactive manner.
Stay tuned for the weekly activities every Friday at the SMMC.
MARIGOT: ----The Saint Martin Citizen Movement is informing the general public of its mobilisation against the high cost of living on the island, and is therefore inviting each and everyone to attend a meeting that will be held on Wednesday February 11th 2009 at the Chamber of Commerce (CCI) building in Concordia Marigot at 6:30 PM.
Topics to be discussed with a panel the concerns of the local and State government.
Those concerns are the labour cost and purchasing power, housing, rents, cost of living relating to the cost of groceries as well as sewage problems facing the residents of St. Martin.
President of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs said the meeting is not limited to the list that is presented but all concerns of the people.
Gumbs is calling on the population to turn out to this very urgent meeting since he believes that if everyone is United they will stand but if they are divided they will definitely fall.

Philipsburg: --- The prosecutor's office now has the identification on the skeleton that was found last March in Cay Hill in the vicinity of the St. Maarten Medical Center. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said the decomposed body has been identified as Castro Rosario.
He said the man was identified through DNA testing. With the results of the DNA and other forensics the office of the prosecutors can now begin a criminal investigation. Asked if he knew anything of the victim Stein said it seems to him that the man was residing on the island illegally and is probably from the Dominican Republic. However, the latter could not be confirmed.
Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams says she is pleased that the U.S. Congress and Senate approved President Barack Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of close to US$800 billion which is considered a major milestone on the road to recovery for the United States of America.
Wescot-Williams added that the Island Government is monitoring closely the actions being taken by the U.S. Government as any recovery of the U.S. economy will also translate positively for the Caribbean and St. Maarten in particular as a tourism destination.
As President Obama has pointed out, the act is only part of the process that his administration has undertaken to turn the U.S. economy around.
"I am confident that the measures being taken to address the failings of the U.S. financial system and bring back consumer confidence will work out, but it will take time.
"All nations around the globe are being confronted with this unprecedented economic recession. Obama's plan calls for stabilization, repair, and reform of the U.S. banking system in order to get credit flowing again to U.S. families and businesses.
"This should have a positive spin off for tourism in the Caribbean as those Americans who have decided to put their vacations on hold for now, will start to travel abroad as things start to look up.
"The Island Government is working in a diligent manner with the resources that we have and within the legal framework afforded to us under the Islands Regulations within the context of the Netherlands Antilles in dealing with this unprecedented global economic crisis.
"Government is somewhat limited in its possibilities, but will work closely with stakeholders to exhaust all avenues to take us through this global crisis. Government has the additional responsibility to guarantee public services, and will continue to do so even in these adverse times.
"Every citizen must understand that while there are individual choices and decisions, and in some cases adjustments to lifestyle to be made, we need to weather this storm together and work along with the private and public sectors to overcome this crisis.
"We have been tested before and because of our resilience we have been able to turn crises into opportunities. In difficult times we have also shown to band together. This time should be no different," Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.

Philipsburg:--Commissioner of Culture Maria Buncamper Molanus announced that a committee has now been put in place to organize this year's St. Maarten Day celebration.
"On November 11, 2009, St. Maarten will mark the 50th anniversary of the Celebration of St. Martin's Day. The Island Government of St. Maarten is tasked this year with the organizing of the official festivities to mark St. Martin's Day considering the French government was responsible for the task last year." Buncamper Molanus said.
St. Martin's Day is already a significant, national day on the annual calendar of events for the people of St. Maarten. This anniversary year however, it is the intention to celebrate our national day with an impressive program of events on November 11 along with the customary pomp and pageantry. Culture will play a significant role in all festivities and will be the foundation upon which the event will be organized.
To accomplish this, there needs to be a dynamic, dependable group of persons designated in a committee to organize the yet-to-be determined program of events. These persons should also have experience in organizing events of such a local, cultural magnitude. It was also determined that it would also be beneficial to have persons in government service comprise this committee.
Having said that, the Executive Council has identified and approved the following persons to serve on the "St. Martin's Day 2009 Golden Anniversary Organizing Committee":
Fabiana Arnell - Stichting Overheids Gebouwen - Designated to head the Committee
Michael Granger - Office of Commissioner Buncamper
Faye Arnell - Office of Commissioner Buncamper
Lydia Arnell - Directie Ondersteuning
Dorothy Lake - Social & Culture Department
Youmay Dormoy - Philipsburg Cultural & Community Center
Rose Vlaun - Government Protocol
Marsha Beauperthuy - Government Information Service
It should be noted that the aforementioned persons have all organized major events on St. Maarten at one point in time. They bring a collective experience that will serve to benefit the St. Maarten day activities. This entire initiative will be coordinated through the office of the Commissioner of Culture.
The task of the "St. Martin's Day 2009 Golden Anniversary Organizing Committee" is two-fold:
1. To establish a program of celebratory events leading up to and on St. Martin's Day 2009. A tentative program should be ready to present to the Executive Council by March 1, 2009.
2. To be the executing body of this program of events on St. Martin's Day with the cooperation of all relevant entities (to be outlined in detail to the Executive Council).
Philipsburg---In an effort to keep HIV/AIDS awareness going and keeping their party patrons safe during sex, two party organizers, namely Elektra-"Pink 4 Love," and DJ Blaze organizer of "The Ramping Shop" came to the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team's Offices on Friday afternoon to collect over 500 condoms to distribute to their party attendees.
Valentine's is known all over the world as a time to celebrate love, and it is expected that during that time sexual emotions run high by persons demonstrating their love for each other. To ensure that persons remained protected from sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV/AIDS during that evening both organizers found it fitting to hand out condoms and HIV/AIDS awareness information to all who partied.
Elektra told Suzette Moses-Burton, HIV/AIDS Programme Manager on her show on Monday morning that she wanted to contribute in some way to the [RED] Campaign; therefore she gave out the condoms and the information brochures.
Suzette Moses-Burton stated that, "It is private initiatives taken by individuals in our community that will continue to help us spread the information about HIV and eventually reduce the transmission of HIV.
The more familiar people become with the messages of safety as well as other information about HIV, the less frightening it will become. For us to truly win the battle against HIV, HIV MUST become part of our daily vocabulary and way if life, so that we can ensure brighter futures for all of us.
Fear of HIV has hurt us more than it has helped, it is time to get over that fear and face this challenge head on. I am hopeful that as the [RED] campaign and other initiatives under the AIDS programme continues that the responsible actions demonstrated by Elektra and Blaze will be shared and expressed by others in our community. We all have a role, no matter how large of small, to play in the fight against HIV."
Philipsburg- Dengue Action Response Team (DART), the Island Governments multidisciplinary team coordinating the nation's dengue response, met recently to review the currently statistics related to dengue fever, and can confirm that the number of dengue cases are on a downward trend.
The number of laboratory confirmed dengue cases for January was 16 out of 95 laboratory requests; for December 2008 - 25 confirmed cases out of 151 laboratory requests and for November 80 confirmed cases out of 338 requests.
The number of hospital admissions for the month of January is 14 however only six of the patience admitted was confirmed dengue fever cases.
Persons experiencing dengue fever-like symptoms should still visit their family physician. Persons should also follow-through by going to the lab to have a dengue fever test carried out to determine if they actually have the virus. This information is very important for the statistical section at Sector Public Health, Labour & Social Affairs.
The DART Team advises that even though there is a downward trend, residents still have to follow the preventive actions that have been recommended throughout the information campaign.
To keep this number on the downward trend, it calls for each resident to change his/her behavior by keeping their immediate surrounding mosquito free. Those who require additional information about preventive actions should contact the Hygiene Department at 542-2079.
The Island Government approved an emergency budget of over Naf.300,000 in the last quarter of 2008 to cover a number of interventions related to the dengue fever outbreak. From the allotted amount, information materials such as brochures, posters, magnetic posters, and public service announcements were developed and distributed.
Some of the interventions taken comprised of house-to-house/yard inspections; increase in vector control fogging activities; and presentations to non-governmental organizations and schools.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death.

Leading a delegation of Miguel De Weever Director Of Economic Policy & Research, Fiscal/Tax Lawyer Mercedes James of the Finance Department, Jeannette Hagen
Head of the Constitutional Affairs Department and Veronica Jansen-Webster Executive Assistant, Commissioner Maria Buncamper is on a fact finding mission to Curacao in connection with the development of the financial services sector on St. Maarten. The delegation met on Thursday morning with Mr. Lionel E. Anthony of LAconsult and who is currently the director of CIFA (Curacao International Financial Services Association). This association promotes businesses in the financial services industry for Curacao. The focus of this meeting was the role that CIFA plays in the sector on Curacao and the exploration of complimentary services that St. Maarten could offer as it explores further development of this sector on St. Maarten.

Airport: --- State Secretary of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Mrs. Ank Bijleveld Schouten, arrived on St. Maarten at 11 am yesterday morning. Bijleveld Schouten was welcomed at the PJIAE by Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams.
Media personalities were given the opportunity to take photos after which the State Secretary met with the island leader and chief of police prior to leaving the airport for her days activities while on St. Maarten. The purpose of the meeting at the airport was to give the State Secretary information on the Dutch Military policemen and technical assistants in the security chain. "We discussed the Safety Plan Netherlands Antilles, and ways to get money faster to St. Maarten," Bijleveld told reporters in a brief press conference. "I think we can reach an agreement about this issue in March, when there is a meeting of the political steering group." She said.
Shortly after that the state secretary met with the St. Maarten Housing and Trade Association who have been honking horns on the economical crisis.
Bijleveld-Schouten said that the SHTA is "very worried" about the economic situation on St. Maarten.
The SHTA are very worried about the decrease in the number of visitors from the United States to the hotels here. They want the Island Council and the Executive Council to make greater efforts to better economic situation."
In the afternoon, State Secretary, visited the No Kidding with Our Kids Foundation. The foundation provides a successful after-school care program in the district of Sucker Garden. Approximately 150 children who are kept busy with, among other things, homework counseling, sports, and handicraft and social skills are participating in this program. They also get a hot lunch every day which is partly funded by the Dutch funds.
She made clear that it is important for children to get an education but it is also important that they play and interact with each other.
Bijleveld-Schouten also touched on the constitutional reform, she said what is on paper looks good but they have to see if it would materialize practically. She also had a stern warning for Curacao regarding the May 15 referendum. She said Curacao must realize what they are doing in this process. And while they would be getting a good bit of monies the conditions are not negotiable.
While she assured that she is working for St. Maarten as being a country within the Netherlands.
Google's web-based email service, Gmail, has crashed this morning, leaving millions of users from Britain to Australia unable to send and receive messages. ORIGINAL ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND ON Telegraph.co.uk at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/google/4797727/Googles-Gmail-service-crashes-across-world.html
Google?s Gmail service has suffered a worldwide crash preventing millions of users from accessing their mail
The email service went offline at around 10.25am GMT, and the outage appears to have affected users throughout the UK as well as across Europe, and even as far afield as Australia and India.
It appears that only web-based Gmail access is affected, and users can continue to send and receive messages using other devices, such as mobile phones and third-party mail clients.
Google could not confirm what had caused the outage. "A number of users are having difficulty accessing Gmail," said the company in a statement. "We are working to resolve the problem. We know how important Gmail is to users, so we take issues like this very seriously, and we apologise for the inconvenience.
"We are posting status updates about the problem at mail.google.com/support."
Bloggers and Twitter users were quick to flag up issues with the service. Google's web-based email system is usually fairly robust, and suffers little downtime, so many internet users were left baffled by the problems and at a loss as to what to do. Many Twitter messages offered workarounds to the problem, such as using mobile email applications, while other Gmail users said they would simply down tools and make a cup of tea and wait for the issue to be resolved.
Several major companies, including Telegraph Media Group and The Guardian, have switched to using the Google Apps suite in place of conventional desktop email. Google Apps allows users to work collaboratively on documents via the web, as well as share calendars, and provides instant messaging and chat alongside Gmail email services.
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POINTE-A-PITRE, Guadeloupe (AP) - Unions in Guadeloupe scored a victory in getting a deal to raise some workers' salaries, but said Friday they will not end a general strike now concluding its sixth week on the French Caribbean island.
Leaders of the strike-organizing Collective Against Exploitation, or LKP, paused for handshakes and photos with small business owners after signing the deal just before midnight Thursday. The agreement raises some workers' salaires by $250 (euro200) a month.
The union leaders quickly turned their attention to unsettled issues of raises for thousands more workers and lowering food and energy prices many times higher than those on the French mainland.
"We have a meeting tomorrow afternoon with the prefect to continue the negotiations," LKP leader Elie Domota told The Associated Press after getting up from the signing table. Asked if the strike would now end, he said simply, "No."
The strike has shuttered stores across the island, chased away tourists and occasionally erupted into clashes between protesters and police. The deal was officially named the "Jacques Bino Accord" in honor of slain a union member killed leaving a strike meeting Feb. 17.
Starting March 1 those employers will provide up to half the salary increase for workers making up to $2,353 (euro1,849) a month, with the rest paid for by the French and local government. Workers making up to $2,690 (euro2,113) will receive at least a 6 percent raise.
But prospects for further salary talks were set back earlier Thursday when the French Caribbean department's large business owners refused to return to the negotiating table, accusing the unions of creating a "climate of intimidation and violence."
"Each day that passes, more and more companies face great difficulty, taking measures of unemployment, redundancy or are close to bankruptcy," the employers said, citing roadblocks and shop closures and accusing the LKP of physically intimidating business owners.
Around the same time, about 500 LKP supporters descended on a high-end Carrefour grocery store owned by a key business leader and kept open using nonunion workers during the strike.
The protesters chased off shoppers and chanted, "Employers are thieves, exploitation has ended!" as they knocked over shopping carts and barricaded the parking lot. French riot police were on hand but did not intervene.
Protests have also spread to the neighboring French Caribbean island of Martinique over high prices, low pay and alleged neglect by officials in Paris. Strikers have looted stores, burned cars and hurled beer bottles at police who responded with tear gas.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon called Thursday for calm in Martinique and for all parties in Guadeloupe to quickly conclude an accord.
Philipsburg: --- The island council of St. Maarten debated the consensus Kingdom law on Maritime border during a special island council meeting yesterday. The two Kingdom laws will be dealt with by the sub-council today. Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams said that even though highlighted and discussed the Historical Fishing rights were discussed but it was not in the draft. She said the government of St. Maarten are concerned and wants to see a reference in the draft which covers Curacao and Bonaire as well as St. Maarten and Bonaire. She said amendments were made to have the fishing rights or the historical fishing rights be mentioned.
Councilman Rodlophe Samuel said that his faction is concerned as to what may happen to St. Maarten rights after the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles. He said information is now surfacing that suggests that there is oil and gas under the surface of Curacao and Bonaire. In responding Wescot Williams said that whatever mineral is known will be divided but what is not known will become the property of where it is located. Samuel also wants to know how St. Maarten would deal with cabling when that time comes. Wescot Williams said there will be discussions on that when it comes.
After all explanations the Kingdom Law on Maritime was unanimously being approved.
Kingdom Law on adjustments on existing Kingdom Law, Wescot Williams said this law would deal with adjustments for at least 34 existing Kingdom Laws. This would deal with the existence of the BES islands and the creation of two new countries. She said the premise has to be extended to include country St. Maarten.
The changes she said will affect several ministries which include the passport law and pension law, the law on citizenship, publication of treaties are also a few of the Kingdom laws that will be affected.
Philipsburg- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies (SHGC), would hereby like to extend his condolences on behalf of the Supervisory Board and Management of SHGC to the family of John Philip Frederick Craane Sr., effectively known as "Boechie," who passed away on Saturday.
The cruise terminal building at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility was dedicated to him after his years of service working in the maritime sector.
"He will be greatly missed as he was a man who dedicated himself to the maritime sector until he retired. The supervisory board and management deeply regret the passing of "Boechie" and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends," SHGC CEO Mark Mingo said on Tuesday.
"Boechie" spent most of his life working on and around boats. His love of boats was influenced by his father who was a well known boat builder on Bonaire.
As a young boy he worked with his father helping him build boats after school. As a young man he captained several of the boats that his father had built including the Endeavour and the Rainbow.
"Boechie" in 1954 was hired by the Federal Government and remained employed until an accident forced him to retire in 1987 at the age of 74.
For the 33-years he worked for the Government, he captained several boats such as the Blue Peter, MV Antilia and MV Hertha. In 1963 he became a pilot at the A.C. Wathey Pier and served in that position until 1978 when he was promoted to Harbour Master of St. Maarten and remained in that position until he retired.

Airport:---As the global economic crisis continues to take a significant toll on a number of businesses in and around the region, WINAIR airlines has announced that they will be cutting some of their routes resulting in job cuts. This announcement was made by Managing Director, Edwin Hodge who said that the airline cannot maintain some routes as it was creating more challenges for the company. The routes that will come under fire are Dominica, Tortola, St Kitts and Nevis. The St. Maarten Antigua route will be reduced to a weekly flight.
Hodge said that Dominica was stopped effective March 1 while the other routes will come to an end on March 29th. He pointed out that in the process some 14 (14) jobs will go noting that it all forms part of his company's attempt to reshape and strengthen as they face the effects of the global economic downturn like other companies. "We will only cut about 14 or so jobs as cutting the routes will mean that some persons will loose their jobs among them being pilots and other departments," Hodge said. WINAIR disclosed that the pilots and the two additional employees are the first set of job losses.
He noted that all attempts at saving those routes are being made pointing out that in he is presently negotiating with Dominica, Tortola, Nevis and St. Kitts. Provided that no agreement is reached between the parties then WINAIR shall refrain from operating scheduled flights to those countries.
The announcement of WINAIR's cutting routes and job cuts is the latest airline to have made this disclosure after Air Jamaica announced early this year that they were going to cut 600 jobs while LIAT Airline while not announcing how many jobs were going to be cut noted that they were reducing flights out of four of its destinations; Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St Kitts and Nevis as a result of decreased demand.
Hodge said that like an airline WINAIR has to make appropriate decisions if the airline is going to remain alive noting that the global and financial crisis has affected almost every aspect of the tourism and business sector. "Like any other company we would have to make some firm and serous decisions because we have a service to provide and as such we need to continue providing that service effectively and efficiently."
"Cutting the routes will ultimately result in cutting of jobs as WINAIR no longer can keep jobs that are no longer essential and needed for the company," he said. Hodge however gave the assurance that his company would adjust its schedule as time goes by base on the general charges in travel behavior.
Quizzed on some of the contributing factors to his company's decision, Hodge stated that the other flights have been doing well while pointing out that the routes that are being cut has not been doing well for quite some time. He added that WINAIR adjusted those flights some months ago trying to save them, however this has proven futile. and now the firm approach was taken to request the governments to assist in keeping these routes..
Hodge assured that the process of adjustments will continue despite the many challenges that face the airline. "Cutting routes is never an easy thing and more so cutting jobs is certainly difficult but we have to make tough decisions in tough times." Hodge also stated that not only cutting of routes are in gear, but Hodge and his team are also slashing other costs in the company.
"As the region tries to adjust to the global economic impact we will certainly attempt to add capacity where there is a need and reduce capacity where we see there is no need for." he said. Hodge also noted that his airline will be ensuring that adequate and sufficient flights are put in place to handle the Easter travel demands to and from the Islands that remains in the WINAIR's network.
Philipsburg:--Governor General Frits Goedgedrag and Prime Minister Emile de Jongh-Elhage met with the Executive Council and Island Council yesterday morning at the Government Administration Building to discuss the Constitutional developments, Immigration, Census, Justice, and Crime issues on St. Maarten.
The Lt. Governor Franklin Richards opened the meeting and welcomed everyone, saying that it was a pleasure to have both the Governor General and the Prime Minister both at once in the same meeting.
The Governor General responded in kind and the meeting was convened with discussions about the agenda points. He also wanted to talk about the effects of the world economic and financial crisis and how St. Maarten was dealing with the slower growth.
The Prime Minister asked about the constitutional developments and how her office may assist. De Jongh-Elhage said that the constitutional development is something that has to get done and according to scheduled plans, for both St. Maarten and Curacao are looking to one day flag both flags as constitutionally different entities, than currently.
Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams responded that before the crisis government initiated the new labor policy. And the banks, due to the conservative nature and restrictions on banks, are doing rather well, considering what is going on in the world.
There are continued efforts as well on the constitutional area, Commissioner Wescot-Williams said, whereby work, reports, and policies, among other items, are put in place for the new country St. Maarten. However, there are some issues that must be dealt with on the federal level, so as to continue the constitutional process. The commissioner reiterated and impressed upon the Prime Minister to further press the ministries to continually work towards solving restrictions within the constitutional developments.
Every future ministry, Commissioner Wescot-Williams said has a workgroup and when needed consultants from KPMG assist in the matter. For the most part, however, St. Maarten and the Federal Government are working closely together to get the work completed and to attain the new constitutional status.
Prime Minister de Jongh-Elhage agreed and said that she will look into the matter concerning certain ministries. We have to work together she said.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams said that she will brief the Prime Minister at a later time where every ministry is concerned, and asked for a meeting between the Executive Council and her cabinet.
About the world economic and financial situation, Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus answered that St. Maarten has not escaped the situation. There is slowed growth and there has been some layoffs, some of which may not be attributed to the world economic crisis, but nevertheless, that the island government is keeping a keen eye on the developments, and have taken-In relation to the crisis-much measures: from immediate marketing funds to promote the island in specific niche markets to looking into ways of diversifying the economic market to agreements with the labor unions.
There is also the summit, Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said, out of which it has been emphasized, realistic recommendations, should result. There is also the constant controlling of food prices.
Though St. Maarten's economy is mainly tourism and time share based, the numbers have not dropped significantly, though as is expected, the spending amounts have declined. But we are optimistic that though there is a slowed growth, there is still growth. We are fortunate, Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said.
After discussing the agenda points with the Executive Council, the delegation met in another meeting with the rest of the Island Council members: Rodolphe Samuel, Patrick Illidge and Hyacinth Richardson; others were excused due to previous commitments or being off island.
Present at both meetings were Commissioners: Sarah Wescot-Williams, Theo Heyliger, and Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
Marigot: --- Workers from the COM was invited to a general meeting last night at the Chamber of Commerce Building. The workers were invited by fax on Thursday telling them that the meeting will be held with the General Secretary of the UACL/CGTC Mr. Jean Marie Brissac. Brissac who was supposed to visit St. Martin since the beginning of February was held back due to the prolonged strike in Guadeloupe.
This meeting is supposed to be a follow up meeting from the protest action that was taken on January 19 2009. During that action the workers were not satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations held between their local union representatives Serge Wienum. It is said the workers demanded that action be taken against the hiring of foreigners who are paid far more than the local workers who have been in the civil service for more than 10 years.
Sources say that less than 25 of the workers turned out to the meeting since they were horribly dissatisfied with the outcome of the first action. It is understood that the general secretary took blame for the delay saying that he could not make it earlier to St. Martin.
Brissac explained that the most important aspect of the job was finished since the COM began evaluating the employees which will be updating their files. It is said that after the evaluation process employees will be paid according to their level. Brissac said the COM would also issue an arête when the evaluation is completed.
SMN News plans to follow the development of the union and will bring it to you when it becomes available.

POINTE-A-PITRE, Guadeloupe (AFP) - Businesses began to reopen on Thursday in Guadeloupe after a general strike that had paralysed the French Caribbean island for 44 days ended with a promise of pay rises.
The end of the first major revolt in France since the start of the economic crisis was a relief for President Nicolas Sarkozy's government, which still faces a strike on neighbouring Martinique and tensions on the mainland.
"Today, our struggle has paid off," said Elie Domota, leader of the Liyannaj Kont Pwofitasyon (LKP - League Against Profiteering), which led Guadeloupe's mainly black majority against mainly white business leaders.
"We must remain mobilised and continue to fight," he declared late Wednesday to a crowd of supporters gathered outside the French state's headquarters on the island to see an agreement signed.
The six-week struggle, which saw one activist shot dead by protesters and hundreds of extra police deployed from mainland France, ended with a detailed 165-point deal on measures to improve living standards on the island.
While legally a full part of France and the European Union, Guadeloupe is one of the poorest corners of the national territory with 23 percent unemployment, more than twice the mainland rate, and a high cost of living.
The strikers accuse a ruling class of "Bekes", white descendants of colonial plantation owners, of exploiting monopoly positions in retail and construction in order to maintain high prices and a privileged lifestyle.
Private sector bosses deny profiteering, and have warned that the LKP's wage demands will simply push up unemployment in a region already heavily dependent on state subsidies and public sector jobs.
Under Wednesday's accord, Guadeloupe's workers will receive an extra 200 euros per month in their wage packets, partly paid for by the state and partly by their employers, to compensate for high prices.
"It's an important moment," said Nicolas Desforges, the prefect or state representative on the island. "We've come out on top with a 17-page document which represents an important programme.
"I think that tonight should give Guadeloupe a new start. We need to get back to work from tomorrow, pull out the stops, make up for lost time."
The employers' association MEDEF, which represents several of the islands largest businesses, has refused to sign the deal, but Domota insisted that most firms had agreed to finance their share of the increase.
The strike leader told Europe 1 radio that the accord would cover between 30,000 and 40,000 wage earners -- among a population of around 450,000 -- and that strikes would continue in any businesses that hold out.
Meanwhile, on the nearby island of Martinique, a similar strike entered its second month Thursday. Businesses remained closed and economic activity was paralysed by road blocks thrown up by protesters.
And 12,000 kilometres (7,500 miles) away on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion, trade unions have called for another strike to start. In mainland France, labour leaders have called for a one-day stoppage on March 19.
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Philipsburg:--- Minister of Justice David Dick who is on the island confirmed that his 2006 Immigration policy was never fully implemented. He said part of the policy could not be implemented due to the lack of proper technology. The Minister said he welcomes the support given by the island leader on his policy and promised to meet with her to further discuss the policy and its implementation.
One of the goals of this policy is to fully deal with the amount of illegal immigrants on St. Maarten. Minister Dick said that the grace period of 2000 and 2002 did not fully solve the problem since most of the people who were legalized during the grace period is now living on the island illegally again even though they are gainfully employed. He said due to the fact the proper technology and materials were not in place they could not have dealt with the immigration issues differently. He said he is grateful for the support of the leader of government who plans to meet with him to discuss the integration of labor, immigration and education. He said when he took office he got a justice chain that looks more like Flintstones. Dick said when he took office he did not know the exact state of affairs of the justice chain, thus he has to work much harder to accomplish what is needed to improve justice in the Antilles. He said the justice system was not in line with the 21st century and he had to slowly build the system, making sure all that is necessary are in place. Already there is lot of work done on IT, technical and human resources.
The Minister also acknowledged there are some problems with the passport system at the Princess Juliana International Airport. He said he personally requested to see how the system functions and he saw some glitches. "Indeed the system is slower than that of Curacao by a few seconds" But he said he cannot say what is the cause, which can vary from the memory to the amount of bytes available on St. Maarten.
He said he would be calling on the technicians to look into the matter and see what exactly the problem is since this system is working perfectly in Curacao and Bonaire even though the server is in Curacao. He said even though he has some ideas on the matter but does not intend to guess on what the problem could be, the only way to go is to solve this problem by repairing the system which is considered to a very good system to regulate immigration.
The Minister said they are doing their best to combat crime which is hindering the economic development. However, he felt crime is not a problem for the justice department alone. He said the immigration system at the Airport is a good start since they are able to document all those persons who are entering and leaving St. Maarten. He said he fully supports the views of the executive council who said if crime is not contained then it would be useless to create economic stimulus to boost the economy.

Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams will be a member of a panel discussion at the 5th Economic Vision for Curacao Seminar "The New Economy," on Thursday at 6.00pm in Willemstad.
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics of the University of the Netherlands Antilles in collaboration with the Curacao Department of Economic Affairs have organized the seminar with the objective of developing a clear view and vision for the future of Curacao.
The key note speech will be given by Curacao's Commissioner of Economic Affairs E. Rhuggenaath.
Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams will be one of two panel presenters where she will discuss the Development Plan of St. Maarten.
Barbados Minister of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry & Commerce D. Estwick, will present the National Strategic Plan of Barbados 2005 - 2025.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams told (GIS) that she felt honored being asked by the organizers to present St. Maarten's development plan.
The seminar is being co-sponsored by the Curacao Tourist Board (CTB) and Curacao Hospitality & Tourism Association (CHATA).

POINTE BLANCHE:--- A delegation headed by Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger, will be leaving the island on Friday for Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami Conference.
The conference that kicks off on March 16 and runs through March 19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center will cover the state of the cruise industry with a focus on current global economic challenges and how this is impacting the industry.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies says that the Port of St. Maarten is very interested in learning how the cruise industry is dealing with the global financial-economic crisis.
"We would like to know how the impact is affecting our cruise partners and we will also discuss how the global challenge is impacting the business at the harbour. As a port, we also have to look at new avenues for revenue increasing business.
"Even though this is a major challenge unheard of since the 1930s, the harbour will continue to market the island as a cruise destination. All businesses have to adjust, but must maintain focus and look forward with confidence as the world economy will make a comeback.
"The various representatives of the harbour which also includes Supervisory Board Chairman Michel Soons, will be updating the cruise industry about the progress being made with our expansion project and the start of new projects such as the Downtown Jetty," stated CEO Mark Mingo of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies on Wednesday.
Mingo adds that he is very pleased to learn that the two biggest cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) have reported strong cruise bookings.
Carnival Cruise Line reported that for the one-week period ended march 1, 2009, the company reported the highest number of net weekly bookings in its history. Additionally, on a cumulative basis since mid-January, net bookings are up 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2008, although pricing is at lower levels.
RCCL has reported booking levels up by 40 per cent year-on-year during the January-February ‘Wave' peak booking period. This has been based on keen pricing, added value offers and high profile advertising.
RCCL has also noticed that there has been no noticeable shift towards late booking or any increased trend in cancellations due to the global recession.

Pointe Blanche:---- Several police patrols and detectives were directed to a home located on the Ground Dove road in Point Blanch yesterday morning after police had received several phone calls informing them that at least one shot was heard coming from the house where a fight was going on between a couple that lives at that residence.
On the scene the patrols encountered the couple with initials J.R. and O.B. who stated that an argument between them had broken out, which shortly after turned into a physical fight.
They patrols also noticed that the both parties had bumps and bruises to their bodies. During the questioning of the couple on the scene police could not be determined who fired the shot and why.

In connection with this investigation both parties were arrested on the spot. A thorough search of the premises, done by the police patrol lead to the finding of a 12 gauge shot gun, a box of shotgun cartridges and two pistols. These weapons were all confiscated in connection with the investigation. The Forensic Department was on the scene to do their investigation. During the investigation several documents were found indicating that one or both of these suspects have been busy falsifying documents. The documents were also confiscated and handed over to the fraud department. Both parties were taken to the police station and held for further investigation.
Philipsburg: --- Police managed to arrest a 24 year old Haitian man identified as L.S who threatened another man on Saturday evening in a Chinese restaurant in Well Road Cole Bay. According to Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard identified the victim as C.L 33 years old. Leonard said about 10pm the suspect entered the restaurant with a loaded shot gun and threatened C.L. The police spokesman said police responded in record time and they managed to apprehend the suspect who was trying to escape the long arms of the law. Leonard said the suspect tried to get rid of the loaded fire arm during a short foot chase but police manage to retrieve the gun which was handed over to the detective department. The investigation is ongoing as the suspect remains behind bars.
Police are investigating two separate cases of ill-treatment. On Sunday, at about 1.15 am, a 19-year-old woman, reported to the police to have been beaten by her former boyfriend. The man came to her home in Cole Bay, and began ill-treating the woman and took away her mobile.
While he was beating the young woman she began to scream out. A "Van" with six un-known male occupants, who was passing by, apparently heard the commotion, stopped their vehicle, stepped out and intervened by properly beating up the abusive "ex". Later, that same morning, the young lady reported the incident with visible facial injuries and other injuries to her upper body. At about 2.45 am, detectives arrested the abusive former boy friend.
Cole Bay: --- The attorney representing the defense in the Angel Marlin killing requested a reconstruction of the scene which was conducted yesterday in the presence of the suspect and a witness for the prosecution. Also present at the scene was the judge, court recorder and the prosecution.
The events of the gruesome killing were reenacted since the suspect AUSULA NESSA EDWARD is claiming self defense. So far there has been no date set for the court case confirmed Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. The killing occurred on Wednesday January 7 2009.

Philipsburg: --- Education Minister Omyra Leeflang in rebuttal statements while responding to questions posed to her said St. Maarten has access to Naf.20 million which is at USONA and this money can be used to build schools. Leeflang is on St. Maarten to participate in the UNESCO meetings. In a brief meeting with the media she said she checked with USONA prior to coming here and she was told by USONA that St. Maarten still has Naf.20 million. She further explained that even though she is the Minister of Education she had problems acquiring the information since she already signed off the monies to the islands. "I checked before I came here and St. Maarten has one project to the value of Naf. 600,000. I need to know when St. Maarten would use this money since it would be there from 2009 to 2012. She said if St. Maarten wants to use these monies they need to come up with humongous projects or massive programs." She further explained that is why she said St. Maarten need to build schools, since it is only by building schools since it is the only way for them to use up these monies.
The Minister said with additional schools children would have a place where they can be educated.
Leeflang said she went as far as telling St. Maarten she is ready to grant teachers temporary permits to be in the classrooms, since they already said if they have more schools there would not be sufficient teachers. "I am willing to issue temporary permits to teachers that have a certain level of education. These teachers she said can even get training courses which would bring them up to par with the education system of the Antilles." The Minister said if there are sufficient schools and teachers then compulsory education can be implemented. She said when this done the island would have a dual economic and educational achievement. Additionally the island can attack its economical crisis by having a construction boom by building schools.
The Minister said she signed an agreement at the beginning of 2008 where she handed over all the monies she got from Holland for education to the islands. St. Maarten she said was a signatory to that agreement and they have access to Naf.20 million. Leeflang said the central government has right to 10% of that money but she did not keep any of the monies since she wanted the islands to get this money to further strengthen education. The Minister said the only thing she made clear when the agreement was signed in 2008 that there were going to be laws in place that must be respected by all the islands. Leeflang said the reason behind putting these laws in place was to make sure everyone offers the same quality of education in all schools of the Netherlands Antilles. She also indicated that all the laws on education are ready and she would be presenting one of those laws next week when she attends the parliamentary meetings.
She said her Ministry no longer has access to these monies since she gave it to the islands. "If I had the monies or had access to it I would have done what had to be done for St. Maarten. Leeflang explained when the Central government gave away their authorities the only thing they can do is monitor the islands. "In the past the Education program had belonged to the Central government. However, in light of the constitutional reform a decision was taken to hand over some powers to the islands in an effort to prepare them to own their budget."
Leeflang said one of the reforms that were highly criticized is the FBE (Foundation Base Education). She said her Ministry amended this program by taking out the problematic areas and it will be presented again next week.
Asked if there is a lack of communication since the Commissioner of Education and the Minister is releasing different information. Leeflang said that is exactly a problem, and she intends to meet with Commissioner Wescot Williams next week. She said she could not meet with the commissioner on this trip since she is the chairperson for the UNESCO meetings.

Simpson Bay: --- Members of the Wathey family and the Democratic Party was thrown into mourning early this morning (around 7am) when Syndey Wathey passed away. Sydy as he is well known in the community died from cancer. Just two days ago Syndey told this reporter that he needed to seek medical attention since he was attacked for the second time with cancer. He had said doctors told him that both his lungs had cancer. He was scheduled to leave the island on Saturday (tomorrow) for Curacao to begin Chemotherapy. Sydney had cancer in his throat a few years ago which he overcame.
It is said he got up early this morning to take his bath when he took in and eventually passed away.
Sydney Wathey a man of the community would make it his duty to meet with local St. Maarteners to discuss the future and present state of St. Maarten. This was a tasked given to him by his late father the late Dr. Claude Wathey.
Syndey Wathey is the second son and third child of late Dr. Claude Wathey.
"To make available quality psychiatric care, based on agreed budgets and tariffs, by providing guidance and therapy to individuals and groups. The foundation will also attempt to prevent acute and unsafe situations for patients and families by recommending alternative lifestyles to individuals and families and monitoring their progress."
Recommending lifestyles that prevent stress and stress related problems is a primary task of the MHF therefore the team has committed itself to participate in the Health Fair. This initiative of the Lions helps health care organizations to create a better understanding of what the different health care services are all about and for the organizations to better understand the needs ad whishes of the population in general.
The Mental Health Team will be at the fair with information material on;
• The causes of Mental Problems
• Methods to avoid mental problems
• How mental problems are treated
• Patient and family support methods in coping with mental problems.
‘Interpreting your profile' tests
Today's lifestyles cause lots of stress, because of the growing expectations of the community in general therefore knowing what type of person you are; ‘interpreting your profile' tests will be made available. Advice will be given on matters such as how to have good relationships considering the type of person you are.
Signs of a beginning depression are often not recognized by the person him/herself or by the surroundings. Tests on how to recognize this will also be available including advice on what to do about your feelings. Timely recognition of mental problems can, in the long run avoid serious problems.
We hope to be able to make it a fun day for you, the tests are a fun way to get to know yourself and self help tools are a great asset to help you function well.
The day care
The day care clients and staff will have on display the candles and soap production, they will also inform you of their daily activities.
Philipsburg: -- A sizeable crowd mostly teachers attended the meeting held at the University of St. Maarten where Education Minister Omayra Leeflang presented the law on the Foundation Based Education. Leeflang made clear that there was amendments to the law which she described as an air of change in the education system.
The law she said is now based on three basic steps which would increase the balance teaching skills. The first basic skill is the relationship between teachers and students, while she said there may be a curriculum without methods allow teachers to get lost in the system. Secondly teachers must be able to bridge the gap between the beginning and ending in education. Teachers must be given freedom on their teaching methods since they are professionals in their career. While the third concept deals with teachers as professionals and schools as professional organizations and others institutions as facilitators and not dictators in education. She said the time has come for professionals to be allowed to complete their duties and those hindering the process must be held accountable for what they are doing.
Leeflang said while politicians have a lot of desires they must have the willpower to make their dreams happen and the monies to pay the cost of these dreams. She said in all of this management had to make though choices. The minister downplayed her critics who said she came on board to make changes without reason. She gave ten reasons for the changes which she said is exactly like the Ten Commandments which she said she used to base her decision on the laws on education. The law she said outline those that are responsible for the mishap on education.
Luutson de Vries the Legal Adviser to the Central Government Department of Education in his presentation said education reform was introduced in the Antilles mostly in high schools. De Vries gave an outline on the concept and introduction of FBE mostly the legal and technical concept of the law.

Philipsburg: --- A pair of Bush Dogs that are normally found in Central and South America arrived at the St. Maarten Zoo. Bush Dogs are stocky and terrier-like with short legs and a short tail. Numbers of Bush Dogs in the wild are decreasing as settlements progress and forests are being cleared.
The Bush Dogs in the Zoo have arrived from the Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes in Paris France. Both dogs that are at the zoon are females and were born in June 2007. Bush Dogs usually live approximately 10 years in captivity. The St. Maarten Zoo cooperates with many other zoos around the world, which is why these animals came from France.
Many of today's zoos engage in active breeding programs and attempt to reintroduce various species back into the wild. This is an important function of today's zoos.
The new Bush Dog females have adapted well to St. Maarten and their new surroundings.
Marigot: --- Members of Parliamentary Tripartite delegation visited the Territorial Council yesterday where they held a meeting that lasted about two and half hours. It is understood that the members from Aruba and Suriname posed several questions on the constitutional process on the French side. French St. Martin received their new status on July 15 2007; Last year the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles visited the French side where they exchanged information on the constitutional process. President of the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles Pedro Attacho said he made the second visit in the interest of Aruba and Suriname as well these meetings would further strengthen the relationship between the two sides.

Philipsburg- As a prelude to the upcoming State of the Economy address scheduled for May 14, 2009, Commissioner of Economic Affairs Mrs. Maria Buncamper-Molanus will give a presentation on the current state of the economy.
The presentation will be aired on Wednesday March 25th, 2009 on GIS Programming, SXM Cable TV Channel 15, at 7:00pm and repeated on Thursday, March 26, 2009, on GIS programming, Cable TV Channel 15 at 6:00pm
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus' address will focus on how the economy is performing thus far, including looking at inflation and other economic indicators.
Furthermore, the commissioner discusses government's plans to mitigate the effects of the global economic slowdown as well as the measures to stimulate the economy.
This presentation will be followed by a State of the Economy address, where special guest speaker for the evening, Maria van der Sluijs-Plantz will give a presentation on "The Development of the International Financial Service Sector on Sint Maarten." Time and date will be announced at a later date.

Philipsburg: ---- Chief Commissioner of Police Derrick Holiday remains a disappointed man yesterday when he was given the verdict of the appeals court. The court considered proven that the top cop did falsify a number of re-entry permits while he was also found guilty of fraud by falsely collecting rental allowances for his home.
Holiday was sentenced to one year conditional prison term, and one hundred and eighty hours of community service including a three-year ban from the police force. Holiday was also placed on a-two year probation.
Yesterday's verdict can be considered harsher than the verdict of the Court of First Instance since the trial judge in the Court of First Instance had sentenced Holiday to a 4-month suspended sentence with three years probation and a $5,500 fine.
During the trial on March 4th Holiday cited that there was conspiracy with his arrest and prosecution. He had said the Minister of Justice acted in conspiracy when he removed him from his office just days before he was arrested and a major search was conducted at his home and office. The former top cop said that arresting and prosecuting him is a means to show St. Maarten was not ready for its country status since the Dutch has to prove the local police force was corrupt.
During the hearing of his appeal Holiday looked confident he was quizzed severely on the re-entry permits that bore his signature. Holiday told the three-panel judges he had the power to sign the documents since he was the Chief Commissioner of Police, he also made clear no one paid him for these documents instead he did so for humanitarian purposes.
The court ruled that the defendant (Holiday) violated the integrity of the Police Force and government policy while he held a position to defend the integrity of government.
As for the house rent allowances he said the Lt. Governor had told him if he repaid the monies he collected under false pretence then he would not have been prosecuted. Holiday said he already paid back those monies that he falsely collected for his own financial gain.

PHILIPSBURG-GEBE launched its new website yesterday as part of the company's vision to improve service and operate in a more customer-oriented manner. GEBE Managing Director, William Brooks, was on hand to officially unveil the new site and demonstrate its functionalities to the media.
The new interactive website aims to make GEBE customer services accessible 24 hours a day. "We know traffic and parking is an issue, so we aim to minimize the number of times customers have to physically come into the GEBE office."
NVGEBE.com consists of several sections including a Customer Center, Storm & Safety, Environment, Community and About GEBE.
The Customer Center has all the information on how to open and close accounts, answers questions on billing and payment methods, offers payment online through the local banks, and has a section on frequently asked questions that can help solve minor problems right away.
The contact section directs customer enquiries to the correct department so customers no longer have to figure out who the right person is to speak to about their problem. "You can report a water or electricity problem, request information, sign up for E-Billing, all in one spot any time of day or night."
There is an entire section dedicated towards educating our customers on the environment, from conservation tips to alternative energies that are being used around the world. We have a safety and storm section focused on protecting your home and your family in the event of an emergency, hurricane or everyday situations in your home.
The website was designed internally and has been a collaborative effort from the GEBE ICT department headed by Gerard Ooms and project manager Tyron Jones, the communication and commercial departments, with contributions from everyone in the company.
"This website is a work in progress. Right now its purpose is mainly informative and geared towards quicker customer transactions with GEBE. The next phase will be even more interactive allowing clients to access their GEBE accounts and see their current and historic bills online. We will continue to add features as the year progresses," Brooks continued, "Our customers can look forward to even more services that make life easier. Utilities are a basic necessity for our customers, so we would like to make dealing with GEBE as simple, easy and quick as possible.
Philipsburg: -- The much talked about Franco/Dutch Treaty is technically on hold since the work groups that are working for the two sides of the island have to be put together. So far that has not take place confirmed Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards in a telephone interview with SMN News.
Richards said this group when put together has to issue a set of advice on so called risk flights to the steering committee that would have to implement the changes.
He said it is expected that the two sides will meet in April to further discuss the implementation process.
SMN News also understands that there are some mixed feelings regarding the visa implementation. One of the greatest concerns is the requirement of visas for in-transit passengers. SMN News understands that Acting Chief Commissioner of Police is in favor of the visa implementation since this would help the island track the movement of people visiting and or passing through St. Maarten. Asked about his concerns at yesterday's press conference he said he did not issue an advice on the matter. He said the police and Foreign Affairs will meet where they would offer advice on the implementation process. Doran said he met with the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards on Friday where they began the discussions.
Richards also said that during that meeting it was decided that Foreign Affairs offer some training courses on the process.
The Franco Dutch treaty was to be implemented by April this year Richards had announced earlier this year, while the leader of government gave some serious advice to the French and Dutch sides. She had said she hoped St. Maarten does not have to cut their noses to spoil their faces. The island leader also warned that implementing this treaty now may create concern for the influx of people visiting St. Maarten she felt serious consideration must be taken during the economic crisis that is hitting all parts of the world.

Philipsburg: --- The Police Force of St. Maarten, Saba and Statia (KPSSS) put together an exciting video as well as a skit to attract young recruits to the police force which is highly understaffed. Police Officers from within the A team displayed their skills in apprehending a suspected drug dealer who turned out to be a young police officer who eventually salute the Minister of Justice David Dick who was at the launching of the recruitment drive.
Students from the St. Maarten Academy were also on hand to receive information on the recruitment as well as participating in the photo shoot. Several police officers, Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran and the Justice Minister as well as the State Secretary of Justice Ernie Simmons along with the island journalists that were present took photographs that were printed instantly and given to them as souvenirs.
The drive commenced yesterday at the Milton Peters College where students of the largest high school was given first hand information on the benefits of becoming a police officer. State Secretary of Justice Ernie Simmons said the MPC students were surprised to learn that police recruits are paid while in training school. Simmons said he felt there is more to be done on informing the island youngsters regarding the police and its benefits so they can be attracted to the force.
Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran considered the video to be ‘eye catching and hoped that it would help them recruitment team to get the amount of officers that is badly needed. Doran said it is time they take the matter seriously and launch this type of campaign which would include a-six month advertising on all radio stations, television, and newspapers. He said when he approached the Minister of Justice for assistance it was given to him shortly after the request. Doran explained that it is believe that they take the matters of the police seriously if the present status and image of the police is to be changed.
Doran said one of the major hurdles in the Windward Islands and Curacao is language related. Minister of Justice David Dick said even if in Curacao they are having the same problem of language. He said he already suggested that additional training courses in the Dutch language be given to police cadets which would help them master the language.
The drive will continue today on Statia and then on Saba said Doran. Interested candidates must be able to master the Dutch language; they must be at least 17 and half years old and not older than 35 years of age and possess the Dutch nationality. During the first half of the campaign will focus on the getting sufficient cadets to join the police academy.
Persons who are already in any type of law enforcement agency can also use this period of time to become part of the police force if they are considering a career change.

Marigot:--- President of the EPIC and the Tourist Office of French St. Martin, Ida Zin Ka Ieu at a press conference yesterday outlined the promotional plan for this year. Zin Ka Ieu made clear that the French and Dutch Tourist Office are working rather closely in promoting the island. She said whatever problems there were in the past no longer exists since she is managing the EPIC. "I want everyone to know that I personally do not have a problem with Regina Labega Director of the Dutch Tourist Office we work very closely".
One of the other highlights Zin Ka Ieu gave on the Tourist Office is the fact there are 15 employees who are working as a team to promote the island in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. Over the last three months she said she had sent one of the team members to Canada, another to the Caribbean Islands of Martinique and St. Lucia, one to Miami Florida while the other one went to Paris France. The team she said comprises of Carine Piper, Aida Weinum, Aurora Brookson and Kate Richardson.
Zin Ka Ieu said it is the first time the French side has embarked on sending the team to these promotional activities since in the past it was the elected officials who were travelling overseas on behalf of the island.
Zin Ka Ieu said just last week the Territorial Council voted their primitive budget where there is 3.1 million Euros allocated to Tourism. She said that money was placed in the budget based on the plans her office provided for the EPIC. The EPIC president said she wants to make clear that she is the president of the Tourist Board and she is also part of the commission that handles the monies in the Collectivity. She explained that despite the differences in personalities she would do what is necessary to make sure the people's business and monies are well spent. Zin Ka Ieu said she wants to make clear that it is absolutely necessary for the two entities to work together on marketing St. Martin. "While everyone may be concerned about how the promotion would take place she assured she is at both chains to representing tourism.
Another guarantee Zin Ka Ieu gave is that the monies that is allocated for tourism will be spent on that since she does not intend to use these monies for personal vacations and other matters. She said when she and her team travels overseas on behalf of the Tourist Office they work solely for the Tourist Office and likewise when they travel for their personal affairs it would be at their expense.
St. Peters: --- Police was called, during the mid-day hours yesterday for a big fight was reported to be taking place on the L.B. Scott road in the vicinity of St Maarten Academy.
On arrival at the scene, the patrol saw student running away and another student bleeding from a cut to his head. The victim was hit in his head with a rock, during the fight.
The victim was treated by the personnel of the ambulance department and was taken to the St Maarten Medical Center by his father who arrived at the scene to receive stitches. Later police apprehended in the vicinity one of the fighters who was involved in the fight but when he saw the arriving patrol car, took off a running.
Police continue to look for solution for these fights and looking more in the direction of the parents. Parents should sit down more often with their children and together address the problems asking the reason for these many fights. Why do our kids resort to violence?

PHILIPSBURG-Seven GEBE employees attended the Professional Supervisor Training at the UTS Training & Development Center given by trainer David McGregor. The training covered planning, leading, communicating with employees, colleagues and management, team building and motivation.
GEBE supervisors, Elmer Willems, Ramiro Hernandez, Jules Christian, Vincent Ellis, Nelson Rollan, Albert Fleming and Ronnie Jacobs, were the first group of supervisors to attend the 3-day session. With the positive reviews, the course will be offered to additional groups in the coming year.
"The training was very interesting. We really learned a lot. We touched on dealing with people, coaching, time management, conflicts, and more. The only way to improve the course would be to extend it to the whole week, because we had to cover so much in 3 days," pointed out Elmer Willems of the Power Plant, "My first day back on the job, I found myself in a situation where I had to coach someone. And as my training says, I gave him an earful of listening. I really tried to listen and understand his problem so we could find a solution together."
"The difference between the people who get sent to a course and those who really want to learn is huge. Any training is only ever as good as the participants," explained trainer David McGregor, "These participants really wanted to learn, were participative and contributed enormously. Their enthusiasm, willingness to learn and input have been greatly appreciated."
GEBE's Human Resource department organized the training for the seven GEBE supervisors to sharpen their supervisor skills as well as continue their development for the High Performance Workplace. GEBE continues to invest in the training and development of its employees as part of its vision to maintain a skilled team of professionals that strives to exceed expectations.

PHILIPSBURG-GEBE signed a contract with N.V. BetonBouw Caribbean Construction (BCC) for the construction of the new Pond Island Substation. Construction will begin in a few weeks and is expected to take eight months. The completion date is scheduled for mid December 2009.
The Pond Island Substation will replace the smaller substation that is currently located in the GEBE parking lot in Philipsburg.
As part of the project, two new 240mm-cables will be laid from the Cay Bay power plant to the new Pond Island substation and linked to the Zagersgut Substation. This creates a ring of electricity that facilitates better control of the electricity distribution allowing technicians to manage the load and improve reliability of the distribution system.
The purpose of a substation is to receive the 12 kVA voltage directly from the power plant through 240mm heavy duty aluminum core cables and redistribute the electricity to the various neighborhoods. The power is then transformed from high tension to low tension in the transformer houses that are connected to the individual households through low tension cables.
The Pond Island Substation will mirror its Zagersgut counterpart in design and functionality. It will be situated on the lot across from the TelEm building that was especially prepared last year for this purpose. The design of the building will be almost an exact duplicate of the Zagersgut Substation that is built to house all the receiving and distribution cables, but also to withstand natural disasters. The building is made entirely from concrete to withstand hurricane force winds. Additional safeguards were incorporated in the elevation of the building and watertight cable entries in the event of flooding.
The construction of the Pond Island Substation is being executed by N.V. BetonBouw Caribbean Construction (BCC) and overseen by Independent Consultant Engineers (ICE). The GEBE team members overseeing the project are Elvis Gumbs and Donald Webster.
This project forms part of GEBE's vision to provide reliable and high quality electricity to the Windward Islands. When completed the substation will provide GEBE with an alternative route to supply Philipsburg in the event of a short circuit or damage to one of the main feeder cables.
...

Philipsburg:---Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation held a presentation on the importance of Earth Day at the Learning Unlimited School on Thursday.
Earth Day celebrated and recognized around the world on April 22 is one of the leading important dates to commemorate our planet. Learning Unlimited grade 7 students heard why it is important to help our planet earth by planting trees, participating in beach cleanups and protecting our marine wildlife. A short film on our marine environment filmed by resident Leroy French captured the student's imagination as they witnessed the close up feel of sharks, whales, sting rays, sea turtles and other marine wildlife. Filmed around the waters of St. Maarten, Saba and Central America, the film is a great inspiration for youngsters to appreciate the wonders of our under water world.
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation board members will be participating in a range of activities with schools leading up to Earth Day on April 22nd, more presentations will be held as well as field trips to the Philipsburg Landfill.
Marigot: -- The official decision of the State Council has arrived on St. Martin. Those who filed against the August 7th election of Frantz Gumbs are not that happy with the ruling even though there is a partial victory.
Sources close to parties that filed the complaints is said not to fully understand the decision since only part of the election has been annulled.
The RRR elected officials were in a meeting last night as they discuss the decision of the State Council. Efforts made to reach Alain Richardson whose complaint has been dismissed for the lack of sufficient information could not be reached for a comment
SMN News received an official copy of the decision which reads as follows: - for the purpose of clarity we have chosen to translate the most important parts of the three page document.
Former first Vice President Marthe Ogoundele Tessi the only winner in the process said she intends to make an official statement sometime next week. Ogoundele Tessi did not say if she plans to postulate in the upcoming election.
STATE COUNCIL DECISION RELATIVE TO THE ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE TERRITORIAL COUNCIL OF SAINT-MARTIN (EXTRACTS).
Considering, 1° under n° 319983 the protest, registered on August 21, 2008 at the office of the secretary of the State Council disputed claims department, presented by Mrs. Marthe OGOUNDELE-TESSI, residing on Saint Martin Mrs. OGOUNDELE-TESSI requests the Council to annul the electoral operations which took place on August 7, 2008 for the election of the president of the territorial council of Saint-Martin and to order the organization of a new election;
Considering, 2° under n° 319984, the protest, registered on August 21, 2008 at the office of the secretary of the State Council disputed claims department, presented by Mr. Alain RICHARDSON, Mrs. Aline HANSON, Mrs Noreen BROOKS, Mr. Louis MUSSINGTON, and Mrs. Romona CONNOR, Mr. RICHARDSON and others request the State Council to annul the electoral operations which took place on August 7, 2008 for the election of the president of the territorial council of Saint-Martin and to order the organization of a new election;
Considering the other documents of the files;
Considering the electoral code;
Considering the general code of territorial Collectivities
Considering the code of administrative justice;
After hearing in public session:
- the report from Mr. Jean-Luc Matt, in charge of the functions of Master of Requests,
- the observations of the SCP Boutet, the lawyer of Mr. Frantz Gumbs,
- the pleas of Mrs. Julie Burguburu, public Rapporteur;
The floor being again given to the SCP Boutet, the lawyer of Mr Frantz Gumbs;
On the pleas intended to annul the election of the president of the territorial council.
Considering that the declarations of Mr. Fleming, previous to the election, reported by the local press, whereby he gave his support to the candidacy of Mr. Gumbs do not constitute a scheme likely to pervert the results of the election; that consequently these grounds must be dismissed;
Considering that the grounds stating the irregular nature of the composition of the board of the local assembly can only be dismissed;
Considering that the use of polling booths is not applicable to the election of the president of the territorial council; that, therefore, the absence of such a material is not in itself likely to invalidate the election;
Considering that it results from the investigation, and that it is not contested, that during the voting where Mr. Gumbs was proclaimed the elected president of the territorial council of Saint-Martin, ballots prepared in advance and bearing the name of Mr. Gumbs were used to express, under the eyes of the public and the other voters, the choice of the 15 territorial councillors who have used them, whereas blank sheets of paper had been handed out to the voters for them to write their choice thereon; that it was therefore possible to know precisely the candidate chosen by the voters who have used the pre-printed ballots; that, on the other hand, it was stated publicly the candidate chosen by the only absent territorial councillor who had given a proxy; that under these circumstances, taking into consideration the number of votes irregularly cast, higher than the number of votes received by Mr. Gumbs, and whatever the difference of votes with the other non elected candidate, the results of the election were thereby invalidated; that consequently the election of Mr. Gumbs in the capacity as president of the territorial council of Saint Martin must be annulled;
On the pleas intended to annul the election of the other members of the executive council.
Considering that the annulment of the election of the president of the territorial council does not bring about, as a consequence, the annulment of the other members of the executive council; that its annulment could only proceed from special irregularities deriving from their particular election ;
Considering that if Mr RICHARDSON and others request the annulment of the election of the other members of the executive council, they do not mention any other complaint relative to this election; that therefore the rest of the pleas of their protest must be dismissed;
On the pleas for the purpose of the court order.
Considering that the annulment of the election of the president of the territorial council of Saint-Martin necessarily implies, in application that new electoral operations must be organized in view of the election of the president of the territorial council of Saint-Martin and other members of the executive council; that therefore it is necessary to prescribe the first vice president of the executive council to implement this article and convene the territorial council within one month from the notification of the present decision, for the purpose of carrying out such operations;
DECIDES.
Article 1: The election of Mr. Gumbs in the capacity as president of the territorial council of Saint-Martin is annulled.
Article 2: The first vice president of the executive council is charged convene the territorial council in order to proceed with the election of the president of the territorial council and of the other members of the executive council within one month starting at the notification of the present decision?
Article 3: The rest of the pleas of protest by Mr RICHARDSON and others is dismissed.
Article 4: The pleas presented by Mr. Gumbs with reference to article L 761-1 of the code of administrative justice are dismissed.
Article 5: The present decision will be notified to Mrs. Marthe OGOUNDELE-TESSI, to Alain RICHARDSON, to Mr. Frantz Gumbs, to the territorial Collectivity of Saint-Martin and to the Minister the Interior, the overseas, and territorial Collectivities.

Philipsburg:--In its ongoing efforts to improve its service and safety to its many clients, the The Windward Islands Bank Ltd. has posted signs banning the use of cell phones, eating, drinking and cameras throughout the Bank.
For several years, now clients have not been allowed to use cameras or eat and drink while in the Bank.
The main reason for the ban on cell phones has to do with the fact that the Bank felt that the safety and security in the Bank can easily be breached with the use of the cameras that are on cell phones. "There are so many things that can be done nowadays with cell phones; some very convenient, but some very dangerous as well; stated Carl Snijder Assistant Managing Director of WIB.
Following repeated complaints about the disturbing cell phones ringtones and the unprofessional appearance in the lobbies as a result of this, the Bank decided to implement the complete ban on cell phones. The ban on cell phone usage in the lobby applies for both clients and Staff. Clients whose cell phones ring while in the cues are kindly requested to step outside of the Bank should they really need to answer immediately.
"We are convinced that the customers understand that this measure has been taken for the safety and security of all and also contributes to a more professional atmosphere throughout the Bank and that they will cooperate with us; concluded Carl Snijder. He expressed his hope that other institutions will follow with the rules.
Philipsburg- A revitalization project plan for improvements at the civil registry (census bureau) is slated to be presented by St. Maarten's governor Franklyn Richards to the Executive Council for discussion. Once approved, the plan will be presented to His Excellency the governor of the Netherlands Antilles and to the Dutch secretary of state for kingdom relations.
The Dutch secretary of state for Kingdom Relations, Ank Bijleveld-Schouten, in a letter dated April 17, 2009, addressed to the Dutch Second Chamber, among others, voiced her concern regarding the functioning of the census bureau on St. Maarten.
The Executive Council took a resolution on December 9, 2008, that the functioning of the census bureau needs to be enhanced.
Reason for this Executive Council resolution is the fact that the department in question is deemed essential for the gathering of and dissemination of information pertaining to citizens' duties and rights within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This is not only important for the individual citizen but is also essential for the functioning of the island territory of St. Maarten within the Netherlands Antilles and for the Kingdom itself.
It must be possible that within the kingdom, duties and rights of the citizen are treated equally, entailing that tasks should be performed in such a way that there could be no misunderstandings.
A characteristic aspect of the aforementioned is that of confidence in the documentation of data in the civil registry as well as the necessary care in applying procedures.
In past years, numerous steps were taken by the Executive Council to safeguard the mentioned aspects, taking into consideration the need to limit the possibility for manipulation of data and procedures.
Notwithstanding that the vulnerability of the department has been a source of constant concern for the island, central and kingdom governments, for the past decade, there are still doubts regarding the complete accuracy of data and procedures followed.
With the application of the kingdom law pertaining to Dutch citizenship, in the form of the issuance of Dutch passports, the ministry for interior affairs and kingdom relations has many concerns.
Governor Richards, now charged with the responsibility for the census bureau, mentions that he is busy with the drafting of a project plan to revitalize the functioning of the census bureau, which is practically ready. This project plan entails among others the enhancement of the civil registry, which will lead to more reliable information to determine the right to Dutch citizenship, and subsequently the right to vote as addressed by the Dutch secretary of state, Ank Bijleveld-Schouten, in her letter of April 17.
The project plan is scheduled to be presented within two weeks to the Executive Council. Once approved, the plan will be executed expeditiously by the Executive Council in collaboration with the ministry for interior affairs and kingdom relations.
Marigot: -- While relatives of Richard Pantophlet aka Richie is mourning his lost and making possible arrangements for his funeral the gendarmes said they have no idea who the man is. SMN News wrote an article on the passing of Pantophlet an accident victim of the French side of the island who was evacuated to Guadeloupe for medical treatment. A representative of the gendarmerie contacted this media house saying they do not know who the young man was and when the accident took place.
Efforts made all day yesterday to contact Captain Loic Barras or Commandant Stephanne Arrousseau for a comment proved futile. Family members of the late Pantophlet who resides in Dollison Drive Cul de Sac said it is incredible for the gendarmes to say they do not know the victim since they are the ones who went to the family home to get his passport so he could have been evacuated to Guadeloupe. The young man who is in his early twenties leaves to mourn one daughter, two brothers and a sister. Sources told SMN News that the body of the victim is expected to be back on St. Maarten sometime this week.
It is understood Pantophlet was involved in an accident somewhere on the French side during the Easter weekend. Sources told this media house Pantophlet was in a vehicle with someone else when the accident occurred. It is said he suffered from head and other injuries which he succumbed to over the weekend.
The European Commission launched two anti-trust investigations on Monday against certain members of the Star and One-world airline alliances on concerns their agreements on transatlantic routes might breach EU rules.
The probe relates to two sets of agreements between Star alliance members Air Canada, Continental, Lufthansa and United on the one hand, and between One-world members American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia on the other.
The regulatory watchdog of the 27-nation European Union said the agreements provided for the coordination of the airlines' commercial, marketing and operational activities principally on routes between the EU and North America.
"The level of cooperation in question appears far more extensive than the general cooperation between these airlines and other airlines which are part of the Star and One-World alliances," the Commission said in a statement.
"In particular, the parties to each agreement intend to jointly manage schedules, capacity, pricing and revenue management on transatlantic routes, as well as share revenues and sell tickets on these routes without preference between these carriers," it added.
The Commission said it would assess whether these joint activities may lead to restrictions of competition.
It added that the opening of proceedings did not imply that the Commission had conclusive proof of an infringement. The Commission said it had set no strict deadline on when to complete its investigation.
(Reuters)
Philipsburg- St. Maarten stands to obtain a big bang for its advertising dollar in the Puerto Rican market, judging from the marketing proposal submitted by the firm, Paradigm Associates, which represents the island in Puerto Rico.
A total of US$116,000 has been earmarked for the period March - November, 2009 to promote St. Maarten in Puerto Rico and increase visitor arrivals from that niche market. The whole marketing campaign is expected to yield some US$528,438 in terms of real exposure for the destination, according to Francisco J. Ramis Rivero, Senior Vice President of Paradigm Associates. This is almost five times the amount budgeted.
This will include television shows to be taped here on St. Maarten by Telemundo and Univision, as well as promotions on the Miss Universe Puerto Rico pageant, the 7th Verano de Pelicula with Univision, and El Nuevo Dia.
The campaign will further include featured articles in El Nuevo Dia, Imagen Magazine and Revista TV Aqui among others.
Of course, radio will also be used intensively during the campaign, as well as the Internet, Mr. Franciso Ramis disclosed.
"The idea is indeed to get the best bang for each dollar St. Maarten spends to position herself in the Puerto Rican market, and that is precisely what our promotional and advertising efforts are geared towards," he added.
"We are confident that with the sustained efforts of Paradigm Associates, their knowledge, expertise and creativity, we would be able to achieve our goals in the Puerto Rican market," concurred Regina LaBega, Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.
Rules implemented to ensure smooth and professional flow of competition and live broadcast.
Philipsburg:--With the 2009 Senior Calypso finals being held this Monday evening in the Festival Village, the event organizers have announced the new judging system taught during the Calypso judging workshop, judging criteria and rules for the competition.
The merit judging system will be used based on an aggregate scoring method. The aggregate scoring method means that the highest and lowest judge's score for each calypsonian will be taken out of the results. "The main purpose of this system is to remove any bias on the part of a judge who may personally favor one calypsonian more over the others and attempt to score that calypsonian unfairly high or a judge who may have a grudge and attempt to score a performer unfairly low"; explained Eric "Pink Panther" Taylor during the calypso judging workshops. Once the aggregate scores are totaled, the calypsonians will be ranked in order of placement with 1 being the highest and 11 the lowest. This is the merit system where based on placement again the highest and lowest placement number is taken out. The calypsonian with the highest placement is then declared the winner. This system also easily facilitates the breaking of any ties.
Calypsonians will be judged based on the following criteria:
Lyrics 30 points at which judges will be looking at development & depth of ideas, structure, narrative, coherence & organization.
Melody 30 points for basic melody, compatibility with chosen theme and use of rhytmn.
Rendition 20 points for clarity of diction, articulation, voice quality and tonal pitch
Presentation 10 for stage presentation and performance
Originality 10 points for originality & treatment of theme and creativity.
In addition to the new judging system and criteria, several rules have been agreed upon in discussion with the calypsonians to ensure a smooth and professional flow of the live broadcast of the competition. Some of the rules include:
Each Calypsonian is being allotted 10 minutes for his entire presentation of opening skit and song.
Considering that the commentators will be broadcasting live backstage, it is important that there is minimum shouting/noise backstage.
Each Calypsonian is required to inform the organizing committee before the night of the show of the amount of persons who will be accompanying/supporting them on stage as part of their skit and for their performance. In addition, no one will be allowed to the side of the stage. A tent will be set up backstage for the supporting cast of calypsonians. Only the performing calypsonian and their supporting actors are allowed on the stage. Anyone that is functioning as a supporting cast for the calypsonians and wishing to see the other calypsonians' performances should do this from in the crowd. Absolutely no one will be allowed around the backstage area peeping out or standing looking at the performance to the side on stage.
With the calypsonians having been briefed on the new judging system during the judge's workshop, criteria and rules, the organizing committee is looking forward to a professional competition and live broad.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus says she is in full solidarity with the efforts currently underway for the 7th Annual Vaccination Week in the Americas that started on Saturday, April 25 and will run through Saturday, May 2.
This is the Western Hemisphere's largest multi-country health effort which will reach out to children and adults in 44 countries and territories.
Two special themes for this year's effort are family vaccination and vaccination for health workers.
The goal this year is to vaccinate 30 million people against diseases including polio, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, measles, diphtheria, mumps, whooping cough, tetanus and neonatal tetanus, H. influenzae type b (Hib), yellow fever, and influenza.
Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour Section Youth Health Care (YHC) will be having a Vaccination Open House on May 30. Additional information will be made available as the time gets closer. Last year's event attracted more than 200 children and teenagers who came to check their vaccination status, update their information and receive vaccinations.
In February YHC organized a vaccination outreach program for the mid-term break from February 23 to Friday, February 27 which was also a success.
Disease prevention is the key to public health. It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it. Vaccines prevent disease in the people who receive them and protect those who come into contact with unvaccinated individuals.
"Immunizing individual children helps to protect the health of our community. I ‘am hoping once again that this year's vaccination week of the Americas will be a successful one. Even healthy and well-nourished children, if unvaccinated, are at risk of disease. Residents of the Western Hemisphere should take heed and use the opportunity to check their child's vaccination status," Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.

Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, on Monday morning met with Attorney General of the Netherlands Antilles Mr. Dick Piar and a four member delegation to discuss the establishment of a full-fledged Attorney General's Office on the island.
Commissioner Wescot described the meeting as very informative and a good exchange of ideas regarding the judicial structure for Country St. Maarten.
The discussions focused on a number of areas such as a policy cycle and a baseline criminal study. The policy of fighting crime will be fine tuned to each islands specific situation and circumstances.
Another area touched upon was having uniform procedures along with quality control; one uniform information, communication and technology ICT infrastructure for countries Curacao, St. Maarten and the BES-islands; the sharing of specialists amongst the three entities; public prosecutor offices working together and sharing resources; cooperation between the Attorney General's Office to fight border crossing criminality; money laundering; casino gaming board; the issue of job security for persons hired during the transition period by the Attorney General's Office; the BES-islands Chief Public Prosecutor making use of judicial office facilities on St. Maarten; and the financial aspect of covering the costs of the this part of the judicial system.
"I am looking forward to receiving the report from the Committee for the Establishment of an Attorney General's Office, and then we can have a follow-up meeting to discuss the details further.
"Each island has had different experiences where it concerns the relationship with the Attorney General's Office. That's why it is so important to have all the resources here to ensure a proper and optimal functioning Attorney General's Office.
"The rule of law is key to our national democracy and our democratic institutions. A good organizational structure is therefore necessary in order to effectively deal with crime," Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The delegation included the Chief Public Prosecutor Leo de Wit, Chairman of the Committee for the Establishment of an Attorney General's Office Miguel Goede, Olaf Wilders and Chief Public Prosecutor on St. Maarten Taco Stein. Also attending the meeting was Constitutional Affairs Coordinator Dennis Richardson.

CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA; - Participants continued discussions and strategy formulation at the Regional Workshop for the Development of National Anti-Drug Strategies and Plans.
These strategies are aimed not just at reducing he demand and supply of illicit substances like crack cocaine and marijuana, but also pharmaceuticals, alcohol and stimulants.
The participants agreed that there must be a detailed description of strategies and steps used to implement a strategic plan, actions taken or work performed through which inputs such as funds, technical assistance and other types of resources are mobilized to produced specific outputs.
The systematic and objective assessment of an on-going or completed project, programme or policy, its design, implementation and results must form part of the evaluation of the programmes and strategies.
The aim therefore is to determine the relevance and fulfillment of objectives, development efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability.
It was noted that an evaluation should provide information that is credible and useful, enabling the incorporation of lessons learned into the decision making process of both recipients and donors.
Participants examine the goals and objectives of the various programmes and strategies in support of the goals in focusing on specific programmes in targeting the most vulnerable groups.
These vulnerable groups also included the users and abusers of illicit and licit substances, traffickers, and the various age groups. These target groups it was recognized are in many instances, part of a larger vulnerable group which impacts on the Caribbean region's socio-economic environment.
The discussions of the many strategies and programmes which took place during the morning session were very lively, and the various issues were examined.

Philipsburg: --- Even though not willing to share his thoughts on the verdict of Louie Laveist senator and Island Council man Frans Richardson said that politics on St. Maarten has hit rock bottom. Richardson said the case of Laveist is still ongoing since the embattled commissioner has appealed the verdict handed down last week.
Asked about the political status on St. Maarten Richardson said right now St. Maarten is in a difficult position and it does not seem as if the island can get its foot on the issues affecting the people. He said right now politicians are occupied with the issues affecting politics instead of those affecting the population. This is to show that politics on St. Maarten has hit rock bottom.
Asked if he thinks a referendum should be held locally Richardson said when St. Maarten held its referendum in 2000 they did not make provisions for the people to go back to the polls. He said politicians on St. Maarten made other options which are not the same as in Curacao. However, the councilman said if the people of St. Maarten feels that are what has to be done they need to speak up and say what it they want is.
He said politicians would have to respect the wishes of the people but they need to make their voices heard and not remain laidback. Richardson said he felt that is one of the main hindrances on St. Maarten even though not knowing the real reasons why the people are so quiet. He said he does not know if it is because there are over 100 nationalities on the island each of who have their own opinion.
Asked if he is in favor of separate status or independence. Richardson said that he does not believe people should not mix up these issues. He said whether or not there is country status or independence the judicial system would always be in place and has to be respected. The island council man said he does not believe people should use the verdicts of Laveist or anyone else to determine what type of status is needed. "Independence is basically a state of mind, something that people want on to be on their own. If the courts need to deal with certain people let it be and not mix the issues." Richardson explained that people need to respect the separation of powers.
Asked if St. Maarten is financially ready to go independent Richardson said he would like to know which country is really ready. He gave an example of the United States that is now in trillions of dollars in debt and facing recession yet they are making it. He felt it is the leaders are the ones who have to make sure the interest of people are defended.
St. Peters:--- The St. Maarten Academy Winners from this year's Science Fair Contest, Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot Williams attended the presentation ceremony at the school yesterday.
Marigot: ------ Three young men were transported to Basseterre to answer charges for armed robbery and assault of Thomas Krider Program Manager of Radio Transat. Krider was robbed and violently beaten on April on 14th at his home.
The men who are from St. Maarten 21 years of age, Aruba 21 years of age and St. Domingo 20 years old was sentenced to five years behind bars with one year probation. They were escorted to prison immediately after the trial yesterday afternoon.
It is said the culprits were arrested in Rambaud on Monday and they have confessed to the crime since certain personal belongings of Krider was found at their house.
Earlier this month an email was sent to all media houses saying that Krider has been involved with the internet magazine "le Calmar" which has been suspended. However, SMN News understands that Krider has nothing to do with the internet magazine and neither does the suspects. The source said that the situation surrounding the ‘le calmar" and the incident of Krider is just a matter of co-incidence.

Marigot: --- Well known attorney at law Harry Durimel was appointed to represent the region in the European federation on June 6th. Durimel is leading the list "Les Verts" and is a founding member of the ecologist party. On that list is St. Martin born Jeaninie Arnell, this was disclosed at a press conference yesterday.
The ecologist party "Les Verts" have brought honor to Guadeloupe by appointing Harry DURIMEL to lead the list of the large federation "EUROPE ECOLOGIE" in the vast constituency of Overseas territories composed of Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy, Martinique, French Guyana, Reunion, Mayotte, Wallis and Futuna, French Polynesia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon and New Caledonia.
DURIMEL, a lawyer by profession, is a founding member of the Green Party in Guadeloupe said he has always been an ecologist ever since he entered politics because he felt that is the only way to develop the region. He said he is not of the opinion that social funding and benefits can develop any country or region instead more focus has to be placed using the potential resources. Durimel said that he felt the climate in the northeastern region is to the people's benefit which would remain sustainable. "Right now St. Martin is not producing anything, not even vegetables, everything has to be imported. We need to begin to leave space for agriculture so that our food can be cultivated locally. It's not about concrete structures alone". Durimel argued that here on St. Martin there are a number of ethnic groups and people have to work in harmony if the island is to be developed according to its potentials. He said St. Martin must use Europe as an example where people of different nationalities and ethnic groups can work and live together.
Durimel who is human rights activist said he refused to accept discrimination of any type and he believes that people should begin working together and begin working on sustainable development.
Durimel has been newly elected city municipal councilor in Pointe-à-Pitre; he runs the Environment Committee and is working to develop an Agenda 21 for the same city.
During the 2004 elections, the Green Party had gained an historic score. For this reason, it is important for us to continue this momentum and aim for a more pronounced victory with the list "EUROPE ECOLOGIE".
In 2009, we are proud to have on that list along with our leading candidate, a Saint Martiner in the person of Jeanine ARNELL, a committed activist in the community. Arnell is a social worker by profession and is always at the service of her country and its people. Whatever one may say, Saint-Martin, New Territorial Overseas Collectivity must not be silent on these elections. These elections are of an utmost importance for the development of our island.
Airlines hit by the economic slowdown will gain new flexibility in how they use take-off and landing slots after the European Union assembly agreed on Thursday to loosen "use-or-lose rules".
The decision was the last step in a process that protects traditional carriers such as Air France-KLM but has angered airports and budget airlines such as Britain's easyJet.
Current rules force airlines to use the time slots at busy airports at least 80 percent of the time or face losing them the following season, but some big airlines argue this obliges them to keep flying even when it is uneconomical.
"Having to permanently give up a slot is an extreme option which the airlines will avoid if they can," said Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus, secretary general of the Association of European Airlines (AEA).
"But flying nearly empty to protect slots is neither economically nor environmentally responsible," he added.
Air carriers will be entitled to the same series of slots during the summer 2010 season as were allocated in 2009, regardless of how much they use them, the European Parliament agreed, with 508 votes for and 20 against.
Airlines have been hit hard by the global economic slowdown, with some forecasting a 5 percent dip in traffic in 2009.
"Right now, we cannot predict how long this current downturn will continue," said the AEA's Schulte-Strathaus. "We have nothing to benchmark it against - it has already exceeded in severity any past economic upheavals in our industry."
Budget airlines say the proposed freeze will prevent the proper functioning of a market precisely when it should punish high-cost carriers.
"This a measure designed purely to help some ailing dinosaur airlines," said an easyJet spokesman. "There are other airlines waiting to take their place. It is discrimination against efficient airlines like easyJet and counterproductive to the aim of easing the recession."
Airport body ACI Europe said the move would hurt airports by constraining revenues in the midst of the crisis.
"Unlike airlines which have the flexibility to ground aircraft or cut routes and capacity at short notice to save costs, airports are bound by significant long term financial commitments linked to the development of their infrastructure," said ACI director general Olivier Jankovec.
(Reuters)
Illidge Road: --- President of the United Federation Union Francis Ollivachi signed the long awaited labor agreement with Shipwreck shops early yesterday morning. Signing on behalf of the company was Kim Vanloo, Managing Director of the company, Karen Richardson, personnel manager and Ollivachi on behalf of the UFA. Also present to witness the signing was labor consultant Clarence D. Richardson.
Philipsburg: --- The main suspect who stabbed Victor Vanier to death last year would have to spend the next four years behind bars. The main suspect J. E Brill has to also receive psychiatric treatment for an in-definite period. SMN News understands that the relatives of the 14-year old have already filed an appeal in the case. The verdict was handed down the court of first instance yesterday.
Brill an underage and disturbed teenage boy would have to spend his prison time in Curacao at the youth detention facility while it is not yet clear where he would obtain the special treatment.
It is also understood that the treatment which is only available in Holland is very costly as well as spaces at the clinics are also very limited.
Victor Vanier was stabbed to death on October 31 while he was trying to get monies from at ATM machine. It is understood that the suspect and the victim had an altercation that resulted in the deadly stabbing.
Police had arrested four suspects two of which were 14 years old at the time of the incident. While all four of the suspects were charged and appeared in court the only one to have received heavy sentence is the main suspect.
Philipsburg:---On Tuesday May 12th, the man identified as M.A.B. who works as a delivery man at a popular Pizza business filed a report with the detective department. The victim told police that about 08.45 p.m. while going to deliver pizza at a home on Virgin Gorda drive in Middle Region, he was attacked by two unknown men.
The man said his attackers were dressed in dark clothing and with their faces partly covered. One of these men were armed with a handgun and threatened to use it if no cooperation was given. The gun was pushed against his neck and the small amount of money and his cell phone was taken away from him. After committing the act, the robbers took-off running through the bushes. The detectives of the Special Robbery Unit are busy investigating.
Philipsburg: -- The police have arrested a third suspect in the murder of Marco Beaumont killing. It is understood that the third man was arrested on Wednesday afternoon.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed that police have three persons in custody. Henson said the first suspect was arrested on Sunday May 10 he has been identified as L.L.W while the second suspect J.P.R was arrested on May 12th and the third May 13th.
Beaumont was shot to death on May 1 during the carnival and labour day parade. The incident took place at a house in Sao Paolo road Union Farm.
The police department is also calling on the community of St. Maarten who may have valuable information on the case to contact them at their main office in Philipsburg.
Henson said the investigation is in its early stage and the detectives are working tirelessly to bring those responsible for the senseless killing to justice.
Beaumont is the second person killed this year, the first murder for the year was Angel Marlin, which occurred on January 7.
Philipsburg- Director of Sector Public Health Jorien Lucas-Wuite announced on Thursday evening that she has been informed about a probable case of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus in a woman who recently traveled from Florida to the island. The woman is currently hospitalized in the hospital on the French side.
Confirmation whether it's Influenza A (H1N1) Virus will be made on Friday by the French side health authorities.
Additional information will be released on Friday as it becomes available. The Preventive Health Department intensified surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia two weeks ago.
An information session was organized this week at the Princess Juliana International Airport with representatives from various airlines. The Preventive Health Department has stepped up its preparedness activities by organizing information and instruction sessions with nurses as well as the drafting of agreements related to sample testing on the French side along with intensified cooperation with the former.
Included are improved stockpile protocols and arrangements with pharmacies and the availability of information for all passengers at the airport. The latter is being facilitated through an effective partnership with airport officials and immigration authorities.
The present Influenza A (H1N1) virus is a new virus sub type of influenza affecting humans, which contains segments of genes from pig, bird and human influenza viruses in a combination that has never been observed before anywhere in the world.
Preparations on the island to deal with any outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus are continuing.
Residents are being advised to continue to maintain high standards of hygiene in order to avoid getting the flu virus. At this moment, there are no cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus on the island.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
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. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
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.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. For people developing symptoms following international travel should follow the same procedure. People who are ill are recommended to postpone travel.
Most cases of influenza A (H1N1) so far reported around the world appear to be mild. There is currently no vaccine for the new strain of flu but severe cases can be treated with antiviral medication.
Persons seeking additional information should contact Sector Public Health at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
SIMPSON BAY:---Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation hereby announces that during the period of June 1, 2009 until June 30, 2009 Hofman Sliedrecht B.V. will continue the execution of the permanent repairs of the Simpson Bay Bridge.
As is known in July last year Central Welding & Irons Works executed part of the repairs and guarantee work on the bridge as was indicated in the Inspection Report of Rijkswaterstaat of March 2007.
In November 2009 Hofman Sliedrecht continued the repairs, installing new bearings for the lift deck conservation (painting) of the upper structure and installing a new motor and speed controller making it possible to operate the bridge at a higher wind speed limit, and so ensuring the safe and secure operation of the bridge during the entire yachting season
During the June 2009 repair period Hofman Sliedrecht B.V. will repair the bottom side welds of the lift deck. After jetting (blasting) and cleaning of the bottom of the deck, any detected deficiencies of the deck will be repaired.
The works will further include extensive conservation of the bottom side of the bridge, such as the painting of the lift deck with three or four layers of coatings selected specifically to provide protection against the corrosive marine environment surrounding the bridge. The upper deck surface will be stripped of the old worn out coating and will be completely resurfaced according to specifications.
From Monday June 1, 2009 to Sunday June 14, 2009 the bridge will be closed for maritime traffic. Depending on the progress in the execution of the repair work during these two first weeks the bridge will open one day per week at 06:00 o'clock AM permitting vessels to depart and to enter the Lagoon.
When the repair work is being done underneath the bridge deck the bridge will not open for vessels and no maritime traffic will be allowed to pass under the bridge deck as the passage will be blocked by a pontoon. All maritime traffic will have to make use of the passage under the bridge at the Coastguard/Police Station side of the channel.
During the repair period from June 15 - 30, 2009 the road traffic will intermittently have to make use of one lane over the bridge. Signs and lights will indicate which lane is in use. During daytime, security officers will give directions to ensure a smooth flow of the road traffic
After June 30, 2009 the bridge will continue to open daily on the regular opening hours.
During the repair period the road traffic will be interrupted with short intervals when necessary to install the scaffolding or to deliver material to the worksite or to position the bucket truck. This work will be done early in the morning from 05:30 until 08:00 hours when the road traffic is the lightest of the day. During the repair period the main traffic lanes over the bridge will continue to be open for the road traffic.
According to work schedule the permanent repairs will be finalized Sunday June 30, 2009. Hofman Sliedrecht B.V. will work continuously during the nights and on Saturdays to shorten the repair period as much as possible.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation will keep the maritime sector as well as the general public informed about the bridge opening times on a weekly base or as soon as there is any change in the work schedule.
All facility holders, docks, piers and marinas will receive the information by fax or by e-mail or will be visited by employees of the SLAC.
The permanent repairs to the structure and the moving mechanisms of the bridge are imperative to ensure the continuous safety and security of the bridge operation.
The recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, (the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges) in their report of March 2007 are executed to ensure the durability and longevity of the Simpson Bay Bridge.
During the last week of repairs Inspectors of Rijkswaterstaat will be present to inspect and make an assessment of the condition of the bridge structure and will once more put their findings in a report to the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority advises the captains of all vessels to decide whether their vessel will stay in the lagoon or outside in the Simpson Bay during the repair time that the bridge cannot open. Please take good notice of the announced opening times of the bridge!
Those vessels that can transit the Sandy Ground Bridge will be able to continue to do so during the regular bridge opening times of the French side bridge.
For any further information please call the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority's Collection Office at the Police Station in Simpson Bay next to the bridge at telno: 545 3183 or via the Police Station at telno: 545 5500/01/02/03/04/05 or call the Bridge Operator on VHF channel 12.
Philipsburg:--- Members of the central committee took most of the day yesterday receiving first hand information on the dismissal plans of GEBE Managing Director William Brooks.
Attending that meeting there were members of the supervisory board, the stakeholders as well as Brooks himself who has been criticized for his management skills as well as his attitude towards his employees.
Yesterday's meeting came after an island council meeting was called last week to question the executive council on the matter, which relates to a young St. Maartener.
Brooks is accused of allowing GEBE to run out of fuel late December even though he was aware of the matter as of late November.
In an invited comment island councilman, Frans Richardson said the supervisory board of GEBE is micromanaging the company and some of the board members of GEBE are not in favor of the decision taken by the supervisory board mainly the former managing director and now chairman Julius Lambert.
Richardson said the supervisory board could not substantiate what they are saying about Brooks and he feels very strongly that the young manager must be given a fair chance to prove himself.
Richardson said the matters relating to the dismissal is still in process and has not yet been finalized. The supervisory board in a proposal to Brooks wants him to step down from his main position to a lower position. It is felt that Brooks should work his way up the ladder if he wants to be future manager of the government owned company.

Philipsburg:--Commissioner of Tourism Roy Marlin presented two students with checks of $200 each for placing in the finals in the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Environment Poster competition.
Participating students were asked to depict at least three (3) ways in which his or her destination makes a difference in preserving the environment.
The FCCA Poster Finalists were Bernica Michel in the Junior Category with the title "A clean St. Maarten."
In her summary description, Michel stated, "My drawing is about trees recycling and using bicycles. By using bicycles instead of cars, we can help to prevent global warming. By recycling, it helps to clean the island. By planting more trees, it will give us oxygen and make the island of St. Maarten look beautiful.
While in the senior category, Bernica Michel won with the category "Help Clean up St. Maarten.
His poster emphasizes the importance of a clean St. Maarten/St.Martin environment. By protecting the environment, we can help ensure that St. Maarten will always be a place that can be enjoyed by residents, visitors, and future generations. Let us all play our part by not littering, cleaning up St. Martin, and planting more trees.
St. Maarten was not among the top three winners this year. However, on behalf of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the M.A.C .Rev. John A. Gumbs Campus for providing the two finalists, Commissioner Marlin said. We would further like to award each of the finalists with a check for $200.00 for their efforts.
This year, 17 destinations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America participated in the competition, which seeks to promote and stimulate environmental awareness among students and effectively educate younger generations on the importance of environmental protection.
The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau has been participating in this event for over 10 years.
The Florida - Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), is a not-for-profit trade organization composed of 10 member cruise lines operating more than 100 vessels in Floridian, Caribbean and Latin American waters.
Created in 1972, the FCCA's mandate is to provide a forum for discussion on legislation, tourism development, ports, tour operations, safety, security, and other cruise industry issues.
DIRECTOR OF THE UJIMA RESIDENTIAL THERAPEUTIC FACILITY MRS. JUDITH BELL, PRESENTING FIRST LADY ANGELA RICHARDS WITH AN AWARD OF HONORS FOR THE EXCELLENT SERVICE SHE HAS RENDERED TO THE COMMUNITY OF ST. MAARTEN.
DIRECTOR OF THE UJIMA RESIDENTIAL THERAPEUTIC FACILITY JUDITH MARTIN-BELL, PRESENTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONER SARAH WESCOTT WILLIAMS WITH AN AWARD OF HONORS FOR EXCELLENT SERVICES RENDERED IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION AND FOR COMMUNITY YOUTH PROJECTS.
Philipsburg: --- The proposal for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Johnson and Wales University has been approved announced commissioner of education Sarah Wescot Williams at the weekly executive press briefing on Wednesday. The education commissioner said the island territory of St. Maarten and the Johnson and Wales University now has an agreement where St. Maarten students can further their education.
Students studying at Johnson Wales would be able to make use of $15,000 tuition from the island government as a scholarship. She said that that is the maximum amount of monies that is made available to students who desire to study in the United States of America.
The monies she said can be used to cover both tuition and housing while abroad. This MOU will be for a period of five years. Already the Johnson and Wales has signed the agreement while the commissioner will be signing on behalf of the executive council shortly.
Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus announced yesterday that the Executive Council recently took a decision to merge the issuing process of certain business licenses. According to the Commissioner, the decision will facilitate the speedy issuance of a specific group of licenses.
The types of licenses that the mandate relates to are those for offshore companies, carnival licenses, buffet/bingo/raffle licenses and licenses regarding cancellation/amendments, in principal most commonly requested licenses.
"The decision gives the Sector Economy & Tourism the mandate to decide on licenses and sign on behalf of the Executive Council. With efficiency as a goal, the decision will eliminate the time it would take (sometimes weeks) for a license to reach the Executive Council," the Commissioner said.
She added that the mandating of the signing of the business licenses Brings with it more transparency and takes the direct involvement in what
Can be considered operation activities out of the hands of politicians.
"This is yet another improvement in speeding up the process and accommodating the client. During the launch of the upgraded website on May 14 during the State of The Economy address, downloading of forms for application of licenses also became available. I am very pleased with these improvements as it demonstrates maturity and transparency in government operation," Buncamper-Molanus.
As is customary, an overview of the licenses issued based on this mandate will be submitted to the Executive Council on a monthly basis. Reporting becomes even more important in order for the EXCO to be able to monitor the market's development and carry out its responsibilities.
"This mandating was included in the amended business license ordinance which is still to be completed. We thought it of utmost importance to have this put into effect in advance of the handling of the amended ordinance," Buncamper-Molanus concluded.

Philipsburg: --- The three remaining commissioners from the Democratic Party faction will not change the date of their post-dated resignation confirmed leader of the DP Sarah Wescot Williams at yesterday's press briefing.
Wescot Williams did not give much detail as to why she and her commissioners would stay in office. However when questioned she said even if the new executive council is sworn in on Friday only two of them would be able to take office immediately, the other three she said would have to wait until June 8 when the present commissioners namely Wescot Williams, Maria Buncamper Molanus and Roy Marlin leaves office before they can begin working.
Wescot Williams submitted letters to the Chairman of the Island Council informing him that their resignation from the executive council would become effective on June 8. So far, Commissioner Theo Heyliger already sent a letter notifying the Richards that his resignation is effective. Heyliger is busy negotiating with the National Alliance to form the next government.

BONAIRE-The Water Platform of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (WNAA) was officially founded last week as the Caribbean Water Association. The new association which is registered in Bonaire, was baptized in the presence of Ing. H De Palm, WEB Bonaire Managing Director, Mr. Ben Statia, Distribution Manager Aqualectra and President of the CWA and Diana de Meza, Coordinator of the CWA.
GEBE Managing Director, William Brooks, joined his counterparts in expressing his satisfaction at this important milestone for the organization. "We are all in the same position as water companies in the Caribbean. We have the responsibility to provide cost effective and quality drinking water to our communities. So it is only logical that we continue to work together to achieve these common goals by doing joint research, investigating new technologies and investing in joint training. Together we are able to achieve cost savings, economies of scale and enjoy a wealth of expertise."
The CWA will maintain the same goals as the WNAA but will also focus on closer cooperation in the fields of water production, water distribution and knowledge exchange between the Caribbean islands.
The new vision is to "Integrate the complete drinking water cycle". The basic idea is to make better use of the different water resources such as rain water, sea water and waste water. There is a lot of potential for development in waste water treatment in our islands which is currently simply discharged to the sea or to the ground via septic systems. Other areas of focus for the CWA are enhancing the public's trust in municipal water supplies and the promotion of renewable energy sources to produce water.
The association is planning a number of meetings, seminars, trainings and lectures to meet its objectives. It will also work together with similar organizations to find innovative solutions to water related problems.
The current board consists of Ben Statia, President, Jossy Lacle Treasurer, and Diana De Meza, secretary. There will be no major changes to the organization which consist of various work groups and a board. The CWA is considering the addition of a work group to study how the member utilities can increase customer service. The CWTRI, which was formed to formalize the scientific research with international universities, will also be transformed into a work group in the new CWA structure.
Since 2004 GEBE has been a member of the association that has been an unofficial workgroup of utility companies in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, cooperating and sharing information on a number of water related issues including water quality, water production processes, water safety and security, human resource development and training, Legionnaires disease, and public relations.
The vast wealth of expertise in the workgroup led to a quick expansion attracting partnership with, the University of the Netherlands Antilles, SWM, a utility company in Suriname, the Anton de Kom University in Suriname, the , the TU Delft University, a Dutch utility company, Oasen, and the Dutch Association of Water Companies (VEWIN). The workgroup also established the Caribbean Water Technology & Research Institute (CWTRI) that focuses on researching new technologies in drinking water production, distribution and quality control.
GEBE has taken an active role in the association benefiting from the economies of scale, joint research and training. With the transition of Saba and Statia to the BES islands, the relations with Dutch water companies for drinking water quality standards has been very useful. Further, with GEBE developing the waste water treatment on St. Maarten, the input of knowledge and expertise from within the association and its partners is advantageous.
GREAT BAY/MARIGOT As the St. Martin Book Fair Committee (BFC) gears up for the 7th annual St. Martin Book Fair, June 4 - 6, 2009, youngsters and seniors were brought together recently to share "the joy of reading and Caribbean books," said Shujah Reiph, book fair coordinator. For the recent pre-book fair activity, BFC connected school children and the elderly at the St. Martin Home at St. John Estate (Photo 1) and the Bethany Home in Marigot (Photo 2). "It was a beautiful and dignified sight to see those from a generation that once told us stories from memory now enjoying stories being read to them from Caribbean books by our youngsters," said Reiph. In the photos, pupils pose with residents of the senior citizens homes following the story readings. Photo 1: Georgiyann Richardson, MAC Browlia Milliard Campus, read from Brotherhood of the Spurs by Lasana M. Sekou and Xenji Wyatt, Sr. Magda School, read from Claude's Adventure by Wendy-Ann Diaz. Photo 2: Joseph Maccow, CIA secondary school, read from Brotherhood of the Spurs and Casimir Woolgens, Nina Duverly School, read from Une robe couleur soleil by Nicole Cage-Florentiny. Woolgens is also the winner of his school's 5th Grade reading contest 2009. Wyatt is the winner of the 2009 readerthon organized by Philipsburg Jubilee Library. (CLF photo)

Philipsburg:--- The Island Council of St. Maarten held a special sitting to bid farewell to the late Clem Labega, founder of the Democratic Party. Labega passed away on Wednesday last week at the age of 83 years. He died of lung complications at the St. Maarten Medical Center. In atttendence at the Island Council meeting was Senator Louis Constant Fleming, President of the COM Frantz Gumbs, President of the Antillean Parliment Pedro Attacho, and several othe parlimentarians who came in support of Senator Erno Labega.
A short video was shown of the late Labega who spoke openly about his political life and achievement on St. Maarten. He also clarified that he was the one that founded the Democratic Party on St. Maarten and not the late Claude Wathey as percived by many in the community. Paying tributes to the late Clem Labega was Chairman of the Island Council Franklyn Richards, leader of the National Alliance William Marlin and leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams. All members of the island Council who was present during yesterday's meeting then proceeded to sign the condolence registry which was later handed over to the widow the late Clem Labega, Rosie Labega.
Hundreds of St. Maarten residents made it their business to attend the funeral service which was held at the Royal Funeral Home yesterday, the ceremony was conducted by the president of the Democratic Party Board Frank Arnell. Giving the eulogy and legacy of the late pioneer was his son Senator Erno Labega. Politicians from both sides of the island as well as from Curacao braved the hot sun and packed Royal Funeral Home to pay homage to man who served his country with love and dignity.
After the viewing and service the body of the late Clem Labega was cremated.

Madame Estate: --- There are 1001(one thousand and one ) problems at the Public Schools on St. Maarten that has to be resolved said President of the Windward Island Teachers Union (WITU) Claire Elshot at a press conference yesterday at the WITU head office.
Elshot said that teachers that are working at public schools have to face increase frustration, intimidation, victimization as well as discrimination from the school board for public education. Elshot said the board has created over 1001(one thousand and one) man made problems in their day to day managing of public education.
The WITU president said she felt it was of uttermost importance that the public especially parents of school aged children become involved as well as the union to find solutions to these problems which she said is plaguing the system.
The latest concern for the union Elshot said only a few days ago the board of public education called in a number of teachers who came from Suriname and informed them that they would now need to seek employment at other school boards for the New Year since the public schools on St. Maarten is changing its language of instruction to English for all six grades.
Elshot said these teachers who came in from Suriname have all become naturalized citizens they are now left in the cold without a job. She also said she has no confidence in the department of education based on past experience. Elshot said last year and local teacher requested a transfer and before she knew it she was dismissed. A matter she said was taken to court and the department promised to make an out of court settlement which yet to be finalised.
Elshot said the union has been sending letters to the department as well as to the executive council but they never received any response. She said right now there is a "ticking time bomb in public education which she said is causing severe stress on her members.
In giving specifics on some of the issues affecting teachers in the public schools Elshot said only now the teachers are being notified that they need to apply at different school boards to seek employment for school year 2009-2010. Elshot said she attended one of the meetings with one her of her members and the information that was given to the civil servant was shocking.
She said the head of the department Mrs. Oldsdine Bryson said that while the WITU might not have been aware the teachers should have seen the changes coming to them. Elshot said with the change from Dutch to English the system has depleted some of positions that were once available. Elshot said when the WITU tried to obtain information from the department they were not forthcoming.
She said so far they still do not know how many teachers would be affected with the change and neither do they know what types of vacancies that would be available to the teachers, especially those hailing from Suriname. She said can you imagine the board wants the teachers move from being a civil servant to now sign a contract with a school board.
Elshot said she would like to know if students that are attending the public schools can no longer attend the Milton Peters in the HAVO and VVO Stream. The unionist said something like this is unheard of and parents need to take note now. Elshot said this reminds of her of what had happened in Saba when they went over to English and now they are struggling to reverse the system. Elshot wants to know if the island government has another Secondary School in place to take on all students. She said the Catholic School board just recently opened their school to accommodate their children but the question is what would happen to students from the other public schools.
The WITU president said the problems they are now facing was created by the outgoing government since they permit the directress of public education to take this course.
Elshot said when it comes to the worker's rights there is a grave infringement that no one in the department can handle. She said even Quincy Harrigan is not able to find solutions to the problems that now exist. She said there are constant meetings that create more delay.
Elshot said there are number of teachers that have issues that are pending and to date these issues cannot be resolved. She said right now teachers are paying their dues for the pension fund and to date they are not being able to register into that fund. Elshot said she has a number of teachers who have taught on St. Maarten for years and to date they are still not inscribed in the pension fund. Elshot said the APNA already received the necessary information and the only detail that is missing is the signature of the employer.
She said the law governing the pension fund clearly states that teachers have a right to this fund. She called the situation ridiculous since the law is clear and the premiums are being taken.
Elshot said the Union has had enough and they are already in the mood to take action. She said she believed that the only reason the executive council is allowing the public education to be privatized to get away from their responsibilities.
Elshot said right now the time bomb is now ticking since her teachers are being highly affected. She said unless all the issues are being resolved then the union would have to do what they do best since no one in education is listening to their grievances.

Philipsburg- Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus says that St. Maarten is prepared to handle any case of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus also commonly known as Swine Flu.
Recently a group of registered nurses received training in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as recommendations to collect lab samples for diagnosis.
A group of Registered Nurses (RN) will be the ones to respond with first responders to investigate a possible case of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus.
Upon receiving the call the RNs confirm the information by asking questions and completing a questionnaire. The person is asked to remain at home and take the necessary preventive measures.
The RN is consultation with the identified general practitioner will visit the patient at home to collect a sample and additional information, and give the necessary preventive measures to the care taker and family members.
"Health authorities are fully prepared to deal with an outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus. It is with the cooperation of the public that we can together help prevent the spread of the virus in St. Maarten and prevent unnecessary illness.
"Even though H1N1 is not making headline news like it did several weeks ago, it is continuing to spread globally and the World Health Organization (WHO) is considering raising its pandemic alert level to phase 6, the highest level.
"According to the WHO, the threat of A (H1N1) Virus becoming a pandemic virus is even greater than it was two or three weeks ago and global health authorities are closely watching how the infection is developing outside of the Americas.
"Residents are strongly urged to continue to follow the recommended high standards of personal hygiene," Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The WHO continues to maintain a pandemic alert phase 5 level which means the virus is spreading from human to human in communities with outbreaks, but is mostly restricted to a single geographic region, in this case North America.
At this moment, there are no cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus on the island.
High standards of personal hygiene entail covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hand 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. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
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.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around them, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications of influenza.
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution over travel to affected areas. In the event that travel is unavoidable, the public is advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times.
Most cases of influenza A (H1N1) so far reported around the world appear to be mild. There is currently no vaccine for the new strain of flu but severe cases can be treated with antiviral medication.
The Preventive Health Department (PHD) has requested physicians to be on alert and to report any suspected cases so that the necessary steps can be activated. The PHD is also reminding persons to execute the necessary preventive measures at all times.
Persons seeking additional information should contact Sector Public Health at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg: ---T-shirt MAXX donated specially made t-shirts for World Environment Day 2009 to the Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation.
The Grand event for World Environment Day/World Ocean Day will take place this coming Saturday June 6th at the Philipsburg Theaters.
Speakers include Jessica Koelsch from the Ocean Conservancy in Florida and Tadzio Bervoets currently employed as the Marine Park Manager with the St. Eustatius Marine Park.
Saturday's event starts at 4 pm and the audience will also be shown the Internationally acclaimed movie Shark Water. This event is free to the general public. Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation invites everyone who loves nature and environmental issues to come out and support this event. A special invitation is extended to the local fishermen, dive shop operators, the coast guard and others involved in the marine environment.
Philipsburg: --- Reliable information reaching SMN News stated that the new executive council is eager to re-instate Gracita Arrindell to her position in the Island Secretariat, which would be in respect with court ruling of May 5 2009.
The source said the new leader of government William Marlin already approached Arrindell to work out a solution, it is still not clear if Arrindell would assume her post that she vacated when she took leave of absence or if a new position would have to be created. SMN News also learnt that Marlin already met over the weekend with the present island secretary where he informed her of his plans with Arrindell. It is expected that the matter pertaining to Arrindell would be discussed in the first executive council meeting.
The judge ordered the island government of St. Maarten to reinstate Arrindell to her previous position and gave them three months to comply with the court's decision.
...

Philipsburg:--Today the Quality card Preparatory& Advanced Secondary Vocational Education (P&ASVE) and its guideline have been presented to Mrs. Claudette Labega, head of the department of Education of St. Maarten.
The importance of structural internal Quality care has been recognized and the St. Maarten school boards took their responsibility by supporting their schools with a practical tool: the Quality Card P&ASVE, especially developed for and in cooperation with the St. Maarten schools and institutes for Preparatory and Advance Secondary Vocational Education (in Dutch: VSBO en SBO). It is a self evaluation instrument focusing on the level of the teacher, team and management. If used correctly it is a practical tool to determine strong and weak points in the Quality of Education of the SXM PSVE School or ASVE institute and an excellent starting point for improvement.
A pilot showed the instrument can have a great impact, especially if the complete school team is involved. Specific details on yearly use will be discussed with all school boards& management.
Selected coaches from the schools as well as the SBO Service Centre followed an extensive training& coaching trajectory in order to keep supporting the schools in the future. They received a certificate and are officially entitled ‘Quality Card P&ASVE Coach'.
With the finalizing of this project, St. Maarten can thank all the involved parties, DERPI for the initiation and USONA for the funds.
For more information, please contact DERPI (5420164), the Service centre SBO or Vanderzwan Educational Research& Development (
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several members of the police administration and immigration staff are now receiving extra training courses as part of the upgrading of the police force. The course which is currently underway is given by Linkels and Van Wilgens by Ms, Elfreda Rombley.
The course will last for four weeks for each group. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the first group began the course on Tuesday June 6th and they would continue for the next four weeks.
The next group of candidates will also get the opportunity to follow the same type of course at the end of this one. Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Ademar Doran was not present at the launching of this course, because of a work trip abroad. However he was represented by Chief Inspector MARTINA and Miss Lourdes LAKE -BROOKS, who are part of the police management team. The candidates were all given words of encouragement and were wished much success.
Philipsburg:--- The police has arrested three more suspects in the brutal slaying of Marco Beaumont who was shot to death on May 1 2009. With the latest arrest police now have seven persons behind bars while one of the suspects who was previously arrested was released.
The latest suspects were arrested on Thursday. They are identified as as J.R.R 30 years old born on St. Maarten, H.B.D 28 years old born on St Maarten and T.E.M 31 years old also a native of St. Maarten.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed the arrest of the three young men. Asked how the investigation is going, Stein said the investigation in his opinion in moving forward.
The three well known young men were arrested while driving in a vehicle on A.T. Illidge Road. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard confirmed the arrest. Leonard said an arrest warrant was out for all three of the suspects who were taken into custody. So far police arrested eight people in the slaying of Beaumont, one of which was later released.
Beaumont was shot to death on May 1 during the carnival and Labour Day parade. The incident took place at a house in Sao Paolo road Union Farm.
Marigot: -- Several residents from numerous areas on the French side of the island have made contact with this media house expressing fear for their lives in recent weeks.
At least three residents of St. James Marigot said their homes were robbed, one of them the sister of Senator Louis Constant Fleming, and Indian merchant and a postal worker. The residents said they believe the culprits to be youngsters living in the area and are not working. They are calling on the authorities to begin cleaning up the blocks where these youngsters and drug users are hanging out. Doing so they said would reinstate some sort of safety and security in their neighborhoods. One resident said they are willing to take the law into their hands if they are to find anyone in their home.
The residents said there is not a day when someone in Concordia neighborhood is not robbed. All of which are not being reported by the gendarmerie. It is reported that a doctor’s residence was also robbed and his wife was badly beaten in a daring robbery. The gendarmes just recently brought in additional reinforcement to attack the increase in armed robberies since they said there has been a surge in the last weeks or months. However, most of the residents believe the local government has to do more to attack the social crisis and youth delinquency that is plaguing the island. They said having the gendarmes on the streets will not solve the social issues facing young people. “Right now the elected officials have to make the youths their priority and seek ways to help them out of their predicament, unless that is done the situation will not change.” Efforts made to contact the commandant and captain of the gendarmerie for a comment proved futile.
Marigot: --- Several associations and unions on the French side of the island have contacted this media house expressing their concerns on the election of the representative for the Social, Economic and Environmental Council (CESE) which was held on June 1. These results were supposed to be made public some three weeks ago but to date it has not been publicized.
Last year the same thing happened when the election was held. It took a registered letter from certain persons in the community before the results were made available by the Prefet Delegue Dominique LaCroix.
The concerns were raised since the last time the election was held and the results was never made public and it was the MOCSAM who discovered that Laurent Fuentes did not win the election. Fuentes was given the seat to represent St. Martin after the former President of the Collectivity Louis Constant Fleming requested that he be placed in the position to represent St. Martin in the State. Fleming had said Fuentes would be holding the position for one year.
However, on June 3rd, two days after the closure of the election the President of the CESE has decided to prolong the mandate of the sitting councilor Laurent Fuentes to another year (until September 2010) until the Constitutional reform which is being discussed and voted.
The arguments made by the President of the CESE seems to be more invalid than anything else since he did this to accommodate Laurent Fuentes alone, and not the entire council that has 233 members. Moreover, there is no guarantee the constitutional reform will be voted in July 2009 or if it would take another year before the motion is tabled and voted upon.
The associations that participated in the voting of their representative is angry saying that elections are democratic and if the State had no intention of respecting the outcome of the election then they should not have held any. What is more disgusting and upsetting is that these associations that were selected to participate in the voting process only learnt of the outcome via a local website and one of the daily newspapers, while the State representative on St. Martin has remained mute on the matter. The associations said LaCroix did not even show the candidate Mr. Rene Arnell any respect by even informing him of the outcome.
In an invited comment Arnell said he is still waiting on the results. Arnell further explained that based on the information he has from the associations he knows he won the election but the official figures he does not have. “I already went to the Sous Prefecture to see if I can meet with the Prefet and to obtain the results but I could not see the State representative. I will make another try this week and if I don’t get the results then I would go public” Arnell said.
Another concern is that Laurent Fuentes has been missing in action since he was appointed to the seat. “No one sees or hears from Fuentes and he is not doing anything that is to the benefit of St. Martin and its people.”
The election which closed off on June 1 2009 one had at least three candidates, which are Laurent Fuentes, Rene Arnell and Duffutel. It is already understood that Arnell won the election again but the result is yet to be released by the State representative on St. Martin.
Sources say the State does not necessarily have to respect the outcome of the election since it was not an election instead it was a consultation and the State has the last word.
SMN News was not able to get an official comment from the Sous Prefecture since we are on a weekend. Efforts made to contact the President of the Social Economic Council Mr. Georges Gumbs also proved futile up to press time.
Philipsburg:--Last week the Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation brought forward pictures showing that an empty lot located next to the First Caribbean Bank was littered with trash and served as a dumping ground by many stores in the vicinity.
On Saturday morning, the ROB department responding to the media reports and on advice from the Prosecutors office organized a massive cleanup of the area. The cleanup took 4 hours to complete under the watchful eyes of ROB Inspector Mr. Esdaille who remained until the area was completely cleaned out.
Sint Maarten PRIDE once again reminds the general public that it is forbidden to litter the streets and public areas of St. Maarten. Those that continue to do so are culprits in the negligence of our home and tourism product.
The lot located between the Cannegieter street and Back street is privately owned, the foundation is calling on the owner to monitor his land and make sure it will not be used as a dumping ground anymore.
Since the Philipsburg area is severely lacking parking spaces, we are calling on the owner to consider building a paid by the hour parking garage on this land, instead of more buildings for stores.
The Island government should also seek out owners of empty lots on Front Street, Back Street and Cannegieter Street and offer them incentives to build parking lots or parking garages.
The Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation would like to commend Mr. Esdaille for always going above and beyond with his job, including coming out on weekends for community cleanups.
(St. Maarten Pride Foundation)
PHILIPSBURG:---Earlier this year, during the month of February & March the Cycle II teachers followed the module of the Project Approach during the Teacher Retraining & Upgrading Program. During the module the teachers were taught how to introduce the Project Approach in their classroom by having them actively participate in the execution of their own project. At the end the teachers displayed a Project that they had worked on together with their colleagues during the training.
According to book “The Approach” by S.C. Chard, “A project is an-depth study of a real world topic or theme. The study may be carried out by individual children, groups of children, or the whole class.”
The Project Approach is made up of three phases: Phase 1: Starting The Project
Phase 2: Developing The Project
Phase 3: Concluding The Project
The final assignment of the module was for the Cycle II teachers individually to do an extensive Project Approach in the classroom with their students. The teachers should emphasize and focus on the skills and strategies that were taught. The teacher success is determined by the students’ performance.
During the course of last week and also this week the instructors for the module the Project Approach are visiting the classrooms of the Cycle II teachers enrolled in the Teacher Retraining & Upgrading Program.
The mission is to view and evaluate the project that the teachers have developed with their students.
The classrooms visits have been very exiting to the see the displays and hear the students share their experiences about the projects. When the students were asked to give their views on the project, they responded that they had learnt so much by going out into the fields to do interviews and research on the project they were studying. The teachers were very proud and surprised with the end results prepared by their students under their supervision and guidance. They also stressed that the Project Approach provided the opportunity for all students to be involved in the development of the projects.
A few of the projects viewed to date include amongst others:
• The Simpson Bay Beach by Cycle II- group 8 with the English Subject Teacher of Sr. Regina School
• Communication by Cycle I- group 4 of Sr. Borgia School
• The Iguana by the Dutch Subject Teacher of St. Dominic School
• Nutrition by Cycle II- group 7 a & 7 b of Sr. Magda School
• The Juliana International Airport by Cycle II- group 7 a of Leonald Conner School
• The Fire Station by Cycle II- group 6 of the Oranje School
• The Methodist Church by Cycle II- group 6 of the Rev. John A. Gumbs Campus
• Edris Fashion by Cycle II- group 7 of the M.G. de Weever School
Parents are advised to visit the schools and see the projects their children worked on.
Presently the Cycle I teachers of the Seventh Day Adventist School and the Hillside Schools are following
the training for the Project Approach. The training has been adapted to the age level of the Cycle I students. During the new school year the Cycle I teachers from the other school boards will also be given the opportunity to follow the Project Approach Training.
DERPI look forward to all FBE schools including the Project Approach strategy, which is the new way of doing projects, in their school curriculum for the new school year.
The financing for this project comes from the USONA Funding of the Onderwijs & Jongeren Program 2008.
Management hereby informs the general public that due to the transfer from one server to another server it is possible that some issues arise when making their reservations through our reservation department.
If possible please utilize our booking engine www.fly-winair.com
We expect this transfer of servers to be completed by Monday June 29, 2009.
We apologize for any inconvenienced this may have caused or still may cause.
Philipsburg:--- The Democratic Party is busy preparing for the elections of the new board. A press release from the party said all positions would become vacant and they are asking all registered members to postulate for the vacated positions. Persons interested can postulate for the following positions:-
• president
• vice president
• secretary general
• treasurer
• assistant treasurer
• commissioners
The election is scheduled to take place on July 11 2009 at the Rock House Restaurant located at Princess Port De Plaisance Hotel on Union Road Cole Bay.
Postulation forms are available at the Democratic Party faction office adjacent to the police station. For further information contact Shirlet Kadowski at 54-20154.
PHILIPSBURG--The Island Government of St. Maarten celebrates and commemorates Emancipation Day on July 1st of each year. This day signifies the official abolishing of slavery after one hundred and sixty one years. Emancipation Day must always be about reflection and celebration notwithstanding the hurt, ugliness and evil that was perpetuated against a people simply because of the color of their skin. Out of the depth of this dark chapter of the world’s history emerged the traits of resilience. As long as there are descendants of enslaved men and women alive there is every reason to celebrate and commemorate emancipation day. History ceases to exist when a people have become totally extinct. At that point the reason to celebrate emancipation day becomes null and void.
Today is not the time to revisit the pain of slavery, rather we should reflect on the miracle of surviving it. It is time to re-establish the pride and dignity of resilience and resistance. It is time to pause and appreciate the amazing gift of renewal that we have been blessed with after being through the most cruel and dehumanizing period of the past five hundred years.
History has given us One Tete Lokay who represents the triumph of our collective memory. She reminds us every day as we get to know her better that although we were told that Emancipation Day was July 01, 1848, there were many of our ancestors who were identical in spirit to her: they were the ‘Free Slaves’. Regardless of the chains that bounded their bodies and the tamarind whip that tore their skin, their spirits were always free and anchored in faith.
Fellow St. Maarteners it is so easy to build up bitterness when looking at the past, however Emancipation Day although rooted in the past is about the future. It’s about the renewal of dignity, pride, resilience, self reliance and resistance. It is ultimately about “A New Beginning”.
I will end by reminding each and every one of you with a quote by the late Honorable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who eloquently stated:
“I am a slave to no man, but a servant to all”.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—The Business Outreach & Placement Program(BOPP) is about to start, and the first training session has taken place at the PMIA Hall on Backstreet, where students received information on entering the job market, whether in the private or public sector.
The Business Outreach & Placement Program was initiated in the summer of 1998/1999. The main objective of the program is to provide students within the secondary education system who are 16 years and older and are in pre-exam or exam class as well as students in tertiary education with the opportunity to be employed in Government Services or the Private sector for a period of six weeks during their summer vacation.
The program has evolved over the years to the extent that it now includes trainings, interviews, monitoring and evaluating of not only the student workers but the program as a whole.
The students have attended exercises on building confidence and human interaction, voice, body language and interpretation, as well as conducting a SWOT (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threats) analysis.
BOPP organizers, have stated that the program is mutually beneficial, whereby the students receive job training and in turn The Island Government or Private Business continues to serve the community.
Students are selected on the basis of their academic and personal skills. They go through preliminary training and on the job training. After the 6 weeks of on the job training, the students will have an excellence work experience that is beneficial to them in many ways, from the general knowledge acquired to specific tasks learnt.
Students who are successful at the training will begin working on Monday, July 6.
Marigot: --- One of the security companies that were controlled by the team of controllers last week found that the company did not even have one agreement with the Sous Prefecture for his employees. SMN News understands that the company that is managed by a father and daughter had 38 persons working and they did not seek to have one agreement with the Prefet for none of the employees.
The source said several of the persons working for the company had legal problems with the law before and they are not qualified to work in the security field, or carry a firearm.
While the controllers did find firearms and other weapons at the company the worst infraction was the fact the managers did not seek to follow the law, even though they declared all of their workers. With this infraction both father and daughter who are managers of the company are facing prison time.
The source said that even though the company carries the same name of a company on the Dutch side of the island the majority of the shares are owned by the French owner. SMN News understands the company on the Dutch side owns 5% of the French company simply because the French company is using the name and uniform and vehicles identical to the Dutch side company.
Marigot: -- The Gendarmes conducted an operation in Oyster Pond where they arrested a 24 year old female who was in possession of a stolen vehicle and drugs. A press release from the gendarmerie states that the vehicle was reported stolen during the month of May in Marigot under the threat of a weapon. Inside the car the suspect had 300 grams of cannabis. The suspect has been placed into custody and will appear in court on St. Martin where she would answer charges for robbery, being possession of stolen items and the sale and supply of narcotics.
The operation which was held on Thursday involved 25 gendarmes and eight from the police department.
Also on Wednesday 1st July, a major operation was conducted in MARIGOT.
Twenty three gendarmes including two soldiers from the motor brigade were involved in the operation. A total of 108 persons were controlled with 96 vehicles. Fourteen.
were reported on one occasion a lack of driver's license, two
defects insurance, non-changing carte de grise, a lack of technical control, five non presentations, fines were also given for the lack of documents, not wearing a helmet, a vehicle that had too smooth tires to transport children.
The gendarmes are also trying to find the owner of a cellular phone which was confiscated from a fraudulent person. According to the gendarme they acted under an investigation where they seized some stolen items including a Samsung phone, with touch screen engraved with “ptit my butterfly”.
The legitimate owner is invited to contact the Gendarmerie de Quartier d'Orleans, the owner is asked to provide proof of purchase so that the handset can be returned.
Philipsburg:---On Tuesday June 9, 2009 a delegation consisting of the National Weather Service consisting of the Regional Director Mr. Bill Poenza, Mr. Rober Molleda, the Metrological Service of The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, Acting Head St. Maarten Mr. R. Eugenio and Director Mr. A. Martis met with the Sector Economy and Tourism, Director Mr. Miguel de Weever and Policy Advisor Louis Halley at the office of the Juliana International Airport to discuss the further development of the Metrological Service on St. Maarten. The objective was to discus the transfer of meteorological services to St. Maarten. During the meeting an overview was given of the responsibilities of The Metrological Services of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (MDNAA). The group was informed that MDNAA is responsible for the collection of meteorological and climatology data, generation and dissemination of public weather forecasts and warnings. In addition, they provide information for aviation and marine. Mr. Poenza, the Regional Director of the NWS also provided an overview of his responsibilities of the NWS. He indicated that they have a close working relationship with the MDNAA with Curacao and St. Maarten with the upper air soundings (assessment of the atmosphere). One of the other areas that is of great importance that was also discussed is other natural disasters i.e. earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis. Tsunamis became the focal point of discussion, as comparable to the Indian Ocean the Caribbean is also a seismic active area. The Tsunamis better known as “El Peligro Olivado” (the Forgotten Danger) is an imminent treat to the low lying coastal areas of the Caribbean islands. Because the coastal areas of the Caribbean islands are relatively flat, makes the threat for greater disaster more imminent. Currently, work is being carried out to develop a Tsunami Warning Center (TWC) in Puerto Rico. On a National level the seismic station in St. Maarten also contributes to the regional seismic network. The warning issued by the TWC will be received via emails, SMS and the GTS at the Metrological offices and subsequently, a special bulletin will be disseminated by the Metrological office to the relative authorities.Mr. Proenza during his visit got the opportunity to visit the Metrological Service of St. Maarten. He explained that he saw, there is room for expansion at the center to develop a full fledge Metrological Office. There were upper air soundings being done by the center which is important for the assessment of the atmosphere to provide weather forecasts. During a visit at the office on Monday evening, the new Automatic Weather Station (Sutron, a U.S. company) was shown. Using the existing telecommunication capabilities, meteorological information (data, text, radar image, aerodrome warnings) generated at the office of the MDNAA is sent in real time to the Airports, the Control Tower and Area Control. Furthermore in close collaboration with Airport Authorities a brand new upper air station was built next to the office in St. Maarten. As part of the Cooperative Meteorological Program, new equipment was installed recently. The information generated by the radiosonde and surface observations are used for the airport and also transmitted worldwide via the Meteorological Global Telecommunication System. In this connection, the International Satellite Communication System workstation is used, allowing the Met Office to receive and transmit meteorological information via a satellite connection.
Visit to the weather Radar.
The group visited the radar site on St. Peters Hill were the refurbished weather surveillance radar, with Doppler capabilities is being installed. It is expected that the radar will be soon operational, allowing the forecasters and the general public of St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius and surrounding islands to have a real time view of shower activity via the web site of MDNAA. This information will be sent in real time to the National Hurricane Center in Miami as part of the cooperation between the NOAA/NWS and the MDNAA.
Meeting Lt. Governor.
A short meeting was held with the Lt. Governor, where a brief overview of the scope of responsibilities of the National Weather Service was provided. At that time Mr. Bill Poenza informed the Lt. Governor that the NWS is ready to assist St. Maarten in their quest to have a full fledge Meteorological Service as he sees the ultimate objective of this service is the not only the protection and economic well being of the persons but also of life.
Mr. Proenza an advocate for the development of a Tsunami Warning Center for the Caribbean also informed the Lt. Governor of the works being done to create the awareness in the Caribbean and the focal points where information can be obtained. He stated that Barbados would be the focal point for the English speaking islands and possibly Venezuela for the Spanish speaking islands and territories.
During the visit, Mr. Martis gave the Lt. Governor an update of the works being done on the Radar facility on St. Maarten. Mr. Martis Stated that with the near future a US based company will come to St. Maarten to place the dome around the radar and subsequently thereafter a US company will come to St. Maarten to install the software. It was indicated that by the middle of July 2009, the radar will be going through its first testing period.
Meeting EOC
A meeting was also held with Mr. Winston Salomon Chief Commander of Fire Department and Mr. Paul Martens, Section Head Disaster Management. The meeting was held to discuss a Tsunami preparedness program of which a presentation was given by Mr. Bill Proenza. Mr. Proenza gave a presentation about characteristics of a Tsunami, dates of the last Tsunamis in the Caribbean dating back to the 1800’s and the importance of being prepared. Mr. Poenza also gave an explanation of the impact of a hurricane relative to a Tsunami and also the response time in which information can be provided to the public.
Mr. Proenza indicated that unlike in the case of a hurricane where warning is given days in advance the warning for a Tsunami is relatively short, approximately of 15-25 minutes. Therefore, it is critical that information can be disseminated to the public in very short time in order to mobilize the public in the event of a Tsunami.
Mr. Martis stated that efforts are being made where discussions with the Mobile companies of St. Maarten to utilize mass dissemination of text messaging to inform the public. Public awareness/education still needs to be developed in order not to create panic situation.
In closing of this group meeting (June 8-11, 2009) Mr. de Weever, stated that the protection of life and property is the highest call we have. St. Maarten will continue the process of setting up a National Weather Service and that there will always be cooperation with other Metrological Services, especially within the Kingdom and the US.
Philipsburg: --- The police department has completed both investigations against brigadier R.J who is accused of abusing his wife for another woman. Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said both investigations have been completed. Doran said the criminal investigation files have been sent to the prosecutor’s office and they would now have to decide how they are going to handle the case.
While Prosecutor Rienk Mud said he is still waiting for the documents from the police to make a decision. Mud said because he does not have the complete file in front of him he cannot say what actions if any would be taken by the prosecutor’s office. The prosecutor office may or may not prosecute the case depending on the extent of the abuse, or violence that was used.
Doran further explained the second file which was conducted by the police internal affairs has been completed and sent to the Chief of Police for disciplinary sanctioning. The top cop did not say what disciplinary measures would be taken against R.J he said this is a matter that has to be dealt with internally.
Doran said the police department gave the case the necessary attention since it involves a police officer. “We did what we have to do because we do not want people to say because its one of us, they can do and escape.”
In the meantime, the wife of R.J, Connie James is angry with the newspaper reports in one of the daily newspapers on Tuesday. The woman said when she saw an article that appeared in the newspaper on Monday by the man’s lover who accused her of going to their St. Peters residence armed. She said she went to the newspaper to give her side of the story but the reporter she said printed inaccurate information.
Connie James said when she arrived at the St. Peters residence where her husband was with his lover she met a knife on the porch banister and she picked it up and when she entered the house there was a hammer on a press which she picked up with the same hand. Connie James said the reason she picked up both weapons in the same hand she did not want anyone of the persons in the house to injure her with them. She further explained that because of an accident she is unable to use her right hand. “So to say I had a weapon in each hand is a total lie and to say I went to the house armed is also far from the truth.” The woman said she met both of the weapons at the house and she held both of them in the same hand, her left hand.
Mrs. James said for this reason he went to meet the reporter in question so he could see that she cannot use her right hand and instead he wrote inaccurate information.
Philipsburg:-- Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said they have received several complaints has been coming to the police department from several concern persons about minors visiting night clubs on the island. According to these complaints these minors were allowed to enter these night clubs without showing any type of identification. These minors were allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages and drink as if they were adults.
Some of these minors even become quite intoxicated and conducted themselves improperly. The ages of these minors ranged between fourteen to sixteen years old. The police Department want to remind and warn all nightclub operators and nightclub owners, that there are laws that prohibit minors entering these establishments and laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol to minors.
Even though the summer vacation is ongoing and many of the youths have no where to go, the laws still apply. The Police Department is sending out a very stern warning to those night club operators and owner that the police will be controlling these un-acceptable situations. If a minor is found in any night club during open hours or is caught purchasing or drinking alcohol in any of these nightclubs, the police will act immediately by closing the establishment and dealing with the situation accordingly. A fine will be given to the club operator/ club owner and a report will be written with regards to their findings and sent to the Lt. Governor advising him to revoke the business license. The parents of these minors will also be held responsible for any illegal activities their children may have been involved in.
Philipsburg: --- Despite being in recess the island council will be holding an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the revised labour policy that has been shelved by the National Alliance/ Heyliger government. SMN News has been reliably informed that leader of the Democratic Party and former commissioner of labour Sarah Wescot Williams wrote a second letter to the acting chairman of the island council Millicent De Weever asking her to reconsider her decision and to call an urgent meeting. Last week De Weever had said the agenda point was not one of urgency and scheduled the meeting for August 10th. However, after the second letter was written police was used to deliver the notifications to the homes of the members of the executive council over the weekend the source said.
The executive council withdrew the revised labour policy which is still in effect just about a month ago after it is understood the policy is doing more damage to the economy than good. While the DP led government as well as the tripartite committee felt the policy was created to protect locals in the job market it is also understood that the revised policy is actually hindering and hurting locals.
Just two weeks ago the unions called an urgent meeting with the commissioner of labour who promised to further discuss the matter with the executive council. SMN News also understands that the executive council has requested the Lt. Governor to take away the labour mandate from the head of island labour Rafi Boasman. It is said the executive council no longer wants Boasman to sign off on work permits and that they would be the ones to decide on the granting of these permits as a collective body.
Philipsburg: --- Newly elected president of the Democratic Party Michael Ferrier said the board of the DP stands fully behind its leader and they intend to do an assessment of the party members in order to know where they stand. Ferrier said it is no secret that the Democratic Party has had some internal issues (turmoil) within the party. The intention of the new board is to conduct an internal and swat analysis to determine the strengths and weaknesses of its members.
Ferrier said this task will be conducted by professionals since they would not be looking for people who would tell them what they want to hear instead the new board would seek people who would tell them exactly what they needed to hear about their party. He said the Democratic Party is committed and they need to make sure they have people who are fully supportive of its leader. The leader does not have to keep wondering whether or not persons are there when she needs them.
The party he said would focus on the needs of the voters and the people of St. Maarten as well as the reality of the island.
GREAT BAY--– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, has met with shipping agents and insurance brokers as part of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders.
Representing the shipping sector at the recent discussions were Intermar’s Carl Hart, Director of Marketing and Robert Heyer. St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring N.V. was represented by its president George Pelgrim while Safe Cargo was represented by Kate Lawrence.
Among issues brought forward were how freight costs to the island are fairly comparable with other destinations in the region. Costs are very much dependent on the region where purchases are made.
Commissioner Richardson was informed about a shortage of local specialized-personnel and which in turn contributes to higher operational costs.
At present, connections to the Caribbean are very good with St. Maarten being well-positioned for service to the North-Eastern Caribbean.
Current and future measures to mitigate the existing impact include ongoing negotiations with port facility authorities to use St. Maarten as a cargo transshipment point. An incentive program is also being developed to further attract lines for transshipment activity.
Among the suggestions for short-term & structural solutions in collaboration with government is the development of St. Maarten to become a distribution centre to the Caribbean, for air cargo, coming particularly from the Far-East and other regions.
In meeting with insurance brokers Neil Henderson and Robin Ramrattan, the commissioner was informed that insurance is still considered to be high a priority on the minds of consumers and businesses, notwithstanding the currently economic climate.
Insurance of properties have meanwhile remained stable, given the high level of uncertainty within the global and local economies while premiums have generally become more affordable returning to levels of before 1999.
Commissioner Richardson was informed that there has been an overall 15% decline in policy renewals.
Measures taken or plans to mitigate the current impact include the St. Maarten Brokers Association, SIBA, planning to raise community awareness through marketing and in the process remind and educate the public on insurance products and options.
With regards to the selling of insurance, the insurance brokers sector has suggested that government should act to ensure a level-playing field in the financial services sector.
...
Simpson Bay – On Friday the Mega Yacht Mall currently under construction in Simpson Bay reached its highest point. This was celebrated with a rafter wetting ceremony by building firm Liccom and the developer of the commercial complex together with their guests. Due to open before the end of August, the mall opposite Simpson Bay Yacht Club is designed to create “a unique shopping experience” according to its real estate developers.
A blend of Mediterranean and Metropolitan styles, the three-storey building is expected to project a visible iconic signature in an upscale tourist and residential area. A large parking lot will be available on the property for visitors. Moreover, the building will be completely air-conditioned and provided with an automatic back-up generator.
The Mega Yacht Mall will offer 22 flexible units across two levels. The ground floor has already been taken and will accommodate a gourmet supermarket. The second level will consist of over 7,500 sq. ft. of duty-free retail space with food court. The third level of 8,000 sq. ft. will include a rooftop garden in front of a shopping street with restaurants and a lounge/bar.
Given the current economic climate, the Mega Yacht Mall’s real estate agent Edgar Lynch of ARLYN CONSULTANTS is offering interested parties a stimulus package. Renters receive the first two months rent-free and are offered a major reduction for the remaining period of the rental agreement.
Philipsburg: --- The island council adjourned its meeting called to discuss the courts decision on Scarlet NV, which was rendered on July 17 2009.
Another meeting will be called on Friday to continue the discussions. Leader of government William Marlin in his address said that because the court has condemned the island council to pay a Naf.10, 000 daily until a decision is made on the pending amendments to Scarlet NV business license. Marlin said the Island Council is now faced with a situation where they would have to take a decision on Scarlet if they are to stop the counter, which is already at Naf.180, 000 now that they are ten days away from when the court ruled.
Marlin proposed to the island council that they amend the business license of Scarlet so that they can stop that counter which was imposed on the council. He further suggested that approving the amendments would also stop the ongoing court battles; however, the DP faction did not see the verdict in the same light.
They agreed that the council should take a decision on the pending amendments but also outlined in the verdict where the judge gave the council an option to decide otherwise if they believe that having another telecommunication company would jeopardize the island’s economy. Leader of the DP faction said that the last time the council met to discuss this issue they asked the judge not to impose the penalty and to grant the island council the time to seek advice from an independent bureau. However, the judge does not feel that is needed claiming that the council has sufficient information and technocrats at their disposal to take a decision.
Former Commissioner of Telecommunications and now island council lady Maria Buncamper Molaus shared the same view, Buncamper Molanus said should the island council make such an amendments then they would be jeopardizing the livelihood of TELEM workers, which ranged to about 200. Buncamper Molanus also explained while that figure only represents the employees of the company if multiplied by four to include family members that would be affecting already 800 people, doing so she said would directly affect the economy of St. Maarten that is already faced with the effects of a recession.
Buncamper Molanus also read out parts of the telecommunication policy, which has a moratorium on such licenses. She advised the council to look into the telecommunication policy and to take the right decision. The island council then adjourned and the Attorney at law Richard Gibson Jr. was called in to work on a new proposal, which is to be presented to the island council on Friday. The island council has decided that they would now bring a proposal to reject the amendments of Scarlet NV business license based on the points raised by the DP Faction.
Marigot: -- The head of communications at the Collectivity it is understood was issued with a warning letter on Friday after it was determined that she insulted the residents of Grand Case during the Schoelcher fete.
SMN News was reliably informed that the head of communications pushed herself in the line to get food on more than one occasion and she was asked by the residents of Grand Case to join the line if she wanted so much food. The source said the head of communications insulted the local residents telling them that she is the one that organized a fete for Grand Case and no one has the right to tell her anything.
At least two residents of Grand Case told this reporter that they informed the Territorial Councilor of Grand Case about the incident and they also told the councilor that they did not need such a person to organize fetes for them. The residents it is said made clear that they have been having fetes for several years now and this person never had to organize it. SMN News further understands that the fourth vice president in charge of communications has decided to issue a letter to his department informing them that they are not to create confusion during any activity that is organized by the Collectivity.
The same senior employee also called a reporter on Wednesday evening and confirmed to the reporter that there was an investigation ongoing pertaining to the alleged sexual harassment, which was also investigated on Friday. The foreign worker also called the reporter on Thursday and threatens him telling him that she would also cut him from the Collectivity mailing list since the reporter had no right to print the article in one of the daily newspapers. SMN News understands that the head of communications was aggressive and insulted the reporter when she called him on Thursday.
Philipsburg: --- Former commissioner of tourism Roy Marlin decided to set the record straight regarding the arrival of West Jet Airlines at a press conference held on Monday. Marlin said he took note of the statements made by the current commissioner of tourism Frans Richardson who said because of his handling West Jet would now be coming to St. Maarten.
Marlin explained to reporters some of the lengthy procedures and well as the planning, that has to take place prior to an airline flying to any destination. He said while arrangements have to be made within the company as well at the Princess Juliana International Airport he cannot see how Richardson could have done this just six weeks after taking office.
Marlin called on Richardson not take credit for things he did not do, if the commissioner said he did something to jump start the process that would have been alright but for him to say he initiated the process is misleading the people.
Philipsburg:-Economic Affairs Commissioner Frans Richardson, on Wednesday met with the country’s head of the Scotia Bank, Mr. Elie Bendaly. The meeting was held as part of the commissioner’s series of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders, both locally and abroad. The discussion addressed sports as well as current economic developments.
GREAT BAY,– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says that all cases including the 13th and 14th cases of Influenza A (H1N1) virus have made a full recovery.
Additional four samples collected from persons on July 26 and 27 are pending results whether the persons may have the virus. The pending sample from July 17 came back negative indicating that the person did not have the virus.
The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with flu-like-illness to remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.
This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons who develop flu-like symptoms a week after returning from a vacation abroad should take the same recommended action as noted above.
Tourists are hereby advised if they develop a flu-like illness while vacationing on the island, to contact the PHD immediately.
The severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past, all confirmed cases have recovered fully.
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.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
The Social Formation Program for out of school youths has gone through a transformation and re-emerged as the St. Maarten Youth Development Program. On April 2nd 2009, USONA approved the project proposal for the pilot phase of the implementation of the Youth Development Program of St. Maarten. The program has been added to the “Onderwijs & Jongeren Programma” that is managed by the Department of Educational Research, Policy and Innovations (DERPI) of Island Government.
Under the new slogan “Your second chance to a more promising tomorrow”, the program will be targeting young persons between the ages of 16 and 24 years who have left secondary school without a diploma, to obtain the start qualification they need to enter the job market. Additionally, with the Youth Development Program working closely with Advanced Secondary Vocational Education (also known as SBO or ASVE), it will provide these young persons with the opportunity to stream from the Youth Development Program into ASVE.
The new project coordinator, Janelle Presentacion, has been given the task of setting up the program. “As a young St. Maartener, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to coordinate a program of this calibre that will not only help young people in our society but plays an integral part in poverty alleviation in St. Maarten,” said Presentacion.
Registration is open from August 3rd until September 4th, 2009. Persons interested in registering can do so at the Youth Development Program and ASVE office upstairs Carl and Son’s Bakery on the Pondfill. The office is open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. All you need to register is a copy of your I.D. For more information, you can contact coordinator Janelle Presentacion at 543-0497.
We are urging persons in the community, especially parents, to play an important part in our registration drive by encouraging young persons who have not completed secondary education to visit our office and discuss with us how this program can be beneficial to them. Just by doing this little gesture, we can already begin to affect change in our community” coordinator Janelle Presentacion concluded.
Biennial Conference
Delegates attending the 34th Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) at the Grenada Grand Beach Resort, made a strident call for the positive transformation of the classroom of the region’s schools to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s world. The Spice Island of Grenada was the perfect setting for the Conference which attracted approximately 150 delegates, observers and camp followers from Bermuda and the Bahamas in the North to Guyana in the South, St. Croix, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, the belt of island from the east of the Caribbean Region to Belize in the west on the continent of Central America.
Under the theme, “Transforming Today’s Classroom for Tomorrow’s World.” the delegates from 18 units of the CUT, unanimously agreed that for Quality Education to be effectively delivered, student centered technology-based interactive teaching must play a major role in the delivery of instruction in schools in the Caribbean.
The tone of the Conference was set by President of the CUT, Mr. Roustan Job, when he delivered his Opening Address. He emphatically stated, “Survival demands that we decide on educational programmes and techniques that will take us forward.” He further added, “Transforming today’s classroom for tomorrow’s world we need more than anything else, an all embracing ideology which can ensure love for country and region among our people”
Education International (E.I)
The Theme Address was delivered after the official Opening by Mr. Dennis Sinyolo, from Educational International in Brussels and a native of Zimbabwe, Africa.
Discussions were also held on the following sub-themes: Information Communication Technology in the classroom, Managing Diversity in the Classroom and the Role of the Trade Union in Classroom Transformation.
Mr. Reg Weaver, Vice president of E.I. also made an arousing presentation as he took the center stage at the second day of the Conference when he spoke to the delegates on their role.
Mrs. Virginia Poyotte-Virginia, E.I ‘s Regional coordinator also gave a presentation of the activities held in the biennium, the missions conducted in the region like Haiti and Suriname.
The workshop held by various units and funded by the E.I. was also highlighted.
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE.
The Caribbean Union of Teachers Women’s Committee held its 5th Conference to start the activities of the 34th, Biennial Conference. Addressing this Conference were, the Hon. Glennis Roberts, Minister of Social Affairs & Gender, President of CUT, President Roustan Job and Ms. Elizabeth Forsyth, Past General Secretary of G.U.T., Mrs. Virginia Poyotte-Albert-E.I. Regional Coordinator, who was also the inspirational pioneer of formation of this committee.
Mrs. Elaine Henry-Mc. Queen, a pioneer of the CUT Women’s Committee spoke on the theme, Transforming Today’s Classroom for Tomorrow’s World: Violence Free. This was also 10 years since this Women’s committee was established. Congratulations to them for all the work they have done and will continue to do in training and preparing women to train others in becoming tomorrow’s leaders in our community
A report was presented by Indra Ramsingh-Geoffrroy of TTUTA –Trinidad on the Fifty-third session of the Commission on the Status of Women held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York May 2-13th 2009
WITU PLANS FOR THE NEW BIENIUM.(2009-2011)
-To participate in training and workshops that would strengthen the human resources in our organization.
-To host the CUT Executive meeting to be held in December 2010 in collaboration with the Anguilla’s Teachers’ Union in St. Maarten.
-To plan, select and assist young athletes from St. Maarten schools in participating in the 13th Biennial Students’ Athletic Track and Field Championships to be hosted by the St. Kitts Teachers’ Union in July 2010 in St. Kitts
-To promote and establish the formation of a teachers cricket team and assist this team in the participation of the Les Harris Cricket Tournament to be held in April 2011.
-To establish a “ Status of the Women’s Committee” in March 2010. The objectives of this Women’s Committee:
-to sensitize both women and men teachers on gender related issues.
-to train a core of women TEACHERS to become active in the work of the teachers union
in addition, to gain confidence to assume leadership positions.
-to provide opportunities for women teachers to develop the necessary skills to conduct
workshops.
-to help women teachers develop the art of public speaking.
-to produce materials highlighting the work and achievements of women and girls.
REPORTS:
Reports were given to each member units from the activities of the biennial of each member unit of the CUT. In addition, reports were given by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Vice Presidents of CUT on the different meetings and support programs that they attended during their term of office. A report was also given of the 17th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia June 15th-18th 2009. Recommendations of the 4th Biennial Education Conference held in Barbados, December 3rd-5th2008 were compiled and published in a colorful tri-fold leaflet as the “Bridgetown Communiqué .”
The Conference concluded on Friday evening with an Award Ceremony, where a number of persons were honored for their contribution to education in their country and the CUT.
The recipients hailed from Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica.
National Alliance Senator George Pantophlet said the coalition met on Monday August 2, 2009 to discuss some very important issues.
The discussions surrounded the millions UTS has been experiencing in losses over the last years up to 2007. Thus far some 30 million guilders has been lost on the International markets while on the local markets (Netherlands Antilles) according to the Minister of Telecommunications
things have gone extremely well. Government is waiting on the financial report for 2008 to determine the way forward. There are times when in the beginning a business starts to lose money but then recovers and becomes profitable in the future. However, we need to see the plan of action of the company to see how they plan to solve this problem.
Another point discussed was persons who were insured by SVB and upon reaching the age of 60 lose their insurance card. Of course when they meet the required criteria they can receive a PP card from government. One being, collecting less than the minimum wage. What I found out during the coalition meeting was that since 2001 government was working on legislation to deal with this problem. Draft legislation has been submitted for advice in January of this year to the Advisory council.
We are awaiting their response. What should be noted is that Parliament is trying among others to include sole proprietors in the legislation. It is the intention that as many pensioners are covered by this insurance.
An additional agenda point which was added had to do with a Brazilian Airlines that is trying to establish themselves in the Netherlands Antilles specifically on Curacao. However there is a problem with the issue of reciprocity and whether local persons will be employed. Furthermore if this airline is given the authority to fly it will mean a change in our open skies policies. The US has already expressed their concerns. What has added to the dilemma is the fact that there is a matter of difference of approach between the central government and the island government of Curacao. A meeting will be convened with both parties in an attempt to synchronize matters.
GREAT BAY, – On Thursday, the Preventive Health Department (PHD) confirmed that the island now has its 15th and 16th confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Both persons, tourists, have been treated with anti-viral medications.
The National Epidemiologist of the Netherlands Antilles Izzy Gertsenbluth confirmed the cases on August 5. Both persons, a 58-year-old male for Baltimore, U.S. and a 29-year-old female from New Jersey, U.S., arrived on the island July 25.
The 58-year-old complained of a flu-like illness and samples were collected on July 31. He was admitted to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and placed in isolation and treated with the anti-viral medication tamilfu. He was discharged from SMMC on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old’s sample was collected on July 31. She was isolated in her hotel room and received anti-viral medication. After treatment, she was able to resume her travels.
On Thursday afternoon, two samples were taken from persons who had traveled and these will be forwarded on to the lab for further analysis.
The PHD in collaboration with the GIS is utilizing various communication avenues to get the message to the public about Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
These communications include radio and television information spots, cell phone text messages, radio interviews, press releases, and advertisements. Additional communications will be an email and a St. Maarten Cable TV Community Billboard Notice.
The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with flu-like-illness to remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.
This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons who develop flu-like symptoms a week after returning from a vacation abroad should take the same recommended action as noted above.
Tourists are hereby advised if they develop a flu-like illness while vacationing on the island, to contact the PHD immediately.
The severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past, all confirmed cases have recovered fully.
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.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg:---The Police Department is hereby informing the general public, that all persons who had their scooter, motorcycle or bicycle, confiscated or taken away by the police and impounded at the Philipsburg police station can come and pick-up their belongings. You are required to bring along written proof of ownership of the vehicle you intend to pick-up.
No vehicle will be given back without proof of ownership. The opportunity to pick-up your vehicle will from Monday August 10 2009 until Friday August 14 2009 during office hours. Persons who did not pick-up their vehicle during this period will not be able to do so at any other time. These vehicles will then be properly disposed of by the police department.
Philipsburg: ---- Police arrested the second suspect in the robbery of early Sunday morning, which took place at the El Polito Bar in Sucker Garden. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said police arrested R.G.H 20 years old from Jamaica at his work place in Low Lands on Monday. The arrest he said took place somewhere in the midday hours. The suspect has been charged with armed robbery and possession of a firearm.
R.G.H along with another Jamaican national who was accosted and arrested early Sunday morning entered the establishment twice, before holding one of the clients at gunpoint with an intention to commit a robbery. The owner of the bar with the help of a client accosted one of their attackers who at some point fired a gunshot and injured one of the clients in the bar. Arrested on Sunday is D.A.B the alleged gunman and the weapon used was also confiscated. Leonard said the Armed Robbery Unit is busy investigating the case.
Pointe Blanche: -- Over the last few days, police found at least three stolen vehicles at a location in Pointe Blanche.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the latest vehicle found was a silver color Suzuki Swift bearing French license plate ZBA 971 255. Leonard said the vehicle was found on four blocks and was partly stripped when it was recovered. The police spokesman explained that it seems as if the location in Pointe Blanche is the new dumping ground for these stolen vehicles. The vehicles he said was found on Humming Bird Road Pointe Blanche in the vicinity of the GEBE watertanks.
Philipsburg: -- It is reported that due to the rainy weather on Wednesday a woman slipped and fell next to the RBTT bank. SMN News understands the woman has broken her leg due to the fall. Details of the incident are not available up to press time. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed the incident.
Philipsburg:--- Island Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus has presented two letters to the chairman of the island council where she requested information from the council. Buncamper Molanus requested from the island council the transcripts of the June 8 island council meeting. The island council member wanted the transcripts of the statements made by island councilman Louie Laveist and Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson. She officially received those transcripts last Monday, which she said she already studied and is now requesting more answers pertaining to statements Laveist made during that meeting.
In her letter to the council, she said, “While I do not consider it at all proper to delve into the details of any benefits being received by any citizen on St. Maarten, I am compelled to make an exception as serious accusations were levied against me using this subject matter as the basis of these accusations. Therefore it can only be considered fair to all concerned that the requested information be provided including the supporting evidence.”
Buncamper Molanus wants to know if the Mrs. Laveist mother is receiving social or any other monetary benefits from the Island Government of St. Maarten. If the answer to question one is yes, then please answer the following questions:
1. Since when is the mother of Councilman Louie Laveist receiving this benefit?
2. Has the benefit ever been interrupted?
3. Has the benefit ever been stopped?
4. Has the benefit ever been reduced and if the answer is yes, under which circumstances?
5. In the case of a senior citizen’s request for social welfare:
a. what is the procedure to obtain and renew this benefit;
b. what is the maximum benefit for which the senior citizen is eligible.
c. How is this benefit calculated
6. Who has the authority to decide on who receives a social benefit or not?
7. Does the mother of Councilman Louie Laveist receive a medical expense benefit commonly referred to as a Government Doctor’s card?
If the answer to question 8 is yes, please answer the following questions:
8. As of which date was this doctor’s card issued?
9. Was the doctor’s card ever suspended?
10. What is the procedure to obtain and renew the Government doctor’s card.
11. Who has the authority to decide on who receives a doctor’s card?
Buncamper Molanus in her second letter to the chairman is requesting information pertaining to the passenger arrival from both aircraft and cruise ship.
The council lady said based on an article published in the Daily Herald of July 21 it stated that there is a decline in cruise passenger arrivals. The article mentioned reads
" The cruise sector has seen a double-digit decline in passenger arrivals in the past months. St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies estimates that economic recovery will come in the next twelve to eighteen months. Harbour Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Keith Franca gave their views on the recovery of business from the global economic crisis to Economic Affairs Commissioner Frans Richardson recently."
In order to get a more in-depth view of the situation, kindly provide the following information per quarter:
PJIA:
1. The number of passenger arrivals at PJIA in 2009, during the first two quarters and the projected passenger arrivals for the last two quarters.
2. The projected number of passenger arrivals at PJIA for 2010 per quarter.
3. The number of aircrafts , which arrived at PJIA 2009, during the first and second quarter and the projected aircraft arrivals for the last two quarters of 2009.
4. The projected number of aircraft arrivals at PJIA in 2010.
SMPA
1. The number of cruise passenger arrivals at SMPA in 2009, during the first two quarters and the projected cruise passenger arrivals for the last two quarters.
2. The projected number of cruise passenger arrivals at SMPA for 2010 per quarter.
3. The number of cruise ships calling at SMPA 2009, during the first and second quarter and the projected cruise ship calls at SMPA for the last two quarters of 2009.
4. The projected number of cruise ship calls at SMPA in 2010.
GREAT BAY,– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) is appealing to parents/guardians to remind their kids to continue to practice cough etiquettes and good hygiene even when back at school.
Teachers, parents and guardians are role models and should demonstrate these behaviors which are a tool to prevent the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
On Monday, August 17 thousands of school children will return to school. The well-being of students, teachers and other teaching staff is of utmost importance.
Schools have a central mission of educating children and adolescents. It is crucial not to interrupt the learning process without due cause. Illness may be a cause, and schools and communities have a responsibility to balance the risks of illness among students and staff with the benefits of keeping students in school.
Children should know to wash their hands frequently with soap and water; cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of your elbow/sleeve; dispose of used tissue paper in the trash properly; stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.
Children who are sick should be kept at home and away from school or day care centers until they recover. Parents and guardians should make sure your child remains healthy by giving them a lot of fluids, eat healthy and have plenty of rest. Monitor their temperature and symptoms; ensure your child’s health is in good condition.
Give your child medication prescribed by your family physician or ensure that medicines are child age appropriate. Do not give young children medicines for adults or teenagers. Keep tissues close to them and have a trash bag within reach for disposing used tissues.
The symptoms for children with Influenza A (H1N1) flu virus are similar to that of adults. The symptoms include high fever, a runny nose, cough, sore throat and body aches. At times these can be accompanies by, diarrhoea, breathlessness and dizziness.
School principals also have a role to play to ensure that their school remain healthy and the sick population on the school grounds attributed to flu remains to a minimum. Minimizing the spread of H1N1 virus within our community calls for us to work together.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
PHILIPSBURG – Twenty years is a milestone and an eventful year for the University of St. Martin (USM).
The higher learning institution will be commemorating its 20th Anniversary on September 5th, 2009 with an evening full of activities at its campus in Philipsburg.
USM was formally established in 1989 with an inauguration ceremony and classes beginning in September of that year in a building that was originally designed to house Public Works.
“The twentieth anniversary is going to be a remarkable and historic event, one which my staff and I are very proud to be associated with in these challenging, and at the same time very dynamic times. As president my role is a very complex one, however, I feel very fortunate to be able to contribute at this level of human capacity building for country St. Maarten. We have come very far since 1989 and we want our public to see with their own eyes what we have achieved,” “USM President Josianne Fleming-Artsen stated.
The 20th Anniversary celebrations include speeches and presentations honoring founders the late Dr. Claude Wathey and Dr. Hushang Ansary. Especially important in the evening’s event will be the expression of gratitude to all of the donors that have helped to make the second floor of the current building a reality. The second floor consists of five new classrooms and office and other space, including a new teacher’s lounge, conference room and office spaces for Board of Directors and the Student Government Association (SGA). In addition, as part of the Open House, in many of the new classrooms there will be Powerpoint and pictorial presentations. Some of these presentations include: 20 years of history of USM, and degree programs offered by the institution. The USM students, the alumni of USM, the USM faculty and a program of the Fundraising and construction of the second floor of the building will also be featured. Guests can visit each of the classrooms to view the presentations.
“USM has grown in different ways and has evolved into a learning institution for this community. There is never a dull moment at USM as change is an experience we undergo on a daily basis. We have gone through an experience of metamorphosis and have become an institution to reckon with. We do have long roads to travel but like a butterfly with wings and the ability to fly, we are processing all our challenges to ensure our flight. Our students remain our top priority and we are doing all that is necessary to ensure that we accommodate their needs,” President Fleming Artsen said.
Invitations have been sent to the minister of education and leader of government/commissioner of education and deputy leader, respectively, and various stakeholders in the community.
The Foundation of the University of St. Martin, Board of Directors (BOD) will also be unveiling special plaques and donor boards at the institution. The Partners in Education, the Classroom Sponsors, the Patrons and friends of the University will be honored for their generous contributions.
The President of the Board Dr. Lockie Johnson expressed that “USM has doubled in size due to the donations from the community and USONA and USM accepts the challenge to double in quality.”
The celebrations are expected to get underway at 6:00pm. Music will be provided by a steel pan player and a local string band.
“Particularly, I am grateful to our hard working staff and faculty and all those who help to provide along with me leadership on a daily basis. Our gratitude goes to the Foundation of the University of St. Martin, the Building and Fundraising Committee whose voluntarism is beyond words. The Foundation has realized the dream and we are grateful,” President Fleming-Artsen stated.
The University of St. Martin is the only institution of higher learning on the island offering several associate degrees in business and general liberal arts, bachelor degrees in business, education, and hospitality and one master’s degree, in education, in addition to several non degree programs such as the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Tutorial and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.
Two of the bachelor programs and the master program are offered in conjunction with other universities, namely Mount St. Vincent University and the University of the Virgin Islands. USM has been recognized as the teachers training institution for the Windward Islands. The institution also works in collaboration with Curacao Institute for Social and Economic Sciences (CURISES) for its Hospitality and Tourism Management program.
USM has more than 550 alumni many of whom have gone on to work internationally and locally in various sectors.
GREAT BAY:--– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) confirmed on Monday the island’s 22nd confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus, a 56-year-old woman who was part of a family reunion event that took place earlier this month on the French side.
The ladies sample was taken on August 14 and confirmed on August 17. The 56-year-old has been given the anti-viral medication Tami Flu and is under isolation.
Four members of this reunion, an eight-year-old female, an 11-year-old male, a 16-year-old male, and a 36-year-old female, attended a family reunion on the French side of the island on August 6.
Improvements have been noted in these cases but they still have the cough.
Two additional samples have been taken over the weekend from children, and the PHD is awaiting these results.
The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with a flu-like-illness to remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.
This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons who develop flu-like symptoms a week after returning from a vacation abroad should take the same recommended action as noted above.
Tourists are hereby advised if they develop a flu-like illness while vacationing on the island, to contact the PHD immediately.
The severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past all confirmed cases have recovered fully.
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.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg:--- Island Councilman and senator George Pantophlet said the oppostion in the island council namely the Democratic Party is exemplary in their commitment to frustrate the process of constitutional change and prevent the people of St. Maarten from attaining its status change under the National Alliance led government.
Pantophlet said during Thursday’s Island Council meeting the opposition choose to walk out of the meeting instead of remaining in the legislative hall to represent the people who elected them.
The island councilman and senator called the situation unfortunate because the process of constitutional change is not a party issue but the mandate from the people of St. Maarten which was given to elected officials when they voted on June 23, 2000 almost 10 years ago to leave the constellation of the Netherlands Antilles but remain within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Why did the members of the minority government walk out? It was not because they had to wait on several adjournments which are nothing new because the National Alliance have had to endure many adjournments which sometimes kept them into the late hours of the night.
He said the only reason the DP walked out is because they know the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laveist government knew they were needed to give a quorom also knowing that one of the requirements in the agreement signed with the Netherlands was that of good corporate governance a process which they started but could not complete.
The councilman said with this kind of behavior they have proven that when it comes to good governance they are still lagging behind. He asked if the people remember the proposal of the Ombudsman brought forward by former Island council member Drs. Gracita Arrindell? What was the D.P.’s response.It was left hanging for almost four years. And how can anyone forget Rules of Order which has been waiting for almost five years? And suddenly the minority government realizes that it exists. He said they need not remind the former D.P. government of the many times when it came especially to constitutional matters that the National Alliance as representatives of the people of St. Maarten were the ones who signed in to ensure that there was a quorum for the meetings to proceed. The minutes of these meetings are there as proof. Now because of their lack of good governance another week will be wasted. Bravo D.P. good job. Country above self.
Philipsburg: --- The Jamaican man identified as L.D accused of raping or molesting a 10-year old child is yet to be arrested even though police have an official report against the culprit. The case was not discussed with the prosecutors office on Tuesday either.
SMN News was reliably informed that the man allegedly attempted to rape the child while her grandmother was asleep over the weekend.
The source said the child identified as J.A screamed when the man who is accustomed of molesting her approached her that night alerting her grandmother of the incident. It is understood that the relatives immediately reported the incident even though they assaulted him. SMN News understands that L.D filed an official complaint and charges against the child’s mother for assault.
On Monday the grandmother, including the child mother and other relatives were at the police station seeking to file a complaint against the predator. The child was also taken to see a doctor whom this media house understands confirmed that the child had been sexually molested on more than one occasion. SMN News understands that the man was arrested and released since there was no juvenile detective on duty over the weekend. Even though not divulging any information on the case Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar refuted the allegations.
His release the source said has caused an outrage among the relatives including his wife since the man allegedly confessed to her about his actions.
In an invited comment, Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein maintained that his office has no information on the case. Stein said when someone is arrested the police has full control over the first six hours. He said if the relatives of the victim is not content with how the case was handled they needed to file a complaint.
It is not clear on what charge the police arrested the L.D over the weekend since law enforcement cannot arrest a person twice for the same act, unless there is new evidence.
Willemstad/Philipsburg: --- St. Maarten Island Council should take a decision now to leave the Netherlands Antilles just as Aruba did years ago say Minister of Constitutional Affairs Roland Duncan. Duncan reacted to the announcement made by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles Emily de Jongh-Elhage that the parliamentary elections for the Netherland Antilles would have to take place in January despite the constitutional process.
He said it is his personal belief that the Prime Minister is acting emotional because the council of ministers did not take a decision on this matter, furthermore, the Prime Minister he said has not consulted with any of the islands. Duncan said should this happen, it would slow down the constitutional process. He said Curacao wants to maintain control of the Netherlands Antilles and the only and best thing to do right now is to leave and deal directly with Holland on separate status.
The Minister who is presently in Curacao and is scheduled to return to St. Maarten on Friday to attend the National Alliance retreat said he intends to advise his party not to participate in the upcoming elections instead they need to take a decision to leave the Netherlands Antilles. Duncan said the people of St. Maarten voted for separate status some nine years ago and it is high time their wishes are respected.
In the meantime, leader of government William Marlin at a press conference on Wednesday shared the same sentiments. Marlin said his party would be discussing this matter on Saturday and only after then he would be able to say exactly what position his coalition government would be taking. The leader of government said he is already hearing that the PAR in Curacao has said they would be participating in the upcoming elections.
Already the advisory council has given their advice, which is against postponing the elections. Marlin said should this happen it would put the two islands in a very awkward situation since they are busy with the dismantling process. “We are busy building countries Curacao and St. Maarten and at the same time we are dismantling the Netherlands Antilles.” By January 2010, the responsibilities of the central government will be transferred to country St. Maarten and future country Curacao, so having an election in January is for a countries that are being dismantled. Marlin said rather than focusing on the ‘new house” Country St. Maarten they are still going to have an election which would only be for legal and democratic purposes. Should a new election be held Marlin said the parliament would only sit in March 26. The island leader said that the following month they would also have to begin postulation for the election for country St. Maarten that is supposedly be going into effect by October 2010.
GREAT BAY----The Executive council has taken a decision to purchase the Hope Estate for the construction for more homes announced Commissioner of Housing William Marlin. The commissioner met with the St. Maarten Development Housing Foundation on Tuesday where the plans were discussed. Marlin said the intention of government is to enter into an agreement with the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation where the Island Government will secure the funding for the project.
The idea is that government will be providing financial support (subsidies) annually which will be used to pay off the loan the foundation has. The foundation would be charged with building a number of homes mostly likely two and three bedrooms, which will be sold to potential buyers who can secure 100% financing.
Marlin said the foundation would not be building one home but instead when a group of people is qualified by the bank then the homes would be built.
The leader of government said when he was in government in a previously government had purchased the Hope Estate and according the plans, but after he left office the government who was in office for ten years left it dormant.
He said that there was a project to build some 96 two and three bedroom apartments on the property but this initiative was stopped by the previous government. Right now there are some 72 low income units on one half of the property while the other half remained unoccupied. According to Marlin he was informed that the low income united would be rented for a maximum of Naf. 500. It was stated that the low cost housing units are being built for some senior citizens who are living at the Sis Bassilica Center and capable of living on their own.
Marlin said the St. Maarten Development Foundation is confronted with a situation where they are unable to repair the Belvedere Duplex homes which created numerous substandard living conditions.
He mentioned that even though there are persons who are interested in purchasing the homes the foundation finds itself in an awkward situation since the persons who live in these homes are the “money makers” for the foundation. He stressed that the residents of the duplex homes are “the less delinquent” tenants and selling these homes would be a loss of revenue for the foundation would remain with its overhead expenses.
Marlin said if the homes are sold then the banks would hold at least 65% of the funds since there are still outstanding loans.
Philipsburg: -- The man accused of raping an 11-year-old girl on a number of occasions has surrendered to police on Thursday. SMN News understands the suspect identified as L.D from Jamaica decided to surrender after meeting with an attorney on Wednesday. SMN News further understands that the suspect and his boss told his lawyer that three “rasta looking” men showed up at his place of employment in Middle Region to settle the score with him. It is understood the suspect is maintaining his innocence saying he is no rapist; instead, he is a man of God.
The source said because of this the man’s employer who was also a witness when he was beaten up by a neighbor at his work place for raping the minor girl wanted to know if he should follow his wife’s instruction and skip the island.
The child’s mother is also changing her story saying that this is a mere mistake and that they the family is doing all that are necessary to make sure the man is punished. The young woman also went to her sister’s house where the child was placed by the court of guardianship to see if she can physically remove the child on Thursday afternoon. Her efforts however, failed since the other family members vowed to protect the youth. Speaking to SMN News the aunt of the child said she loves her niece and she is the one meeting all the financial obligations for the child. The aunt said that even though the child lives with her godmother she is the one who is providing food, clothing, and all other necessities for her niece, simply because she loves her. The young woman said her sister has never been there for her daughter instead she spent almost 8 years in a US prison.
The aunt said that she was even forced to buy new school uniform on Wednesday to make sure the child who is presently in the sixth grade attend school because her self-appointed guardian refused to give up her belongings. It is the guardian that is receiving monies from Social Welfare for the child.
In an invited comment Joel Arrindell, head of the Court of Guardianship said the child has been placed by her aunt on the French side temporarily until they can gather all evidence. Arrindell said when the evidence is gathered from the police and the doctor they are going to place the child in protective custody. He advised the aunt to call the gendarmes or the police if the mother tries to remove the child from her care. Arrindell said both the gendarmes and the police were informed about the case.
Great Bay -- The Consulate General of Colombia in Curacao will visit Saint Martin this weekend, to offer a variety of consular services to Colombia nationals residing in the Windward Islands. The services include the issuance of ID cards, passports and other official documents, said Mrs. Stella Blandon, the local liaison for the Colombian consulate.
Colombian consul-general Dr. Ricardo Andres Giraldo Alzate and executive administrative secretary Mrs. Luz Stella Jimenez Mira will be providing consular services here on Saturday, August 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Venue for the consular services is the office of Maximo Castro, Director of the Spanish-language weekly "Vocero Latino", at Johan Vermeer Street # 55. The office is located on the second floor of the building housing Cake House supermarket at Amsterdam Shopping Center, Madame Estate.
The Colombian Consulate will also be finalizing the process started in 2007 with regards to new ID cards for Colombian nationals.
Persons who have been awaiting their new ID card are asked to bring along their passports or proper form of identification when claiming their new ID cards.
For appointments and information, contact Stella Blandon at 523-8506.
MARIGOT— The gendarmes said they due to their investigation into the fatal accident on the Wednesday evening claiming the life of a 23-year old man has now been solved as they managed to identify the persons that were involved in the fatal collision. The accident occurred at the entrance of Orient Bay.
The gendarmes also said that they identified a 25 year old man has been detained on Thursday as the suspect in the shooting and wounding of a 30-year-old man in Fleming’s Carpet in French Quarter. The suspect is due to be transferred to the court in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe on Saturday.
The Gendarmerie’s investigation determined that the two men knew each other and the shooting stemmed from an argument.
PHILIPSBURG – The WIFOL union and the University of St. Martin have reached an agreement concerning the functioning of the Management Team. This agreement came two weeks ago, on August 13, after several meetings, and through the intervention of the central government mediator, Mr. Kenneth Lopes and Management Team lawyer Peggy Ann Brandon. The Foundation of the University of St. Martin expressed its position that the Management Team should resume functioning under the President of USM.
The Management Team is comprised of the following positions at USM: President of the University, Dean of Academic Affairs, Registrar, Admissions Director, Marketing Director, and Student Counselor. The President is the appointed chair of the Management Team and is ultimately responsible for all decisions.
With this agreement, the Management Team was expanded to also include the IT Network Specialist and the new CFO. An outline of the scope of work has been tentatively agreed upon within this operational team. Additionally, some adjustments to the organizational structure await formalization in an upcoming Quarterly Board meeting. All parties agreed upon the operational scope and the minor adjustments of the organizational chart in the meeting held on August 13, 2009. The agreement was reached in the presence of the mediator Mr. Kenneth Lopes, who dealt with all discussions and amendments.
In essence, the Management Team scope of responsibilities remains unchanged. The concept has been in place for at least 10 years and has always been under the direction of the USM President. The responsibilities of the Management Team stretch from ensuring the smooth running of the operations to recommending proposals.
According to WIFOL President, Theophilus Thompson, “We are now looking for a formal MOU to be signed and expect the CLA to follow suit within short.” Thompson commended the USM Foundation for acknowledging the importance of the Management Team and its reinstatement and noted that the team comprised of “young, talented professionals” who remained focused and persistent in ensuring that their rights were not compromised throughout the process and hope that this steadfastness remain for the upcoming negotiation between WIFOL and USM for the CLA.
President Fleming is pleased with the outcome and is grateful to all parties, in particular Mr. Lopes, who objectively brought this matter to a close so that all could get back to work to move the University forward. The results are a win-win for all, she said.
“USM has a bright future ahead of it and it is wonderful that the feeling of a team has re-emerged as this will ensure the success of USM,” said the President of the Board, Lockie Johnson. A date has yet to be set for the first Management Team meeting.
Philipsburg–-Sundial School announced today that they would offer the new video- based Active Parenting of Teens workshop from September 01 to October 13, 2009
This six-session video and discussion program will be held on six consecutive Tuesday evenings from 6.45 -9.00. Located at the Sundial School in Phillipsburg.
“DERPI congratulates and encourage the management, trainers and leaders of all PSVE Schools to continue to assist parents in the challenges they are facing in today’s society,” says Mrs. Benschop, project manager PSVE.
“This program addresses the important issues school success, violence, alcohol, drugs, sex. It helps parents and teens get along by teaching them communication and negotiation skills that lead to improved relationships “
Active Parenting of Teens is available to parents of all PSVE schools and interested organizations free of charge.
To register, or for more information contact the VSBO / PSVE School your child is attending and ask for the Active Parenting of Teens LEADER.
Organizations can contact the coordinator for Parental Involvement Ms. Edna Rijkaard tel 553- 2488.
This initiative is organized by the DERPI office and funded with Dutch Development funds, trough USONA.
State Secretary of Health and Social Development of the Netherlands Antilles Mr. Patrick Illidge along with his Executive Assistant, Mr. Terry J. Peterson and Secretary, Mrs. Reina Lijfrock made a courtesy visit to the Bureau Ziektekosten Voorzieningen (BZV office), where they met with Mr. Robert Budike, Branch Manager BZV St. Maarten & St. Eustatius. State Secretary Illidge also met with Ms. Lorna Bennett, operations manager at BZV Curacao, who flew over from Curacao to attend this visit. The State Secretary took this opportunity to listen to most pressing issues at BZV and to the current and future Health proposals for Country St. Maarten.
Philipsburg: --- All teachers would receive their adjustments by the end of this month said commissioner of education William Marlin at a press conference on Sunday. Marlin said the executive council took a decision on Tuesday last week.
Marlin said these adjustments were to take place in August but when he was informed that it had not taken place he promised the union to look into the matter. Marlin said the union should have received a letter by now indicating that a decision has been taken and the payments should be made by the end of September with payments retroactive to August.
Philipsburg:--- The man arrested some ten days ago for allegedly raping an 11-year old girl remains in police custody confirmed Prosecutor Rienk Mud. Mud said the police are busy listening to other witnesses as the investigation continues.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the doctors report are very convincing and that it showed that the child has been raped on more than one occasion.
In the meantime, the child who is now in protective custody was also heard by the social workers of the Court of Guardianship and is expected to be questioned again on the issue.
MARIGOT— The gendarmes have conducted a spate of searches in three days at separate locations on the French side. The raids were conducted in Sandy Ground, St. James, and Concordia and four persons are now in custody as they are suspected of being part of a drug ring. The four suspects were transferred to Guadeloupe pending their court cases reported the gendarmes via a press release. The search they said was ordered by the prosecutor that is aimed at dismantling a drug trafficking ring. Those arrested are between the ages of 20 to 50 years old. Additionally three of the suspects are involved in other crimes. The raid took place after an indebt investigation by detectives that are specialized in such investigations.
Seized were 2.5kg of cocaine, 300 grams of crack cocaine, USD $7000, 00, and a handgun. 55 gendarmes participated in the operation, which is aimed at reducing street deals and delinquency.
GREAT BAY– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) has provided all principals from primary and secondary schools, as well as day care centres with a package of information on how to prevent the spread of Pandemic H1N1 Virus.
The information package included brochures, posters and a booklet.
Students who come to school with the flu and have travelled within a seven-day period are to be sent back home.
Included in the school preventive package is a letter for parents, which provide valuable information on what actions parents can take. Schools have been asked to make copies of the letters and give it to parents via the students.
Parents are also advised to keep their kids at home if they have flu-like symptoms or were in contact with a person confirmed with Pandemic H1N1 A virus.
Students and parents were informed at the beginning of the new school year via the media by the PHD, that students should practice cough etiquettes and good hygiene.
Teachers, parents and guardians are role models and should demonstrate these behaviors which are a tool to prevent the spread of the Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
Schools have a central mission of educating children and adolescents. It is crucial not to interrupt the learning process without due cause. Illness may be a cause, and schools and communities have a responsibility to balance the risks of illness among students and staff with the benefits of keeping students in school.
Children should know to wash their hands frequently with soap and water; cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of your elbow/sleeve; dispose of used tissue paper in the trash properly; stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.
The symptoms for children with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus are similar to that of adults. The symptoms include high fever, a runny nose, and cough, sore throat, and body aches. At times these can be accompanies by, diarrhoea, breathlessness and dizziness.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Pandemic Influenza, A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg:--- In complying with the phasing in of compulsory education, the Charles Leopold Bell School is expected to open its doors on Monday to accommodate 110 four to six year old students. Commissioner of Education William Marlin at a press conference on Wednesday called on parents that registered their children to attend school and are not yet in school to visit the school on Friday with their child.
Marlin made clear that unless a person has legal guardianship for a child the teachers would not be receiving them. He said one the objectives is to make sure the teachers have contacts with the parents of the child and not a friend.
The education commissioner said government would have to spend an estimated amount of Naf.700,000 to Naf 900, 000 for the first phase of compulsory education.
Marlin said on Monday he received the progress report on the placing of the undocumented students who registered earlier this year at the department of education. He said several students who were registered were placed at a number of schools but the 110 students were not placed will now attend the Charles Leopold Bell School.
The classes he said would comprised of three-mixed cycle 1 and 2, these classes would have students that are 4 and 5 years old, while there would be 2 classes of cycle 1 year 3, which would have six years old. Marlin said there would be 5 classes , which would have no more than 22 students in each class at the Charles Leopold Bell, which he said, is suitable for the FBE (Foundation Based Education).
Marlin said that already the education department managed to recruit two teachers who recently retired and are willing to take up the challenge to be in the classroom a bit longer, while another teacher would be transferred from one of the public schools to Charles Leopold Bell.
The teacher that is to be transferred he said would act as a class teacher and coordinator while the department is still busy interviewing other teachers that are on island to take up the vacant posts.
Besides the teaching, the teaching staff Marlin said they already identified one of the social workers and the speech therapist from the Public Schools who would be working at the new location for one day each.
Also in place are the cleaners and canteen workers. The commissioner said that public works managed to assemble the desks and benches that were donated to government by Office World. However, government still has to order some 15 computers, they are presently borrowing some books, and other teaching materials from existing schools until the new materials arrive on island.
Philipsburg:--- Police seized a number of plastic bags containing marijuana, machetes and other weapons during a control on Friday. The controls took place in certain areas of the island considered as hot spots. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the areas controlled are Middle Region, Illidge Road, Cole Bay and Cape Bay. During these controls machetes, a knife, chair legs that used as weapons were found and confiscated. No one was arrested during these controls. These controls will be continued by the O-tolerance team.

Philipsburg: ---On Monday, September 14, 2009, Democratic Party leader and island council member Sarah Wescot-Williams tendered her resignation as chairperson of the Permanent Commission for Constitutional affairs. She also immediately convened a meeting of this commission for September 22 to handle her resignation.
In explaining this move, the DP leader stated that the PCCA consists of all members of the island council and a core group of the party leaders (the so-called steering group). The PCCA appoints its chairperson from amongst its members. The steering group is chaired by the political combination that represents the majority in the island council.
On August 19, the leader of the DP requested of Commissioner Marlin (representing the majority in the island council) that he convenes a meeting of the steering group to discuss the furtherance of the PCCA.
The ensuing public debate is known. Therefore, the DP leader resigned from the post, but recognized that a meeting needed to be called to appoint a chairperson. A responsibility she took up to keep the process moving.
In the same vein, she tendered her resignation as Chairperson of the Broad-base Committee, which chairperson is the commissioner charged with Constitutional Affairs.
In her letter to the Executive Council, the DP leader stated that “Albeit that the island resolution of March 2, 2004 no. 828 is clear with respect to the chairmanship of this committee, namely that such rests with the Commissioner responsible for constitutional affairs, I wish to preempt any argument that the chairmanship is forming an impediment to the (further) functioning of this committee.”
The DP leader wishes to thank the representatives of the different sectors represented in the Broad-base Committee for their invaluable participation in discussions relating to our constitutional future, and in particular, those relating to our new constitution.
She also expresses gratitude to the members of the island council who showed their interest in our constitutional future by participating frequently in the discussions of the PCCA.
MARIGOT—The gendarmes managed to arrest a 20-year-old man that is wanted for stealing a vehicle. The man was found hiding out in French Quarter. According to a press release from the gendarmerie, the culprit forced the female driver out of her vehicle somewhere in Orient Bay. The vehicle was also recovered. The suspect will be sent to Guadeloupe where he would appear in court.
French law enforcement is also searching for another suspect who entered a vehicle in St. James and held the driver up at gunpoint ordering him to drive across the border. When the two arrived in Cole Bay, the suspect forced his victim to withdraw monies from the ATM machine. According to the gendarmes, the Dutch police were in the area and they forced both the suspect and victim back over to the French side. Ever since the incident, the gendarmes have been looking for the gunman.
Philipsburg: ----- The Executive Council has sent the draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) to the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SHDF) on the joint development on the Hope Estate Project. Leader of government and commissioner of Housing William Marlin said the executive council has taken a decision financially supporting the St. Maarten Development Foundation in the purchase of 80, 000 square meters of land in Hope Estate.
Marlin said the houses that will be built on the property are for persons with middle income while they are also looking at standard homes, which will be sold to those persons that are granted 100% financing. He said government is already in discussion with the financial institution that would grant applicants 100% finance to the prospective buyers.
Marlin made clear that the St. Maarten Development Foundation would not be building houses and then look for buyers. The institution would be using their database as well as they would make a public appeal for persons who are interested in the project. He said those that applied would go through a selection process that will be presented the financial institution and if qualified the homes would be built on their behalf.
He said the SHDF would not have a situation where they would be burdened with paying a loan and government intends to complete the project based on partnership.
Marlin said government also identified two other parcels of land where they would be developing housing projects. One of the projects he said would be for middle income while the other low-income families. He said the intention is to build at least 50 two-bedroom apartments that would also be for sale. The apartments that would cater to low income families would be on rent. At the Hope Estate he said the 72 are being built, there would be another project with three bedroom apartments, which will, geared toward low-income earners.

Philipsburg:--- Island Councilman Roy Marlin in a press release said while the world financial and economic situation is showing signs of stabilization and in some parts the start of a recovery, Sint Maarten, particularly during this low season is still feeling the pinch of this financial and economic downturn.
Marlin said it is expected of the government to come with proposals that can stimulate economic growth and help the community in general to tide over the negative economic and financial trend that Sint Maarten is experiencing.
One solution that will directly affect the pockets of the working class of Sint Maarten is regulating the price of electricity.
In the past, GEBE was allowed to adjust the monthly fuel clause for electricity without any approval from government. Marlin explained.
Fact is that the current fuel clause calculation for GEBE is based on an outdated system. While they all underscore the need for a new system of calculating the fuel clause, the present system is being misused by the management of the company. Case in point is the recent decision by the Managing Director of the company to remove the fuel clause relief without consultation with the supervisory board.
When the Managing Director of GEBE removed the fuel clause relief without approval of the supervisory board a couple of months ago, DP Commissioner Roy Marlin got the ball rolling by requesting the legal affairs department of government to look into this matter in order for the Executive Council to take a formal stand towards GEBE on this issue.
Councilman Roy Marlin: “With government taking an active role in determining if increases will be allowed yes or no, GEBE will have to justify their request with facts and figures, especially on the fuel consumption operations of the power plant before permission is granted. Marlin said since the change of government this matter is seemingly not being pursued. It is urgent that government based on the Ordinance that regulates prices, also commences with the regulation of the electricity prices to the consumer, similar to Curacao were Aqualectra cannot adjust the electricity prices without approval of the Executive Council.”
At this point and time, seeing the continuous rise in the electricity invoices to households and businesses over the past couple of months, it is now imperative that the NA/Heyliger Executive Council picks this matter up post haste .
Price regulation on electricity by the Executive Council also give the guarantee to the consumer who ultimately pays the bill, that management will have to pursue the most efficient course of producing electricity in the most effective manner possible before knocking on the doors of government to increase the electricity rate. According to information reaching him, the operations of our power production facility is now heavily dependent on light fuel (diesel) which is much more costly than operating the power plant on the much cheaper heavy fuel. Because of inefficiencies in the operations of the power plant, lack of timely maintenance and other such factors, the consumer is forced to carry the financial brunt of bad business decisions by GEBE’s Managing Director.
The start up of the two new 12 megawatt units slated for the end of the year will somewhat alleviate the situation, but without timely maintenance and efficiently using the entire power production plant in such a fashion that the power plant facility can produce the major part of the electricity needs of St. Maarten, by means of heavy fuel, we may be back to square one within a couple of months after start up of these units, as they will only guarantee approximately 25 to 30% of the total power needs of the Island. Nothing less than Government stepping in and using its authority to regulate the price of electricity will bring about the much-needed relief to the consumer in these hard economic times.
Philipsburg: --- On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers turned out and braved the rains for the Sint Maarten's leg of the International Coastal Cleanup.
Held around the world in 100 countries and 6 continents on the same day, the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup is the largest volunteer event of it's kind.
On Sint Maarten, cleanup sites were the Mullet Bay Beach, Mullet Pond, Point Blanche Beach and an under water diving cleanup around two reef sites.
Preliminary figures shows that over 563 volunteers came out to the Mullet Bay Beach and Mullet Pond combined. Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is still awaiting additional volunteer’s data, as some persons did not sign in during the event.
At the Mullet Bay Beach 144 trash bags were filled, this amount is less than last year's 205 trash bags. Many volunteers commented that the beach had less trash than previous years.
At the Mullet Pond 33 trash bags were filled, the Mullet Pond location had more heavy debris and household trash items, like an air co, a few car tires, an old dingy, a mattress, a printer, a dryer, metal and construction debris and a boat battery.
The Point Blanche beach was cleared and cataloged by the Scouting Antisana group, 35 volunteers and they collected 98.5 kilos of trash.
The underwater diving cleanup on two reefs, had 10 diving volunteers and some of the notable trash collected was part of a BBQ grill and beach chairs.
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is still awaiting the results from the Sr.Basilia volunteers who had Le Galion beach as their task.
The International Coastal Cleanup on St.Maarten has successfully become an example of true community spirit shown by the various groups and companies living on the island and taking part in the largest volunteer event for the environment.
Some of the volunteer groups included the Philipino community group, the Police force, the VKS members, the Air Traffic Control staff, Windward Island Bank employees, the Daily Herald employees.
Many local schools such as the Sr.Borgia, St.Dominic, Learning Unlimited, Caribbean International Academy, The SXM Academy School with their Team Green members, had students representing their schools. Timeshare owners at the Oyster Bay Resort were repeat volunteers as they enjoyed themselves last year and encouraged other hotel guests to join them for the beach cleanup.
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation thanks the many volunteers for coming out and showing such a true community spirit in the interest of keeping our beaches and oceans clean.
A more detailed report on of the local International Coastal cleanup will be ready in a few weeks after all data has come in and finalized.
When the program “Active Parenting Now in 3” was introduced to the G. de Weever School to the parents of that school, the principal Mrs. Doncker- Rogers insisted that it be introduced to all the teachers as well.
“If we expect the parents to deal a certain way with our students we ourselves must be an example “she then said
On August 26 the entire staff, including the secretary took part in the 3 sessions of APN in 3. In these 3 sessions, the teachers were shown how to use nonviolent discipline, positive communication, and effective encouragement catered to children ages 5 to 12.
The last sessions was held on September 22, 2009.
“The depth and range of Active Parenting Now in 3 is impressive. It's a complete, comprehensive curriculum.” The participants all admit that for them this program is eye opening and helpful not only as parents but also in their every day communication as teachers in the classroom.
DERPI applauds this bold step and encourage parents to seek help and use all tools available to deal with the challenges of today’s society
This program is part of the innovations in education and is funded with Dutch Development funds trough USONA.
Philipsburg:--- A press release from president of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) Claire Elshot states that the board of the W.I.T.U. received phone calls and e-mails from a number of Public School teachers, who reported that the promised Periodic Increase in the salary that should have been applied since August 1st, 2009 was not included. This action contradicts the statement made to the local media by the commissioner of Education, Mr. William that the Periodic Increase would be paid on the month end of September 2009.
These disappointed teachers have voiced their concerns to the union and have asked what action will be taken.
WITU conducted an investigation at the beginning of September 2009 and the results of this was that only two school boards had given this periodic increase to the teachers working at their school , namely the Protestant Christian School board (Hillside Christian School) and the School Board for Secondary Education (Milton Peters College and Sundial)
Therefore WITU was able to establish that the members at the Public Schools, Catholic Schools, Methodist Agogic Centre and the Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (St. Maarten Academy & P.S.V.E.). didn’t receive the increase that was agreed upon and mandated with the introduction of the new salary scales in February 2008.
The union further took note of the fact that a number of teachers in the various Public Schools like Oranjeschool, Leonald Connor School and Ruby Labega have not received their August salary either. After a lot of phone calls most of them were able to collect after September 21st, while these teachers have been teaching for quite some years already, so the reason for their removal from the payroll is questionable.
“To-date we still have at least one member from this group, who has not received her salary for the month of August, so this means that two months pay would be due to her.” The release continued.
The board of the WITU has not heard from the other members employed at the other school boards who didn’t apply this increase as yet, because of their status of being subsidized by the government . They will not receive their salaries until Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 or Wednesday, September 30th, 2009.
It was said to the WITU that if the monies to pay this increase of salaries is not made available to the boards by the government, then they would not be able to execute this.
WITU would therefore like to request our members to inform us immediately if this application was done .
In an effort to unify their action, the board of WITU will inform their members of any meeting to be held as soon as all the relevant information is gathered.
Initial contact with the Commissioner of Education, Mr. William Marlin informing him of this non compliance and the fact that this is now being considered by the union as a deliberate act by those responsible in Public Education, was met with no tangible explanation, however he promised to contact the head of Finance on this matter.
In the meantime the board of the WITU will continue to represent all their members in education and make sure that their rights and benefits are respected.
GREAT BAY On Thursday last week the working group consisting of the advisors to the Commissioner of Economic Affairs, Tourism and Transportation, Sports and Aviation, and the staff of the Transportation Division and Policy and Research met with the respective counterparts and technocrats from the French side.
A presentation was given regarding our transportation system and legal aspects in general.
The other topics discussed were: the transportation system, a policy vision, the legal overview, proposed changes, information exchange, and international routes.
Present at the meeting were representatives from both sides of the island’s respective departments of economics and transportation.
The current system was described as being individually driven, profit oriented versus being social conducive, and there are limited service areas and coverage in less profitable areas. In addition, there is limited infrastructure in terms of bus stops & terminals.
But there are new ideas about improving the system, the policy vision of which are:
To promote reliable and efficient public transport with the formulation of new guidelines, regulations and an improved system of control and enforcement.
To maximize public mobility, provide comprehensive and accessible coverage to all areas.
To anticipate and rectify congestion problems, educate the public & change behaviour (commuter) and encourage alternatives to private vehicles.
According to the officials presenting the Island Ordinance of 30 December 1969, provides the legal foundation governing and regulating the existing public transportation system; while Abham of 24 August 1970, provides the legal foundation governing the safety and security with regards to public transportation (Bus, Taxi, Driver)
The proposed strategic changes are as follows:
Restructuring PTC & upgrading secretariat
Establish official domestic routes and corresponding color code
Establish new interior routes (due to new road development)
Establish maximum number of bus operators per route
Establish Yearly Fee requirement & penalty structure
Implement blue card, safety, training, code of conduct & educational requirements
New infrastructures [bus stops, terminal (s)]
The two sides discussed: standards, requirements/samples, capacity, tariffs, documents, International & Interior Routes, a publicity campaign, and cooperation needed between the two governments.
Accordingly, the discussions are preliminary and much needs to be discussed in the future. However, the meeting was fruitful and within short the two groups shall meet again.
GREAT BAY,– The Preventative Health Department Section Youth Health Care (YHC) will be starting with a vaccination open house week on Monday October 5 to October 9. The vaccination campaign is not related to Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus or the seasonal flu vaccine.
The vaccination open house week is organized to promote a culture of prevention against vaccine-preventable diseases and it gives parents an opportunity during the one-week school break to bring in their children for vaccinations and updates.
The open house will take place at the offices of Youth Health Care in the Vineyard Building from 8.30am to 4.00pm.
The theme is, "Act of Love, Get on Board, Get Vaccinated."
YHC's aim is to promote general information and stimulate the participation of parents in the vaccination program to get more children on board as an act of love, in addition because of the change in the vaccination schedule that went into effect earlier this year.
All children between four and nine-years of age will now get their second Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at four years of age.
The DTPolio vaccination will continue to be given when the child is nine-years of age.
Other changes in the vaccinations schedule concern children between two and 12 months of age.
Parents are reminded to make sure that their children between the ages of 0-17 are up to date with their vaccinations, which are necessary in order to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Immunization is a way of protecting children against serious disease. Once a person has been fully vaccinated, their bodies can fight those diseases if one comes into contact with them.
Vaccinations have proven to prevent outbreaks and the spread of contagious diseases and as such, every parent is urged to ensure that their child's vaccination is up to date.
The Island Government has its own vaccination program which is provided free of charge for all children on Dutch St. Maarten. A combination vaccine of MMR as well as other vaccines is offered.
Vaccinations are given starting with the first one when the child is two months of age and finalized at age nine when the last series are given unless for whatever reason a child needs a to catch up his/her immunizations.
Vaccines have been proven to be the key factor in preventing childhood diseases, disability, and death.
Parents should bring along with them their child’s vaccination booklet/card. If you are not sure of the status of your child, you should contact either your general practitioner, your pediatrician, the White & Yellow Cross Baby Clinic or YHC.
GREAT BAY— Commissioner responsible for sports, Frans Richardson, this past Wednesday turned his attention to boxing, meeting with the St. Maarten Boxing Association.
At the meeting, during which the association was represented by Jas Bryan-Labega and Erno Labega, plans and activities of the association were disclosed.
Among the association’s major interests is the obtaining of a training site for boxers on the Dutch side of the island.
The local association, which is also a member of the WBO and WBC federations, briefed the commissioner on the association’s duties and responsibilities.
Commissioner Richardson has taken note of the association’s concerns and interests. He assured the boxing association representatives that he would be looking into the matter – but could not make commitments, at this time, due to government’s precarious financial situation as well as the present economic climate.
Offers have been made by various boxing celebrities and trainers to come to St. Maarten, at no cost to government, to explore a number of possibilities. The idea is one which, in principle, has the support of Commissioner Richardson, who is interested in developing sports tourism.
A follow-up meeting is planned within short to further address ideas and proposals involving the boxing association.
The informative guest speaker program of the St. Maarten Lions Club will remain intact for this lionistic year, under the leadership of President Richard Panneflek and Marketing & Public Relations Committee Chairperson, Lion Davey Woods. The guest speaker program allows for key influential persons in the community to make presentations to the club on matters that are affecting our social and economic environment as a whole. In most cases the speakers focus on their area of expertise or general community work being carried out under the umbrella of a public or private organization.
Most recently the club had the honor of receiving information from the Director of the White & Yellow Cross, Mrs. Bregje Boetekees, who gave an elaborate and effective presentation on the status of the foundation. She clearly explained the vital role that the White & Yellow plays in the community, in particular care for the elderly, inline with the focus of this Lionistic Year: “Serving the Golden Aged”.
Other past guest speakers include: Public Notary Mrs. Meredith Boekhoudt, former Lt. Governor Dennis Richardson, Fatum Manager for the Windward Islands Amado Marcano, St. Maarten Port Authority Chief Operating Officer Keith Franca, I Can Foundation Director Debby Gibbs, Police Commissioner Alfred Marsdin, former Commissioner and current Island Council Member, Mrs. Maria Buncamper-Molanus, Chamber of Commerce President Mr. Glen Carty, former Director of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation, Mr. Fowler and among others.
Lion Davey Woods: “The club’s guest speaker program serves as a platform for all Lions to keep up with changes taking place in our community, while at the same time allowing us to remain active and make contributions in areas which are most important, to continue to make a positive impact on the development of our country. With the full support of the Lions daily board and the general membership, this program is in full swing as we prepare to welcome St. Maarten’s Tourism Director Ms. Regina Labega during the month of October”.
Key foundations and other private and public organizations will continue be contacted in the course of the coming weeks to finalize the club’s invitation list for the last quarter of this year and the rest of the Lionistic year which ends in June 2010.
The Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Franklin Richards was paid a courtesy call by the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Ligang Cen, who was accompanied by members of the Chinese Association on St. Maarten. In the picture, from let to right, are Pak Lam Alan-Wong, Mr. Cen, Governor, Molly Wong, and Yangjie (Steven) Huang. The Ambassador is based in Antigua & Barbuda.
David Candib Canival Corp, Director Strategic Planning (left)
Deanna Austin Senior Vice President Yield management with team, planning and customer services standing to the right of Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger.
This meeting took place on Monday in Los, Angeles U.S.A.
Philipsburg:--- Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba and all stakeholders including the islands leaders met on Tuesday to discuss and re-work the Brooks Tower Accord which was to be implemented last month. Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba who is on St. Maarten on a follow up visit said the stakeholders met on Tuesday and they are to submit their concerns which would be used to ajust the Brooks Tower Accord which was signed by all the Lt. Governors of the Netherlands Antilles and the Minister of Justice in 2007. One of the things the islands have to say is whether or not they have adequate manpower and finance and other logistics to implement this policy. She said lot of work still has to be done before the policy goes into effect. Another thing she said has to be clear is the vision on each island and their input is needed. Another meeting she said is to be held on Saturday in Curacao where a decision would be taken on how the policy would be implemented.
Jacoba said it is her belief that several persons are confused with the Brooks Tower because they believe it is the one that was signed in 2007 that will be implemented. She said the current brain storming is to see what would be the effects on each of the islands when this policy which is geared at regulating the undocumented is implemented. Jacoba said they would be using some of the conditions of the 2007 policy to form the new policy which she said will be published when it is ready. This new policy she said would be simplified and would be adapted to the current situation on each island.
The Minister could not give a definite date as to when this policy would be implemented however, she said it is clear that both Curacao and St. Maarten wants this policy to be implemented as soon as possible. One of the concerns for the Minister is if the islands has enough manpower and infrastructure to implement this policy. Jacoba said the new Immigration and Naturalisation Building is to handle the processing of residents permits. She made clear that to implement the Brooks Tower a new organization has to be set up.
Marigot: --- The number five community council headed by Paul Whit has organized a meeting with members of the clergy to discuss the crime situation on the French side of the island. In an interview with SMN News Whit said the community council is looking to see what input the churches on the island can give to fight crime. He said while the initiative was taken by the community council of Marigot and St. James (Quartier number 5 Quartier numbers 6 would also be present and would be participating in the ideas put forward.)
Whit said while his community council organized the event, the crime situation is everybody’s concern. He said right now crime is affecting the entire island and they need to see how everyone can help to find a solution. The topic discussed is crime and violence and it is important to see what contribution the religious circle can provide. Whit said there are issues facing the island that would not be solved unless the clergy or religious circle gets involved and becoming partners in society.
Whit said some ten churches have confirmed that they would attend and participate in the meetings. He said their intention is to make sure a commitment is given by the churches where they would work together in fighting crime and violence.
Another objective was to get the churches to see how they can reestablish family values and other moral values to the communities.
Ms. Gladys Carter presented a copy of her second Gospel CD recording, to Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson, entitled: Too Busy. The presentation took place in the Dr. Claude Wathey Legislative Hall.
Philipsburg:---The Democratic Party we know today took shape 55 years ago, the same year the watershed Charter of the Kingdom was promulgated. This milestone will be commemorated in grand style by the Party under the theme “55 – A CELEBRATION OF SAINT MARTIN” .
On November 1st 2009, the month long program, will kick off with a church service at the Praise Tabernacle Church in Cole Bay, giving thanks to the Almighty for his guiding hand and blessings in transforming this Island and for the leadership of the Democratic Party during the past 55 years.
On November 7th 2009, the Chapter of Professional Young Persons (CPYP) will be having its finals of the district play off basketball tournament, where the bragging rights for the best 3 man team of St Maarten will be determined. Several prizes are up for grabs with each member of the winning team receiving a lap top computer as the main prize. The venue for this event will be the Great Bay Sports Auditorium.
November 10th 2009, will be our comedy night. That evening we will be hosting a fundraising comedy Jam with the main act by Paul Keen Douglas out of Trinidad & Tobago and also a performance by well known comedian from St. Maarten, Ms Dorothy “Rosa” Richardson. The venue for this event will be the Maho Convention Center and the show will kick off at 9.00 pm.
On November 15th 2009 we will be having our family day at the Emilio Wilson Park in traditional St. Maarten fashion, complete with domino and bellot games, string band music, food, drinks and activities for the kids.
Our month of activities will culminate with a grand fundraising event on November 28th 2009 at the Maho Convention Center, where the renowned Calypsonian and Calypso King of the World, the Mighty Sparrow and his band, will be wooing the audience with classics such such as Salt Fish, Congo Man, Jean and Dina and many more. This will be a show to remember as Sparrow has stood at the cradle of calypso and has bridged decades with his musical style and flair. This we believe is a fitting tribute on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Democratic Party. Also scheduled to perform along side the Mighty Sparrow, are some of our own local calypsonians and musicians. This event will start at 9.00 pm sharp.
Details of venue of ticket sales and other logistics will follow in subsequent press releases.
CAY BAY—GEBE Power Plant experienced some mechanical problems with three generators that lead to several short power outages in certain districts of St. Maarten on Saturday.
Diesel Generator #16 developed a heavy leak in one of the cylinders heads, which resulted in the engine being taken offline for repairs. In addition, Diesel Generators #15 and #17 tripped resulting in a loss of an additional 13 MW. The power plant technicians worked diligently to bring the machines back online but experienced several technical setbacks that resulted in power interruptions lasting up to half an hour.
Between 4 pm and 8 pm areas such as Saunders, St. Peters, Guana Bay, Oyster Pond, Madame Estate, Belverdere and the Beacon Hill-Cupecoy area experienced short power outages. By approximately 8pm all power was restored and there were no other interruptions during the weekend.
The GEBE power plant is still operating on a very tight production schedule and short power outages continue to be possible until the new machines are online in December. The peak demand measured on Saturday was 49 MW showing an increase of close to 10% compared to the same period in 2008. However, some maneuvering room may become available by the weekend.
GEBE technicians are currently finalizing work on DG#7, which should add another 6 MW of capacity by the end of this week.
The final stages of work on DG#7, which was severely damaged by a fire last year, consist of replacing and refitting the lube oil coolers. The coolers consist of approximately 100 individual plates that need to be meticulously installed and attached in order to avoid water and oil leaks. If all goes well the generator will undergo its first test run by the end of the week and could be in full production by next week.
The increased capacity should reduce the frequency of outages experienced by the public until the new generators are commissioned.
GREAT BAY:--- – The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says that the business community also has a role to play in minimizing the spread of pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus in the workplace.
Pandemic H1N1 influenza spreads easily from person to person and while it is mild in most cases and people will make a rapid and full recovery, it can be severe in some.
Simple hygiene measures in the workplace can go a long way in minimizing the spread of H1N1 flu. Sanitizers (alcohol-based) should be provided for employees and clients. Hard surfaces used frequently should be disinfected and seek strategies for employees to work from home or flexible hours in the event their child (ren) are sick with flu-like symptoms.
In various countries around the globe, businesses have been advised to prepare a business pandemic plan.
Some of the key points that businesses should be aware of are: Identify your business’ core people and skills; Identify a contact person or coordinator for the plan; Consider the effects of supply shortages on operations; Plan for staff absences; Consider human resource issues; Decide if your business will stay open or close in a pandemic; Encourage good personal hygiene practice; Understand social distancing measures; Communicate your plans to your staff and customers; Look at the financial implications; and test your plan and know when to use it.
Staff with influenza like symptoms who come to work using medicines that mask the infection, are still infectious and may pass the virus to other staff and customers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has already indicated that to nations in the Northern Hemisphere to prepare for a second wave of pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
There is uncertainty on what that second wave may bring and everyone must remain on the alert. It is recommended for persons to get their seasonal flu vaccine, and this can be done by consulting your family physician.
The PHD is reminding residents to continue to practice high standards of personal hygiene which entails covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and 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. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
The symptoms of Pandemic 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.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. Do not delay in contacting your family physician.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around them, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications of influenza.
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when traveling. In the event that travel is unavoidable, the public is advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times. Another preventive measure is eating healthy foods, getting a lot of exercise and maintaining an eight hour sleep schedule.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
CAYON, ST. KITTS—Despite a rain shortened 40 over encounter, Nevis made light-work of the US Virgin Islands in the first day of the Nagico one Day Cricket Tournament at the Cayon cricket field in St. Kitts; crushing the minnows by 152 runs. Nevis racked up 208 runs all out in 37 overs, the only good spark for an obviously weaker USVI team that managed to bowl out a more experienced Nevis team in less than the allotted overs. However, USVI could only manage a measly 56 runs in reply. Intermittent rain in the morning hours caused the game to stop at least three times forcing a reduction in overs according to the Duckworth Lewis system. This saw the game going to 40 overs.
Nevis decorated with its star players Kieron Powell and Runako Morton, both playing for the West Indies, was poised to dismantle the USVI before the end of the day. However, despite a star performance of 53 runs from Powell, Morton failed to score, bowled out by Gary Daniel who picked up two wickers for 48 runs. Powell only got assistance on the batting front from K. Tyson (15 runs), Javier Liburd with 30 and Joel Simmonds with 45 not out. D. Browne could only manage a run after being bowled by Andrew Eusibe; Jason Campbell scored two runs, Trevier Smithen, three, Don Byron, 14 runs, Tonito Willet, nine and Adelvin Philip scored 11 runs after being stumped by Nyra Stewart. Stewart was the beast of the bowlers for USVI picking up four wickets for 35 runs in 5.5 overs. Dale Africa picked up a wicket for 26 runs; Andrew Eusibe had two wickets in 46 runs after eight overs and Gary Daniel two wickets for 34 runs also in eight overs.
However, after a credible bowling performance, USVI fell flat on their faces when it came to batting. Nyra Stewart who was the star bowler for the minnows failed to score a single run caught by Kieron Powell off Adelvin Philip’s bowling. Only Dale Africa scored double figures with 13 runs before he was bowled by Tonito Willet. Andrew Daniel, Andrew Eusibe, Andrew Bernell and Kenly Tidall were all bowled out for ducks. Ray Fredrick and Samuel Jones scored three runs each and Dane Weston scored nine runs not out. Nevis’ coach Stuart Williams was disappointed that his team was bowled out in 37 overs against a team they eventually trampled in the end. “Get bowled out in 37 overs is not good,” Williams said. He commended Kieron Powell and the other players that scored double figures and highlighted that the intensity in the team is evident, which is a good sign for Nevis that challenges an unpredictable Montserrat team today also in Cayon. Coach Williams hopes his batsmen will apply themselves more on the field in today’s match and blames the rain interruption earlier that day for the break in their mental concentration, thus the below par performance among some of them, such as Runako Morton who failed to score. “At the end of the day, its cricket so whatever stoppages you have to keep focused on the game,” the coach said.
Coach Livingston Harris of the USVI was sorely disappointed that after a credible bowling performance reducing Nevis to 208 in 37 overs, his team failed on the batting end. He is confident that the team’s batting performance will improve today against St. Kitts and he is not worried about putting out a good effort in the bowling department as was done Monday. “I don’t think St. Kitts is going to get any big total against us, but we have to go and bat and make the total that St. Kitts would have made,” Harris said.
The St. Maarten Cricket Association (SMCA) has received a well needed boost from the local electricity and water company GEBE. The platinum sponsorship was made recently to the Association by ir. William Brooks, Managing Director of NV GEBE, receiving on behalf of the SMCA was President Mr. Michael Teixeira.
The GEBE sponsorship will be used for the ST. Maarten Cricket Association’s hosting and participation in the LICA One Day Cricket Tournament that bowled off on Monday, October 12th.
The SMCA Mr. Teixeira commented on the donation: “The SMCA has mounted a rigorous fund-raising drive to offset the expenses of the upcoming tournament. We will be hosting the LICA One day Tournament‘s Zone B matches in the preliminary round as well as the Semi-finals and the Finals, so this is going to be an expensive undertaking. The SMCA is heartened by the response from GEBE which shows their interest in developing local sporting activity.”
Mr. Brooks stated, “We applaud the efforts of the SMCA to bring cricket on the island to a higher level through organized programs and planning. The upcoming LICA Tournament provides the perfect opportunity for us to partner with the SMCA. Most importantly the donation enables us to give a tangible contribution to an activity which is in keeping with our goal of supporting events which nurtures the community; we see the cricket matches as family activity as well as integral to the development of sports on the island. As a Government owned Company we are happy to support events that help to make our Island better”.
The newly arrived Methodist church superintendent and other members of the methodist church clergy on Wednesday paid a visit to commissioner Frans Richardson. On photo the group (including former commissioner Edgar Lynch - far left) meeting with the commissioner (GIS photo)
Philipsburg:---The folks of the party presently in government never cease to amaze us! They are actually trying to re-write history! In their heavily funded 2007 election campaign, the NA talked about a “new beginning.” Now they claim that “the people of St. Maarten responded OVERWHELMINGLY to call on them to rescue St. Maarten from national and international embarrassment, scandals corruption, and nepotism.” HELLOOOO? Which political party is an embarrassment to St. Maarten? The Democratic Party for not accepting to be blackmailed by a member who got convicted by the court, or our opposition who, to get into office by hook or by crook (pardon the pun), struck a deal with that SAME convicted Councilman and then lured in one other former DP Councilman, who so desperately has a need to stay in power in order not to lose the control he wields, not in the general interest of St. Maarten, but in the interest of HIS selected few. In addition, mind you, the National Alliance criticized these very same two DP Executive Council Members the most! The DP’s opposition has YET to WIN an island election, to get into power. This time around, they had to strike a deal with almost 50% (2 out of 5) of the Democratic Party Executive Council to make their so-called “new beginning.” In addition, what a new beginning! They are STILL working off the DP Program they found when they sneaked into the Building on June 8, 2009. The National Alliance/Heyliger Government after 4 months in office has yet to show the people of St. Maarten ONE thing it has done that was not of the Democratic Party’s making. It is an insult to all of us for them to pretend that they are responsible for all they are claiming. When William got into office, he was going to put every child in school. Instead, he quietly reverted to executing the Democratic Party’s plan of a phased introduction of compulsory education for children aged 4 thru 6. On the issue of constitutional change, it is offensive to especially those technocrats who have worked tirelessly on the constitutional change for the last 9 years, for the NA to now suggest the constitutional ship is adrift, a ship mind you, that William Marlin, the NA leader proudly pronounces he sat on for those 9 years! What was his input during all those years? Did you ever hear him utter an objection to the way things were progressing then? And talking about competence: read the story on page 7 of the Daily Herald of October 15, 2009 headlined:” Alliance corrects errors in release”! A classical case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing!!
They refer to “THEIR FIRST TERM IN OFFICE.” WHAT first term? A term is 4 years and you can only get that by winning by the ballot at the polls. Democratic Party Leader Sarah Wescot-Williams is correct when she quotes author and poet Maria Robinson, who said:”Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending!”
Commissioner Frans Richardson, on Friday morning, made it possible for a brand new Apple laptop to be donated to St. Maarten's Mix Master DJ Pauly -- who is competing in the Heineken Green Synergy DJ clash finals on Saturday.
Commissioner Richardson said that he was pleased to be able to make the contribution, which he said he hoped DJ Pauly could utilize as part of his equipment for future presentations here as well as abroad.
On photo, Commissioner Richardson, Jasmine Mahtani of Klass Electronics and DJ Pauly at the presentation of the donation. (GIS Photo)
Philipsburg:---The wife of the late Chief Inspector Alfred R. MARSDIN (better known as "Churchill or Chico") Miss Brigitte Marsdin and the Police Force of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius in commemoration of the passing of Marsdin will be holding a church service on Wednesday October 21st 2009 at 11.00 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Philipsburg.
The service will be provided by Pastors Stephan Brooks and Charles Seaton. The entire community is invited to attend this Memorial service.
PHILIPSBURG: ---The son of a police sergeant was stabbed in his testicles by another student who has since surrendered. The incident occurred at the Milton Peters College on Wednesday said police spokesman Ricardo Henson. Henson said the police was called shortly before 1pm and several officers from Zero Tolerance officers that were nearby responded to the scene. Henson said a fight had broken out at the school between two students from the same school. During the fight the suspected student with initials T. W used a unknown pointed object to stab the victim. The victim has been identified as T. L and is the son of a police sergeant whom he said is stationed at the Philipsburg Police Station.
The police Spokesman said when the suspect committed his act he jumped the school fence while the victim was treated by ambulance and later to taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment.
Henson said the suspect has since surrendered to police and is now in police custody as the investigations continue.
On Saturday October 10, 2009, The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise sponsored a luncheon at the Crystal Home in honor of District Governor Errol Alberga and wife Leonie Alberga courtesy visit to the Home during his official trip to St. Maarten as District 7020 Governor, in commemoration of his visit an award of appreciation was presented to DG Errol.
The District Governor and his wife along with Assistant District Governor Luis Wever and his wife Mandy Wever were introduced to the Director of the facility Miss Eva Williams and the children of the Home.
Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise provides sponsorship to Crystal Home, in the form of fresh bread daily, the Club during the year organizes various events with the children of the home. On Saturday two full size beds, a dresser and side table were donated to Crystal Home on behalf of friends of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise and frequent visitors to St. Maarten, Mr. & Mrs. Cannizzaro.
CAY BAY— Four power generators experienced a mechanical failure starting at 8.00am on Friday morning forcing GEBE to introduce load shedding for the rest of the day. By approximately 5.30pm everything was back to normal.
Generators DG#7, 12, 16 and 17 experienced some form of mechanical failure whether it was high cooling temperatures or other related mechanical events. The generators which run 24/7 are bound to develop some form of problem from time to time, but Friday morning everybody was caught by surprise.
The total loss in megawatts was 18. If such a situation was to happen in December when the two new generators come online (combined they have 22.6 megawatts), GEBE customers would not notice anything as the new generators would be able to carry the load and still have a few megawatts to spare.
Over the weekend when the load is less, GEBE technicians will carry out maintenance activities on the generators that experienced the mechanical challenges.
GEBE continues to operate on a very tight electricity production schedule due to the high demand of electricity from customers. The installation of the new generators are on schedule for December, however any reduction in power generation due to the fallout of an engine will result in load shedding.
GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience caused.

Philipsburg:---National Alliance Senator George Pantophlet said during the week of the October 19 to the October 22, 2009 several central committee meetings of Parliament to discuss the Draft Budget 2009 among others were convened. The policies of the different ministries were presented by the responsible ministers. On November 30, 2009 the Draft Budget2009 will be handled by parliament in a Public meeting. During said meeting it was also mentioned that the Ministry of finance will be the last one to be transferred. Based on the agreement made on November 28, 2008 when the work is transferred the money will follow. This is the same with all ministries. Monies have also been budgeted to support the dismantling process, archives and the Inspectorate of taxes. On Wednesday October 21, 2009 a central committee meeting was convened to discuss the integration of the SVB and the BZV. The faction of the National Alliance thought it better not to continue this process seeing that in the next two months the transfers of authorities have to take place. And the fact that St. Maarten is busy with a National Health Insurance System. Also explained during the meeting was that talks were ongoing between the government and the Island Territory of St. Maarten on this issue. A working agreement between the two future countries on this matter is not excluded. The meeting has been postponed until a future date. Also on Wednesday October21, 2009 a Public meeting was held with the Prime Minister Emily de Jong-Elhage to get a report on her discussions with Minister of Justice of the Netherlands Mr. Hirsch Balin on the Draft Kingdom Law on the Movements of persons and related legislation. It appears that the Minister of Justice still wants to proceed with the Kingdom Law on the movement of persons with some changes. But Parliament had already unanimously rejected the Draft Law. Additionally at the time the then Minister of Justice Mr. David Dick had sent a strongly worded letter expressing government’s rejection of the draft law. A motion was prepared to re-emphasize the feelings of Parliament but did not get the support of all the members as they felt it would be superfluous. On Thursday October 22, 2009 another central committee meeting of Parliament was convened to discuss with SITEK the escalating aggression among school children. Also discussed was the Initiative draft Federal Ordinance t o amend the General Federal Ordinance on Federal Taxes (P.B. 2001, no.89) and the Federal Ordinance on Income Tax 1943 (P.B. 2002, no.63)Session 2008-2009-3422). The Initiative Draft Ordinance to amend the General Federal Ordinance on Federal Taxes intention is to encourage persons that are earning an income locally and abroad to report this to the local authorities. The Draft Federal Ordinance on Income Tax will allow parents to deduct 15000 guilders instead of the present 10,000 guilders that is spent on their children studying abroad. The decision for this has to do with the increase in cost of living and also related to the Euro and also an additional 200 guilders reduction on tax for pensioners who are earning 3000 guilders per month or less. Our faction proposed that parents with children studying within the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba especially from St. Maarten be also included in this draft federal ordinance. A more detailed information on these two ordinances will be forthcoming.
GREAT BAY– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) has received notifications from schools that some parents/guardians are not respecting the measure of keeping children who have flu-like symptoms at home from school or day care centres until they recover.
If sick children are allowed to attend school, and if they have the Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus, they put at risk the teacher as well as the other children at school.
The PHD is requesting parents and guardians to cooperate in minimizing the spread of flu within our community.
Children who display severe flu-like symptoms and those who are admitted into hospital will be tested for the Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
Children and teenagers should continue to practice cough etiquettes and good hygiene all the time even at school.
Children should know to wash their hands frequently with soap and water; cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of your elbow/sleeve; dispose of used tissue paper in the trash properly; stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.
Parents and guardians are role models and should demonstrate these behaviours which are a tool to prevent the spread of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus within our community.
Parents and guardians should make sure your child remains healthy by giving them a lot of fluids, eating healthy and have plenty of rest. Monitor their temperature and symptoms; ensure your child’s health is in good condition.
Give your child medication prescribed by your family physician or ensure that medicines are child age appropriate. Do not give young children medicines for adults or teenagers.
The symptoms for children with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) flu virus are similar to that of adults. The symptoms include high fever, a runny nose, cough, sore throat and body aches. At times these can be accompanies by, diarrhoea, breathlessness and dizziness. If your child displays these symptoms, don’t delay; take them to your family physician.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg:--Just about 4 months ago, as expected, the Democratic Party Government imploded and the National Alliance spearheaded a stable government to realize country status for St. Maarten. As we face the challenges ahead, the National Alliance wants you to know what we are up against.
Just this week the Democratic Party launched the latest and lowest in a series of misleading attacks against a well-known businessman, which DP Councilwoman Maria Buncamper claims to be a supporter of the National Alliance. In desperation, the Democratic Party is on every media program, distorting the truth. They believe that the same old smears and negative attacks will prevail again. However, what the DP councilwoman did not say is that this same businessman recently supported her foundation; Sky is the Limit “King of Kings calypso show.”
The truth is that this well-known businessman has repeatedly told government that he does not wish to manage St. Maarten’s NHI alone and that he is not interested in underwriting the plan. However, he has always expressed the view that National Health Insurance for all is a good and noble thing to do provided it is managed well and does not significantly increase the cost of doing business or the insured persons and taxpayers. In fact, in a speech on insurance given at the PMIA in January 2009 the same businessman agreed with the NAVV (Neth. Ant. Insurance Association) that no one Insurance Company must have the sole management of the NHI and suggested a system where the insured person decides which insurer should handle their individual or collective (in the case of a group/company) healthcare.
On the subject of the cricket field, the truth is that Mr. David Forsythe who, among others, manages the Raoul Illidge Sports complex, was charged with the responsibility of making a feasibility study of a cricket field on behalf of the then Commissioner of Sports Maria Buncamper-Molanus. Mr. Forsythe apparently met with the same businessman on several occasions, and also with past president of the ST. Maarten Cricket Association, Mr. Derrick Holiday and Mr. Keith Gittens, Chief Selector of the St. Maarten Cricket Association to discuss the necessity of a cricket field. If the cricket field was important to Maria Buncamper-Molanus then when she was Commissioner of Sports, how come not now?
This nasty-gutter-style ploy of the Democratic Party misleads people about the true intentions of a philanthropist who has contributed significantly to this community. The Democratic Party even insults the intelligence of the people and even mocks the ability of St. Maarteners to motivate themselves and inspire others back into the political process. What a nasty turn to the gutter. How low can one get? Even some of DP’s own supporters agree that this is one wild swing at the National Alliance and reflects the Democratic Party’s increasing desperation and bitterness and the lack of any coherent strategy. Do they want to take the low road back to the highest seat of government?
This is yet another example that proves how out of touch the Democratic Party has become. If they can’t tell the truth, are they really capable of leading SXM? We don’t think so and when you look at what the DP stands for, you’ll come to the same conclusion. This media circus only confirms that the Democratic Party cannot be trusted to make decisions on the general interest of the people. It is clear again that the National Alliance is more competent to lead St. Maarten into Country Status. The Democratic Party knows that country St. Maarten is a new beginning; they want us to be afraid of a new beginning while they carry on with their old ways in the new St. Maarten.
You watch out, each day will brings a desperate new set of attacks and misrepresentation from the Democratic Party. However, the National Alliance we will not let any attack stand. We will respond quickly, forcefully and respectfully to take their smear tactics head-on. We condemn these attacks because above the difference of politics, we are all St. Maarteners.
Philipsburg: ---On Friday October 30th, the Zero Tolerance Team assisted by members of the VKS and the Immigration Department conducted controls at several establishments on the island
In The Dutch Quarter, area snack bars were checked concerning their licenses to operate. In Sucker Garden, several snack bars and brothels were controlled regarding to their operating licenses and undocumented persons working at these businesses. Eight persons were brought in to the Immigration Department to be checked regarding, their status on the island. Two of these persons were later released after their documents were found to be in order. A fine of Nafls 30.000, - was given to the owner one of these businesses for having illegal persons employed.
GREAT BAY,– Commissioner of Education Leader of Government William Marlin on behalf of the Executive Council extends the Council’s deep gratitude and respect to the board, university administration, graduates and current students of the University of St. Martin (USM) on the educational institutions 20th anniversary to be celebrated on Saturday, November 7.
Commissioner Marlin who is currently in Holland on a working visit expressed the aforementioned on Thursday.
The educational institution was founded back in 1989 has grown over the years to having an enrolment of close to 400 full-time and part-time students.
“The mission of USM started back in 1989 was only made possible by the support of those who have passed through the doors of the university during the past 20-years and the brilliant faculty that have given them the knowledge to move on academically or into the workforce.
“The task of universities is to guide young people to the intellectual frontiers, to take them as far as they are capable of going. USM has fulfilled this role and will continue on this track for many more decades.
“The founders of this educational institution back in 1989, were making a statement about their confidence in the workers and young people of the island ensuring that they developed an educational institution to meet the aspirations of the community.
“The very nature of a successful university is its cultural breath, and it is important to maintain the balance between the arts, humanities, social sciences, technologies and sciences.
“A rich intellectual environment created by mixing the cultures attracts the most creative minds. Without a doubt, USM faculty, board and management will continue to work in unisom to further extend and enrich its programs for those who want to broaden their educational experience on the island.
“USM has brought opportunities to the doorsteps of those seeking a university education. USM is indeed the key to a brighter future and every student should make use of this opportunity right at home.
“I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank all those who have played a role in the development of USM and those who have been involved in the recent successes of the facility.
“Lets celebrate today’s students and staff who have made the University what it is today, and who are laying the foundations that will ensure its future. The founders of USM took a bold step back in the 1980s and their successors are just as bold today to carry on what has been built over the 20-year period,” Commissioner of Education William Marlin expressed on behalf of the Executive Council in a statement to the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—Department and Section Heads from the Sector Economy and Tourism were given a presentation by Section Head of Personnel and Organization Policy (POB) Luud Hakkens relating to the human resources policies.
The meeting was in order for managers and staff members to deal with situations in a more informed manner, and according to regulations.
Sector Director, Miguel de Weever, gave a short introduction about the meeting, saying that we have a new organization structure, salary system, and the implementation of performance management. Because of these changes, and for persons who are new to government, it is important for managers to know what tools are at their disposal in dealing with certain situations.
Present at the meeting were the Departments and Sections of Economy and Tourism, namely: the Departments of Economic Policy and Research, Tourism Bureau, and Department of Permits and Licenses, Public Vending and Economic Control (V.O.S.E.C.).
Hakkens gave a brief historical perspective of the policies, explained some of the regulations, and received questions from the audience.
GREAT BAY,– The Preventive Health Department along with representatives from the City of Amsterdam’s Public Health Service (GGD Amsterdam), will be introducing the “Jump In” program to a number of stakeholders this week.
The Dutch delegation comprising of Bertram Bouthoorn and Judith de Meij will sensitize and provide information to stakeholders about the Amsterdam Jump In program and its benefits.
Jump In is a program that has been designed to promote physical activity and prevent overweight among young children. The target group is four to 12-year-olds and their parents and has been used in Amsterdam since 2002.
The Executive Council approved the ‘School Nutrition & Physical Education Policy Plan,’ which has been developed to provide a structural and uniformed approach towards minimizing the factors that negatively influence a healthy lifestyle as it is related to nutrition and physical activity.
Overweight and obesity may soon cause a much preventable disease and death as cigarette smoking. It has been found that young persons need nutrition and physical education to help them develop lifelong eating patterns consistent with the basic dietary guidelines and the food pyramid. It has also been indicated that schools are ideal settings for nutrition and physical education.
The focus of the policy plan is on the youth, as results of data obtained indicate that the school going population of St. Maarten is at risk for health related consequences of being overweight. It has found that 16 per cent of those students screened of the past two school years are obese.
The presentations entail information sessions with school boards, principals, physical education teachers, government departments responsible for youth health care, educations & sports and several others.
The GGD Amsterdam representatives will also visit several public sports facilities, namely, L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium, Raoul Illidge Sports Complex, Little League Ball Park, and the Jose Lake Sr. and John Cooper Ball Park.
The development of the policy plan is a collaborative effort by the PHD, the Department of Education, the Department of Sports & Cultural Development along with the Department of Education Research Policy, Planning and Innovation (DERPPI).
The GGD Amsterdam visit is part of the agreement that was signed between the City of Amsterdam and the Island Territory of St. Maarten in 2007.
The objective of the agreement is to enhance bilateral cooperation in the exchange of know-how and experience in areas of mutual concern of both parties. One of the areas is public health which is Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour is making use of with respect to the visit by GGD Amsterdam.
Philipsburg:--- Elected officials from both French and Dutch side of St. Maarten/St. Martin at their official address at the Festival Village during the celebration of St. Martin Day focused on the status change the Dutch side is expected to have by October next year. Richards explained that St. Maarten is at the crossroad of change with their constitutional structure when the country status is granted to the Dutch side while the French side already has their status change and are progressing. He called on the people not to be dampened with the differences that exists but they should take time are reflect on what the nation has achieved over the past 50 years and the role their forefather’s have played. Richards said that right now focus must be placed on rebuilding the moral values on the island since it is plagued with several social issues such as crime and violence in the schools, unemployment. He said right now a collective effort is needed to address these issues and the history of cooperation between the two sides must be used. He said that already the two sides are working closely to fight against illegal immigration. Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards in his address said the two sides are already working closely on implementing the Franco/ Dutch treaty.
Senator Louis Constant Fleming in his address reminded the gathering on the reasons why the friendship of the island is celebrated. Fleming gave an outline on how the two sides evolved from 1648 when the treaty of Concordia. He said the two mother countries France and Holland never intervened on how the two sides worked together. The senator promised to work hard in making sure the cooperation between the two sides become stronger since St. Maarten/ St. Martin is one island and whatever decision is taken on side of the island would ultimately affect the other side.
The President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Frantz Gumbs in his address said the he felt the two sides were called upon to celebrate “Sweet St. Maarten” which some of its multitudes abused their welcome to the island because of their own negligence. Gumbs said that he felt there is need to rekindle the spirit of the treaty of Concordia, which in his opinion kept the island strong over the years. The President went on to quote article 3 of the treaty that stated that the two sides should live as friends and allies. He said that the 50 years ago the late Hubert Petit and the late Dr. Claude Wathey inaugurated St. Maarten/St. Maarten Day celebration to show the friendship between the two sides. Gumbs said the time has come for them to stop for a moment and ask themselves some serious questions such as what progress have they made over the past 50 years? What can they do and what is it they want to do to benefit the two sides? He said while there is no time for answers his questions are only food for thought and items for talks.
Gumbs said the economies have boomed and must continue to grow but he wants to know at what cost to the people and the environment. He said already infrastructures such as the education and social systems are struggling to adjust to meet the demands of the ever-growing population. He asked what solutions they have for the youths whom he said do not have a “tomorrow.” Gumbs said that indeed there is cooperation to address certain situations. He emphasized that it is his belief that cooperation should not be envisaged as an ideological past time instead; pragmatism should be the guide for the choices made by them. Gumbs said even though what he said may seem gloomy there is indeed hope for greater expectations.
While the leader of government William Marlin called on the people of St. Maarten to celebrate their day. He said there are people who tried to take away this day from them, but he urged them to celebrate their day.
Marlin said that right now the Dutch side of the island has 55,000 registered inhabitants with close to 20,000 undocumented however; this year’s celebration is to pay tribute to their forefathers. He called on the population not to only think about the politicians but they should also remember the church leaders, teachers, doctors, fishermen who were out there 50 years ago celebrating.
He said 50 years after the population, the environment have all changed. He reminded the gathering what Pastor Wycliffe Smith told them during the church service about the change in the landmarks. Marlin said St. Maarten would continue major changes referring to the country status which is expected to take place on October 10, 2010.
While Commissioner of Culture Hyacinth Richardson called on the people to maintain the island’s sweetness. One way this should happen is by continuing to planting the ‘sugar apple tree” which he said reflects the sweetness of the island.
Prior to the speeches that were delivered at the Festival Village a church service was held at the New Testament Baptist Church, while the wreath laying ceremony took place at the Bellevue monument which was erected by the late Constant Fleming.
Marigot: --- Two armed bandits robbed a grocery store in Grand Case and stole the day’s earnings. According to a press release from the gendarmes, the bandits entered the grocery during the afternoon hours. They first ordered some beverages and when the cashier opened the cash register, the bandits who were armed with a gun pointed it at the cashier and demanded the monies that were in the register.
CAY BAY— GEBE’s Executive Management Team (EMT) including the GEBE company managers from St. Eustatius and Saba, has forwarded a letter to the board members of the GEBE Shareholding Foundation outlining their concerns of recent developments between GEBE’s own Supervisory Board and GEBE Managing Director William Brooks.
The letter reads: “We, the members of the Executive Management Team (EMT) of NV GEBE, have been following the recent developments with regard to our Managing Director Mr. William Brooks with great concern. The public bashing by some of GEBE’s own Board members and the continuous “media leaks” by “sources close to the Board” attest to the serious degeneration of the professional relationship between the Board and the Managing Director. This is seriously hurting the company’s public image and morale of the workers.”
The EMT in its November 13, 2009 letter says that they do not deem it sagacious to suspend or dismiss the current Managing Director in the middle of the company’s transformation, a process they have described as clearly geared towards accomplishing the high levels of service that all stakeholders expect to receive.
The EMT members also express their full support and unwavering confidence in the current Managing Director’s ability to accomplish the objects as outlined in the GEBE Vision and GEBE Strategic Plan.
The letter also sent to the Executive Councils of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius continued to state: “It is sad to see what the EMT had warned the GEBE Shareholding Foundation about has come to pass. With this we are referring to our previous correspondence dated June 25, 2008, in which we indicated that there would be problems with appointing the former director to the board.
“Since then we have seen a constant stream of negative press emanating from the board, politically motivated maneuvering around the fuel clause relief in 2008, a long drawn out process to approve the 2009 budget and so on. The general mood has been one of tension and inhibition of the new director; a situation not experienced by current management under the previous board. Moreover, it is a situation that does not have its equal at any other government owned company on the island.
“GEBE is currently in a crisis situation with capacity shortages and frequent mechanical breakdowns. The current Managing Director, upon assuming his position, quickly identified this short coming and took immediate action to secure the loan for the purchase of two new generators to alleviate the capacity shortage. Fortunately, the end of the crisis is in sight as we finalize the power plant expansion project and bring the two new 11.3 MW generators on line in just over a month from now.
“Our previous letter stated that the new direction by management will take longer than two years to bear fruit, taking the size and complexity of GEBE into consideration. The commissioning of the new engines and the subsequent solving of the frequent power outages by next month will be a major milestone in this process.”
Copies of the letter have also been sent to the GEBE Board of Supervisory Directors as well as Mr. Williams Brooks, and it continues as follows: “While we completely support and embrace the Board’s prerogative to recommend any disciplinary action it deems fit under the circumstances. Such disciplinary action must be derived from the careful review of objectively verifiable facts, data and analysis. The current Report reflects another attempt like previous ones within the last year to arrive at a decision before proper due diligence review of the facts are established. The Report appears to be hastily compiled to facilitate a rush to a conclusion which was already agreed on before the evidence was objectively put together, carefully analysed and contemporary best practice brought to bear.
“We are respectively bringing to your attention Sirs, that if the basis for suspending and/or dismissing the Managing Director is the current Report, it will expose GEBE to legal and moral hazard with irreparable damage to its corporate image with all of the associated legal, political and operational costs as this Report enters the public domain and is reviewed by impartial external third parties and the legal system.
“When the Managing Director responds to the Board letter it will be clear to the Shareholding Foundation that the reasons mentioned for the suspension are mainly frivolous and exaggerations. The managers do not want to see GEBE being placed at this risk and it is in this context that we write you.”
The GEBE EMT members who have signed the letter are: Commercial Manager Steve Duzanson, Finance Manager Andrew Zagers, Distribution Manager Emmanuel Brooks, Human Resources & General Affairs Manager Richard Hodge, Branch Manager St. Eustatius Fred Cuvalay, and Branch Manager Saba Charles Johnson.
Members of the GEBE Shareholding Foundation are: Ralph Richardson, Kelvin Bloyden, Richard Gibson Jr., Max Pandt and Hubert Smith.
Philipsburg: --- With flash flood warning in effect several areas on the Dutch side of the island were flooded. Drivers were seen braving floodwaters to get their destination. Several parents were also seen heading towards St. Peters to pick their children up. Some schoolyards were completely flooded but most schools kept their students indoors since authorities did not close school for the day. The Government Information Service on Tuesday issued a press release regarding the flood.
Severe rainfall watch is in effect for St. Maarten; Motorists advised to exercise extreme caution.
The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service has issued a special bulletin as of 10.00 am until 12.00 pm related to a "severe rainfall watch" which is in effect for St. Maarten. An updated bulletin will be issued at 12.00 pm.
Motorists are hereby advised to exercise extreme caution while driving on the road network. Drivers who do need to be on the road during this period should remain at home until weather conditions improve.
Motorists should exercise extreme caution while driving in hilly areas and to be on the lookout for possible rock falls.
The Welgelegen road in Cay Hill remains closed to all vehicular traffic until further notice.
Personnel from the Public Works Department are out monitoring rainwater drainage channels while the all-necessary measures have been taken to prevent any flooding.
This entails putting into operation the Salt Pond Pump that would lower the level of the Salt Pond to make room for additional rainfall. The channel at the Great Bay Beach has been opened to allow water in the Fresh Water Pond to exit into the ocean.
Heavy showers are anticipated leading to local flooding over sections of the island. Residents are urged to avoid driving in low-lying areas and in flooded streets until the anticipated heavy rain has tapered off or ended and the anticipated floodwaters have subsided.
In case there are lightening strikes very close to your location, switch off and disconnect any sensitive electronic equipment. Also disconnect any phone line from your computer.
Residents are advised to continue to monitor radio broadcast for any additional information that may be issued and for weather reports issued by the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service.
The topic ‘Fiscal Legislation within the Kingdom’ was the central point in a seminar organized by the Dutch Ministry of Finance in the Renaissance Hotel in Aruba on November 19th and 20th. The purpose of the meeting was to share best practices, and to strengthen each other's positions and mutual ties in fiscal matters within the Kingdom as much as possible. The Netherlands Antilles, Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and Bonaire were represented by administrators, official experts from the tax authorities and economic affairs, and experts of the Central Banks.
After the opening of the seminar by the new Aruban Minister of Finance, Mike de Meza, the almost 50 participants from the Antilles, Aruba, Curacao, Saint Martin, Aruba, Bonaire, and the Netherlands exchanged the developments in the field of fiscal legislation and informed each other about intents in that fiscal legislation.
From Dutch side an explanation was given of the BES Tax, and Customs & Excise Bill, which was recently introduced into Parliament by the State secretary Jan Kees de Jager. The representatives of the Antilles, Aruba and the three islands territories have stated their experiences with the fiscal legislation and set forth plans.
All of the participants have experienced the meeting as very useful and enjoyable. The engagement was also made to keep informing and if necessary, to support one another on a regular basis.
GREAT BAY– Leader of Government and Commissioner responsible for Constitutional Affairs William Marlin, says the involvement of the community in the national development of the island starts from the bottom up.
This statement he made to the Government Information Service (GIS) when commenting on the seminar with the theme, “Tripartite Consultation in Social-Economic Policy-Making,” that will take place on Wednesday, November 25 in the UTS Training Center from 9.00am to 12.00pm.
The seminar is the first step in the preparation towards a strong and realistic Social Economic Council (SER) for country St. Maarten.
One of the advisory institutions of Government that has to be in place on October 10, 2010 is the SER.
The National Alliance-Heyliger Government believes that policy-making should take place with the involvement of the community.
This involvement of the community should take place through consultation with a formal and institutionalized SER. The SER needs to have a constellation with representation of both business and labour.
“By having a strong SER for country St. Maarten, one that is functioning properly, the government will ensure participation of a great part of our community in the policy-making of this new country.
“The government really believes that the approach this time needs to be a practical one. We have a Social Economic Council on island level and for many reasons it hasn’t been functioning,” Commissioner William Marlin stated on Tuesday.
Philipsburg:--- The Democratic Party has submitted a letter to the chairman of the executive council requesting answers on the Ministerial plans and the changes in the island ordinance of St. Maarten.
Below is the full content of the letter:--
As a result of the Central Committee meetings of October 16 and November 12, 2009 respectively and making use of our right as island council members in accordance with the Rules of Order of the Island Council and the Islands Regulation of the Netherlands Antilles, I hereby submit, on behalf of the Democratic Party faction, the following questions to the Executive Council in connection with the Ministerial Plans and the Island Ordinance containing changes to the Organization Ordinance Sint Maarten 2008.
• What are the budgetary implications of the total personnel cost for the Government Organization of Country Sint Maarten?
• What fate await those persons who currently hold the position of sector director?
• What is the present status of the recruitment of Secretaries General for country Sint Maarten, who is executing this project, what are the conditions for this position?
• What is government’s position on the inventory of tasks and responsibilities as a country and how does government view the execution of such and by whom?
• What has government’s reaction been to the draft federal ordinance on the transfer of central tasks and responsibilities? Can we be provided with a copy of this reaction?
• What further steps have been taken with respect to the agreement with Curacao regarding a joint central bank?
• Since the opening of the office of a St. Maarten MOT branch, what actions have been undertaken under the auspices of this office? How is this office manned? What are the activities of this office? How is the cost of operation of this office allocated?
• Kindly provide our faction with the personnel formation of the Ministry of TEZV&T, as this is not included in the Ministry Plan(s).
• Which budget is referred to when mention is made of “budgeted personnel cost” as part of the formation plans of the respective ministries?
• What is the status of the new draft study-ordinance? When can the island council expect to receive same?
• At what phase of the project plan is the NHIS momentarily?
• What are the direct and immediate consequences of the proposed changes for the organization? Who are affected by these consequences? How have these consequences for the affected individuals been mitigated?
Looking forward to receiving the answers to these questions before these proposals are forwarded to the island council for its deliberations.
Philipsburg:---Students of the advanced Youth leadership program recognized their instructors during the certificate presentation ceremony on Friday evening. The advanced Youth Leadership program, which was held for the past 8 weeks at the Living Praise ministry was facilitated by DTM Rolando Tobias and assisted by ACS Valerie Brazier.
13 students conducted a presentation of a Toastmasters meeting complete with speeches, Table topic impromptu session and evaluation session for their parents and invited guests before receiving certificates of completion from Toastmasters International and certificates of participation from the Ark Foundation who co-sponsored the session.
In a surprise show of appreciation the students presented the instructors with certificates of appreciation for the work they have been doing with them over the last two years. Last year, Valerie Brazier hosted the first session of the Youth Leadership program with the same group and due to popular demand Tobias this year hosted an advanced program focusing on effective speech writing and evaluations. The youngsters presented very interesting speeches on “Essential skills for communicating”, “Talking” and “Music’ and received positive feedback on their presentations from their peers. The possibility is being explored to continue the Youth Leadership program on another level next year.
CAY BAY— During the past couple of days including Monday, the GEBE Power Plant experienced some mechanical challenges. On Monday between 10am and 11am, Generator DG#8 went offline, resulting in a loss of approximately five megawatts. Customers in the Cupecoy area, Mullet Bay, Beacon Hill, Simpson Bay Village, and Airport Road were without electricity for a short period of time.
A load shedding schedule was drafted and placed on the GEBE website (www.nvgebe.com) announcing other areas that would experience load shedding, however due to the expedience of the GEBE technicians, the problem was located and resolved thereby avoiding having to implement load shedding for other districts on the island.
In the meantime, work continues on the two new 11.3 megawatt generators. Preparations to bring the generators online are going according to schedule and full testing is expected to commence within the next three weeks.
Last Friday and Saturday, GEBE experienced some mechanical challenges with several generators. The outage on Friday lasted approximately 30 minutes while the outage over the weekend on Saturday, affected customers in some districts of up to two hours.
GEBE technicians therefore spent the entire weekend troubleshooting and making the necessary repairs in order to ensure a consistent supply of electricity.
GROS-ISLET, Saint Lucia - A wave of coaching innovation swept Saint Lucia’s swimming, when the Saint Lucia Amateur Swimming Association hosted the Total Immersion (TI) coaching clinic from 14th to 20th November 2009 under the guidance of TI specialist Coach Kimberly Bade from the USA..
The clinic was held at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre and sponsored by the International Swimming Federation (FINA).
The 22 participants were all Swim coaches; 18 from Saint Lucia and 4 from overseas. They benefitted from the comprehensive program and hands on training from Coach Bade.
Coach Kimberly Bade originates from New York and is a Total Immersion certified coach, who has conducted such clinics all over the USA with this being her first foray into the Caribbean..
The Saint Lucia coaches were Jamie Peterkin, Diane Worrell, David Peterkin, Andy Edward, Filomena Day, Sebastien Day, Vanessa Eugene, Amarae Arthur, Brian Charles, Yasmin Tyson, Andre Castang, Tom Spiegelburg, Dian Williams, Lauren Perineau, Iyahode Bukinolo, Lily Bergasse, Karen Beaubrun and Shervan Benjamin.
From overseas were Zoe Swatton (Antigua), Roosevelt Romain and Rachel Modeste (Grenada), and Rickydene Alexander (St Vincent).
Total Immersion was originated by Terry Laughlin, and is a revolutionary approach to teaching swimming, which brings results far faster than conventional methods, and helps any student master a fluent, efficient and beautiful technique.
The style of swimming it stresses can be beneficial to entry-level swimmers and also for distance swimmers, as the goal is to make swimming more natural.
The instruction focuses on four essential skills, which are non-instinctive and counter-intuitive to most swimmers.
On Monday November 30th the Governor of St. Maarten the Honorable Franklyn Richards was paid a courtesy visit by Ambassador Rong – Chuan Wu of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in St. Kitts and Nevis.
On Monday November 30th the Governor of St. Maarten the Honorable Franklyn Richards was paid a courtesy visit by Prefet delegue of French St. Martin and St. Barthelemy Mr. Jacques Simonnet.
Philipsburg:--- Leader of Government William Marlin at Wednesday’s press briefing said he met R.C Wu from the Embassy of China in St. Kitts. Marlin said both of these meetings were interesting since the consul of China is very much interested in trade mission on St. Maarten. The island leader of government said Wu is interested in featuring products from Taiwan to St. Maarten.
Marlin said Wu indicated that already St. Maarten has several products that are made in Taiwan on their shelves but they are interested in coordinating a trade mission to St. Maarten from Miami with companies that manufacture their goods in Taiwan. Marlin said these people believe that St. Maarten provides an excellent possibility for a hub between Miami and the rest of the Caribbean. He said St. Maarten is centrally located and also has the necessary facilities in place including the harbour.
Marlin said Wu also spoke of introducing a certain technology, which would cater to modern day farming and agriculture. He said St. Maarten has the same issues that Taiwan has regarding land space for farming and they have created ways to farm.
The only challenge that St. Maarten would have to sort out to have this technology introduced is water availability. He said once this is solved the consul is willing to provide the technical assistance which would allow St. Maarten to branch off in the modern farming business.
Another aspect that was discussed is for St. Maarten is to look at the Chinese market regarding tourism. Even though China is far away there are people that travel, a lot and they do have a lot of experience in the hospitality trade, which they would also want to share. The parties he said also discussed improving the internet services, which would assist in diversifying the economy they would need good communication services.
A top key official of regional airline Winair has described the company’s station meeting as being very successful. Vice President of Marketing & Sales and Customer Services, Claudio Buncamper said that the management of the airline company is very pleased with the outcome of the second annual Network Stations meeting. The two days meeting was held in St Maarten at the Port De Plaicance Hotel.
Among those attending this meeting were management representative of Winair Handlers at each Island that Winair serves, name Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barths, Anguilla, Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua & Barbuda and St. Maarten. Many stations were represented by one or two members as the company sought to ensure that a number of issues were effectively addressed in an attempt to further advance and develop the airline. All of Winair customer service supervisors based in St. Maarten also attended this meeting.
Vice President of Marketing & Sales and Customer Services, Claudio Buncamper said that the two day meeting was a packed one as it sought to address a number of issues among them being Customer Services, Sales, Policies and Procedures, Operational Matters, Training, Systems, Issues presently being faced, Upcoming Winter Season and a Winair Update. He noted that he is overwhelmed by the participants’ response and zeal in continuing to raise the bar of the airline’s service and quality. Ö, I am very satisfied and pleased with the response from the representatives as they have demonstrated the willingness and determination to continue improving,” he said.
Buncamper pointed out that in an effort to limit the challenges associated in executing such events that the Management of the airline sought to ensure that all participants stayed at the same hotel. He said that while the meeting was held over two days participants were required to spend four days thus allowing them to be properly prepared for the meeting.
The VP of marketing disclosed that the extra two days helped to enhance the quality of the meeting as it assisted in creating a platform for the participants to socialize with each other to better enhance the team spirit. “Management within Winair continues to seek to enhance and develop the level of service that we provide to the public and therefore we recognize that to achieve such we need to ensure that our team is properly trained and prepared thus we see\this meeting as a hallmark of achieving our primary objectives,” Buncamper noted.
When asked to describe the meeting, Buncamper described it as being very successful noting that pertinent and pivotal issues were adequately addressed. He declared that the participants that attended the meeting are in a better position to deliver increased and enhanced services thuds continuing demonstrating the determination and commitment of Winair in its provision of service to its customers. He added that among others communication among the various stations continues to increased declaring that each year attempts are being made in ensuring that more effective and efficient communication is developed.
He noted also that as the Christmas season fastly approaches the travelling public should note that all attempts are being made to ensure that they can experience a hassle free Christmas travel. He said that one of his company’s priority will be to ensuring that the company’s impressive baggage record along with its excellent service of quality and service in travel is maintained thus ensuring that its customers remain happy.
“We continue to strive to ensure that we continue to deliver service and quality as we recognize that during this very busy Christmas season that we can ensure that its hassle and stress free for our passengers,” Buncamper reiterated.
![GREAT BAY:---Health Care workers on St. Maarten recently completed, and received a certificate for completion of an HIV [e] Education workshop, organized by the Island Government’s HIV/AIDS Program Management Team, managed by Program Manager Suzette Moses. The group took part in two days (Friday and Saturday) of intense interactive activities, while the third day was at the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall, which culminated with the handing out of certificates. Welcoming the group and saying a few words was Moses, who was pleased to host the group but as well spread more specific program information about how to deal with HIV/AIDS infected persons more effectively. Moses said that “We are here after 3 months, some have finished the workbooks via the internet, while others not, including myself, but we need to continue, and hopefully this workshop will give us the inspiration for doing so. Also, during the workshop, it is important for you to give your feedback so that we could improve and/or fine tune the workshop.” And improving is crucial, especially as the red campaign goes into its 3rd year when testing will be done. These numbers will give us a more accurate account of the HIV/AIDS situation on St. Maarten. From this point we can really have a basis from which to work and further develop policy, Moses said. The aim of HIV Education is to provide healthcare workers with complete and updated information on all aspects of treatment and care for patients with HIV/AIDS. The organization charged with the workshop is Health[e]Foundation, which is a not-for-profit organization based in Amsterdam, established in the belief that a good healthcare system is essential for sound socio-economic growth in developing countries. It focuses on sustainable methods of training and educating healthcare workers on treatment and prevention of communicable and poverty-related diseases by means of a distance-based e-learning system. Present at the meeting were health care workers from different fields, Medical Doctors, Nurses, Sector Health Care, Lab, among others in the health profession. hivwrkspcertificates0712200](/images/stories/localnews/hivwrkspcertificates0712200.jpg)
GREAT BAY:---Health Care workers on St. Maarten recently completed, and received a certificate for completion of an HIV [e] Education workshop, organized by the Island Government's HIV/AIDS Program Management Team, managed by Program Manager Suzette Moses.
The group took part in two days (Friday and Saturday) of intense interactive activities, while the third day was at the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall, which culminated with the handing out of certificates.
Welcoming the group and saying a few words was Moses, who was pleased to host the group but as well spread more specific program information about how to deal with HIV/AIDS infected persons more effectively.
Moses said that "We are here after 3 months, some have finished the workbooks via the internet, while others not, including myself, but we need to continue, and hopefully this workshop will give us the inspiration for doing so. Also, during the workshop, it is important for you to give your feedback so that we could improve and/or fine tune the workshop." And improving is crucial, especially as the red campaign goes into its 3rd year when testing will be done. These numbers will give us a more accurate account of the HIV/AIDS situation on St. Maarten. From this point we can really have a basis from which to work and further develop policy, Moses said.
The aim of HIV Education is to provide healthcare workers with complete and updated information on all aspects of treatment and care for patients with HIV/AIDS.
The organization charged with the workshop is Health[e]Foundation, which is a not-for-profit organization based in Amsterdam, established in the belief that a good healthcare system is essential for sound socio-economic growth in developing countries. It focuses on sustainable methods of training and educating healthcare workers on treatment and prevention of communicable and poverty-related diseases by means of a distance-based e-learning system.
Present at the meeting were health care workers from different fields, Medical Doctors, Nurses, Sector Health Care, Lab, among others in the health profession.

Dawn Beach:--- Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba on Wednesday was given the first opportunity to make a presentation on the Brooks Tower Accord and how the process functions at the opening of the Political Steering Group Meeting that is currently held on St. Maarten. A motion was filed against the BTA process that is currently taking place in the Netherlands Antilles in the second chamber last week. Jacoba has to also give St. Maarten some answers pertaining to the project Safety Plan St. Maarten since funding for this project was approved. She would also have to go into details about the police and the functioning of the police, the expansion of the prison in Curacao while that was not happening on St. Maarten. Jacoba also had to provide answers on the improvement of immigration on St. Maarten. Already the Minister is saying St. Maarten lacks land space for the expansion of the prison.
The Minister of Health would also have to give answers pertaining to her foundation and the 6.6 million guilders. It is reported that the Minister wants to buy medical equipments with this money for the Netherlands Antilles.
Leader of Government William Marlin told reporters at the beginning of the meeting that they were expecting to get answers to some pressing issues. He said St. Maarten would be looking to get some answers on the dismantling process and the division of assets. Marlin said one of the concerns St. Maarten shares is that St. Maarten is shortchanged since Curacao already has all the necessary infrastructures. He said already the BES islands have asked Holland to sit in these meetings since BES islands are looking for their share in the division of assets. Marlin said St. Maarten would also be seeking clarity on the funds that the Netherlands Antilles has especially if there is a surplus.
Marlin said they were to discuss the taking over of the debts of the Antilles by Holland and he had expected some fierce discussions.
More on this story later – as the Meetings are currently ongoing.

Great Bay – St. Maarten was recently represented at the 18th conference of Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) on Sustainable Tourism in St. Lucia.
Among those attending the four-day conference, was Windward Islands Airways International NV (Winair) chairman of the board, Mr. A. Fernando William who had been one of several invited panelists at a forum discussing the state of Caribbean tourism from an airline perspective. The panel consisted of an impressive line up of professionals, including the Honorable Minister of Tourism and Aviation of St. Lucia, Mr. Allen Chastanet.
Topics focused on during Mr. William's presentation were challenges faced by small Caribbean based airlines in an increasingly competitive market, traveler concerns regarding the cost of airfares and how airlines, airport and governments need to work closer together in improving the visitor experience.
Following the presentation, quite a number of questions were posed by the audience in a effort to better understand the aviation industry's policy on the whole as it relates to the environment, fares, sustainability and incentives for the traveler.
Held from December 3rd to December 7th, the event, known as CMEx, was well attended by a cross section of business professionals, media personalities, tourism directors and CTO representatives. Delegates attending came from across the Caribbean, the United States, Latin America and as far as the African continent.
While in St. Lucia, Mr. William, as Chairman of WINAIR, had some exploratory talks about the prospects of WINAIR providing additional airlift to and from that island as well. During recent months the airline which celebrates 48 years of existence, has been asked to consider providing airlift.
Mr. William who has an extensive background in local, regional and international business development as well as in the tourism sector said that he was "very pleased to have been selected to be amongst the distinguished panel of professionals to speak at CMEx. "
Since its inception in October 2001, CMEx has become the premier communications organization promoting sustainable tourism, through media and smart partnerships, to create holistic wealth for all peoples, including those in Latin America, the Caribbean and other Emerging Markets.
CMEx began with the inspiration of Counterpart International to improve the quality of media coverage of sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. Further, it sought to increase the input of the media in the design of sustainable tourism policies, and highlight the necessity of tourism to the economies of small island states.
Extending invitations to members of the media has proven to be one of the quickest ways for CMEx to spread the sustainable tourism message to the masses. The organizers of the conference, (Dr. Basil Springer and Mr. Bevan Springer) promote the mingling of journalists, both Caribbean and international, and members of the hospitality sector, in order that synergies will result for the betterment of island peoples.

Philipsburg: --- The Police Zero Tolerance Team along with the Soualiga patrol and the bike patrol assisted in conducting a search on some 51 school buses on Monday. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said that the search was successful and that students are not taking much weapons to school on the school buses. Henson said it is clear that the past searches were effective and they intend to continue conducting these controls.
The team seized a pornographic DVD, a marijuana cigarette, one small folding knife, and one folding trimming saw was found. All items the police spokesman said has been confiscated.
Philipsburg: --- Police managed to apprehend a man identified as W.B after a short chase on December 15. According to police spokesman Ricardo Henson, W.B was in a car bearing French number plate in the Mullet Bay area. Henson said the suspect along with the driver of the car who managed to escape were busy breaking into cars in the Mullet Bay area. Henson said police received a phone call notifying then that the two culprits that was in a car 717 BA 971 was busy breaking into cars. He said when police spotted the car and the suspects they took at high speed to evade their arrest.
The police patrol decided to pursue the culprits into the Beacon Hill area, during that chase the driver lost control of the vehicle and somehow could not continue driving. The two suspects then jumped out of the car and began running. Police also decided to continue the chase on foot and they apprehended the suspect. Henson said the suspect identified as W.B resisted his arrest heavily but he was overpowered by the officers. The suspect is from the Dominican Republic. Henson said police also found a number of tools and other stolen items, the suspect's identification were found in the vehicle. This case is still being investigated.


Windward Islands Airways International (Winair) hosted its first Tourist Office conference. The one day conference was held in St Marten and was attended by a number of tourist board representatives from the airline's destinations.
Vice President and Director of Marketing & Sales / Customer Services, Claudio Buncamper said that the historic conference was aimed at focusing on ways to enhance the working relationship in the future with the representatives from the Tourist Offices from the different islands. He spoke of the importance of such a conference noting that it is critically important in ensuring the airline's relationship and performance are improved.
During the conference, Buncamper spoke about the airline's performance and the different aspects and challenges of his company's operation. In his update on the performance of the company, he spoke about future plans and initiatives that will be rolled out in 2010. This will help boost the already great services the airlines offers. The conference was hailed a success.
Commenting on the performance of the airline in 2008 and 2009, Buncamper said that 2009 saw an increase in the level of quality and service that was delivered. He however pointed out that there were increased challenges that the airline has been facing for the past two years. Consequently, management has sought avenues and ways of enhancing the service they deliver to passengers. He noted that a number of upgrades were done for the customers and upgrading of the airlines services.
During the one day conference a detailed plan of their activities planned for 2010 was presented by the representatives of the various tourist boards. Both Winair and the islands have agreed to explore possibilities of working together. Buncamper reported that Winair decided that a further meeting will be held with the various tourist boards on their islands in an effort to iron out pressing issues with the various stakeholders; among them being hotels, taxi, tour operators, restaurants among others. He disclosed that his airline will pursue the possibilities of combining packages with the tourist board thus being able to bring more affordable packages to passengers.
Buncamper quizzed on his thoughts of the meetings said he is very satisfied with the outcome. He noted that the meeting stressed the number of possibilities both his company and the tourist boards can pursue in enhancing and strengthening their relationships. "The meeting enforced that we can certainly work together thus being able to facilitate and increase our regional passenger traffic as we seek to ensure that air travel remains low and very affordable," he said.
The VP and Director of Marketing & Sales / Customer Services suggested that it would be very important for the St. Maarten Tourist Office to form a committee and have pre-meetings with representatives;(travel agents, tour operators) from the different islands. He stressed that this initiative will significantly help promote and publicize the work and activities of the tourist boards. He said that based on the feedback from such an initiative it will also help in better informing the decision makers on how to proceed. He gave his company's commitment that he would be available to attend these meetings after mid January 2010 taking into consideration that the airline is going through its high season which is seeing increased passenger traffic this year.
Buncamper also stressed to the tourist officials that his company was currently reviewing the immigration policy in SBH. He said that they see it as being very strict noting that when someone enters with incorrect documentation and is sent out immediately, the airline is still fined EUR 5,000 per passenger. This, Buncamper said results in the airlines suffering innocently from such a policy which he noted is too harsh.
"We are currently exploring this policy to see what representation we can make to the relevant authorities as it is very strict and in many cases resulting in us being fined innocently for something that we should really not be fined for," he stressed. The conference was held at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in St. Maarten.
AIRPORT:--The Management of Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR) would like to advice the traveling public that the company's schedule was severely affected from Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately the schedule was affected as a direct result of heavy volcanic ash emanating from the island of Montserrat.
Management was forced to take a decision as a result of this situation and resorted to recalling its aircraft to St Maarten instead of its usual plan of action of leaving them on Sunday evening in Nevis and Antigua.
This course of action we would like to stress was critically important as management sort to ensure that extra inspections were executed before continuing our operations.
"As the company's Managing Director I would like to reiterate that Winair strongly values the safety and security of its passengers and therefore we always strive to ensure that safety and security remains our number one priority thus this course of action," Managing Director Edwin Hodge said.
The airline therefore would like to advise all passengers that because of the volcanic activity the schedule might be further affected in the coming days. As such, we beg for your usual patience.
As usual we are always very regretful of any inconveniences that passengers would have suffered and like to remind them that we stand committed and dedicated in our efforts of further enhancing the quality and service that we provide to you our customers.
"I thank you all for your cooperation and understanding and would like to urge you to continue using our service as we continue to provide reliable and affordable air service at the highest possible quality and service," Hodge stressed.
Philipsburg, On December 10th, 2009, The Philipsburg Toastmasters Club installed four of its 7 new members at the Fusion Restaurant, where the Annual Christmas Dinner was held. Toastmaster Angela Gordon was giving a token of appreciation for introducing most of the new members to the club.
Toastmasters offer a proven way to improve your listening, thinking, speaking and leadership skills. Whether it is about improving your confidence in order to speak to your boss, presenting to clients, giving that dreaded wedding speech or simply to meet like minded people then Toastmasters is the place for you. For less than the price of a weekly exercise class you can regularly participate in a fun and supportive environment that is guarantee to help you become a better and more competent speaker and leader. The increased confidence you gain will help you succeed in whatever path may chose in life. Toastmasters club meetings include short prepared speeches by members, impromptu speaking, evaluation and leadership opportunities.
You will be amazed at your own potential to:
- Deliver great presentations
- Lead teams and conduct meetings
- Give and receive constructive feedback
- Be a better listener
Toastmasters International is the undisputed world leader in public speaking, with over 10,500 clubs and more than 200,000 members in approximately 90 countries. It is the best way to improve your confidence and skills in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Philipsburg Toastmasters Club meets every 1st & 3rd Thursdays at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library Meeting Room at 7:45pm. Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 7th January '2010.
Philipsburg:---In connection with the very busy Christmas season and the many shoppers walking in the streets of Philipsburg, the following measures will be taken with regards to the safety of the shoppers and a better flow of motorized traffic:
On Thursday December 24th and Thursday December 31st the section of Front Street between Sea Palace and Emmaplein and Back street between Emmaplein and the Kadaster ( Last Bus stop) will be closed off to all motorized traffic.
These streets will be closed from 07.00 a.m. until closing. All persons who are using public transportation will be able to catch a bus or a taxi on the Cannegieter Street or the Walter Nisbeth road ( Pondfill Road).
In connection with these temporary traffic measures and due to the fact that Philipsburg has limited parking, ONLY that piece of property behind of Ketty's Kitchen which has recently been filled and which is still under construction, will be open temporarily to the general public for parking. ( NOT ANY OTHER PART OF THE RING ROAD UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
This area will be open for parking as of Wednesday December 23rd until Monday January 4th 2010.
My Dear People of St. Maarten,
On behalf of the Government of St. Maarten, I thank you once again, for the great privilege and honor of serving you as your representative. Together, we experienced the ups and downs of public life and have remained steadfast and hopeful in our determination to work together to improve the lives and standard of living of our people. I felt encouraged by your advice and by your constructive criticisms, and I thank you for your support and the prayers offered for me from time to time. There can be no better gift than the gift of prayer.
That is why on Sunday, December 6, 2009, we participated in the Annual Thanksgiving Service and the "switching on" of the lights for this festive season. At that time, I pointed out that it marked an opportunity to begin a process of national enlightenment as we as a people forge ahead in national consciousness and identity and assume our unique place among the autonomous nations of the Caribbean region.
As we all know, Christmas is and has always been the commemoration of the birth of a child, who was born to ordinary people, and who grew up very simply in his own small home town and was trained to be a carpenter. His life began in the humble surroundings of a stable, but he had a profound influence on the course of history, and on the lives of generations of his followers. This means that one does not have to be rich or powerful in order to change things for the better and each of us in our own way can make a contribution to our children, community, and country. This child was fortunate in one very important respect: His parents were loving and considerate. They did their utmost to protect him from harm. They left their own home and became refugees in order to save his life. But, little did they know that the child that they delivered would soon deliver them!
This year, we again came face to face with the harsh realities of crime and violence especially among our youth that we will continue to fight with common resolve. Although our Government has started to unveil a national plan for crime prevention, I do believe that many of our problems can be solved if there is peace in our homes and love in our hearts. We can all help by letting the spirit of Christmas fill our homes with love and care and by heeding the universal injunction to treat others as you would like them to treat you.
Let me join with our protective services to implore parents to be more careful where the danger of fires is concerned. I call on drivers to respect the traffic rules. Loss of life on the roads through drunk or reckless driving is a tragic waste. I beg you to exercise moderation and restraint. Do not indulge in excesses to the point where you become a danger to yourself and others. Avoid confrontational situations and allow good sense to prevail rather than resorting to violence as a means of conflict resolution. Remember the spirit of peace which Christmas has come to symbolize. After the festive season is over we will still need healthy citizens to build our new Country St. Maarten. I urge you to remember the poor and needy or less fortunate among us. Visit the sick whether at home or in the hospitals, and give them a measure of comfort and hope. Do not forget our senior citizens, and let us offer consolation to those who have lost loved ones. I also extend a warm "welcome home" to St. Maarteners visiting for the holidays, and those who have opted to greet the New Year in our homeland. Wherever we find ourselves we must remember, "St. Maarten is our home."
Moving forward, let us rally together around St. Maarten. I want to reassure you that, We Are With The People of St. Maarten, and that our National Team is committed to continue giving you the best representation possible: protecting, defending and promoting your interests. In 2010 we will double our efforts to provide the kind of representation and leadership that you have come to expect from us and deserve as we finalize all steps to become an autonomous Country before the end of next year.
Season Greetings to Everyone. Have a Merry Christmas, and may God Bless the People of St. Maarten.

My fellow St. Maarteners, On behalf of my cabinet, my family and myself, I take this opportunity to extend best wishes to all of you, for a peaceful and prosperous New Year 2010. I pray that the Almighty God gives you wisdom and that you may achieve all your undertakings in 2010. The first decade of the 21st century comes to an end December 31. The New Year is a time for resolutions, for pledging to make changes and develop opportunities as individuals, as families and as communities.
The New Year offers a chance to start over, our spirits invigorated and our minds fresh. The coming of a New Year is a time to take stock of our past, and at the same time we also plan for the future. We make New Year resolutions and follow our dreams. We hope to live life to the fullest and spend as much time with the family. For the New Year 2010, let us as an island nation ensure that respect, tolerance and sharing values prevail throughout our communities. Let the New Year bring peace, health, happiness and prosperity to every household and that extra measure of harmony.
Global Economic ChallengesThe global economic crisis started back in 2008. The world entered the most serious economic crisis in 60-years. Economies around the world slowed down. For us, only in 2009 have we felt the impact of this global crisis. Europe, Japan and the United States have experienced a simultaneous recession.
While there have been some recovery signs in the global economy for 2009, the expectations from economic forecasters is that this recovery should continue in 2010.
Having a small, open economy, the fall in world demand has impacted the global tourism and travel industry with our tourism being down over 10 per cent as reflected so far for the early part of the 2009/10 tourism season. A turn-around is anticipated for the 2010/11 tourism season; However every effort must be made to provide the highest service during the current season. The economic crisis is more difficult to overcome because it's global, however it won't last forever, but will take time to recover.
My fellow St. Maarteners, we could not have survived the past year without the resolve, hard work and personal sacrifice of every household. I would like to thank you for seeing through these difficult and challenging times. Even though we are not out of global crisis situation and more challenging times may lie ahead, every business, resident as well as government must do their part to mitigate situations and at the same time increase productivity, efficiency, so that as a nation we will emerge stronger when this global crisis blows over.
As a nation, we have been through times of adversity in the past such as hurricanes and recessions. This global recession has disrupted plans of development in 2009; even though it has offset visions of development for a short period of time, 2010, should be the year when the aforementioned development plans and visions of investors take flight and move to the stage of fruition, and I am confident that investors also see the opportunities of 2010. Every effort must continue to be used to improve standards of living and a better quality of life. Every individual has a responsibility. The global economic recession has thought some to engage in conservation and to avoid wastage and this trend must continue throughout 2010.
Crime & SecurityThe situation of lawlessness, crime and security that has peaked near the end of 2009 has my absolute attention as Chief of Police. Crime must be attacked head on. Proposals have been made to be forwarded to the Antillean Minister of Justice.
Crime is a critical issue that can have even greater implications for our national economy, far greater than we can ever imagine. As a nation, every individual must work together to create a crime-free St. Maarten, both North and South, as crime does not stop at the border. An end must be brought to the lawlessness and violence in our communities and to the anti-social behavior in our schools. Our police force cannot do it alone, and as a nation, we need to tackle this together.
As a nation we cannot tolerate the breakdown of law and order. We have no excuse for failing and we all must stand up against violence and be determined and prepared to make a difference in 2010.
Constitutional AffairsThis New Year is unlike any other. My fellow St. Maarteners, 2010 represents opportunity. Our island nation is expected to move from one constitutional status to another. This very important step from the constellation of the Netherlands Antilles to country St. Maarten is a very important one that will reflect upon us as a people.
Building of country St. Maarten will be a work in progress. Like so many experiences in life, the past 10-years on the road to country status, has been a journey with its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows. The destination on our journey is country status, come October 10, 2010. Our national journey is a journey to prosperity. The obligations and responsibilities to be taken over is the prosperity that is the reward for hard work. Out of our rich diversity, comes creativity and productivity. Our nation is on a journey, and that journey is the process of realizing the St. Maarten dream of country status. This is a process to which we are irrevocably and unambiguously committed.
Let us together resolve to move forward with ambition and pride. Let us brace ourselves for a challenging year ahead. There is no need to be despondent. By the will and strength of our people, we have the tenacity to overcome the challenges that come our way in 2010. Community and family play an important role in moving a nation forward. When we face difficulties, families give us comfort, hope and practical help. In challenging times, families must draw closer together. The family unit is the bedrock in all communities. For 2010, let us work like St. Maarteners and let us succeed like St. Maarteners.
May God continue to richly bless us all in 2010 and our beloved island; let us work together in a collective manner to build country St. Maarten. May peace and prosperity of our nation continue to prevail. Wishing you all a productive and happy 2010. Thank you.
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten – A St. Maarten delegation led by tourism commissioner Frans Richardson, was in Florida recently, exploring, among others, the potential for marketing the island and to address airlift issues.
The delegation was updated about trends in airlift bookings and hotel reservations, tracking developments as of 2007.
The island government of St. Maarten is presently awaiting proposals with regards to marketing the island for the remainder of 2009.
Talks were conducted with senior executives of Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Spirit Airlines and American Airlines, during the recent visit.
The meeting with Expedia, St. Maarten’s largest online wholesaler, was of an introductory nature, with the commissioner being briefed on St. Maarten’s performance.
One reason mentioned for a decline in tourist arrivals is the lack of an island wide promotional effort as compared to, for instance, St. Lucia which does have such an initiative ongoing.
Proposals of how this can still be achieved for St. Maarten is presently being awaited.
Officials of Travelocity confirmed the decline in bookings as well the practice of visitors booking their flights much closer to the date of travel as compared to the 30 to 45 day booking window, previously experienced.
The meeting with Spirit Airlines served to obtain a commitment from the carrier that service would be maintained for St. Maarten.
The meeting with American Airlines was particularly encouraging, with American Airlines Vice President Peter Dolara sharing views with the commissioner regarding strategies to secure St. Maarten’s place in the tourism market place. This considering the fact that St. Maarten has gone from a clear trendsetter to a destination facing notable competition, more and more from other Caribbean destinations, as well.
Introductory discussions were additionally conducted with Kahn Communications, a PR firm representing St. Maarten. Among topics discussed were strategies for a coordinated effort at marketing the island.
The companies with which talks were conducted are all major online operators, where visitors go to for the purpose of booking flights and other travel needs.

Marigot: --- Fire of unknown origin has once again ravaged the local furniture repair shop located on Rue de Low Town. The repair shop is owned by local businessman Hubert Joseph who was obviously upset yesterday.
The fire it is understood started at 4:30am, two fire trucks responded to the scene with ten firemen. The businessman lost all his equipments which included some ten heavy duty machines and upholstery materials. So far the authorities seem to be treating the case as suspected arson.

SMN News understands the local businessman and the landowner are in court since the owner of the property wants him off the land. Other information states that there is some sort of insurance fraud involved. None of the information received so far can be verified.
...

Philipsburg:---- On Tuesday January 6th, 2009 St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC received word from a concerned citizen that there was a Caterpillar Backhoe in the sea at Kim Sha beach in the vicinity of the Royal Palm Beach resort and the Simpson Bay Bridge. The Backhoe was reportedly in the process of removing large amounts of sand from the water.
Foundation volunteers arrived at Kim Sha beach to investigate the reports at
approximately 10 am at which time the driver of the above mentioned backhoe had already ceased operations. Upon making inquiries the Foundations learned that the Backhoe was in the process of removing sand from the sea with the intention of depositing it on Kim Sha beach in an effort to replace sand which was washed away during the passing of Hurricane Omar in October of 2008.
St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC reiterate that these Beach dredging/ excavation activities often result in the complete removal and destruction of animals, habitats and ecosystems from the excavation site.
The removal of sand from the sea during Beach dredging activities furthermore often results in sudden depth increases and shifting of sand close to the shoreline, which can of course be extremely dangerous for unsuspecting swimmers.
Pride Foundation and EPIC are hereby reminding Dredging/ Excavation companies that aforementioned activities are a violation of the Island Nature Ordinance of 2003 and the Beach Policy. The Foundations also call upon Government and Commissioner Heyliger in particular to finalize, implement and enforce the Marine Park Ordinance.

Philipsburg: --- The steering committee for the National Day of Prayer is calling on St. Maarten youths, males and the civil core to attend the annual national day of prayer which is scheduled for Sunday January 11 at the Clem Labega Square at 5pm.
The theme for this year prayer is "Destined to Win with God" said President of the Committee Pastor Wycliffe Smith. The program which was initiated by the island government is now in its fourth year. Sunday's program will coincide with the youth debate which will be held during the same time at the Philipsburg Cultural Center.
This year the National Day of Prayer will not be receiving live broadcast. The population of St. Maarten is advised to come out and pray for the difficulties facing the nation. Those difficulties include constitutional matters social and economic says Pastor Smith.
Commissioner of Culture Maria Buncamper Molanus also encouraged the population especially the youths to come out in large numbers.
Bishop Leyland Sam said that he believes that it is of uttermost importance for men and the government civil core to come out this Sunday and support the efforts of the island government.

Philipsburg: --- The Department of Sports held an inspiring and training session to promote Track and Field and to encourage about 40 young children from the Dutch Quarter and Belvedere Community Centers to become athletic stars.
Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus was present, along with Olympic Star and Athlete Churandy Martina, who competed in the 100 and 200 meters dash in the Summer Olympics 2008 in Beijing, China, to encourage the youth to become track stars, but first emphasizing school.
"The children are excited to be here Churandy, today is your day. Are you ready kids," Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus asked. "If you want to be a Track star, you have to do well in school, you have to eat healthy, and you have to train hard. You are here to learn from a great runner, learn as much as you can for this is an excellent opportunity to get a first hand experience. You all are here to learn how to be an Olympic Star."
Les Brown, Head of the Sports Department explained that Mr. Martina is here on a promotional tour, encouraging students to participate in Track & Field.
Churandy, (born 3 July 1984) is a sprinter from the Netherlands Antilles, said a few words to the students. "I am pleased to be here again. Last December, I was on St. Maarten and spoke to students on the elementary level about the sport of Track & Field. I want to do the same thing here. But first, I want you all to do well in school. Listen to your teachers, do your homework, and study hard. This is basic."
Churandy was stripped of his Olympic 200m silver medal after the United States team's objection that he had run out of his lane was upheld. Nevertheless, he remains a proud figure in the Netherlands Antilles and one of the world's fastest sprinters.
MARIGOT-A 41 year old man is now behind bars in Guadeloupe after he was caught red handed by a gendarme patrol who witness when he attacked a woman and snatched her handbag.
A release from the gendarmes stated the woman was walking on Tuesday on the Waterfront Road when the man attacked her from behind and hit her several times on her head, in the face before snatching her handbag.
A gendarme who was nearby managed to capture the thief who was transported to Guadeloupe where he will answer to charges.
...
Dawn Beach: -- The operators of Busby beach bar Daniel Jurczenko has filed a case against the island government for refusing to grant him a vendor's license which would allow him to rent beach chairs and umbrellas.
Jurczenko received an official answer from the island government almost three years after he made his official request. In earlier interviews Jurczenko said he appealed the decision taken by the island council simply because he is not in agreement with the reasons they gave for the decline.
Already the island government has issued to indefinite permits to two vendors operating on Dawn Beach. They are Joan Veerwoord and Jean Paul Rousseau.
It is understood that the Prosecutor's Office is looking into this matter since Economic Affairs have been trying to convince Jurczenko not to put chairs and umbrellas on the beach. But the businessman who runs and restaurant and bar has so far refused to comply.
In an invited comment Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said his office is waiting on a report from Economic Affairs. Stein said the department head has promised to submit that report but up to late last week that was not done.
WILLEMSTAD -- Minister David Dick (Justice, PAR) is convinced that earlier plans for the construction of prison cells in Curaçao went off course purely on destruction of capital - because the construction was not based on a thorough research and was drawn up in an illogical and short-sighted manner.
"Twelve million guilders were reserved for the construction of 120 cells. But those were police-cells. If I have a shortage of cells in the house of detention or in the penitentiary and you build more police cells, where must the suspects be transferred to when the maximum time in the police-cells is up? Building more police-cells without taking care of the cell shortage in Bon Futuro first, creates a gigantic bottle neck."
Bon Futuro with her 450 fully occupied cells is badly in need of an expansion. Simply using the 12 million guilders for the increase of capacity in Bon Futuro would result in an unfinished building according to the Justice-minister. Especially since the Netherlands suddenly wanted 240 cells instead of 120 or 120 cells with two beds.
"Of course you shouldn't lose track the logistics", sighs the minister. "Expanding the capacity of Bon Futuro by 120 or 240 cells, also requires the construction of an extra long and tall wall for a good enclosure. The kitchen would no longer meet the requirements and will have to be enlarged and improved. The issue of personnel will also be a consequence of such an expansion. It's not a matter of simply building a few cells and that's it."
Ballast Nedam
Usona had at that time recommended contractor Ballast Nedam to take care of the expansion of Bon Futuro for 30 million guilders. "The drawings for this expansion, which cost one million guilders, were promptly done. It's a nice design, based on the so-called cross-model. According to the design, 44 detainees per segment can be held split up in four segments. Supervision from the center of that cross-structure is done through cameras. There are no blind spots. There are also enough entrances, kitchen, medical center, and security. But since money was never made available for this, the entire cell-expansion project was stopped", says Dick.
We still managed to create more prison space, by working creatively and pragmatically: "We had the prisoners themselves restore a number of unused cells and destroyed toilets and such in the convict prison on Curaçao and in Bonaire. Also the introduction of electronic supervision created room. Part of the women's section was furthermore rebuilt and converted into cells for long term convicts. What also helped was that we could rebuild part of drug habilitation center Brasami into a ‘half open institution' for addicted prisoners. These interventions have all and all produced more than 200 cells.
Ballast Nedam choice Usona
Ballast-Nedam's design for the expansion of Bon Futuro was not put to public tender. Usona had selected Ballast-Nedam directly, ‘because they are already active in the Antilles, have experience with the constructions of prisons in the Netherlands, and are financially strong'.
This means in fact that there are ultimately two architectural designs for the expansion of the Bon Futuro prison in Koraal Specht.
Because the financing for it was never assigned, none of the designs have been carried out.
Amigoe.com

THE BOTTOM-The unspoiled queen just got a little greener. GEBE Saba manager, Dexter Johnson, presented the Lt. Governor of Saba, Jonathan Johnson, during the launch of the GEBE reusable bag campaign on Saba.
GEBE will be distributing a total of 10,000 of these bags on St. Maarten, Saba and Statia to its customers in January 2009. Used twice a week for a period of two years, each GEBE reusable shopping bag can replace up to 1664 plastic bags in its lifetime. The 10,000 bags that GEBE will be distributing could therefore mean a total plastic bag reduction on these islands of 16 million bags. The bag is for the conscious shopper who like GEBE takes the environment into account.
Philipsburg- The governor of the island territory of St. Maarten, Franklyn Richards, is announcing that regular consultation hours will be established for persons requiring information on immigration and related matters.
Many requests are received by the governor daily, for information on matters pertaining to the implementation of the Law on Admittance and Expulsion (LTU).
Enquiries are frequently also received regarding the status of the naturalization procedure and requests for temporary residence permits of foreign nationals residing on St. Maarten.
In order to fully comply with these requests for information, it has been decided to establish regular consultation hours during which complete and accurate response can be presented to persons with questions.
During the consultation hours, two judicial administrative staff members of the cabinet of the governor will be available for handling enquiries.
At that time, answers are to be provided to the relevant questions or will be forthcoming during a follow-up appointment.
All persons wishing to make use of the new arrangement are asked to take into consideration that each appointment lasts for a maximum of 15 minutes.
The consultation hours take place every first Tuesday of the month between the hours of 9.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m., at the Government Administration Building.
The first such session will be kicked off on Tuesday, February 3 upcoming.
Those interested are asked to make appointments at the reception desk of the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg.
Persons are requested to walk along with a valid ID form, such as a passport.

Philipsburg;---Travelers from St. Maarten will now benefit from the lowest airfares which will be offered by Insel Air as of April 3 2009. Insel Air already has 19 destinations in partnership with WINAIR.
St. Maarten will be the second hub as they spread their wings within the region says management at a press conference yesterday.
The first flight is scheduled to take off on April 3 with some 600 seats at an introductory rate of $180 excluding taxes and other travelling expenses.
Insel Air said with such low fare the airline would be the ones to offer the most affordable prices to the travelling public.
The Airline will be offering two flights per week, the first will depart from St. Maarten at about 12:50 pm on Mondays arriving in the destination at 13:40 pm and on Fridays it departure will be from San Juan at 15:10 pm arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport at 16:00 in the afternoon.
Edward Heerenveen said that Puerto Rico has been an "anticipated addition" to the "destination mix of Insel Air" and a popular destination for its fantastic shopping the beauty of Old San Juan and cruise tourism.
He said also with the destinations that Insel Air flies the airline connects South America with the Region and for persons travelling from Venezuela can have "seamless" travel to St. Maarten and San Juan. The airline representatives has stated that with their expansion they will be linking the reservation systems with WINAIR and it will be possible to book a flight from Saba to Suriname in the South American continent and receive just one ticket.

Marigot: --- The two unions representing the employees of the Collectivity of St. Martin will be taking official action as of Monday. The union met with their employees on Wednesday at the Sandy Ground Culture Center and plans to meet again on Friday at the Chamber of Commerce Building in Concordia where they would finalize the points of the planned strike. The unions are UACL, CGTG de Saint Martin who already submitted a "pre-avis" informing the COM that there would be industrial action on Monday January 19, 2009.
Reasons for the strike SMN News understands surround the illegal employment of some 16 additional staff that was hired for this New Year. It is understood that the COM did not send out an appel d'offre (job publication) to attract locals to the available positions prior to hiring the workers who are not from St. Martin.
SMN News also understands that the DGA from the Pole Development et Humain made a deal with the COM saying if he is hired and has to work on St. Martin then his wife must be hired. They said the COM maintained the man's request that hails from Guadeloupe and hired his wife who now works in the pole Sociale.
Another concern for the union is the job description for workers who have been in the civil service for years. Last year a number of persons were hired for one post and today they are being moved around within the civil service some of them is said to be doing nothing. One of those persons was the head of protocol that ended up without an office and is now assisting the Sandy Ground Community Council.
Other concerns are the working hours, the salary as well as the working status of the new hired DGS who is already in the Collectivity. It is understood that the local police will be part of the strike since they too are having problems with their new boss. This media house learnt that head of the Territorial Police would constantly insult the local men in blue. He also denied the police their ‘prime de risqué, and heures supplimentaires. It is said the police requested the prime de risqué (allocation for working late night) and that was denied even though the police are called to work all hours of the night. SMN News understands that the last week the head of the police and President Frantz Gumbs sat in a meeting with the police and the head Flavien Bazile spoke to them in unacceptable manner. SMN News understand when the offers pointed out to Gumbs the way Bazile was speaking to them they were told to shut their mouths and listen to what Bazile has to say. SMN News also understands that Gumbs then left the meeting. Efforts made to clarify this information with the president proved futile since he is not reachable by phone and does not reply to emails.
SMN News understands that the strike would be for 24 hours. It is not clear if all employees will be taking part in the one day strike.

Philipsburg: --- The police department is once again sending out an appeal to members of the public to provide them with much needed information on finding Keswick Rennis Daley who escaped from the police station on December 24 when he was escorted to the wash room. The wanted man was a former employee of the Sheriff Security Company and was fired four months prior to his detention.
Daley was detained as a suspect in several armed robberies. He was arrested on Christmas Eve but managed to elude police while in the Philipsburg detention cell.
It was reported the man escaped due to the negligence of an officer who did not pay full attention to the suspect movement while in custody. He is considered to be armed and dangerous.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard warned members of the community who might be harboring Daley in their homes that it is a crime to harbor any fugitive. Persons who are caught committing such act can be prosecuted the Police Spokesman said.
Philipsburg:--- Police arrested a "white" middle aged woman in the parking lot of Afoo Supermarket yesterday afternoon when the woman vehicle a Toyota Tacoma pick up truck with license plate 842 ZAS 971 was involved in a minor traffic accident with a Toyota Camry with license plate 793 ZBA 971.
According to eye witness the middle aged woman of the pick up truck who seem intoxicated began behaving badly and had to be taken away by police. It is said the woman could not produce documents for her vehicle. Police was forced to restrain the woman. The packer boys working at Afoo had to assist by securing the groceries the woman purchased from the supermarket. Police could not be reached for comment on this matter.

Commissioner of Sports Maria Buncamper Molanus recently met with the new board members of the Foundation Upkeep Sports Facilities (FUSF) to be briefed on their plans for 2009 and get an update on the state of affairs at the sports facilities which they are responsible for.
All of the board members expressed that they are happy to be on the board and explained that by being on the board they have gained much insight into what it takes to run these facilities. They stressed that there's a lot of work to be done and they are eager to get it done.
Issues discussed included, but were not limited to, improved lighting at sports field where needed, placing removable multi purpose goal posts in various districts, building various secured storage facilities at Melford Hazel and at other facilities, the security cameras that are currently being installed, securing the L.B. Scot Sports Auditorium as well as long term major sports projects.
The Commissioner thanked the board for the work they have done thus far and urged them not to become complacent since their task is not a small one. She explained that although financial resources from government might not come as fast as all would like, sports and St. Maarten's sporting facilities are still one of her top priorities.

PHILIPSBURG/PARIS--- While attorney at law Remko Stomp advised his client Commissioner Louis Laveist to remain silent and not take off his gloves as he has promised to do last Sunday the prosecutor's office is moving forward. Laveist was served with a summons yesterday to appear in Court of Instance on February 11 2009. Laveist has been charged with forgery, fraud and bribery confirmed Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein.
The Chief Prosecutor of the Windward Islands said the commissioner committed these acts in relation to working permits and other documents. He declined further information on the charges, saying that these things need to be discussed in court, not in the news.
Laveist said he would not appear on Lloyd Richardson show on Sunday based on legal advice but hoped to do so in the future. He said the Prosecutor's Office is the ones with the "co-honest" to bring their charges against him while his duty is to clear his name.
Stein said the police was given the summons on Monday to deliver to the commissioner.
Laveist was arrested on October 22 2008. The commissioner spent some 9 days behind bars for questioning by the federal detectives. His home and office was searched two days before he was arrested where several documents including his computers was seized. While in pre-trial detention Laveist appeared before the judge of Instruction and had to be taken to the emergency room when his blood pressure went up.
The federal detectives were on to Laveist for some 18 months. Also arrested the same day was the commissioner executive assistant Roberto Richardson.
Ever since the arrest Laveist has been having problems in his political career as both party leader and the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards has called upon the commissioner to resign from the executive council.
Due to the political turmoil the DP led government lost power for a few days when Laveist presented the chairman of the island council with a letter stating he was no longer be supporting the DP led government and he declared himself an Independent member of the Island Council. Days after Laveist signed a letter with the other five members of the Democratic Party saying he would supports that government, even though he was involved in intense discussions with the National Alliance.
The legal problems surrounding Laveist has left the island with a lame government since Laveist does not show up to all Island Council or Central Committee meetings. Just last week the Island Council meeting with the First Chamber had to be cancelled due to Laveist absence.

PHILIPSBURG, NAGICO Insurances presented author Mr. Kenneth Cook with a check for $ 500 to assist him in the launching of his (2) second book in as many years. The book entitled "In the corridors of Power" is scheduled to be presented to the general public at a book launch at 8:00 pm Saturday February 28th at the Philipsburg Cultural Center. "In the corridors of Power" focuses on life and times of the former Lieutenant Governors of Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten.
The support for local authors by companies such as NAGICO, contributed to the growth and development of literary arts on the island in the past few years. With the sponsorship of historical and educational material such as Mr. Cook's book, NAGICO continues to contribute to the improvement and development of culture and history on St. Maarten. NAGICO's Marketing Manager, Jasmine Payne stated "NAGICO is pleased to be able to contribute to a book that speaks to the heart of the community by chronicling the life and times of those who weave the fabric of St. Maarten." The book which will be added to the annals of the recorded history of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius will be published by Color K Graphics in Miami Florida.
Mr. Cook who had been working on the project for approximately 1 year stated "I am grateful that NAGICO has contributed to the further expansion of the history of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius. " Mr. Cook added "I have contributed a lot of money that was made from the first book back to the community publicly and privately, and this is all made possible through companies such as NAGICO."
Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, would like to wish a Happy New Year to the St. Maarten Chinese community.
The first day of the Chinese New Year by the Chinese calendar falls on January 26, 2009 and is the Year of the Ox. 2009 is Year 4706 in the Chinese calendar.
The Chinese calendar has been in continuous use for centuries. It predates the International calendar in use at the present. Each year is also designated by one of 12 animals and this year is the Year of the Ox.
The Spring Festival, or China's Lunar New Year, is China's most important annual event for family reunions.
"I would like to wish the St. Maarten Chinese community all good health and may your families know happiness and be filled with peace, and may you realize your hopes and dreams in the New Year," Leader of Government Sarah Wescot-Williams (GIS) over the weekend.
Philipsburg:-- An illegal immigrant of Haitian decent jumped from the third floor of a building when he noticed members of the police department and Operation Trust 2 conducting a raid at several construction sites.
Police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the incident occurred around 11am at the construction site next to FATUM N.V and Church Hill Round about in Cul de Sac.
Leonard said an illegal man working on that site saw the police-officers approaching and did not want to be caught. He said the man took a very serious risk and jumped from the third floor of that building. As a result of the impact to his legs, he received a fractured right leg. He was treated on the scene by paramedics and then transported to the St Maarten medical Center for further treatment. The contractor responsible for this worker has been contacted by the S.V.B for further handling of this case.
Philipsburg- This morning at the Government Administration Building in the Conference room, Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus signed an agreement with the Dutch Funding Agency, USONA, to finance the acquisition of new medical equipment.
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said that she was delighted to have the funds, approximately 2.2 million guilders, available to supply the equipment for the medical center as part of the overall improvements which include the expansion project at the SMMC. We are constantly trying to improve health care for the community, Commissioner said.
Head of the Outpatient Department at the SMMC, Rob Heil said that the donation will be used handily. "You know we are always constantly trying to improve on equipment and services at the medical center and this amount will go towards equipment for the Operating rooms, Intensive Care Units, and Medium-intensive Care Units. These are departments that are crucial to have excellent equipment, Heil pointed out.
Delays were incurred with respect to the expansion of the SMMC, because of unresolved matters which required the involvement of the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles.
The Commissioner noted that efforts continue do be made to improve the level of service, just to mention a few this acquisition of equipment, training of staff, expansion of facilities, acquisition of specialist and other health care professionals. "We are well on our way to improving health care service on St. Maarten so that the community can be comfortable with receiving medical service."
PHILIPSBURG -The Department of Education will be launching its first step towards the implementation of Compulsory Education by registering all children between the ages of 4 and 6 years of age who are not presently attending a public or government supported school. The exercise will begin on Monday February 2nd, 2009.
Registration takes place at to the Department of Education on the second floor of the Vlaun's Building at N. de Brot Street, Philipsburg.
Parents of all children between ages 4 to 6, documented or undocumented, who are not attending a publicly owned or government subsidized or recognized school, should come to register their child for placement.
Registration will be possible from February 2nd up until March 2nd, 2009 from 9 a.m. until 12 am.
Parents are urged to bring along the birth certificate or passport of the child as proof of age and name of the child.
Since Compulsory Education is going to occur in a phased manner, this should be seen as the first of a number of steps towards making education available for all children.
The St. Maarten Medical Center will be Thinking [RED] and Doing Safe for the month of February as they become the official[RED] institution for that month replacing the St. Maarten Port Authority. On Tuesday the [RED] committee at the SMMC held a meeting with Suzette Moses-Burton, HIV/AIDS Programme Manager to discuss details of the [RED] campaign and to answer all questions which the [RED] committee at the hospital had, all in an effort to make their month as successful as possible. In photo are members of the [RED] committee at the SMMC. Stay tuned for more from the SMMC during the month of February and beyond.
Ms. Patricia Scot presented a check with an undisclosed amount on behalf Penha Perfume Stores to Mr. Cornelius De Weever representing the Aids/HIV foundation. The Funds were raised by the store to do their part in the fight against the HIV/AIDS campaign.

Marigot: --- The Gendarmes managed to capture two men of foreign decent for the murder of 21- year old Christopher Williams. The arrest took place early this morning (Sunday February 1, 2009) after a house search was conducted by a special unit within the gendarmerie.
A press release from the gendarmerie states that some twenty gendarmes participated in the operation which netted the two men whom they said is to be considered armed and dangerous. Also confiscated are the two guns and a number of cartridges. Both suspects are presently being held for questioning under the orders of the investigating prosecutors from Pointe Pitre. The investigation will determine the suspect's involvement in the cold blooded killing which occurred during the early hours of Friday morning.
Christopher Williams was shot to death with a shot gun early Friday morning in a house located on Rue Low Town. It is said that the victim in this case was known to be part of gangs and he was convicted on two occasions. SMN News was reliably informed that Williams was a school drop out who took the wrong path of life since in his early teens.
Competent Communicator and Vice President of Membership of the Philipsburg Toastmasters Club Mildred Heyliger was again commended on her dedication and commitment towards the Philipsburg Toastmasters Club. CC Heyliger recruited 8 new members to the Club within record time of 4 months. The Club received the coveted Smedley award, which is given for recruited 5 new members during the months of August and September. In photo: CC Mildred Heyliger and Club President Valerie Brazier before pinning the new ribbon on the Club's banner (in background)".
Philipsburg:--- Police have arrested three local teens on Saturday morning during a house search for their involvement in the killing of Akeem Lake who was gunned down on June 18th 2008 in Union Farm. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed the arrest of three locals who are allegedly involved in the broad daylight killing. Stein said for the moment he is not divulging much information on the case since it is still a very sensitive case.
The youngsters were arrested on Saturday while police raided a house on Front Street. It is not clear if valuable evidence was also found and if there is a confession into the killing of Lake.
Lake a school drop out was part of several gangs as he had left his parents home. Just three days before he was slain Lake returned to his father's house in Belvedere. The intention his father had said was to have him enrolled back in school for the new school year but that never happened.
Professional boxing is set to return to St Kitts and Nevis in 2009 after some two decades of hiatus. This is according to the first professional boxing board of control that was recently established. The St Kits and Nevis Boxing Board of Control (SKNBBC) was formed according to an inside source with the aim of governing and monitoring the sport which has been credited as being ideal for the Caribbean.
The nine member executive board was established in January this year with the responsibility of managing and executing professional boxing.
An official from the newly formed SKNBBC said that with the establishment of the Boxing Board of Control fans can and should look forward to seeing a number of professional cards with the first being slated for the end of February. The official issued a call to corporate community to lend their support in whatever way possible noting that while we re all affected with the financial crisis it is easier to address than to be affected with crime crisis.
"The financial crisis is a phase that we can get through safely but with a crime crises I am not sure how and if we can get through that as the results are death, broken families among other ills," he said.
The official who requested anonymity pointed out that wit Quality Trading Supplies already coming on board with Winair airlines to demonstrate their commitment and support to professional boxing revival in St Kitts and Nevis he foresees that several of the problems that that affects youths here will be addressed. The sponsorship support given by Quality Trading Supplies and Winair has punched life in the stock of young men and women, and we foresee that a number of new boxing gyms will erupt thus being able to be registered with the boxing board of control.
The time has come for the federation young amateurs to have their time in the ring as a number of boxers who had graduated from the amateur ranks have had to sit by hoping for their bell.
Nelson noted that the wait is about to come to an end, stating that the first professional fights for a long time are being planned for May 2009 while planning will begin at the end of February by the SKNBBC at Carnival Village. He noted that the card is being dubbed "Caribbean Invasion" and is expected to have a number of boxers from Guyana, St Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts and Nevis.
The event is being planned by Prince Promotions along with Quality Promotions and The St Kitts Nevis Boxing Board of Control.
Another official of SKNBBC expressed open appreciation and excitement with the disclosed plans for the new body
"We have seen some amount of growth within the amateur or feeder level, and now for the pros to get their day in the ring is a big move... SKNBBC is totally behind this venture as we believe that with St Kitts and Nevis image growing as an ideal tourist destination then sports tourism is the best approach that one should tae in ensuring that the economy garners well needed finances," he said.
He added, "... I trust and hoe that other promoters will come forward and apply to the SKNBBC for licenses to stage cards here in St Kitts and Nevis as with more promoters in the fray of things it means more fights for boxers and ultimately more revenue for the federation of St Kitts and Nevis".
ST. PETERS-The students of the St. Maarten Academny (Academic) launched their public service announcement that was created by students on the topic of HIV/AIDS.
The PSA came about after a youth consultation (Nov. 2008), which had the aim of coming up with ideas about preventing HIV/AIDS.
The students came up with a jingle to target other youths they believe because of their youth, other kids will listen to them. The theme was, "Youths reaching other youths." And the song which the students worked on was "Live your life" by American Rap artist T.I.
Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus congratulated the students on the initiative and job well done, not to forget other students while doing great social work.
This group has certainly joined a well-respected, hard working, group of young people doing excellent work in the community.
The theme for this year HIV/AIDS program is "Think red, Do safe." And we are doing well, we have reached milestones. And along these lines, on behalf of the government of St. Maarten, we appreciate what you are doing. Young people listen to other young people, and every one, hopefully, will listen and follow the positive message about prevention.
And this effort is an example to other young people, who will not only listen but contribute in their own right to the efforts to "do safe."
We can't do it on our own; we need the rest of the community and the media to spread the message.
The PSA was paid for by St. Maarten Aids Foundation and will be aired for 3 months on the radio stations. The lyrics were written by the students.

SEVERAL CIVIL SERVANTS TOOK OATH ON TUESDAY.

Philipsburg:--- Several vendors at the Philipsburg Market Place are calling on Economic Affairs Commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus to get her act together and properly represent them as well as to secure the taxes for the island government if not the vendors would move to plan B which is to take action.
The vendors said while there is a world wide economic crisis and government around the world is doing all they can to assist businesses the island government of St. Maarten namely commissioner Buncamper Molanus has so far failed to come to the aid of the vendors.
Ingrid Davis said she has been selling on the market for the past 25 years and she has pleaded with the commissioner of economic affairs as well as with former commissioner of tourism Theo Heyliger to come to their aid but to date neither of the two commissioners has done nothing.
Davis said the island government has been demanding a lot from them but so far failed to provide proper security during the rainy season. She said vendors who are very hard workers do not have any medical coverage and she personally asked the commissioner of Health Care Affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus to see if she can mediate with SVB so that independent workers such as the vendors can get medical coverage but the commissioner she said did absolutely nothing.
Another and most grave concern for the vendors is the unfair competition they are confronted with by Rima wholesale store. Davis said the market vendors are the ones that built Rima since they are the ones who suggested to the businessman what he should bring in to St. Maarten as wholesaler. She said over the years the vendors supported Rima when they were just selling wraps but today the businessman is putting them out of business and government is doing nothing.
Davis further explained Rima was not even selling their merchandize to the Indian stores instead it is the vendors who supported him from the beginning but today that has changed because management of Rima no longer wants to sell anything to the vendors on a wholesale basis since he is now advertising on the cruise ships, hotels and is even paying taxi drivers to take their clients at the store to shop.
She said Rima is also paying the tour bus drivers to take the tourists to his shop instead of allowing them the half hour time to shop from the local market vendors. "That same tour bus driver who told Commissioner Heyliger that he cannot park in the space allotted for tour buses because he cannot turn around properly is now parking in front of Rima store on the Pond fill because Rima is paying him on the side." Davis said.
The businesswoman said that Rima is selling their items cheaper to the tourist claiming they are a tax free zone but vendors she said are burden with heavy taxes. The business woman said government just made a new rule which states that if they do not pay their license fees which amounts to Naf.1,200 annually on time they would have to vacate their spot. Davis said Rima wholesale and retail prices are the same and they simply cannot compete with the unfairness. She further explained that the vendors tried boycotting Rima buy buying other merchandise from the Indian stores in Back and Front Street and Rima management had someone namely his wife buy their things and had it re-fabricated in China and sells it at a cheaper price. "The tourist is coming to us and asks for directions to Rima store because they have the flyers from the ships." One vendor said.
Davis said they are casting the blame on the island government since government has allowed the businessman to get away with everything. She said she personally met with commissioner Buncamper Molanus who basically told her that there is nothing she could do to Rima.
Vendors have to pay some Naf: 1, 200 as fees to use the space they are using also they are have huge taxes at the end of each year. Noussomee Francessca expressed the same sentiments. Francessca said they are spending their days sitting outside in rain and sun and is not making any monies to pay their bills. She said there are parents who are working very hard on the market but they are not able to feed their children at the end of the day much less pay their dues.
Another vendor Gabriel Brown who was obviously upset about the entire situation said she has four children to feed and educate and the way things are going she simply cannot meet her payments. Brown said today (Thursday) there are four ships in port and look there is no one on either side of the market shopping. But if you pass by Rima you would see where the taxis park up.
An elderly Democratic Party supporter who was in the immediate area when the interview was taking place said she personally spoke to the DP leader about this problem. The woman said she also went to Rima store and confronts them about their doings but nothing changed. The elderly woman said the vendors need to get together and fight the battle because they would never be able to survive if this continues.
This reporter did pass by Rima to see if what the vendors are saying is true and there were taxis parked up in front of the wholesale store as well as those who were on their way out. On the side walk there is a sign belonging the Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association with their number. On the DSTA sign it is written in clear bold letters "DSTA pick up and drop off". Efforts made to get a comment from the newly elected President of DSTA Scotty Priest have proved futile up to press time.
What is beyond comprehension the DSTA has over the years been complaining about unfair competition with the Tour Buses and Water Taxis but today they are the ones who are offering the unfair competition to the vendors for a few dollars more.
Efforts made to contact Commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus on the allegations proved futile since the commissioner did not answer her mobile phone throughout the day yesterday.

Philipsburg-President of the Central Bank Emsley Tromp gave a presentation to the Island Council members yesterday. Acting Governor Millicent Acuna Lopez de Weever, and several other government officials, on "The financial crisis and its impact on St. Maarten's economy."
Tromp explained the origin of the financial crisis in North America, borne out of a period of low interest rates, increase in the demand for mortgages, facilitated by flexible lending standards, promotion of asset price bubble (increase in credit), and when the bubble burst and home prices started to decline.
Then there was the ripple effect, whereby the housing market decreased and banks sought to under write these bad loans, which were exaggerated in the first place. Larger lending institutions went bankrupt, were sold, or required government action.
Thus with the multiple and spill over effects throughout the rest of the world, the credit crisis and lower consumer confidence was born.
There were measures taken to improve the confidence. However, by injecting cash from the central bank or cutting interest rates, all done to stimulate the economy, the market though decreasing will not be fully decimated.
On the domestic economy, there will be a tightening of credit standards, an intensifying of financial supervision, increasing costs in the financial sector, which will lead to weaker economic growth, and slower pace of inflation.
From the American Market to that of European countries, all did some reshuffling of capital injections, providing tax breaks to investing in infrastructure, providing insurance for citizens through guarantee savings to a certain point and nationalizing some financial institutions.
Although many thought that the major economies like China, India, and Brazil would somehow soften the financial crisis, they did not. Thus the lending rates are at an all time low, stock market developments are still uncertain and consumer confidence is still low.
Having said all this, the Central Bank President said that the Domestic banking situation is in good shape because they were not based on externalities like those other countries. However, there will be indirect effects because of the lowered economic activity, because of the decrease in tourism, and because of consumer dissonance, the economies of the Netherlands Antilles will be affected.
The main trading partners and the source of an economic comeback are the United States, the Netherlands, and Venezuela-who themselves are not doing well in this economic down turn. But because of the restrictions and the methods of operations, the Banks of the Netherlands Antilles are relatively secured.
However, there is little that can be done to stimulate the economy of the Netherlands Antilles for a variety of reasons, one of which is the effect of the budget and debt relief from the Netherlands, among other factors.
The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association met with Rudolphe Samuel, Hyacinth Richardson and Patrick Illidge, National Alliance members representing the Central as well as Island Government, and senator Frans Richardson on Thursday February 5, 2009. The meeting was upon request of the National Alliance members to discuss the U.S. 4.1 Million Dollar Emergency Marketing Plan, submitted by the SHTA and the Tourist Office, to safeguard the estimated 2000 jobs at risk. Various short-term solutions were explored during the meeting, such as: the temporary elimination of Turn Over Tax and the reduction of business license and permit fees.

Cole Bay:--- These are pictures taken of a car, which front-wheel got stuck in a hole, dug by our utility-company GEBE, quite a while ago and which was never properly covered, exposing non-suspected drivers and their vehicles to potential harm and damage.
This particular incident took place on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at the intersection of the Windsor-road/Windsor-lane in Cole-Bay.
Despite the many calls and e-mails in the past to GEBE, actions to correct this dangerous situation caused by GEBE itself, never did the company even respond, let alone took the responsibility to correct the situation.Needless to state that not everyone will continue to put up with this totally unacceptable attitude of GEBE.
Therefore one day, GEBE might have to face legal and financial consequences in the event of any serious injury or damage to vehicles falling in that particular hole.
Pictures taken by Leopold JAMES, property-owner and resident in that area.

Simpson Bay:---EPIC, St. Maarten Pride Foundation, St. Maarten members of the Emerging Global
Leaders Program, St. Maarten Academy students and staff members of Saratoga
Restaurant carried out a very successful joint clean-up of the area of the Simpson Bay
Lagoon adjacent to Saratoga restaurant on Saturday February 7th 2009.
The area cleaned by volunteers was covered in a large amount of algae. These
Ecologically harmful algal blooms are the result of an excess of nutrients in the lagoon
caused by overflowing septic tanks, overflowing sewage systems and free flowing
untreated sewage which enters the Lagoon from surrounding districts and boats. Aside
from algae, volunteers removed soda cans, bottles, and countless cigarette butts, sanitary
material, Styrofoam, plastic bags and a variety of other garbage from the lagoon.
EPIC interns discovered a significant amount of oil flowing into the street from the generator room at Casino Royale in Maho on Sunday February 8th, 2009 . Foundation representatives took pictures and contacted the relevant authorities.

Philipsburg: ----- The island council of St. Maarten paid special tribute to former island councilman and commissioner the late Cyril Ebenezer Richardson who passed away last week.
Giving the opening address was Chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards. Richards said Richardson had a distinguished career in the civil service during his employment. Richardson worked in the department of finance prior to being appointed advisor to the executive council in 1986.

Richardson began his political career in 1979 when he postulated on the Democratic Party slate in 1979. He replaced the late Raymond Nicholson in 1986 in the Island council. In 1987 Richardson also replaced Sydney Wathey who had to resign since his father was also elected to the island council in 1987.
Richards said Richardson served during the most turbulent years in politics, since for the first time a motion of non confidence was presented against two commissioners. He said Richardson played a momentous role in the nation building of St. Maarten and has served his time well. He is known as a man of the people who stood by his beliefs.
Richardson he said would dare to challenge the leadership of his own party.
Also paying tribute to Richardson is National Alliance leader William Marlin the only member of the island council who served with Richardson. Marlin remembered Richardson as man who meant business when in public office. He said during those days there was no enemies even though they were on opposing ends. He said it was during those years St. Maarten had functional cooperation in government.
He said one of the things that stands out most for Richardson is the turbulent period of 1987 and 1991 when the turmoil was in the Democratic Party. He said Richardson is the only one who was brave enough to stand up at the lectern and fired his party former leader and the late Claudius Wathey. Marlin said Richardson fired Wathey because he was an adviser to the EXCO during that time and was trying to remove the council with information he provided to them.
Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams also paid her tribute to Richardson. One of the moments Wescot Williams said her first public speech was done in Richardson home in Cole Bay.
After the tributes the members of the Island Council signed the condolence registry before it was presented to his relatives who were in the public tribune. During the special IC meeting a video tribute was played highlighting his days in office. Cyril Ebenezer Richardson was laid to rest later in the day.

MAHO BAY-GEBE technicians finalized the electricity connection for the Maho Group of Companies on Friday, February 6, 2009. As part of the electricity supply agreement that was signed on January 30, 2009, GEBE had two weeks to complete the connection. However, the project was completed ahead of schedule by the GEBE and Omrod technicians who worked diligently to expedite the process.
GEBE and Maho signed the electricity supply agreement after more than two years of negotiations. The main reasons Maho switched were an increased reliability of service and cost effectiveness that GEBE offers. The Maho properties were officially switched over to GEBE power at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening. As a result, the Maho plant turned off its engines indefinitely after operating since 1993.

MARIGOT-Students of the three Colleges including the Lycee were not able to attend their regular classes yesterday after their teachers decided to resume their strike actions. The teachers are demanding better working conditions.
The action taken by at least 100 teachers is linked to the strike actions in Guadeloupe. It was initiated by the teachers at the Lycee early yesterday morning. According to teachers their unions did not receive any answers to their demands since their one day action on January 29.
One teacher at the school said the action which began yesterday is not a one day action but no decision has been taken as to how long the protest would continue.
The teacher said they need more autonomy on St. Martin for them to function adequately.
Some of the concerns of the teachers are the safety and security at schools, the shortage of qualified teachers. A meeting is set for February 15 with the Recteur's representative Robert Romney.
Teachers on St. Martin are also supporting the actions that are taken in Guadeloupe since the teachers here are faced with the same predicaments relating to cost of living.
Former first vice president Marthe Ogoundele Tessi a teacher of the Lycee said the population need to get involved in the movement since everyone is suffering to some extent.
In the meantime the Citizens Movement of St. Martin has also joined in solidarity with the teachers as have EDF, France Telecom, and representatives from Collectivity staff. A peaceful march is planned for later this week in which primary schools are also expected to take part.

A group of birds including Great Egrets, White-cheeked Pintails, Black-necked Stilts, Common moorhens and Greater yellow legs, sit on a Rockwall in the Great Salt Pond. The White-cheeked Pintail and Black-necked Stilt lay their nest on these rock walls. Government's plan to fill a large portion of the Great Salt Pond to facilitate the building of a ring road will have a devastating effect on the many species of birds, crabs and fish in the pond. It will also be wiping out a significant amount of rare physical evidence of our ancestor's strenuous labour and St. Maarten's history through the destruction of many of the rock walls in the pond.

Marigot: -- Close to 700 hundred persons turned out to march peacefully through the streets of St. Martin to protest against the high cost of living on the French side of the island. The marchers began gathering in the parking lot of the Lycee Polyvalent around 8 am. Carrying banners and chanting as they walk the street were mostly teachers who are protesting against the working conditions at the dilapidate Lycee and College Morn des Accords.
The teachers said while one newspaper on the island is accusing them of wanting more monies the truth is they want better facilities for their students. Some students they say are attending school with an empty stomach simply because their parents cannot afford to feed them properly.
"When children are hungry they simply cannot perform and something must be done to reduce the high cost of living on St. Martin. Yogurt which is part of every child's diet in France is considered a luxury on St. Martin and that must not be" said former first vice president Marthe Ogoundele Tessi. She said right now St. Martin needs price controllers. Ogoundele Tessi said prices on St. Martin are exorbitant as one liter of milk costs over two Euros. "Teachers are not fighting for themselves only as perceived in the St. Martin's Week; instead these teachers are seeing students in front of them daily without proper nourishment. Under nourished students cannot perform well and they are being criticized by everyone but the question should be asked why are these students not able to perform adequately." Said Ogoundele Tessi. Ogoundele Tessi said cost of living is one of the reasons St. Martin students drop out of school since parents simply cannot afford to feed their children. "A yogurt should not be a luxury instead it should be part of every child's diet." She insisted.
Ogoundele who once held the education portfolio at the COM said those in office took away the files from her and now they need to move faster on them. She said the teachers have a number of issues and they can no longer hold on and wait on the COM. She said the conditions at the Lycee are deplorable and they have to do a proper renovation of that school. Those in COM have to either start building the other College or Lycee even though this is a huge investment. She said when she was in office it was identified that another Lycee is needed on St. Martin as well as another College and the teachers have to make sure it is given to them even if it involves a fight. She said even though the COM is lacking finances they have to stay focus and make sure and remember that Education is their priority. "We have to let education remain our priority we cannot allow delinquency and other negative things take over. Education was the former President device and we have to stick to it" Ogoundele Tessi said.
The marchers said something has to be done for education, security, health care, the economic crisis since the entire island is in danger. "Students they said are deprived of a proper education facilities to perform optimally in the schools and if this trend continues then the younger generation will never be prepared to handle their own affairs in the future.
As they sang through the streets they asked if President Frantz Gumbs already forgot their plight in the education system since the president worked as the deputy director for years in the Lycee. They said the president has given them false promises when he met with them and they need him to respect those promises.
Jessica Hamlet, a teacher by profession and sister of the late Jean Luc Hamlet called on the locals as well as parents to come out and support them in their fight since what they the teachers are doing is not for their own benefit. Hamlet said St. Martin youngsters need to be given the right tools and nutrition so that they can receive a proper education. Hamlet said it does matter if the teachers do not benefit from these actions but it is of ultimate importance that St. Martin is left in the hands of its younger generation. She said it is important for the students of St. Martin to be given the proper education so that they can get the right positions in government. She pleaded with parents to encourage the teachers, stay close to them so they can have the courage to continue the fight. Furthermore, she said locals' needs to come out and join the struggle. "You all should not sit back an think that whatever Guadeloupe achieve would benefit us, we are no longer under Guadeloupe so don't fool yourselves, come out and fight for your island" she pleaded.
Another teacher said they do not have what is needed to educate the students. She said that the entire island is in danger and this is not normal.
As the marchers move through the streets several businesses began pulling their shutters down showing respect to those protesting. Through the main street of Rue de la Libertie, Rue de Kennedy and Rue Charles de Gaulle the marchers made it a point to stop and let the shopkeepers know they are against the high prices on the French side of the island.
Upon arriving at the Collectivity a large delegation representing the MOSCAM and the other unions such as UTCG, EDF, the LC Fleming Hospital went into a short meeting with President of the COM Frantz Gumbs and his team which includes VP"s Claire Javois, Dr. Louis Jeffry, Pierre Alloti, and Daniel Gibbs as well as the Director of President Cabinet Pascal Averne. During that meeting the protestors made sure they gave the elected officials a list with their grievances which of course include the road tax that the COM is demanding from its citizens.
A meeting is planned for Monday afternoon said President of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs.
President Gumbs in a statement to the press said after the meeting with the union and the Collective they have accepted to hold a first meeting at the COM at 5pm on Monday which would involve delegated prefet Dominique LaCroix as well as the school authorities namely Mr. Romney the Rectorat representative. He said during the short meeting they managed to address a few points which concerns the Lycee and its equipments, sports equipments for the College.
Gumbs said the Collectivity does have some initiatives to take and they would be assuming their part of the responsibility. The president said it is important that the Collective (MOCSAM) should not have all their questions at once since the answers with the solutions will not be given at the same time. Gumbs said it is important for them to get the calendar so that they would know when each of the points will be dealt with. He said the focus of the meeting on Monday will not be dealing with if the demands of the teachers would be met instead they would be discussing when these things would be done.
Asked if he did not think there are too many strikes taking place and when would solutions be found. President Gumbs said that since the last strike of January 19 they did not remain sleeping instead they did advance on some of the files. He said next week when there is a one week vacation all toilets of the Lycee will be repaired. Gumbs said the work will take place but they cannot execute these work while the students are in school. He said some of the work will be done during the Easter or even the summer vacation. Furthermore, the president explained that for things to get done they need to find the companies and the monies to meet the people's need. In cases like these he said a bidding process sometimes has to take place along with other administrative procedures. Asked by SMN News if he forgot the issues in the education system of St. Martin since took up his presidency position.
President Gumbs quickly responded by saying he did not forget anything and it is impossible for him to forget what has happened in education on St. Martin. He said even though he is in a different position now and has a different perspective the fact of the matter is that the College in French Quarter is the newest school built on St. Martin and presently it is the most degraded school on the French side. "How can this be explained, maybe the school was built with materials that were not good I don't know, while the Lycee was not maintained for ten years. I must admit the Region Council did put some monies in this school two years ago. I agree the needs of the schools are important but these things have to be planned since it requires lots of funding. This kind of work cannot be done in one shot it must be planned for years. " Gumbs said that someone already indicated that they need two swimming pools but he do agree they need two pools but both cannot be built during the same year.
After the meeting the marchers then hurried over to the Sous Prefecture where a delegation was invited to meet with Prefet Dominique LaCroix. Prefet LaCroix said he understood the points and he would be looking at them keenly. LaCroix said there is a price controller already on the island but the person is not focused on pricing at the moment. Lacroix promised that he would make sure proper price controls in done on the island reported Julien Gumbs.
Outside of the Sous Prefecture the teachers made sure they entertained themselves as well as the marchers who had to wait outside of Sous Prefecture. There was drum beating and dances to the tune which kept everyone alive until the meeting concluded with the Prefet.
Outside President of the MOCSAM said the prefet would be participating in Monday's meeting. He also encouraged the marchers to continue peacefully. The protestors the moved back down to the center of Marigot in front of the Nina Duverly School where several persons spoke. So far it is not clear if all those that participated in the march would remain in protest. Julien Gumbs said right now everyone is busy analyzing the progress they made thus far and hopefully a firm decision will be taken on how to proceed.
Photo Gallery of Black Friday strike on French St. Martin below.
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Philipsburg-Certificates were presented to 22 civil servants working within Government's administration departments in the Claude Wathey Legislative hall yesterday afternoon.
Commissioners Sarah Wescot-Williams and Maria Buncamper-Molanus were present to congratulate the graduates on their successful passing of the course.
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus pointed out the importance of this course.
The management of documents is an important task. Imagine if we could not find a document for a court case or for a reference report to construct a policy, we would not get too far. So do not underestimate the value of your contributions in this field.
I congratulate you on taking the course, improving your skills, and enhancing government's apparatus. Your work is appreciated and recognized.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams said that just like we are building the country for constitutional separate status, step by step, brick by brick, so too are we building the civil service core.
You have completed yet another course, while still doing your regular work, you are to be congratulated. Though the obligations are many, sacrifices are many, the satisfaction is great. You are definitely contributing to the government organization and the future country St. Maarten.
You have increased your knowledge about document management and information technology, which is crucial for the administration. I can't tell you that it (courses, continued education) ends today, for learning is a life long process. I want to thank you for contributing to the functioning of government.
The Island Secretary, Joane Dovale-Meit, was also present to provide some words of encouragement and wisdom.
Your achievement is impressive, for you the participants of the training course you have applied yourselves with dedication to upgrade your knowledge and skill set in the benefit of the entire organization.
I salute you, the 22 graduates, on your achievement. You are a credit to your organization. Your families and your co-workers are deserving of a word of thanks as they too have undoubtedly played supporting roles in your achievement.
The true measure of success, besides the first step, of this training program is in its implementation, the use by each and every one of you of your newly developed skills and knowledge in your work environment.
I want to congratulate you for a job well done.
Cay Hill: --- Women on St. Maarten can now breathe a sigh of relief since there is one more gynecologist that is added to the fleet at the St. Maarten Medical Center. However, the problems of the medical institution is still far from finished since there are still two gynecologist on call. Presently there are three gynecologist working at the hospital namely Dr. Michel Petit, Dr. Chung and Dr. Randal Friday who signed the contract yesterday.
Medical Director of the St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. George Scot in an email to this media house said that that Dr. Randall Friday signed an admittance contract with the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) on February 16th.
Now that parties have inked the contract which had several controversies Dr. Randal Friday of the Women's Health Clinic in Yogesh Building can now admit patients to the SMMC as of February 16th. However, the executive council still has to give Dr. Friday clearance work outside of the hospital. It is understood that Dr. Friday has to make sure the conditions of the NV is in compliance with the moratorium that is now in existence.
SMN News learnt that Sector Health Care Affairs is busy updating Dr. Friday's file but it is not clear when inspection would take place for the Women Health Clinic to open.
It is also understood that Dr. Friday plans to begin working at the hospital as early as today and he may begin operating on his patients as of Wednesday. Efforts made to contact Dr. Friday last night has proved futile up to press time.
The agreement is signed by both parties for a period of three years. Dr Randall Friday will remain the first year of the agreement in his private clinic, while the SMMC will upgrade part of the out-patient facility in order to offer suitable doctor's office in the SMMC building. After the first year Dr Randall Friday will re-locate his private clinic into the SMMC. Both parties want to work towards a fruitful relationship and have no intentions to look back in history. We are both committed to deliver quality health care and there for we have to work together in a constructive manner and that is our mutual intension.

Philipsburg:---Officials of the various Basketball Associations met with Commissioner of Sports Maria Buncamper-Molanus to apprise her of board changes, future activities and other relevant issues pertaining to the associations.
Present were outgoing President of the St. Maarten Basketball Association (SMBBA) Emmanuel York, President of the St. Maarten Youth Basketball Association (SMYBBA) Gordon St. Luce, board member of the SMYBBA Jamal Newton and candidate for President of the SMBA Daniel Berry. Absent was the other candidate for the Presidency of the SMBBA Elvin Lake.
York explained that since his appointment as President of the Netherlands Antilles Basketball Federation (NABFE) in January 2009, he has decided to step down as president of SMBBA and take up an advisory role in the board of SMBBA. As such, there are two candidates for the position of president of SMBA, Berry and Lake. Elections will soon be held among the teams that are members of the association. The SMBBA will approach the Sports Federation to ask them to oversee these elections.
Both the SMBBA and the SMYBBA indicated to the Commissioner that the fees for the LB Scott Sports Auditorium absorbs most of their budget and that they would like to get some kind of a reduction in fees or assistance with the payment of these fees.
The Commissioner encouraged them to look at alternative ways of getting funding as the Foundation Upkeep Sports Facilities, the entity that manages the auditorium, also needed the funds to pay off there loans and upkeep costs. Berry indicated that he had an elaborate business plan that, when executed, would be able to cover all the costs and this would be able to cover costs for the senior basketball players as well as the juniors.
The meeting also focused on the fact that St. Maarten has strong basketball talent and athletes, but is lacking in overall structure which hampers becoming membership in the Internatinal Basketball Federation (FIBA). Many teams, for example, are not registered at the notary.
Buncamper-Molanus suggested that the SMBA explore the possibility of establishing and enforcing a new criteria that stipulates only teams that are registered at the notary may participate in the local competition. Also the choice of legal establishment, foundation or association, was discussed. The advantage of becoming an association with members, the Commissioner said, is that the members can feel a sense of ownership in the organization.
Turning to upcoming competitions, the Commissioner was briefed on the Antillean Championships which is scheduled to take place on St. Maarten form November 6 to10, 2009, leading up to St. Maarten's Day.
The Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) tournament was also scheduled to take place in St. Maarten in July 2009, however Curacao and St. Eustatius have indicated that they are not ready as yet for that tournament. St. Maarten can always participate wherever the tournament will be played. However, the President of the CBC would really like for the tournament to be held in St. Maarten and has not been successful in securing another host island as yet.
The Commissioner encouraged Emanuel York, in his new capacity as President of the NABFE to push for St. Maarten to still host the tournament as this will be very beneficial to St. Maarten having so many people from the regional islands present.
"I must say that currently there is definitely unity in basketball on St. Maarten and I am very please with this. The more cooperation we have the quicker and more efficient the sport of basketball will develop. I extend the best of luck to all of the associations and assure them that my involvement and support is there whenever they need it," the Commissioner concluded.

Philipsburg- Officials from the St. Dominic School, the Catholic School Board, and an accompanying consultant, paid a visit to commissioner of education Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams to discuss a highly regarded educational program.
The topic of discussion was the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, an educational program examined in one of three languages (English, French or Spanish) and is a leading university entrance course. It is taught in 2,075 schools, often in international schools, in 125 countries all around the world (as of 2007).
The program, administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization, is a recognized pre-university educational program. Students take six subjects, and must also complete 3 extra requirements: the Theory of Knowledge course (ToK), a 4000-word Extended Essay (EE), and at least 150 hours in CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) areas. Marks are awarded from 1 to 7 in each subject with 7 being the highest, and up to three additional points may be awarded depending on the results of the EE and ToK essays, according to Wikipedia.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams heard from the committee about what they have done thus far in terms of trying to acquire the program for the school, as an addition to High School academics.
Recently, teachers have gone on training, new classrooms have been built, and parents are supporting the IB program-all of which are requirements among others to be considered to be eligible for the IB program, according to the St. Dominic educational officials.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams said that this program is beneficial for high school students who want to advance their academic careers. It offers many the opportunities to accelerate their tertiary education, so students when they go away to college will be well prepared and would have to take fewer classes, in essence shortening their time away from St. Maarten. Another good thing is that the program will be open to other secondary school candidates.
Commissioner commended the education officials on trying to acquire such a program.

Philipsburg- During a central committee meeting held on Monday which was chaired by Island Council member Leroy de Weever, presentations and discuss among other topics the proposed on Corporate Identity for future Country St. Maarten, Same Sex Marriages, and a presentation on the Golden Rock Estate.
For the presentation on the project of Corporate Identity for St. Maarten, present were the Steering committee, the Sounding board, and the workgroup, who explained about the project in detail, from the initial idea for the reason of establishing a corporate identity to the current developments.
The Corporate Identity project, which was presented by the Department of Program and Project DPP Project manager Andrea Ortega and Head of the Socio-Cultural Department, Neville York, is now up for approval and consideration by the Island Council members.
The second part of the Central Committee meeting, consisted of a presentation to the Island Council members on the subject of same sex marriages from a biblical, social, and legal & constitutional development point of view by members of the religious community. A congregation of religious leaders, including the Council of Churches, gathered at in the CWL hall the Government Administration Building in support of the rejection of same sex marriages.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams would like to congratulate the new board that was elected to carry out the plans for Journey for Education (JFE).
The board was introduced to the community this week via the media and also announced its plans for the next two-years.
"JFE is a significant social-educational organization that has played a very important role for more than a quarter of a century within our community.
"The foundation has assisted many students with a supplementary scholarship. I am very confident that the new board will carry on the good work that its founder the late Gaston Boasman promoted over a period of 25-years.
"The volunteer sector within our community plays a very important role in providing various services and products to our society. I wish the new board much success with their plans for 2009," Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
One of the plans of JFE is to raise an amount of US$25,000 in its pledge system, which had been introduced about five years ago under the presidency of Gaston Boasman.
JFE is also planning its annual walkathon scheduled for April 4 and its gala dinner in November.
Funds raised go towards supplementary scholarships for St. Maarten students pursuing tertiary studies on the island and abroad. Since the establishment of JFE, the foundation has awarded more than half a million dollars in supplementary scholarships.
Elections for the new board were held back in December 2008.
MARIGOT-The Collectivité of St. Martin is informing taxi and limousine drivers that a session of the course Formation de Capacité Professionelle de Taxi which is mandatory for all persons wishing to exercise the profession of taxi or limousine driver will take place over two consecutive weeks beginning Monday March 2 through Friday March 13 2009, from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at the Immeuble des Raisiners in Galis Bay, Marigot, (across from SDL).
Registration is open at the Bureau de la Réglementation de la Direction des Transports et des Secteurs Emergents, Rue Victor Maurasse, Annex of the Collectivité. Tel.(0590) 29.67.26 and Fax (0590) 29.33.17.
Registration fee is 150 euros and is payable at the office of the Régisseur de Recettes de la Collectivité at the former Ecole Bord de Mer.
Professionals who have not yet taken this course are reminded that it is a mandatory course for all taxis and limousine drivers.
As part of her working trip to Curacao, Commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus and her delegation met with officials at the Bureau Intellectual Properties. Director Mr. Sluis met with the delegation to give an overview of the work that is done at the bureau. This is one of the areas that St. Maarten has to prepare for during the coming months as preparations are made to take over the responsibilities of the Central Government partially in July and then in December of this year. Bureau Intellectual Properties deals with the registration of trademarks, patents, copy rights among others. A demonstration was also given of the registration and information was provided including the annual report 2007. Agreements were made to organize informative sessions on St. Maarten in May of this year. The Commissioner's delegation is comprised of Miguel De Weever Director Of Economic Policy & Research, Fiscal/Tax Lawyer Mercedes James of the Finance Department, Jeannette Hagen Head of the Constitutional Affairs Department and Veronica Jansen-Webster the Commissioner's Executive Assistant.
PARIS, Feb 20 (Reuters) - French Prime Minister Francois Fillon asked unions and employers on Guadeloupe on Friday to accept a new aid package and end a month-long strike that erupted into violent protests on the French Caribbean island.
Responding to wage protests in which a union leader was killed and shops were burned and looted, France brought the activists back to the negotiating table by offering a range of measures to alleviate economic hardship on the island.
Protesters have asked for a 200-euro monthly rise for poor workers to cope with the rising cost of living on a densely populated island that relies heavily on expensive imports.
"Now I'm expecting employers to propose an increase in wages," Fillon said on Friday. "I'm expecting the unions to appreciate the importance of the efforts that have been made."
Unions agreed to negotiate but described the latest offer as inadequate and refused to call an end to the strike, which has paralysed Guadeloupe.
President Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday announced measures worth 580 million euros ($729 million) to help France's overseas regions, including aid to poor families, relief from social security contributions, and price controls.
"There is nothing new in Nicolas Sarkozy's announcement. It's still far from what we are demanding, which is a 200 euro salary increase," said Elie Domota, leader of the island's mass protest movement, "Liyannaj Kont Pwofitasyon" or "Stand Up Against Exploitation."
Employers have mentioned possible increases of 35 to 120 euros, depending on the sector.
The unrest has highlighted tensions reaching back to the colonial past of Guadeloupe, one of four overseas regions that are part of France and the European Union.
Rising food and fuel prices, high unemployment and low wages have fuelled resentment against the economically powerful minority of "beke" or white families, often descendants of slave-era colonists.
The strike has spread to neighbouring Martinique and protests have broken out on French Guyana and the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, the other regions.
Thursday night was relatively calm on Guadeloupe, police said, with only some small fires and isolated gun shots, compared with the street battles between youth gangs and riot police in previous days. (Reporting by Emmanuel Jarry, additional reporting by Colette Borda in Pointe-a-Pitre; editing by Janet Lawrence)
Marigot: --- Shoppers on the French side of the island may soon be able to get some relief when shopping at the Match and US Import on the French side. This is according to MOCSAM president Julien Gumbs.
Gumbs said already the two largest supermarkets on the French side have agreed to reduce at 10 to 15 % on at least 100 to 120 of their products, which would be applicable by March 15.
The agreement Gumbs said was made during a meeting that was held at the Sous Prefecture last Friday. However, a follow up meeting is planned for this Thursday where it would be decided on which products the reduction would take place. The MOCSAM and some of the Unions on the French side participated in a protest march on February 13th where focus was placed on the high cost of living on St. Martin.
Gumbs also said that they are planning to broaden the scope on getting more merchants involved in reducing their prices so that they can attract business back to the French side of the island. To be included is the freight companies who would have to reduce their shipping cost which would enable the supermarkets to sell their products cheaper.
The MOCSAM president said they are busy taking part in a number of meetings which would lead to success in the near future. The group of activist are planning to update the public by the end of the week on their achievements thus far said Gumbs.
St. John: --- Several residents of St. Johns Estate have called the police department for assistance this week when they noticed a number of wild monkeys approaching their homes. Neighbors of Mauby Drive St. Johns said on Monday about 3pm in the afternoon they noticed about 25 monkeys in the area of the Qualichi Center. They said the monkeys are on the hunt for food and while they may be living in the hills they are now approaching home where young children lives.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said he was personally approached about the matter which can become a real nuisance if not handled properly. Leonard said they the police are now looking to find those that are handling animal welfare to check into this matter and to see if these people can at least capture these animals and place them in a safe environment. "While we are not targeting any specific organization we would be seeking to see who can assist with the problem at hand". Leonard said.
Isidore York better known as the Mighty York said he personally saw at least 25 monkeys in the yard of the Qualichi Center on the pomserrat trees. "When I saw these animals I called out to my neighbors and children who were all amazed at the different sizes and color." York said he personally became concerned because it was evident that the monkeys are wild and living on the hills but now they are looking for food they are approaching the homes.
When this reporter visited the area yesterday there was no sight of the animals mainly because renovation work is taking place at the home next to York's. The resident has since promised to take photos if and when the animals return.
Pamela Sims from Animal Welfare said they occasionally are called to catch monkeys. She said that this is not an easy task and the neighbors have to assist with the process since they would have to train these animals to come at the same time and location which would make the trapping easier. Sims said Animal Welfare is not set up to catch wild animals and they are being hindered since they only have three people working in the ambulance team. Another down side to this episode is the St. Maarten Zoo is not accepting no more monkeys since they have more than is needed at the Zoo. The only alternative Sims said is that when these wild animals are trapped they are taken to the Animal Centers where they are put to sleep even though they regret the idea there is nothing else that can be done.
Residents of Bel Air also expressed the same concern saying that people have brought in these monkeys from St. Kitts and when they get older and become nuisances they are being released in the wild. "Right now there are several wild monkeys that live on all the hills on St. Maarten and if people are to begin some sort of kitchen gardening to combat the economic effects the monkeys are the ones who would be harvesting the crops."

Philipsburg:---On Wednesday, a group of 20 children ranging between the ages of 5 and 13 years of age from the "I can Foundation", along with 4 adult leaders paid a visit to the Philipsburg Police Station where they were greeted by the police spokesman Inspector Ricardo HENSON.
The children were given an educational tour of the entire police station and an explanation on what takes place there on a daily basis. This tour would enhance their knowledge on the aspect of law enforcement. During the tour the children paid very close attention to what was explained and found it very interesting.
Philipsburg- The Executive Council in its meeting of February 10 has taken a decision related to the official holidays for 2009.
The days are:
Friday, April 10 Good Friday; Sunday, April 12 Easter Sunday; Monday April 13, Easter Monday; Wednesday, April 29 Carnival; Thursday, April 30 Queen's Birthday; Friday, May 1 Labour Day; Thursday, May 21 Ascension Day; Wednesday, November 11 St. Maarten's Day; Tuesday, December 15 Kingdom Day; Friday, December 25 Christmas; Saturday, December 26 Boxing Day; and Friday, January 1, 2010 New Year's Day.

Unions in the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe have signed a deal to raise workers' salaries, but have not ended a five-week-long general strike.
The agreement will see the wages of the lowest-paid workers supplemented with a 200-euro ($254; £178) monthly payment.
But union leaders said the strike would continue until France's government had addressed spiralling prices, which are far higher than on the French mainland.
The strike has crippled the island and occasionally erupted into violence.
Last week, union leader Jacques Bino was shot dead by rioting youths at a barricade in Guadeloupe's largest city, Pointe-a-Pitre.
A similar strike has taken hold on nearby Martinique, where the situation has become calmer after two consecutive nights of riots.
Both Guadeloupe and Martinique are full overseas departments of France, but prices on the islands are generally higher while wages are lower than on the mainland, and unemployment stands at 20%.
Hundreds of police and gendarmes have been deployed from France to support local security forces and help restore order.
'Injustice'
Unions and employer groups on Guadeloupe signed an agreement on Thursday to pay a 200-euro monthly supplement to those workers earning less than 1,400 euros ($1,770; £1,250) a month.
Other workers will see a wage increase of about 6%, though this will be negotiated separately by each sector, Henry Berthelot, secretary-general of the CFDT union, told the Reuters news agency. The French state will contribute half of the wage increase from 2009 to 2011.
However, after the agreement, union leaders quickly turned their attention to other demands, such as the lowering of food and energy prices.
"We have a meeting tomorrow afternoon with the prefect (local administrator) to continue the negotiations," the leader of the LKP union, Elie Domota, told the Associated Press.
Asked if the general strike would now end, he said: "No."
On Friday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy admitted that "not everything has been resolved, but finally progress is being made".
"I'll go to the French West Indies in a few weeks' time to scrupulously keep all the commitments I have made," he told the AFP news agency.
"When you approach things calmly, when you honestly try to find the right solutions, when the issues are dealt with seriously, then that calms the situation down, of course," he added.
The president also said that "the same causes of injustice, of feelings of injustice, exist in Martinique as they existed in Guadeloupe".
"So we need to find ways and means of restoring dialogue, reducing tensions, and above all providing concrete answers to the problems our compatriots in the West Indies are experiencing," he said.
"It is absolutely not right for prices to be much higher in the West Indies than in metropolitan France," he added.

Saba: --- The members of the Zero Tolerance team, the Customs department and members of the Marechau ssee arrested two men on Saba during a routine drug control on that island. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release identified the suspects as M.K.L and K.R.V. He said the arrest was made after the officers received several tips. The duo was arrested on Friday evening in the Bottom in area known as Under the Hill.

Both men were arrested at their home after a "search warrant" to search the premises was served. During this search a small plastic bag containing an amount of cocaine was found hidden in a PVC-pipe located at the rear of their home.

Also a "backpack" containing several plastic bags in which a considerable amount marijuana and a weighing scale were located hidden on the premises. During a search of the suspects a considerable amount of cash was found, for which they suspects could not give an acceptable answer to where the money came from.

All items and cash were confiscated for further investigation. Both suspects have put into custody pending further investigation. The development of this investigation shows that there are drugs circulating on the island of Saba and that more arrests are to be expected. The police are asking the general public to assist them in providing information that could more light on this investigation.
Philipsburg/French Quarter: --- Police on the Dutch side of the island managed to apprehend two young men who robbed a supermarket in Belle Plaine French Quarter on Friday midday. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the two men was captured at the Yuppie gas Station after persons within the community alerted police that the two culprits who were driving a s Hyundai Sonata with license plate P-2526 was at the service station. Henson said shortly after the robbery the culprits who have been identified as R.F.M from St. Maarten and G.J.L Dominica was found to have in their position handguns and other items when they committed the crime.
Henson said the Dutch side police was immediately informed of the incident when the two men drive the getaway car to the Dutch side of the island. He said several police patrols were dispatched in search of the vehicle and the suspects whose description was given to them. In the car he said police found an alarm pistol, blank shots (for the alarm pistol) a large butcher's knife, some cash and other items linking the suspects to the crime scene. All items were confiscated for further investigation. The suspect G.J.L. had no objections and freely accompanied the Gendarmes to the French side to give his statement. R.F.M. refused to go with the Gendarmes and he remains in custody on the Dutch side for further investigation. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said the duo had appeared before the judge of instruction where their pre-trial detention was prolonged.
In another case of robbery the police are asking members of the public to come forward if they have information on the suspect who stabbed an American Tourist during an Armed Robbery on the Board Walk. Henson said this incident occurred also on Friday during the evening hours in close proximity of the Green House.
The police spokesman said a lone robber attacked the American couple as they were walking towards Green House. The victims have been identified as J.A.F and J.P.F from the United States. They described their attacker as a Blackman who was armed with a knife. The male victim tried to defend his wife from any type of harm and he himself was stabbed in the stomach by the robber. The man also suffered injuries to his head. The bandit then made off with the man's wallet which had contained credit cards, some cash and other personal items.
The victim J.A.F. has been hospitalized for the wounds he has suffered. The Special Robber Unit is asking anyone who may have any information in connection with this case to contact the police Department and pass on that information. This is an extremely serious case and the detectives and police are doing everything they can to solve this matter.
Last week staff from the Island Government Department's of General Affairs and Tourism attended an HIV/AIDS Sensitization session facilitated by Myra Sprott of the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team. These sessions are being held in an effort to raise the awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst staff members. Both department's will be Thinking [RED] and Doing Safe for the month of March along with the official [RED] business for that month, which is NAGICO Insurances.
Philipsburg:--On Wednesday morning at approximately 09.45 a.m. the Central Police dispatch received a phone call informing them, that a jeep in which 4 persons were driving, for unknown reasons had driven off the Sandpiper road and landed between the cliff and the back of a building located on the premises of the garage of Intermar Shipping in Point Blanche.
Immediately after receiving this information several police patrol were sent to the scene to investigate. On the scene the patrols encountered the four occupants of the jeep. They were all U.S. citizens, visiting the island for the day. The driver of the jeep with the license plate R-776 came out uninjured. The female passenger sitting next to the driver injured her right arm and elbow and suffered from other minor small cuts and bruises to her body. The female and male passenger sitting at the rear of the jeep complained of some pain to their elbows and head. They too suffer other minor bruises to their body. All victims were treated on the scene by the paramedics and then transported to the Sint Maarten Medical center for further treatment. The height from which the jeep fell is approximately the height of a two story building. The police traffic department was in the the scene and has started their investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Philipsburg: ---Minister of Constitutional and Home Affairs Roland Duncan yesterday forwarded a financing request of the Executive Council of St Maarten, for the funding of a project engaging quartermasters for St Maarten. Quartermasters will be used to lead and guide the setting up of new departments/directorates of Ministries of Country St Maarten. Funds are being secured to employ quartermasters for the following Ministries or sectors of country Sint Maarten: Finance, Education, Spatial Planning, General Affairs and Health Affairs. The project proposal was prepared by the Directorate of Programs and Projects of the island territory and approved by Minister Duncan for submission to USONA for funding. The Project amounts to NAF 1.113.750, 00.
In preparation for the implementation of the project a PROTOCOL will be signed between the Executive Council and the Minister to govern the execution of the project. The protocol will call for the Executive Council to have full freedom, authority and responsibility for the engagement, functioning and production of the quartermasters. The Minister will retain oversight of the financial management of the project. A draft of this protocol has already been forwarded to the Executive council. Minister Duncan hopes that signing can take place shortly, preferably before the end of this month.
The funding of this project is part of the NAF 14 million financing agreement signed by the Minister with State Secretary Mrs. Ank Bijleveld-Schouten on February 14th 2008 for projects connected with the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles. Projects in execution based on this agreement are, among others, [a] institution of protocol department St. Maarten, [b] Strengthening maritime management, [c] dismantling Netherlands Antilles, [d] customs, [e] assistance to island territory Curacao, [f] Kadaster Bonaire, etc.

Philipsburg: --- "St. Maarten is progressing well in the constitutional process despite the lack of manpower locally" says Prime Minister Emile de Jongh-Elhage. The Prime Minister said after meeting with the Executive and Island Council during her two day working visit along with the governor general she is very much satisfied with the progress St. Maarten has made thus far. "Nevertheless I am very very proud of St. Maarten and the way they are going about the process. I am particularly proud of the amount of work St. Maarten is putting forward for the change of status and most importantly for the well being of its people."
The Prime Minister said it has been three years she is working on facilitating the change of status and it has been decided this year they would visit all of the islands before the Curacao referendum which is slated for May 18. She considered the visit to be very successful since she met with all of the executive and island councils on each of the islands.
While on St. Maarten the Prime Minister and Governor General managed to be at the Down Street Jetty, the Emilio Wilson Park, The UJIMA foundation and the St. Maarten Housing Foundation are only some of the projects to get a closer view of these places.
In answering questions on the crime situation she said this matter was discussed, however, she said only a few weeks ago the Minister of Justice David Dick sent some extra police officers from Curacao and the difference was clearly seen but now the crime is beginning to rise again now that they are gone. She said she already made a call to the Minister of Justice and he would be coming to St. Maarten very soon to meet with the island and executive council to further discuss crime.
On the political situation she said they are very concerned about St. Maarten's political turmoil and she did discuss the matter with the island leader and was assured a solution is forth coming. Even though not divulging what was said in the discussions with Westcott Williams she said it's a local problem and the central government has no intention to intervene at this point since they are hoping for a solution. She said all over the world politics is the same and whatever is said in Holland should not be considered as personal.
It will be Yes for Curacao
Quizzed about the possible outcome of the referendum the Prime Minister said the people of Curacao will be voting "yes we can", and there is no plan B in case the voters should vote no. She considered the present constitutional process a once in a lifetime opportunity since there has been an immense amount of discussions taking place these last years. She insisted that she in particular is very proud of the efforts being made by the islands within of the Kingdom. The Prime Minister also reminded that the present process is the wishes of the people.

She said even though she is certain that the outcome of the referendum will be a yes, should it be a no then that would be it for her since her job would be completed or no longer needed. Prime Minister de Jongh-Elhage said this process was negotiated before and she is the one who is facilitating the change and should there be a change of heart then the people no longer appreciates her work and efforts. "Should they vote no it means they are refusing my efforts and that would tell me that is not what they wanted me to do for them, which would mean I must step down from my seat as Prime Minister." However, she insisted that for her if it's a no it will be the end of the discussions but strongly feel the people of Curacao would be voting Yes and not otherwise.
As for the present economic situation she said no one in the world had foreseen the present global economic downturn. She considered the Netherlands Antilles as blessed since they are still getting help from the Netherlands especially since this is affecting the world
She said based on the information given to her from the executive council they are working and focusing on every possible measure to mitigate the consequences of the global crisis. She felt the island government is on the right path since only on Thursday they held the economic summit. She made references on the amount of work that is being done by commissioner of ROB Theo Heyliger who is always on the move; that of commissioner Wescot Williams and Commissioner with the constitutional process Buncamper Molanus with the economic summit. The Prime Minister said based on this drive it shows that St. Maarten is ready to move forward and they are not sitting back and fighting with each other. Instead she said they are defending the people's business.
The Prime Minister also expressed concern on the developments of Emilio Wilson Park. She readily admitted that this is a complicated matter but the central government will do all it can to assist the environmental foundations acquire their wishes by preserving their history. The Prime Minister said that the situation of Emilio is very emotional since it regards their history. She described the park as beautiful and stressed ones history must be preserved.

Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Labour Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, last week met with the Dominican Consul and several Dominican business owners to give clarity with respect to the January 12, 2009 revised Labour Policy and also to exchange views and ideas.
The request for the meeting came from the Dominican Consul based on concerns of the consul and that of Dominican business owners.
"The revised labour policy is a work in progress which could be adapted taking into consideration the different practical aspects of doing business on the island. This was the overall message given to the Dominican Consul and business owners.
"The meeting was very productive with the Dominican Consul willingness to work with the Labour Department on matching the local labour supply with employment demands of the market. One entrepreneur suggested that business persons can help mold personalities and work ethic during job trainings. Everybody is willing to work together to enhance the revised labour policy and work out the bugs in order for it to be applied in a constructive manner creating the opportunities for St. Maarteners seeking gainful employment," Commissioner of Labour Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Commissioner Wescot announced last week that a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prepared after a meeting with a private sector Think Tank contains some adjustments to the 2009 labour policy.
The Think Tank comprised of representatives of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association.
The draft MOU will be presented to the Executive Council and then to the Tripartite Committee comprising of representatives from the unions, government and the business community. The latter will evaluate the implementation and execution of the revised labour policy and this will be done six-months after the implementation date (January 12, 2009).
Head of the Labour Department Raphael Boasman was also present during the meeting to provide clarity on different aspects of the policy.
Philipsburg: --- The deprived police force of the Netherlands Antilles will be getting some 21 new vehicles today as Minister of Justice David Dick will be making the presentation at a special ceremony today at the Philipsburg Police Station.
The Police department KPSSS has been understaffed and lacks vital materials such as vehicles. This has been the cry over the years, hopefully with the new fleet of the vehicles the insurance and other relevant documents would be in place so that the officers of the St. Maarten Police Force can begin to fight crime swiftly.

Philipsburg: --- Brazing the hot sun were some dignitaries as well as few police officers who stood outside of the Philipsburg police station to witness the handing over ceremony of some 23 brand new vehicles to the police for of St. Maarten (KPSSS).
Reza Macsood of Marshall Motors, Stephane De-je Robert of Vlaun and Sons, Julian Harley of St. Maarten Cars and a representative of Harley Davidson presented Minister of Justice David Dick with the keys of the vehicles that were all parked in front of the police station. The keys were immediately handed over to Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran. Recognition was also given to Zenitel for the radio communications.
The Minister in his statement said the presentation of the vehicles is representing a project that has been underway for sometime now. He said the vehicles that is very much needed is only the first part of this project while the second is the human resources which are being worked upon.
The purchase of these vehicles he said represents the security plan for the Netherlands Antilles. Dick said the vehicles that were handed over yesterday only represent 50% of the amount of vehicles that is actually needed on St. Maarten. He said the minute he receives the plan for the second half it will be presented to USONA for execution. Hopefully when this is done the police force would have enough vehicles in place to execute their duties.
The Minister thanked the dealers for the prices they sold the vehicles for as well as the efficiency in getting them on the island.
Dick said he is looking to the Union representatives who were also present that if their members take up their responsibilities then the work can be achieved faster.
He said just recently they signed an agreement for the development of human resources where at least seventy or eighty members of the police force will be getting the necessary training they need on management as well as middle management and other related duties. He said with this training the police organization will be able to function much better. The Minister said these materials and trainings are part of the Win Win Agreement which was signed early last year. He called on the stakeholders which includes the office of the Lt. Governor, the executive council, the unions as well as the police to demand from each other their deliverance in order to achieve their goals.
John Received Praise for his Outstanding Efforts.
In speaking about the projects Minister of Justice David Dick gave credit to Chief Inspector Carl John for his outstanding contributions to the Police Force (KPSSS). Dick said he does not normally pinpoint officers in public but because of the amount of work and dedication John has shown as a cop he is obliged to publicly thank him. The Minister said he does not have enough words to thank Officer John since there is not one project he is working on that John did not contribute to. Dick said if ever there is a day when he has to nominate an officer as the ‘super cop" he would make it his duty to nominate John for the award. He said he has no intention to exclude anyone but John is one of the best cops in the Netherlands Antilles who demands respect and respect must be given back to him. Besides executing his duties as an officer in the streets John also works in administration and on the recruitment of police officers for KPSSS.
He also gave thanks another officer who worked through her vacation on the acquiring of the vehicles. The project costs the central government some 2.1 million guilders which also includes the intelligence. Dick said only last week he saw the software that they intend to purchase for the Netherlands Antilles. He described the software as top quality and something that would definitely make the Netherlands jealous of the Antilles. "Holland will be jealous for what we are going to be implemented." The new software is to be used for the purpose of investigations which will be implemented in the entire Netherlands Antilles especially St. Maarten. The Minister said this software is used in the USA for immigration and other purposes. This software he said will be implemented in the next three months. When all technology is fully implemented the police on St. Maarten would be able to have cameras and laptops installed in their vehicles the Minister said.
A---Team Recognized by FBI.|
The Minister also presented a recognition award on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigations of the United States of America (FBI) to the A- Team of St. Maarten for the capture and arrest of Michael Jason Registe who is wanted for double homicide in the state of Georgia.
The Minister said the Americans have now recognized the KPSSS for their services which he said is far better than before. He said in their last report they indicated that St. Maarten is working and has improved in the services thus he is extending congratulations to the police of St. Maarten for their achievement and recognition.
MARECHAUSEE PRESENTS VEHICLES AND OTHER MATERIALS TO KPSSS.
Also part of the presentation ceremony yesterday the general of the royal Marechausee Mr. Van Putten who are on the island presented a list of items to the St. Maarten Police Force. The items include vehicles, laptops and other items which will be displayed at a later date. Minister Dick said police coach Ronald Dongor approached the Marechausse for much needed items. He said the general has a special place in his heart for St. Maarten. He also thanked the marechaussee for the much needed manpower they are giving to St. Maarten and the rest of the Netherlands Antilles. He said the marechaussees are the only institution who responds very quickly when assistance he requested from them.
Chief of Police Franklyn Richards in his statement said that everyone in the police force is happy with the cars they received. However, he said in the past when the police needed cars they were forced to approach the private sectors to make donations to the police. Richards said that is only fair that he go back down memory lane to say that the police approached TELEM, the Harbor Group, and the Airport who all donated cars. He said right now they are busy enhancing the police force now that the island is busy with acquiring its country status something that is very important. However, all of this he said must be done in such a way so that the police force would be able to carry its own weight.
The island Chief of Police also thanked the police for the efforts they have made over the years to combat crime with the little means they had. Richards said even though the police had limited vehicles, manpower and even information center they have done a great job in combating crime. He also commended Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein for the job he is doing alongside the police.
Richards also reminded the Minister of the difference on crime when the 15 officers from Curacao was on St. Maarten. He said the crime rate had dropped tremendously and now that the officers have left its beginning to increase again. He said the island and its people is looking forward for those 15 officers to return to St. Maarten in a structured manner. He said he took note of what the Minister said about recruitment and he would be looking forward for it because the island truly needs it to tackle crime. Richards said if that is not done then the islands would not be able to achieve their country status. He said he already noticed the changes and hopes that there is a continuation for the better because without it they cannot do it alone. Richards also thanked General Van Putten for his generous donation especially the two police outpost that is expected. One he said would be installed in Sucker Garden while the other in the Maho area.
The Minister immediately responded to Richards by informing him that the moment he appointed Commissioner Ademar Doran to the Chief Assistant Doran indicated to him in their first meeting that he would need additional manpower from Curacao in a structured manner. He said those officers will be coming at least four times a year to St. Maarten. However, there will be no indication as to when they are coming since they want to surprise the criminals to a certain extent.
Philipsburg:--- On March 10th and 11th a delegation from UNICEF was in Sint Maarten to have preliminary discussions with Government and non Governmental Organizations regarding the implementation and monitoring of the Convention on the rights of the Child.
UNICEF advocates for the protection of children's Rights of the United Nations.
The visit was coordinated by Mrs. Shermina Powell Senior Policy Officer of the Section Youth Affairs and drs. Angela M. Dekker Project Manager Innovations of the Department of Educational Research Policy and Innovation.
During their visit the delegation had meetings with, Commissioner of Education Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams and Heads of the Departments of Education, Health, DERPI, Social Cultural Development as well as the NGO's such as SIFMA, Youth Council, representatives of the foster homes and the Schools for "undocumented" children.
A visit was made to one of the community schools and Sophia's Camp
The delegation consisted of the Director UNICEF Eastern Caribbean office in Barbados, Director UNICEF South Caribbean, and a senior officer , in Guyana and Senior Programme Officer UNICEF in Holland.
The delegation was pleased with the way the different organizations are working on meeting the requirements of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
They are willing to give their technical support in the areas where Sint Maarten needs that.
This will be discussed with the Governmental and non-Governmental organizations.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, says she fully supports 2009 Childfest and encourages the community especially parents to partake in the Family Fun Day event which will take place on March 15 at Port de Plaisance.
A Red Carpet Gala Dinner and Silent Auction will also be held on March 14 at Rock house Restaurant, Port de Plaisance, in an effort to raise US$100,000 for intellectually challenged and needy children and youth in St. Maarten.
"I would like to commend the organizers for holding what will be the third Childfest event. The fest provides an opportunity for children to become directly involved in arts activities and presentations and is both educational and entertaining in its nature," Commissioner of Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS).
There will be a wide variety of activities this year such as Jumping castles, categorized by age group; Pony rides; Petting zoo; Quad rides for adults and children; Boat charters which will offer brief lagoon cruises; Clay sculpting; Magician show; Clown entertainment; Little princess parlour, where girls can get pampered; Masssage parlour for adults; a tattoo artist; Photo booth for on site photo development; Balloon and artist face painting.
Last year the event raised US$86.700 which went to The Help Our Children Foundation, Special Olympics Foundation St. Maarten, Crystal Children's Home, UJIMA Foundation, and University of St. Martin Hospitality programme.

Philipsburg:---Sundial School will be launching its 5th Annual Drugs and Violence Prevention Week Program for 2009. We believe that behavior change occurs when students gain information about the risks and benefits of certain behaviors, form attitudes based on that information, adopt positive norms and bond with positive individuals and institutions, and learn behavioral skills. Bonding results from having opportunities to participate, skills for participation and recognition for involvement. Our objectives include (but is not limited to) reducing intentions to engage in risky behaviors in schools; teaching resistance/coping skills through interactive methods; teaching important life skills such as anger management and conflict resolution; helping students to be better prepared to deal with the challenges of life; fostering pro-social bonding to school and community; teaching social competence and resistance skills that are culturally and developmentally appropriate; promoting anti-violence social norms and values; helping students be violence and crime free; and promoting respect, tolerance and safety.
During our prevention program students will engage in school community service and façade restoration by removing and erasing the gang-related graffiti and obscenities exposed on the school property as a means of improving the school climate and environment. Students who personally volunteer will be rewarded. Other students will be invited to paint a peace mural.
Our week long program will then culminate with a mini-concert on Friday, March 20, 2009 highlighting a number of fun-filled activities; Behavior Motivation Awards Prize Giving Ceremony; drug/violence-free rap, drama, speech, poetry. The PTA is invited. There will also be a peaceful remembrance of Stanley Gumbs who was brutally taken from us too soon. A prominent feature will be a domestic violence T-shirt Art Clothes Line-Exhibition, honoring our mothers who traditionally wash clothes, raising consciousness and communicating non-verbally to victims that they are not alone . Every student who cares about a woman decorates her/his own shirt and it is a testimony to their experience. Each category of abuse is assigned a different message. The Suggested Color Code is WHITE is for women who have died of violence; YELLOW or BEIGE for women who have been battered or assaulted; RED, PINK, or ORANGE for women who have been raped or sexually assaulted; BLUE or GREEN is for women survivors of incest or child sexual abuse; PURPLE or LAVENDER for women attacked because of their sexual orientation. BLACK is for women attacked for what they believe. It is a voice for those who want to tell but don't want to talk.
Recognizing your commitment to eradicating youth crime and domestic violence we, therefore, kindly invite you cover our mini-concert program and exhibition on the 20th of March. We look forward to hearing from you and your commitment to participating in our program.
Phillipsburg: ---Judges on St Maarten will have an opportunity to hone their skills this weekend as Eric Taylor popularly known as Pink Panther will be on St Maarten to conduct a Calypso judging workshop.
Personal invitations have been sent to approximately fifteen (15) persons customarily involved in judging both Junior and Senior Calypso competitions over the years. In addition, all Calypsonians are also being encouraged to attend the workshop.
According to one of the workshop coordinators, Rolando Tobias, the main purpose of the workshop is to elevate the standard of judging calypso competitions on the island. "We wanted to have all judges and Calypsonians exposed to the same training, so that there is a better understanding of what is expected in judging Calypso"; Tobias stated. The judging workshop is being held one week prior to the 2009 Senior Calypso eliminations. The Senior Calypso eliminations are scheduled for Saturday March 28th at the Celebration Palace. Out of the pool of judges, members will be selected randomly to function as judges for the Junior and Senior Calypso competitions at future Carnivals.
Tobias informed that there is still space for about 5 persons who have had experience in judging in the past on St Maarten and who would really want to increase their knowledge. Interested persons may contact Rolando Tobias, Toontje Buncamper of Funk Gumbs. The Calyspo judging workshop will be held on both Saturday and Sunday at the John Larmonie Center from 11.00am to 6.00pm on both days.

Philipsburg: --- Denisia Martimbor or "Lil Blossom" as she is known on the stage made a presentation of her first CD to the principals of the Sr. Marie Laurence school yesterday morning. Lil Blossom said on behalf of my family I would like to make this presentation to the Catholic School Board and Principals of all Catholic Schools. The CD has a positive message which would be useful for my peers.
'Denisia Martimbor" also known as 'Lil Blossom" launched her first CD at Don Froston's concert "music in me" on Sunday March 8th at Maho Convention center. Lil Blossom is 10 years old and she is a student of the St. Dominique Primary School.
She began singing from age of four says her proud mother. Last year Lil Blossom graced the stage for the first time in competition for the junior Calypso show, with a song written by Calypso Barbara entitled "your behavior determines your future". Her performance was great, much to the liking of Calypso Barbara that she decided to write another song for her entitled "Don't grow up too soon". When we got the song from Barbara we decided to record it because we believe the song can be a hit." Says her mother Joanne Martimbor Lewis.
Anastasia Larmonie arranged the recording which was done at Roger Israel's studio in Trinidad, she said another idea was born to do a video clip of the song, and they did the clip which was shown at the launching of the CD. The song sends a positive message to youths to follow the correct path by sticking to the rules and regulations and take time to grow up. Lil Blossom is a member of the Methodist Church Choir and Anastasia Larmonie youth choir. Its cross over jazz. Her CD is available at Methodist Church book store, from Angie Pantophlet at PJD2 radio, Denisia's dad Denisio "Master D" Martimbor or her mom Joanne Martimbor Lewis. The general public is asked to support this young entrepreneur.
Marigot: --- The Secretary of State for the Overseas Territory Yves Jego is expected to visit St. Martin this Thursday. SMN News understands that Jego will be arriving at 5:30 pm Thursday at L' Esperance Airport and he is expected to spend at least three days on the island.
The Secretary of State is visiting the island on a working visit. So far there has been no confirmation from the Sous Prefecture about the visit, however, civil servants from the COM has been busy calling certain persons in the community to invite them to a cocktail party while a meeting is scheduled with the Territorial Council.

Philipsburg: --- State Secretary of Health George Pantophlet wants to know who has a building permit for the sanitary landfill (garbage dump) in Philipsburg. Pantophlet said he is not referring to the people that are living next to the dump but instead he is talking about the building permit for the dumpsite.
The site is not only expanding but it is also becoming a high rise. The State Secretary for health said very soon people and visitors on St. Maarten would only see garbage and not the homes and businesses that are located on the dump. He said the new administration building in close proximity will be filled with hundreds of civil servants and persons who visit the building seeking information.
Pantophlet said he wants to if the island government or sector health care took the time to see what kind of health risk these civil servants would be exposed to.
Secondly he wants to know what type of garbage is allowed to be dumped at that site. We have had complaints about batteries and other chemicals being dumped at the site in the past. The State Secretary for health said he wants to know what kind of controls is done at the site. The persons now suffering the most from this problem are the ones living on the dump site.
The only benefit they have if you can call it one is that they might not have to pay for garbage collection because it is right next door. They are at risk, they don't have proper housing, running water, water drainage and a sewage system is non existent. It is time to look at the infrastructure at the dump site. A survey has to be carried out giving a figure indicating how many persons are living there. It is time for roads to be paved, proper water drainage, electricity among others. Pantophlet said he thinks it is critical that the hygiene department be provided with the necessary staff and equipment to do regular control. And this brings some questions to mind: Such as when was the last time that the water in the salt pond was tested? What were the results? If outside expertise is needed then this should be acquired providing we don't have it in house. There was a time when you could talk about flu virus seasons but apparently in our out of seasons the flu virus is around. This means climate and environmental changes. The sanitary landfill must be controlled.

Marigot: -- Three female passengers of an Atos were severely injured on Thursday night on the Bellevue main road. The accident occurred somewhere around 10:30pm while the gendarmes and emergency services took over half an hour to respond to the scene.
Bystanders at the accident scene told SMN News that the perpetrators of the accident hit the Atos from behind injuring all three of the occupants. The vehicle that hit the car was nowhere to be found. On the ground was one of the victims who were not responding to those in the immediate area. Another victim is said to have a broken finger.

In the meantime the gendarmes are calling on all eyewitnesses to the accident to come forward with whatever information they may have. A press release from the gendarmes stated that at least four persons that were in the vehicle are seriously hurt and was transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.

Philipsburg- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, described her meeting with a delegation from the Meteorological Service of the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba as a success. "We had a fruitful meeting where I was informed about the numerous duties and the staffing of the St. Maarten Met Branch. An overview of the St. Maarten operation and the improvements made since June 2008 was presented," Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
The meeting that took place between Acting Chief of the St. Maarten Met Office Eugenio and Director Albert Martis, Commissioner Buncamper, Sector Director of Economic Affairs Miguel De Weever and Senior Advisor to Commissioner Buncamper Ruth Boyrard-Brewster, was held to discuss the requirements for the establishment of the National Meteorological Service for St. Maarten.
Commissioner Buncamper added that since the responsibilities of the Central Government meteorological service will be transferred to the Island Territory as of July 1, 2009, the Island Territory is busy preparing for the transfer.
The transfer of tasks and responsibilities is based on the November 24, 2008 agreement that was signed between the Island Territory and the Central Government.
St. Maarten will receive the responsibilities from the Federal Government with the exception of those related to conventions and international agreements. As was suggested earlier, during the video conference between the Council of Ministers and the Executive Council of St. Maarten, a platform will be established that will further work out the transfer of the meteorological services scheduled for July 1st.
The Commissioner pointed out that this will be a good platform where knowledge and experience will be exchanged among the islands, enhancing the understanding regarding management and the international affairs of a National Meteorological Service. Furthermore management of the Met office offered the commissioner the possibility to send students and personnel for additional training and preparation in Curaçao if needed.
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus stated that she welcomed the work that has been done during the past months and commends the new director for giving St. Maarten's branch office more attention. The commissioner emphasized that work will continue to explore the options of making St. Maarten a full fledged Meteorological Center which undoubtedly will have alliances with other Met offices including the future Curacao establishment.
"Our point of departure which is also shared by Director Albert Martis is that we assume the responsibility ourselves, this is the case for all Central Government services and where we are unable to or if it is more feasible to work with others, not excluding country Curacao, we will do so. But it must be understood that St. Maarten must build its own services, improve and increase its own knowledge base, in this specific case offer career prospects in meteorology.
"In other words St. Maarten must embrace this constitutional reform process to equip its own people to handle its own affairs. St. Maarten has the chance now to create job opportunities for St. Maarten people, students studying abroad, like Joel Pierre, in jobs that fall within the middle and high income bracket, hence settling to purchase services from others will not bring us to that level," Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
The service according to Martis and Commissioner Buncamper provided by the Netherlands Antilles Meteorological Service in which the observers of the St. Maarten's branch office gather local information and disseminate meteorological products, is of good quality. However the building on St. Maarten which houses the dependence has not been able to function independently, thus remaining dependent on the main office in Curacao. In addition, for years moneys requested to be placed on the Central Government budget were repeatedly removed leaving the building and as a result the working conditions in a deplorable situation.
But there is good news as equipment has been renewed and after eleven years the radar Doppler has been returned to St. Maarten after being damaged during the hurricane in1998. While not yet erected the work has started for the radar to be put in place within the coming months. As St. Maarten would like to consider establishing a full fledged Met Service, requirements were discussed to be able to perform the additional duties. These requirements include the qualification for operational meteorologists, the meteorological technicians, management personnel and housing of the Service.
Also the concept of cost recovery for meteorological services was considered as a mean to generate revenue for the Service.
In the concluding remarks the Commissioner stated that although St. Maarten will continue the process of setting up a National Met Service, there will be always a way of cooperation with other Met Services, especially within the Kingdom, to ensure the quality of meteorological services for the general public and the relevant sectors of St. Maarten.
SIMPSON BAY -The Princess Juliana International invested close to $850, 000 to construct a new fisherman's wharf in Simpson Bay. Reasons behind the investment are the fact the old jetty had to be removed to make space for the rerouting of the Airport Road, which would enable PJIAE to create safety zone at both ends of the runaway.
Aviation Commissioner Sarah Wescott Williams place the first pile in place paving the way for the construction of the wharf.
Airport president Drs. Eugene Holiday said that the project is "a critical step towards the realization of the required extension of the runway to allow for the introduction of the mandatory runway end safety areas."
The airport will put out a tender for the work on these safety-zones of 150 meters at each end of the runway within the next few months, Holiday explained. St. Maarten will be one of the few regional airports to meet this international aviation standard, the president added.
Contractor MNO Vervat managed to win the bid for the project, which consists of the demolition of the existing Simpson Bay fishermen's wharf, driving sheet [piles to construct bank protection, filling the area with excess sand and constructing the new jetty. ICE did the engineering of the project.
MNO Vervat managing director Jeroen Grootenhuis said that his company expects to complete the work within the four months it agreed upon, "and possibly quicker."
Once the construction of the new jetty is complete, in early August, work will start on "rerouting the existing airport road along the southern, eastern, and northern shorelines of the filled in land," Holiday said. The rerouting of the road creates the space for the runway end safety areas.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams said that the safety-zones are important, because by creating them, the airport will meet international standards.

Philipsburg: -- The recent island council debate on the issuance of building and hindrance permits was just an eye opener compared to the reality of what is really taking place on St. Maarten and who are the ones that stand to benefit in the building boom.
While the economy maybe booming and the present recession may not be affecting as much as it is around the world.
The shack in this first photograph shows that the person or persons that are living in this shack is hardly making it even though working a full time job. Worst of all it seems as though the inspectors at ROB has not seen this home which has no utilities, and sanitary provisions. The makeshift step calls for real concern if these persons are to be rescued from any type of natural disasters.
Not very far away is the construction of a massive home which is built directly on the retaining walls another catastrophe waiting to happen in case of hurricanes. One would believe the inspectors who inspected this building would question the density as well as parking space since the building has four floors. Sources told this media house a building permit is yet to be issued for the building that however, could not be confirmed.
While further down the road in St. Peters are two major Shanty Towns one known as the Spanish Shanty Town and the other the Haitian Shanty Towns. Already in 1995 the island government had the ROB destroyed several of these shacks due to the fact they cannot withstand a hurricane but over the past 14 years the director of ROB who lives not far away has turned a blind eye on the reconstruction of these shacks on government owned land. This of course annoys many locals since they have to go through government bureaucracy to add another bedroom to their home.
Driving down LB Scot Road in the vicinity of Dollison Drive is another concern since several illegal buildings were constructed without the necessary building permits, yet the homeowners who are all foreigners managed to get documents from government departments to obtain water and electricity from GEBE. Among these buildings is a three story building that belongs to the present director of ROB Joseph Dollison. While Dollison sure do have his permit in place, there is a huge question of parking for his three story building. Neighbors in the area said Dollison was on their case when they were building. He even threatened to issue a building stop to a local family whom he said did not have sufficient parking space.
Driving round St. Maarten (Dutch side) can be done within minutes if the traffic permits, but taking a closer look at the concrete boom then one really has to question if those at Public Works (ROB) are doing what they are supposed to do or if they are actually doing what they are paid to do. Is it those that pay first are being served first or it is the other way around first come first serve? Is the million dollar question for our elected officials to answer?
Getting into Cay Hill there are two buildings, one that has no building permit yet there is electricity and water connected to building, how the owners did get that done is still a mystery.
The other building sure does have several extensions to which there is no permit. But knowing who the owner of the property is already tells the story of who did what. While just on top of Cay Hill is this beautiful home with three floors, the density of the area should come under questioning not withstanding there is absolutely no parking but no one so far did anything.
There is another unfinished building with countless floors in Cay Hill that it is understood has no building permit and the extension of the building is far from finish.
Getting across the hill in Cay Hill, is the Ice Factory that to date has no building permit. This factory is located next to the Cay Bay cemetery and not too far away from GEBE power plant. Is there a hindrance permit for the factory? is the next big question that no one wants to answer since the owner is local and someone who ran behind the island government for years for the necessary permits and to date it has not being granted.
This media house understands the owner of the Ice factory had enough and he eventually built his factory which is operational without the necessary legal documents.
Not far way is another concrete jungle that has to be questioned. The building which stands just behind a Chinese restaurant on Union Road has hundreds of shacks that are being rented out to foreigners some of them hardly have proper access to the place they call home. Not so far away there is a home that is presently under construction without the necessary permits. When confronted by this reporter the response we get is "I am from here".
The most outrageous of all these buildings is the Border Bar located in Oyster Bay. The number of floors from the road is not visible however this reporter managed to count at least five floors while no one can tell how many rooms are being built at this exotic club. SMN News understands that the owner of this property did not even apply for a building permit. While they maybe in position of a building permit for the previous building there was none officially granted for the extensions. The concerns of this building seem hazardous since the construction looks shabby, not sufficient parking knowing the type of business that is at the location.
While the few photographs we show you here would enlighten our readers as to what is really happening in society one would beg to know who is really in charge of all this lawlessness. If the director of ROB somehow is not doing his job, then what happens to the commissioners who are driving around St. Maarten like everyone else? Most importantly one wonders what is the role of the Lt. Governor who is suppose to make sure law and order is respected on St. Maarten. Does the governor ask about these gigantic buildings that he did not sign a permit for or is he turning a blind eye to the reality of what is happening on the island? Is he capable or have the strength to deal with what is before him and when would he really act is indeed the million dollar question.
In this series we focused on some of the smaller buildings but in our follow up SMN News will surely bring you the images of those that belong to the real monsters. "The developers."

Cole Bay: --- Education Minister Omayra Leeflang was faced with a number of questions from the Suriname delegation who are part of the tripartite parliamentary meeting yesterday. Leeflang gave a presentation on compulsory education which is already in effect in Curacao and other islands of the Netherlands Antilles as St. Maarten is working on its implementation for the next school year. Compulsory Education in the Antilles is from age 4 to 18 while in Suriname it's from seven to fourteen.
The Suriname delegation posed questions concerning the early age bracket for compulsory education in the Antilles as well as the synchronization of the different languages to be taught in schools. Leeflang said the islands can learn from each other particularly Suriname since that country has more than one language while Dutch is taught in schools only. She said that is the case in point for the Antilles since all administrations will remain in Dutch when the islands are dismantled.
The Minister also gave a presentation on obesity which is affecting Curacao and the other islands in the Antilles. The Minister already launched a few programs where she is calling on everyone from nursery to university as well as the elderly to begin "moving their act". The programs and or laws are named "Antilles on the move" she said the idea is to make sure the people begin taking responsibility for their health since they need not wait for government to pay for these programs. She said if a person move at least half an hour a day can change their lifestyle and help eliminate obesity.
Philipsburg: -- Members of RST arrested two persons suspected to be involved in the murder of Stanley Orlando Gumbs whose body was found in a car in front of Fefe's Bar in Sucker Garden.
The two suspects were taken to Saba and Statia respectively on Tuesday afternoon where they would be held pending the investigation said Prosecutor Rienk Mud. Mud said he cannot and would not be releasing anymore information on the ongoing investigation since he does not intend to jeopardize his case. He said the investigation into this murder is a very serious case and every effort has to be made to solve it.
Presently there are three persons in custody that is suspected to be involved in the brutal killing which took place on March 31 2008.
Just two weeks ago the Prosecutor office called on members of the community to come forward with information that would lead to the arrests of the suspects since other witnesses had stated they had seen a white jeep like vehicle leaving the area shortly after the shots were fired.

Sucker Garden: -- Relatives and friends of the late Sydney Wathey gathered at the royal funeral home where they celebrated the home going of their husband, father, uncle, and brother.
Among the mourners were his nephew commissioner Theo Heyliger. Several persons among them dignitaries paid their last respect to the family. The late Siddy passed away on Friday after battling cancer on two occasions.

Philipsburg: -- Managing Director of the GEBE William Brooks has refused to answer questions pertaining to the ongoing dispute with the union and management of the company. SMN News posed questions to Brooks yesterday during a press conference called by the company to launch its new website.
"I called this press conference to deal with the launching of our website and I will not answer any questions pertaining to the union and the workers today." In a follow up response he said he would invite the media to another press conference where he would be able to answer their questions".
Giselle Dirckx-Williams the Corporate Communications Officer said the team that put together their new website has been working on the site for over one year and they deserve undivided attention so that they can get the credit they deserved. She said it is unfortunate that the two issues are happening at the same time, but the press conference was called to deal with the launching of their website and nothing else.
After the press conference members of the media were invited to have a toast with the team.
Workers of GEBE are at odds with management whom they say have refused to live up to their Collective Labor Agreement signed since 2006.
The workers via their Union already gave management of the company an ultimatum and only Thursday night a general meeting with the workers and United Federation Union was held.
It was decided during that meeting that all workers of the utility company would gather at the company's main office where they would demand their salary increase. The UFA already made clear that their members would not be going on strike on Monday instead they would be going to demand what is rightfully theirs as well as answers from their boss.
Workers of GEBE are due to a 10% increase in their salaries since 2006 as well as a 2% cost of living adjustment.
Management of GEBE had to come with an appraisal based on work performance which had to be conducted at the end each year which would be basis for the increase, however management has failed to live up to its responsibility since 2006. According to the well placed source GEBE had to compensate its workers with a 5% increase on their salary at the end of 2006 since they failed to meet the obligations of the CLA drafted by the United Federation Union.
The source said in 2007 management of GEBE tried to prepare an appraisal but failed to include the appeals committee which is obligatory and the salary scales structure. The latter was not even presented to the Union. It is said the reason why management of GEBE is withholding the document is simply because they have not lived up the 5% penalty the previous year.
This appraisal did not finish on time which caused the company to be in default and liable by 5% to all its employees for a second year. It is said that without the salary scale the union is not able to make comparisons neither can it monitor the growth of its members. The source said since the appraisal was incomplete the workers of GEBE refused to sign the proposed half finish document.
The employee said that they are peeved because it has been three years now and to date management of GEBE is not making an effort to live up to the CLA and this affects the employees pension funds which is adjusted during the first month of each year. Even if the increases are paid later in the year the workers still stand to loose in their pension for one whole year, however this has been happening for the past three years and there is nowhere to know when management would live up to its obligations.
The source said the last time workers of GEBE got their cost of living adjustment was in 2005 and so far management is not addressing the issue.
It is understood that the Staff Union the ASWI has begun a signature drive where they got over 80% of their membership to endorse the union since management refused to meet with them saying they are not representing the majority of the workers. To do so the union needs to have 51% of the workers as their members.
It is also said that the ASWI was forced to call in the Federal labor mediator since management has failed to meet with them on a number of occasions to sign a collective labor agreement. The source said management is stonewalling the ASWI since they still cannot meet the demands of UFA. Another concern for the workers is that they need to know which of the employees fall under the UFA and which ones fall under ASWI. It is understood that workers position on the job and or his salary is what decides which union he or she falls under and since they are denied the salary scale and structure they are not able to say who their members are.

Maho: -- The largest police recruitment ever done in the Windward Islands will be launched today in front of the Philipsburg Police station. At a press conference yesterday Chief Inspector Carl John calls on the general public to attend the recruitment drive since it will be Bing bang affair.
He encouraged parents to come out and join the force since they are needed.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran made a special appeal to the people of Saba, Statia and St. Maarten saying that he know that his people have the talents, the desire and the qualification to do better than the police but because of the circumstances and the bad shape of the organization it is difficult for them to perform under these circumstances.
He said the police officers are willing and they have recognized that it is their business and due to this fact they have decided to take ownership so they can move forward.
Recruitment agent Jefta Alberto Maltiha said the Central government made some Naf. 300, 000 to 350, 000 to their disposal for the drive which will last six months in all three of the islands. She also called on all persons living on these islands to come out and join the police force. Maltiha said the campaign is massive and they would be recruiting at least 35 persons for all sections. The focus they said will be placed on the younger candidates during the first campaign since the police are in need of police cadets between the ages of 18 to 35.
The intention of the KPSSS is to use all the local media, the movies and billboards and brochures which include giveaways to create he campaign will take place in two sections within the six month period. an intense awareness. She said the police is doing it's very best to strengthen its force so that they can offer better protection to the people of the islands. She called on those in the community to join the police force and serve their country.
Police cells to be completed by year end--- Information Session held.
Minister of Justice David Dick said he already see the difference in the local police force. He said while there these differences are small it has to be recognized. Dick said when he entered the police station he can see lights and the cleanliness of the building. He said that the police officers at Simpson Bay saw it was necessary to repaint the outpost and they did by themselves and did not wait on him to get it done. Dick said with these little things he already realized that the Chief of Police has taken the initiative to hold the information session which he fully supports.
Dick said they discussed several issues during the one day meeting. Those issues are financial, human resources, policing housing, office spaces and finances and issues relating to IT.
He said focus is being placed on human resource management and IT since he needs to move the police from a non digital world to a digital world. Dick said since the police force on St. Maarten had no IT experience the changes have created a greater impact on the staff.
Asked when the police cells will be completed Dick said it should be completed by the end of the year. He said while construction will take three months the administrative bureaucracy that has to be completed before the actual construction can take place.

Philipsburg- Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, would like to congratulate the 21 Calypsonians who took part in Saturday night's Calypso Eliminations at Celebration Palace, especially Isidore "Mighty Dow" York who secured the highest points in the Calypso Finals, claiming the number one position in the line-up of the 10 Calypsonians.
"I look forward to the finals on April 27 which is expected to be aired throughout the Caribbean. I appreciate the effort made by all involved for bringing calypso to new heights on the island.
"This cultural art form was down, but Saturday evening was a demonstration of it not being down and out, but very much alive and well.
"I look forward to our young people also getting more involved as calypso certainly is part of our culture and its continued growth can only be secured by the participation of the nation's youth. One must have an appreciation for our calypso music and I look to the elders to help train the young ones who show interests in carrying it on," Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation requested The Sky is the Limit Foundation to organize the Calypso Eliminations. The organizing committee of the Sky is the Limit Foundation is Funk Gumbs, Rolando Tobias, Dave Woods and Claudius Buncamper.
Windward Islands Airways International N.V. (Winair) has announced that its planned closure of the Nevis route will not go ahead as it had initially announced some weeks ago. This was the disclosure made by the airline's Managing Director, Edwin Hodge earlier today noting that after several days of fruitful discussion with the Nevis Island Administration an agreement has been reached to keep the operations in Nevis ongoing.
"Maintaining a reliable, scheduled air link between Nevis and St. Maarten is in the best interest of the island and the people of Nevis, especially in the present world economic climate," said Premier and Minister of Tourism on Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry. "Our objective was to maintain St. Maarten as a gateway to Nevis for international travelers while providing the opportunity for Nevisians to travel to St. Maarten for a day trip. This we have achieved and I'm sure that the mutually beneficial relationship, between Nevis and Winair, will continue into the future," said the Premier.
Nevis was initially slated to form part of the company's four routes that was slated to have been disconnected due to a number of reasons among them being low passenger rate and rapidly growing operational costs which was putting continuous strain on the airline's finances. However, immediately after announcing plans that Nevis was expected to be cut, the government of Nevis approached Winair with a view of salvaging the destination. Dominica was closed on March 1st while Tortola and St Kitts had their last flight on March 29th.
"The attempts and efforts made by the Government of Nevis demonstrate the excellent and long term relationship that both Winair and Nevis has shared over the years. Therefore, I commend Premier Parry and his team of officials for their efforts and significant work in saving the route as they understand the importance that Winair has been playing within the community," Hodge said.
He thanked the Premier and others for the work that was executed in ensuring that an agreement could be reached between both parties thus ensuring that both sides are happy with the outcome of the negotiation.
The company's MD pointed out that the airline has been able to establish a number of interline agreements with some of the world's major carriers. Among them being Delta, United, Northwest, air Canada and Air France which he noted will be able to connect passengers to St Maarten via Nevis.
"Winair provides a perfect platform for the growth and continued development of tourism in Nevis as it serves the island as a springboard for many tourists and visitors attempting to connect with some of the world's top airlines. We see a win win situation with the input that the NIA (Nevis Island Administration) administration has done and commend them for jumping immediately on board as it is their vision which has brought the level of success that we are already enjoying," he stressed.
Hodge added that the continuation of the service to Nevis uninterrupted represents a deep level of commitment and intimate relationship that both Nevis and Winair experiences.
"The depth and worth of our intimate relationship has been tried and tested and I am happy to say that the relationship that both NIA and Winair experiences is inseparable, I trust that we (Winair) will continue to deliver as the expectations are very high," Hodge promised.
Hodge pointed out that his airline's operates a cargo and express pack service to the sister island urging the public to take full advantage of this service. "it is widely known that our cargo and express pack service is the cheapest as we recognize the urgent and pertinent need of such a service., therefore, I am happy to add that we will also continue this service as we seek to strengthen and cement further the excellent relationship that we already have with the people of Nevis," he concluded.
Winair began service to the island of Nevis in 1962 and has had uninterrupted service ever since.
Philipsburg;--- The Police Department is busy investigating a stabbing incident which took place early Thursday morning. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said a man was stabbed at the Shell Gas station at Madame Estate. On arrival of the patrol, a man J.B. Haiti (24) was found bleeding from stab wounds at the gas station. He was transported by ambulance to the St. Maarten Medical Center. Police believe jealousy might have been the cause of the stabbing. According to reports the suspect kicked and punched the victim J.B. in the face and then stabbed him in both arms. Suspect is known and police are investigating the cause of the incident.
The department is also investigating another stabbing. On Wednesday night, police were called by eye-witnesses, reporting a fight on the A. Th. Illidge road in the vicinity of Micro Device and whereby one of the fighters was stabbed. On arrival at the scene the patrol did encounter neither suspect nor the victim. The area was searched by the patrol and a man who was behaving suspicious was arrested. During body search a bloody knife was found on the suspect and later admitted that he had fought and stabbed his friend and that the friend had gotten a lift. Police could not locate the victim at his home neither at the St. Maarten Medical Center. So far police has no traces of the injured man.
The suspect was from the Dominican republic and was residing illegally on the island and is now pending deportation.
By Rawle Nelson.
Airport:---Responding to rumors and reports that the planned layoffs at Winair and the closure of three of its routes is a sign of the end for the company, Managing Director of Winair, Edwin Hodge, the company planned layoffs and restructuring as well as renegotiated terms and conditions with suppliers to reduce overall cost thus keeping the company viable Hodge dismissed the reports as unfounded and an attempt to instill fear and uncertainty about the airline adding that the airline's operation is still very solid.
"We at Winair like other companies believes that with growing challenges that efficiency and effectiveness is of paramount importance thus we have sought to offer our customers better service," he said.
Hodge noted that what is being seen is critical as various companies deal with upturns and downturns thus dismissing the view that his company is the only such company that has been scaling back on finances. "
Hodge pointed out that for some time the r destinations; St Kitts, Nevis and Tortola were border line, but due to reduction in travel the routes were not offering any financial viability, therefore the reason to cease operations to these destinations.
However, the Government of Nevis came forward to share the risk with Winair to ensure the long standing relationship between Nevis and Winair continues.
Looking at our cost structure and the Global economic climate the Winair Managing Director noted that the company had to cut certain routes whilst cutting cost by way of doing business differently, staff and other operational cost so as to make their airline viable. "We will continue to be an airline alive and competitive, but in restructuring and enhancing services certain decisions and changes has to be made if any real progress is going to be achieved," he said.
Hodge reiterated that the current global financial crisis has created effect on the company is seeking to reconsolidate on what they currently have in an effort to reduce overall cost whilst enhancing the overall service offered by the airline.
Hodge admitted that the routes that were closed were not producing optimally and now compounded by the global financial crisis forced his airline to end those routes. "While we have been a long serving service provider to St Kitts we had seen a significant drop in passenger travel over the past several months but we had kept the operation going with the view of arriving at an arrangement with the government so as to assist in cushioning the losses that we were experiencing," he noted.
When questioned about his layoffs, Hodge admitted that as part of the restructuring, he has to layoff some workers. When questioned about St. Kitts and Tortola Hodge also expressed the view that he had extensive negotiations with Tortola, however the negotiations did not yield any results that the airline will continue, however the negotiations did not yield the continuation of the route at this time, however there is a possibility to return to the table. As for St. Kitts no negotiations took place, however the doors are not closed on St Kitts.
"It is a possibility that the situation in St Kitts will be resolved, but cannot say at this time how long it will take. I am not sure.
Winair core business will St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Barths, Montserrat, Barbuda and Nevis,
Hodge added that what is being experienced within the world today will create its own challenges but I can assure the public that Winair has a solid and positive plan which they can take comfort in," he added.
Philipsburg:--- In preparation for the annual Easter Monday beach activities, members of the Voluntary Corps of St Maarten (VKS) cleaned up a section of the Mullet Bay beach on Sunday morning. Hurricane Omar left its tracks on and around the beach at Mullet Bay: piles of sand, fallen trees, dead branches, etc. In order to facilitate beach use for residents and visitors the membership of the VKS decided to clean-up the section of the beach that is most popular on Easter Monday. A backhoe was used to level off the mountains of sand left by Omar. The members hauled truck loads of dead branches, trees and other garbage that was left on the beach. It was not feasible to deal with the entire beach area, but one section is clean and easily accessible again.
In the picture VKS members proudly pose after the clean-up in front of the equipment used.
Philipsburg: ---- A case of abduction was reported at Police Head-quarters on Saturday reported Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. Leonard said a 39-year-old man reported to the police that his 67-year-old father had been kidnapped by unknown person(s), during the week-end.
This was ascertain after speaking briefly with his father during a telephone conversation the man told police. On Sunday morning the victim and his son showed up at the station and the victim the 67-year-old man from the Dominican Republic reported that he was held against his will and robbed. He was tied by the suspects and left behind somewhere in the bushes of Belvedere, where he had spent the whole night, without food and water. In the morning hours he was able to free himself and contacted his family. Police are investigating this peculiar case of abduction.
Police is also investigating an armed robbery case which took place Friday morning at the Helena Minimarket on Fort Willem Road.
According to reports two men with their faces covered with panties and armed with a small black handgun entered the Mini Market and searched the place. They robbed the owner of the daily earning of the day, money that she had collected from her Avon clients and money she had put aside to travel on Sunday to the Dominican Republic was reported as stolen.
Police are investigating a case of robbery apparently on Sunday, at around 1:35 am, a man had climbed up to the second floor of a home located in the Pelican area and entered by removing the screen when he was discovered and tried to escape. Friends of the victim ran behind the suspect and caught up with the robber in the vicinity while trying to get away. Police were called to the scene and arrested the man. At the station the suspect a 43-year-old local told police that he resides in Dutch Quarter and is innocent and he was beaten by the persons who apprehended him.
Philipsburg-----Leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams said the St. Maarten delegation is busy preparing to leave on April 16th for the Netherlands where they would be attending meetings with the first and second chamber.
The focus of the meeting will be the constitutional developments, the integrity program in the area of justice and the organization of building country St. Maarten. During the meetings which will be held with members of the First and Second Chambers it is the intention to give information on finances which was in the November 2006 Accord.
During the visit the delegation will be meeting with the students who are studying in Holland to bring them up to date with the developments with regard to the constitutional developments.
The delegation will lead by Commissioner Wescott Williams will consist of the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin, Commissioner Roy Marlin with advisors Joan Duvalle-Meit, Eugene Holiday, Richard Gibson, Xavier Blackman Hero Shugimoto and Kaliela Peters.
While in the Netherlands the team plans to meet with the St. Maarten students studding in the Netherlands.

Marigot: -- First Vice President Daniel Gibbs has officially taken up his position as Acting President in Interim of the Collectivity. Gibbs made the announcement at a press conference yesterday (Tuesday). Gibbs also confirmed that they received information on 10th April 2009 that the State Council has annulled the election of August 7th 2008 based on the pre-printed ballots that was used in the election of Frantz Gumbs. Gibbs said he wants to emphasize that the State Council did not sanction Senator Louis Constant Fleming for any types of misconduct or manipulation when he declared his support for Gumbs to take up the presidential seat he vacated when he was sanctioned in July last year. He said the council also did not retain the suggestion of irregularities with the composition of the executive council and as such it is not because the election of Gumbs is annulled that the executive council has to go also. Gibbs said since they have to re-elect a president they would also re-elect the executive council. Gibbs also acknowledged that so far the UP majority did not receive the official decision from the State Council.
Asked how the UP plans to redeem their credibility with the population since this is the second sanction facing the UP in less than two years. Gibbs said that he never said the work was easy and that he also said the Collectivity is young and that they are learning as they go along. He said the group has committed themselves to continue to work in the interest of the island.
The President Interim said the reason he mentioned this is because he wants to bring an end to any type of suggestion that would relate to such. Gibbs said he does not intend to continue speaking about the decision of the State Council as the law has spoken. He said he intends to manage the island to the best of his ability.
Gibbs said the State Council has a maximum of 30 days to call a territorial council meeting where to elect another president. During this time Gibbs said he has taken the charge of acting president (interim). He said the decision of the State Council has not changed anything and there is no instability on the island. He said each and every person would continue to take up their responsibility of managing the island and the people should not get confused with other information that maybe circulating within the community.
Philipsburg;-- Prosecutor Rienk Mud in an email said four persons were arrested on Wednesday for their involvement in a human smuggling case which took the lives of at least 8 to 12 persons lost their lives.
Mud said in January 2009 a boat sunk near the shores of Anegada (BVI). Probably 8 to 12 people lost their lives in this tragic incident.
The surviving passengers appeared to have lived illegally on Sint Maarten. Leaving Sint Maarten by boat they were hoping to find a new life for themselves elsewhere.
Mud said because of this incident the RST has started an investigation in close cooperation with the authorities in the BVI, the Coastguard, and the Immigration Department, the KPSSS, the Royal Marechaussee and the French authorities.
Three persons were already arrested in this investigation, two of which are still in preliminary detention. He said as the investigation continues four more persons were arrested on Wednesday and there is likelihood that more persons would be arrested in the near future. Based on the delicacy and in the interest of the investigation no further comments would be released on the case.

PHILIPSBURG - St. Lucian born Ausula Nessa Edwards the mother of four who stabbed her landlord Angel Marlin on January 7th has been acquitted on all charges yesterday. The judge ruled that Edwards acted in self defense when she stabbed Marlin a known drug addict who attacked her for monies after he learnt she won in a casino earlier that week.
Judge Smid declares that Marlin approached the defendant for payment of her rent. "An argument followed whereby Angel Marlin became aggressive.
The attacker took a piece of wood and hit the defendant on her leg. At one point the defendant picked up a knife to defend herself against further attacks. The attacker Marlin attacked her, grabbed her by the throat and by the hand in which she held the knife."
Smid states that because of the powerful defense the knife ended up in the upper body of Angel Marlin which resulted in his death. The judge ruled that the defendant Edwards must be released from custody. She already spent over three months behind bars.
Edwards will remain in police custody since she was residing on the island illegally. Her attorney Monique Hoffman is looking into ways in dealing with the deportation since the woman has been residing on St. Maarten for almost twenty years and she also has young children that were born here. Prosecutor Develing had demanded nine years imprisonment. The Public Prosecutor's Office said they would appeal the verdict.
Philipsburg:---On behalf of the students, staff, teachers and administrators at the Sundial School, I would like to congratulate former student, Quincy Turner, a.k.a, "I. Q.", on his exceptional achievement.
This is a well-deserved honor, worthy of emulation. Quincy, a promising past student in the Administration sector at Sundial School, was very committed to his educational development and excellence. We greatly appreciated such an energetic and inquisitive, diligent and clever student, and cherished great hopes that he would achieve big dreams. To no surprise, at the end of his graduation year, he presented an outstanding transcript and portfolio.
No doubt this prestigious award recognizes trendsetters that implement cutting-edge creative ideas and demonstrate clear forward-thinking innovation in addressing consumer demands. This will surely be embraced quickly by the global village and revolutionize how businesses view their needs.
Quincy you have exhibited the ingenuity, foresight, and diligence necessary to cut new paths, push the barriers in the shifting technological landscape, though yet, turbulent, fragile and challenging world economy. The safe development of our world and the future of our country are in the hands of pacesetters like you. You have distinguished yourself as a true innovator. That is truly admirable. Now you can attest that if you do your best and are passionate about what you are doing, others will recognize and celebrate your potential. We are proud of you. Big Up I.Q!
MARIGOT-The Gendarmerie is busy investigating the circumstances of a shooting incident which left a woman injured.
A press release from the gendarmes stated they were called to Rambaud where a woman was found at the side of the road with gunshot wounds. The woman whose life is not in danger was transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital where she is currently being treated.
The gendarmes who were dispatched to the scene managed to apprehend two individuals who are responsible for the shooting. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the shooting.

Philipsburg- Commissioner of Public Health Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, says that the Island Government is closely monitoring the situation that is rapidly developing in Mexico and the United States with respect to an outbreak of a deadly new strain of the flu virus - swine influenza A (H1N1).
Swine flu is a respiratory disease found in pigs. Human cases usually occur in those who have contact with pigs. Human-to-human transmission is rare and such cases are closely monitored.
It is safe to eat pork meat as the swine flu has not been shown to be transmissible through eating properly handled and prepared pork or other products derived from pigs.
Buncamper added that the Island Government is following closely guidelines and recommendations coming from the World Health Organization (WHO) which over the weekend determined that the current developing events constitute a public health emergency of international concern.
The recommendation by the WHO that all countries be on alert and intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia especially if they occur outside the normal flu season, and to note excess cases of severe fatal flu like illness in groups other than young children and the elderly, who are usually at high risk, will also be carried out immediately, Commissioner of Public Health Buncamper confirmed.
Additionally, Commissioner Buncamper will be meeting with the Preventive Health Department and the Department of Hygiene & Veterinary Affairs on Monday to draft a plan of action along with guidelines.
"This is a serious situation. Things continue to develop in Mexico and the United States. This virus is evolving quickly and this means that as Government we have to monitor it on a daily basis. This is a newly emerging infection.
"Local health authorities will be following up with the Federal Government Ministry of Public Health and also working closely with them to determine what other measures will be necessary in the near future," Commissioner of Public Health Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
The outbreak initially started in Mexico affecting more 1000 persons and killing more than 80. The number of cases on Sunday in the U.S. is 20 throughout five states with no fatalities and only one hospitalization.
Health authorities from other countries like New Zealand, France, Spain and Israel are testing some travelers who just recently returned from Mexico with flu-like-illness to determine whether they have the disease.
Additional information will be released to the community with respect to preparedness and response activities by the Island Government and its public health directorate.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Labour Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams says she supports an ILO action plan to address the social and labour consequences caused by the global economic/financial crisis in the region.
The action plan, presented under nine guiding principles, was put forward at the conclusion of a two-day International Labour Organization (ILO) Tripartite Caribbean Conference held in Jamaica.
The Conference was held under the theme, "Promoting Human Prosperity beyond the Global Financial Crisis: Seeking Sustainable Solutions through Social Dialogue."
Deliberations centered on the crisis's impact on employment, sustainable enterprises, decent work, social security, and social cohesion and national stability in the Caribbean.
"The delegates attending the conference have committed to a united internationally competitive and self-sufficient Caribbean community realized through the implementation of sound and socially-sensitive policies that were people-centered, to support social and economic development.
"Emphasis will be placed on social dialogue, mutual respect and partnership in governance, as mechanisms for realizing decent work, human prosperity, social justice, peace and stability," Commissioner of Labour Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
A number of reps from ministries of labour and employers' and workers' organizations from the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, as well as representatives of regional and international organizations, academic institutions and various government institutions and ministries attended the conference.
Philipsburg- Based on an internal meeting that took place on Monday between the Preventive Health Department and the Hygiene & Veterinary Department, residents are being advised to maintain high standards of hygiene in order to avoid getting the flu virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Committee announced on Monday that based on available data on confirmed outbreaks of a deadly new strain of the flu virus - swine influenza A(H1N1) which has not been previously detected in pigs or humans; in Mexico, the United States, Canada and reports of possible spread to additional countries, the WHO has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from the current phase 3 to phase 4.
Level 4 means the virus is showing a sustained ability to pass from human to human, and is able to cause community-level outbreaks. A pandemic flu is a type of influenza that occurs every few decades and which spreads rapidly to affect most countries and regions around the world.
Due to the aforementioned, the Island Government will be mobilizing an Influenza Pandemic Coordination Response Team (IPCRT). A meeting will take place on Tuesday morning which will include a number of government departments who will assess and review the local situation as well as current global developments, WHO recommendations and prepare additional response measures that may be required during the coming weeks.
The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert by the WHO indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.
The WHO is of the opinion that containment of the outbreak is not feasible and the current focus on countries should be on mitigation measures.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease found in pigs. Human cases usually occur in those who have contact with pigs. Human-to-human transmission is rare and such cases are closely monitored.
However, with this new strain, human-to-human transmission is taking place rapidly.
The majority of cases in Mexico where the outbreak first occurred have taken a toll on otherwise healthy young adults. Influenza normally affects the very young and the very old, but these age groups have not been heavily affected in Mexico.
The symptoms of swine flu 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 swine flu.
Most cases of swine flu so far reported around the world appear to be mild, but in Mexico close to 150 people have died.
On Monday Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour based on a recommendation by the WHO to all countries to be on alert and intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia, was also implemented here.
The Preventive Health Department called family physicians on Monday to ascertain if there is an increase in reported influenza-like illness, but there was no indication at this point in time and there are no cases of swine flu on the island.
SLS Lab was contacted to ensure that they have diagnostic testing equipment while contact has been made with the National Epidemiologist on the French side of the island.
"There is no cause for alarm. The Island Government health authorities continue to monitor the rapidly developing situation in the Americas and other parts of the world and will keep the community informed of what precautionary measures are being taken here in the interests of public health," Commissioner of Public Health Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.
Additional information will be released to the community with respect to preparedness and response activities by the Island Government and its public health directorate.
Follow These Recommendations:
Transmission: How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
Prevention: What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands.
Ø Try to stay in good general health.
Ø Get plenty of sleep,
Ø Be physically active,
Ø Manage your stress,
Ø Drink plenty of fluids, and
Ø Eat nutritious food.
Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick (do not sneeze or cough in another's face).
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. 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.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, it is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. Or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. It is recommended that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds.
When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, consult your physician and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to limit the spread of your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA; The CARICOM-CICAD-EU four day Regional Workshop for the Development of National Anti-Drug Strategies and Plans is centered around one key theme - bring about a reduction in the supply and demand of illicit substances, and protect the regions fragile socio-economic structure as the present global economic nightmare continues.
One of the lecturers at the workshop is Mr. John T. Carnevale, who is a public finance economist and an expert in organizational analysis, strategic planning, performance measurement, governmental budgeting, and the U.S. national anti-drug policy.
He says that the sessions conducted to date was to get all of the participants involved to focus on the basic approaches each nation should take in combating the problems of drugs and drug trafficking.
"They have all been very helpful in taking a simplified approach to a very complicated problem so they can at least the ways to debate and discuss how to resolve that problem," Carnevale stated.
He also spoke of the impact of the current global credit crunch and financial meltdown on the fight against the drug problem on the Latin America/Caribbean region.
He is positive that there will be headway made in the fight against drug abuse despite the current financial squeeze Caribbean Governments face.
"There are concerns economies get into trouble because people turn to drugs because they get unemployed so I think more than ever we have to be vigilant about in keeping our prevention and treatment system programmes in place, " he added.
It is expected that much attention will be given to solving the global problem and failure of the economy in strengthening and restoring it to what it was.
However according to Carnevale, "In terms of the drug issue it is important to me that we pay attention to it because I think our political leaders will do so."

Cole Bay: --- Convicted commissioner Louie Laveist plans to resign early next week from the executive council now that there is a verdict in his case which proved him guilty of all five charges prosecutors laid against him earlier this year. Those charges included fraud, forgery, bribery and the hiring of an illegal.
Laveist was convicted to 18 months imprisonment, nine of which are conditional; less time spent behind bars during his pre-trial detention. Laveist must pay a fine of Naf.5,000 or spend 55 days behind bars, with three years probation. The judge also banned Laviest from holding any position in the civil core or any public office even if elected or appointed.
The embattled commissioner received the verdict on Tuesday which left him stunned. It is said the commissioner is expected to meet with the island leader of government sometime over the carnival holidays but no date, time or place has been set for the meeting. Sources said Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams sent a text message to Laveist on Tuesday telling him she was sorry the verdict did not turn out the way he expected it to be. Wescot Williams also stated in the text that she would be meeting with Laveist over the holidays. So far no meeting has taken place but Laveist after discussing with his family has decided to resign early next week and focus on how to deal with his appeal. It is said the embattled commissioner would not give the DP party or the National Alliance the opportunity to file another motion of non confidence against him.
Sources close to Laveist told SMN News that the commissioner has no intention to work around the same crew and that now there is a guilty verdict he would do the honorable thing which is to resign from the executive council. However, the island councilman would not be giving up his seat in the island council.
The source said Laveist and his inner family intends to seek other options within the legal sphere to fight the appeal "It is clear the judge found away to get Laveist out of the Island Council since the ERNA does not have the same provisions as the justice system." The source said. Furthermore, the judge in his ruling has left Laveist jobless for the next five years even though he knows the council man has one child to maintain.
"Right now I believe everyone in government should be holding their heads because it seems as if the Dutch would be using the justice system to get rid of locals. The best thing politicians on St. Maarten can do now is to declare Independence and get out of the Dutch judicial system."
The court found proven that Laveist forged the minutes of the Culture Club Foundation to defraud AMFO of Naf. 22,750. It also found proven that Laveist and his executive assistant Roberto Richardson accepted a bribe from BEMAL NV in the form of two plane tickets to Canada and $10, 000 as he had intended to use his influence as a commissioner to grant the company the contract to furnish the new government administration building.
Also found proven is Laviest accepted $6,000 from Bargains Unlimited to his foundation Culture Club, the judge found that Laveist again used his influence as the commissioner of labor who was responsible for the granting of working permits used his influence to grant the businessman a working permit while there was a moratorium in place. Laviest was also found guilty as an accomplice for a hiring Samuel Boney (Sammy) the barber to work illegally in a barber shop belonging to his sister.
Laveist Verdict is Cause to Reflect.
In a man in the street interview with SMN News several persons in the community is now expressing shock at the verdict handed down against Louie Laveist saying that the judge did not weigh the facts of the case. Some said the case of Louie Laveist was discussed among several judges and it seems as if the verdict handed down was that of an order given from the very top.
One resident who preferred to speak off record said he believed the Dutch wants to send a clear message to the Antilles. They made sure they found a away not to allow a sitting Island Council member go to jail with his seat and come out back with it. "What happened on Curacao with the case of Anthony Goddett would cannot happen again because Goddette went to prison with his Island Council seat and came out with that seat and dictated politics in Curacao." The judges made sure they did not allow that to happen on St. Maarten since Laveist has been dictating politics these last months.
While many are saying that the National Alliance is keen on getting into power or wanting to form coalition or national government with the Democratic Party they have lost sight on the real issue at hand. "All politicians on St. Maarten should come out boldly on Monday morning and declare Independence because they way things are going all politicians are going to be locked up". This is the only way for the Dutch to say no to separate status and if they have to manufacture evidence against anyone they would. Said the angry St. Maarten resident.
So far the leader of government has not made any public statements as to how she would handle the situation regarding Laveist and the executive council.

Philipsburg:--- Information reaching SMN News indicated that several politicians from the two main political parties namely the Democratic Party and the National Alliance have been in discussions since the verdict of Louie Laveist was given last Tuesday.
It is understood that the two main parties are discussing the possibilities of having a national government.
Sources close to the National Alliance said the Democratic Party is in favor of a national government but that does not seem likely. It is said that the two leaders are discussing while commissioner Theo Heyliger is also discussing with members of the National Alliance. SMN News understands that whichever person can pull the majority in the Island Council would be the partners in the so-called National Government. Other sources are claiming that the Democratic Party is looking to see if Laveist would relinquish both seats, his seat as a commissioner as well as Island Council seat, something that seems very much unlikely.

Embattled commissioner Louie Laveist has informed leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams early Saturday morning that he intends to tender his resignation as commissioner as early as Monday. It is said that Laveist would be booking in his letter of resignation with general affairs sometime today. Even though Laveist has decided to maintain his support to the Democratic Party who can now appoint a non politician to the executive council sources say the two political parties are discussing the possibility of coming together.
According to the rules Laveist himself can appoint someone to act in his place as commissioner until he is free from his legal wrangle, but that possibility is not one the Democratic Party would cater to at this time since they seem to be focusing on good governance. Some said Wescot Williams and others have no intention of supporting Laveist even before he was convicted and he is not one of the persons they intend to associate with now that he is convicted on all counts.

So far leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams has not released any statements as to how she intends to move forward.
Efforts made to contact the island leader last night by phone have proved futile up to press time.

Philipsburg: -- Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards, Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran and Jean Illidge laid the wreath at the monument on Captain Hodge Wharf this morning in commemoration of remembrance day. A March and moment of silence was held in respect to those who lost their lives during world war two. The flag was also raised and then brought to half mass in remembrance of the veterans and even those who lost their lives last week during the attack on the Royal family.
Lt. Governor for the island territory of St. Maarten said in a statement to the press that respect and honor must be given to those that fell during World War 2. Richards said it is because of those persons we can now live in a world of democracy since they have sacrificed their lives to make to sure there is democracy. Richards said it because of those that died our rights have been safeguarded which include the rights to communication, freedom of education, religion, and free movement of people all of which he said are very important in a democratic society. He called on the people of St. Maarten to cherish the accomplishments of these fallen soldiers as well as passing it on to the future generation since ones future depends on the freedom of life and democracy.
Richards also said another importance on this day is to recognize the fallen victims who died during the cowardly act that took place on April 30th in the Netherlands. He said seven people has lost their lives including one Antillean are among the dead. Richards also extended sympathy to the family and friends to the Antillean victims while the people of St. Maarten send their prayers to all those families that are suffering because of the attack of April 30th.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said that Remembrance Day is of great importance to the police since it was a fight for freedom. However, he called on the community to turn out and show respect since no one from the community showed up at the Captain Hodge wharf where the ceremony took place. Doran said while people are living in a free and democratic society people seems not to know the pain our forefathers went through as they fight for freedom. Doran sends an appeal to the community for next year ceremony.
Jean Illidge of the Voluntary Korps said several military soldiers has lost their lives during World War 2 and felt that these people should be given recognition and honor.

Philipsburg----The Government Information Service had an interview with the Epidemiologist for the Netherlands Antilles, Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth, who spoke about the current H1N1 virus. The GIS Special will be aired Thursday May 7th on St. Maarten Cable TV on Channel 15 at 6:00pm.
Marsha Gumbs Beauperthuy interviewed Dr. Gerstenbluth on Wednesday afternoon at the GIS Studios and queried him about the details on the previously called Swine Flu, among other related topics.
The Epidemiologist said that the Influenza is no longer called Swine Flu but the "H1N1 virus," that the virus had initial had the name, but this was no longer a correct name to use. Additionally, Dr. Gerstenbluth spoke about what is Epidemiology is.
According to the website Wikipedia, Epidemiology is "the study of factors affecting the health and illness of populations, and serves as the foundation and logic of interventions made in the interest of public health and preventive medicine."
Dr. Gerstenbluth then explained in layman's terms what exactly his tasks is as National Epidemiologist, which encompasses what is the burden of disease on the community, what is the reason for occurrence, what to do to prevent and/or contain an influenza, what can the public do to avoid the sickness, what other factors play a role-a very complicated situation which is well explained.
The readiness of the Netherlands Antilles and of St. Maarten, Dr. Gerstenbluth commented on, and assured that there is no need for panic. There are procedures in place, whereby General Medical Practitioners report on a regular basis any sicknesses to Sector Health Care Affairs, who then processes the information and takes action if necessary.
The GIS Special with Dr. Gerstenbluth is informative and will be aired Thursday May 7th at 6pm on Channel 15.
Marigot: ------The Sous Prefecture of St. Martin in a press release said there have been no confirmed cases of swine flu as was reported earlier. The results from first four patients that were suspected of having the virus has returned negative and has since been released from the hospital.
However, the head of State locally is still awaiting the results of four other persons who are under quarantine but not hospitalized. The patients are said to be hotel workers were in contact with American Tourists who just recently returned from Mexico.
The testing were conducted at the inter-regional center of Epidemiology (WAX) Cayenne has just made its findings of analysis of two samples carried out on two possible cases of influenza known as "swine" are suspected in two residents of St. Barths returning from a cruise in Mexico .
Health services, however, maintain their vigilance about possible cases in Saint-Barthelme, and two other samples taken from patients with symptoms are being analyzed at WAX and four other cases are expected this morning to Cayenne. Note that the persons concerned are not yet hospitalized.
It is recalled the basic guidelines to be followed by residents who are to be remain vigilant.
1. it is asked people to visit a country affected by the new influenza to postpone their trip.
2. Similarly, people returning from a trip to an affected country and presenting symptoms (fever and / or fatigue and or soreness) and respiratory signs (cough and / or difficulty breathing) should contact the Medical Center 15.
3. Simple hygiene measures to limit the spread of germs:
Hand washing is essential. It must be done carefully with soap for at least 30 seconds. It must be repeated in the day, especially after sneezing snuffings and, after passing to the toilet after each contact with a patient. Use tissue paper for single use and throw in a bin with a lid.
In case of drying, sneezing, cough, cough: the flu virus is transmitted by air, especially by respiratory droplets, it is imperative to observe the basic hygiene following:
- Cover your mouth whenever you cough, then wash their hands;
- To cover their nose every time you sneeze, then wash their hands;
- Blowing the nose with tissue paper disposable thrown into a dustbin, if possible, covered with a lid;
- Do not spit in a tissue paper disposable, thrown into a garbage can with a lid.
Within its activity of promotion of the island through the various Caribbean markets, the Tourist office of Saint Martin was present this year at the "Re-discover the Caribbean tradeshow 2009" held in Barbados at Sandiford Conference Center from the 24 to the 25 of April, 2009.
The tradeshow, drains 5000/6000 visitors, professionals, and private businesses and more then 110 exhibitors come from 20 destinations of the Caribbean.
The Saint Martin destination were represented by Mr Gregoire DUMEL, responsible for the regional and local markets who was able to receive several thousands of visitors interested by the destination St Martin as well general public as professionals.
Excellent contacts were tied with the visitors for the summer (July-August). It seems according to the observers that the Caribbean destination, therefore St Martin is perceived more and more like a destination sure and filled of activities and entertainment.
The T.O will multiply their actions of information, communication and promotion of Saint Martin via the travel agencies, the Tours Operators and the media.
We will encourage our partners to regularly promote during the lowest months of the tourist activity. (May, June, October, and November 2009).
The interest for us is to be able to sell and export our events in order to encourage the visitors to come for headlights events.
In conclusion, it is thus a positive assessment and encouraging (more than 60 professional contacts) which Mr. Gregoire DUMEL can draw, Regional manager of the OT, after this tradeshow, as well by the number of visitors as of the professional contacts to gain the battle of the promotion of our island.
Next year we will have a delegation of socio-professional to accompany us and to have a more important impact.
Several U.S. airlines, including Delta Air Lines Inc., Virgin America, AMR Corp.'s American Airlines, Southwest Airlines Co., Alaska Air Group Inc. and UAL Corp.'s United Airlines, are rolling out technology to bring wireless Internet service to hundreds of aircrafts - a move that promises to allow passengers almost continuous access to the Web and email while flying. The nascent services are particularly attractive to frenetic business-class travelers who can't stand being off the email grid for even an hour or two in-flight.
Any carrier that establishes a big head start over rivals could have an advantage in the battle to attract these coveted passengers. The airlines hope revenue from Internet-access fees will cover installation costs, roughly $100,000 per aircraft for the most widely used service, and add to their perennially challenged bottom lines.
The biggest challenge for fliers is finding a flight actually offering Wi-Fi access at all. While a few planes are starting to sport Wi-Fi access, so far, no big carrier has built up an advantage. None of the major airlines can promise which flights offer the service. That means it will be some time before most airline passengers can tell the home office they will be able to keep working midair.
Virgin America, the fledgling discount carrier founded by Sir Richard Branson, is moving fastest out of the Wi-Fi gate, with plans to have all 28 planes outfitted by the end of May. At bigger carriers with exponentially larger fleets, it will take years to outfit all aircraft. Delta, which last year said it would be the first of the major airlines to equip its entire domestic fleet with the service, has Wi-Fi on about 130 aircraft currently and won't be finished equipping all 500 until late next year. American Airlines plans to have as many as 150 of its roughly 600 aircraft Wi-Fi enabled by the end of the year.
Big airlines say they can't guarantee which flights will feature the service because aircraft and schedules are moved around so frequently. "The service will have to be widespread around the fleet" before the airline will promise it to passengers on a particular trip, says American spokesman Tim Smith.
Delta has aggressively publicized the service in recent months - in its in-flight magazine, billboards and some airport advertising - even though it doesn't list which flights actually offer Wi-Fi. On a Tuesday afternoon last month, on Delta Flight 1782 from Atlanta to New York's LaGuardia Airport, there was no indication before boarding that the Boeing 757 was outfitted with Wi-Fi. The Journal had confirmed ahead of time with Delta that the flight that day featured the service, but a regular passenger wouldn't be able to do the same.
The first sign that 1782 had the service was a small decal next to the aircraft door with a Wi-Fi emblem of the sort often posted in coffee shops and hotel lobbies.
Once passengers had boarded, flight attendant Linda Oakes announced over the intercom: "We have our state-of-the-art in-flight access to the Internet on-board." She instructed passengers to read a cardboard flyer located in the seatback pocket, outlining simple instructions on how to log on once the aircraft was airborne and above 10,000 feet. The service, to minimize interference with the aircraft's communications systems, isn't authorized beneath that altitude.
The gist of the directions: Turn on your laptop. (Tip: Your computer must be equipped for wireless access.) Look for the wireless network and connect. Open your Web browser and follow the online steps to pay for the service with a credit card.
Like American, Virgin America, and the service planned by United, Delta uses a system called Gogo, developed by Aircell LLC. The service, which uses land-based cellphone towers for its signal, costs $9.95 for flights under three hours and $12.95 for longer flights. Those with Wi-Fi enabled hand-held devices can log on for $7.95 and the company says it will soon introduce a monthly pass for travelers who expect to use the service often during any given 30-day period.
A rival service provided by Row 44 Inc. uses satellite communications for its signal and is currently being tested by Southwest and Alaska. Prices for that service have yet to be determined.
Most Flight 1782 passengers using Gogo said they found it easy to use and at least as fast as most Wi-Fi spots on land.
"I'll definitely want to know which planes have it and which planes don't," said Scott Brown, an Atlanta-based executive with a Danish technology company, seated just aft of the business-class section. "It makes a big difference to be able to stay busy."
Mr. Brown said he was able to watch live Internet video, send email and do other online tasks without delay. In the next seat, Sean Hill, a marketing executive with an Atlanta-based restaurant chain, said he logged into his company's virtual private network easily. "I can get a lot of work done," said Mr. Hill, justifying the fee he billed to his corporate credit card.
While the system seems easy enough to use for those with hassle-free computers, passengers shouldn't expect flight attendants to stand in for the office IT consultant if they have problems logging on. "We got 20 hours of training on the system," joked Ms. Oakes, the flight attendant, explaining that attendants are merely briefed on the basics of the service, but in fact have little knowledge of any technical issues that could arise.
On another recent Delta flight between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, flight attendants said they didn't know whether Wi-Fi was available and scoffed at the suggestion they help a passenger who was having trouble logging on.
Aircell offers a live chat service with technical-support personnel once customers log on; one customer-service rep said the support center gets over 40 chats per day. But that doesn't do much good for those who can't log onto the network in the first place.
Passengers should also remember that very few commercial airliners currently have power outlets on board in economy class. Airlines are increasingly installing them on newer aircraft, but passengers should charge up laptops to be on the safe side.
Another concern is security. This week, Netragard LLC, a network-security company, said its testers were able to intercept data from the Gogo service. "It is extremely easy for a hacker on board to intercept and record all data sent and received by passengers," the company said in a statement. Aircell in a statement said data sent via Gogo "is as secure as any public Wi-Fi hotspot in a hotel, airport or coffee house."
(ETN)
Philipsburg: --- The Chamber of Commerce had to close its doors for more than half of the day yesterday as they allow detectives to remove evidence due to a break in of the building on Sunday night. Up to press time no details on the burglary was not available.
Philipsburg: --- Police were able to make a breakthrough in the murder investigation of Marco Beaumont who was shot to death on May 1 at a house ins Sao Paolo road Union farm. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the detectives arrested the first suspect on May 10th; the suspect has been identified as L.L W while the second man whose initials are J.P.R was arrested yesterday Over the bank at W.G Buncamper Road.
Henson said when police was tipped off about the location of the suspects the A team mobilized themselves and were able to arrest both men without incident.
The police representative said the there is much work to be done on the case and the investigation are in its early stages. The police department is also calling on members of the public who may have information that can help them in the investigation to contact the police station at 54-22222.

Philipsburg:--- The Editor in Chief of the Today Newspaper Hilbert Haar has been released from police custody about 11 am on Friday.
In an invited comment, Chief Prosecutor of the Windward Islands Taco Stein said he has ordered Haar's release since the crime he committed did not warrant him being detained any longer. Stein said Haar could have been released since Thursday but the police was waiting on another witness.
Stein said his office took the decision to release Haar yesterday morning even though the other witness is not yet being heard. He said so far no decision has been taken in the case and that will happen when the file is completed and sent to his office.
After his release, Haar came out on the steps of the police station where he posed for his picture to be taken, he then returned inside the police station where he waited to file a complaint against the former reporter he assaulted on two occasions. It is understood Haar plans to file a complaint of trespassing against Brown. However, it is not clear how that will stand in the court of law since Brown went to the Today Newspaper based on an invitation of her former colleague.
Violence and Racism.
Several supporters of Hilbert Haar and another well-known website began accusing media workers, SMN News and SIT for inciting racism and violence. On the contrary, media workers and the administrator of SMN News are totally against any and all sorts of violence and racism. However, we do believe in democracy and freedom of the press.
If Haar was a victim in this or any other case this media house would have covered the story the same way.
Our profession as journalist is to report the news that we ourselves go into the field and look for. SMN News does not copy comments from other people's website and turn it into news, as is the case of the Today.
A few months ago, the police was ordered to investigate how many civil servants and police were taking monies for work permits. The order was given after Haar took a comment from another website and made it a story. Doing so destroys the integrity of journalism and more so discredit the newspaper he manages.
Over the past months, Hilbert Haar has been abusing the power of the media to express his own opinion against many persons in the community as well as against his own colleagues. He has chosen to segregate himself from the rest of the media professionals on the island. That choice was not made by any of the journalist on St. Maarten, Haar made that choice, he also chose to hit Brown not once but twice.
French Quarter:--- Territorial Councilor Noreen Brooks has lost her mother Hyacinte Brooks aka Cinty early yesterday morning at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital.
The elderly woman had a cold and also had some pains in her back on Thursday.
Brooks told SMN News in a brief statement that her mother was simply not feeling well on Thursday and she was taken to the hospital where she passed away. The elderly Brooks was 66 years old. She leaves to mourn her 5 children and 13 grand children.
SMN News extends our deepest condolences to the Brooks family.
Philipsburg:---Police were called on Sunday to rescue a young man who was being beaten by a group of young St. Maarten men. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the incident occurred around 02:30 am near the Dutch Quarter Medical Clinic.
On arrival at the scene, police encountered the victim identified as O.A who later told police that he was suffering from chest pains. O. A also suffered other visible injuries.
The victim told police that while he was near Tan Tan Supermarket, two unknown men approached him and asked him to give up all his money and other personal belongings including his cellular phone.
The man said he also noticed that some other men were approaching so he told his attackers he did not have monies. Based on that response the two unknown men along with their other friends began beating O.A. He said his attackers kicked and punched him all over his body, and even threw stones at him. Somehow, the victim said he managed to run away from his attackers. On the scene, the victim pointed out two of his attackers to police who was immediately arrested. Later that morning police noticed two of the other suspects identified as C.O.W and T.A from St. Maarten driving around in a car with license plate 967ZZ971 in the Belvedere area. Police also arrested them. All four suspects in this case remain behind bars.
Marigot:--- A change point located at Rue President du Kennedy is the latest victim of armed robbery. The incident occurred yesterday morning around 9:45 am reported the gendarmerie. According to a press release from the gendarmerie, two armed masked men looking more like Antilleans entered into the business establishment armed with a gun. The armed gunmen used a heavy-duty hammer to break the armored glass on the counter to gain entry inside of the change point.
Once inside they ordered their victim to fill up two handbags with the monies that was at the location. The victim also lost all her personal belongings that were inside her bag.
They also managed to break open another money safe that had some 15000 Euros inside and $12,000 before making their escape on a scooter.
The investigation is now being handled by the team of gendarmes that are in place to handle armed robberies.
The gendarmes stated that the island is presently facing an upsurge in armed robberies that are targeting restaurants and other business establishments, this they said is damaging both sides of the island. The gendarmes in particular are using all its efforts in trying to curb the situation. The release said in an effort to curb the crime rate the gendarmes and Dutch police have already established a team that meets daily to address the present upsurge in crime.
The community is expected to see more officers from the VAMA team in their area. There has been an increase in foot patrol as well as vehicular controls, which involves the PAF and customs. The gendarmes also requested more manpower from the territorial police and if the measures presently taken are not able to stabilize the situation then reinforcement from Guadeloupe will be sought.
Over the past week Masion de la Press was also robbed, the Cottage Restaurant in Grand Case and other business establishments.
In the meantime, a meeting is scheduled with all leaders and heads of departments on the French side with Prefet Dominique LaCroix.

Philipsburg- Governor Franklyn Richards, Chairman of the Island's Disaster Emergency Management Organization, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), is calling on the St. Maarten community to start preparing for the 2009 hurricane season and to have those plans in place by June 1st, the start of the season.
Even though the official start of the season is still two weeks away, Governor Richards is urging residents to use this period to prepare themselves.
"The month of May for the Caribbean and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico, is a period used to prepare for the six-month hurricane season. It makes no sense to make major preparations days or hours before a hurricane strike.
"Prepare early and avoid being caught unprepared. Preparedness starts with every one of us within society. As a community we must plan early and don't wait until the last moment to rush to get things done because it can result in injury," Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Tuesday.
Some of the preparations that should be done now are the removal of debris from around homes and businesses; checking hurricane shutters and the roof of your home or business to make sure those windows can close securely and there are no weak spots in the roof.
Putting together a hurricane disaster kit is also another essential part of preparing early as well as stockpiling non-perishables.
The 2009 Hurricane Season name list is: Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor and Wanda.
The 2009 hurricane season officially starts on June 1 through November 30.
Philipsburg: --- The island government of St. Maarten has received the green light from the Dutch government to begin shifting some of the SEI (Social Economic Initiative) funding announced commissioner of finance Roy Marlin. St. Maarten had submitted a request to the Dutch government asking that they re-direct some of the monies that are available through the SEI at USONA so that the island can begin some aggressive marketing to fight the global economic down turn.
Marlin said the island government has been working on getting additional monies as a stimulus but even though the process took time, they are now able to spend at least 4 million guilders since the Dutch government has agreed on the shifting and they were given the go ahead on Tuesday. The finance commissioner said that the private sector would be putting up 2.4 million guilders for the marketing stimulus program.
Marlin said the only thing that is left to be done before the monies become available is to submit the request to USONA who already received the same documents as the island government.
The 6.2 million guilders Marlin said will be used for the rest of 2009 to early 2010. Marlin said he is very content now that the process is almost over because he does not believe there would be any improvement in the tourism sector during this down turn. He said every island has begun spending additional monies to attract more visitors.

Philipsburg:--- Island Councilman and commissioner Theo Heyliger is expected to declare himself an Independent member of the Island Council today (Tuesday). Heyliger is also expected to submit a letter of resignation to the President of the Democratic Party board Frank Arnell before the end of the week.
At the same time the commissioner who resigned from the executive council last week will make known that he would be putting his support behind the National Alliance to form the next executive council. It is understood the only reason why Heyliger did not make the announcement last week was because of the passing of the party's founder Clem Labega who was laid to rest yesterday (Monday).
Sources close to Heyliger and Wathey's told this reporter that the commissioner wanted to show respect to the late Clem Labega a close friend of his late grandfather.
SMN News also understands that the Wathey family is not too happy with the video clips that was shown during the special island council meeting yesterday morning in memory of the late island councilman and commissioner Clem Labega.
The source said that Heyliger has been holding on for some years with the Democratic Party even though he knew he was not treated well. "Can you imagine Theo was the second hightest vote getter on the DP slate and he was supposed to be appointed deputy leader of the party but Wescot Williams denied him that right and gave it to Roy Marlin who did not even elect himself. Furthermore, Heyliger never gets support from his colleagues in the executive council, on the contrary they are always looking to cut short his budget even though they know he has several projects that would benefit the island." The source said Heyliger has to do what is necessary to remain in government since he has over half a billion dollars in projects that has to be completed. The source further explain that the Democratic Party does not show concern for its membership because they never contacted Heyliger who had two major surgeries last year to find out how he was doing.
It was evident yesterday that commissioner Heyliger is on his way forward since he did not mingle with his former colleagues from the executive council. During the extar-ordinary Island Council meeting Heyliger sat at his seat which was next to the party leader but the two did not speak to each other throughout the session.
Supporting the commissioner and grandson of the late Claude Wathey is advisor to the United Federation Union Willy Haize. In an invited comment Haize said he personally advised the leader of the Democratic Party to make amends with convicted Island Councilman Louie Laveist who was not treated well by the Democratic Party. Haize said he also indicated to the DP leader that if they did not do what is expected of them with Laveist then the island councilman would move to step 2. Haize further explained that Heyliger who is doing all he can for the St. Maarten community was not treated fairly by the leader of the Democratic Party and as such he too has to move on. The unionist said even though he was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party namely Theo Heyliger he would always maintain that support to Heyliger since he is the only one who is trying to do something for the island and its people. "Right now Theo has my blessings to move away from the DP". Haize said.
In the meantime, SMN News understands that Heyliger and his uncles are busy putting together a new party which would contest the next Island Council election, already the family chose the color the party would be using when they launched.
Airport: --- Several top officials are now discussing the lack of an in-in transit hall at the Princess Juliana International Airport and its effects. SMN News has learnt that several persons including the island Lt. Governor and officials from the French side are now discussing the lack of an in-transit hall at the PJIAE and the effects that is caused by it. It is understood that since there is no place to hold people that are passing through the island to reach another destination and immigration is being affected.
SMN News further understands that management of PJIAE is trying to hide from its responsibilities since they are the ones who are responsible for not having such a hall in place.
SMN News further understands that the matter only surfaced now that the two sides of the island are working on implementing the Franco/Dutch treaty. SMN News further understands that the French side is looking into having double controls at the PJIAE if they are to combat the influx of foreign nationals to St. Maarten/ St. Martin.
It is further said that the island Lt. Governor and Chief of Police met with the head of immigration of the PJIAE Geronimo Juliet and head of Immigration Ademar Doran to get answers on this matter which is considered to be of paramount importance but Juliet it is said could not provide much needed information because he was left out of all meetings relating to the treaty.
In an invited comment Chief of Police Franklyn Richards said he is busy discussing the implementation of the treaty. He said that he does not believe the lack of an in-transit hall at PJIAE would affect the treaty.

Philipsburg--- Commissioner Theo Heyliger has officially submitted his resignation from the Democratic Party on Wednesday night. The email which was sent to the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams was also sent to the media where Heyliger explained the reasons he has decided to tender his resignation. The letter reads as follows:-
Sarah Wescot-Williams
Democratic Party Leader
Government Administration Building
Philipsburg
St. Maarten
June 4, 2009
Dear Sarah,
Resignation from the Democratic Party of St. Maarten
The Democratic Party (DP) is the only party I have known from the day I was born. It is where I found my voice and drive to serve the people of St. Maarten for over 14 years. I have had the privilege to serve with outstanding DP members such as you and the other members of the Executive Council.
DP is in my heart and the love for the party I have grown up in has never faltered. However, over the years the party has had to battle internal elements and interests that have steered it further away from the people it was formed to serve and the reason I have dedicated my energy to serve in public office.
Efforts to bring the party closer to the people and put them back as the main force have often been thwarted. This has made it exceedingly difficult to work in their interest - whether it was a consensus on improving communities or simple projects such as patching roads.
After much thought and consultations with those closest to me - family, friends and supporters - I have decided to tender my resignation as a member of DP.
My first and main interest as I continue my political life will remain the needs of the St. Maarten people. I intend to continue along the path of serving the people for as long as they continue to call on me to serve.
Sincerely,
Theo Heyliger
The Democratic Party lost its majority in the island council of St. Maarten almost a month ago when independent island councilman and former member of the Democratic Party Louie Laveist withdrew his support from the party.
Laviest has given his support to the National Alliance to form the next government. Heyliger is yet to declare himself an independent member of the island council. However, all indications are that Heyliger will do so in the very near future and he too would be giving his support to the National Alliance. An island council meeting is scheduled for Monday June 8th to appoint five commissioners in the new executive council. Already leader of the National Alliance has said that Heyliger would be one of the commissioners that would be appointed in the new government.

Philipsburg- Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus says every individual in the community has a role to play in protecting the environment and reversing climate change.
World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.
Commemorated annually on June 5, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
This year's theme is: "Your Planet Needs You-Unite to Combat Climate Change." The theme reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new deal at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen coming up later this year, and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests.
Proper environmental management is the key to avoiding the quarter of all preventable illnesses which are directly caused by environmental factors.
The environment influences our health in many ways through exposures to physical, chemical and biological risk factors, and through related changes in our behavior in response to those factors.
Thirteen million deaths annually are due to preventable environmental causes. Preventing environmental risk could save as many as four million lives a year, in children alone, mostly in developing countries.
As part of its calendar of health observances, WED is also part of the Preventive Health Department issues that falls under its annual calendar of observances. The calendar is to promote particular health-related issues or topics during a specific identified time in the year.
"Everybody has to get involved in the fight against global warming as a result of climate change. Environmental factors do influence public health. The collective efforts of everyone can make a huge difference.
"I encourage our community to look at ways and means that can result in you taking action to protect our environment which in one way or the other also contributes to protecting our plant earth and public health. Happy World Environment Day," Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Philipsburg:--- The members of the executive council of the newly formed National Government will take office on Monday morning. An island council meeting is scheduled for 9am where the official swearing in would take place.
Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin and Independent member of the Island Council Theo Heyliger has signed a political declaration on Saturday on the formation of the National Government.
After Monday's appointment Marlin would be the new leader of government while Heyliger would be the deputy leader of government.
The National Alliance also chose expertise over politics in the formation of their executive council when they appointed Xavier Blackman as their commissioner of finance.
The Clem Labega Square is expected to be colorful on Monday as the leader of the Democratic Party has called on their membership to come on decked in red to give the party their support as they leave office. While on Saturday Marlin called on his members and supporters to come out and witness history as the National Alliance took over the governing of the island.
Philipsburg: ---It has been two years. Two years of highs and lows. And although I would have preferred to see my tenure through, I can proudly say today there has been more highs than lows in this short period as a member of the Executive Council. I have had the pleasure of working closely with consummate professionals, civil servants, in the departments for which I was responsible.
They have endured my every wish, whether realistic or not, my most impossible demands, the many setbacks due to bureaucracy and still managed to produce a body of work that is unassailable. For this, they have earned my respect and appreciation. We worked together for the people of St. Maarten.
The records of history will show that our tenure together was as productive as any in the history of St. Maarten. While I am sure that we would have liked to push everything through the pipelines, we can take pride in the volume of work we accomplished. There is plenty more in the pipeline to come that we will recognize as having started or having brought close to completion.
A special thank you to the Island Secretary and her team: what a task you have. To the Chairman of the Executive Council, we've had some interesting debates, differences of opinion, but always remained respectful towards each other with the best outcome in the interest of the people of St. Maarten. To my colleagues in the Executive Council: what a ride. While there is so much more that can be said, I will suffice by saying thank you for being my colleagues.
Allow me to thank my two families, my immediate and my extended family otherwise known as my staff. My Executive Assistant Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster, my Senior Advisor Mrs. Ruth Boyrard-Brewster, my Administrative Assistants Mrs. Magda Maccow-Sprott and Ms. Faye Arnell, my Press Secretary Mr. Michael Granger and Ms. Martine (Lena) Arrindell who meticulously took care of my office.
What a team we made. I thank you, my extended family, for your dedicated work, your commitment to our constituents, your patience with your demanding boss, and your steadfast support and loyalty through challenging times. It has never been easy. But all of you rose to the occasion and performed better than I could have ever hoped for or expected. Rest assured, I'll probably still be calling on you with demands. You've been warned.
To my immediate family thank you, thank you, thank you. You have been there for me through thick and thin and have given me the strength to endure the deviousness of politics. You have been the backbone that has allowed me to emerge from this environment better and stronger than ever.
To the people of St. Maarten I say simply the work continues, as normal, for you. For me it doesn't matter where I am or on which side of the table I sit. I have always worked on your behalf in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall, in the chambers of Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles, The Council Of Ministers, The Chamber of Commerce or in my community (several volunteer organizations such as "children First foundation, Cultural Center, Youth Center, Rotary Club of St. Maarten). This will not change. I will not be silent or dormant. I don't even know how that works. That is not who you elected me to be.
So although a new chapter now begins, working on your behalf will continue. You will have my dedication and my heart. Thank you for your unwavering support. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you as a member of the Executive Council of St. Maarten.
Philipsburg: -- A newspaper article that was published on Monday caused the outgoing and incoming State Secretary for Health to meet the council of pensioners on Tuesday to discuss their concerns on the media report. The parties agreed that the pharmacies should reconsider their decision on refusing the medical card and instead sit around the table to come up with structural solution to the ongoing problem.
Outgoing State Secretary for Health George Pantophlet in a press release said based on the newspaper article it stated that several pharmacies on St. Maarten would no longer be accepting the FZOG medical cards as of June 12.
Pantophlet said the two members of the National Alliance were given a lot of historical account of how the process started with FZOG and what has created the present problem.
Pantophlet said he believes a structural solution is needed to regulate the problems regarding the FZOG doctor cards. The state secretary said that he is fearful of the information that was printed increased the hopelessness of many pensioners who are barely making ends meet.
Pensioners he said already have to pay ten percent of the cost for medication at the pharmacies and this has already caused additional stress to the elderly.
The State Secretary said he believed that it is of uttermost importance for this problem to be handled before the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles occurs.
The problem will not go away on its own since health care cost is extremely expensive but those people who have already contributed with their many years of service should not be left groping in the dark with a feeling of hopelessness.
Despite many discussions have taken place on this issue the State Secretary said he believes that not only the central government but also the Kingdom government should get involved to find a solution to this problem since the levels of government are working together.

Philipsburg: --- The Zero Tolerance Team is busy conducting controls in several areas of the island said police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. Leonard said the controls began on Monday and several persons were detained on the first two days for the lack of an identification card. Leonard has called on the public to make sure they have their identification cards on them as well as all documents for their vehicles. Leonard said over the past days controls were conducted in the Cole Bay, Bush Road, Cay Hill, South Reward, St. Peters, Sucker Garden, around the emergency homes, at the Mel Ford Hazel Sports Complex, and Middle Region.
Several persons have contacted the police to complain about youngsters and men loitering in front of their business places. He said some of the men are disturbing the clientele of these businesses who have called the police for assistance. The police spokesman further explained that the Zero Tolerance has been paying special attention to the areas where youths loiter.
On Monday he said police detained six persons whom he said were brought into the police station for the lack of an identification card. Most of them were released later that same day when relatives took in the identification of the detainees. While on Tuesday police apprehended eight persons were released on the spot because their relatives acted quickly by going home for the identification.
Leonard said police has confiscated four motor bikes, three scooters, 2 quads, and five cars for the lack of documents. These controls would continue in the coming days.

BAY BROW, SINT EUSTATIUS:--Police arrested a man who has been identified as C.D. H on Friday at approximately 06.00 p.m during a routine control done by police officers on patrol.
The arrest took place in the vicinity of Happy City Bar and restaurant located in the capital Oranjestad. The location of the arrest is a popular hang-out spot for the locals said police spokesman Ricardo Henson.
While on patrol the officers saw C.D.H. who is well known to the police in Statia and Sint Maarten, sitting at that location. They also saw that he had a small white plastic container in his hand. The officers knowing that the area is also known for the selling of drugs decided to carry out a control.
When C.D.H. noticed that the officers stopped and come out of their vehicle, he threw the small plastic container behind him. The officers saw when the suspect made that suspicious move. The plastic container was retrieved by the officers and when the container was opened more than forty cocaine rocks were found and confiscated. A small plastic bag containing a small amount of marijuana was also found and confiscated.

During a search of the suspect a substantial amount of money was found. This money was also confiscated for further investigation. The suspect was arrested on the spot and then transported to the police station at Bay Brow. The scooter belonging to the suspect was also taken to the police station for further investigation. During a search of the scooter a black plastic bag containing a large amount of money was found and was also confiscated. C.D.H. remains in custody pending further investigation.
Philipsburg: --- Several prominent persons within the community are to take up key positions in government now that there has been a change in government. Sources close to the new government said that these persons are scheduled to take up executive positions with the various commissioners.
Some of the names that are out there are David Christian, Fernando Williams, Edwin James, Joan Berkle, Mervin Scot and attorney at law Denicio Bryson. While information is circulating on the prospective candidates no decision has been taken by the executive council. Sources say the necessary procedures on the appointment are expected to be finalized by Tuesday.
Several presentations are expected to be made to the executive council today on each department within the island government. SMN News understands that all directors from the various departments are expected to make a power point presentation to the new executive council. The intention is to make the new government aware of the new structure of government and the ideas each department has for St. Maarten.
Philipsburg: --- Some 18 students of Starlight Education Foundation that took the Secondary School Entrance Examination in May have given the school high hopes in the efforts to continue providing education to undocumented students.
Director of the institution Carmen Hodge in an interview with SMN News said the school sent up 20 students in the month of May for the examination, 18 of them she said passed and did very well despite not being able to attend school for six weeks in January.
Hodge said most of the students 9 plus of them did well at the St. Dominique School examination but these students still has one major hurdle because the school would not accept them if they are not in possession of their residency. After discussion 12 of the 18 students if they have the necessary documents can enter in that school.
Hodge said she had to plead with the school to at least allow the students to write the exams and if they are able to acquire their residence by August then they would be able to attend the school of their choice. She said the St. Dominique School is still enforcing the letter sent to all schools in 2006 by the island Lt. Governor and they are not considering the full implementation of compulsory education.
The school director said while the results are not the same for the St. Maarten Academy 5 of the students would be able to attend the Academic Section while 13 the PSVE section. The St. Maarten Academy she said is willing to accept all students. Hodge said based on previous classes most of the students who were sent to PSVE would eventually go over to the Academic after the first year. She said the students in most cases become fearful and nervous during the examinations.
The school director also had lots of praise for her sixth grade teacher whom she said did her best with the students in preparing them for the exams. She said even the parents considered teacher Goberdhan to be dedicated and faithful towards their children.
Hodge said with the results she said she is elated because under the circumstances and stress the students she said did well. She also thanked the business community for the effort they made by coming up with the finances that were necessary to reopen the school. She said she hoping for other businesses to come on board to assist the school until they can acquire government funding.
Hodge said she intends to meet with the new executive council before the end of the month where they would be discussing compulsory education and funding for all privatized schools. She said the St. Maarten Multipurpose Educational Foundation (SUMEF) would be meeting sometime this week where they would further discuss their plans when they meet the executive council.
Hodge said the teachers of these private schools are scheduled to take another training course from the Ceespot funding.
PHILIPSBURG – Many people often long to get some practical experience in a particular profession before actually deciding to study for that profession or go full time into that profession. Some, however, are more fortunate than others.
St. Eustatius native Claudine Spanner, who was among the 45 University of St. Martin graduates at the 15th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, is one of the fortunate few.
Prior to enrolling in the Education program at the University of St. Martin (USM), Spanner worked two years as an assistant teacher for the Governor de Graaf School in St. Eustatius. She assisted in a special education class for one year and served in the fifth grade in the other year.
“The experience helped,” said a smiling Spanner. On Saturday, June 13, 2009, she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from USM. While working as an assistant teacher, Spanner said, she wanted more in the form of being responsible for a classroom. This then led her to enroll in the education program at USM where it is no coincidence that the Classroom Management became her favorite class.
With her educational philosophy in hand, Spanner said that she believes that every child has a right to a proper education and classroom have to be a stimulating environment where students will be able to grow socially, physically, emotionally, cognitively, and creatively. The USM education graduate further emphasized that in order to accomplish all this, teachers have to prepare students to enhance logical thinking, understanding and to have community skills.
Community and family life are two of the areas Spanner said she missed while coming to St. Maarten for her four years of study.
“When it came to my student teaching, I wanted to go back into the community from which I came,” Spanner said.
“I wanted to see how it had changed and whether I would be able to deal with it.”
Her student teaching experience at the Bethel Methodist School from January to April this year was lauded and she is now looking at the possibilities of teaching on her native island. She noted that while there is interest from schools for her to teach, she has not accepted any offers yet.
Looking back on her USM experience Spanner indicated that her favorite campus wide event was First Tuesdays where students get a chance to socialize and activities are organized by the Student Government Association. She added that she enjoyed free pizza at First Tuesdays and the classroom atmosphere where unity and having fun, besides learning, were the order of the day.
“Studying on St. Maarten has helped me to grow physically and mentally,” Spanner said, while indicating that she chose USM because it was closer to home and the best choice at that time. She said that although she is older than the typical USM student she was treated equally and with respect by her peers and instructors.
“All that I have learned from USM, it is time to now put it in practice,” an optimistic Spanner said.
She urged all persons interested in studying to be a teacher to go into the field with an open mind since every child is unique, learn at their own pace, and should be able to express their opinions.
Spanner also advised future students to “set goals, follow dreams and strive to achieve them. USM wishes Spanner much success in her future endeavors.
Philipsburg: --- The Economic Affairs Department has announced gas prices will increase by Naf. 0.40 as of Wednesday. The new price per liter of gasoline has hiked up to Naf1.85 from Naf1.45. Diesel will sell at Naf.1.55 per litre. The last time gas prices were adjusted was in December 2008 when consumers were given a significant relief with the decrease in prices compared to earlier in the year 2008.
The executive council approved the increase which would go into effect on Wednesday June 17th. Sector head of the Economic Affairs Miguel De Weever said wholesalers were operating at a loss for the past two months. He said with the current increase that lost was recovered while there would be at least two to three cents as buffer.
At a press conference on Tuesday where the increases of the past year has been outlined. The sector head has called on the community to shop around and monitor food prices since there should not be any increase in food prices now that the price of gasoline has increased. De Weever called on Supermarket owners not to increase their prices since times are already hard economically. He said the department would be conducting their controls to monitor the situation. DeWeever said the department is also calling on wholesalers to submit their invoices so that more products can be added to the price control list. He said already the department sent out at least three letters requesting this information but so far the wholesalers are not cooperating. Already the department sought advice from the prosecutor’s office who said a final letter should be sent to these merchants which would give them at least two weeks to respond. De Weever said that letter was sent in May and should there be no response then they would be forced to take action.
Calypsonian Steve Macauly better known as King Jacko Presented his latest stock of CD’s to the island Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards on Wednesday. The presentation was made in the office of the Lt. Governor.
Philipsburg:---The Democratic Party of St Maarten was thrilled to learn of its member, Erno Labega being one of the recipients of the Caribbean –American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) “Roving Ambassador Award”.
This event will take place on Friday, June 19 in New York.
Erno’s affiliation with the CACCI goes back very far, from his days in New York, but he remained involved and committed to the CACCI’s objectives, up to this day.
With the emphasis on business opportunities and in particular on small business development, the networking that the CACCI offers can surely benefit our island. In these times of constitutional change and some uncertainty as a result there-of, particularly in off-shore markets, having access to the expertise of the CACCI can have a positive impact as St Maarten seeks to make a name for itself abroad as a new country with ambitions and aspirations to take its people to a new level of development.
MARIGOT—The gendarmerie in a press release said they controlled some 124 cars, and 139 persons during their recent traffic control which was held last Friday afternoon in Oyster Pond and French Quarter.
The controls were conducted by the additional gendarmes who were brought in to combat the rising crime rate. During the control the gendarmes detained two persons, the first one for being in possession of a firearm which was confiscated and the other in possession of illegal drugs which they destroyed.
The Gendarmes also detained a teenager for having in his possession 29 packs of cannabis and $126 in cash. The young man was judged and sentenced the following day to 120 hours of labour.
Several drives also received warnings for not having the documents for their vehicles in order.
St. Peters:--President of the Board of the St. Maarten Zoo, Mr. Rob Heil, visited the St. Dominic Primary School for a presentation of two school projects on the Zoo.
Teacher Mariette’s class of fifth graders did a project on iguanas and Teacher Bibi’s class of fifth graders did a model of the Zoo. Both classes visited the Zoo before starting the projects.
The projects were assignments for the teachers who are in the retraining program for Foundation Based Education. The teachers were taught “Project Approach” and learned how to convert a topic into a complete project. They then had to apply in their own class what they learned in the retraining.
Teacher Mariette’s students made a model of an iguana and presented information about iguanas. They also made up an iguana dance.
Teacher Bibi’s class made a model of the entire zoo. They also produced a song to promote visitors to the Zoo.
Both the model of the iguana and the model of the zoo will be given to the Zoo by the students and soon will be on display in the Zoo.
Mr. Heil stated that he was very impressed with the quality of the projects and he was pleased that the schools are making use of the Zoo as an educational tool.
Philipsburg: -- Police have arrested two persons for the attack on Cookie Bijlani family which took place on the night of Tuesday May 26th on Kangaroo Road Belair. Earlier reports stated that as the family was coming out of their gate when they were attacked by two men who were apparently hiding in the bushes nearby.
It is understood the attackers were armed with a gun and knife. Two of the persons who were attacked were stabbed with a knife while the gun was used to shoot at the vehicle. Cookie Bijlani said two of victims who were injured are still traumatized. One of them received several injuries to his chest, hand and back as he was stabbed a number of times, while the other victim received bruises from the bullets that were fired.
The attack on the Bijlani family occurred the same night Haresh Dayalani was murdered at his Cole Bay home. So far police have not arrested anyone in the brutal killing of the well known businessman.
Bijlani said police called the victims to identify some of the stolen items which included a cellular phone.
SMN News understands that the suspects happen to be the two of the four suspects that were detained on the French side of the island in a stolen vehicle. SMN News was reliably informed that police on the Dutch side conducted a house search at one of the suspect’s home and a number of stolen items including firearms were found.
Public Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed they indeed have two persons in custody for that case. Mud said he would not be releasing anymore information on the case since the police are working very hard on the bring the puzzles of the case together. “All I am going to say is that we have two people in custody and the investigations are ongoing.”
The prosecutor said he would not even say who the suspects are since he does not intend to jeopardize the investigation.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—The Management of the Civil Registry would like to make the following known to the General Public:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the department is currently experiencing difficulties with the Identification Card machine. At this present time, no ID cards can be processed.
The ID machine is presently having the necessary repairs and the upgrading done so that the Civil Registry Department, also known as the Census Office, could have the machine working as soon as possible.
We hereby would like to offer our apologies for the inconvenience caused, and would like to assure you that all efforts are being made to rectify this situation.
The Civil Registry department will inform the general public on the completion of repairs and restoration of the ID card machine.
Philipsburg:--- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams has sent a letter to the chairman of the island council on June 29th reminding him of her request a week ago. The opposition leader had asked Lt. Governor Richards to send to her all the objections filed against the Ring Road Project in Philipsburg. The letter sent to Richards she stated cognizant of your role as chairman of the island and executive councils and your responsibilities in accordance with article 68 of the island regulations, according to which you are authorized to act, when the executive council fails to do so. “I only again request that you provide me with the requested information, but I submit the following questions pertaining to the project as well.
1. Have meetings been held with the interested parties and with those affected by this project? If yes what was the outcome of these meetings?
2. How will the outstanding land issues of businesses and individuals in this area be solved? Where can these persons turn to?
3. How many young persons from St. Maarten or already residing on St. Maarten have been or will be employed on this project?
French Quarter: --- Some sixteen divers were seen in a number of small dingy boats with sonar equipments trying to see if they can find the remains of Leta Lynn Cordes in the French Quarter fish pond (Etang du Poisson). The area that is being searched is located to the end of Le Galleon beach.
The divers began their search on Monday but so far they have not found anything that would help them solve the case of the missing woman.
The operation which is led by the RST comprised of six experienced divers from the United States of America, six from the Netherlands who have the same type of experience and four from the French crime squad. The search which is presently underway may last all week depending on the outcome each day.
Leta Lynn Cordes is a Mission Viejo woman who also owns a vacation villa in Dawn Beach; went missing on January 11 2007 after a day’s outing with her husband Frank Cordes. According to Frank Cordes his wife left their home around 11 pm that Friday night to go gambling at the Westin Casino. Since then police on Dutch St. Maarten conducted numerous searches with cadaver and other dogs to locate the missing woman.
Frank Cordes was arrested on October 14 2008 as the prime suspect in his wife disappearance but was released from pre-trial detention in January 26 2009 after the investigators could not locate the body of Leta Lynn and prosecuting a suspect for murder without a body in the Dutch criminal system can be painstaking.
In an invited comment Prosecutor Rienk Mud said the searches are presently taking place but up the press time there were no new developments.
CAY BAY—The GEBE Power Plant resorted to load shedding, today, July 1, 2009 when two main generators malfunctioned.
Diesel Generator #12, which produces up to 10 MW, was stopped this morning due to problems with the automatic lube oil filters. These filters are a critical part of the lube oil system that protects the moving parts in the machine.
In addition Diesel Generator #17, which produces approximately 8 MW, developed problems with one of the cylinders. This machine was promptly shut down to prevent overloading which could have resulted in extensive damage. The repairs to this generator took longer than planned because a leaking cylinder head was detected. Further an alert mechanic discovered problems with the lube oil system that could have otherwise caused more problems in a day or so. Due to the diligence of the power plant technicians, the repairs were executed promptly and all power was expected to be restored by 5:00 p.m.
The load shedding affected the areas of Point Blanche, Middle Region, Philipsburg (Pondfill area), Belair-Cay Hill, St. Peters, Pelican, Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, Oyster Pond, and Low Lands.
Due to the warm weather, the electricity demand has increased significantly. GEBE power plant capacity is just enough to meet the current demand. GEBE Power Plant is already undergoing expansion with the two 11.2 MW generators expected on the island within the next two weeks and should be commissioned in December 2009 just in time for the beginning of the high tourism season. In the mean time, any additional mechanical problems may lead to short power interruptions. If load shedding becomes necessary, GEBE will make the load shedding schedule available to the media. Updates will also be posted as they become available on the GEBE website at www.nvgebe.com.
GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience to its customers as these emergency repairs are carried out. The power plant is looking to restore power to these areas as soon as possible.
Philipsburg: --- The island council of St. Maarten approved the draft Kingdom Laws which has to go to parliament for its establishment. The five laws approved unanimously are the Kingdom Law on the joint court of Justice, Financial Supervision of the countries Curacao and St. Maarten, the Kingdom Law on the Public Prosecution System of Curacao, St. Maarten and the BES islands. The Kingdom Law on the Police of Curacao and St. Maarten, and the BES islands as well as the council for the maintenance of Justice.
Following is the presentation given by leader of government and commissioner constitutional affairs William Marlin prior to the voting of the laws.
The word consensus means here that, given the Political Declaration of the 12th of November 2007, agreement must exist and be maintained between Curacao, St. Maarten and the Netherlands during the whole process of establishing of these laws.
This has proven to be a major challenge, with negotiations taking place up to late yesterday afternoon.. Never before in the history of the Kingdom have so many matters that reside with the authority of the countries within the Kingdom been regulated by Kingdom laws.
As we have experienced and probably will experience in the future the potential for conflict in the development, adaptation and application of these laws have been and are great.
That is why I will start out by stating that it is a pity that the Kingdom law on the changes to the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is not one of the laws that we are dealing with today. This Kingdom law presently is before the Council of State of the Kingdom for advice. Two main reasons to justify that concern:
1. The first being that in that law proposals have been included with the intention of creating the possibility of resolving conflicts between the governments of the Kingdom in an independent and more equitable fashion than is presently possible within the system of the Charter and;
2. Secondly and of even greater importance to us is because in that law the new statuses of the islands are established.
Let it therefore be known and clear, that - as the government of the Netherlands has frequently declared - the government of St. Maarten considers also as one package the content of these five Kingdom laws and the Kingdom law on changes to the Charter in which St. Maarten is declared a Country within the Kingdom.
The approval of these 5 laws is therefore as far as St. Maarten is concerned subjected to the unconditional establishing of St. Maarten as a country within the Kingdom!
A. Joint Court of Justice.
The consensus Kingdom Law on the Joint Court of Justice gives considerable credence to the division of powers – legislative, executive, judiciary - within the countries and the acknowledgement of autonomy of the courts to manage its own affairs. The establishing of the court as a legal, corporate entity is unique within the Kingdom and allows for self management without undue interference from the Executive Branch of government in the daily operations of the court. The law contains notwithstanding that measures that ensure accountability through an independent Management Council in which each country will have a representative that will function as a buffer between government and judiciary. Service level agreements with the Joint Court of Justice will allow the countries to influence the quality of service rendered to their communities. The court will be jointly financed on a user based system that is presently being developed and will be presented to this Island Council for approval in the near future. As is presently the case the judges will be appointed by Royal Decree for life and are retired at age 65. The Court Registrars and staff will be appointed by the Management Council. In each country there will be a Court of First Instance and a local Court Registrar and staff.
The Aruba issue
The draft consensus Kingdom Law is in its present form applicable to Aruba. However Aruba has not given its consent to this law. Aruba has consistently stated that as long as the constitutional changes of the Netherlands Antilles and for the islands do not have any consequences for that country it will honor the right of self determination of the islands. As far as the Joint Court of Justice is concerned Aruba has stated that if the seat of the court is not established in Aruba, Aruba prefers to regulate an autonomous Court in First Instance and court registrar in Aruba separate from that of the proposed entity in the present draft law for the Joint Court of Justice, but with a cooperation arrangement for the appeals court.
The Netherlands objects to this solution and as a result a proposal is incorporated in the draft consensus law to impose the system developed by Curacao, St. Maarten and the Netherlands on Aruba using article 43, sub two in conjunction with article 14 of the Charter of the Kingdom. Curacao, the government of the Netherlands Antilles but in particular St. Maarten have objected strenuously to the application of these articles of the Charter as there is no legal basis to do so based on the Charter and is not the correct way to resolve conflicts between the governments of the Kingdom, certainly not in cases where it concerns the legitimate authority over a task and responsibility of that country. It would constitute and unheard of and unacceptable precedent of the use of the Charter that could later be used against the vital interests of St. Maarten and/of Curacao for that matter.
The inclusion of the propose measure on Aruba also tarnishes the relationship between that country and new emerging countries of Curacao and St. Maarten and could very well induce Aruba to object to proposed changes to the Charter of Kingdom, thereby effectively blocking the establishing of the country status. Furthermore the Council of State of the Kingdom is of the opinion that the Kingdom law should be based solely on article 38, sub two, of the Charter (consensus laws).
It is with these considerations in mind that the Executive Council presents you with amendments to its original proposal with the clear intention of taking a solid stand against the proposed application of article 43, sub two in conjunction with article 14 of the Charter in the issue with Aruba. St. Maarten is furthermore pursuing arrangements with the government of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao and if possible with the Netherlands to prevent and or curtail the in our opinion unconstitutional use of the Charter of the Kingdom in this way.
B. Financial Supervision of the countries Curacao and St. Maarten.
This consensus Kingdom law has been handled in a previous meeting of the Island Council and it concerns the continuation of financial supervision in a (slightly) different form that the present regulation in the General Kingdom Measure on Financial Supervision.
The Island and Executive Council at that time requested that the Council of State of Kingdom be asked to advice on the setting up of an independent system of appeals in the event of conflicts between the respective governments in the Kingdom by the execution and application of the consensus kingdom laws. In particular St. Maarten was a proponent that de Council of State become the institution to independently decide as the present setup calls for a decision of the Kingdom Council of Ministers in which the government of the Netherlands plays a predominant role.
The Council of State is however of the opinion that the system of the Charter does not allow for the Council of State to play such a role and advises to maintain the procedure and method of conflict resolution that is in the present Kingdom Council Measure and has been taken over in the Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision. The Council of State plays a crucial role in the decision making process and the possibility for the Kingdom Council of Ministers to deviate from an advice of the Council of State is severely limited.
With this in mind and in view of the fact that the Kingdom Law on changes to the Charter of the Kingdom will provide in the possibility of establishing an independent conflict resolution system, we propose to accept the consensus kingdom law as proposed.
Attention is drawn to the fact that this law includes procedures and criteria in article 33 for the termination of the financial supervision.
C. Public Prosecutor System.
This consensus Kingdom law was also debated on the floor of the Island Council in a previous meeting. At that time the main issues concerned the authority of the Minister of Justice of the Netherlands to - as a member of the Kingdom Council of Ministers - give instructions to the joint Attorney General of the countries Curacao and St. Maarten.
The Council of State of the Kingdom gave a scathing judgment on the proposals included in the draft law on the insistence and demand of the government of the Netherlands and that were consistently contended by Curacao, the government of the Netherlands Antilles and St. Maarten.
Subsequently political agreement was reached in the Political Steering Group for Constitutional reform, whereby the instruction authority of the Minister of Justice of the Netherlands was rescinded. To ensure due process of law and maintain appropriate application of the rule of law the authority of the Ministers of Justice of the countries will have to seek the blessing of the Joint Court of Justice for their intentions to give instructions to the Attorney General in specific cases. It is customary that ministers maintain a proper distance and exercise great restraint when it comes to intervention in specific cases.
For St. Maarten is also important that agreement was also reached on the – very likely possibility – of appointment of a Solicitor General stationed on St. Maarten who will be able to substitute for the Attorney General who will be stationed on Curacao.
D. Police.
This consensus Kingdom regulates the system police forces in the countries Curacao and St. Maarten and for the public entities of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
The following aspects are the essence of the Kingdom Law:
- St. Maarten and Curacao will each have its own police force
- Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba will have one joint police force
- That all tasks that police forces normally have, these police forces are charged with
- In all of the countries the police corps will operate under the authority of the proper authorities, which means under the Minister of Justice as far as St. Maarten and Curacao are concerned
- Several arrangements have been made to ensure cooperation between the police corps and adequate planning and joint operations for the combating of several forms of serious organized and international crime. These tie into similar arrangements in the law on the public prosecutor system. The so called Joint Services will play an important role in the securing and allocation of resources for/to the police corps for the execution of these tasks.
In the meantime the in the final statement agreed upon trajectory for the improvement of the police corps is in full swing.
E. Council for the maintenance of Justice.
The Council for the maintenance of Justice is a crucial inspection institution and forms one of the cornerstones in the justice system that is being set up.
The tasks of the Council are to carry out general inspections of all institutions in the justice chain with the exception of the Joint Court of Justice. Important organizations that will be subjected to inspections by the Council are the police, the training of the police, the public prosecutor system, prison institutions, court of guardianship, probation institutions, etc.
The inspection task will cover the effectiveness, quality of the execution of the tasks and the management. Furthermore the Council will be charged with the general inspection of the cooperation on justice between the countries.
The countries can charge the Council with the task of advising over complaints by citizens over institutions subjected to its inspection task. It can also be charged with the supervision of the processing of police data/information.
In this way independent check and balances are built into the justice chain that will stimulate adequate performance and also through proactive measures ensure that the countries comply with international treaties (example: on the prevention of torture and such) and standards.
Through the above mentioned laws and executive measures that are presently being drafted and finalized, the completion of the process on the constitution for the country St. Maarten and the organic laws, St. Maarten will have nearly completely complied with the agreements made in de final statement of the 2nd of November 2006. The loyal compliance with the agreements of the final statement, the substantial role that St. Maarten has played in achieving these results and the guarantees that are built into the systems should way lay all the fears that have been expressed over the capability for St. Maarten to become a country.
The actual setting up of additional government organizations to carry out the tasks of country St. Maarten in accordance with the developed plans will soon be in full swing. The agreements made with the government of the Netherlands Antilles and with that of the Netherlands should greatly facilitate the timely development of those government organizations within the period available until the date of transition to the status of country.
CAY BAY--Two generators malfunctioned early this morning, July 3, 2009, resulting in a loss of 12 MW of capacity.
The following areas are currently being affected up to 6.00pm this evening:
Oyster Pond, St. Peters/Reward area, Low Lands area. All other districts are online.
GEBE technicians are still working on the generators that were off line due to mechanical problems.
Load shedding is a possibility on Saturday, July 4 if mechanical problems at the Cay Bay Power Plant persist. Additional information will be released once this is available.
Updates will be posted as they become available on the GEBE website at www.nvgebe.com
GEBE apologizes for to its customers for this inconvenience.
Philipsburg:-- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Frans Richardson at a press conference on Friday said that this past Tuesday, the Executive Council approved the project proposal ‘Marketing Stimulus Program’ for St. Maarten.
The Executive Council also approved to send the project proposal to USONA for financing.
Due to the world economic crisis and our having to mitigate the effects thereof on our own economy, decisive action is certainly called for. In consultation with the Dutch Government the Island territory of St Maarten had created the Marketing Stimulus Program to stimulate the economy.
The Marketing Stimulus Program Stimulus is an island wide action plan of both the private and public sector in St. Maarten and includes additional marketing and promotional activities. The program will be managed by STB (St. Maarten Tourist Bureau) and will run for a period of 2 years with the focus on the first 6 months.
The Marketing Stimulus Program will focus on the following results/activities:
Public sector
- Increase the amount of stay-over visitors from Venezuela with 425 a year (total 25%)
- Increase the amount of stay-over visitors from Brazil with 442 a year (total 25%)
- Re-design, up-date and maintenance of the website
- One extra yearly Mega Yacht show
- Four events in the festival village and two conferences a year
Private sector
- Extra advertisement in magazines and increase accessibility website
- Start an extra local promotion program
- Install a call center for bookings on Sint Maarten
- Extra investments in travel agents and media promotion program
As most of the funding will come from the SEI-program, the program will become a new project in the SEI-program (project 3.3.1, policy field Marketing Tourism).
Financing
The financing of the Marketing Stimulus Program is agreed with the Dutch Government, and as such the budgets of some projects of the SEI program will reallocated for this program. The following projects will contribute with the mentioned amount to the respective programs:
Knowledge and behavior NAF 300.000,-
Strategy Branding position NAF. 300.000,-
Local Awareness Program NAF. 700.000,-
Establish a Tourism Authority NAF 400.000,-
Marketing Sports tourism NAF 500.000,-
Transit storage facility NAF 1.000.000,-
USM Regional NAF. 387.000,-
Comprehensive mobility and public transportation plan
NAF 500.000,-
Total amount NAF 4.087.000,-
The SEI-program is implemented on the basis of co-financing (NAF 26 million from the Netherlands and NAF 26 million from SXM). For the Marketing Stimulus Program NAF 1.887.000, - will come from Dutch development aid (USONA) and NAF 2.200.000, - will come from the Island contribution to the SEI-program (NAF 4.087.000,-).
The contribution of the private sector to the Marketing Stimulus program consists of developing a number of additional activities for the next 2 years with an amount of NAF 2.487.600 -. This is in addition to the current extra efforts of this sector.
Richardson said he would like to avail himself of this opportunity, as well, to issue an appeal to other stakeholders, such as the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry to exert its influence on its members for the purpose of lowering the cost of such basic goods as foods.
Giving some background information on the SEI funding the commissioner said in the
closing statements (Slotverklaring) of November 2, 2006, the SEI was given a crucial position regarding debt relief and acquiring country status. The SEI measures are subject to approval by the Executive Council and the Kingdom Council of Ministers. The SEI is said to contribute towards the setting of the policy agenda for the next couple of years, that is, beginning with the transition phase towards achieving country status and thereafter.
The Netherlands has made available more than one billion Antillean guilders for financial support for the Netherlands Antilles, St. Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius.
This commitment from The Hague is part of the transition accord signed by the Netherlands, the Central Government and the islands of the Antilles.
To make sure the islands have a healthy start, the Netherlands is helping with debt relief. An amount of NAf. 224 million was reserved for this purpose.
Made available specifically per island for payment arrears (in Antillean guilders): St. Maarten 183 million, Bonaire 55 million, Saba 3 million, St. Eustatius 15 million. Each of the four islands receives NAf. 3 million for budgetary aid. The four islands would receive NAf. 2 million for so-called quick wins. For the Social Economic Initiative (SEI): St. Maarten 26 million Antillean guilders, Bonaire 19.5 million, Saba and St. Eustatius each 13 million.
The island government of St. Maarten had, in the past, received the green light from the Dutch government to begin shifting some of the SEI (Social Economic Initiative) funding.
St. Maarten had at that time submitted a request to the Dutch government asking that they re-direct some of the monies that are available through the SEI at USONA so that the island can begin some aggressive marketing to fight the global economic down turn.
Social and Economic Initiative
Investing in social and economic development is highly important for St. Maarten in the structural tackling of poverty and offering perspectives for all of the people of St. Maarten.
In this light, it is incorporated in the Outline Agreement of 2005 and the Final Declaration of 2006.
The St. Maarten SEI is subdivided into eight policy areas:
Spatial Planning & Traffic Congestion, Development of SME and Economic Diversification, Tourism Marketing, Labor Market & Education, Regulation, Government Finance, Data and Social Issues.
In this SEI, 33 measures/ (large) projects have been incorporated. It is a matter of, among other things, decreasing serious traffic bottlenecks, improving the processing of waste, providing training programs for entrepreneurship, investing in school capacity and reinforcing the Inspectorate for Health and Security.
Furthermore, it will be necessary to invest in decreasing administrative expenses, integrating information systems, building public houses and improving and addressing the sewage system in the districts.
St. Maarten had been told to expect almost 100 million guilders from the Netherlands for the period 2008-2012 to St. Maarten. This for the cooperation themes Education & Youth, Security, SEI, ISR and others.
Of interest to my office is the Marketing Stimulus plan that will be financed out of the Social Economic Initiative (SEI).
GREAT BAY, (GIS) – This is the final week that persons have to register for the Fall Semester to attend classes at the St. Maarten Institute for Technology and Hospitality (SMITH) as part of its workforce development program.
The deadline for enrollment is Friday, July 10. Interested persons have until then to be admitted into their desired program.
The programs that will be offered by the Institute in Fall 2009 include Business Administrative Assistant, Secretarial Assistant, Computer ICT Service Assistant, Cook, and Security Officer.
SMITH, a post-secondary vocational institution, has been providing educational opportunities for students who had concluded their Preparatory Secondary Vocational Education since 2004. It is currently pursuing SBO accreditation for its programs.
Interested persons are encouraged to visit SMITH’s administrative offices located upstairs the Central Drugstore on the E. Camille Richardson Str. #23 in Philipsburg between 8.30am and 4.00pm, or call 542-1620 for further information.
The SBO Maritime Assistant Course level 1 that set out last year September with 14 students was finalized this week. Nine students were able to complete the course of which 6 with diplomas and 3 with certificates. Of the 5 that did not complete the course 1 student was hired by a marine business during the course and 2 decided to look for a higher level of education in the maritime sector.
The course consisted of subjects such as basic mechanics, painting, social skills, English, swimming and sailing. Students went to school for about 1, 5 days per week since the main focus was on practical training in the various marine activities: e.g. maintaining boats, assisting tourists on water taxis and boat trips around the island and helping out at the big marinas.
A lot of persistence and a good professional attitude were asked from the students during this hands-on training, but wonderful opportunities were presented as well. Two students were invited to work on tall ships. Furthermore, four students participated in sailing races on SXM, which resulted in 2 youths winning a STCW95 course. The marine industry has declared to be very happy with the outcome of the course since 10 local youngsters chose to pursue their careers in this sector.
SBDF, this year executing the first block of the course, took care of the mentoring aspect and made it possible that the students could receive their First Aid Certificate and Certificate of Competence, which allows the students to drive dinghies in local waters. Milton Peters College organized the rest of the course and coached the students towards successful completion. MPC will provide a next 1-year Maritime Assistant Course from September onwards. Interested students can register at MPC this week or after August 10. More information about this course or other SBO courses can be obtained at SBO Service Center (5430498 Next to Labor Department/ Above Carl’s &Sons)
For more information please call Saskia Kliphuis 5430498/cell 5549554, Project Manager of SBO Service Center.
Cole bay: --- The owners of Seaside Nature Park Roderick Halley are concerned about one of his recent discoveries inside of the Indigo Bay Plot. Halley called on reporters to check out some special looking rocks which were found piled up for ages on the hillside of Indigo Bay project.
The set of stones which has a beautiful black color is neatly placed one on top of the other. Halley is convinced that these rocks have something to do with the past generation during the days of slavery. He said he contacted the owners of the property who said they did not even know what is on the hills where Indigo was dredging out. Halley said he also called on the SIMARC to go and check and see if the stones and its location can be preserved as a historical site but so far no one from SIMARC went to the location. Presently the Cole Bay community council is looking into the matter Halley said.
Also found on the hills is another slave wall which Halley said the developers would break down when they resume working.
Founded on Martinique in 1961, the International Association for Caribbean Archaeology, IACA, is a group of archaeologists ranging from professionals to amateurs and students of archaeology in the region. These researchers from over 30 countries, meet every two years to hold a week-long conference to speak about what they have been investigating. These presentations are made simultaneously in three languages, English, Spanish, and French. This year, the IACA congress was at Antigua, and we travelled with our SIMARC director Dr. Jay Haviser who also presented papers on St. Maarten archaeology. This trip was generously sponsored by the Prince Bernhard Culture Funds and the Lion’s Club St. Maarten.
Our goal was to provide IACA members with information, hoping to impress and shed light on what we do as youth in our SIMARC archaeology program on St.Maarten. We used a powerpoint presentation created by the entire SIMARC class. The presentation was about SIMARC projects done from 2007-2009, following from an earlier presentation by other SIMARC students at the IACA Congress in Jamaica in 2007. Some of the projects we presented, included; the excavation of an 19th century priest; various site investigations, our Historic Tree Inventory and National Tree Day events, and our most recent project, revealing the original Simpson Bay bridges of both 1933 and 1950.
When we first heard about this congress, we were so excited because archeology fascinates us and could be a career direction for us, and we expected a lot of information as an overview of Caribbean archaeology. We ended up getting more information than we could ever imagine, even though some of the papers were very technical. We also got a chance to meet various university professors from around the world, which was a great opportunity for us because it raised our chances of studying abroad and networking. Although our paper was about 15 minutes, it certainly brought forth the SIMARC groups’ work. With many professionals congratulating us on a good presentation, we were also asked to give a copy of our report to be shown in a Youth Exhibit on Martinique. Various other organizations asked for a copy of our paper, and we arranged to cooperate with other youth programs in Antigua, Barbuda, and elsewhere.
When we presented our projects, many of the archeologists were astounded by our work and the translators were also very happy that we spoke slowly and clearly. Many said that our projects and presentation was better than some of the professionals. If there was one thing that we learned, it was that small projects like done by SIMARC and big projects like those by universities, combined together better reveal our full history, but you can't really say one is superior to the other.
One thing that surprised us was the realization that SIMARC is solely situated on St. Maarten, but we found out that other archeologists aren't tied to one place like us. One year they are on one island, the next year they are on another, so that also gave us a new point of view to archeology as a career. But this is because these other archaeologists mostly come from outside the region, while we are from here and so more attached to one island.
Another amazing thing was the fact that these professionals didn't treat us like kids, they treated us as their students, and some times even as equals. They heard us and what we had to say, they didn't brush us off as "just a buncha kids", they listened to us and also tried to learn from what we had researched. Many of the archeologists became our friends and we had many discussions around the dinner table and during our fieldtrips to historic sites and the Antigua museum, it was all just amazing.
The conference itself was a really good experience for us and provided us with good exposure to different forms of archaeology and methodology used in projects throughout the Caribbean. The different lectures gave us ideas on what else can be done on St. Maarten to preserve heritage and inform citizens of their islands’ history
This benefited not only us personally it also benefited SIMARC, because this showed that even though we are still "a buncha teenagers", we can do a good job for our community. But, we aren't just teenagers, we are St. Maarten teenagers, trying our best to save our islands’ heritage and also representing St. Maarten at such a prestigious conference. We were honored to make this presentation for St. Maarten, because not only did we represent our island, we also got to tell its’ tale!
We learned that the past is all around us, we live our lives against a rich backdrop formed by historic buildings, landscapes and other cultural survivals of our past. But the historic environment is more than just a matter of material remains, it is central to how we see ourselves and to our identity as individuals, communities and a nation of St. Maarten.
THROUGH SIMARC EYES.
This article is one more in a series compiled by the SIMARC students themselves to communicate to the St. Maarten community their experiences and observations relating to Archaeology and Culture of the island. SIMARC (St. Maarten Archaeological Center) is a youth program focused on teenagers, directed by Dr. Jay Haviser, with support from the Island Government as well as the private sector. The 2008-2009 SIMARC student authors of this article are: Christopher Velasquez (St. Maarten Academy) and Matthew Halley (St. Dominic High School).
Cole Bay:--Senator Erno Labega was appointed Deputy Leader of the Democratic Party and Former Commissioner Michael Ferrier as President of the new DP board at the party’s mid-year conference on Saturday. Under banners that declared “55 Years, Stronger Than Ever”, party leader Sarah Wescott-Williams rallied her membership and declared that DP’s campaign for the election for Country St. Maarten has officially started.
Labega, who is the son of co-founder of the DP the late Clem Labega, accepted the responsibility bestowed on him by his party leader and the general membership and assured that his loyalty and support will always be with the red party. “I can say here today that our party leader will never have to look over her shoulder with me. I will continue to proudly represent the DP and the people of St. Maarten whenever and wherever I am called upon to do so in government,” Labega said.
Ferrier will lead a complete board of experienced DP stalwarts as, he admitted, the party goes through a “rebuilding and re-focusing” stage (see related story). Vice President will be Stuart Johnson, the youngest to ever hold that post, Julian Rollocks will be Secretary General, Gregory Richardson Deputy Secretary General, former Commissioner Roy Marlin is the new treasurer and Margaret Williams is Deputy Treasurer. Rounding out the board are four Commissioners, Lourdes Lake, Orvillle Thompson, Richelda Emmanuel and Leopold Yorke.
Wescott-Williams also introduced the DP’s Chapter of Professional Young People to the general membership. She said the CPYP will be positioned to not only reach out to other professional young adults, but be prepared to be the future leadership of the party. She explained that the CPYP’s mission is to develop a cadre of young St. Maarten Professionals, with an ardor for further self development as a basis to be effective in overall community development. This self development can be political, formative, media-related and or community related.
Member of the CPYP Emilia Thomas said the members are young professionals are of different disciplines. It's an inclusive approach, non discriminatory. “Young and professional is a state of mind. Through self development and community outreach, especially to the youth and other young professionals, CPYP wishes to leave its mark on the community as its members prepare for public office or outreach programs Technology will be used optimally to further the goals of CPYP,” Thomas said.
Wescott-Williams also added that she hopes the CPYP goes out and break that negative impression that other young professionals have about politics. “Politics doesn’t have to be dirty. It is a process, sometimes complicated, often times compromising, all leading to getting things done for your people. It is the people who you elect sometimes that give politics its dirty reputation,” she said.
In addressing her membership, Wescott-Williams recognized that the party made mistakes, but said it was given a golden opportunity to correct those mistakes and to draw a line when it comes to party loyalty. “Today we are celebrating 55 years and preparing for another 55 years. We have closed one chapter and we’re moving on. The DP has been through worst in our past, but we have a strong legacy which serves as a solid foundation as we go forward,” she said.
In echoing Ferrier’s call for “serious, loyal and dedicated people” Wescott-Williams said while her party will remain as inclusive as it has always been, it cannot tolerate people who sit on the fence and “hedge”. “We are drawing that line. We will be humble, we will be courteous, but you can’t be half of a color. You are either all red or not,” she said sternly. My goal from here on out is to prove that this old call of “DP is dead” is once again the biggest fallacy on the political landscape. The worst thing you could do is allow me to have time on my hands,” she concluded.
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Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR) has once again made a significant announcement which is geared at providing relief to the travelling public. The airline through its Managing Director, Edwin Hodge have announced the airline’s sizzling, spicy summer carnival special geared at enhancing two islands’ carnival activities.
Earlier today the airline announced that a special carnival rate special will be implemented geared specifically for Saba and St Eustatius. According to Hodge both islands will see fares being offered at $99.00 and $100.00 USD respectively. These fares will be available from July 20th and runs until August 5, 2009.
Hodge pointed out that the fares includes governmental, airport and surcharges taxes have been included while the taxes for Saba and St Eustatius have not been included. Passengers are however advised that these taxes will and can be paid directly to the airport in the respective islands.
MD Hodge pointed out that the introduction of these extra low fare forms part of the airline’s attempts at supporting the various islands that it serves whilst stimulating traffic.
He stressed that his company strongly believes in supporting the tourism product along with the respective islands carnivals. He issued a strong word of advice for support and maximization of the promotion noting that a collective and collaborative approach is critically important for the island and the continued growth and development of the airline.
“We have always reiterated that growth and development is optional and therefore one should recognize that every stakeholder can and should play a part in the success of this,” Hodge said. He issued an appeal for the general public to make full and early use of the promotion advising that while a whopping 3000 seats will be made available early access to the promotion is very essential.
A number of hotels and guests houses have been included so as to ensure that those talking advantage of the promotion is cognizant and is provided with the required opportunities in better serving the public. “We have been holding discussions with a number of hotels and guest houses and we are aware of their commitment in collaborating with us in helping to enhance their carnival,” he said.
The WINAIR MD stressed that despite the world’s global financial challenges his company will continue to play its corporate responsibilities thus ensuring that they give back to the communities that they serve.
Hodge also extended an invitation for the general public to make more and advantageous usage of the airline’s website noting that it will help greatly in saving time and being of significant convenience to the traveler. He reiterated that with the company’s relook website it will minimize some of the challenges, difficulties and inconveniences that was once associated with travel agents and visiting the airline’s counters.
“WINAIR is a community oriented airline and we will continue playing our part regardless of the situation,” he assured. We strongly believe that playing a part in assisting community development will certainly aid in enhancing the communities that we lie in. with the Persons wishing to have additional information or seek answers to their queries and concerns should visit www.fly-winair.com.
POINTE BLANCHE—Commissioner of Energy, Theo Heyliger met with GEBE Managing Director, ir. William Brooks, to discuss the ongoing power outages and the arrival of the two new generators.
Brooks explained that GEBE has enough installed capacity at the power plant at this time, but due to an all time high peak demand of almost 54 MW, any large generator that has any mechanical problem, results in cables out and consequently load shedding.
GEBE is doing its best to stabilize the load shedding problems at this time, however, if two of the larger engines have a problem, it results in up to 15 MW being lost and therefore results in load shedding.
“We do understand the discomfort this is causing the community of St. Maarten and our team is working around the clock to solve these mechanical problems,” Brooks explained. The new Commissioner of Energy, Theo Heyliger, showed support and confidence that GEBE would solve the problem. “We appreciate his concern and understanding during this difficult time. We will do our utmost to solve this problem as soon as possible.”
Brooks explained that in 2007 when he came in as the new managing director, he projected that GEBE would need extra capacity for the rising demand of electricity on St. Maarten at the end of 2009. For this reason GEBE bought two new engines directly in 2007, as the engines have a lead time of 3 years. The managing director was able to negotiate a shorter lead time of 2 years. The engines arrived on the island on Monday and were offloaded from the ship on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
The installation of the engines will take several months and the expected commissioning date is December 2009 in time for the high season. “We expect that when the two new engines are commissioned and online that the problems we are experiencing currently with the load shedding would be something of the past.”
The two new 11.3 megawatt units are radiator cooled. GEBE will be steering the production plant away from the current seawater cooled generators that has been the norm for GEBE during the last 10 years in favor of air cooled generators.
GEBE aims to provide high quality and reliable electricity and the main goal is to make electricity production self supporting by minimizing the influence of outside elements on the supply of electricity. The groundwork was laid with the laying of the cables underground. The second phase is to reduce our dependence on seawater with newer radiator cooled generators.
The radiators will increase the reliability of the engines during and after a hurricane as was demonstrated in October 2008 during hurricane Omar when the power plant had to cease operations due to seaweed clogging the seawater cooling system. With the major part of our high tension system underground and the ability to produce electricity independent of sea conditions GEBE would be able to meet the growing demand for electricity even after a major hurricane.
Philipsburg- Atwanna Voglezon, Davian Thompson, and Lysandra Peterson started the Summer Work Program on Wednesday July 15th 2009 at the Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs. Miss Voglezon and Miss Thompson are students at the St. Maarten Academy and Miss Peterson is a student at the Milton Peters College.
On their first day at work, the students were given a basic introduction to government on the executive, legislative, and judicial apparatus on the Kingdom, Federal, and Island level. Louis Delanson’s book “An Introduction to Government Island Territory of St. Maarten” and Edgar and Julian Lynch’s book “Know your political history”, among others are required reading for the Summer Work Program. In the days to come discussions will continue on citizenship, political participation, democracy, and constitutional affairs.
On Wednesday afternoon, the students met with Senators George Pantophlet and Drs. Rodolphe Samuel at the Parliament Building. The Senators gave a synopsis of their political career and provided insight on policies and legislation they handle on the federal level. The students also met with Mr. Julian Rollocks, Executive Assistant to Senator Erno Labega, who gave a short outline on government structure. Their day ended with a tour of the Government Administration building.
Minister Duncan met with the students on Thursday and gave a brief overview of the Ministry and his role in the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles. Duties and responsibilities of the Ministry, the function of the different directorates and agencies were also discussed.
Ms. Ari Sutton, Policy Assistant at the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs and Mr. Terry J. Peterson, Executive Assistant to the State Secretary of Health, serve as coordinators of the three-week Program, which ends on July 31st.
GREAT BAY: --- (GIS) – Due to civil works being carried out for the construction of the Ring Road Project, the Longwall Road (both directions) in Philipsburg will be blocked for all traffic from Wednesday July 22 2009 at 07:00am until Thursday July 23 5:00pm.
The road closure is from the section between F.W. Vlaun and the Prins Bernard Bridge traffic light.
Traffic coming from Bushroad / AT Illidge Road will be blocked from driving onto the Longwall Road and will have to use the Walter Nisbeth Road.
Traffic coming from the direction of the Great Bay Hotel and Cannnegieter Street will have to use the Walter Nisbeth Road.
Motorists are advised to pay keen attention to this traffic re-routing and use caution when approaching these areas.
Philipsburg: --- Officers from at least ten islands participated in the first ever training offered to Caribbean nationals by Homeland Security of the United States. The training is conducted by the umbrella organization Immigration, Customs Enforcements (ICE). There were representatives from Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Canada, and the islands of the Netherlands Antilles. Participants are from departments such as immigration, customs, and the coast guards. The training that kicked off on Tuesday would be held at two locations on the island, at the Philipsburg Community Center and the Office of the Coast Guard in Simpson Bay.
The ICE team comprises of Brain Vaillancourt, from the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center, Lorenzo Toledo attached to the Caribbean Office of Homeland Security, Richard Jolles chief of staff of the department of Homeland security, Daniel Evans special agent of Homeland Security ICE office and Richard York from the Criminal Intelligence Unit of St. Maarten.
The focus of the seminar is human trafficking and the use of falsified (fraudulent) documents and networking. Officers were urged to make contacts with all the participants since that would be an asset in tracking down human smugglers, while the key to working is sharing information so that law enforcement can clamp down on human smugglers around the Caribbean and the United States.
Attending the opening ceremony on Tuesday morning were Minister of Justice David Dick, Chief Prosecutor of the Windward Islands Taco Stein, Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran, Police Coach Ronald Dongor, Leader of Government William Marlin, while the seminar was officially opened by Assistant Chief of Police Millicent De Weever.
De Weever in her opening statements said human trafficking or the smuggling of humans should be a concern for everyone since it is fundamental crime against humanity that is also against human dignity. De Weever said the best defense for law enforcement is always a good offence. She said she is confident that the seminar will serve to benefit all the participating islands (countries). De Weever said while the seminar is geared at sharing information and experiences regarding smuggling of human beings this is a crime that has no boundaries. She said the estimated figures for this type of crime exceeded four million per year with the majority of victims being females while most of them being children.
De Weever said the amount of lives lost in this illicit activity could not be measured and as such, she believes that if all forces are bonded together then a strong message can be sent to the perpetrators that such an injustice against human dignity would not be tolerated.
Leader of government and commissioner of education William Marlin in his remarks said the training given over the coming days would serve as an asset to St. Maarten since they are now preparing to take on country status. Marlin said while the island is well known to those who come to shop here the island is also exposed to human traffickers. He said there are people who would willfully travel to St. Maarten with fraudulent documents to make it beyond the shores of the island and especially to the US.
Also addressing the officers and trainers was Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. Stein who urged the participants to capitalize on the training since human smuggling and forged documents has become a phenomenon in the islands reason why so many islands has shown interest in the trainings. Stein said without the use of forged documents human smuggling/trafficking becomes more difficult but the economic differences has caused the trade to stay alive.
He said there are number of issues that arise from human smuggling since in many instances the victims are sexually abused because of poverty. This he said is a modern form of slavery something that modern society cannot tolerate and one that has to be addressed. The chief prosecutor said its time the communities get involved and fight against this types of activities. Businesses he said must become aware that the hiring of illegal nationals is part of the problem in relation to human trafficking. He felt that the trainings is of vital importance to law enforcement.
Minister of Justice David Dick in his address stressed that the strengthening of immigration is of ultimate importance. He said networkings in these programs are key to solving cases of human smuggling. He said he is trying his best to improve the immigration status and placing it higher on the political agenda. Dick said human trafficking is one of the most horrendous crimes that one can commit and the islands are susceptible to the crime since they are surrounded by water. He warned that victims of human trafficking are not always easy to detect since persons who have been victimized because of economic needs do not speak much. He said focus should not only look at the islands but they should also look at the larger countries where this type of activity is also prevalent.
Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said that the constant evolving techniques and changing strategies that criminals use have proven to be issues that law enforcement agencies cannot deal with traditional policing strategies. He said the poor communication and cooperation between nations and agencies and the diverse policing systems as well as scattered information prove to be making law enforcement handicap when dealing with such crimes. Doran said he strongly believes that the time has come for nations to change their strategies and techniques. He said law enforcement should no longer speak about information sharing instead they should now be speaking about its availability and accessibility at a central point. Also addressing the dignitaries and participants prior to the seminar was the Richard Jolles, Chief of Staff of US Immigration and Customs. Jolles gave a break down on the activities performed by ICE and their successes in tackling an activity that is now plaguing nations. ICE team shared information on some of the victims that were rescued in the United States and the slave-like conditions these people were living in.
Marigot:--- The parents of the 15-year old boy who was allegedly sexually harassed while working at the COM is planning to file a court case against the perpetrator or his employer. SMN News has been reliably informed that the parents as well as the minor is not taking the incident lightly.
The youth was working at the Collectivity of St. Martin when an employee from the transportation department allegedly sexually harassed him. Sources say the well-known sexual predator went to the rest room and touched the child in his private areas. Upsetting to learn is that the parent of this youth is one of the vice presidents of the Collectivity and her colleagues did not take action against the employee who sexually harassed the child, instead action was taken when the vice president returned to the island. Colleagues of the employee said that they are upset with the head of personnel affairs and the head of the cabinet who only gave the employee three days sanction, reason why the parents are contemplating legal action.
SMN News broke this story two days ago and it is clear from the comments that are placed on this website that several people knew that the employee of the COM has a habit of molesting minors and nothing was done to protect youths from this person. This is second case of sexual misconduct that has been investigated by the Collectivity in recent months. An employee who was working in the Social Affairs department has been transferred when he also sexually harassed a youth that was on job training at the department.
Marigot: --- Board members of the Committee of Traditions and Culture (CTC) responds to the accusations made by their choreographer Kofi Walker who claimed that he was not paid in full for the work he did for the CTC. Speaking on SOS radio on Thursday Gayel Mussington said she intended to take the reporter to court as she seeks to rectify her name.
Mussington said her point of contention in the article was that her name was written in full. She further said she is not the treasurer of the CTC neither is she paid by CTC. Mussington said she is donating her time to the association in the best interest of the island. Mussington further said that she would be seeking a court decision because someone accused her of conflict of interest in one of the comments.
According to Mussington the people, accusing her of conflict of interest does not know its true meaning since she is not the owner of the Sheriff Security. She said the company belongs to her father and she is a manager. Furthermore, she acknowledged that the company did not execute the job at the Caribbean Festival reasons, which she did not disclose. SMN News did write an article on that subject matter.
The company’s manger and CTC board member said she would like for someone to show her where the alleged Euros 50,000 that was paid to the security company went since she does not know where it is. She went as far as saying someone should give that money to her, since the CTC members are working for free and they were not paid. Mussington said Walker should not throw stones when he is living in glass house. She said Walker should be last person to throw those stones. Mussington said she was hired to be in charge of the troops and chorography and admitted she was aggressive in pushing the work.
According to information, reaching SMN News is that the CTC hired Walker on a three-year contract even though he is residing and working on the island illegally. According to our sources, the CTC is using this information to intimidate Walker because he exposed the Association and its members. According to French law, it is prohibited for any employer to hire anyone who is residing on the island illegally, if caught these persons can be prosecuted and a hefty fine would be imposed.
President of the CTC Joel Dormoy acknowledged that the CTC did sign a three-year contract with Walker, which is negotiable, which means that if the CTC does not agree with anything in the contract he can then terminate it. Dormoy said he is rather angry at what went on with the entire situation regarding Walker. Dormoy said the CTC has nine board members with 25 members making it an association with 34 members that cannot get payed for whatever work they did. He said they have been trying to organize the carnival but this is the first time they have been trying to organize such a festival. Dormoy said that at least three of the CTC members went to the BFC bank with an account number that was provided to them by Walker.
Dormoy said the bank told them that they were not able to wire any monies on the account since according to him the number was not good. Dormoy said they notified Walker and he came back to them with the same number this time with a stamp attached. Dormoy explained they were not looking for a stamp instead; they wanted the correct bank account number. Dormoy said he does not understand why Walker is carrying on with all this drama because on numerous occasions they informed Walker that they could not pay him in cash monies. He said that according to him that is illegal.
However, the CTC president did not address payment with a certified check, which was also possible. Dormoy said the reason they agreed to pay someone six or eight thousand Euros to organize the festival (carnival) was because they were behind time and they needed someone to carry out the job. Dormoy said carnival is no longer about pleasure instead it is about making monies. Dormoy further acknowledged they made mistakes in organizing the Caribbean Festival that they intend to learn from it in the future. Dormoy said despite the mistakes they considered the festival a success because the overseas artist and troops are very content with the way they handled matters. Asked if they received all the monies Euros 350, 000, Dormoy said everyone is making a mistake with the budget and the deficit. Asked if they owed anyone monies especially Mr. Walker the treasurer said they made a payment to Walker to the value of Euros 1,500 and there is a balance of Euros 1,500. However, Walker does not want to be paid by, check he wanted cash and as such, he voided the check and returned it to the CTC board. She said if Walker had cashed that check, it means they paid him Euros 4,500.
The treasurer said that even though Walker has an agreement for six thousand Euros he did not do the work for the monies he was receiving, a sentiment shared by the board members and panel on SOS radio.
Asked if they brought in someone from overseas and paid him the Euros 35,000, which is creating anger in the community. Dormoy said the overseas promoter was not paid that amount of monies. SMN News understands that the promoter was paid Euros 60,000, this reporter also requested the financial breakdown from CTC to bring clarity but to date we have not gotten that breakdown.
However, Dormoy did not disclose the amount of monies that was paid to the overseas promoter. Dormoy said he wanted locals to see how the promoter organized the show something he never saw before because to put on the festival had lots of administrative work. Dormoy said the CTC did not bring in the promoter instead; it was the Collectivity who brought in the promoter since they were investing monies. Dormoy insisted that Walker should stop his commotion and confusion since the CTC does not owe him that amount of monies. Dormoy also assured that everyone they owed would be paid. As for next year festival Dormoy said they already begin working on getting some monies from the FIDER funds. He said the balance of the subvention is expected as late as next week.
According to reliable information, reaching SMN News is that the father of one of the CTC board members threatened Walker on Thursday afternoon when Walker refused to meet with him. The source said Walker was supposed to meet with a person who had nothing to do with the CTC board and wanted to discuss the ongoing dispute. The man it is said told Walker that he would show up at the home and when he does, the situation would turn nasty. The source also said that another person who Walker worked with on the Dutch side of the island looked for him and told him that he needed to retract all the statements he made on SOS radio on Wednesday. It is further understood that the former employer of Mr. Kofi Walker are connected to persons in politics on the French side of the island as well as the CTC board.
Philipsburg: ---The island council of St. Maarten has voted unanimously in favor of rejecting the amendments to the business license of Scarlet NV, which would offer telecommunication services on the island.
The island council had postponed the meeting, which began on Thursday to take a decision that would be in the best interest of the island. The executive council had submitted a proposal to grant the amendments to Scarlet but subsequently withdrew that proposal and presented a new proposal to the Island Council to deem the administrative appeal of Scarlet unfounded and to instruct the executive council not to grant the amendments.
The island council also ordered that the executive council send a letter to Scarlet informing them of the decisions taken by the island council not to grant them the amendments to their business license.
Philipsburg: ---- Island Council member Roy Marlin has voiced his concerns on the situation of the tax inspectorate; the island council man also sent a letter to the executive council where he is seeking answers about the 5.1 millions guilders he signed off with USONA prior to leaving office. Marlin says he wants to know what has happened to the improvement plan for that department. The 5.1 million guilders were to be used on the improvement plan.
Marlin said since he left office he has not heard anything about the progress of these fundings neither has he seen or heard anything on the project which is in the pipeline. Marlin said he is concerned because department such as the tax inspectorate needs to be functional when the island takes on its country status.
The former commissioner of finance said that now that there is a world wide economic disaster it is his understanding that the government coffers is also losing monies and he believes that if the inspectorate of taxes were up to par then they could have broaden the tax base.
Marlin said while in office it was agreed that a project manager was going to be appointed, an IT Specialist, as well as someone specialized in human resources. He said the idea was to have the project manager guide the improvement plan that would include the automation, training and working on the backlog at that office. Marlin explained that the intention was to have the human resources manager looked at the legal status of the employees working in that department and to find personnel to fill at least 40 positions, which is critical to the department.
Marlin said he is also concerned about the draft budget and the financial supervision since he wants to know if the first draft for the 2010 budget has been submitted to the CFT. Marlin said based on the agreements they have on financial supervision the draft budget is supposed to be submitted by July 15. Marlin said based on his sources that was not done and even if it was done his faction did not receive a copy of that draft. He said the island government is already 12 days behind time with the submission of this document to the CFT. He said it is of uttermost importance that government live up to the agreement that was made with the Kingdom partners if they are to avoid the imposing of financial supervision. Marlin said his party (former executive council) did comply with these agreements and he believes the present government is not complying with the agreements made on financial management and their obligations. Marlin said even the quarterly reports were not submitted to the island council and CFT. The former finance commissioner said based on the current trend a backlog would accumulate which would then give the State Secretary for Kingdom relations the opportunity to impose financial supervision on government owned companies. He said he is concerned that no negative reports would be written due to the lack of action on the part of the current government.
Philipsburg: --- An 18-year-old man is now nursing a gunshot wound at the St. Maarten Medical Center; he is reported to be in stable condition. According to reports reaching SMN News, the youth identified as K.N.J born in St. Lucia was shot during the early morning hours on Tuesday in the Middle Region area.
In an invited comment, Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said police was called to the scene in Middle Region somewhere around 01:30 am where a man was found with a gunshot wound in his back. The victim told police he was shot during a robbery. K.N.J said his attackers robbed him of some documents, which he was carrying in a pouch. He also indicated that a number of gunshots were fired at him but only one penetrated. The bullet Leonard said caught the victim in his back and it exited under his right chest. Police also confiscated a number of spent shells that was found at the scene. The case is still under investigation the police spokesman said.
AIRPORT Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company (PJIAE) has relocated the bus-stop in front of its terminal building, as part of the ongoing project to reroute the Airport Boulevard.
The makeshift, temporary bus-stop is located east of the pedestrian walkway. "The bus-stop was located on the exact spot where the rerouted road will rejoin the existing infrastructure; therefore, we had to make temporary arrangements," said PJIAE President Drs. Eugene Holiday.
The road rerouting works that were started on Friday May 29th 2009, are progressing well.
The Airport Road rerouting project, which represents a US$ 2 million investment, will result in a modified and rerouted road network at the airport. When the construction is completed, traffic coming from the direction of the WINAIR offices will go through the roundabout, continue alongside the Simpson Bay lagoon flowing along the eastern and northern shoreline and then curve to the south following the perimeters of the public car park to the west; at the front of the Terminal building the new road will connect with the existing airport road.
Drs. Holiday reiterated his previous calls for caution during this phase of the development that will benefit the entire island. "With this new arrangement for buses and pedestrians, motorists should apply even more caution," he urged.
Philipsburg:--- The Democratic Party faction members namely Sarah Wescot Williams and Petrus De Weever has submitted a request to the Island Lt. Governor requesting that he call an island council meeting as early as possible.
The sole agenda point for the meeting is the position of the executive council on the Social and Economic Consequences of the labour policy.
The Democratic Party has been speaking out against the withdrawal of the policy by the National Alliance.
Philipsburg:--- Several reports has indicated that the former Minister of Justice David Dick as appointed Aruba’s Police Chief Peter de Witte as St. Maarten’s new police chief.
SMN News understands de Witte who hails from Holland has been having some problems in Aruba and he wants to leave that island. De Witte worked quite some years in the Caribbean islands including the Coast Guard of the Netherlands Antilles. De Witte left the Coast Guard in November 2006 to begin working as the appointed Chief of Police in Aruba.
When contacted on Thursday Dick said he never discussed the position with de Witte, he said he had intended to make the position available so that interested candidates can apply for the position which has been vacated by Chief Commissioner of Police Derrick Holiday almost two years ago. Asked how possible it is to open the position when Mr. Holiday’s case is still in the Supreme Court.
Dick said the Central Government is not obligated to wait until Holiday case is over, the former justice Minister made clear that the police force on St. Maarten could not continue the way it is and if he was still holding the position as Minister of Justice he would have made the position available for people to apply. Dick made clear that this was one of his recommendations to the new and incoming Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba. “The Central Government has enough in their files to renounce Mr. Holiday and that is exactly what will be done. No one person can hold back a police force.” Dick said.
SMN News further understands that several persons made contact with de Witte and they are making him other offers including the government of Aruba who also offered him another job.
The source said de Witte already indicated to Aruba that he is coming to St. Maarten to fill the vacancy of police Chief on St. Maarten, which means someone indicated to him that he would be the most likely candidate to fill the position and if he applied, the job will be given to him.
La Savanne: -- The newly appointed captain of the gendarmerie has arrived on the island earlier this week. Captain Stephanne Brunet, 33 years old is married and has two children.
The young father said he has a 9-year old son and 7-year old daughter who all came to the island with him as he takes up his new post. Brunet told reporters on Friday it’s the first time he has been in the French Caribbean and right now, they are trying to adjust to their new environment. “Its indeed new to us and we have to now adjust, St. Martin is indeed special, especially having such a small island with two governments, amazing is the cooperation that existed between the two sides.” Brunet said.
Speaking about his job, he said he is busy observing the way the gendarmes function here on an island, which he concluded, as being really specific. The new captain already made acquaintance with those at the Collectivity and he even began walking around in certain areas of the community to familiarize himself with the island and its people.
Brunet is expected to meet his Dutch counterparts sometime next week.
Already the newly appointed captain said he find the people of St. Martin to be friendly and always smiling, for him that is a big plus because it’s not the same way in France. Asked if he requested to serve on St. Martin Brunet said, he requested a transfer to the Caribbean after severing for four years as the head of the gendarmes mobile.
Philipsburg: ---On Wednesday August at approximately 07.25 p.m. the police department and detectives were sent to Backstreet to "Caribbean Choice" for an armed robbery. On the scene, the investigating officers spoke to a lady with initials M.B. who stated that shortly before her husband had called their daughter informing her that he was a victim of an armed robbery. However, this was not the case. She further stated that her husband was pulling a prank or a joke on his daughter.
All persons involved in this case were taken to the police station a severely reprimanded about this type of irresponsible behavior and the negative consequences it could have. Innocent persons could get hurt. The detective and police have much more important things to do.
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GREAT BAY– The 2009 Hurricane Season is starting to get busy with the formation of several tropical wave and depression weather systems. This is one reason why the community should not become complacent, Fire Commander/Disaster Chief Winston Salomon stated on Wednesday.
“The 2009 season has taken off from a slow start this year without having one named storm to date, however this may change soon when we look at Tropical Depression #2 in the far Atlantic Ocean.
“I call on the community to make sure you have everything in place and your storm ready. Everybody must take the required actions to minimize the risk of injury and damage to property in case there is a hurricane strike, and the time to act is now if you haven’t already. Remember our theme for the season, ‘It only takes one – Be Prepared’,” Fire Commander Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday.
Being prepared is essential prior to a hurricane strike. Businesses and government must survive and recover from a disaster as quick as possible, which would ensure that the economy can be up, and running and our way of life returns to a semblance of normality.
Residents, business owners, and contractors have been advised from the beginning of the season to draft plans that would protect their families, business operations, and construction sites. When a hurricane threatens our island, what is left for residents, businesses and contractors to do to prepare should be minimal.
The hurricane season runs through November 30.
SIMPSON BAY - Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation hereby announces that as of Monday, August 17 the Simpson Bay Bridge will be close to maritime traffic for a two-week period to facilitate additional repair work.
Boat owners and captains therefore must decide whether they will leave their vessel in the lagoon or in the bay. The last bridge openings will be on Sunday, August 16 for inbound and outbound vessels.
The main contractor Hofman Sliedrecht will work on the replacement of the traffic barrier boxes and booms; installing new traffic lights and installing a new electrical control cabinet for the bridge.
All the repairs to the Simpson Bay Bridge are based on the recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges. They are done to ensure the durability and longevity of the bridge structure.
In August 2009 Inspectors of Rijkswaterstaat will once more asses the condition of the bridge after all the improvements and will submit a report to the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority.
Philipsburg:--Monday, August 17th it will be back to school again for thousands of students, and back to work for school managers, teachers and other school administrators.
Allow me on behalf of the Executive Council of St. Maarten, and as Commissioner of Education, in particular, to avail myself of this opportunity to extend the very best wishes to all Students, School Directors, School Managers, Teachers, and all other persons directly or indirectly involved in Education, whether public or private, for a very productive school year 2009-2010.
The beginning of the school year is often filled with heightened expectations and of great things to come. This heightened expectation is usually tainted with nervousness, fear of the unknown and apprehension.
The life of a teacher is to elevate hope and confidence above cynicism and despair, if only by the slightest measure. As educators, we have the responsibility to educate and inspire the whole child, socially, emotionally, physically, academically, and spiritually. (mind, heart and soul).
Over the past years education has been going through innovations at all levels, from elementary to secondary. I am fully aware of the sacrifice our educators are making to fulfill the requirements of these innovations, with the numerous workshop sessions and with the “TRUP” Program the Teacher’s Retraining & Upgrading Program.
The long hours the assignments that had to be completed alongside your regular responsibilities in the classroom. As well as sacrifices that your families have had to endure during this process.
I want to let you know that we appreciate all the sacrifices that you have made. We are grateful and are extremely confident that the good results of our students will be our reward in the future; when our students are productive citizens, ready to take up their responsibilities in country St. Maarten.
As this new academic year begins, I wish to assure our educators that education, as a whole, has my attention and is of the highest priority. Teachers have an awesome responsibility to prepare our students today for the future.
On Thursday morning, I had the privilege to sign contracts for three important school projects related to the construction of a new school in Cay Hill, the expansion of the Genevieve de Weever School and the Sister Magda School, and there are more to come.
This school year the Government will begin with the introduction of compulsory education. It is the intention, that every child living on St. Maarten between the ages of 4 and 6 will be given access to one of our schools. Not only Public Schools but to private schools as well.
The Executive Council has requested the cooperation of all other school boards, in insuring that there is a seat for every 4, 5 and 6 year old this year.
Lastly, I appeal to the parents not to sit idly by, get involved in your child’s education. Get to know your child’s teacher. Don’t wait to be called, go in. Get involved in all aspects of your child’s education. Remember education begins at home. Parents are the children’s fist teacher. Do not relinquish your right. Home and school must work together, if our children are to be successful, we need your involvement now more than ever.
Once again, to all School Boards; Public as well as Private, Directors, School Managers, teachers, support staff, students and parents, I wish you a smooth start to the school year 2009-2010.
I wish you much strength, patience and a very successful school year 2009-2010.
Philipsburg:---Members of the Emerging Global Leaders Program, SIMARC students, the Youth Link Foundation, VKS volunteers, Rotaractors, well-known radio personality Elektra, Clean St Maarten N.V., St. Maarten Pride volunteers, other residents and even two visitors from the United States carried out a very successful clean-up of the Cul-de-Sac Cemetery on Saturday August 15th, 2009.
The Clean-up was facilitated by St. Maarten Pride Foundation and attracted some 55 volunteers who managed to fill 80 garbage bags which were subsequently transported to the landfill by Clean St. Maarten N.V. Saturday’s Clean-up provided volunteers (many of whom had never been to the Cemetery) with the opportunity to visit graves of ancestors and notable St. Maarten Families dating back to the 18th and 19 century.
Volunteers expressed a sense of inspiration by the day’s activities and mentioned that many of St. Maarten’s residents drive or walk by the Cul-de-Sac Cemetery every day without knowing that the area, which has been placed on the island’s monument list, holds such history.
St. Maarten Pride Foundation is calling on the island’s residents to respect the resting place of our ancestors by contributing to keeping it clean. The Foundation urges Government to allocate funds to and carry-out immediate and continuous beautification and protection of the Historic Cul-de-Sac burial grounds.
Pride Foundation would hereby like to thank all the Volunteers, who came out and made the event a success, for their tireless efforts.
Cay Hill: -- Construction work halted at a construction site yesterday in the Cay Hill area after controllers from the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) immigration and zero tolerance raided the site. The controllers found 19 persons working at the location two of which ran away while 17 was taken to the SVB head office where they were interviewed.
Head of SVB Reginald Williamsburg said one company was found working at the site with some 19 workers. Of the total, only two of them were insured at the Social Insurance Bank while the others were not. Willemsberg said 12 of the workers were detained by the immigration department because they were all residing and working on the island illegally.
On the scene, working was Walters Electrical NV owned by Nathaniel Walters and his brother a registered contractor. The company may have to end up paying close to Naf: 60,000 for hiring of illegal workers.
While an un-determined amount of monies would have to be paid to SVB. The Social Insurance Bank would also issue a fine to the company for not declaring their workers.
The controls Willemsberg said would continue during the week.
SMN News understands the controllers also visited a garage in Arch Road but found no one due to heavy rain. At that location, a dwelling is under construction.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said 15 persons were taken to the police station. He said 12 of them were handed over to immigration for processing and four were later released, three Haitians and one Guyanese. While eight are presently in custody pending deportation, seven of the detained are from Jamaica and one from the island of Dominica. Leonard said he could not say if fines were issued to the employer.
In an invited comment, Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said his office is yet to receive the report that is to be made up by the police. Stein said based on the law the employer would be fined Naf.5000, 00 for each undocumented worker.
Commissioner Frans Richardson speaks to the group of travel writers during the media luncheon.
Fernando William, Advisor to the Commissioner; Regina Labega, Director of Tourism; Chad Meyerson, Director of Sales for the Caribbean & Latin America, JetBlue; Kirstin Frazell, Manager of Advertising, JetBlue; Commissioner Frans Richardson; Dennis Corrigan, Vice President, Revenue Management, JetBlue; and Dave Clark, Director of Route Planning, JetBlue.
Philipsburg: ---- The management team of the Police Force of St. Maarten is the ones to be blamed for not complying with their duties to have the officers who are now protesting upgraded. So said members of the union when questions were posed to them by SMN News, ABVO representative Officer Josepha said police officers cannot submit themselves for promotion instead that lies with the management team of the local police force. Josepha admitted that the battle they are fighting today is not a matter that just surfaced but this has been an issue for at least 16 years. Josepha said the management team has to submit the recommendations to the Minister of Justice who would then execute by having a decree for the promotion. Unless that is done, the Minister of Justice cannot promote anyone. Josepha said there are officers who are working for the police force for over 16 years and is still in the same rank today, while officers in Curacao with less years than those in St. Maarten already has a higher rank. He said the same goes for Bonaire while the three islands, St. Maarten, Saba and Statia remains the same. He said the KPSSS has sergeants, then there is an open space, which has to be filed with majors following inspectors, and chief inspectors, something they said are a plight of the officers. Officer Carlyle Rogers from the NAPB said one of the things he wants to make clear is that the former Minister of Justice David Dick never promised them anything. He said that on the contrary, the matter was raised in several meetings but Dick maintained that he would not be sitting in the seats of the Chief Commissioners of police who are given a task. Rogers said Dick made clear that unless he gets the proposals he would not be able to promote anyone.
Dick calls Protest Unfair.
Former Minister of Justice David Dick who is also on the island in a statement to reporters said the police officers of KPSSS treated the new minister of justice rather unfair. Dick said a walk out is not a way to welcome anyone and its not a way to do business, instead the local police should have welcomed the new minister and sit around a table with her to discuss their grievances. His main concern is why the KPSSS officers did not take action earlier, why is it they did not do this three weeks ago he asked? Dick said the actions of the police on Monday and Tuesday gave a very bad image of the local police force. In his opinion, he said the unions and their members need to discuss the matter and if the officers are entitled to something then it would be given to them. He said if the management team had submitted a formal proposal then the officers would have been promoted. Asked if this matter was tabled during his tenure, Dick said the matter was raised but no formal request was ever given to him for promotion.
Dick disagreed with statements made by the unions who said that the officers from the other islands were upgraded while St. Maarten was not, he said everybody knows of the court cases and the complaints that were made by the other islands that were officially dealt with. Dick said if St. Maarten had raised their concern’s they too would have been dealt with but the (KPSSS) has lots of chiefs but no Indian.
Police Officers from KPSSS continued their daylong meetings on Tuesday with their unions and other representatives. The officers started their meeting at the office of the Windward Island Civil Servant Union.
They then entered into a meeting with members of the executive council along with the Chief of Police prior to their scheduled meeting with the Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba.
In the meeting with the executive council SMN News learnt that the officers mostly sergeants who have been waiting for their promotion for almost 16 years expressed their grievances. Addressing the officers who met at the A.C Wathey Legislative Hall was leader of Government William Marlin.
In a statement to reporters members of the union said, they were satisfied with the outcome of the meetings. Carlyle Rogers member of the NAPB said the meeting with the executive council went terrific, as they were able to lay out their grievances on the table. He said the chief of police (Lt. Governor) Franklyn Richards has promised to look into the matter while the executive council was extremely happy to learn of the situation. Rogers said the answers given to them were fruitful and it is what they had expected to hear from their leaders. Asked what can the executive council do to improve or regulate their situation Rogers said one of the ‘sticking points” for separate status is justice and that means that the police force has to be in order, he said the leaders who are pursuing the new status need to know what type of police force they have and what would be needed in the new setting.
Rogers said the mere fact the executive council lend a listening ear to the grievances of the police is a step in the right direction especially when it comes to country St. Maarten. ABVO representative Josepha said in that meeting they were able to outline their grievances and it was only then the Chief of Police said he would deal with the matter with the management team of the police force.
He said regarding the meeting held with the Minister and State Secretary the answers were fruitful. Rogers further explained that what took place on Monday was indeed an unfortunate situation for the new Minister of Justice. He said Jacoba not only hit the ground running but she hit it in the battlefield. Rogers said they promised to have fruitful discussions in the future prior to taking action, while the Minister also guaranteed them she was going to look into the matter.
Rogers agreed the Minister only had one week in office and she needed to be given the benefit of the doubt. He said that while the unions did not put an ultimatum to the Minister they are expecting her to take actions in record time. Rogers could not say if the police would return to normal duty on Wednesday but said they would make a decision after meeting with their members.
In an invited comment the Minister of Justice said the officers promised to return to work on Wednesday, asked about the meeting she held with the unions, she said that was part of her program and that the leader of government William Marlin and the Lt. Governor seems to have addressed the issues the police has.
French Quarter: ---A 30-year-old man identified as B.R who went to do business at the Fleming’s Carpet in French Quarter had to be taken to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital after a gunman walked into the store and shot the customer twice in his leg area.
SMN News has learnt that the shooting took place in the office area of the store in the presence of children.
On the scene yesterday were a number of gendarmes who were conducting the investigation.
Bystanders at the scene identified the gunman as D. SMN News has learnt that both the victim and the suspect who is now on the run are working at the Princess Juliana International Airport. Sources told this media house that the two has an ongoing dispute, which began at their place of employment. Several bystanders and witnesses to the shooting said the gunman a known person in French Quarter did not have on a mask when he committed his actions. The victim is a well-known man is also living in the French Quarter had to undergo emergency surgery at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital.
The gendarmes in a press release said that so far they have not determined the cause of the shooting but confirmed that no robbery has taken place. An investigation into the case is underway.
Philipsburg:-----Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) will be offering free educational presentations for schools, clubs, and civic groups during October and November 2009 as part of the Love the Lagoon program. The theme of these presentations will be the importance of wetlands, such as the Simpson Bay Lagoon and salt ponds, and their role in our environment and society.
Visiting environmental education specialist Andrea Beauchamp will provide hands-on, interactive learning experiences for audiences of all ages. In addition to her current tenure as a middle school teacher in the United States, Mrs. Beauchamp teaches at a residential summer science center for gifted and talented students as well as conducting summer school science lessons for at-risk youth. Her extensive experience both in and out of the classroom setting will be of great benefit to all participants.
Classroom presentations may be augmented by field trips to nearby wetlands. To schedule presentations, phone Love the Lagoon Project Manager Rueben Thompson at 545-3009.
Philipsburg: --- The Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) is informing their members that the periodic increase that was due to be applied to their salaries as of August 1st 2009 has not been applied across the board. The union is presently investigating which school boards have not complied with the New Salary Scale System for Education on St. Maarten.
According to the agreement in the New Salary Scale System, teachers will be evaluated according to guidelines formulated and approved by the Executive Council. As long as these evaluation guidelines are not implemented for teachers, all teachers will receive a periodic increase on August 1st of each school year. So far, we have received confirmation from two school boards that they have applied the necessary changes to their teachers’ salaries. Our complaints were mainly from Public School teachers. WITU will continue to investigate which other school boards are in non-compliance with the New Salary Scale System. WITU is working diligently to speedily resolve this issue.
On Wednesday August 26 7 new Prison Officers took the oath of office which was administered by Acting Lt. Governor Millicent Acuna- Lopez de Weever. Prison Director Rudsel Ricardo was also in present at the ceremony.
Philipsburg:--- Detectives from the special armed robbery unit arrested another suspect who was involved in the robbery at Gold Creations in Maho. Police identified the suspect as E.A.M from St. Maarten. He was arrested on Thursday without incident. The police have in custody some six persons in custody as the investigation continues.
Cole Bay:---The Head of the Police Traffic Department Inspector Alexander is hereby informing the general public that in connection with the paving of the streets at the Kruythoff round a bout in Cole Bay. Traffic will be temporarily be re-routed. On Saturday August 29th and Sunday August 30th 2009 between 07.00 a.m. and 05.00 p.m and on Monday August 31st 2009 from 08.00 p.m. to 06.00 a.m. all traffic from Philipsburg going to Cole bay should use the Lexy Arnell road and not the A.J.C. Brouwers road. Traffic coming from Cole Bay and coming towards Philipsburg will use the A.J.C. Brouwersroad.
The general public is required to use all necessary precautions when using these streets during the period mentioned.
Paris: ---State Secretary for Overseas Territories Marie-Luce Penchard on Monday extended her warmest congratulations to Guadeloupean Teddy Riner who has won his third Gold Medal in the Over 100 Kg category at the Judo World Championships in Rotterdam.
“This victory is the result of hard work and commitment for days on end and it has turned this young athlete into a role model for all our young people,” she said in a press release. “This success has brought honour to Guadeloupe and all Overseas Territories.”
She encouraged Teddy Riner to continue his sporting career with the same success and to bring home many more victories for France.
Philipsburg: ---- A total of Naf 840, 000 has been turned over to the island government to begin its marketing stimulus plan. Bart Pasman a representative of USONA along with commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson signed the agreement on Tuesday. Bart Pasman from USONA said the monies that are turned over to the island government are the first phase of the stimulus plan. He said the program was done through cooperation with the project bureau and the tourism department. Pasman said after several discussions it was decided that the project will be done in phases and the first phase is to begin marketing online. According to expectation, they are expecting a 7% increase in tourism compare to last year.
Pasman said USONA would be working on the other phases shortly.
Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson thanked those persons who worked on the project prior to him taking office. Richardson said now that this money is available they would be able to address the US market from where they have lost a significant amount of business. He said the US market is about 50% of the total amount of arrivals to the island.
The commissioner called on the private sector to put their money where their mouth is and come up with what they have promised to provide in the stimulus. He said that already American Airline has committed to invest some $400.000 while St. Maarten has to add the same amount if they are to aggressively market the island. He said already the island government has some $100, 000 while they are hoping that the private sector would come up with the balance so that they can use the opportunity given to the island by American Airlines. The commissioner said that while government has a role to the play the private sector has theirs. He said while St. Maarten is a preferred destination the island has to be out there like the other islands.
Richardson said that now that they have the first phase monies they are expecting to be in the market by September 15 they could begin marketing for the high season.
Marigot--- The gendarmes detained two men who was caught red handed trying to stealing bottles of alcohol from an establishment at the Match Howell Center on Wednesday. A 40-year old man has to appear in court on December 3 charged with theft while the other was released.
Marigot/ Philipsburg: --- The owner of a Grey Suzuki Ignis with license plate M 2252 is calling on the community to look out for the vehicle which has the word “BLESSED” on its front windshield. The vehicle was stolen while parked in Concordia on Saturday night containing three suitcases.
Anyone who sees this vehicle can contact the Philipsburg Police Station or the Gendarmes in Marigot. No questions will be asked.
Philipsburg:--- Leader of government William Marlin in reactions to statements made by Island Councilman Leroy de Weever last week as he refused to vote on the law on cooperate governance said the island councilman has mislead the people of St. Maarten with inaccurate information. Marlin said De Weever was the chairman of the Central committee and he never objected to the law, which was prepared by his party the “Democratic Party”. Marlin said the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laveist executive council did not change anything from the proposed law because they all supported it. He made clear that the advisory council would be a permanent council that would advise government.
This council he said would have a minimum of three members with a maximum of five members. These members are going to be installed for a period of four years, with an external assessment in its third year. Marlin said he believed the councilman is probably confused with the ten articles of the law. He said article four states the council members have a four-year life span while another article states the council is permanent.
Marlin said the excuses given by De Weever is ridiculous one of which is wrong. Outlining the wrong statement, Marlin said De Weever in his statements said it is the NA/Heyliger executive council has been changing things to the island’s detriment. He said the council on cooperate governance was established when the Democratic Party was in government which has to be appointed by the executive council and felt if these members were to be appointed by the DP then De Weever would not have had a problem with it. He said De Weever came to the meeting with the intention not to support or even vote on the law on cooperate governance.
Furthermore, Marlin said ever since the Democratic Party was thrown into opposition they have been criticizing everything the current executive council does. Marlin explained that most if not all the things that are being criticized by the Democratic Party are things they themselves did while in government. The island leader said he does not expect the opposition to lie down and play dead but to mislead the people is not acceptable. He said all of sudden they are concerned about things that they did not do while in office. Marlin said if someone really listens to the leader of the DP they would get the idea that while she was leader of government and in charge of the permanent committee of constitutional affairs they were meeting constantly. Marlin promised to release the records of that committee which would show how often they met and where they were times he was not even invited to the meetings even though he was a partner in the constitutional process. Marlin said prior to the road trip to The Hague there was no meeting of the permanent committee on St. Maarten. He said that does not mean that his government would do the same, but for the leader of the DP to accuse his government of shutting her out of information is unacceptable.
Philipsburg: --- A petition have been filed with the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran against the Carolina’s Bar sometime this week claiming that it is illegally operating as a house of prostitution. SMN News understands that Carolina’s only has a permit to have dancers but right now, the women at the establishment are working as prostitutes (animeermeisjes).
The sex industry policy of 2003 strictly forbids dancers from working as prostitutes. An operator found guilty of violating this policy could be fined a maximum of Naf. 100,000 and have their license revoked. Club owners who are allowed to have animeermeisjes are facing unfair competition from Carolinas it is alleged and are suffering financial loss.
SMN News also learnt that the operator of Seamans Club has illegally relocated the club; therefore, it is operating without a permit. The signatory of the petition has asked government to close the business establishment until their relocation has been approved.
Philipsburg - The Commissioner of Health Hyacinth Richardson congratulated Sector Health, Social Affairs & Labour and United Nations Population Fund for having organized a two-day workshop and encouraged everyone to have two fruitful days of discussions.
The commissioner indicated that he had taken note of the topics up for discussion and believes that they are very important as it relates to matters that really need attention.
One of the tasks of the United Nations Development Fund is providing supplies and services involving reproductive health.
In has been stated that reproductive health can be identified as the freedom to have a responsible and satisfying sex life. Your reproductive health is influenced by many factors such as age, lifestyle, habits, use of medicines and exposure to chemicals in the environment. Everyone has the right to enjoy reproductive health, which is a basis for having healthy children, intimate relationships and happy families.
Besides reproductive health we also acknowledge reproductive rights. According to the World Health Organization reproductive rights rest on the recognition of the basic right of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so.
Reproductive rights may include some or all of the following rights: the right to control one’s reproductive functions and the right to access quality reproductive healthcare. It may also be understood to include education about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases.
The other topic to be discussed during the workshop is about contraceptive methods.
Years ago the word condom was taboo and mentioning the word was equal to swear words. Today that is all changing and the good old condom is actually becoming a life saver. There are now even condoms for women.
Condom use is often seen as the tipping point in the success of HIV/AIDS education and prevention. It has been widely proven that the use of condoms is the most effective way to reduce exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among sexually active individuals.
However there are many forces out there who object the use of a condom and these objections are oftentimes based on religious or other reasons. Particularly many young people do not see the need to use a condom and they give a variety of reasons for their actions.
This disbelief can be solved through education. As a result of the increasing awareness about AIDS and STI’s, many people are changing their sexual behavior. Some are abstaining and others have started using condoms regularly. However there are huge numbers of people out there who still refuse to use a condom.
Efforts should be made to educate people and explain to them the dangers they face if they do not use a condom if they are sexually active. Condoms should be distributed freely to those who wish to use them.
PHILIPSBURG:-- A special team consisted of officers from the Zero Tolerance team and Voluntary Korps are now controlling school areas in the vicinity of all secondary schools. The police department has launched the new team to help combat the increasing amount of fights taking place around the island’s schools. The team is presently concentrating around areas of South Reward, St Peters and Cul-de-Sac, announced police spokesman Ricardo Henson. The officers will be seen in the area just before the end of school each day. These measures are temporary which have started about a week ago and requires the input and cooperation of the entire community to do their part, until effective and definite solutions to these problems are found and put in place.
These measures are also to prevent and suppress this type of negative behavior, to ensure the safety, and to protect the other students attending those schools and the persons living in those neighborhoods. The Zero-tolerance team will be removing any one who is loitering in the neighborhood of any of these schools or who does not have any valid explanation or reason for being in the vicinity of these schools.
The police department is asking the cooperation of all parents who have to drop-off or pick-up their child or children at any of these schools to do so on time. This measure is to avoid having the children hanging around the school areas unnecessarily.
Parents are urged to instruct their children not to venture to any of the other schools to catch the bus or for any unnecessary reasons. They should catch the bus at their respective schools. Most of all they should instruct their children to refrain from getting involved in any physical confrontations or any other type of negative behavior. The O-tolerance team will be carrying out the O-tolerance policy and any of the students involved in a fight will be taken to the police station and their parents will be notified. At the end of the school hours, several units of the O-tolerance team will make sure that the students that are boarding the buses will do that orderly and safely and in doing so clearing the school area as quickly as possible. The measure will also minimize the possibility of any fights taking place. This is a community problem and police department will do their part and expects the cooperation from the entire community to give a helping hand in solving this problem.
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The Coastguard for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba in collaboration with the guards of the Valero oil refinery and the Maritime Police, in Aruba arrested five illegal immigrants.
A press release from the Coast Guard states that around 03.30 am on September 16
a report came in at the Coast Guard that illegal immigrants were on the reef near the marina of the Valero refinery. Immediately, two units of the Coast Guard were sent to that position the release states.
The Maritime Police was also enabled, on arrival they found three illegal immigrants on the reef. All three were arrested immediately. Valero had also arrested another two immigrants by then.
It appeared as if a boat had departed from Venezuela with 20 people on board. At some point the vessel hit the yola on which they sat. The Coast Guard with maritime police and Warda Nos Costa are still looking for the other 15 missing persons.
Besides counter drug operations and saving lives at sea, the detection of illegal immigration is also one of the tasks of the Coast Guard for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
Philipsburg:--On Tuesday September 15th at approximately 03.10 p.m. several police patrols and detectives of the Special Robbery Unit was directed, by the Police Central Dispatch, to Tac Gaz located on the Cannegieter street for an armed robbery.
On the scene the patrols spoke to an employee of Tac Gaz, with the initials L.P. who stated, that shortly before she and two other persons who were in the establishment at the time, were robbed at gunpoint by two unknown men of dark complexion. L.P. stated that while in the establishment one of the suspects walked into the building, pulled a gun and at the same time threatened to use it if no cooperation was given.
The robber actually put the gun to the head of the employee.
The other robber stayed on the look-out at the entrance. The robber in the building took all the money from the cash register and also stole the wallet from the other persons in the establishment. After committing their act both robbers calmly walked out of the building and left the scene. A description of the suspects was given to the investigating officers and the investigation is ongoing.
Philipsburg: --- Chief Executive Officer of the St. Maarten Telecommunications Service Peter Drent would be leaving St. Maarten sometime soon as his contract with the company will end at the end of September and the island government would not be renewing the contract announced leader of government William Marlin. Marlin told reporters on Thursday that TELEM board was busy recruiting the next person who would take up Drent’s position. While the selection process is not over the commissioner said, they are seriously looking at one of the candidates who may be contracted. The candidate who was not named, Marlin said can be considered a veteran in the telecommunication business. However, the island government would not be entering into any long-term contract with this person if chosen. Marlin said the island government would enter into a very flexible contract that can benefit both partners when it comes to terminating the contract within a month’s notice.
Marlin said government is taking the necessary precaution to safeguard itself from any lengthy procedures if they are not satisfied with the person’s performance.
Marlin said to date the executive council has not taken any decisions on the issue of partnering with any other company neither did they decide if shares are going to be sold. Marlin said he already indicated to the executive council to take a step back, which would give him the time he needed to put into prospective all the different opinions in order. He said the company does have a board and management but Drent was the fourth person that was hired to restructure TELEM. Marlin further explained that even though Drent is leaving shortly there is no final decision on the restructuring.
Marigot: ---- While it is clear that the Collectivity of St. Martin has no money and employees of the COM are probably stressed out, some of them sure did find a peculiar way to release their stress. SMN News has learnt that a senior civil servant has confessed to sexually harassing a civil servant of the COM, the source said the female victim is also having a relationship with the culprit’s son and at some point; she was living at the alleged suspect’s house.
It is understood that the victim was working in the same office as the suspect who eventually wrote a letter to the victim admitting that he sexually harassed her and that he was sorry. It is understood the incident occurred at the victim’s place of abode.
It is further understood that the victim used the letter to get a transfer from the department she was working to another department she would prefer to work. However, it is said when she approached President Frantz Gumbs and produced the letter written by the senior civil servant and her request for transfer it was told to her that her transfer would be granted but the employee would not get to work in the department she wants, instead she would have to go where she is needed. Since then it is said the employee stopped working claiming that she became ill from the entire ordeal. SMN News also learnt that the victim also filed a complaint against the suspect with the local prosecutor.
SMN News was also reliably informed that the prosecutor is now investigating three cases of sexual harassment all deriving from the Collectivity. Efforts made to contact Prosecutor Jacques Louvier on the issue proved futile up to press time.
MARIGOT—Bandits held a couple at gunpoint in their home on Orient Bay reported the gendarmes in a press release. According to the release, the couple had left their front door open while sitting on their terrace when two gunmen entered the home and held them at gunpoint. The culprits escaped with a number of valuable items including a laptop, cellular phone, and money. The victims are said to be traumatized by the incident.
The gendarmes are still busy investigating the incident.
Philipsburg:-- Police Chief Inspector R. BARBY who will be heading the new Immigration and Naturalization Department located on the A.T. Illidge road, is informing the general public that due to unforeseen circumstances, this office which is scheduled to start operating officially on September 28th 2009, will not take place. The tentative date for the official opening of this department, if no other setbacks occur, is set for October 12 2009. Chief Inspector BARBY apologizes for any inconvenience the situation may have cost.
La Savane:-- Television Talk Show host and camera operator Jean Mark Sharpless (Markavelli) will be transferred to Guadeloupe today(Tuesday) as the investigation into the slaying of Rigobert Bertin- Maurice continues.
Sharpless was arrested early Sunday morning at his Cripple Gate home as a suspect and was placed in garde de vue, since he was involved in an argument and altercation with the victim (Rigobert Bertin Maurice) on Thursday.
According to statements received from Sharpless prior to his arrest the victim had flattened his car tires as he parked in front of the Collectivity. Sharpless said he was called by a territorial police who showed him what the victim was doing. He said he had taken a photograph of the victim as he was damaging his property, that he said caused the argument to become bigger. Sharpless also said he had problems in the past with the now dead man, but those problems he said were resolved. Several persons who overheard the confrontation on Thursday said Sharpless had told Bertin-Maurice that he was going to be a dead man. Because of those statements and the altercation Sharpless is considered to be the prime suspect in the slaying.
Sources close to the investigation has said that at least three persons were involved in the shooting, one of which matches the description of Jean Mark Sharpless. So far Sharpless is held as a suspect to the murder.
This media house also understands that the gendarmes are still looking for the murder weapon.
Several persons in the community has expressed outraged into the senseless killing of Rigobert Bertin Maurice and Jean-Dany Theodore Richardson, both victims were the same age. SMN News received a number of emails expressing doubt that Sharpless cannot be the one who killed Bertin-Maurice. Some of the writers also said that the victim was also involved in a second altercation on the waterfront that same day.
Great Bay,– Some 31 students of the Oranje School, ranging from 9 to 11 years old were given a special World Tourism Day treat by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau last Friday. The students were accompanied by their Principal, Kay Philips and three class teachers on an island tour organized by the Tourist Bureau, with a lunch break at Subway restaurant at Maho Village.
“We learnt a lot about our island,” many of the students commented at the end of the almost 5-hour tour, which took them to most of the historical sites and landmarks of the island, while showing them the natural beauty of the island.
“The idea of the tour is to make the young students see what our visitors see when they come here and what makes St. Martin so special,” explained Mr. Augusto Priest of the Product Development Division of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.
According to Ms. Lisa Noel of the same Division who accompanied the students on the tour, they showed keen interest in all the information they were being given.
“The children asked very intelligent questions and were all very excited,” she said.
Principal Ms. Kay Philips disclosed that she would personally make sure the children, who were all taking notes, wrote about their experience and what they learned on the tour in a class project to be supervised by their teachers.
World Tourism Day was marked on September 27, 2009 under the theme, “Celebrating Diversity.” Commissioner of Tourism, Frans Richardson, appeared on several radio talk shows on the day, including Culture Time on PJD-2 Radio, hosted by Fabian Badejo and Fernando Clark, to talk about his efforts to boost tourist arrivals to the island during this period of global economic meltdown.
Among the other activities the Tourist Bureau organized to mark the day were several appearances in the local media of officials of the Bureau, paired with some of the more prominent cultural workers on the island. It also published a newspaper supplement that appeared in The Daily Herald of Friday, September 25, 2009.
COLE BAY - University of St. Martin Teacher Education Program (TEP) students recently volunteered to assist with the reading and writing assessments at Charles Leopold Bell School.
This is a public school, which recently reopened to accommodate undocumented students ranging in ages of 4-7 years old.
The USM teacher education students were trained on a Saturday by their language arts instructor, Ms. Patti Maier, and were coached and supervised while they tested the Charles Leopold Bell students during the past two weeks.
The future teachers gained some practical experience by observing how children begin to read and write.
This October 5, 2009, the Sector Education joins others around the world in celebrating World Teachers Day. An event like this provides the entire St. Maarten community with the opportunity to thank all teachers for the invaluable work that they do in the education profession to shape the future of countries, but St. Maarten in particular.
A day like this also augurs well for us as a community to realize that the recognition given to persons in the profession has deteriorated over the years. Teachers are not seen through the same eyes as that of societies of the past. Rather than the beacons whose professional and wise counsel was sought in all aspects of societal development, teachers are more seen as the persons whose tasks should be focused on the teaching and learning in the classroom. This is far from the truth.
Teachers help shape the society in which we live not just simply from their instructional role in the classroom, but through their counsel sought by the students; their role in determining and shaping the curriculum of schools; and, the advice and admonition provided to the many students with whom they interact both in and out of the classroom on a daily basis. Teachers are truly the ones who mold the children they teach. However, the task has become more challenging to teachers as the society has become more diverse.
The world in which we live is ever changing. It demands an ever-changing educator to meet the needs of a more developing and demanding society. Teachers therefore have an invaluable role to play in assisting our diverse student population in acquiring the necessary knowledge, skill, and attitude required to survive in a world where the future demands more of everyone.
For St. Maarten the challenge is even graver as we, like many other countries grapple with teacher shortage and fewer persons showing interest in joining this noble profession called teaching. As we strive towards determining our own destiny as Country St. Maarten, there is no greater challenge that can confront us but to build the future by investing in our teachers now! Despite the global economic downturn, an investment in education is definitely not a lost one.
On this your special day, may all of you continue to hold dear to your heart this noble profession and continue to play your valuable role in guiding our future citizens. Make these future citizens come to the realization that education does not end upon their completion of secondary or tertiary learning. Education is life-long learning.
A Happy Teachers Day is wished to all teachers on St. Maarten, public, publicly funded and private schools!
Members of the Philipsburg Toastmasters Club and Area 6 paid special recognition to Club member and immediate past Area Governor, Rolando Tobias, for receiving the Distinguished Toastmaster Award from Toastmasters International. The award of Distinguished Toastmaster was presented to Tobias during the Club’s monthly meeting held on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
To receive this award a member is required to ascend the Toastmasters Communication and Leadership ladder and finally attain both the Advanced Communicator Gold and Advance Leadership Silver Awards; complete a High Performance Leadership program; serve successfully as Club sponsor or mentor of a new Club and serve a complete term of one year as District Officer.
DTM Tobias joined the Toastmasters Organization in 1994, as one of the founding members of the Philipsburg Toastmasters Club. Throughout the years Tobias has remained committed to the Club and its membership even at times when membership participation was at an all time low. Presenting manual projects based on criteria set by Toastmasters International; Tobias continued to develop his communication and leadership skills, using his expertise on Club level where he serves as mentor for many Toastmasters and club sponsor for the Disciples Toastmasters Club. As a committed leader Tobias continued to climb the ladder of success within the Toastmasters organization taking up the challenge of presenting trainings and workshops at the various conferences throughout the Caribbean. DTM Tobias is also the only St Maarten Toastmaster who has done regional trainings at District Conferences in Guyana, St Maarten and will again be a presenter at the upcoming October Conference in Barbados.
Because of his commitment and dedication to the organization, Tobias was appointed by the District as Area Governor for Area 5 (the four clubs on St Maarten) for the 2008 – 2009 term, during the Spring Conference held in St. Maarten in May 2008 of which Tobias served as a member of the organizing committee. With the vision of developing better communities by promoting the Toastmasters Organization and sharing his expertise with the St. Maarten community, Tobias took his expertise beyond Club level, applying his Toastmasters skills at his work place and in various levels throughout the community, where he is known for his roles as Advisor, Master of Ceremonies, Moderator, Motivational speaker and Trainer, Radio Personality, TV Host, President of various organizations, Youth Leader and much more.
During the presentation ceremony, current Area Governor Valerie Brazier, read a letter sent to Tobias from Toastmasters International Executive Director, Daniel Rex; congratulating him on his accomplishment. Tobias was also presented with a plaque for outstanding communication and Leadership accomplishments, awarding him the title of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).
In his acceptance speech Tobias mentioned that the road to this milestone is not easy but also not impossible. He encouraged all Toastmasters to take on the challenge on a path that can only lead to success if one remains committed to their goals. He pointed out that he is the second Distinguished Toastmaster on St Maarten and emphasized how important it was for him to actually hone his Communication and Leadership skills in and outside the Club over the years. He concluded by explaining that he gets the most satisfaction now from seeing the level at which Toastmasters ascended on St Maarten, the respect the island clubs receive from the district and the guidance he provides to the Clubs and members. He thanked all for the role they have played in Toastmasters and in his success.
The evening ended with a social gathering of Toastmasters and guest during which Tobias was surprised with a large cake bearing his photo and the words Distinguished Toastmasters.
The Toastmasters Organization is an International Organization with over 1000 Clubs around the World. Members forming part of this organization are offered the opportunity to develop better communication and Leadership skills.
The Philipsburg Toastmasters Club offers members and guest the opportunity to develop in a supportive, learning environment that will help you gain self-confidence in your endeavors to personal and professional accomplishments. Members of Philipsburg Toastmasters Club meets every first, third and fifth Thursday of every month, 7:45pm at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
USCGC SPENCER (WMEC 905), a United States Coast Guard medium endurance cutter, arrives in Curaçao for a port visit on 4 October 2009 for a few days. This a routine, long-planned port visit, unrelated to any other events.
USCGC SPENCER is home-ported in Boston, MA, and is commanded by CDR Jeff Thomas, U.S. Coast Guard.
The cutter was commissioned in 1986, is 270 feet in length and has a crew of approximately 100 officers and enlisted personnel.
USCGC SPENCER is the third cutter to serve the United States bearing the name "Spencer".
USCGC SPENCER is currently engaged in the multinational exercise “Caribbean Venture” in which several countries focus on working together to prevent illicit drug trafficking.
USCGC SPENCER sailors will devote some of their free time to the local community and continue a landscaping and clean-up project at the Mgr. Verriet Foundation started today by USS NEWPORT NEWS sailors.
Also, the crew is looking forward to enjoying rest and relaxation opportunities in Curaçao.
The Mgr. Verriet Foundation for rehabilitation care, and a foundation for the mentally handicapped and rehabilitation care, joined together to form the SGR group in 2003. The Mgr. Verriet Foundation was established over 60 years ago. Together with the umbrella organization it has various locations for the care of the handicapped on the island.
Five new persons that have recently joined the Civil Servants core of St. Maarten took the oath of office or made the promise during a short ceremony that was held on Tuesday, The oath was was read by Ms. Casandra Jansen and administered by Lt. Governor Mr. Franklin Richards.Commissioner Xavier Blackman welcomed them and presented each with a copy of the CS manual.
Philipsburg:--- Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba confirmed that former Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflek has sent her a letter requesting to return to the management of the Police Organization KPSSS. Jacoba said Panneflek was allowed to assist the island government of St. Maarten with some work and he indicated in his letter that he has completed that work and wished to return to his job.
The Minister said upon receipt of Panneflek’s letter she sent a letter to the island government of St. Maarten to inquire if Panneflek has completed the task he was requested to do. She said so far she has not received any response from the island government and as such she has not taken any decision as to whether Panneflek would return to the police management. She said whenever, she receives that answer she would make a decision if Panneflek could return to the KPSSS.
Jacoba acknowledged that very soon the management team of KPSSS would need reinforcement especially knowing that at least two of the five member team is expected to leave early next year on pension. The Minister explained that she intends to deal with the matter during a meeting on Wednesday. However, she said she did not give the current Assisstant Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran any permission to leave next month. Jacoba said Doran also did not get that permission from the former Minister of Justice David Dick. She did not rule out whether or not Doran would leave as planned but said that is one of the points that will be discussed on Wednesday.
The Minister said she also met with the police unions, namely the N.A.P.B (THE POLICE UNION), THE A.B.V.O. AND W.I.C.S.U to evaluate the Win Win Agreement as well as to deal with some matters pertaining to personnel. The meeting on Monday is mostly a review of the police force and to see in which direction the KPSSS is going.
She said the unions were suppose to send her a list on those brigadier who are due for upgrade but when they did not, she did her own research on the matter. Jacoba said she is currently looking for a solution for the brigadiers on St. Maarten, most likely she would use the same procedure that was used in Curacao and Bonair to deal with the issues on St. Maarten. The Minister is looking at the legality on what is consistent with the other islands compared to St. Maarten.
For applications those that were lying around in the Ministry she already worked on the Landsbesluit.
Inquiry to see if Investigation is Needed in Philips Allegations
Pressed by members of the media concerning the allegations made by detective Phillps against the management of the police force. Minister Jacoba said an inquiry is currently underway to see if an independent investigation is warranted.
Jacoba said Phillips made certain allegations and he is asked to provide the necessary proof into the allegations made. Asked how can the management team of the police force investigate itself when the allegations that were made was against them. Jacoba said all of that would be determined in the inquiry. She said if Philips has proof of his allegations then the Ministry of Justice would deal with the issue. Jacoba said the person who made the allegations would have to provide that proof, however, she did not say to whom the proof must be provided. Asked if she intends to investigate the procedures used to appoint the current head of CID as requested by Philips lawyer, Jacoba said she did not see the letter that the lawyer sent to the management team.
She said those conducting the inquiry would also consider the request of Philips who requested that an investigation be conducted to clear his name.
Detective Phillips some weeks ago released an open letter to all media houses highlighting some alleged wrong doings by the management team of the police force. The officer and former assistant head of CID said he was accused by Assistant Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran of destroying documents while he was heading the CID some seven years ago. He also stated in his letter that members of the management team was enriching themselves, he asked that an investigation be conducted on the finances of the police force KPSSS. Philips explained the torture he went through when he solved a murder case that involved the son of a former colleague. He said because he solved that case he was practically demoted and subsequently removed as head of the CID. Just recently Phillips applied for that position which was vacant. He said it was then Doran fabricated a story to say he destroyed documents some seven years ago to prevent him from getting that position.
SMN News understood that Doran wanted to remove Geronimo Julliet as head of immigration at the Princess Juliana International Airport and he had intended to appoint Phillips to that position. This media house understands that Doran had even asked Philps to prepare to go to Holland where he would follow training course prior to taking up the position at PJIAE. SMN News further learnt that Doran’s intention backfired on him when Juillet refused to vacate his position at the PJIAE. It was also learnt that Julliet brought forward some serious issues pertaing to immigration and PJIAE, one such issue is the lack of an intransit hall at the Airport. The Assistant Chief Commissioner had intentions to have Julliet head the police commmunications department since its current head Johan Janchi Leonard is leaving on early retirement.
Philipsburg:---After one month and six district contact meetings, the National Alliance, as a government is in step with realizing the wishes of the Saint Martin. The National Alliance’s manifesto clearly states its principle of inclusion and accountability to the people of Saint Martin. National Alliance, through its leader, William Marlin is steadfast in its dedicated efforts to achieve, without further delay, the formal framework of country Saint Martin.
This vision of becoming Country Saint Martin was conceived and maintained by the SPM/SPA and now being realized by the National Alliance party. The National Alliance leader, who was at the cradle of that vision, has persevered even in the teeth of the DP obstructionist desperate efforts to derail the constitutional train with distortions, double talk and false claims. William Marlin, as leader of the delegation to Curacao, has again set another milestone by negotiating a date for the establishment of the constitutional framework for Country Saint Martin - Saint Martin will become country within the realm of the Netherlands on October 10, 2010. The central government, at the request of constitutional commissioner William Marlin, earlier agreed to support a fortification trajectory to enable the transfer of central government tasks at the latest per January 1, 2010 to Saint Martin. This transfer of central government tasks to the islands of Curacao and Saint Martin will begin in October 2009.
It is was truly amazing to see that a week previous to the 10-10-10 announcement for Country Saint Martin, primarily the youth of the Cay Bay district were impressively vocal and committed to reclaiming their district, based on the values and morals of their heritage. A very well representative group in the Cay Bay district expressed concerns about the rumors they heard of the commercial/industrial development to take place in their district; and the disregard for the air and noise pollution in this district. They felt that Cay Bay was treated like a bastard child by the previous administration; and statements, such as "we are sick and tired of the neglect", "we are frustrated by all these years,” were made and their expectations ran high for redress by the National Alliance.
Commissioner Frans Richardson spoke frankly to the young people in Cay Bay and explained that the National Alliance looks forward to sitting with their youth district committee whose proposals will be taken into serious consideration in the development plans for the Cay Bay/Cole Bay district. It is the people, who live in their district who ought to determine how their district should be developed and together, we must move forward, the Commissioner said. He, also, touched on the high costs of basic food items and utilities, noting that: “The National Alliance government is committed to reducing the economic burdens of Saint Martiners, particularly the elderly and poor. We are busy putting together a team to explore effective possibilities to bring relief to our people.”
In the St. Peters contact meeting, Senator George Pantophlet addressed the issues brought forward again by the youth. Senator Pantophlet stated that, “The National Alliance government recognizes that youth is our most valuable resource and will ensure that our youth play their rightful role in our national development as country. Specific programs were highlighted geared towards the development of our youth to harness their full potential; creating facilities for problematic youth and reducing the incidence of crime, violence and delinquency; and to equip the youth with the necessary skills, training and resources to fully exploit employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Coming in the wake of the 10-10-10- announcement,, there was a rousing applause and dialogue in St. Peters when Commissioner, William Marlin took the floor and shared with us the roll of the National Alliance has played in the Constitutional process. The leader, being his usual self, honestly and quite frankly, encouraged the district members to be proud of St. Martin and make their contribution. We all have to roll up our sleeves and work. It is not up to the elected officials alone to realize all that still has to be done. He noted how some were calling their people out on last Friday night to hear, ‘Who really brought us country status?’ and ‘Why Theo left?’, “but the National Alliance must set the record straight.”
Whereas, the National Alliance government has within the short span of four months, realized crucial agreements and legislation, (a fortification trajectory to enable the transfer of central government tasks at the latest per January 1, 2010 to Saint Martin. It is of paramount importance that everyone who truly has this island’s well-being at heart, move forward together. It means every person, the voter, and the non-voter. The momentum of these district meetings is intensifying as people are becoming more critical of the falsehood being spouted by the DP, not for the love of Saint Martin, but to undermine and obstruct serious and committed efforts for our people.
The congress committee is now inviting all district leaders to a very important meeting on Wednesday October 14, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. with our leader, Commissioner William Marlin. We also ask all District Councils to start submitting names to the Congress Committee for nomination into the party organization ahead of our upcoming Congress, November 15, 2009 at the Dutch Quarter Community Center. All voting will take place at the Congress in accordance with National Alliance Constitution.
Frans Richardson, St. Maarten's commissioner in charge of tourism, economic affairs, aviation and sports has concluded meetings held at WestJet offices in Calgary, Canada. The discussions, held with leading executives of the airline company, were in preparation for WestJet's regularly scheduled airlift to St. Maarten, as of November 1.
Three non-stop flights will depart weekly from Canada to St. Maarten. WestJet is to open 24 destinations from St. Maarten, as a result of the new airlift service.

The office at the Civil Registry Department is looking for persons who are interested in volunteering as a member of the polling stations for the January 22, 2010 Netherlands Antilles parliamentary elections. You are therefore requested to submit your request in writing to the aforementioned department to the attention of Amaris Slac on Pond Island. For further information, you can call the Civil Registry Department at 542-2457 ext.483.
GREAT BAY--– The Preventive Health Departments (PHD) says that mental disorders are common. Worldwide, studies according to the World Health Organization (WHO), have shown that between 12 to 48 per cent of people will suffer from mental disorders at some point during their life.
Mental disorders are treatable and people with these disorders will rarely need specialist treatment as most of them can be treated in primary care.
Treatment does not always mean medication. Many mental disorders can be treated using psychosocial methods.
Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.
As part of the Calendar of Health Observances, the PHD observes World Mental Health Day on October 10 along with other countries around the world. Health is an important human right. The international emphasis is for all nations to work to resolve this year a reduction in the public health burden and the individual suffering of people with mental health problems.
Locally, the Island Government subsidizes the Mental Health Foundation, which is a key player in providing guidance and services to those who need it.
The foundation plays an important role when it comes to the transfer of persons to mental health institutions in Curacao. The foundation provides counseling and other services to those on the island as well.
Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders are common in all regions of the world.
People with these disorders are often subjected to social isolation, poor quality of life and higher death rates.
Here are 10 suggestions on how to look after your mental health: keeping active; talking about your feelings; eating well; drinking sensibly; keeping in touch; asking for help; taking a break; doing something you’re good at; accepting who you are; and care for others.
Philipsburg:--Member of the Island Council Maria Buncamper-Molanus, after much persistence and exchange of words on the floor of the Island Council between herself and the Commissioner responsible for Labour affairs, finally received answers to several questions posed on August 20. During the last meeting of the Island Council, October 2, the Council lady expected to receive these answers as they were relevant to the topic being discussed and because she had repeatedly reminded the Executive Council that the answers were still pending. After intervention by the chairman of the Island Council, Mr. Franklyn Richards, the answers were provided.
On August 20 of this year, she said she posed, several questions to the Executive Council to which answer were provided on Friday October 2 2009. These answers revealed the following:
Council lady Maria Buncamper said that for the first 7 months of this year, January to July 201 requests were submitted for dismissals. Of those requests, 140 were because of economic reasons while 61 were for personal reasons. However, of the 201 request for dismissal, 48 were withdrawn by the employer and 51 were not valid based on incomplete information being provided. The bottom line is that 102 valid job dismissals either have been processed or are being processed. This says nothing about the current situation as we are now already in October.
335 persons are registered as unemployed at the labour department up until July 2009, while last year for that same period 256 persons had registered for work. So up until July of this year one can conclude that unemployment has increased, although these are not official unemployment figures. Buncamper-Molanus stated that officially unemployment figures, which also include persons not legally registered on the island, are provided by the Central Bureau of Statistics and are usually available a year later. Nevertheless, the 31% increase in persons registering for work clearly indicates a trend that unemployment is on the rise.
What is peculiar and worthy further investigation is the drop in the amount of persons on the social welfare list to 744 for the period January to July 2009 compared to 812 during the same period last year. This equals an 8.3% decrease.
The amount paid out for social welfare up to and including August 2009 is Fls. 2.613.157,--.
The former Commissioner of Economic Affairs explained, that in order to compare last year’s actual expenditures for social welfare a comparison is made of the period January to July; in 2008 the Government spent Fls 2.502.022, -- on social welfare , while this year for the same period the Government has spent Fls 2.314.597,--.
So while more persons are looking for work, fewer people are registering for financial assistance from Government and the amount for financial assistance being paid to unemployed persons has decreased. It is rather strange, says Council lady Maria Buncamper; perhaps government’s financial situations, in particular it’s liquidity position that the Executive Council has been mute about, is influencing this development. It is important for the Executive Council to be forthcoming with this information, albeit to avoid any speculations, or moreover to ensure that people who in fact need assistance are encouraged to apply for such. After all Government’s 2009 budget has an amount of Fls 4.7 million reserved for social welfare assistance and this amount does not include the Fls 3 million also reserved for supplementary pension.
“Finally we were informed that of the 1773 request received for work permits this year up until July 2009, the top 5 most frequently requested positions to be filled by foreign employees are: Managers, Maids, Security officers, Teachers and Cleaners”: concludes the DP Council lady Maria Buncamper.
It is the hope that the Executive Council will now not just put the information provided to the Island Council as a result of the questions posed, beside them, but use the information as they deal with the current labour situation on St. Maarten.
The Positive Foundation’s Shelly Alphonso (left) presented the St. Maarten National Cricket Team Captain Lionel Ritchie (center) and Coach Parsram Singh (right) with pink wrist bands. The wrist bands are just one of the ways the Positive Foundation has been bringing the message of early detection to the community.
The momentum of the district meetings of the National Alliance is intensifying; the Haitian community filled and spilled over into the yard of the Salvation Army Auditorium in Cole Bay. The information given and actions being taken by the National Alliance, apparently a forerunner in the Haitian community, where often fear and confusion with regards to their status as citizens reigned, were dramatically evident in their questions and concerns.
More than 90 brothers and sisters of the Haitian community came together Friday evening at Cole Bay to welcome the National Alliance elected officials and Congress committee members and participated in the “from the Districts to the National Alliance Congress” action.
It is out there, big and broad, in the districts and various communities, answering the question what a National Alliance government is all about. Within the short span of four months, dramatic changes and the implementation of essential services have already taken place. Establishing the date for becoming Country Saint Martin was the proper perspective from which to project and realize the necessary infrastructure on our island territory.
Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman shared with the community that a system of direct taxes was something being considered for Country Saint Marten, after serious comparative study of the system in other territories. He went on to further explain the National Alliance government as can be read in its plan of action: “Our intention is to grant full exemption from income tax on all incomes up to NAf.2000 per month” as part of the new tax system of the direct taxes. Labor/Culture Commissioner, Hyacinth Richardson discussed some aspects of the National Alliance adapted labor policy with the enthusiastic audience.
Then, Senator George Pantophlet, obviously very well known in the Haitian community for his seriousness, concern and fairness, regarding immigration policy, was heartily received. Touching on the importance of implementing compulsory education in our public school, the senator, remarked that it had the added beneficial effect of minimizing juvenile delinquency and crime in our communities. Mr. Pantophlet further referred to the National Alliance plan of action, that reads: “A National Alliance Government will introduce a Department of Facilitation charged with the responsibility for ensuring that citizens born in other lands and documented new residents enjoy a hassle-free integration into mainstream Sint Maarten.”
A very important aspect of the contact meeting of the Haitian community was the availability of English/Creole interpreters, who simultaneously related the information in Creole to the audience – credit was given to Mr. Henry Javier and Mr. Jean Baptiste for their facility. When National Alliance Congress committee president, Terry Peterson stood to address the community, the audience already enthused by the information and answers they received, were fired up and ready to go, as he spoke…in Creole and English. In a lively conversation with the community, Mr. Peterson pointed to the National Alliance emblem that shows a coming together of all of the interests of St. Maarten. We envision a new inclusive beginning that offers hope, opportunity and a better quality of life for all St. Maarteners. He then invited the commissioner of labor to present the Revised Labour Policy as approved and ratified by the governor general to the representative of the Haitian community, Mr. Henry Janvier. Janvier expressed his deep appreciation and promised to make sure that the community members will get a copy.
State Secretary of Public Health, Patrick Illidge, informed the Haitian community in the hall about his efforts to help establish a Health Insurance program for all the people of Saint Martin. He made a rousing plea to them to do not see themselves as out of the Saint Martin loop. We are a Party of inclusion and you, who have been living here for so long are part of us, the state secretary impressed upon the audience.
Advisor to the Congress committee, Edgar Lynch, explained how the Haitian community could participate fully in the Party’s affairs at the Congress. The participation of all interests of the communities in our island-territory is based on our pledge to consult with the people on major decisions and to do the right things on behalf of, and in partnership with all of the people in ‘One Sint Maarten’ – country Saint Martin.
The enthusiasm of the Haitian community of this contact meeting at Cole Bay was obvious, even afterwards during refreshments and socializing. It was clear, that they felt a new energy and disposition than was usual for years.
The National Alliance believes that we, who are entrusted with the responsibility to represent the people's interests, should set aside partisan political concerns and seek common ground through which the people's purpose would be best served and their dreams realized. We must put aside our differences and “together, go forward” to realize the necessary infra-structure for country Saint Martin.
It’s A New Day! How’s it that some of us just don’t get it?!
RECTIFICATION
In the press release story of the NA Contact meeting with the Haitian Community it was inadvertently mentioned that Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman stated that "a system of direct taxes was being considered for Country St. Maarten after serious comparative study of the system in other territories". On the contrary, what he said was that the government intends to make a shift from Direct taxes towards INDIRECT taxes as stated previously in other media releases.
He was also misquoted as saying that that “our intention is to grant full exemption from income tax on all incomes up to NAf 2,000 per month as part of the new tax system of their direct taxes”. But what the Commissioner actually said was that in the indirect tax system of Anguilla, there is no income tax, meaning that you take home more income, and that in systems of indirect taxation, measures are put in place to protect those with no or low incomes against the relatively higher costs of living (i.e. higher prices of goods) associated with such a system.
The Congress Committee sincerely apologizes to Commissioner Xavier Blackman and the general public for the unintentional and unfortunate inaccuracies in that publication.
Sincerely,
Congress Committee
Marigot/Agrement:--- Several gendarmes and police territorial using a helicopter performed a major control in the Agrement area on Wednesday night. Gendarmes were seen questioning youngsters who were loitering on street corners.
SMN News understands a team of gendarmes was located in the vicinity where Jean Dany Richardson was shot to death some two weeks ago.
Commandant Stephanne Arrousseau in an invited comment said the operation was mainly to control the status of people living on the island as well as vehicular control. Arrousseau said the control was ordered by the local prosecutor and made clear the operation on Wednesday night was not related to the killing of Jean Dany Richardson.

GREAT BAY (GIS) — On Wednesday October 14, 2009, the PCCA, Permanent Committee on Constitutional Affairs continued its meeting on “Resignation Chairperson PCCA.” Following a vote by members of the PCCA, Leader of Government William Marlin was elected as the new Chairperson of the PCCA.
St Maarten, - Winair through its Managing Director, Edwin Hodge has announced that effective October 16 a new handling agent has been appointed for its operations in Antigua and Barbuda. Hodge made this disclosure earlier today here he pointed out that on 15th September notice was given to Port Services Limited that their contract would not be renewed and as such their relationship with Winair would come to an end on October 16th, 2009.
As such, Hodge said that he is alarmed, surprised, and disappointed with the allegations that the company’s (Port Service Limited) owner and CEO, Makeida Miekal has been disseminating to the public. “We had informed Miekal a month ago that after her contract would have ended that we were not going to renew it and therefore I see her actions as being unprofessional and a clear case of deliberately misleading the public,” Hodge said.
The Winair MD has admitted that while Miekal has sought to air her grievances and differences in the public he will not take simple actions noting that he still considers the issue a private one. He however admitted that a decision was taken to renew the contract, which was first inked in June 2005 because of a number of unprofessional situations and incidences. He said that he will not divulge the reasons for his company’s decision but stressed that it was a well-informed and supported decision.
He disclosed that Caribbean Airport Services Limited have now secured the new contract in handling the company’s business in Antigua and Barbuda noting that the company will be temporally occupying one of Liat’s counters. “we would be temporally occupying one of Liat’s counters but the public should note that this counter issue will be resolve very quickly as we seek to enhance and strengthen the level of service that we offer here in Antigua and Barbuda,” Hodge declared.
He declared that while the company would be temporally using Liat’s counter they should note that Winair’s sign would be fully visible adding that details regarding contact numbers among other things will be disseminated in a timely and professional manner. “Please note that there is no need to be alarmed as we will ensure that an increased level and standard of service is offered here to you our customers in Antigua and Barbuda,” the MD promised.
He has also sought to dismiss what he termed as a campaign of mischief being orchestrated by Miekal in an attempt to bring the company in disrepute over her failure to continue the contract she once enjoyed.
Philipsburg: ---Information from a very reliable source indicated to us, that there are a number of prominent Antilleans on the island, who are mulling the idea of setting up a new political party to contest the Federal elections for the last parliament of the Netherlands Antilles in 2009.
The source, who prefers for now to remain anonymous, told us that candidates are being sought for this new party.
Also, according to the source, if the party is actually set up and participates in the elections, it will mean that the voters will have a real choice, because both the DP and the NA are the same, in the sense that both parties have betrayed the Antillean people on each island of the Antilles in their effort to appease the large numbers of immigrants at the expense of the native St. Martiners and other Antilleans.
Therefore, this 'Antillean first party', becomes a reality it will have and focus on a very simple and consistent platform.
According to our source it will be that regardless of any constitutional status for St. Maarten, the new constitution should be based on Antilleans coming first on all islands of the Antilles.
That position is extremely interesting and unique, because it does not favor nor oppose any particular constitutional status, but simply states that Antilleans should come first on all islands of the Antilles.
It is therefore possible that this new party contains candidates whose choice ranges from 'Country status' to Independence, to a Restructured Antilles, to a BES-island, but whose main and single key issue for the election will be, regardless any status..... 'Antilleans must come first '.
Our source, also shared with us that this concept might also be of interest to the voters on all the islands of the Antilles.
It means that even in the event the Antilles would be dissolved as a constitutional entity, the Antillean identity will be preserved on all the islands, including the rights for Antilleans to be first as is now the case on all the islands.
When asked who were the main motors behind setting up this possible new 'Antillean first party' and are looking for serious candidates, names of Mr. Leopold JAMES and Elrige Van Putten was mentioned. Persons interested in joining the new party can call Mr. Vanputten for further information. SMN News contacted James for a comment and he declined to comment, when pressed he did not deny either.
Philipsburg: --- Lawyers representing the Chamber of Commerce has served GEBE Utility Company with a letter on Thursday. The company is asked to respond within seven days or face court procedures. President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty had said he is seeking information from all Stakeholders of GEBE regarding the constant power outages. Carty had said in a previous interview that businesses are suffering and that those that does not have generators are the ones that are being with the constant power outages. The Chamber president confirmed that the company was served with a notice from the Chamber’s legal representatives.
The Chamber wants GEBE to say exactly how they intend to compensate its consumers.
Philipsburg:-- The Head of the New Immigration and Naturalization Department, Chief Inspector Robert Barby is hereby informing the general public, that the new office which is located at the A.Th. Illidge road (next to NAPA) will finally be opened to the public as of Monday October 26th 2009. The office hours are from Monday to Friday from 08.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m and from 02.00 p.m. to 04.00 pm. Tel 54-30352/54-30353/54-30354/54-30355/54-30365 Fax 54-30386.
Philipsburg:---Last Weekend members of the Rotary Clubs on St. Maarten French and Dutch side including a participant from a new BVI Club participated in a Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training. RLI is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions in various parts of the world.
The Sunshine Division led by incoming district governor Diana White volunteered their entire weekend to training no less than 20 Rotarians in various aspects. RLI seeks to have Rotary Clubs in its member districts identify those Rotarians who appear to have the potential for future club leadership (not necessarily as club presidents) and provide those so identified with a quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills so important in voluntary organizations.
Spearheaded by president Pierre Decelles of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten participating members got an opportunity in a very interactive manner to improve their leadership skills and learn more about the Rotary Foundation, which offers numerous possibilities of funding Rotary projects. Other important issues that formed part of the training where, membership retention, Rotary beyond the club, creating service projects, goal setting, vocational service, membership development, and club analysis.
Part 1 and 2 of the RLI program were held on October 24 and 25th at the Sonesta Great Bay Hotel, while commitments were made by the Rotary Club of St. Maarten to host and the facilitators to return for the 3rd and final part to be held on St. Maarten as well. Rotary Club Nord, Sunrise Rotary club, Mid Island and The Rotary Club of St. Maarten all participated and had the honor of the participation of three club presidents, several past presidents, incoming officers and the Assistant District Governor Louis Weever.
Philipsburg: --- The investigation that was taking place with investigators from the Police Internal Affairs Department from Curacao has been completed and the officers are scheduled to leave St. Maarten today (Wednesday). SMN News has been reliably informed that the investigation took some turns as it relates to the alleged missing documents from the CID department.
Reliably information reaching SMN News indicates that the investigators are allegedly questioning the circumstances of the disappearance of the CID logbook for the year 2000. It is not clear when the KPSSS realized this log was missing and if action was taken prior to now.
The investigators it is understood questioned a number of persons pertaining to the allegations made against Detective Carlton Philips. Philips in an open letter to the media stated that he was accused of destroying documents while he headed the CID department. Philips in his letter had stated that he requested an investigation be conducted. It is still not clear if the investigation that is currently underway would deal with the allegations made by Philips or if another investigation would have to take place.
The officer had said that members of the management team of the police force were involved in a self-enrichment scheme. So far, no details on the investigation have been released by the Police Department. SMN News understands that the reports from the investigators have been submitted to the prosecutor’s office who would decide how the case would be handled.
Efforts made to contact the lawyer representing officer Philips for a comment proved futile.
GREAT BAY– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) has drafted a plan for capacity and team building, and it’s most recent session, a weekend retreat that took place at the Royal Palm Hotel, was a success.
The retreat was organized allowing 10 staff members from the PHD to interact in an environment outside of the work place setting and at the same time to hone in on their knowledge and skills in their respective function and responsibility.
The objective of the retreat was to strengthen bonds and recognize the importance of each other’s role in PHD and its overall contribution to the goals of Sector Public Health, Social Welfare, and Labour (VSA).
Other invaluable points that were addressed were, how to improve work relationships; management of stress levels; communication skills; release grievances and or exchange words of appreciation and encouragement; reflect and accept what fellow colleagues express; and to resolve differences and misunderstandings that exists or may have occurred.
Capacity and Team Building was included in the 2009-year plan of VSA.
Team-building programs provide realistic experiences that empower individuals to contribute to common goals. The success of most organizations depends on the ability of individuals to build effective teams.
The main goals of team-building are to improve productivity and motivation. Taking employees out of the office helps groups break down political and personal barriers, eliminate distractions, and have fun. The benefits of team-building programs are so significant that many corporations have incorporated teambuilding strategies into their standard training curriculum.
Capacity building is about developing the skills, knowledge, and the capacity of a workplace to respond to employee challenges and conflicts. In capacity, building each person takes a more integrated partnering role, bringing together his or her combined commitment and strengths in order to create a better work environment.
This can involve organizing a workplace social function, or as fundamental as helping a co-worker, dealing with a workplace conflict, to find the help they need. It is about each person doing their part to make a positive impact in the workplace.
GREAT BAY– The Island Government of St. Maarten is in the process of developing a Care Standard system for the community.
Dr. Javier Asin from Advanced Care Solutions and Insights for Optimization (ACSION), has been contracted by the government to carry out the necessary groundwork with respect to developing a care standard system for the island.
In 2009 the Preventive Health Department continues with the initiative to develop a Diabetes Mellitus Management framework. After consultation the scope was later broadened to cover other cardiovascular diseases and include it into a Cardiovascular Risk Management (CRVM) system.
Cardiovascular diseases rate high in the cause of death in St. Maarten and the number of people with cardiovascular risks is increasing.
The CVRM enables inclusion of patients who need the same treatment and care even though they are not yet diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The CVRM Care Standard is the basis and starting point for the programmatic approach in providing treatment to the patient.
It defines the norms of optimal care in a partnership between physician and patient where two treatment portfolios are decided upon and given. The Care Standard describes the necessary steps in the care continuum on the basis of evidence based medicine, insights from the practice and patients.
The process of establishing the standards consist of various local health care providers in the medical field coming together to discuss the medical and psychological conditions of the patients, identify the risks and the respective treatment describing how optimal care is organized and implemented, how to involve patients in the care process and how policies and reimbursement can facilitate and encourage optimal care.
The St. Maarten Health Survey in 1999 revealed unhealthy lifestyles such as only 24 per cent of the people exercises regularly; a minority, 37 per cent consumes vegetables and 34 per cent fruits every day. This has lead to obesity of not less than 74 per cent of the population.
Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for considerable loss of quality of life. The people who die from cardiovascular diseases are in most cases the principal cost winner of the family. The loss of their love ones has a huge impact on the income of the family and the development of the children and their chances to escape poverty.
Cardiovascular diseases place a major burden on the healthcare budget of a nation. When measures are not taken, health care costs can spiral out of control for a small community such as St. Maarten. Appropriate treatment and monitoring to prevent complications, will reduce the pressures on healthcare and in particular the unnecessary burden of disease.
Amidst the events surrounding breast cancer, Rotarian Michael Ferrier gave a presentation to the Rotary Club of St. Maarten on Prostate Cancer.
Ferrier a prostate cancer survivor since 2005 had documented the entire procedure.
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in men and the third most deadly type. However it usually grows slowly while the survival rate when detected early is high. The prostate is a small gland located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It makes a fluid that forms part of the semen. While in the early stages there are no symptoms as it develops the symptoms may include an urgency to urinate, difficulty urinating and pain in the pelvic region. Screening can be done by having a blood test done, which in Ferrier’s case is what led him to suspect that he had the decease. Signs of prostate cancer can also be detected with a digital Rectal Exam. If the results of these tests, suggests that there is a problem, then biopsies can be taken to determine to diagnose prostate cancer. The medical technology has advance tremendously with respect to detection and treatment that “Caribbean” man should be less reluctant to have themselves tested and treatment is not always necessary.
In conclusion, the speaker said: “most men die having some level of prostate cancer, but most men don’t have to die of it”.
Illidge Road: --- Several hundreds of undocumented persons rushed over to the immigration and naturalization department on AT. Illidge Road to capitalize on the opportunity granted to them to obtain legal documents.
Many of them turned away for the lack of proper or insufficient documentation that is required to obtain residency based on the Brooks Tower Accord. Numbers were being distributed to those that qualify prior to entering the department for processing.
Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba has given those residing in the Netherlands Antilles illegally an opportunity to legalize themselves through the Brooks Tower Accord, which was signed in March 2007. Minister Jacoba said earlier this month that the immigration department would begin receiving applications from illegal immigrants from November 3 to December 15 2009 in accordance with the Brooks Tower Accord.
Several of the persons who began lining up at the Immigration and Naturalization services as early as 2 pm on Tuesday had to return home for the lack of proper and required documentation that would prove how long they are living on St. Maarten undocumented. Just about 9pm last night about 140 numbers were given out to those that had what is needed to submit their applications.
While the department did not open their doors exactly on time to receive the applications the department it is understood plans to stay open until midnight rather than closing off at 10pm as planned. The immigration and naturalization department would continue receiving applications everyday of this week at 4pm. Persons are advised to walk with all necessary documentation to avoid unnecessary delay.
SMN News learnt that the guards working at the scene managed to control the crowd, even though some of the people who braved the afternoon sun were becoming somewhat tensed.
There were persons mostly from the Caribbean region seeking to get legalized many of them went straight to the location after work to make sure they submit their documents.
Reporters managed to speak to immigrants who have been living on the island for over ten years, some of whom are working and their employers have refused to file for them.
Great Bay – St. Maarten’s commissioner in charge of sports affairs, Frans Richardson, strongly disagrees with the position taken by the Netherlands Antilles Minister for social development, Omayra Leeflang, regarding the hosting of the 2011 Kingdom Games in the Windward Islands.
Minister Leeflang has informed the Executive Council of St. Maarten that the choice has been made not to host the 2011 Kingdom Games on the island.
By correspondence of September 3, the minister was informed of St. Maarten’s interest to host the 2011 Kingdom Games. St. Maarten had been interested in submitting an integral proposal, along with Saba and St. Eustatius, for the hosting of the games.
According to Minister Leeflang, one important aspect of the Kingdom Games is the fostering of brotherhood. The minister has informed St. Maarten that the spreading of athletes, coaches and the general public over three different territories would not influence this brotherhood aspect in a positive manner.
The hosting of the 2011 Kingdom Games in the Windward Islands would additionally bring with it logistical and financial difficulties, said Minister Leeflang.
These arguments are however categorically dismissed by the commissioner of sports, who is of the opinion that arguments used for denying St. Maarten the opportunity to host the 2011 Kingdom Games are weak and unsubstantiated.
“Here again is another example why the entity known as the Netherlands Antilles has failed and reason for which people have opted to leave the Netherlands Antilles, to become a country with a separate status”, says the commissioner.
The commissioner of sports says that contrary to the arguments brought forward for not hosting the games in the Windward Islands, organizing the Kingdom Games on St. Maarten, with a few activities held on Saba and St. Eustatius, would have been exactly the kind of gesture benefitting brotherhood, unity and understanding for participants for participants from different parts of the kingdom.
“One should consider that, the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius, for instance, would have never been granted the opportunity to host Kingdom Games on their own; this was our way of displaying our solidarity with our sister islands and inviting visitors to be part of this unique experience”, says the commissioner.
Commissioner Richardson believes that other reasons, other than those communicated to St. Maarten, have played a role in the decision. This negatively impacts sports cooperation between the various islands of the Netherlands Antilles, he says.
“It cannot be so that while we make public statements regarding our working together through sports entities, St. Maarten and the Windward Islands are usually and systematically ignored or not given their rightful place”, says commissioner Richardson.
According to the commissioner of sports, St. Maarten has for too long been the victim of prejudice in many instances where sports decisions regarding the island are taken at central government level or by Netherlands Antilles sports organizations.
Commissioner Richardson says that the decision will however not discourage him from continuing to champion St. Maarten as a most suitable venue for Kingdom Games and similar events.
Philipsburg:--- The prosecutor’s office has released a tip line for persons who may have information regarding the slaying of David Eustace. Prosecutor Rienk Mud in a press release states that persons who may have information on the killing of Eustace can call 9300. Mud said in view of the investigation concerning the brutal death of David Eustace, who was shot on October 2, 2009, near his Club Casa Blanca, the police has released a so called ‘tip line’. The number of this free tip line is 9300. If you have any information or knowledge that can help the police to solve this crime, please call 9300 and leave your message on the answering machine
GREAT BAY (GIS)—This year Tanny and the Boys are celebrating their 50th anniversary, The Government Information Service interviewed the group at the Emilio Wilson Park and they have put together a Special Program to be played on Tuesday, November 10 at 6:00pm on Channel 15.
Band Members present (non active or active) were Alberto Richardson, Arthur Mathew, Jocelyn Arndell, Maxime Reed, George Violenus, Rosevelt Samuel, and Edward Violenus.
Karl “Tall Boy” Arndell, former member of Tanny and the Boys, was also present to provide some insight into his past experiences with the band.
GIS also went to speak to Frederico “Culebra” Smith at his home in Philipsburg.
Past members were Nathaniel “Tanny” Davis, the founder of the band, and Abraham Thomas, and Thomas Pemberton.
The band talked about how the group was formed, where they have played, their experiences with the band, and personal remembrances—whether learning their instrument or playing at a particular favorite spot.
Tanny and the Boys have been playing for 50 years throughout St. Maarten at all sorts of functions, from weddings to Governmental functions to personal parties to travels abroad to play or to accept awards.
One of the special trips of the band is when they went to Cuba. In the special, members speak about this experience.
The band has also changed names several times, according to Jocelyn Arndell, from its inception, namely the first name was Seteto Flores, then the Philipsburg Conjunto, after that the name was the Beach Island Stars, and finally the Tanny and the Boys.
For their 50th Anniversary, the band will be playing at the Festival Village.
The string band plays meringue, salsa, soca, blues, and bolero, among other types of music. The instruments that they use are: banjo, guitar, accordion, tambura, marimba, and the guiro.
Below are a number of photographs taken during the official ceremony of St. Maarten Day.

















GREAT BAY- The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service has issued a special bulletin at 3.00pm with respect to a "severe rainfall watch" which is in effect for St. Maarten. This watch is in effect until 6.00pm.
Motorists are hereby advised to exercise extreme caution while driving home from work late this afternoon.
Heavy showers leading to local flooding are possible over sections of the island are anticipated. Residents are urged to avoid driving in low-lying areas and in flooded streets until the anticipated heavy rain has tapered off or ended and the anticipated floodwaters have subsided.
In case there are lightening strikes very close to your location, switch off and disconnect any sensitive electronic equipment. Also, disconnect any phone line from your computer.
Motorists should exercise extreme caution while driving in hilly areas and to be on the lookout for possible rock falls.
Persons who do not need to be on the road at this point in time should remain at home until weather conditions improve.
The Welgelegen road in Cay Hill has been closed to all vehicular traffic for the period Monday afternoon and evening due to the anticipated heavy rainfall.
Residents are advised to continue to monitor radio broadcast for any
additional information that may be issued by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and for weather reports issued by the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service.
MARIGOT— A grocery store in French Quarter is the latest victim of robbery reported the gendarmes in a press release. The grocery store was robbed some time on Tuesday morning at gunpoint. The armed robbers managed to take the all the cash that was in the cash register however; no one was hurt in the ordeal.
The gendarmes also managed to arrest a 36-year-old man earlier on Tuesday for stealing a car. According to the release, a woman reported that her car was stolen in Mont Vernon. While at the La Savanne Gendamerie a friend of the victim saw her car in French Cul de Sac area. Two gendarmes responded to the scene and arrested the man who was driving the stolen vehicle. He is to appear in court on December 17.
The gendarmes also arrested a suspect who they were looking for since September 16. This suspect is wanted for holding up a driver in St. James at gun point and forced him to drive across the border where he had intended to rob an ATM machine. Some alert Dutch side police officers had chased the suspect and his victim back to the French side. He was arrested on November 16th, he is scheduled to appear in court on December 10.
The gendarmes also detained four other persons who are suspected of being involved in extortion.
Belvedere: --- Residents of Dutch Quarter/ Belvedere showed up in numbers on Thursday afternoon to witness the unveiling of three statues that were placed at the newly built roundabout. They are Jean Frederique Brooks “Tata the Bus driver,” Alexander Lionald Richardson “Alec the Butcher” and Florian Eulalie Duzanson “Lalie.” Relatives of the deceased were given the opportunity to highlight what each of the late honorees did during their lifetime. While the occasion was meant on, opening a new roundabout one would believe that some focus would be placed on traffic alleviation, but the life stories of the three honorees stole the attention of those who attended the ceremony. Alec the Butcher father of 42 was best known for farming and selling fresh meat. According to his daughter her father introduced the Dr. Claude Wathey to politics as he was a member of the National Party while Lalie she was known for providing fresh bread, tarts and shelter to those in need. While baking was her source of income Lalie also cared for students and people who came from Aruba to St. Maarten, she also provided shelter to many during disastrous moments such as hurricanes. While each of the three icons did what they do best to make a living it was clear they impacted several lives along the way and honoring them in such a way was well warranted.
Tata the bus driver he was best remembered for transporting students to from school. He was also known as the bus driver who made sure there was discipline on his bus. Tata transported several persons now holding government function including Commissioner Theo Heyliger.
Attending the ceremony was leader of government William Marlin, former commissioner of Public Works and Finance Roy Marlin, and the current commissioner of public works Theo Heyliger.
The roundabout as well as the drainage around Belvedere cost the island government some 5.4 million guilders, with 3.4 spent only on the roundabout itself. The land on which the roundabout was constructed on was donated to the island government by the Plantz family, while financing was made available through the sale of the Belvedere lots. Leader of Government William Marlin in his address said it has been 12 years now since the negotiations on the roundabout began and he was the one who got the donated parcel of land while in government from the Plantz. While Commissioner Heyliger reminded the gathering that he was part of all three executive councils that initiated the process of the new roundabout as well as finalizing it. Heyliger said one has to understand that government projects takes time since every detail of the process has to be analyzed.
The statues were unveiled by relatives of the deceased honorees and commissioner Heyliger.
Philipsburg: ----The Special Robbery Unit has reported that, the 0-tolerance team on Friday November 20, during a control arrested two suspects that are wanted in several armed robbery cases. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in his police report stated that the 0-tolerance team is busy investigating a number of armed robbery cases.
The two suspects who are now in police custody were driving in a red Hyundai Getz with a French license plate on the Walter Nisbet Road in Philipsburg, when they were stopped by members from the 0-tolerance team.
During this control these two suspects, both male could not properly identify themselves. The officers also noticed that the electrical wires leading to the switch of the vehicle in question were cut. Upon seeing this, officers immediately suspected that the vehicle in question was stolen.
The suspects are identified by initials D.V. and L.T both from the island of St Lucia and residing in the Cole Bay area, were arrested on the spot and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station.
At the police station, the vehicle was searched and several items that were found in the vehicle were items that were reported stolen during several armed robberies, which have taken place recently on the island. Both suspects were turned over to the Special Robbery Unit for questioning. During questioning, the suspects admitted to have been involved in at least five of these robberies. They also admitted that the red Hyundai Getz was a stolen vehicle. Both suspects remain in custody for further questioning.
One suspect arrested/ various stolen items recovered.
Also on Friday November 20, during a patrol, a unit of the 0-tolerance team spotted a suspicious green colored Hyundai Accent, with license -plate R-1474 in which four persons were, driving through the Dutch Quarter area.
When the driver of this car realized that, the police had them in sight he increased his speed and tried to get out of the area. A short chase took place and in the Gibbs drive, the car was stopped. Three of the occupants took of running on foot leaving the driver behind. The driver with initials M.A.H. from Jamaica was arrested on the spot. During a search of the vehicle, several items found in the vehicle are items that were reported stolen in several ongoing criminal investigations. The suspect was taken to the Philipsburg police station where he was turned over to the detective department and where he will remain in custody for further investigation. More arrests are expected in this case as the investigation goes on.

A successful launch of St. Maarten's new image campaign was conducted in New York, N.Y. this past week. The event was attended, by among others, St. Maarten's commissioner of tourism, Frans Richardson and head of St. Maarten's tourism bureau, Regina Labega. Other guests included Rafael Cardozo, President of Tambourine, the agency that created the new branding campaign, as well as travel writers.
Philipsburg: --- SMN News has been reliably informed that the executive council of St. Maarten had to re-schedule one of its agenda points on Tuesday. Sources say that the executive council had intended to discuss the much talked about SOAB report on ROB department. The final report was given to the Leader of Government William Marlin and the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards early last week while members of the executive council also received a copy of the report late last week, as they were to take a decision on the report on Tuesday. The report has been divided into three sections all of which have consequential information.
SMN News learnt that a decision was to be taken on the contents of the report, which is said to have severe consequences on the department and those working there. However, Commissioner responsible for Public Works Theo Heyliger did not attend the meeting on Tuesday hoping that the National Alliance majority would have taken a decision on their own.
SMN News learnt that the agenda point has since been postponed to next week where the matter would have to be discussed one way or another. Sources say Heyliger also has to take part in the budget discussions but somehow he is evading these discussions.
SMN News also learnt that the executive council might decide to move most of the workers that are currently working at ROB as recommended by SOAB. While it is clear that, the management of ROB would some day have to answer questions on how they managed the department over the years SOAB has recommended that members of the management team be removed immediately. In its report, SOAB indicated the amount of irregularities that was found in each section of the department including workers who were conducting side jobs for investors, incomplete files that were approved for certain investors, the lack of building permits of certain buildings that have been constructed are only some of the highlights in the report.
Efforts made to contact Heyliger for a comment on the report and his failure to attend the weekly executive council meeting on Tuesday proved futile up to press time.
Philipsburg:---17 youngsters between the ages of 13 and 17 received their certificates of completion after putting on a display for parents and invited guests as the first of three ceremonies scheduled to celebrate the conclusion of three Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program concluded. The ceremony took place at the Living Praise Ministry building in Philipsburg on Tuesday evening.
The Youth Leadership program is a recognized program of Toastmasters International and the purpose is to instill self confidence in youngsters by helping them develop effective communication and leadership skills. The program consists of eight weekly sessions during which youngsters are taught proper speech writing and public presentation skills including bringing the speech to life thru body language, eye contact, vocal variety and gestures. In addition, they are required to practice good listening skills in order to provide positive feedback to their colleagues. The sessions also allowed the youngsters to practice parliamentary procedures as part of their leadership development.
During the closing and certificate ceremony, all youngsters got the opportunity to perform as they conducted a Toastmasters meeting where they could show off the skills learnt and their improved self confidence. Parents and invited guests were very impressed to see the public speaking skills of the youngsters and inquired about having advanced sessions. Vijay Dayalani, President of the group for the last two months gave a full explanation of Toastmasters and how much they have learnt over the period and expressed the sentiment of all present who were happy to have made it, but sad that the sessions had come to an end.
Program facilitator, Advanced Communicator Silver and Competent Leader Valerie Brazier explained that the Youth Leadership program on St Maarten started three years ago when the Ark Foundation and the United Student Government approached the Philipsburg Toastmasters Club to conduct sessions to help youngsters with their self confidence. The resounding success of the program has this year resulted in toastmasters having to conduct two regular sessions and introduce an advanced session for those who wish to continue. “We are pleased that the Ark Foundation and Ms Edna Rijkaard have chosen to continue working with St Maarten Toastmasters to help these youngsters; Brazier stated. She thanked her assistant Nina Lambert-Diaz, the Ark Foundation and the Living Praise ministry for making the building available for hosting of the sessions over the two month period. In commending the youngsters she encouraged them to continue excelling as they prepare themselves for future leadership opportunities.
The ceremony for the advanced group, facilitated by DTM Rolando Tobias will take place this Friday evening and the final group will have their certificate presentation ceremony next week Monday.
GREAT BAY,– The family physician practice of Dr. Zamora Perez Augusto at the Orange Grove Plaza in Cole Bay is the ninth medical clinic that is available in administering the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine to risk groups.
The vaccination schedule at the Zamora Perez Medical Clinic is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 2.30pm to 4.00pm.
The process of administering the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine started on Monday, November 23 for high risk groups.
Persons who fall under the identified risk groups are asked to visit their family physicians at the following clinics as of the specified days and times:
- Dr. Mercuur Clinic (Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 1.00pm);
- Bush Road Clinic (Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 2.00pm);
- Dr. Deketh Clinic (Monday to Friday, 2.00pm to 3.00pm)
- Dr. Ruth Douglas (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7.30am to 9.30am)
- Union Road Clinic of Dr. Van Osch (Wednesday, Thursday 2.00pm to 5.00pm)
- Simpson Bay Medical Clinic of Dr. Tjaden and Dr. Datema (Wednesday and Thursday, 2.00pm to 5.00pm)
- Dr. Spencer Clinic (Wednesday, 2.00pm to 4.00pm)
- Great Bay Clinic of Dr. Bus/Dr. Knol (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 2.00pm to 3.00pm; call 542-6542 for an appointment, only 20 persons per day).
According to guidelines from the Netherlands Antilles Influenza A (H1N1) Protocol, all pregnant women who are in the last six months of pregnancy or second trimester – from their fourth month onwards – will be vaccinated.
Other persons who form part of the risk group that should get vaccinated are:
• Persons with chronic conditions e.g. with pulmonary disease; with cardiac disease; with diabetes mellitus, even if not on medication; with chronic kidney disease/failure; after a recent bone marrow transplant; with HIV-infection.
• Persons with a diminished resistance to infections: livercirrosis, (functional) asplenia, auto-immune illnesses, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medication;
• 60 years and older.
Health care workers who may be in contact with patients pertaining to the medical risk groups mentioned above (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics and general practitioner/specialist practices) should also get vaccinated.
Home care givers of people with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality due to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) should also be vaccinated.
For persons who do not fall within the identified risk groups, you are advised to continue with implementing preventive measures (maintain high standards of hygiene), staying healthy and keeping a safe distance from persons with a flu-like illness.
The Democratic Party wishes to inform its members, supporters and the general public that the public meeting scheduled for this Friday in Cole Bay will be rescheduled. The new schedule of public and contact meetings will take into account the holiday season and the busy time leading up to the Christmas holidays. The entire campaign schedule of the Democratic Party is expected to be released soon and the public is encouraged to stay tuned.
The focus of the Party at this time and going into the parliamentary election remains on the areas of justice and crime fighting, and our new constitutional status. Standing firmly behind the upgrading of the police force of St Maarten, the DP nevertheless, as it has always been is extremely concerned with the immediate prospects for reducing crime on St Maarten. In the view of many on our island, crime is rampant and out of control.
Crime has been and still is a central government responsibility and while different assessments show different conclusions with regard to the real crime situation on St. Maarten, the truth of the matter is that the people of St Maarten are the ones who experience the increase in criminal behavior and criminality.
Attempts to register all persons residing on St. Maarten has been clamored for by the DP for a very long time, however this endeavor should not be at the expense of providing adequate security for the people of our island by the central government.
The DP remains adamant: there is only one way to structurally solve this dilemma and that is by placing the responsibility for fighting crime on St Maarten, with those elected to represent the people of St Maarten. “He who feels it, knows it”.
Great Bay, Secret Night Club & Lounge will be seeing [RED], as the official [RED] Campaign DJ, DJ Blaize will be hosting a [RED] Party in commemoration of World AIDS Day 2009.
Performing live that evening is international dance hall entertainer Macka Diamond. The purpose of this party is to bring awareness about HIV/AIDS to the party community visiting the club.
DJ Blaize has showed his commitment to the campaign throughout the year as all his radio ads and flyers for all his events were tagged by the Think [RED], Do Safe slogan. DJ Blaize was also on hand over the weekend at the youth HIV/AIDS awareness basketball competition as he provided music throughout the day. The HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team supports DJ Blaize by giving him condoms and brochures for his parties.
Philipsburg:--- Commissioner of housing William Marlin said the island government is planning to submit a dossier for funding to build some more social homes. Marlin said the department of new works is currently working on the plans which is aimed at building at least 30 three bedroom homes for families that needs them most. These homes will be rented at affordable prices.
The housing commissioner said the intention is to construct at least 60 of these homes but they have opted to start with 30 for in the phase. USONA he said is soon to approve the funding since St. Maarten still has 3.4 million guilders available for social housing.
Great Bay, -HIV/AIDS Programme Manager, Suzette Moses-Burton on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2009 received the Juanita Altenberg Award for Excellence from the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC). This announcement was made on World AIDS Day by Dr. Robert Carr, Executive Director of CVC.
According to a release from CVC Dr. Carr stated that “Moses-Burton stood out in the region as a defender of the human rights of persons living with HIV and AIDS. She has worked regionally to help set up national groups and to build the capacity of members of people living with HIV community.” Additionally she has done extensive work with members of other populations most at risk for HIV, the release further quoted Dr. Carr.
The release also made mention that Moses-Burton on the international scene is well respected as an activist who is unapologetic in making her demands on behalf of the communities she serves, as she has lobbied with many different groups, such Caribbean Parliamentarians, international AIDS programs managers and funders.
Juanita Altenberg, for whom the award is named, is described as a pioneer in the Caribbean region in HIV Advocacy, Care, Treatment and Prevention for communities both hard hit by the HIV epidemic and by social stigma and exclusion. In addition to her serving as the Executive Director of Maxi Linder, one of the region's most respected leaders in services to most vulnerable populations especially sex workers, Altenberg also served as the Founding Co Chair of the Board of the CVC which now names this award in her honor in order to celebrate her work.
Moses Burton stated “This is not just an honour, but a humbling experience to have the work that I do acknowledged by my peers in the fight against HIV in the region. There are others in my opinion far more deserving of this award; however I thank CVC and its members for this recognition.”

The first winner of Island Water World's online game is Russell Morton, alias Sprout, from Antigua. He became the proud owner of a dinghy-outboard combo, worth US $ 3200.
Until the end of January every online shopper at Island Water World's new e-commerce website will be automatically eligible to win Walker Bay Air floor Hypalon AF240 Dinghy and a Mercury-5HP-outboard Combo.
Island Water World will give two more dinghy-outboard combos away until the end of January. "No matter how small or big the purchase is, every buyer has a chance to win", says Sean Kennelly, Managing Director of Island Water World. And he adds: "The good news is that the draw is cumulative – meaning if you bought something in November or December you will still be eligible for the draw in December and January."

Island Water World also takes care of the freight headache as the company will ship free of charge provided that the winner lives at a destination where Island Water World ships to (see www.islandwaterworld.com for the shipping map).
CAY BAY— On Tuesday the electricity production unit DG#12 at the Cay Bay Power Plant developed mechanical problems resulting in load shedding. Technicians noticed that the inlet air temperature on DG#12 was too high and the decision was taken to shutdown the generator before it could be damaged.
The shutdown resulted in the loss of 6 megawatts thereby forcing GEBE to load shed. The latter was impossible to escape due to the electricity production already at an all time high due to the high demand for electricity.
Most areas on the island experienced power outages lasting approximately two hours. By 5.00pm on Tuesday load shedding for the most was discontinued as the demand for electricity decreased due to the end of the business day, and the smaller generators were able to pick up the electricity load.
GEBE expects load shedding to continue on Wednesday as technicians continue to work on resolving the mechanical challenges on DG#12.
In the meantime, work continues on the two new 11.3 megawatt generators. The supplier has already performed the first tests which were successful and by the end of the week the technicians hope to have the generators running at 50 per cent capacity.
For a load shedding schedule, visit www.nvgebe.com.

Pointe Blanche: -- Workers at the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies along with their union held a stand off yesterday afternoon in an effort to force management to respect their Collective Labour Agreement (CLA), which was signed over a year ago. Workers from security, maritime, and all other section of the harbour were on stand off.
At the gate of the harbour, several employees backed by the United Federation Union stood outside as they wait on members of the management team to begin executing their CLA. While at the protest action, Managing Director Keith Franka sent a letter to the UFA indicating to them that he has requested the assistance of the labour mediator to resolve the issue. Franka said based on the series of meeting conducted on Monday December 7 as well as last Friday they were unable to come to an agreement on the distribution of the percentages to be paid to the COLA over the year 2008. The managing director further explained that they felt they have made a fair proposal to the UFA but somehow they are unable to reach an agreement.
Speaking to SMN News was advisor the United Federation Union Willy Haize said that management of St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies are violating the cost of living clause in the CLA. Haize said the UFA and the Harbour Group of Companies have agreed to adjust the cost of living by 3.9% instead of 4.6% . He said based on the agreement the company has to increase the workers salary by 60% while 25% would be paid in a one-time payment (lump sum). The union advisor said suddenly management wants to pay a higher percentage in the lump sum and less on the salary increase. He said one would believe the union is talking big monies but that is far from the truth, "we are saying 60% of the 3.9% which brings us to 2.3% to be added to the salaries of each worker," something he felt the company can afford to pay. "If the harbour cannot pay this kind of monies to its employees tell us what would happen next year when we have to negotiate the CLA he asked?"
Haize said the CLA clearly states that the workers must receive 60% of the 3.9% in salary adjustment, 25% will be made in a one time payment while the other 15% would go towards the management of the St. Maarten Harbour Holding Companies. Haize said based on the actions of management they don't seem to want to pay the employees anything. Haize said even though they were discussion with management, the managing director said he is calling for the mediator and the union is willing to wait on them outside of the gates at the harbour.
President of the UFA Francis Ollivachi further explained that the workers cannot accept a higher percentage in the one time payment because this would ultimately affect the worker. Ollivachi said workers have to make sure they have a decent salary at the end of the month if they are to receive a proper pension. Furthermore, they need to take home more monies every month to meet the cost of living on St. Maarten. The UFA president further explained that Mark Mingo of the CEO of the supervisory board has ordered management to make the payments but somehow the managing director does not want to comply.

At 4pm the workers were asked to return to work since management of the company has sent the UFA an email asking them to go back around the table on Monday where the discussion would continue.
In a faxed letter to this media house the CEO of the St. Maarten Harbour Holding Mark Mingo said he is very disappointed with the actions taken by the UFA since he had informed them that the meeting they requested on Thursday last week could not take place since the Commissioner in charge of the harbour Theo Heyliger is part of the delegation in the RCCL on the Oasis vessel.
In the meantime, SMN News has learnt from the workers that the Harbour Group of Companies has been investing some $80,000 to train illegal security officers in ISPS courses. According to one of the workers government, owned company spent this amount of monies to train private security guards while the workers (all locals) are denied this type of trainings, which deals directly with cruise ships. The worker said presently there are about 20 security guards who are taking the training course and when it is over, they are sent to work in supermarkets by the security company. The workers said this is a cycle that has been going on for years now and when they bring up the status of these security guards only then those with working permits would replace the illegal immigrant.
PHILIPSBURG--GEBE is once again organizing the GEBE Christmas Lighting Competition in the spirit of spreading the Christmas Cheer on St. Maarten, Saba and Statia with the goal of bringing communities together, enhancing community spirit, spreading Christmas cheer and lighting up Christmas.
GEBE is therefore strongly encouraging the use of LED lighting to reduce the amount of electricity needed. LED technology is much more efficient and allows participants to create amazing lighting displays at a fraction of the cost of traditional lighting. LED lights are 80% more efficient, last for years and come in a large variety of shapes, colors and brightness. Plus LED lights have color changing technology which adds a significant wow factor to the displays. A comparison of a 50-string incandescent Christmas lights to a 50-string LED Christmas lights rendered approximately NAF. 7.50 savings per string. LED lights are available on St. Maarten at many stores.
The format of the GEBE Christmas Lighting Competition will remain the same with some minor changes. The lighting up is scheduled to start two days later. Further, the number of hours that the participants would need to have their lights on for sufficient time to judge has been reduced by 10 hours. Registration is free, so you have nothing to lose and lots to win. A panel of judges will come during the Christmas season to see your display and score it based on creativity, traditional display, first impression, special effects and use of energy saving technology.
Already the competition has received more registrations to date than previous years. Plus this year, there will be a special prize for Best Newcomer to encourage even more residents to participate. The only requirement is that the home did not participate in the 2008 competition. "We want to give newcomers to the competition a head start against the seasoned competitors that have been participating for years."
Once again, GEBE is asking the public to vote for their favorite lighting display for which there is a special prize: The Popular Vote. "We are encouraging the community to get involved and drive around to see the many creative displays of lights that has become our tradition. You can vote for your favorite display and one prize will be determined solely by the popular vote." A special prize will be given to the display that receives the most votes either in the online poll at www.nvgebe.com/christmas or by dropping off their vote at GEBE offices. Voting closes December 31, 2008 at midnight.
Deadline for registration is December 20, 2008. Register by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or pick up a form at GEBE offices. All participants must have their display lit up from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. from December 23, 2008 to December 31, 2008. Judging will be based on creativity, traditional display, first impression, special effects and energy saving technology. Prizes will consist of: first place $1500, second place $1000 and third place $500. Popular vote prize is $500 shopping certificate at a supermarket of your choice.

Dawn Beach:--- Reacting to the motion presented in the second chamber against the Brooks Tower Accord Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba said that she is quite disappointed with those in the second chamber since the motion was based on incorrect information. Jacoba said she had expected those in the second chamber would have done their research prior to presenting such a motion.
"One would expect people from a second chamber of such countries would at least get their facts straight." Jacoba said for the second chamber to accept the motion with erroneous information leaves her disappointed since those in Holland would always point fingers to the Justice Ministry of the Netherlands Antilles and say they must comply with the laws fully.
Jacoba gave a presentation on the Brooks Tower Accord managed to give a presentation to the Dutch delegation that was on St. Maarten for the political steering group meetings. Jacoba said she is hopeful that the Dutch now has enough information on the BTA trajectory. She said the Ministry of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles has also agreed to give their Kingdom partners information periodically.
On another note, the Minister of Justice said she is satisfied with the way the process on the BTA is going. She said that she has heard several remarks that she would not be meeting her target for this project. Jacoba made clear that even though she has been making constant appeals to all undocumented persons living in the Netherlands Antilles to register she did not set any target. Jacoba said her sole intention with the BTA project was to give all undocumented residents residing in the Netherlands Antilles an opportunity to regulate their status. The Minister said that all recipients of the BTA permits would have an open door to be part of the regular system to obtain their residency. The Minister said preliminary indications are that close to 4,000 persons living on St. Maarten would receive the BTA permits while that figure on Curacao are expected to surpass St. Maarten. Jacoba called on everyone to look at the BTA process as an opportunity to those residing illegally in the Antilles. She also made another appeal to those residents who have not registered to do so before December 15 since this would be their last chance.
Responding to the discontentment with St. Maarten Leader of Government regarding the requirements, Jacoba said she discussed this matter with Commissioner William Marlin. She said both Curacao and St. Maarten has the same requirements but admitted that those on St. Maarten executing the project are much stricter. The Minister of Justice said that in several cases they were forced to ask the applicants for more proof simply because there are people who are doing their best to defraud the system. She said there are people who would say that they arrived in the Antilles in 2001 and somewhere between those times to now, they had left the island and lived one year somewhere else. When that happen the person cannot be qualified simply because they are only allowed to be outside the Netherlands Antilles for nine months. She said there are times when the information that is provided is not easy to prove and definitely more proof would have to be submitted.

Philipsburg: ---A delegation from Anguilla will be meeting with commissioner of aviation affairs Frans Richardson and the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards to work out the current issues regarding in transit passengers at the Princess Juliana International Airport. Commissioner Richardson made the announcement at a press briefing on Thursday.
The commissioner said he was also contacted by the authorities in St. Barths since they too are having problems with their in transit passengers. One of the hindrances Richardson said is that the Princess Juliana International Airport does not have an in transit hall and therefore passengers moving on to the other islands have to go through the regular immigration lines.
Richardson said that due to these passengers sometime loose their planes or the flights are delayed. He said that for St. Barths they definitely have to find a solution since the airport on that island closes at sunset. During Friday's meeting, which would involve drs. Randus Eugene Holiday a solution on the in transit, hall has to be found since they are promoting St. Maarten as the gateway to the Caribbean.
The commissioner said while PJIAE has the facilities they would do all that is possible to make in transit passengers comfortable by making sure they get to their destination smoothly.

GREAT BAY:---The 84th birthday anniversary of the late St. Martin patriot Joseph H. Lake, Sr. (1925-1976)—better known as José Lake, might have been remembered quietly by a few family members and friends on October 4, 2009.
However, another legacy of the man known as the father of journalism for the whole island and "dean of the political opposition" in the South from 1959 to 1976, reached another anniversary milestone in 2009, some 33 years after his death.
The year 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of a still active family media tradition started by José Lake, Sr.
This article focuses on a direct family link to Lake's media work. (However, there are also those individuals and print and broadcast media on both parts of St. Martin that could claim to be directly and indirectly inspired by the Lake journalistic tradition.)
On July 1, 1959, José Lake, Sr. founded the Windward Islands Opinion newspaper and the People's Printery. At the foundation of these two interlinked businesses was a philosophy of advocacy journalism and service to the people of the island and not just to the "Dutch side" or "French side"—or reinforcing those colonial divisions.
Furthermore, the founding purpose of the Opinion was stated as "a means of helping to improve the social, economic, educational, and political conditions of the Windward Islands by advocating against the causes of Injustice and Oppression."
Leo Friday of St. Martin and Will Johnson of Saba know a lot about the trials and achievements of Lake, the man the late commissioner and businessman Rupert Maynard repeatedly labeled as a Cassandra prophet. (Cassandra was the Greek prophetess who was cursed to foretell the truth but each time her people would not believe her predictions, causing her much pain and frustration.)
Johnson and Friday are probably two of the more consistent chroniclers of Mr. José Lake's life and time. Both, as Johnson puts it, not only know intimately about Lake's "struggles, conflicts and sorrows, but also of the fun times." http://www.sabatourism.com/scenes_wj34.html
Lake paid a heavy price for challenging the political and economic establishments on both parts of the island. Most businesses refused to advertise in the Opinion, keeping it economically weak. Lake was once literally the lone public voice exposing the bad treatment of workers and what he called the "slave wages" paid to employees.
In the 1960s, Lake's life was threatened; his office was burned to the ground in Philipsburg; and he was officially declared persona non-grata in the North for writing about the poor educational system.
In fact, it was another great St. Martin patriot, the late politician Felix Choisy who got the persona non-grata status revoked.
Lake fearlessly wrote about issues that ranged from political corruption, environmental destruction of Fort Willem hill, to involving the churches in stopping Zwarte Piet as a racist symbol from visiting St. Martin schools during Christmas time.
Many people who are still alive today had to hide in alleys or in their homes to read the Opinion in the early 1960s. All of this is documented in the books National Symbols of St. Martin and For the Love of St. Maarten.
José Lake, Sr. not only published his Opinion as of 1959 but also the Shaka magazine of his son Joseph H. Lake, Jr. in the early 1970s. Both Tony Hawley, the nephew of Lake, printed publications at the People's Printery, Sr. Hawley ran the printing shop in those days. In the early 1970s, Lake, Jr. became an editor of the Opinion.

The first descendent publisher of the José Lake media tradition was Joseph H. Lake, Jr. He founded the Windward Islands Newsday in 1976, at the demise of the Opinion – following his father's death that same year.
Newsday would face much of the same economic boycott as the Opinion for its reporting on government corruption and business exploitation of workers. Lake, Jr.'s publishing company was called Windward Islands Graphics.
In the 1990s Lake, Jr. published the tourism magazine Welkom/Bienvenue and in the early 2000s, following the closing of Newsday, The Republic of St. Martin. Between both Lakes, the island also had its first dailies and color newspapers.
The second business to grow directly out of the foundation laid by the senior Lake is Tony's Printing Shop, founded by Tony Hawley in 1982. Tony was reared by Lake as his son and from the age of nine, became the classic printer's apprentice. He is in fact St. Martin's senior and most experienced printer. Tony's Printing Shop is based in Middle Region, the native village of Jose Lake's family.
The third media that claims descendant from the Lake tradition is House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP). The book publisher was founded in 1982 by Lake, Sr.'s son Lasana Sekou in his New York university dorm room. HNP was established in St. Martin in 1984 and is in its 27th year with over 70 publications by new and senior authors from St. Martin, throughout the Caribbean and the USA.
From 1976, Hawley worked with Lake, Jr. before launching his own printing business, while Sekou was publishing for at least two years in the USA before coming home to work with his older brother as a Newsday editor from 1984 to 1995. As children, all three sold copies of the Opinion newspaper.
Cooperation and exchange of media information formally and informally between Lake, Jr., Hawley and Sekou continue to this day. However, I am told that it is Tony who is teased the most among the media brothers as looking "more and more like the old man."
The three brothers uphold Lake, Sr. as the founding patriarch of the family's media tradition, as the foundation and inspiration of their individual work. For many of us in the media José Lake is a champion who paved the way for freedom of expression and press freedom as a vigorous practice and not just as an ideal in St. Martin.
According to Johnson, José Lake also created a consistent forum to empower the island's people, bringing them out of various forms of inferiority complexes.
Often the few who openly stood up with José Lake, some quietly and some more "bold and brave," did so at serious social, political, and economic risk to their person, their families and livelihood.
As for continuing the media tradition, there are at least three younger Lakes (in their early 20s and early 30s) are showing real interest in the media, namely sports broadcasting/production, web design/publishing, and entertainment publishing.
The three younger Lakes have also worked with or share media ideas with one or more of their senior Lake kin. Time will tell how far into the future the new generation will take this St. Martin family tradition of publishing and printing ... beyond its 50th anniversary.
(Shujah Reiph is the host/producer of the Conscious Lyrics weekly radio magazine and president of Conscious Lyrics Foundation (CLF). This article is part of CLF's ongoing observation of critical anniversaries in St. Martin's history and cultural development.)
Philipsburg:--- Police and members of the RST arrested a Guyanese national on Monday at the Princess Juliana International Airport for his alleged involvement in the killing of Jean Claude Busquet. Busquet was killed on December 13 at his business place the Bumper Car Fun Park.
According to reliable sources, the young culprit is part of a group of young men who committed the heinous crime. It is also understood that police and the RST would soon arrest the other suspects.
Prosecutor Jan Barth Davelling said he is not in a position to comment on the investigation. Davelling did not confirm neither did he deny the arrest of the suspect.

Marigot/Paris: ----- The recently amended organic law in the National Assembly on Tuesday confirmed Senator Louis Constant Fleming. Fleming in a press release said he was happy that the law was examined and adopted.
Fleming said according to his expectations, the vote intervened without any amendment of the text already adopted by the Senate on November 16, 2009; completing successfully the joint effort conducted with the members of Parliament and Government.
As a result, the Collectivité of Saint-Martin will now be able to exercise its fiscal competence on all revenues created on its territory: "La competence de Source". Fleming said.
It is a major and most welcome step forward for the Collectivité who will be able to reinforce its financial resources by the year 2011, thanks to the priority measure declared by the Government.
Indeed, the COM will now be able to tax all salaries, rents, dividends, and benefits rewarded in Saint Martin although the beneficiaries are fiscally non-residents of Saint Martin.
The next step is to make sure these taxes are collected for the benefit of local equipments, public services and our population.
In conclusion, beyond the global financial crisis and the economic stagnation, the year ends on a positive note for the Collectivité d'Outre Mer Fleming concluded.

As is the custom in homes all over St. Maarten many are those who this week come together to celebrate this festive season of the year as we mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas is an ideal time to express love and good wishes for those we care.
It is a time when we allow the marvel of Christmas to fill our hearts with warmth and love – giving, sharing and forgiving.
This is a celebrating season and notwithstanding our troubles, we are called upon to express our gratitude and give thanks to God for his wonderful blessings upon us as as an individual, as a family, as a community and as a developing island-nation.
Christmas is not only a time of celebrating but also the time of reflection in our lives.
It's a time to think about the less fortunate among us and use this occasion to share warm fellowship with all.
May the good Lord be with you and protect you.
Happy Holidays and may God's grace be with you and yours.

Fellow citizens, people of St. Maarten....
As we bid farewell to the year 2009, we welcome the year 2010 with high aspirations.
The New Year is when 10-10-10 is to usher in a new period for our island, following many years of preparation, debate and uncertainties.
Most important is what these fundamental changes will mean for the government and people of this island.
As your representative, I want to assure you of my commitment to look for your best interests as we, together, create a better St. Maarten, not just for some, but for all.
In 2010, we have the opportunity, to continue to right some wrongs, when we go to the polls.
Having come this far, we, as a community, must learn from our past and collectively chart a more constructive path for our island.
With the economic setbacks of 2009 now behind us, we have reason to be optimistic.
When we welcomed the beginning of the year 2009, it was comparable to beginning a new chapter in a good book.
As in any good book, there have been many surprises, some fascinating turns of events, here and there sadness, once in awhile laughter and sometimes a little inspiration.
We may not be able to describe this past year as everything we would have wanted it to be.
While we have all been through some challenging times in the past 12 months, we must admit that there have been a few satisfying accomplishments along the way.
I want to express my personal and heartfelt thanks to all of you, members of the public, members of the civil service, well-wishers and persons of goodwill for most of these accomplishments.
Your balanced approach to hardships, your strength and most of all your courage is highly appreciated.
The social ills plaguing our island need a collective approach, if we are to be successful in making those changes that are truly necessary – in keeping with the principles and guidance shared with us by our forefathers.
For the New Year, let's commit ourselves not to be deterred by obstacles placed in our way.
Let's tell ourselves that we can reach new heights, explore new opportunities and embrace change like never before.
It is my hope that we will, once more, as a united people, keep our focus on the truly meaningful tasks that require the involvement of every member of our community.
We need to work together as effectively as possible and for the greater good of the whole of this St. Maarten in the New Year; together we can solve this island's problems!
Your support and participation in the process of change and the many people who already provide input will go a long way towards shaping a healthier future for our future generations.
My family as well as all members of my office staff, join me in extending, to you, and to all of your loved ones, a prosperous, healthy and most blessed 2010.
MAY GOD BLESS ST. MAARTEN AND MAY HIS BLESSINGS BE WITH YOU THROUGHOUT 2010.
Philipsburg: --- On Saturday September 26, an official report was filed a man with initials R.Y. who stated that he was a victim of an armed robbery, which took place on that same day at approximately 03.30 a.m. in the vicinity of Banco de Caribe in Simpson Bay.
According to the victim, he and a friend had been visiting Soggy Dollar that evening. The man told police that his friend went to their vehicle, which was parked in the parking lot of Banco de Caribe; they were approached by two men.
One of the men grabbed and held him from behind, while the other pulled his very expensive gold necklace from his neck. After committing this act, both men jumped into an awaiting black vehicle that was driven by another man. The robbers then sped off in the direction of Philipsburg. The victim further stated that he chased the vehicle in which the robbers were and managed to overtake and block them in their path. One of the robbers then jumped out of the vehicle attacked him with what seemed to be a machete. The victim was then struck several times in his face with this weapon. As a result of the beating, the victim suffered several cuts to his face from which he started bleeding. However, the victim managed to reach the Sint Maarten Medical Center to seek medical attention. The Special Robbery Unit has already gathered some very vital information in connection with this case and an investigation into this matter is ongoing.

Philipsburg;---We are at the beginning of the year 2009. For some or many of us the year Two thousand and eight was filled with its joys and sorrows it was filled with its mountains and valleys. But in the midst of it all I do hope we have learnt from our past experiences.
There is saying "The longer we live life will teach us who we are. What is in the past we cannot change but learning from it we can and building on it we should. There is a thing call hope which we should never let go of. I don't know what your resolution for the year 2009 is but don't let your tradition compromise your future. Two thousand and nine will never be like 2008. We must determine to make a better life four ourselves and our family. We must restore the broken relationships where it is possible. The bible says if it be possible live peaceably with all men. We are not an island to ourselves because we rise and fall together. This is the way God made us and if we follow the principles laid down in his manual (Bible) this world will be a better place.
There are many negative predictions for 2009 in connection with the global financial crisis and all indications are that we will not be spared. How long it will last nobody knows. Some say 12, 16 or 24 months. What I want to encourage us all to do is to plan for the future. But at the same time live life one day at a time. Be anxious for nothing but in everything give God thanks.
My family and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Healthy and Prosperous 2009.

We stand at the threshold of another year; another moment in time. A moment however that is used since the days of old to close off a period of 12 calendar months and open a new time series. And true to custom, we reflect on the past year, and either pounder on the foreseeable challenges of the new one or use this defined moment in time to make our resolutions for the coming period of time.
In looking back, 2008 for Sint Maarten has been an eventful one, one not without its setbacks, but surely not without achievements in many areas. Some will dwell on the first and others on the latter.
This is life, whether for societies as a whole or for individuals. Life is a bumpy road. How we deal with the bumps and the pits individually or collectively, sets the tone for the period ahead of us. It would always seem, again individually or collectively, that some get more than their share of life's challenges and setbacks.
As an island in the Caribbean region, we can thankfully look back on a good year overall, although challenges stand out especially in the area of crime and violence. Yes, I too fume when having to wait in traffic, but traffic is a result of a busy and vibrant island. Some would argue too busy. Our airport and harbor and thus our streets are crammed, again a sign of heightened economic activity.
As we face very uncertain economic times ahead, we should treasure what together we have been able to achieve and sustain for many years. Maybe unconsciously, but the working together of the different forces in our community has paid off in this respect. In 2009, this working together must be a conscious effort if we are to survive the expected difficult times ahead.
We boast of the composition of this island-nation as one of many nationalities and cultures, yet how we harness this collectivity of differences must become a critical part of our survival kit.
The "we vs they" must make room for St. Maarten first, and the "me, me, me" must make way for the "we, we, we". We, the island Sint Maarten!
Government is committed to continue the dialogue with all stake holders, but for this dialogue to have any effect, the change of attitude described above must be realized.
If there is one word to aptly describe today's global society, it is one of connectedness. This connectedness goes beyond the clichés of world travel and superb technology at the tip of our fingers. It has to do with an overall global interdependency. That reality is what we faced as during the year 2008, the global financial and economic picture kept getting starker, until -what we hope was- the climax in the latter part of 2008.
Is this financial-economic crisis bottoming out? It is difficult and still too volatile to predict. Financial strategists predict a financial roller coaster in 2009 with highs and lows. No where across the globe can nations or countries go their own way or leave things up to chance. And for small island nations like ours, flexibility to move and adjust as things develop around us, is going to be key.
In all of this, change has become a constant. Obviously, leaving matters to take care of themselves will not work. It might have worked in the past, but not in today's environment.
A conscious effort must be made to address the ills facing our society and we need to do it together. To be part of this collective effort we need to acquaint ourselves with what is happening on our island, not only from our confined individual or specific group's perspective, but also from the larger perspective of a nation in formation.
Government bureaucracy by its very nature is slow, yet our government is big enough to recognize when and if its policies are not having the desired effect. But do something we must! The wheels of government turn slowly and sometimes cause us to run behind the facts, but the overall improvements in government operations, in our educational system, in the health care system, in our infrastructure should not be underrated.
2009 will be characterized as a year of major transitions. In the constitutional area, a start will be made with transfer of central authority to the islands. The preparatory work done in this area over a number of years resulted in 2008 in definite agreements and completion of agreed upon issues. St. Maarten is not lagging behind in this respect, to the contrary.
I feel compelled at the end of 2008 to again thank the persons who have contributed to the process in an immense way. I not only think of our team of advisors, but also of the members of our community at large who have deliberated with us over and over again on matters of constitutional change. And I continue to extend an invitation to the general public and I mean general, to get involved in this process.
Don't let us spend too much of our time analyzing and theorizing, but rather let us narrow down what is happening around us globally to our own households, our workplace, our community and our island.
What might work for others, might not necessarily work for us or the other way around. Let's use our energy and the often used word of resiliency to work on the things we can, while keeping a watchful eye on the things we cannot influence, but which surely influence us.
Summarizing, 2008 was marked by resiliency, confidence and cooperation.
These traits we need in abundance for 2009. My wish for Sint Maarten is that we succeed at that and more. And that above all, we keep the faith.
Only by sticking together, holding the bigger picture in front of us, and realizing that we are in this together will our efforts bear fruit. A blessed, healthy, prosperous and productive 2009 is wished to every citizen and resident of our island nation. May God continue to bless us abundantly.

PHILIPSBURG-As part of its new vision, GEBE is launching a reusable shopping bag campaign to demonstrate GEBE's commitment to protecting the environment. GEBE will be distributing a total of 10,000 of these bags on St. Maarten, Saba and Statia to its customers in January 2009.
Used twice a week for a period of two years, each GEBE reusable shopping bag can replace up to 1664 plastic bags in its lifetime. The 10,000 bags that GEBE will be distributing could therefore mean a total plastic bag reduction on these islands of 16 million bags. The bag is for the conscious shopper who like GEBE takes the environment into account.
"We hope you will be able to use this bag every time you shop and thereby contribute to protecting our environment," stated Managing Director, William Brooks as he presented the Lt. Governor, Franklyn Richards with the first GEBE Reusable Bag. Reusable bags were also distributed to all members of the Executive and Island Councils, GEBE Supervisory Board, and GEBE Shareholders' Foundation as well as the environmental organizations on St. Maarten.
The Lt. Governor praised GEBE for their increased environmental consciousness in the new GEBE vision and GEBE programs that aim to reduce its environmental footprint and protect the environment of St. Maarten. The Lt. Governor commended the environmental organizations on their continuous efforts to ban the use of plastic bags on the island. The Lt. Governor also hinted at programs to come that will focus on cleaner energy for St. Maarten.
"The design reflects our local approach to a global problem. We have also included the logos of the local environmental organizations to show our support for their efforts," Brooks continued, "Our slogan, "Save Some Green" continues to promote the message of energy conservation to save money while protecting the environment." GEBE launched the Save Some Green program in 2008 with the electronic billing that reduces the amount of paper, as well as energy saving and conservation tips.
Elsje Bos of the St. Maarten Heritage Foundation accepted the bag on behalf of her foundation and looks forward to working with GEBE more in the coming year. Beverly Nisbeth of the Nature Foundation applauded the initiative and hopes that it is a sign of greater things to come. Rueben Thompson, on behalf of the St. Maarten Pride and EPIC foundations, commended GEBE on its efforts to contribute to protecting the environment on St. Maarten.
The reusable shopping bag is made of recyclable PVC which makes it sturdy and easily cleaned. The large format of the bag ensures it can replace up to 8 regular plastic bags every time it is used.

Philipsburg: --- Island Councilman and executive council member Louis Laveist will not resigned even though Lt. Governor Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards made a public call on the commissioner to do what he considered to be the honorable thing.
Sources close to the commissioner said that money remains a key issue for Laveist who once held the highest positions in government. According to the source the commissioner who is also a civil servant never received an increase during his years as a civil servant. Laveist is a scale three civil servant who makes less than Naf. 3000. monthly.
The non active commissioner was once senator, island and executive council member who has a salary of over Naf. 10,000 monthly with other benefits, should he resign from the executive council the commissioner would not be able to meet his monthly bills including the school fees for his only child at Learning Unlimited.
Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards in a press release recapped the events surrounding Laveist and the Democratic Party after Laveist was released from pre-trial detention.
Laveist in a letter to Richards had said he would no longer support the DP and that he is now an Independent member of the Island Council. One week after the leader of the DP sent a letter to Richards signed by Laveist giving his support to the present led government.
So far the commissioner who went silent on many matters has not been charged with any wrong doing even though he spent nine days in pre-trial detention. He is accused of forgery. SMN News understands that the Prosecutor handling Laveist case Martin Hemaalar is busy preparing the summons. It is understood that Laveist may have to appear in courts as early as February.
Marigot: --- Two persons including a young woman would have to appear in court on April 2 2009 to answer charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement officers.
In a press release the gendarmes stated that they were conducting pedestal control at the Marina Royale on January 1 2009. The gendarmes had parked their vehicle in the Low Town parking lot when someone they described as a trouble maker began throwing stones at them and the vehicle. They tried calming down the person but this was prevented when some 15 other persons joined the attack. This they said prevented them from questioning the suspect. Among the attackers was a woman who was very aggressive and insulting. The others they said also participated in the violent attack on the State troopers. The gendarmes were forced to call in reinforcement that eventually arrested two persons between the age brackets of 18 and 19 years. The woman in particular would have to appear in court on April 2.

Cole Bay: -- Some thirty teachers who are presently working at five of the private schools on St. Maarten began training and support yesterday at the Carl and Sons Conference Room. The training which will last for three days is provided by APS agency which is funded by the CEES-POT funds in the Netherlands.
Educator and Trainer Guss Perry said this is the first of four workshops scheduled for St. Maarten after the SUMEF (St. Maarten United Multi-purpose Educational Foundation) made the request on behalf of the five schools that are members of the foundation. Schools that are participating in the trainings are Starlight Education, St. Maarten Star Foundation, A.C.E Foundation, Twin Star Foundation, and School of Arts Foundation.
Perry said he already visited the schools and had a first hand look at what is taking place at these schools. While some of the facilities are adequate for teaching and housing students he felt some of them are too cramped and overcrowded. "There are 35 students crammed in one room and for me that is not enough space for teaching" Perry said.
The APS he said gives support and training to teachers who are in need all of which is at the expense of the CEES-POT funds. He said the program is really good for both students and teachers.
A press conference is scheduled for Friday where more information will be given on the workshop.

Philipsburg: ---Five Years ago, First Caribbean International Bank started their unsung Heroes Program. The programme has become the flagship for volunteerism in the Caribbean. Every year entries for are received from the countries in which First Caribbean operates. They come from individuals who wish to recognize the region's selfless heroes who generously give of their time and resources to improve the lives of the less fortunate in their communities.
This year several persons were nominated for the award on St. Maarten. A committee consisting of five persons selected Mr. Franklin Carty as St. Maarten's 2008 Unsung Hero.
Some years ago Franklin Carty saw how his father has to struggle to take public transport to the Hospital when he needed treatment, and it was from this observation that Franklin first came up with the idea to provide transportation and assistance to the elderly on the island. Derek A. Downes, First Caribbean's Country Head said, "Mr. Carty for us is considered one of our selfless heroes on the island, because he could have only been concerned with his father's transportation to the Hospital and not worry about anyone else. However, he thought beyond his inner circle and realized the need to assist other elderly individuals in the same position. Franklin saw the need and he took action. He never sought praise, media attention or recognition for his good works".
Downes continued "The motto of the First Caribbean's Unsung Hero Program is "making a difference everyday" and that is what Mr. Carty does in the lives of more than sixty elderly persons he helps on the island. First Caribbean Bank St. Maarten would like to congratulate Mr. Franklin Carty for his achievement of being their 2008 Unsung Hero.
He also said thanks the local committee who asses the entries this year, which comprises of community Member's, Mr. Rudy Engel, and Ms. Beulah Jonis, and from the bank Mr. Whitfield Vlaun, Mr. Alphons Gumbs, Ms Cleopatra Baker and Ms. Lesley Vieira.
First Caribbean St. Maarten would like the general public to take note and nominate all of those individuals living among us who go about assisting others in the community without hope or desire for any recognition or reward. First Caribbean Bank is looking for these "Good Samaritans" and the next Unsung Hero in our community.

Philipsburg-Commissioner Roy Marlin met with members of the Westin and Sonesta Group to discuss strategies of dealing with promoting activities that will result in increased traffic within the short term besides the extra measures that have been implemented through the Economic Recovery Fund.
The meeting was about trying to consolidate forces and collective resources in attempting to pursue a strategy of increased visitors to the island.
Commissioner Marlin said that "We have to try different marketing strategies and promotional activities to try to attract tourist, to get them to come to the island through innovative means, and to induce them to spend at our stores, restaurants, and other types of activities."
Meant to be incentive measures via travel associations, the idea is to provide stimulus to potential customers by means of upgrades, gift coupons, and other such specials.
For this reason we are here strategizing about different marketing and communication activities that can be done to stimulate the target markets that we are going after.
It is important to be proactive, Commissioner Marlin said. We are targeting the South American market and the American Northeastern market, for they are promising prospects.
In addition, there is also the possibility to request of other surrounding island governments and hoteliers to join in the marketing efforts, i.e. Anguilla, St. Barths-islands that have a spin off effect of tourism visitors to St. Maarten.
Later this month, at strategic planning session will take place with concerned partners.

Philipsburg: --- Ausula Nessa Edward aged 30 who surrendered to police on Thursday for the stabbing of Angel Marlin was given an eight day extension which was requested by the prosecution.
Edward a mother of four admitted to police that she stabbed the well known drug addict in self defense on Wednesday afternoon when the deceased confronted her for house rent monies that was not yet due.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said his office is busy investigating the woman's claim of self defense.
Edward was taken to the Philipsburg Police Station on Thursday after she consulted with a lawyer for legal advice prior to surrendering to authorities. It is understood that Edward with be represented by Monique Hoftman.
OPENING-STATEMENT
Leopold JAMES
Good evening to you, Mr. Rosario, my friends Damu and Mac, proud to be in the same panel with you.
Also good evening to you in the audience
A very special word of thanks to you Mr. Rosario for having invited me as panelist
Also, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the organizers of the CBA and in particular to Mr. ROSARIO, for having the courage and intellect, to not only oppose the timing of the implementation of this new law, but also for having the courage to invite panelists with different views on the matter, to come together in a mature and professional manner in order to discuss this topic and its many complicated aspects.
Let me state for the record, that I am not here neither representing business-, nor that I am a member-, or supporter of the initiative of the CBA to cancel the implementation of the new Labor law.
I am here to represent native-indigenous SXM-people's interest foremost, in an effort to arrive at a balance in the overall socio-economic equation on this island, including the New Labor Law.
In the total development of this island, for us by far the most important condition is the ‘preservation of self', which is our existence as a people.
From that angle, it should be clear that this island for us, is not exactly a ‘service-station', nor a ‘tourist-product', a ‘house'-, a ‘ship'-, and certainly not just a coveted piece of real estate...
For us-, this island, is fore-most our HOME-, our NATION-, and therefore it has a history, a cultural-identity, aspirations, sentiments, dreams, and yes a spiritual ‘heartbeat' and much more...,
In this context, any development that is not focused on PRIMARILY on the progress and well being of the native-indigenous people to us is doomed, because the people should be the very foundation of any development.
As such, it is sad to say, that the so-called ‘Friendly-island' is the classical example of how a country ought NOT to be developed.
We can safely state, that SXM has betrayed its own people, left its people behind and created an enormous in balance in the overall socio-economic development.
You should certainly not believe me.
But, just get an old copy of the TODAY news-paper of Monday, April 14, 2003 and read its editorial ‘A MARSHALL PLAN IS NEEDED'.
A quote ; ‘When the economic opportunities that a country has to offer have predominantly been taken advantage of in the past by people other that the country's own indigenous people,...then it constitutes a national crisis.
These are the words of the paper owned, by Mr. GIBSON, at that time Minister of Constitutional Affairs; they are NOT the word of Leopold JAMES, the ‘hater', as the same paper oftentimes refers to my person.
Apparently at that time, NO one cared to respond to that critical message indicating that there was a ‘NATIONAL CRISIS, because the native St. Martiners had been disadvantaged, because it were ‘others'-, who in fact dominated the economic opportunities.
Certainly, there was no call to implement protective measures for the native SXM-people, although it was then already deemed a crisis-situation for the island. And certainly there was NO CBA formed to discuss the matter.
Of course not!
Who cared about native-indigenous SXM'ers ?
Meanwhile, the natives of this island continued to suffer, to become marginalized, disrespected, ridiculed, and often threatened on their own ancestral properties by others.
Although, as native-indigenous people we too, of the SNBF etc, felt very hurt, but still, we managed to focus on the bigger picture and formulated our own concept of a MP, now called Law on Equal Opportunity.
We presented this concept on Monday, February 19, 2009 to the Central- Committee of the Island-council, who said it was very interesting, but still it was never promoted, despite all the talks about constitutional changes, in which the politicians conveniently forgot about the natives of this island.
In formulating the ‘balance' in our Law on Equal Opportunity, we have focused on at least three premises
--[if !supportLists]-->1. <!--[endif]-->Native-indigenous people should come first in their ancestral home of St. Martin, and should have special privileges and protection to be preserved at all times, non-negotiable.
--[if !supportLists]-->2. <!--[endif]-->The need for immigrants and foreign workers and the need to protect their human-rights.
--[if !supportLists]-->3. <!--[endif]-->Reciprocity (same opportunities for all people, especially within the region ).
What many people never realized, in the past, was that the ‘Friendly islanders', who had been taken for granted for so long, would one day become ‘not so friendly' and even resentful of the all aspects of development, because it worked against them, made them insignificant onlookers and minority with no rights in their own land.
That is the situation where are in right now in which perhaps many SXM'ers do not even care any longer to think rationally, because of the hurt and traumatic treatments at the hand of many investors and business people in the past.
It is very unfortunate that against that backdrop, we now have to find solutions and heal deep wounds, and it will be a tall order.
The new policy might not be perfect, but for sure it gives the NATIVE SXM'ers a sense of justice and the question now is where do we go from here.
Our position is, that we are prepared to become part of the solution in finding a balance, such as our concept of the Law on Equal Opportunity.
For sure, to get SXM'ers behind you, the time has come to show humility, respect and put your money where your mouth is, to show that you really have SXM at heart.
Without the grass-roots SXM population supporting you, your efforts will be doomed, even if Government would, as usual again just cave in to your demands.
The best ‘insurance-policy' for your investments, are the native-indigenous grass-root people of this land,- and we are prepared to be their broker, guaranteeing their best interest are secured.
The choice is yours.
I rest my case for this round and thank you for your attention.
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
-------

Philipsburg"" Several people including members of the clergy from both sides of the island turned out last night for the fourth annual National Day of Prayer which was instituted by former commissioner of culture Louis Laveist. Also present were several elected officials from the French side including President Frantz Gumbs who for the fist time responded to the several invitations from the Dutch side of the island, also present was Carene Mills, and fourth VP Louis Jeffry. Elected officials from the Dutch side had to split themselves between the two government activities which were held at the same hour.
Attendants of the annual event were treated with songs and dances ad as they prepare to hear from Pastor Liverpool no stranger to the St. Maarten pulpits. Known for her power on praise and worship she did just that as she prayed for both sides government.
Delivering the message was Pastor Alicia Liverpool who called on the several churches on the island to come together for the benefit of St. Maarten said it is the community of St. Maarten displays their attitude of collective understanding for prayer.
He said prayers of a nation have always been a powerful force. There are stories enough of how when situations seemed ominous beyond redemption, prayer is believed to have been that one decisive action which changed the course of events.
Richards said today the need for prayer is as great as ever. "Our island has been blessed with much success, but faces immense challenges"
He asked that special prayers be held particularly for the youth, the family, the church, the educators and the media. Let us ask for his guidance as we need to calm the various social ills, reinstituting moral values and ethics and save the community, our nation now.
The island chief of command said if we are to "Bring about changes, calls for a pledge not to change the world but to change ourselves; a pledge not to move mountains but to shift pebbles; a pledge not to ride the waves but to create ripples; it is only by changing ourselves that we can change the world; it is only by shifting pebbles that we can conquer mountains; and it is only by creating ripples that we can ride the waves. Then and only then will we create a world in which this pledge will not remain a pledge but will become a reality".
Philipsburg- Dengue Action Response Team (DART), the Island Governments multidisciplinary team coordinating the nation's dengue response, confirmed on Monday that for the month of November there were 88 laboratory confirmed dengue cases, compared to 187 for October.
DART has reached the conclusion that the count of patients have reached a plateau since the outbreak started back in August/September 2008.
Persons experiencing dengue fever-like symptoms should immediately contact their family physician. Persons should also follow-through by going to the lab to have a dengue fever test carried out to determine if they actually have the virus.
The Island Government approved an emergency budget of over Naf.300,000 last year to cover a number of interventions related to the outbreak which will continue in 2009.
Some of the interventions taken comprised of house-to-house/yard inspections; increase in vector control fogging activities; and presentations to non-governmental organizations and schools.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death.
Anyone requiring information concerning measures to prevent mosquito breeding or to report areas of standing water, overgrown vegetation etc should immediately call the Hygiene Department at 542-2079.

ORANJESTAD-GEBE Statia manager, Fed Cuvalay, presented the new GEBE reusable bag to the Lt. Governor, Hyden Gittens, during the launch of the GEBE reusable bag campaign on Statia.
GEBE will be distributing a total of 10,000 of these bags on St. Maarten, Saba and Statia to its customers in January 2009. Used twice a week for a period of two years, each GEBE reusable shopping bag can replace up to 1664 plastic bags in its lifetime. The 10,000 bags that GEBE will be distributing could therefore mean a total plastic bag reduction on these islands of 16 million bags. The bag is for the conscious shopper who like GEBE takes the environment into account.
Operation Trust 2 Continues with Road Control yesterday in several areas of the community. The law enforcement officers were concentrating on drivers who are not in possession of their documents. Those that had tints on their vehicle windows. Caught in the control are several gypsies who were plying the Sucker Garden route. The officers also arrested the head of security of the Windward Islands Bank for having tinted windows as well as a base ball bat in his car. Cat as he is well known in the community was later released.

Philipsburg: --- Members of the KPSSS yesterday bid farewell to one of their colleagues who will be returning to his homeland today. Harry Sonderwal was recruited last year as head of the operation management of the police force. Sonderwal was charged with training Lourdes Brooks Lake for the past six months. Commissioner of police Ademar Doran presented Sonderwal with gifts of token as well as Brooks Lake.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard described Sonderwal as a special person who did his work with pride and joy. Leonard said the KPSSS will surely miss him; however he said on behalf of the management of the KPSSS they wish Sonderwal and his wife Veronica all the best in their future endeavors.
Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus recieved the draft MOU which will be signed between the Island Government and, labor representatives and the Private sector of St. Maarten regarding measures to mitigate the negative effects of the global financial crisis. The MOU was presented by President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty and Vice President Ludwig Ouenniche. Buncamper Molanus explained that government will now evaluate the draft and set a date the economic summit in cooperation with the Chamber. although the Island Government has already taken steps addressing the world wide economic slowdown, the further goal of the MOU is to mitigate the effects of said crisis on the economy of St. Maarten, detailed in a concrete plan of action, and ensure economic growth and prosperity for St Maarten and its citizens in the short, medium, and long term.
Marigot:--- The Association of the Citizen Movement is calling on residents of St. Martin not to pay the road tax for 2008. In a press release issued on Monday President of the Association Julien Gumbs said that this is not the responsibility of the treasury to force people to pay this taxes. Gumbs said this should be considered nothing else but harassment.
A public meeting will be held shortly to fully inform the population of their rights and the situation of the road tax. The Association said the only persons who can take force people to pay these taxes is by conducting road controls and no one else.
The fugitive K.R.D was captured on Saturday afternoon in Cay Bay. K.R.D. who was wanted after escaping police custody in Police Headquarters in Philipsburg last month was recaptured. He was hiding in the back of a pig pen in the area of GEBE water plant in Cay Bay. In a joint effort with the Zero-tolerance K.R.D. was re-arrested by the long arms of the Police. K.R.D. resisted during his arrest. Crime does not pay sooner or later we will catch you says Police and all those who have made this arrest possible. Together in partnership we will succeed in fighting crime.
On Sunday in the evening hours police also managed to arrest a well-known car thief D.J.N. He was being sought for numerous car theft cases. He is now in police custody pending further investigation. D.J.N. also tried to escape from being arrested but after a chase police netted him.
On Friday, during the evening hours two robbers were busy robbing when finally their luck ran out. We are still investigating these different cases of robbery. Apparently two bandits armed with guns first robbed a man of his vehicle and then a Shell Gas station attendant of the company's money, on the A.Th. Illidge road in the vicinity of Shell Gas Station, In the stolen car the bandits went to rob Victory Supermarket which is located on the other side of Shell Gas station at Madame Estate. In the close proximity was a `police officer who saw the robbery and attempted to arrest the bandits. During the arrest one of the suspects was shot in his left lower leg by the arresting officer. The suspect was taken to the Medical Center for treatment and is now in police custody. Money, mask and one of the guns were confiscated that were discovered on the scene. The other bandit got away police are still looking for this suspect, and is therefore requesting information from the general public.

PHILIPSBURG-Julia Peterson and her family were overjoyed to win the GEBE Christmas Lighting Competition for the second year in a row. GEBE managing director, William Brooks, congratulated her saying, "Ms. Peterson said already that she was coming back again this year" as he presented her with the $1500 check for winning first place.
The Cole Bay display could not be missed and has drawn a lot of attention from the community and even the German media. "Our yard was always full of people," Peterson stated, as passersby came with their children to take photos, enjoy the music and get in the Christmas spirit.
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges based on five criteria, namely first impression, special effects, traditional or cultural display, creativity and the use of energy saving technology such as LED lighting. Marcia Williams received the second prize of $1000 for her lighting display in Saunders. Melda Carty received the third place prize of $500 for her home display on Rueben Pantophlet road in Philipsburg.
Richmer York, 15, was the youngest winner of the 2008 competition walking away with the popular prize, a $500 gift certificate at Klass electronics. "My friends encouraged me to participate and said my house looked like a winner," York explained, "so I signed up and won. I am quite proud of myself." His home in Suckergarden received the most votes in the online and newspaper voting competition.
GEBE encouraged the community to Save Some Green by using energy saving technology such as LED Christmas lights when decorating since they run 90% more efficient and save money and the environment. The lights were available at Ace, Cost U Less, Electec and Kwik Bargains. "We are really happy with the participation on this year and we are looking to make the 2009 Christmas Lighting Competition even more exciting."
Philipsburg- The St. Maarten Institute of Technology and Hospitality (SMITH) says its close working relationship with the business community has allowed the Institution to develop programs that meet the demands of the island's labour market.
SMITH has established attainment targets which are specific objectives for each course that is offered with a particular program.
"For example, in the Secretarial Assistant Program students will take courses in Office Management and Word Processing. The attainment targets for each course will contain the specific knowledge, skills and competencies that the student is expected to master in order to successfully function as a Secretarial Assistant," SMITH's Education Coordinator Sidonia Hodge-Lacorbiniere explained.
Hodge adds that the attainment targets are the backbone of the institutions programs. "This document provides the Institute, the student and the public and private sectors with a detailed outline of the specific knowledge, skills and competencies that are associated with a particular vocation.
"When crafted correctly it provides a direct reflection of the knowledge base and skills sets required by industry for a particular vocation. This blue print for each training program serves as the compass for facilitators, cooperating businesses and students.
"The input and advice of industry professionals have been sought for all of the programs for which the Institute is now seeking Secondary Vocational Education (SBO) Accreditation. The attainment targets are a requirement for SBO Accreditation," Hodge-Lacorbiniere told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Input of the private sector is essential because our goal is to train students in tandem with the needs of the local labour market, so that they can compete not only locally, but regionally and internationally as well, Sidonia Hodge-Lacorbiniere added.
The Accreditation of SMITH's Programs will indicate that the Institute has met the required quality standards as outlined by the Ministry of Education and students who have completed their training at the Institute will be able to obtain certificates and diplomas that can be used to gain employment locally and abroad, or to pursue higher levels of study available locally and abroad.
Programs being offered by the Institute for Spring 2009 are Business Administrative Assistant, Secretarial Assistant, Information Technology Service Assistant, Cook, and Security Officer.
Those requiring further information can visit the SMITH office which is located next to the Central Drugstore on the E. Camille Richardson Street #23 in Philipsburg or can call SMITH's administrative offices at 542-1620.
Office hours are from 8.30am to 4.00pm.
Marigot: --- Yann Claeysen was hired, then fired after he was caught acting in his own interest and not that of St. Martin. The former director of the tourist office also sent a threatening letter to the present president Ida Zin-ka-Ieu this media house has learnt. Despite the threats Zin Ka- Ieu did what was expected of her when she saw the way Claeysen was allegedly treating the employees. Claeysen though intends to fight his dismissal in court. Since his departure the atmosphere at the Tourist Office has changed. The workers are more comfortable that they did not even participate in Monday's strike. An effort made to contact Zin Ka Ieu for comment has proved futile since she is not on island.
Despite the positive change within that sector the present administration is withholding its support for Zin Ka Ieu. SMN News was reliably informed that the present UPP councilors is not giving Zin Ka Ieu their support with the projects and the development on tourism on the French side even though the economy is at its lowest. Sources close to the UPP group said President Gumbs and his first VP Daniel Gibbs is looking at ways to divide the portfolios that is under the Tourist Office (Zin Ka-Ieu). It is said that Gibbs the VP that is in charge of tourism and economic affairs will handle these portfolios himself since he would be re-hiring Claeysen to work directly under him.
The Union pour le Progres has been saying they are together yet Marthe Ogoundele Tessi is not attending any of the council meetings since she lost her bid for the presidential seat. It is understood that territorial councilor Jean Philippe Richardson is also at odds with the group since he does not always agree with what is done to the locals. SMN News understands that both Zin ka Ieu and Richardson was not in favor of Gumbs to replace Louis Constant Fleming in the Territorial Council since they thought Dr. Louis Jeffry would have done a better job.
It is understood that some of the councilors who are not in favor of the way things are being handled are looking into ways to break the present government. At least three of the councilors spoke to this reporter anonymously saying that they feel the UPP group has lost its focus. The councilors said they are not willing to continue under the leadership of President Frantz Gumbs since he can be considered a "dictator and puppet". "We are not willing to damage our political future neither our image. The people elected us based on the promises we made during the political campaign. It was not the intention to phase out locals and hire foreigners and since we are not able to show president Gumbs that he has lost focus we would have to do what is necessary to save ourselves".
SMN News was not able to secure a comment from Gumbs who have decided to phase out the local or black journalists from his contact list. However this media house intends to dig deeper into these matters and will report it when it becomes clearer.
Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, would like to join the rest of the members of the World Customs Organization in observing International Customs Day on January 26.
The theme this year is "Customs and the Environment: Protecting our Natural Heritage."
"I would like to use this opportunity to recognize the important work carried out each day by the Customs Department and the latter's steadfast commitment against different forms of illegality.
"Our law enforcement bodies including our Customs division should be given all support as they work everyday to keep our communities safe and borders secure," Leader of Government Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) over the weekend.
This year's theme pays attention to the environmental threat which is now at the top of the world's agenda. The aforementioned threat includes climate change, the hole in the ozone layer, global warming, deforestation, the disappearance of species etc.
The members of the World Customs Organization has been working diligently in halting the illegal trade in environmentally-sensitive commodities such as ozone depleting substances, hazardous and other waste, chemical weapons, and the endangerment of fauna and flora.

Philipsburg- This morning at the Government Administration Building in the Conference room, Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus and other Stake holders in Youth Affairs and Education met with Dr. Carol Allred the developer and director of the prevention program " Positive Action".
The program is scientifically tested and contributes towards the overall academic, behavioral and character development of children and young people. We shall look into the overall benefits and the cost of the program, and then decide whether to adopt it or not, Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said.
Accompanying Dr. Allred were members of the Directorate of Youth Affairs of the Netherlands Antilles, Mrs. Ethel Perk and Mr. Geoffrey Hernandez the present coordinator of Communities That Care Program. Communities that Care is an approach to significantly lower the incidents of problem behavior amoungst children and youth in the areas of violence, delinquency substance abuse, school drop out, sexually related problem behavior and depression & anxiety. Positive action is a tested effective program that fits within the Communities that Care Model .
This program teaches the importance of choosing positive actions over negative behavior and helps persons to develop real-life social and work skills that are an important foundation for lifelong achievement and happiness.
The program is meant for different types of schools, for social workers, providers of juvenile-justice or high-risk-student programs, before- and after-school and community programs.
Dr. Allred will meet with a more extensive group of key stakeholders working in Education, Youth and Community Development.

St. Peters: ---- The Director of Starlight Education is expected to finalize a new resolution sometime today which would allow them to reopen the school by Friday of this week.
Carmen Hodge said she was not in a position to disclose the type of resolution she found but she said that the resolution was with the private sector and not the island government. Hodge said if all goes as planned today (Wednesday) then the Marshal who placed locks on the doors of the building on January 9 will remove those locks which would pave the way for a general clean up on Thursday. Parents of the students who are attending Starlight Education Center in St. Peters are asked to monitor the newspaper by Thursday for more information said Hodge.

PHILIPSBURG-GEBE trained 140 employees on St. Maarten, Saba and Statia in a high performance workplace awareness workshop throughout the months of December and January as part of the company's ongoing efforts to improve the company performance and the service of NV GEBE.
The workshops were held on Saba, Statia and St. Maarten respectively during the month of January. The High Performance Workplace Awareness Workshops are the third phase of a total company training and improvement program that began with a management retreat in 2007, followed by training sessions for managers, department heads and supervisors.
The third phase focuses on the rank and file workers with the goal to transform the culture and empower them to understand the change within the company. The trainings, which are an integral part of the new vision for NV GEBE, were given by Dr. John Cambridge of Productivity Management Associates Inc.
Daniel Maccow of the Billing Department stated that he enjoyed the sessions. "We learned how to work together, how to work more efficiently and to work in a team. Mr. Cambridge is very open and outspoken and gave good examples of other companies." He rated that session a perfect 10.
"I believe this workshop is important for all government owned companies to survive in a competitive environment and avoid becoming obsolete," stated Antonio Brown of the Finance Department, "The training is geared towards bringing the average worker into the decision making process."
"The focus is on working together. All parties of the organization need to work together on reaching solutions and making things happen," agreed Agnes Aventurin of the Finance Department, "I left with a positive feeling and am looking forward to making the change."

Thousands of teachers are joining today's one-day national strike in France, the latest move in a series of industrial actions to protest against job cuts, government reform plans and decreased purchasing power because of the economic crisis.
According to unions, 67.5% of primary school teachers and close to 60% of secondary school teachers are downing tools today, though the education ministry claims the figures are 47.9% and 28%, respectively.
Previous industrial action by teaching unions has already prompted president Nicolas Sarkozy to delay his reforms of the upper secondary school system and the baccalaureate. The latest one was in October, when teachers and students went on a one-day strike to protest against government reform plans. Ministers feared that the strike movement would escalate into a wider movement of opposition against the government. Sarkozy was said to have been particularly concerned about the riots that took place in Greece after students took to the streets.
Strikers are expected to be joined by school and university students, as well as some of their parents, at marches taking place today in central Paris and other cities across France.
Top of the list of grievances are job cuts, with 11,200 jobs already slashed and another 13,500 to go this year. Strikers are also protesting against plans to cut 3,000 jobs among professionals who specialise in helping children who have difficulties in nursery and primary schools.
Many primary school teachers are also angry at past school reforms, such as the end of teaching hours on Saturday mornings, which means they have less time to do their work - although some relish the possibility of having a completely free weekend. Teachers are also angry that the ongoing economic crisis is decreasing their purchasing power.
Today's one-day industrial action comes as part of a general strike that has already been dubbed "Black Thursday". French lawyers, judges, journalists, postal, rail and tube workers are among the many professionals who are downing tools today.
Strikers will benefit from strong public backing - 69% of French people say they "support" or "sympathise with" the industrial action, according to a poll published yesterday in the daily Le Parisien.
Today's action is not expected to be the last. University lecturers and researchers are expected to strike on Monday in protest against job cuts and reforms of their job status that would see, among other things, university presidents having more control over their professional lives. In France, teachers are civil servants and their working lives following strict, state-fixed rules. Some university unions are even pushing for an "unlimited" strike.
Philipsburg- ENNIA Insurances has pledged to adopt the Sister Regina School in stage two of the [RED]Campaign, with its slogan for 2009 being Think [RED], Do SAFE. By adopting a school, ENNIA will work with students to promote healthy sexual choices.
Guy Cozijns, Branch Manager for ENNIA here on the island stated during his speech at their annual cocktail party at Bamboo Bernie's that ENNIA will continue to enhance integration and participation in the community, as was done with their contribution to the Talk [RED] Campaign in 2008. Now that the slogan has changed to Think [RED], Do SAFE, ENNIA will be using part of its financial contribution to the campaign towards benefiting the youth of Sint Maarten through the adoption of the Sister Regina School.
Cozijns ended by saying that ENNIA will continue their activities to the benefit of youth development and sports in general. "We will continue doing this in a spirit of ‘mens sana en corpere sano' or ‘a healthy mind within a healthy body.'"
The focus of stage two of the [RED] Campaign 2009-Think [RED], Do SAFE is to encourage safer and healthier lifestyle choices for the general population with a particular focus on young people. Last year the focus of the [RED] campaign was to encourage people to overcome their fears about talking about HIV. This year the focus will be to promote healthier sexual and reproductive health choices through abstinence, condom use and partner reduction.

Philipsburg: ----- A survey conducted by this media house shows that St. Maarten is already suffering from the global economic crisis. Several businesses say they already see a 15% decline in sales and believe that the island government is not doing enough to brace the business community.
General Manager of Le Grand Marche Prakash Sujanani said they have analyzed the problem which is facing the world since prices went up in several areas. He said while they are waiting to see what American President Barrack Obama would do to change the trend he acknowledged this would take time since the new president has to fully analyze the problem. He said this analysis would take as much as a year.
Coming back to St. Maarten he said is going through a major problem because several people that are working on St. Maarten are not from St. Maarten. While he agrees that the police namely the immigration department have a job to do by picking up illegal immigrants he feels that the police have to do their jobs correctly.
Sujanani said one of the main hindrances on St. Maarten is the lack of manpower in the police affairs department to process working permits. He said one of the main hindrances in getting working permits for their employees is the amount of time this process takes. He said this situation creates a sense of insecurity since people maybe able to wait one month for their documents but during that time they still have to eat and live.
The businessman said since there is a shortage of staff even at the police station he feels the Lt. Governor and chief of police Franklyn Richards is left with the burden of making sure law and order is maintained. Sujanani said the people that are mostly affected are those that applied for their working documents and are not getting it on time. The store manager said one of the things that are going un-noticed is that there is an influx of people coming in to the island as tourist and are beginning to seek employment so that they can eat and feed their families back home due to the world wide recession. While the businessman said the employers that are hiring these illegal immigrants are to be blamed one has to understand that the employers cannot find locals to fill the positions that are available. "A business cannot function with managers only we need all calibers of people to run any business efficiently is needed". Sujanani said.
He said because of how time consuming this process has been the company he manages had to choose an outside agent to process the working documents for their employees. Sujanani said Le Grand Marche has to pay that agent a fee for the processing of the documents outside of the government processing fees plus they have to pay the agent a fee of Naf100 per month for each employee as long as the documents are valid. The monthly monies he said is not fixed since this depend on the salaries the employee is making. Sujanani said the reason his company had to deal with an outside agency and not the labor department is because of the amount of time papers take and by the time it is ready it already expired.
Sujanani said while he understands the intention of the island government who wants to have locals in the job market he is not sure the locals are prepared to do the jobs that is available. Such jobs he said includes shelf packing, gardening and construction.
Sujanani said his company is now studying the new labor policy which he considers too stringent. He said some of the documents and the amenities that are required in the new policy are ridiculous since the employees are already living on St. Maarten.
He said if government insists on this new policy then he is sure they are driving business people away. He said while they understand what government wants to do by trying to get locals in the job market this is something very hard to come by. Sujanani said the parts of the three year policy are ridiculous. He said the idea behind this policy is government wants to control its citizenship rights.
"They simply don't want anymore people with permanent residency or passports" the businessman said. Sujanani said he believes that those persons who were part of the tripartite committee acted blindly when they drafted this policy. Sujanani said he believes that the policy should not be for persons already living on the island but instead for new comers which would take them forward instead of looking backwards.
He said he does not know what to tell the employees who have been working for the past three years since they also invested into the island. He said if this policy is to take full effect then he as a manager would have to keep on working. "I would never be able to relax because I have to keep on training people who might not even stay with my company after they are trained" Sujanani explained that he is yet to see what can kind of manpower the island has locally. He said there is no database that the private sector can get into to see if they can find qualified workers. "I have told the government they need to have this in place if they want locals on the job."
He said while the island has grown tremendously over the past years the necessary infrastructure is not in place to accommodate the growth. He said what the island government is trying to do now they should have done it ten years ago. He said they suggested to the island government that the processing fees be paid in parts since this would serve as a guarantee for the working documents but government has not taken this into consideration.
Willemstad:---Minister for Youth and Family, also Vice Premier of the Netherlands, André Rouvoet, will pay a working visit to Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba from February 2 to February 6 inclusive. The central theme of his visit will be concerned with all kinds of aspects of the youth and family policy in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, among which the installation of the Youth and Family centers in the BES islands. Thus the Minister for Youth and Family gives the green light for the concrete shaping of the
Arrangements made with these islands in November 2008 with regard to the manner
In which the Netherlands will assume its responsibility as from the moment when
These islands proceed to form part of the Dutch government system, and also the
Concrete steps to be taken on the way to the new status.
Minister Rouvoet will arrive in Curacao on Monday, February 2 at the end of the day.
On Tuesday he will pay his respects to the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, Mr.
F.M. Goedgedrag, Master of Laws. As the Federal Government remains responsible
For the BES islands until the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles, on Tuesday
Minister Rouvoet, together with Justice Minister David Dick, will sign cooperation
Covenant for the improvement of youth protection in the BES islands. Further he will
Pay a visit to the Financial Supervision Board and he will be given a presentation at
The Coast Guard.
On Tuesday afternoon the trip will continue to Bonaire, where the
Minister will be posted on after-school activities and education support.
On Wednesday morning, February 4, the Minister will pay a visit to, among other
Things care centre Mariadal, where the Centre for Youth and Family to be founded
Would be accommodated. With such centers making their appearance younger people
Will be prevented as far as possible from having to go to facilities in Curacao or St.
Maarten for support, the moment when Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba become
‘Special' Dutch municipalities. During the next few years Minister Rouvoet will set
Aside 6 million Euros for the installation of Youth and Family Centers in these new
Municipalities.
3
Activities figuring on the program for Wednesday are also a presentation on the care
Of addicts in Bonaire, a conversation with Commissioner Henk Kamp, and a visit to
Scholengemeenschap Bonaire, i.e. Bonaire Comprehensive School, to talk about the
Issues of school dropouts.
In St. Eustatius, on Thursday, February 5, Minister Rouvoet will exchange views with
Young people on the local youth policy, and he will pay a visit to the Guardianship
Board. Featuring prominently on the program is an introductory talk with those who
Are going to set up the Centre for Youth and Family in the island. Also in Saba,
Where Minister Rouvoet will conclude his trip on Friday, February 6, he will talk with
Entities directly involved about, among other things, the realization of the Centre for
Youth and Family in the island.

WILLEMSTAD - The referendum committee couldn't turn in her report today, as was settled, said Douwe Boersema, who was brought forward by the committee as the new chairman. According to him, the committee will have the report ready as soon as possible.
The committee will come with recommendations on among others a date, phrasing of the questions, and information campaign for the coming referendum about the political future of Curacao. The committee didn't manage to get the report ready due to the developments of the past period, like Armin Konket opting out as chairman after the opposition parties started to question his possible impartiality. Konket didn't want to be an obstacle for the political process in Curacao.
Boersema says that the committee will present the report soon; when exactly, he couldn't tell this morning. "Main thing is that we present a good report that was established by means of consensus."
Boersema went more in depth on the commotion around the referendum committee, something he regrets. He emphasized that there is need for peace and quiet around the committee. Boersema, who had the function of secretary in the then committee during the last referendum in 2005, doesn't think that this commotion would also affect his nomination
Main figure
The reaction of the opposition parties on the nomination of Boersema is very mixed. MAN-leader for example wants to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being. This is his personal opinion, because the party hasn't discussed this internally yet. "But the way this happened, shows again how the BC functions. The BC doesn't want and cannot take decision and leaves it to others."
Also FK-member Gregory Damoen is willing to give Boersema the benefit of the doubt. "I do not know personally which option he prefers. He has experience and is an expert. The fact that he is a European Dutch citizen doesn't really matter. He lives and works here and the interests of this island are number one for him." Damoen still wants to know from the BC which criterion it used to nominate members in the referendum committee as chairman. He asked Ombudsman Fred Wile to include this matter in his investigation into the nomination of Konket.
PS-leader Helmin Wiels is not pleased with the nomination. "It is the same movie with a different main actor. He is a lawyer with a firm that does a lot of work for the government. You can't expect him to be objective regarding advising of the government. All these people were appointed for political reasons. The BC works very arbitrary in this process. Just look a John Jacobs, who is also appointed in the committee. He is managing director of the Chamber of Commerce, an organization that has already declared herself openly in favour of a ‘YES'. How do you expect such person to be objective?
Amigoe.com

Philipsburg-Commissioner of Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus attended the graduation ceremony for 13 Registered nurses in the medical field at the Belair Community Center last Friday evening.
Also present was State Secretary of Health George Pantophlet and Director of Sector Health Care Affairs, Jorien Wuite.
At the Registered Nurse Graduating Class of 2009, which had the theme of "Hold on to your dreams," Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus congratulated the newly minted nurses on their success.
"You have worked hard and now you are a R.N.. Congratulations. It is said that in order to get to the top of your profession you need an education, and you have taken that step. You are indeed an example to others. Congratulate yourselves," Commissioner Buncamper said.
Commissioner added that she thinks that if you have a calling, then the nursing profession is no better calling, for it helps people in more ways than you can imagine.
"It is a profession much needed not only throughout the world but especially in St. Maarten, considering the constitutional developments. Country St. Maarten needs you with the help of all of us. Once again, congratulations."
Director, Sector Health Care Affairs, Jorien Wuite, had some words of encouragement as well for the RN's.
Congratulations on becoming Registered Nurses. The patient care of St. Maarten dictated that more nurses were needed. Thus the health care sector is improved with 13 new registered nurses.
I commend you for striving for excellence. I know it was hard, balancing personal life, and social life. Having no time for these things but just being dedicated to your education.
Nurses from St Eustatius and Saba were amongst the thirteen nurses from the Windward Islands who completed the course, which ran from 2006-2008, in conjunction with Nursing school IFE in Curacao.
For the first time this course was conducted in English language and is recognized through out Europe and North America.

Philipsburg:--- The three suspects that were arrested last Saturday suspected as the killers of 14 year old Akeem Lake has been split up confirmed Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. Stein said one of the suspects was sent to Curacao another to Saba while one remained here. The idea Stein said is to make sure they do not influence each other. He said for this reason they have chosen not to release much information on the investigation since they are still busy interrogating the suspects who are all from St. Maarten. "We simply don't want to mess up the case by having the suspects reading stuff in the media". Stein said.
Stein also confirmed that the investigation is now being handled by a special team of officers comprised of the RST, local police and the Curacao Police. He said this team is specifically charged with investigating some of the unsolved cases from last year.
Akeem Lake was gunned down on June 18th 2008 in Union Farm, the youth who was practically living among gangs had a run in with other youngsters concerning a scooter his father said at the time of his death. It is suspected that the killers committed their act during a drive by shooting spree.

A serious car accident occurred yesterday evening on the French Quarter main road. Both vehicles were severely damaged in the accident but the two female drivers have decided to shoulder their expences without police intervention. Both vehicles were carrying Dutch license plates.

St: Peters:--- Students and parents of the Starlight Education Foundation can now breathe a sigh of relief since management of the school along with several businesses who came to the school's aid managed to sign an agreement today (Thursday) which paved the way for the re-opening of the school on Monday. Teachers, cleaners and parents are asked to meet at the school at 1 pm today (Friday).
Spokesman for the businesses Roberto Richardson told reporters yesterday that the businesses paid Naf 50,000 as a down payment on the rent arrears and they would continue to pay off the debt on a monthly basis. Richardson said they also signed a new lease agreement which would last until August 1 2009 where the businesses would cover the rental expenses. Richardson said that one of the things the parents can guarantees is this problem will not re-occur until the end of the lease agreement.
Students of Starlight Education Foundation was put of school since January 9th after the marshals placed padlocks on the doors of the school for the lack of rent payments. The few businesses who came together intend to negotiate with the island government and the school to make sure they meet government criteria for subsidy. One aspect to make sure the finances of the school is properly checked. He said Starlight has to comply with the criteria and they would be putting a committee in place to make sure the transition takes place. While the school director said they already meet the criteria that are set down by education department but somehow they are still in the same position which is without subsidy.
Richardson said the matter of Starlight Education is a very touchy case since the issue at hand is not popular. He said this is a case of undocumented children which everyone has allowed to take place. This situation is tied into immigration and if not dealt with then the students of this school can become a menace to society. "Right now with all the crime and the youth being the future is the perfect place to start and one should not only focus on the status of the children. Instead people should have love for children and people as a whole". Richardson said.
Richardson said he was in discussion with the education department who is abreast with the new developments. While the padlocks will be removed between today (Thursday) and tomorrow Friday the cleaners and teachers would use these two days to clean up back the school and prepare for the reopening on Monday.
Starlight Education has been providing education to under privileged students since 1992 said Director of the Institution Carmen Hodge. Hodge said while people is of the opinion that her school only provide education to undocumented students that she said is far from the truth since the commissioner of education Sarah Wescot Williams had one of nephews attending the learning institution. "Starlight Education has a Kindergarten section that caters to everybody and several locals send their children to our Kindergarten section until they are of age to attend the public schools" Hodge said.
Hodge said while she is grateful for the assistance the island government was trying to provide to the sixth graders but the school she said has reopened its doors for all its students from Kindergarten to grade six and she would like those grade six students to remain in the system where they began their curriculum.

Philipsburg: ---- State Secretary of Health George Pantophlet says that discussion with the Minister of Health Omayra Leeflang has given him a better indication as to what areas has to be tackled regarding Healthcare specifically on St. Maarten.
After meeting with government and the relevant health care institutions Pantophlet says he would be busy preparing a plan of action identifying the issues that can be dealt with on short term and long term basis
The newly appointed State Secretary said he places emphasis on the collaboration and cooperation of all involved. It is often said that crime is everybody's business and he believes this can also be said of health. Nothing can burden on a country more than having a population where too many are having health issues. Just to name a few such as poverty, unemployment and worry all of these make life stressful and can definitely cause health problems.
Pantophlet said he also learnt recently that the issue of Dengue has been reduced significantly since October to around 40 in November which he hopes will be down to zero shortly. He is still awaiting the December and January figures which are being compiled. Also the matter of "How Healthy is St. Maarten". The report uses figures from 2000. These must be updated.
He is also concerned about the fact that HIV Aids is still on the rise. The programs are continuing and I commend all those persons involved. But these will be unsuccessful if individuals don't change their behavior. Another problem that has been ongoing for too long has to do with Turning Point being given the same status as "Brasami" on Curacao. We need a short term solution to this long term problem.
Philipsburg:------ Minister of Internal Affairs Roland Duncan met with the employees of the Inspectorate of Taxes on Saturday. The meeting was not successful. Some employees charged that the meeting they are not satisfied the way the matter is being handled.
The employees of the Federal Tax Office are calling for a 25 percent allowance on top of their gross salaries for excessive work, with an already understaffed office and are also asking that this allowance be retroactive from January 1, 2008.
Last week the employees walked off of their jobs in protest and expressed their dissatisfaction with the manner in which they are treated compared to their colleagues in Curacao.
In a letter sent to the Minister of Finance of the Netherlands Antilles Ersilia de Lannooy requesting the allowance they requested that they be treated as their colleagues in Curacao and as a result should have the same benefits. The Finance Minister was quoted as saying that the employees on St. Maarten work less and their dealings with the public leave a lot to be desired.
In the meantime, Minister Duncan said that a representative of the Minister will be visiting the island this week and will be providing the civil servants with the relevant information and he is expected to make an assessment of the situation in discussion with the representative of the Island Government. He said that the representative will also see what the needs of the department are and provide the Federal Government with a cost analysis.
Duncan said that they have secured the funding from USONA and will provide St. Maarten with a Quartermaster.
He said that he has met briefly with the Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescott-Williams with regard to the execution of this project. He said that the representative of his office is expected to report to him within 10 days with all the relevant details.
Questions were also raised with regard to the evaluation of the workers and particularly the letter that is being sent to them concerning their salary scale. One employee enquired about her evaluation for 2008 that has not been done as yet. Duncan assured her that there will be no problem because if they did not received their evaluation but received the letter then they will be able to make a decision and either reject or agree with the evaluation.
He also outlined his position with regard to personnel affairs and mentioned the letter that was sent to the Minister of Finance and said that his ministry is willing to offer any advice. What was ironic he said was that the court case will be handled by his department and stressed that they will be taking ‘a passive role' in the matter since they will be hiring an attorney to handle the case.
He said that they further discussed the transfer of the civil servants from the Federal Government to the Island Government and has issued them with a copy of the decree that was signed at the Westin Resort on November 24, 2008. He explained that the document is very detailed with regard to the transfer of personnel from the Federal Government to the Island Government.
He indicated that by the end of December the Federal Government will cease to exist and as a result all there will be no further elections for the Federal Government. When this happens he said all governments must have a democratic base and once this is done them the term of office for the Island Council will be shortened. New elections for the new country are expected to be conducted by the end of the year since all the powers will be transferred to the Island Governments.
Willemstad:--- The Netherlands makes a start with the rescheduling of the debt of the Netherland Antilles by paying the present amount of nearly 128 million Antillean guilders. Approximately 55 million Euros in repayments and 19 million Antillean guilders, while approximately 10 million Euros in interest payments with respect to the period January - April 2009.
The debt rescheduling in behalf of the Country the Netherlands Antilles will take effect
Now that the Board of Financial Supervision recently issued a positive recommendation with regard to the 2009 Budget of the Central Government, and the Government's commitments with regard to interest payments and debt servicing on Account of its debts with respect to the period January - April 2009 have been approved by the auditor. In a letter dated February 5 State Secretary Ank Bijleveld for the Interior and Kingdom Relations congratulates the Antillean Minister of Finance,
Ersilia de Lannooy, on the compliance with the conditions for starting with the
rescheduling of the debts of the Central Government.
Thus also a start has been made with the implementation of the agreement that the new countries in the Kingdom and Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, as special municipalities, would be provided with a financially sound start.
The Netherlands has set aside an amount of about 1.7 billion Euros for the debt
rescheduling. The debt rescheduling consists of two components. For the arrears in
payments an amount of about 240 million Euros has been allocated, while the
remaining amount will be used for debt repayment plus interest payment. For the
BES as early as in November 2007 an amount of 27 million Euros was already
deposited on an account with the Bank of the Netherlands Antilles for the purpose of
making up the arrears in payments.
In accordance with agreements made earlier, 100 percent of the repayments and 70
percent of the interest payable on the loans of the Netherlands Antilles will be paid
by the Netherlands.
Rescheduling the repayments and interest payments after the period of January -
April 2009 will only be started after the Netherlands has received an auditor's report
with regard to these data as well. It is expected that it will follow soon.
Philipsburg: ---Members of the Island Council approved the National Health Insurance for St. Maarten. The approval includes three phases of a development model. Also approved is Naf 58,320 funding for phase one to three while another naf 20,000 was approved for travelling expenses.
The first phase of the Insurance plan is expected to be completed within a two months time frame
Commissioner of health care affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus in her presentation said when the island assumes its country; government would need to improve its services
With this in mind the Island Government has embarked on developing a National Health Insurance System for the people of St. Maarten, which will provide improved service to its people.
On September 11, 2007 the Executive Council of St. Maarten approved, in principal, the review of the present health insurance system, considering the concept of a national health insurance system for Country St. Maarten. Research was done and discussions were held including members of the Island Council.
Island Councilman Rudolph Samuel posed several questions to the commissioner regarding the quality of care and the type of medical insurance that would be provided to the people.
The commissioner in her response said this plan is already one step higher than what is provided by the Social Insurance bank SVB.

Marigot: --- Scores of teachers and residents of French St. Martin came out to a public meeting which was called by the citizen movement MOCSAM at the Chamber of Commerce Building last night. The teachers who already are on strike two days ago said students of the Lycee as well as the Colleges on St. Martin are attending school in deplorable conditions. They said it seems as if the local government is waiting for something really bad to happen before they act. There are cases where electricity wires are in water and pigeons droppings are falling on the students head.
While teacher's are working for months and are not being paid at the end of the month. One teacher said he has been working for the past three months and is yet to receive a salary. Another concern for the teachers is the fact they are not being able to get training courses which would prepare them for the school population on St. Martin. "Students on St. Martin are speaking more than one language and the teachers only speak French. This is not the fault of the students but it's us the teachers because we are not given the opportunity to be multi-lingual".
They said it is incomprehensible for the President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Frantz Gumbs to ignore their plight since he is fully aware of the situation. Gumbs was a deputy principal for years at the Lycee and today he is acting as if he does not know. One teacher said it seems as if politics has played with the former school teacher head.
Other residents who were also part of the meeting said that shop owners on the French side thinks shoppers are stupid because they tend to increase the prices of food and other items. One shopper said she takes her Euros and go over to the Dutch side and shop because the things she would get for her monies is far more than she gets on the French side. The woman said the Chinese only change the dollar or guilder sign to Euros simply because they think shoppers on the French side are stupid. Another resident said gas prices began going up since the Euros was introduced and no one said anything. She said today gas price is so high with no increase in salaries yet elected officials are calling on residents to pay the road taxes.
One of the main reasons the residents say is the cause of the high cost of living is the lack of price controllers.
A union representative said it is incomprehensible for him to understand how the elected officials at the COM would suspend the tax de la fortune (Tax of the Rich) while they are forcing poor people to pay road tax. He told the gathering they should not be afraid of the elected officials since they are the ones that put these persons in office. "we are not to be afraid of the elected instead they are the ones to be afraid of us".
President of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs in his address called on the population to express their concerns on the economic situation on St. Martin. The Collective he said will be addressing these issues with those responsible. He also made clear that there is no intention on his part to block the roads or to create confusion today as is being rumored. Gumbs said while the situations facing St. Martin is of grave concern the movement plans to move forward in a peaceful and strategic way.
Among the residents last night were fourth vice president Dr. Louis Jeffry, RRR leader Alain Richardson, territorial Councilor Louis Mussington and DGA Pierre Brange.

French Quarter: --- A mother of six children is now mourning the lost of her third child, 18 year old Alex Stevens. Alex Stevens would have made his 19th birthday on February 23.
Stevens was one of three boys who left their homes late Wednesday afternoon to go swimming. Cassandra Stevens told SMN News while on Orient Bay beach this morning (Thursday) during the search that her son wanted to go swimming with one of his brothers and the neighbors children she said she particularly instructed the boys not to go to the beach but Alex she said still went to Coco Beach where one of her daughters are working.

The distraught mother said about 4: 00 pm yesterday (Wednesday) she learnt her son went diving and he did not make it back up. Ever since then the gendarmes have been searching but they did not recover the body.
The search she said resumed early Thursday morning with the brigade nautique and with the Dutch police helicopter. The body of Alex Stevens was recovered shortly before 10 am by the search team. His body was taken to the Cul de Sac Bay where several family members including his mother, father and grandmother gathered as the teen's body was removed.
Speaking to SMN News was the two brothers who were with Alex at the time of the incident. 13 year old Claudio said while sitting to the edge of the beach Alex jumped into the water and dived twice. The youth he said came up and began calling for help and he jumped in to assist but Alex he said was pulling him down since the water current was very strong. "I tried saving him but he was pulling me under too, I had him holding on to my back as I tried to swim ashore but he somehow lost grip of my shoulder. As he was loosing grip he scraped by back with his nails before going down." Alexis the other brother said he also went in the water to help and he told Alex to hold on to his shoulder as he swims ashore but Alex held on so strong that both of them began going down. "I began taking in water and at one point I thought that was it for me but a big wave came and wash me ashore. It was then I tried to breathe and recuperate, then I noticed my younger brother and someone else was assisting but somehow they too did not manage to save Alex. We did our best to save our friend." SMN News learnt another youngster by the name of Belto was with them during the ordeal.
Also on the beach when the body was recovered is Alex's Grandmother Nathalie Azile who is no stranger to sorrow. Mrs. Azile began whaling when she heard the news that her grandson's body was recovered and he was indeed dead. "This is the second blow for me. Someone killed my daughter Brenda Azile 11 years ago and dumped her body in bushes of Oyster Pond and now my grandson. The same God that gave me strength when I lost my daughter will give me and my only daughter Cassandra the strength to deal with this lost. I am in fear for my daughter because she had a breakdown when she lost her sister now she lost her son". Mrs. Azile said.
The gendarmes is expected to release information on the case later today said Commandant Stephanne Arrousseau who was on the scene when the body was found and taken away.

Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, on Thursday evening provided an update to Unions representing Federal Government employees about the constitutional process especially as it relates to the transfer of tasks to St. Maarten and the transfer of personnel to the island.
Representatives from WICSU, ABVO and NAPB representing Federal Government employees were present for the information session that took place in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.
Information was provided about the dismantling process, the Island Governments organizational development projects, the constitutional transformation process, the Island Government organizational structure and Island Government systems.
"The meeting with the unions is part of the constitutional information process to keep essential stakeholders informed and up to date on constitutional developments and also to give them the opportunity to ask questions.
"The presentations were well received by those present. It is our responsibility to make this process of transfer of tasks, responsibilities and of personnel from the Federal Government to the Island, to go as smoothly as possible.

"Clearly the unions representing Federal Government employees are concerned by the lack of information from their employer for federal civil servants.
"We discussed the implications and progress since the signing of the November 24, 2008 accord between the Island Territory and the Federal Government. An overall overview of the status of affairs and specifically the aforementioned agreement and the conclusions of the December 15, 2008 Round Table Conference were provided to the attendees.
"It was an open, frank and transparent discussion. The Federal Government employee union representatives were in agreement that a representative from the Federal Government be present at the next information session which is tentatively planned for next month," Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Friday.
The Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs was supported by Constitutional Project Coordinator Dennis Richardson, Luud Hakkens from the Personnel Department and Interim Head of the Bureau for Constitutional Affairs Jeannette Hagen.

Marigot: --- The teachers of the Lycee and the three Colleges that are on strike do not intend to go back to work unless they get more clarity from the Collectivity and the rectorat. The teachers union including the some members of the MOCSAM met with members of the territorial council and the Sous Prefet yesterday evening as they try to iron out some of the grievances that were presented to the elected and state officials on Friday during the protest march.
President of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs said that the COM and the State prepared a document addressing some of the issues. That document Gumbs said was presented to them during the meeting. He said so far several meetings were scheduled to discuss the issues at hand. The first meeting is scheduled to take place today where matters pertaining to the schools will be discussed. While the MOCSAM is content with some of the answers that were given there are a number of issues that were not touched. One such issue is the selling of the vignette which the MOCSAM has been protesting from day one. Also not addressed are the "Tax de la Fortune" and the VAT that was suppressed by the Territorial Council. Gumbs said the MOCSAM will be meeting later today where they would be analyzing the document they were given. He said after that meeting the MOCSAM would definitely be submitting an answer to the COM and the State. Gumbs said some of the answers that were provided by the elected officials can be accepted while others are not. The MOCSAM he said plans to hold further discussions on these points until they can get a more favorable answers. He said they would definitely be seeking answers from the COM as to why they did not answer them on the vignette, impot sur la fortune and the VAT on real estates.

Gumbs said a meeting is planned for Friday this week where they would be looking at ways in dealing with wholesalers of certain goods. This meeting is geared at the pricing of certain goods and services on the French side of the island. Another meeting is scheduled for February 27th which would be dealing with housing, while another meeting is scheduled for March 3rd where they would further discuss the issues of the schools on St. Martin. It is expected that a representative from the Rectorat will be in the island for this meeting. Gumbs said the meeting that is scheduled for today the unions and the teachers would be dealing with the issues that falls under the competencies of the Collectivity while on March 3rd they would be dealing with the issues of the Rectorat.
LaCroix on Vignette.
In an invited comment Delegated Prefet Dominique LaCroix said that the road tax or sale of vignette is completely legal since it was voted in by the territorial council. LaCroix said the only set back with this taxation is that the COM still does not a decree which would give the gendarmes or the Territorial Police the right to issue fines for the non payment of this tax. He said while the COM cannot take anyone to court for these taxes they still can try to convince the people to buy the vignettes. However Julien Gumbs had a little discussion with LaCroix and the two men is not of the same opinion. Gumbs made clear he would wait and see what the outcome of the court case would be.
In the meantime President of the Collectivity of Saint Martin Frantz Gumbs said they did not respond to certain items because they do not see it as an immediate threat to the community. He said the COM concentrated on the most urgent issues which they believe is their direct responsibilities towards the schools.

President Gumbs said they also believe some of the issues at hand were politically motivated as politicians he did not see the need for them to respond. He said the issues related to the vignette and tax de la fortune is not coming from a social movement instead they believe it's more of a political move from the oppositions. He said as a politician he has no problem answering the questions since they have worked on the files and they do know what they are speaking about. President Gumbs said even though there is a difference of opinion they do know what they are speaking of on a political standpoint. He made clear they do have all the answers for the list of grievances but they did not have enough time to give all the answers to the MOCSAM.
On the issues of the schools he said the teachers were not satisfied with the answers they were given and as such they would be having another meeting today to shed more clarity which includes dates. President Gumbs said the COM has all the answers for the teachers but the document which they provided to them could not outline the details they are requesting. He said the COM would be providing the answers these teachers by the end of March in a series of meetings.
Philipsburg:--Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus is encouraged with the decrease in confirmed dengue cases but stressed to the general public to remain vigilant in helping to eradicate mosquito breeding.
For the month of January 14 suspected dengue cases were admitted to the hospital
from the 14 cases 6 were confirmed. "We are presently awaiting feedback from our French colleagues for collective consensus on the change in numbers," the Commissioner said.
Nevertheless, she continued, the decrease in cases is in part a direct result of government's awareness campaign, hands-on action by Sector Health Care and good response from the community at large.
"Even with this decrease the house to house inspections will continue and awareness information where persons are reminded about their contribution to eradicating mosquito breeding places will be stressed. Don't forget to go to your physicians for diagnosis and to the lab for confirmation," the Commissioner said.
She continued: "We sometimes have a mindset that something can't happen to me, but that's dangerous frame of mind when it pertains to mosquitoes here in the tropics. We know for a fact that still lying water will attract mosquitoes, and therefore have the risk of a typical dengue breeding ground. We need to be much more vigilant as a community," the Commissioner said.
Fever and other signs of dengue last for two to four days, followed by rapid drop in temperature with profuse sweating. This precedes a period with normal temperature and a sense of well-being that lasts about a day. A second rapid rise in temperature follows. A characteristic rash appears along with the fever and spreads from the extremities to cover the entire body except the face. The palms and soles may be bright red and swollen.

French Quarter: --- Several local media personalities including CBS and NBC stormed over to Dawn Beach at the home of Frank Cordes in the hope of speaking with the husband of missing American Leta Lynn Cordes. Frank Cordes grabbed the opportunity to further declare his innocence in the disappearance of his wife, while bashing the Today Newspaper and their reporter David Mc Gregor.
Cordes felt that the Today Newspaper maybe responsible for his arrest namely the reporter who are working closely with the search team and the friends of Leta Lynn Cordes.
In answering questions as to why he was not part of the search that is taking place yesterday and the day before he said he was not invited and did not feel he should be the one to crush their party. Cordes responded to questions surrounding the insurance monies and other allegations towards their uphill marriage. He said he did not have an extra marital relationship neither did he think his wife had one. Asked if he felt his wife ran away he said he did not want to speculate anymore but he did not feel anyone would have survived over a year without their own belongings.
However, Frank Cordes maintained his innocence in the disappearance and possible murder of his wife Leta Lynn Cordes.
He also accused police of doing a lousy job on the investigation and said police did not search his home immediately after he reported his wife was missing. He described the prosecutors as over zealous. He said during his last meeting with Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein on September 4th he made it clear that he was not happy with the way the investigation was going. Cordes said he told Stein in that meeting on more than one occasion they did not conduct a through investigation since no one from the police department never really searched his house or car even though he is considered the prime suspect.
Cordes said there should be more protection laws for person's considered as suspects in any case in the Netherlands Antilles.
It is understood that police only visited the home of the couple three days after she was reported as missing. The first time police laid foot at the house is when they accompanied Elaine Karas. Karas is a long time friend of the family and is the first one to initiate a massive search on the island. Right now Karas and Cordes are not on speaking terms, and she is the one that is spearheading the two day search that is presently taking place on the French side of the island. Cordes said despite his wife's disappearance his wife's relatives are on good terms with him and it's only her friends that have accused him thus far.
The rush to Frank's house came after the police and those in search of the body of the missing woman decided to bar the media from the locations where the search was taking place yesterday morning. It is understood that the media frenzy on the first day of the search distracted the search team. While the investigating officers namely the RST prefers to remain discreet in their operations as they try to protect their identity.
The team focused mainly on the end of Coconut Grove and that the back of the Mac Carter residence in Baie de L'Embouchure better known as Lameshot. An area that is often frequented by local fishermen and one of the places that is known for disposal of dead bodies. Some years ago passersby found the body of Fanella Duzong a young woman who was murdered by unknown persons. It is also understood that other dead bodies were recovered in that area years ago including the body of a metropolitan man whose scooter and other personal items was stolen from him.
Even though St. Martin/ St. Maarten is a small island the amount of unsolved murders on both sides of the island is alarming. With a quick flashback one can quickly remember murder victims Brenda Azile whose decomposed body was found in Oyster Pond, 11 years ago, Fanella Dunzong, and Angelique Chauvire whose mutilated body was found in Dawn Beach; to date police on either side was not able to bring those responsible for the murder of these three young women to justice. Just last year there were 13 murders on the Dutch side while at least eight of them are unsolved.
While the search is expected to come to an end with the Police and the Security companies that have volunteered to search for the missing woman. The Americans who wound be on the island for the rest of the week plans to continue searching for their friend. Elaine Karas and Cary Honstein told reporters yesterday they would continue looking in areas they believe can yield something positive. They said they would be using the cadaver dogs they brought in with them. The two women insisted that they want to find the body so that they can give the woman a decent burial, while their biggest hope is for authorities to find evidence to bring the culprit or culprits to justice.
Karas and Honstein believed police handled the case professionally and that they really do not have much to work with. Even though there maybe a lot it is all circumstantial.
Late yesterday afternoon the dogs gave the searchers a few more hints which made them stayed on later than expected but no body was found.
Caribbean Net News
PARIS, France (Reuters): French President Nicholas Sarkozy will try this week to defuse protests against his economic plans but talks with unions will be tough with unemployment rising, growth tumbling and Caribbean unrest threatening to spread.
More than a million people took to the streets across France two weeks ago in protest at Sarkozy's policies, demanding pay rises and protection for jobs in the face of the downturn, and trade unions have penciled in another protest next month.
Sarkozy's 26 billion euro ($33.6 billion) stimulus plan has focused on public spending projects such as building roads and modernizing rail links rather than helping consumers directly. Unions and the political left have called on him to change tack.
A television appearance after the protests, intended to allay public fears, only weakened Sarkozy's support further. He will head into a meeting with unions on Wednesday under pressure to address their concerns, but room for maneuver is limited.
"The outcome of my five-year term is at stake," newspaper Le Figaro, which is close to Sarkozy, quoted him as telling advisers in its Saturday edition.
French gross domestic product fell 1.2 percent in the last three months of 2008, its biggest drop in 34 years, as exports fell and retailers reduced their stock, and unemployment in December was 11 percent higher than a year earlier.
Increasing the pressure on Sarkozy before Wednesday's "social summit," the opposition Socialists have called for a 1 percentage point cut in value-added tax and a 3 percent rise in the minimum wage to give a boost to consumer spending.
"France is the only country not to act massively and immediately in the direction of purchasing power, while a consensus has been established by economists on the need for such measures alongside those in favor of investment," prominent Socialist Dider Migaud said last week.
Britain has cut its value-added tax by 2 percentage points but Sarkozy lambasted the move in his television address, saying it "brought absolutely no progress," angering Downing Street.
Sarkozy has also said it is only worth increasing France's public debt for stimulus measures that amount to investments for the future rather than funding consumer spending, even though that is traditionally the main driver of French growth.
He is likely to cite one of the few bright spots in last week's GDP figures in his defense -- household consumption rose 0.5 percent in the last three months of 2008, suggesting that consumers did not need further encouragement to keep spending.
But that is unlikely to sway protesters in the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique which have been crippled by strikers demanding pay rises and lower food prices.
Unions and associations began the protest in Guadeloupe on January 20 demanding a 200 euro monthly rise for low-wage workers. The protest has since spread to Martinique and, to a more limited extent, the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, and there are fears that it could spread to mainland France.
An IFOP poll for regional newspaper Sud-Ouest published on Saturday found 63 percent of respondents believed similar protests could soon take place on the mainland.
With Sarkozy so far unwilling to meet national unions' demands on boosting consumer spending, there is little obvious room for an agreement to avert further protests.
Le Figaro said Sarkozy could announce proposals before Wednesday's meeting, but did not say what they might be, and some analysts said concessions may soon become necessary.
"If household demand were to weaken, we would be on the brink of recession. In those conditions, it is hard to imagine not providing a boost, targeting the households that are most likely to spend," said Alexander Law, chief economist at research institute Xerfi.

CLAYTON FLORENT, Guadeloupe Correspondent
Negotiations have been suspended until Monday in the general strike, which has crippled Guadeloupe for the past 31 days.
After meeting with executive presidents and parliamentarians of the Overseas Departments Thursday evening, French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, broke his silence by announcing a 580 million euro-purse to the Overseas Departments. This, he said, will go a long way in alleviating the poor living conditions in the Departments.
The striking unions, Employers Federation, the Prefect and the two mediators met Friday afternoon to begin negotiations on the proposals made by President Sarkozy, but after about three hours of deliberations, the negotiations were suspended until Monday.
According to the spokesman for the striking unions in Guadeloupe, Elie Domota, the presentation made by President Sarkozy is not clear.
"We have been given new laws, new proposals, and new Ministers; every time a new one comes out, we are told that's the solution to our problems. We are being fooled for the past 50 years; we are not just going to accept the President's words until it is clearly defined and concrete measures are put in place to give us solutions to the problems facing our people," he said, adding that there is a willingness to negotiate, but the strike continues.
Meanwhile, the body of 48-year-old Jacques Bino, the trade unionist who was killed Tuesday, will be exposed Saturday at the Trade Union building in Pointe-a-Pitre before making its way to his birthplace, the northeastern town of Petit-Canal, where he will be buried on Sunday.
Martinique, which is also on strike, is now into its 15th day. The unions and supermarket owners have agreed to lower the price of about 100 items on their shelves, but agreement has not been reached on a raise in salaries.
Revelers cruising through the streets yesterday during the grand parade, some seven troops participated in the parade, which turned out to be disappointment to the general population. It is said that the Children's parade was far better than yesterday's parade.

POINTE-A-PITRE, Guadeloupe (AP) - Police have cleared barricades in the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe as talks aimed at ending a 36-day-old general strike continue.
Protesters had planned to use felled trees and overturned cars on Tuesday to block traffic and call attention to soaring living costs.
But French police began clearing the largest barriers before dawn. Dozens of officers in riot gear stood guard in front of a base used by strikers outside Pointe-a-Pitre.
Unions want a 200 euro ($250) a month raise and they are negotiating with business owners and French officials.
The sister island of Martinique also is negotiating with protesters.
Philipsburg:--- Police is now alerting members of the public to look out for some false hundred dollar notes. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard in his police report said sometime between 11pm on Monday night police were called to the Coliseum Casino where a man was using false US hundred dollar notes at one of the gambling tables.
Leonard said when the pit boss of the Casino told him that the hundred dollar bill was counterfeit he told the pit boss that it was the same money he had received from the casino from earlier winnings. Management of the Casino are looking deeper into this matter due to the fact that they have indeed encounter a large amount of false hundred dollar bills circulating in their casino. The casino player was brought to the station and after taking a statement, he was released. The counterfeit bill was confiscated.
Philipsburg- Over 100 persons - up to and including Wednesday - have heeded the call to visit Youth Health Care (YHC) this week in light of the school mid-term break to update their child(ren's) vaccination status and or records, Head of Section Policy, Epidemiology & Prevention Maria Henry, said.
"Persons have come in to get information about vaccinations and the vaccination schedule. This schedule indicates when a child should get their vaccinations as they get older. A number of children were also vaccinated at the office while others brought in information allowing us to update our vaccination records.
"The administering of the vaccinations is free. There is no charge for children four to 17 years old to be vaccinated at YHC. This vaccination program is sponsored by the Island Government. We would like to thank the parents and the students for making use of this opportunity but it should not stop on Friday," Henry added.
YHC commenced its vaccination outreach program on Monday, February 23 which will conclude on Friday, February 27. Parents can visit the office from 9.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm. The YHC office is located at the Vineyard Office Park Building.
"Parents are free to come into YHC to get information on their child vaccination status and if they allow their children to be vaccinated by their physicians or abroad, then, this information should be brought into YHC so that the vaccination records can be updated," Maria Henry added.
Disease prevention is the key to public health. It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it.
Vaccines help prevent infectious diseases and save lives. Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella and tetanus.
Those requiring further information can call YHC at 542-3553, 542-3003 or 542-2078.
Philipsburg:---National Alliance State Secretary of Health George Pantophlet is extremely concerned about the deplorable and inhumane conditions some or too many people on St. Maarten are living under. He said he visited an apartment recently where the concrete ceiling is falling apart. As explained by the tenant sometimes they are fearful that a piece might fall and cause them serious bodily harm. And some people have been living in these conditions for years now. What makes matters worse is that some landlords refuse to do any repairs to their buildings.
The State Secretary said he do understand that we are living in hard financial times but then some arrangements can be made with the tenant as to how to address the problem. Control is now being exerted specifically on emigrants as to their living conditions before their permits are renewed. My question is what will happen if their living conditions are not suitable. Will they be told to leave the island? I have contact with some of them who are trying to find a more suitable place to live. But with the low wages, high cost of living and high rents this is proving to be extremely difficult. During the recently held island council meeting government acknowledged a shortage of building inspectors and vacancies in the department. The problem in filling these vacancies according to government has to do with the fact that the salary offered for these positions are not encouraging. I don't know what the salary scale is for these functions but I suggest that what cannot be paid in salary should be offered in benefits. I suggest government to start by hiring them on a contractual basis. I am almost sure they would work for half or one third of what is being paid for technical assistance or maybe not. But we want to become a country and being a country will costs us. In closing all of us know that inhumane living conditions can cause serious health problems. Let us address this problem before it becomes an epidemic.

Marigot: --- Despite the hard economic crisis St. Maarten/ St. Martin is making sure they do what is necessary to continue its marketing plans. In so doing the St. Maarten Trade Association launched the 8th annual St. Maarten Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART).
For the first time the two day event will be held on the French side of the island, thanks to Radisson who joined forces with the hotel associations to make the event possible.
Officials representing both sides' governments in the persons of Ida Zin Ka Ieu President of the French Tourist Office and Regina Labbega from the Dutch Tourist Office inked the contract which guarantees the financing of the project. While Philippe Thevenet signed for the French Hotel Association and Keith Graham on behalf of the SHTA. Zin Ka Ieu said the both tourist offices have committed to 40% of the expenses while the Hotel Associations will cover 10% each. The contract signed yesterday is something that has to be done biannually a means of securing its financing.
Project Manager of SMART Robert Dubourcq said that the island cannot afford to stop its marketing plans even though there is a crisis. The tradeshow is to make sure the island gets the necessary coverage overseas. Suppliers and buyers as well as hoteliers would be visiting the island to take part in business meetings during tabletop setups. Also to be provided are workshops and trainings for smaller businesses. He said last year there was 55 tabletops meetings but this year they are expecting at least 65 of those meetings which would take place during the first day of the tradeshow.
Visitors for the two days will have the opportunity to see what both sides of the island offers since both sides have its uniqueness. Already there are 14 participants who have booked during the pre marketing plan which began in January. Dubourcq said the main objective this year to attract more partners from Europe. He said they have been trying to do just that over the years but somehow they always missed the boat. However, with Radisson on board this was made easier. He already there is one new wholesaler who booked for the event.
Regina Labega in her remarks said she is excited to the fact that the event is being hosted on the French side an opportunity for those coming to the island to see the entire island as well as experiencing the goods and services that are offered.
President of the French Tourist Office Ida Zin Ka Ieu confirmed that the French side has recommenced their marketing in the United States of America. She said one of the main things to keep in mind is that St. Maarten/ St. Martin is one destination even though the two sides have different assets. She assured that whatever needs to be done in the interest of the island will be done with joint and closer cooperation with the two sides. She said in the past St. Maarten/St. Martin has worked intelligently and they would continue working in that manner in the hopes of preserving the interest of the island and its people who are investing in the island.
She said the French side never stopped the marketing in New York but styles have been changed. Zin Ka Ieu said she just returned from Florida where they are hosting bliss. The Tourist Office President said that even though the Dutch side was not in Florida they were represented because St. Maarten/ St. Martin are one island. Zin ka Ieu said that people has to use the marketing strategies as a force to fully represent St. Maarten/ St. Martin and not as a weakness. She said when one works with intelligent people then intelligent agreements are being made.
General Manager of the Radisson Jeff Lesker said they are grateful they were given this opportunity to showcase their new property. He applauded the SHTA and the other stakeholders for their vision and determination in marketing the island. He said while it is perceived that there are less people travelling but felt that the ground work has to be done.

Maho:--- Despite having a prepared rebuttal that did not address any of the points of the final LIDC debate the Federation of St. Kitts was awarded the winner over host island St. Maarten. The rebuttal was glared with disparaging remarks but the
the three panel judge that judged debate felt St. Kitts presented more arguments in the opening remarks. St. Kitts defended their title during this year's debate.
St. Maarten faced off against St. Kitts on the moot "The Greatest Threat to sustainable development in the Caribbean is the existing political culture." The judges who were clearly split in the decision also punished St. Maarten for not including the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles and the current political trend in the debate. They also sanctioned St. Maarten for comparing the corruption to HIV and AIDS that is has no respect for persons. They were also criticized for using sound bites of political campaigns to discredit St. Kitts Prime Minster Denzel Douglas.
The St. Maarten team provided statistics to show that politicians are responsible for Guyana's delayed development as well as Jamaica and Trinidad. The two fifth formers of the St. Maarten Academy did their best to show that politicians are the ones that are responsible for the development of any country however, due to greed and selfishness the Caribbean politicians would do anything to remain in office at the expense of its people.
The proposition team represented by Kevin James and Ciambi Paul top scored in their rebuttal which was to the point and dealt with the issues addressed by the opposing team. St. Maarten scored 691 while the winner St. Kitts 725. Best speaker of the night also went to St. Kitts main presenter Akeem Bacchus.
Bacchus clearly did lots of research and showed that the Caribbean's geographical location, size combined with crime and inflation is reason for its delayed sustainable development. Bacchus also displayed calmness and he commanded his listeners as he made both his presentation and rebuttal. He also claimed that the present economic downturn and the cost of fuel last year is what hindered the Caribbean combined with isolation from its customers. While he admitted that the political culture do affect the development in the region he felt it is not "the greatest threat". Bacchus said one must consider the islands are prone to hurricanes, its size and location is to its detriment.
When the announcement was made that St. Kitts came out winner of the final night of the debate the St. Maarten team went completely silent while the St, Kitts supporters began screaming out as they waived their country's flag in the excitement and joy in the Maho Convention Center.
Shortly after the final night debate a cocktail party was held where all the participating islands were presented with their trophies.
The Governor General and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles arrived on St. Maarten yesterday as they visit the Leeward Islands this week. The delegation would be commencing their working visit on St. Maarten on March 4.

Philipsburg:---- Commissioner Buncamper- Molanus of Economic Affairs, Miguel De Weever, the Sector Director of Economy & Tourism and Veronica Jansen her Executive Assistant attended a meeting with Jeanette Davelaar the acting head of the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) of the Netherlands Antilles, Mike Jacobs the section head Social Demographics and Maureen Blokland the section head National Accounts.
The purpose of this meeting was to get a better understanding of the current set up of CBS Netherlands Antilles and the pending projects for St. Maarten in 2009.The staffing and training of the CBS SXM staff was also discussed.
The executive Council of St. Maarten decided that Country St. Maarten should have its own Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).This new entity should take over the responsibilities of CBS Netherlands Antilles. In the last roundtable conference for the restructuring of the Netherlands Antilles it was decided that St. Maarten would assume the responsibilities of the CBS in July 2009.
A letter was sent to the Minister of Economic affairs responsible for the CBS in October 2008 to express St. Maarten's intent to establish CBS St. Maarten. The Minister was also requested to facilitate the training of identified persons in the Department of Economic Policy & Research (DEPR) at the CBS in Curacao to ensure knowledge transfer and the transfer of historic data. The most important services CBS within Country St. Maarten will offer will be National Accounts, Consumer Price Statistics and Social Demographics.
"If we are to have our own CBS in the near future, then personnel from St. Maarten should already be involved in the CBS projects that are taking place this year. There are two people in DEPR who currently do the fieldwork and it would be good if these people can already be used for the upcoming research projects," the Commissioner said. There is limited capacity within CBS to train people but it is important for St. Maarten to have people work along with CBS on the current projects. We also requested information pertaining to internship places at CBS," she added.
The Commissioner explained that while in receipt of the letter from the Executive Council of St. Maarten which was approved by the council on October 14, 2008 pertaining to the establishment of a Central Bureau of Statistics on St. Maarten, the CBS clearly has not taken any action to transfer any of its authority. During the meeting mention was made by CBS that they have not received any direction from the Central Government as it pertains to the constitutional developments.
Nevertheless, Ms. Davelaar will forward the financial statements of the CBS while CBS will cooperate with St. Maarten to establish the CBS St. Maarten and will start with the training for St. Maarten. "By July 1, 2009 there will be a CBS St. Maarten and the island according to political agreements is expected to take over all staff that was employed before December 2007, while those employed after that date can be taken over as well. So it is important that we continue to work together and synchronize our research so that comparisons can be made," Buncamper-Molanus said.
MARIGOT- the Dominican national identified as G.D.L was sentenced in Guadeloupe yesterday to four years imprisonment after he was found guilty of two armed robberies. The culprit would spend three years behind bars while he was expelled from all French territories for a period of five years. GDL and another his accomplice was arrested last Friday at the Yuppie Gas Station shortly after they had committed an armed robbery at a supermarket on Belle Plaine. The other suspect R.F. M from St. Maarten had refused to accompany the gendarmes to the French side thus he is remains behind bars on the Dutch side of the island. The duo had committed at least two armed robberies that same day reported the gendarmerie.
On Monday the gendarmes arrested a suspect for the theft of a cellular phone and hand bag from a diner who was at a restaurant in Orient Bay restaurant, this suspect is due to appear in court on June 4.

Dawn Beach:--- The first ever economic summit held yesterday to brain storm the effects of the global economic crisis and its effects on St. Maarten has been deemed successful so says President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty who said that persons might be going into the summit with their own agendas.
President of the Chamber of Commerce said it sometimes takes a crisis to get the best out of people. He said despite he is not able to say fully that the summit was a success he has seen team work and the several people giving their very best to come up with real solutions to tackle the problems. He said yesterday's event is just the beginning since the task force has to put that which was suggested on paper before execution takes place.
The tripartite summit was held between the unions, businesses and the island government. Several members of the media including two students of the St. Maarten Academy participated in the day long event.
At the close of the event a number of recommendations was suggested which would have to pass through the technical group (task force)who has to report back to those responsible in one month's time.
Moderator for the event Dennis Richardson described the event as unique since the three pillars of government worked effortlessly to safe the island from the economic storm ahead. Richardson said the recommendations were given to reduce the internal cost of doing business and living, by conducting price control on basic food items. Lower taxes on basic necessity, extend and offer favorable credit facilities, and tackle bureaucracy.
Another suggestion is to re-invest the revenues that are generated on St. Maarten, for the example the monies that is going to the central government should be re-invested locally for example the turn over tax.
The incomes that are generated by the central bank should also be re-invested locally. Recommendations were given to strengthen the regional trade activities and diversification and transshipment and call centers. One way government can come up with the extra funds is to broaden its tax base as well as using strategic and more efficient measures to collects its revenues. More emphasis should also be placed on data collection that would created more update measures to boost the economy.
Commissioner of economic affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus clarified that these studies does not sit on shelves and take dust as was implied by Carty. She said the island government always uses these studies to make concise decisions. Buncamper Molanus said she believed that the summit gave everyone who participated to experience how difficult it is to come up with solutions in an environment and circumstances that are challenging particularly when there are some many factors that are beyond ones control.
The commissioner outlined some of the suggestions which were provided. She said that she does not expect the media to give up their role as the watch dog role but instead of focusing on the problems they should focus on solutions. She said while it was suggested that the premiums from the health care sector should remain locally, the national health plan would do just that when St. Maarten achieves it country status in January 2010.

Philipsburg:--- Defending the police on how they handle cases of rape or abuse police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said while he is not referring to any specific case, rape cases generally are very hard to prove. He said in most cases the victims of these incidents do not report the abuse on time. "One of the most crucial evidence to solving rape cases is the rape kit that is done by doctors" Leonard said.
Of recent months police received a number of complaints related to sexual abuse and in most cases they were able to apprehend the suspect.
However, these persons who maybe considered as sexual predators are being released by the investigating judge for the lack of evidence. Suspects who are found to be residing on the island illegally are being deported when this happens, a mere slap on the wrist, while no information on the suspect is sent to authorities in the suspect's country of origin.
Asked if there are loopholes in the law or why these suspected predators are able to escape the hands of the law Leonard said even though there maybe loopholes in the law the biggest hindrance in these cases generally is the time frame between the times of the incident and when the report was made. Rape cases are generally very hard to prove and this he said has been so and will remain so unless women or victims of such crimes begin to act quickly. Leonard said there are times when the victim would report the violation days, weeks, months and even years after the offence was committed. "What happens next is the man would say that the sex was consented and how else can that be disputed since the suspect would give several reasons why the woman is trying to frame him. "There are cases where women lie on men and vise versa, I am not saying this to discourage women but instead to let them know unless they act on time law enforcement cannot give them the justice they need." Leonard said.
The only evidence to prove otherwise is the doctor since they would see if the victim was indeed raped. Consensual sex does not leave the same traces and this cannot be seen with the naked eyes." Leonard explained while this is ruled out in cases of minors since sex with a minor is not allowed in the Antillean or Dutch laws. However, these minors must come forward and report these offences. The police spokesman said that another problem that has to be addressed is how parents deal with their children. "Women have to know who they are brining into their homes. He said many mothers who are left to raise children by themselves (single mothers) team up with men who would molest their daughters and the women would go all out to protect their man who in most cases is the bread winner over the child (victim). Leonard said there are cases where minor girls would go with their boyfriends overnight and to escape punishment at home they would tell their parents that they were kidnapped and raped. He said the police cannot keep someone behind bars if there is not sufficient proof. Neither can the police babysit children. Mothers he said has to listen to their children and most importantly know who they are having as mates. Mothers he said must be protective of their children and not the man that they are living with or having an affair with. "Mothers need to know that their children should be first and foremost in their lives even if the man is the bread winner".
The police spokesman said the police are not stupid neither are they dumb even though acknowledging that they do make mistakes as human. He said the police would do everything in their power to make sure victims of rape get justice. However, he said that the police do not work on hearsay; they do need concrete proof to put someone in jail, something that is often hard to come by in cases such as rape.
Leonard said another hurdle to cross is when the man (suspect) says one thing which is contrary to what the victim is saying. "It's his word against her word without evidence".
The senior police spokesman said on this International Women's day he wants women to know that the minute they are violated they must report it right away so that they can be examined by a doctor. Leonard said women needs to put aside the shame and embarrassment they feel when such things happen and use to the law to their best interest. He further stated that if the law does not give enough satisfaction these victims should turn to the press and other institutions so that the person or persons in question can be exposed. "I know this is hard to do, but it is the only way to attack these cases."
"Women are our mothers and they need to be protected and honored, there should also be a high esteem for our women and mothers. Due to this they need to take a tougher stand. Women are also the strongest being and they need to know their strength and use it." Leonard said.
Leonard said women must begin to take a tougher stand so that they can be appreciated as well as being respected. This he said must be done from the first day of every relationship. "Do not allow a man to beat you or intimidate you instead have him respect and love you" In cases of ill-treatment the first time a man lay hands on you throw him out of the house, do not tolerate him or accept this type of abuse. The police spokesman said women who are being abused by men should not show sympathy to these men since they would do it another time which would make the man feels like he owns the woman. "Never leave men feels like or believe he owns you. Take a tough stand from the beginning despite the odds." Leonard concluded by saying when women show their true strength more men would appreciate them for who they are. Women should stand strong and remain that way since they are stronger than men.
He also credited the associations who are involved in preventing abuse against women. Those associations are Safe Heaven and Peridot Foundation.
THE CARIBBEAN TOPS THE WORLD FOR VALUE, ROMANCE, FAMILY AND LUXURY VACATIONS.
St. Maarten/New York- St. Martin are once again among the select destinations in the Caribbean that made the prestigious list of TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards winners for 2009. Hotel Esplanade Caraibes in Grand Case was ranked number 7 in the region among the Best Hidden Gems of the Caribbean and Mexico. The Inn on the Bay, at Marigot Bay, in St. Lucia won top honors in this category which was dominated by Mexico. Bonaire's Deep Blue View Intimate Resort came second and also placed at number 27 among the Best 100 Bargains in the World.
Dubbed "The only honors representing the unbiased opinions of millions of real travelers, awarded by the world's largest travel community," TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards made its debut last year when Philipsburg, St. Maarten was ranked as the 3rd Best Vacation Destination in the World, and the number one in the Caribbean.
Commissioner of Tourism, Mr. Roy Marlin, welcomed the spotlight the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards continues to shed on St. Martin. Noting that this is the second year in a row that the online travel community has chosen the island, Marlin stressed that "this is welcome news, especially at a time when the industry is reeling under the world economic and financial meltdown."
Director of Tourism, Regina LaBega, said she could not but notice the fact that this year, the focus has been on resorts while last year's inaugural awards was based on the destinations.
"This is indeed a welcome development amidst the doom and gloom we are facing. When over 10 million real travelers make their choices known through an award like the TripAdvisor's, we can only see this as the true Travel Oscars," she remarked.
"I consider it also a wake up call for all our properties to modernize, improve their service levels and offer their guests a lifetime experience, if they are to be considered among the best in the region and in the world," LaBega added.
In general, the Caribbean had an outstanding performance among the top regions in the world, being ranked in about half of the categories covered by the Awards.
Jamaica could be considered the top performer in the Caribbean in this year's awards, with The Caves in Negril rated number one in the Top 10 Best All-Inclusive in the World, in which category the Caribbean alone took half of the honors.
Two resorts in the Caribbean also made the Top 10 Best for Romance in the World, with the Caves in Negril ranked third and the Golden Tulip Bucuti Beach Resort & Tara Beach Suites in Oranjestad, Aruba at number 8. Nine of the World's 100 Best Luxury resorts are in the Caribbean, with The Caves in Negril, Jamaica again in the top 5.
According to a report in the South Florida Caribbean News.com, Hugh Riley, interim secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, commenting on the awards said, "TripAdvisor's ‘Traveler's Choice' Awards are of particular importance to the Caribbean as they reflect the unfettered opinion of our guests without provocation or persuasion."
"We want to impress our guests with an authentic Caribbean experience that can't be duplicated elsewhere in the world, whether they are looking for the perfect family, romantic or luxury getaway. This recognition proves that we are doing that and we thank our loyal guests for making their voices heard on our behalf," the online information source quoted the CTO scribe as stating.

Philipsburg- Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Regina LaBega, is urging St. Maarteners to apply for the Arley Sobers Memorial Scholarship in order to "take advantage of this opportunity to upgrade themselves, particularly in the vital areas of research and/or statistics which are badly needed today more than ever before."
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) recently announced the launch of the first annual Arley Sobers Memorial Scholarship for Caribbean nationals working in tourism research and/or statistics. The US$5,000 scholarship is named in memory of the late CTO Interim Secretary General and Director of Information Management and Research who died suddenly last August while on an overseas mission for the organization.
According to LaBega, the late Arley Sobers was a friend of St. Maarten, who loved to visit the island and did not hesitate to lend his expertise in the organization of workshops aimed at further developing our human resource in the field of tourism.
"Arley Sobers definitely believed in tourism intelligence and believed the best way to gauge your marketing efforts is by the E/D (Entry & Departure) cards," Ms. LaBega stated.
"He believed that the region should have one universal "system" which would allow for comparisons as well. He wanted to organize a regional summit/forum in St. Maarten with all the professionals that play a role in the E/D System, i.e. Justice, airport, and tourism officials, as well as Commissioners and Ministers in charge of those portfolios."
LaBega said "he was a powerful, quiet and really nice person who deserves to be honored in this way."
Arley Sobers had conducted a three-day Educators Forum on St. Maarten in May 2004 designed for post secondary educators in the field of tourism, as well as tourism human resource professionals, consultants, trainers and educators. The theme of the Forum was "The E- Learning Professional - Exploring the Key Competencies needed to successfully use Technology to Develop People.
Sobers had also organized a Web 2.0 Social Networking seminar here in September 2007 which gave participants an understanding of the evolution and opportunities of Web 2.0 as it relates to travel marketing.
St. Maarteners and Caribbean nationals interested in applying for the Arley Sobers Memorial Scholarship have until April 30, 2009 to do so. Detailed information on how to apply for the scholarship can be obtained at www.onecaribbean.org
...

As the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis joins the rest of the region in battling severe unemployment an invitation has been extended to over 10,000 persons by the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation (PDHF).
Already with over some 700 persons already losing their jobs to retrenchment in the wake of what the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation believes is an economic crisis that will grow worse, the leadership of the Christian oriented foundation says that it is now prepared to accommodate over 10,000 persons in offering them some means of assistance.
President and Founder of the foundation, Desmond Herbert said that the foundation is issuing an appeal to these persons to visit the foundation's office situated at Quality Trading Supplies Limited so as to have their concerns and issues documented. "We are devising a massive plan so as to assist these persons in whatever way that we can.
Therefore, we are inviting them to visit the foundation's office so that we can address a number of issues," Herbert said.
Herbert noted that he is willing to collaborate with both government and private sector "without precondition" in an effort to create "an alliance of stakeholders" in an attempt to seek to fashion a collective response to the crisis.
"We at the foundation are attempting to ensure that we can be taken seriously by all involved. As such, we trust that the foundation would be looked upon as a serious partner in addressing the urgent critical situation that we (St Kitts and Nevis) are faced with thus being able to be treated with respect as we are confident that we can make meaningful contributions in addressing the current crisis," Pastor Herbert told this reporter.
Herbert while not disclosing any details about his foundation's plan that they will present to government said that the foundation is confident that its plan can and will be essential in bringing about a [positive change to what people are faced with. "This NGO organization is committed to being part of "a key stakeholder partnership in the very difficult times thus the PDHF can be taken at its word," Herbert said.
Herbert pointed out that already he has met with persons who have been laid off from the tourism, Hospitality and manufacturing sectors, as shrinking international demand begins to force local companies to reduce their operating costs. Herbert pointed out that the Four Seasons Hotel in Nevis and some manufacturing companies in St Kitts had already sent home employees adding that some employers in an effort to save jobs have reduced the hours of their employees.
The PDHF President disclosed that the PDHF had already begun to reach out to a number of other workers noting that she is confident that the current crisis was likely to spread and that their jobs too might eventually be placed on the line. "The Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation is extremely concerned thus we have begun to venture into meeting with workers from a number of sectors so as to see how we can collectively address the problem. There is evidently a need for someone whether it is institution. Organization or collective forces to look into the interests of those affected or likely to be affected in the context of the crisis facing them. We got to understand that they are the ones who are very vulnerable and very exposed," Herbert said.
He said that the shrinking economy, the threat to workers' jobs and the attendant social consequences made it imperative that the foundation which he stressed is operated solely on Christian principles make clear its preparedness to be part of any "process of national dialogue that includes government" to discuss ways in which the federation of St Kitts and Nevis can respond to the crisis. "We need to underscore the important point that the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis is bigger than any political or social movement while we must also understand that it is bigger than the government.
We as Kittitians and Nevisians got to move a step further and demonstrate that the tike for division and fighting is over as we got to realize that our commitment is really to our country rather than to any partisan or sectorial interest" he declared.
We are extending an invitation to the government and we are trusting that if they will sit with us we are confident that we can and will have open, purposeful and professional discussions on matters of critical importance to national growth and development," Pastor Herbert noted.
He added "this is a time of national emergency, a time when workers and peoples interests are very much at stake and a meeting of minds to determine the way forward should not be conditional on differences of opinion on lesser issues as too many times religious leaders are divided on minor and pretty issues which creates doubts and distrust among unbelievers thus questioning them as to why they are do many divisions among Christians," Pastor Herbert said.
Herbert announced that the PDHF is shortly to summon all religious leaders in St Kitts and Nevis to an emergency meeting so as to devisee a plan of action in helping to address crime. He pointed out that while the Prime Minister has devised a plan of action from Government's position no other organization, institutions or concerned group has come forward to lend any hand in putting in what he called ‘their two pence'.
"The meeting involving religious leaders would be one that can be described as "a meeting of critical importance" to discuss the implications of the economic situation for the work force along with the current escalation of crime. Asked whether the PDHF intended to extend invitations to religious leaders who may not want to get involve in addressing the crime situation for varying reasons Herbert told this reporter that while all religious leaders have a right to express and decide whether or not they want to get involve he hope that they all come on board for the sole interest of the federation

Cole bay/ Marigot: --- Officers of the police department escaped death when their car crashed early yesterday morning while chasing a suspicious vehicle. While the police spokesman did not release any information on the cause of the accident it is understood the officers crossed the French and Dutch border as they were hell bent on capturing two men who looked suspicious. It is understood the patrols were chasing a white Hyundai Accent when they crashed on the Bellevue Road.
Sources say the French Gendarmes arrived on the scene over and hour late while the officers in the car were not seriously injured. It is not clear if the officers had permission to cross the French border. On the scene inspecting the patrol car that is now a total loss -was Acting Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran and Chief Inspector Carl John.

Philipsburg: ----- Some six officers from South Holland are on St. Maarten holding several meetings with members of the police force and the management team. The officers who are known as the ZUID HOLLAND ZUID "South Holland South" can be considered the big brother of the local police force. Minister of Justice David Dick said they are the twin brothers who are here to assist the police with their upgrading. He said the meeting that is presently being held on all of the islands of the Netherlands Antilles is for information gathering. The Minister said that Curacao is receiving support from Rotterdam, St. Maarten from South Holland South and Bonaire from Noord Brabant.
These officers he said need to see in what best possible way they can be of help to St. Maarten Police Force and they have to determine what type of support they can offer in the upgrading process. The Minister said this process is vital to the Antilles since they are busy trying to secure the new status.
The visiting officers met with Richards Gibson sr. who is heading the task force for justice as St. Maarten pursue its country status. The visiting team is expected to meet the press today where they would further outline the main purpose of their visit and the amount of time they intend to spend on St. Maarten. Dick said other officers were appointed to the BES islands.
Philipsburg:--- The KPSSS would be receiving at least two years of back up from their twining partners the South Holland South (Zuit Holland Zuit) says Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran at a press conference yesterday.
Acting Chief Commissioner of Police of South Holland South Gerritden Uyl said the focus of the partnership is to strengthen and or further developing the operations of the police force and providing the much needed human resources. Uyl said even though the program has officially begun with their first official visit heavier focus will be placed during the summer vacation. He confirmed that there are financial means in the Netherlands for the program since the island is undergoing its status change.
Doran said that during the last three days the management team of the local police force met with the visiting officers and they already got a sense of warmth with relation to cooperation. He said based on that he is declaring that the St. Maarten Police Force is ready to cooperate in the program with their twining partners. Doran stressed that it is his belief that the island can only benefit from the program. Uyl said they plan to offer training to officers of the KPSSS here locally and in Holland. Discussed are forensics, criminal investigation and renewing the neighborhood policing. These programs he said was tried in Holland, while some of it was successful others were not but felt these programs can be implemented here. However, the local police management is the ones to decide what has to be enforced. Uyl said that some 15 police officers from Zuit Holland Zuit will be made available to the island.
Police Brutality
Asked how they intend to deal with police brutality since this has been one of the main concerns of the community. Doran said that the issue is indeed a delicate one but the topic was discussed with the staff of the police on Tuesday. He said management is trying to provide the officers with as much information by refreshing their minds on the rules and regulations of the force.
Doran said in the future a senior police officer from the local police force would be alongside the visiting officers who are conducting controls.
Bilateral Agreement on Cross Border.
With the release given by the French gendarmes concerning the fact that there is no bilateral agreement on cross border policing between the two sides of the island Doran said he plans to make contact with the commandant of the gendarmes where he would further discuss the matter. Doran said he intends to discuss all pending issues but felt that it is of great importance for both parties to get this type of agreement. He said while there is a physical border in place for the police and gendarmes there is none for the criminals. The acting police chief said he believes it is necessary for the two side law enforcement to cooperate to such a level that they could get across the border.
In the meantime, SMN News has learnt that the Commandant of the gendarmerie expressed his discontentment to the visiting officers who paid a courtesy visit to his office on Tuesday. It is said the Dutch police never made use of their radios or telephones to contact the gendarmes while they were on hot pursuit on Monday. This media house also understands up to yesterday the gendarmes are yet to receive an official call from Doran on the incident. It is said that the gendarmes are extremely annoyed with the Dutch Police who have changed three police chiefs in recent months. It is understood that each of the chiefs had different rules on cooperation but none of them has so far lived up to their own rules. SMN News further understands that the only time the gendarmes are contacted by the Dutch police in cases of hot pursuit is when an accident occurred. The source said Monday the gendarmes were not contacted prior to the accident and it was a passerby who called the gendarmes when they noticed there was an accident. Because of this the gendarmes arrived more than an hour after the accident has occurred.

Philipsburg:--- Sundial School has a packed program for the celebration of Violence Prevention Day today. The prevention program culminates with a mini-concert. The concert will be high lightening a number of fun-filled activities; which includes behavior motivation Awards Prize Giving Ceremony; drug/violence-free rap, drama, speech, poetry.
The PTA is invited is also invited to the days program. There will also be a peaceful remembrance of Stanley Gumbs who was brutally taken who was murdered
Also in the program is a prominent feature on domestic violence T-shirt Art Clothes Line-Exhibition, honoring mothers who traditionally wash clothes, raising consciousness and communicating non-verbally to victims that they are not alone. Every student who cares about women decorates her/his own shirt and it is a testimony to their experience. Each category of abuse is assigned a different message. The Suggested Color Code is WHITE is for women who have died of violence; YELLOW or BEIGE for women who have been battered or assaulted; RED, PINK, or ORANGE for women who have been raped or sexually assaulted; BLUE or GREEN is for women survivors of incest or child sexual abuse; PURPLE or LAVENDER for women attacked because of their sexual orientation. BLACK is for women attacked for what they believe. It is a voice for those who want to tell but don't want to talk.
The program for the days activities are as follows.
Friday's program includes a mini-concert on Friday, March 20, 2009 highlighting a number of fun-filled activities: a domestic violence Clothesline T-shirt Art Exhibition; Behavior Motivation Awards Prize Giving Ceremony; drug/violence-free rap, drama, speech, poetry. The PTA will be present.
7:30 Mentors take students to class. Take attendance.
Handout booster-grams, and Anti-violence bracelets
T-shirts are placed on lines for public viewing
8:15 Students take seats in Gym with mentors
Prayer, School Song, Say Peace Pledge
8:30 Program begins with performances from students: Rap, dance, poetry, drama
9:00 Guest Speaker 1: Whitfield Brown
9:45 Break: Students invited to watch exhibits
10:00 Program continues with performances from guests: Krump Soldiers, Odysseys, The Psychotics etc.
10:30 Guest Speaker 2: Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus
11:00 Behavior awards begin; Announcement of T-shirt winner.
11:30 Guest Speaker 3: Mercedes Wyatt: Electra
11:45 Student Happy hour begins

Com. Mrs. Maria Buncamper-Molanus and spouse were among several other guest, that attended Mr. Roland Richardson-Art Exhibit at his La Semana Gallery yesterday afternoon.
Philipsburg:--- The Board or the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) in a press release said they met on Friday last week to discuss several issues that are affecting their members. The meeting which began at 2:30 pm lasted over three hours at their office in Madame Estate.
Teachers that are working in public education, the Board of the WITU took the decision to address the Executive Council on some pressing issues that affected their members.
Those issues include the discrimination in the procedure of appeal between the teachers and the civil servants and the correction of the new resolutions received by the public school teachers last week.
The discrimination in the procedure of appeal between the teachers and the civil servants.
It is understood that a number of teachers had filed an appeal in writing, because they were not in agreement with their function or their salary received since the introduction of the new salary scale.
The Board of the WITU had brought it to the Council's attention in an August 2008 meeting the fact that no responses were received by the teachers before the start of the new school year 2008/2009.
So far none of the teachers have ever received an invitation to meet with an Appeal Commission and/or to be heard with regard to their Appeal.
However, the civil servants just received their new job function and already the procedure is in place for meetings/hearings with the Appeal Committee (an independent committee). This is also according to the "Sociaal Statuut," for civil servants, which should have taken place also for the teachers in public education.
Some teachers received a response in writing, after an extension on the period of three months as was stipulated for the response and an apology for administrative glitches for more time delays, while others are unsolved up till now. For those receiving an answer, the letters were only confirming that according to the review, their salary was correct and letting them know that they should go to the judge for civil servants affairs "Ambtenaren rechter," if they didn't agree with the decision that was sent to them. No mention was made of their function at this stage.
The private school boards e.g. S.V.O.B.E., did install an Appeals Committee to handle the appeal of the teachers and held meetings where the teachers were heard.
The Board of the WITU therefore came to the conclusion that this is a form of discrimination between two groups of workers with the Executive Council as employer. In retrospect, the WITU also condemns this type of discrimination due to the fact that it's an infringement on the rights of our members in public education, and has forwarded a letter urgently requesting the Executive Council to have a review of this issue.
The correction of the new resolutions received by the public schools teachers last week.
The public school teachers had received their new resolution the week of March 16-20th, 2009. This resolution stated their function and remuneration, and also mentioned that the periodic increase would be every two years.
According to the discussion and decision in the salary scale document, this increase (loon trede) should be every year, after evaluations and not as stated every two years.
The Board of the WITU in a letter to the Executive Council has requested for these resolutions to be declared null and void and for a corrected version to be sent to their members by the week of May 4th, 2009 (just after the SXM Carnival holidays), before the end of the school year.
Philipsburg:---Close to seventy persons who are either senior citizens or chronically ill are now hanging in limbo as they wait on the island government for their ‘help chauffeurs license'. SMN News have been reliably informed that several older persons or person who fell ill and cannot work but holds either a taxi or bus license is denied of a regular income since they are not able to obtain their "help chauffeur' license.
With the increase inflation and cost of living these persons it is understood is finding it extremely difficult to survive.
One elderly citizen said that he requested his license over six months now and to date he is not able to uplift the license from Yellow Building. The man said he is chronically ill and is not able to have someone work for him since there are government controllers on the road checking on drivers. Even worst the elderly man said he is not even able to uplift his license plate since he requested a "help chauffeur license". He further explained that the officials the Island Receiver is requesting holders of these licenses to go in person to form the line at their office to pick up their number plates. The man said his medical condition does not permit him to stand for hours and felt if he had his "help chauffeur license" then the holder of the license would have been able to pick up their plates.
Sources told SMN News that the processing of these licenses has stagnated since September of last year and so far the department does not know when it would resume.
Commissioner of Transportation Roy Marlin confirmed that the process for ‘help chauffeurs license is indeed a long and tedious process. He said based on how the process is set up for the moment these requests have to be processed by the Public Transportation Committee who would approve or disapprove of the granting of these licenses.
Marlin said just last week he met with the head of the Public Transportation Mr. Sherwin Fredricks whom he requested to provide him with a proposal which would grant Fedricks the power to grant these licenses without sending them to the executive council or the transportation committee. Asked how many persons are waiting on these licenses Marlin said he did not think there are so many persons on the waiting list, however, the commissioner said he did not have the exact figures. Marlin said persons who have their licenses, insurance and other relevant documents can pick up their license plate without much hassle.
Indian Ambassador to Venezuela- Mr. Yash Simma and his local delegation paid a courtesy visit to Lt. Governor Mr. Franklin Richards and Commissioner Mrs. Maria Buncamper-Molanus.

Marigot: --- For the past weeks residents of French St. Martin have been hearing that the State Council may well annul the August 7th election where Frantz Gumbs was elected President due to procedural errors. So far the president has remained mum on the issue since he too would be removed from his seat like his former president and now senator to pave the way for another internal election.
Senator Louis Constant Fleming when asked about this on Air Supply Radio Show which was aired on La Voix St. Martin yesterday confirmed that the State Council already mentioned that they may well annul the August 7th Presidential election. Constant-Fleming said that even though it was mentioned there has not been any official notification from the State Council.
The senator also said if that should happen then the possibility would exist for Gumbs to be re-elected to his presidential position. Fleming did not mention how possible that would be knowing that his team is slowly falling apart. Since it has been rumored that Marthe Ogoundele Tessi may be reinstated to her position it is said that Ogoundele who was not attending council meetings over the last year is now back. It is not clear if she is rebuilding her image which was destroyed by the UPP group so that she can run in the re-election or if she made up with her team. SMN News asked Ogoundele Tessi if she made up with her team. The former Vice President said she never left the party despite the turmoil and public embarrassment. She said the reason she was not attending the council and other meetings in the past was because she was busy with her teaching job.
However, it is clear that that the Vice President for economic affairs and the President of the Tourist Office is at odds. Both persons who are from the UPP team does not have the best relationship with those in charge especially after listening to the last week's budget debate where is said that the VP of Economic Affairs will be keeping the promotional budget for the Tourist Office even though he does not visit after and former director was officially fired.
SMN News is bombarded with emails concerning the amount of overseas trips the VP in question and at whose expense. Some of the emails are even questioning the disappearance of the 600,000 Euros from the tourist office and if an official complaint was filed against the culprits. They are also asking about the audit that was done at the tourist office and why it has not been made public. In one of the emails the writer suggested that the senator may be awarded with the post presidential seat that is now available thus he is turning a blind eye to the mis-management of the COM and the misappropriation of government funds at the Tourist Office. This media house already ran several articles outlining some of these issues including the possible annulment of the August 7th election.
The youth organization Teen Times issued a pulic apology to the winners of its last Talent Showdown for the cancellation of the organization's annual trip to New York. The organization explained that their long time sponsors cited challenging economic times and could not contribute as usual.
Teen Times depends solely on financial sponsorship to host its events. The proceeds from the events funds the subsequent prizes. However, when sponsorship is non-existent, proceeds go to paying the various entities that provided a service to Teen Times in order to have the event in the first place. Talent Showdown carries a budget of approximately US $30,000.
In almost 15 years of operation, Teen Times has never been faced with such a situation. "We appreciate our long time sponsors. When they tell us honestly that the economic situation prevents them from contributing, we know it must be really serious. These are not companies that would brush us off, they gave us detailed explanations of their financial situations and we understood their position," Coordinator of Teen Times Michael Granger said.
The situation is such, he said, that winners are still waiting on prizes. "This is not something we are running from or ashamed to admit. The funds and sponsorship simply are not there at the moment. This does not mean we will renege on our responsibility and pledge. We are working deligently to award our winners what is due to them. But this is the reality of our economic situation. Raising money these days is like pulling honey from stone. We can't sugarcoat it, it is what it is," Granger said.
He went on to add that the organization's two major events "Prom Night" and "Talent Showdown" will happen this year, but will be scaled back. "We will have our events and we will try to add some new and exciting aspects to each, but our budget will be cut by more than half for each event. We have no choice but we still expect to host quality, positive, clean, fun events for our young people. We will not compromise on quality," he said.
Teen Times has taken 145 young people to New York in 6 years on educational and performing trips, the first organization to do this on St. Maarten. The organization has also opened savings accounts with US $1000 on each account for 25 winners of its talent shows in the past. In total, Teen Times has given back almost US $145,000 to its winners in 6 years with the organization holding true to its principles of non-profit.

Philipsburg:--- Beginning on April 3, 2009, a scheduled direct jet service will link St. Maarten to Puerto Rico courtesy of Insel Air.
Commissioner of Aviation Affairs, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams, who is expected to be on the inaugural flight along with Tourism Commissioner Roy Marlin, had earlier pointed out how timely the commencement of the twice weekly flight is with respect to the carnival season which kicks off some two weeks after.
"This is indeed good news for the traveling public and for our efforts to boost regional tourism," Commissioner Marlin stated. "Many St. Maarten residents travel to Puerto Rico and the Insel Air service will further give them an affordable option," he added.
Tourism Director, Regina LaBega, welcomed the new service, and highlighted some of the economic benefits that will result from it.
"It will benefit cargo revenue accruing to St. Maarten during this critical economic period," she stated. "This could be interesting for pharmaceutical companies in Puerto Rico as well as electronic companies, which could take advantage of St. Maarten as a strategic hub and excellent transshipment point," she added.
"It can also assist with cargo destined for other parts of the world, for example, Europe, given our strategic location. This will benefit PJIA and the European airlines servicing this destination such as Air France which has daily flights to St. Maarten," LaBega said.
"With competitive fares, I expect this new jet service to further stimulate traffic from Puerto Rico to St. Maarten, especially during this challenging period," the Director of Tourism said.
Insel Air will be using a jet plane with a seating capacity of 152 passengers on the route. Carriers generally use propeller aircraft between the two islands, although the now defunct ALM had also flown jet planes between the two destinations in the past.
Albert Kluyer, the airline's Chief Executive Officer, in a recent meeting with island government officials, stressed his company's commitment to St. Maarten as a hub destination, and further disclosed that Insel Air is also interested in servicing St. Maarten from Valencia, Venezuela. He said the airline wants to develop St. Maarten as a second headquarters, like Curacao; a home away from home for the company.
Philipsburg: --- Civil Servants working at the section ROB staged a walk out yesterday morning due to a severe fowl stench at their work place.
An employee of the department said there have been a stench for the past month throughout the building but yesterday it was unbearable. The employee said there is a restaurant next door and it seems as if there are lots of rats in the area that lives in the ceiling of the ROB building. The civil servant said recently persons in the area began putting rat poison to kill the rodents that have infested their workplace and it is seems as if the rodents died in the ceiling.
SMN News understands that the stench was unbearable which caused the employees to walk away from work. It is said the director of ROB asked the workers to stay in the building and work up until midday after which they were closed to the public so that someone could have checked out the source of the stench.
Sources told this media house that moments after some sort of inspection fumigation took place.
In an invited comment Acting head of the Hygiene Department Maria Van Hennigen said the department was not contacted for any issues that relates to hygiene. Van Hennigen said she was passing in the area and noticed what was taking place. She said even though she is no expert the problem was not related to hygiene instead it has to do with the building that houses ROB.
Philipsburg: --- The three suspects that are presently in custody for the killing of Akeem Lake will appear in the Court of First Instance today confirmed Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. Stein said the hearing today is the Performa hearing which has to take place. The island chief prosecutor said the suspects are charged with murder and accomplice to murder.
Fourteen year old Akeem Lake a delinquent from French Quarter was killed on June 18, 2008 in Union Farm. The killers shot Lake several times and killed him on spot in a drive by shooting which was caught on tape.
Philipsburg- The "2009 Business Outreach and Placement Program" known as the Summer Job Program will take place from July 6th through August 14th 2009.
The program consists of application period, trainings, pre-selection for interviews and final selection for a job within the Government Administration or the Private Sector.
Students wishing to apply for a Summer Job can do so by contacting the Department of Social Cultural Development or their school office for an application form.
To apply, students must be:
• 16 years or older;
• in the pre-exam or exam class of Secondary Education;
• Attending College or University.
Applications must be submitted to the Department of Social Cultural Development located in the Vlaun Building, across from the Post Office by and no later than Friday May 15th 2009.
To be eligible applicants must submit besides the application form;
o An application letter directed to the Island Government of St. Maarten,
o A curriculum Vitea
o A copy of a picture I.D.
o Proof of School/University attendance
For further information the Department can be contacted at phone 542-2056 or fax 543-1172 or e-mail address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Philipsburg- Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, says that she is hopeful with the outcome of the G20 Summit held last week in London.
Wescot added that as a small island developing nation, issues discussed by leaders from 20 of the world's most significant countries do have an impact especially when decisions are taken with respect to global policy issues.
Last week at the G20 summit, the world leaders agreed to treble resources available to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to US$750 billion; support a new Special Drawing Rights which was allocated US$250 billion; support at least US$100 billion of additional lending by the Multilateral Development Banks; ensure US$250 billion of support for trade finance; and use additional resources from agreed IMF gold sales for concessional finance for the poorest countries. This constitutes over US$1 trillion in support to restore credit, growth and jobs in the world economy.
"Decisions taken at that level do have an impact on small developing island nations such as ours. Developing an offshore financial sector for example is one area. One must concur to certain international standards in order to avoid being blacklisted by major global players.
"We need to look at the approach taken by the G20 to stimulate global economic growth to see how this would influence our own economic growth. Regional leaders are looking at how to attract new investments and increase their capacities to make use of free trade arrangements," Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the (GIS).
Caribbean nations attending the Summit of the Americas in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, from April 17-19, which involves 34 Heads of State and Government in the region, will review the outcome of the G20 Summit and seek to consolidate what specifically will be the benefits for the Caribbean.
Marigot: --- During a radio program this morning (Saturday) on "Youth Radio", several persons from the community called in to voice their opinion on the news on the invalidation of the election of Frantz Gumbs. Many of them feel there should be a general election to elect a new administration. On the radio program was territorial councilor Noreen Brooks commenting on the outcome of the August 7th election. Brooks felt the situation facing St. Martin is shameful and one that would definitely hinder the development of the island.
Aline Choisy President of the United Saint Martin Movement said St. Martin is now having its fifth president in less than two years. In counting those presidents Choisy said L.C Fleming was elected as the first president, Marthe Ogoundele Tessi was acting president for one month pending the election of Gumbs on August 8th. Now with the news of the invalidation Daniel Gibbs is now acting president in interim which made him the fourth and the fifth president will be elected in another month. She said if Gibbs is made the acting president then the other election can also be annulled if taken up in the State Council. Choisy who was obviously angry at the situation said St. Martin is worst off than Haiti when it comes to presidential seats.
Choisy said she was forced to turn her head to the other side while on the Dutch side Saturday morning since several persons from that side of the island was questioning the situation taking place on French side. Many persons she said could not understand the type of politics that are being played out on the French side. She said those in Paris and other places are now laughing at the elected persons here on St. Martin since the island is like a "drunken boat". Choisy said St. Martin should be an example to islands like Martinique and other islands that are looking to take up the status of 74 but with this negative achievement no one can take the island and its leaders seriously.
Noreen Brooks also expressed her wishes to have a general election she said it is time for them to go back the drawing board and start over for the island's sake. Brooks said the people need to make the demand to have proper representation. She said the population need to come out in full force and do what is necessary to save the island from future disaster. Brooks also asked where are the technicians who are being paid huge salaries are; she said she would like know what type of advice they are giving the UPP who calls themselves the majority.
Youth Radio also read out the press release sent out by ousted president Frantz Gumbs who said he is no longer president. In that release Gumbs said Gibbs will be acting in interim. In commenting on the release Brooks said that the decision to make Gibbs the interim could be cause for invalidation. "If the State Council found it fit to annul the election of Frantz Gumbs then those behind him have to also go she said if one is thinking logically. Brooks said she fully agreed with the synopsis given by the lawyer who represented Ogoundele Tessi.
Another caller also expressed the same views of Attorney at Law Felix Rhodes who said the administration is back to stage one after Fleming was sanctioned. The caller said if the August 8th election was annulled then the person who sat as interim prior to Gumbs being elected should be the interim.
One caller considered the situation as a shame and the present government would no longer be credible. The caller said St. Martin was not ready for the article 74 since the people were not properly trained. The caller even feels that the island should take a reverse and go back to the commune status which he believes would be in the interest of St. Martin and its people. However, the guest on the show said she does not agree that St. Martin is not ready. She said the civil servants working at the COM were not given a chance to show their competences. Brooks said the employees are not given the necessary trainings.

On Tuesday, April 14, 2008, the first Active parenting of TEENS Parent workshop was conducted for a select group of NAGICO employees. NAGICO is the first company to respond to the initiative to host Active Parenting of TEENS workshops designed to inform and educate working parents on parenting aspects.
Active Parenting of TEENS provides the guidance and support parents need to turn the challenges of raising a teenager into opportunities for growth. Active Parenting of Teens a video-based discussion program teaching parents the skills they need to address such critical issues as drugs and alcohol use, teen sexuality, teens online, bullying and depression.
The success of the introduction of this parenting program is dependant on the involvement and participation of the parents. By conducting parent workshops within work-hours and the workplace, we will be able to reach more parents than ever before.
The Active Parenting of TEENS workshop will consist of 3 weekly sessions and conducted by trainer Mr. R. Davis.
DERPI would like to thank the management of NAGICO for their enthusiastic support and the employees for their participation.
This initiative is funded by USONA as part of the implementation of the Project Plan VSBO, Sint Maarten.

Marigot: -- Territorial Councilor Noreen Brooks has started a campaign where she is rallying the people of St. Martin to take to the streets and demand that a general election be held. Brooks began her radio-ton campaign on Saturday after the State Council has officially annulled the August 7th elections where Frantz Gumbs was elected President of the COM. Brooks said in almost all of the talk shows she appeared on that there needs to be some sort of disorder before there can be order in the house.
She said the people (population) do not know the amount of power they have and as such they are acting naïve. "You elected us to represent you and clearly you have seen that the people that were elected almost two years ago are not capable. They are not looking out for your interest and you need to tell them its time to pack up and leave. Most of all after two sanctions it is clear these people are not ready and has not respected law and order."
The territorial councilor admitted that she is very much ashamed of what is taking place within the local government. Brooks said it is clear that the councilors from majority do not have a voice of their own and they are not able to vote their conscience. She said writing someone's name on ballots shows that there is a lack of trust within the party and there is some level of dictatorship taking place most of all it is disrespectful. "This kind of manipulation has to stop and should there be another internal election nothing would change since the UP already declared that Gumbs would be re-elected. Why can't Marthe be given a chance, she was the first VP under Fleming whom the people elect not Gumbs, I personally believe a woman would do a better job." Brooks said. Questioned on Air Supply yesterday by ""Diamond Cat" on whether the RRR party would give Ogoundele Tessi their support again should she postulate, Brooks said she has no problem giving Ogoundele her support even though she and other party members were disappointed with Ogoundele after the senate elections. "As far as I am concern people have to move forward and vote their conscience with the issues that are before them and not hold grudge or malice." Brooks said. The councilor was described as one of those persons who tell's it as it is when it comes to defending her people and her island.
Brooks also said she cannot teach people how to love their people and or country. "One has to first love themselves before they are able to love anyone else, their country and the well being of their people." She declared.
Even though not speaking on behalf of the RRR party Brooks said she has entered the political arena to look out for her people's interest and whenever she has to speak out she would continue to just that.
Asked if she felt the people of St. Martin was given adequate information on Article 74 the councilor said she felt that sufficient information was given, she further explained that she had championed 74 and she still does today. Brooks said in her opinion article 74 is not the problem instead it is those that has the mandate to manage the new status. She gave examples of St. Barthelemy that has the same status which is managed by the people of that island.
Brooks said it is time for the St. Martin native people to get a chance to manage their own affairs. She said if locals need trainings then government has an obligation to educate and further develop their own people as is the case in Anguilla.
The Carnival Season is here again. This is the 40th year of our carnival Celebration in Sint Maarten. It is the time of year for cheer, happiness and joy. It is a very busy time of the year and also a time where crime becomes more frequent. Criminals love the Carnival Season, just like any other holiday and they love this season as much as everyone else, because it is a great opportunity to do what they do so well and that is to commit crime.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten is without any doubt doing its utmost, to protect you, your family and your property, in combating these criminals. The Public Relation Office of the Sint Maarten Police Force is therefore offering the entire community, the following safety tips, to help them prepare and make their Carnival Season a much safer and joyous one.
Remember the 3 A's of Crime Prevention
1. Be Aware of your surroundings at all times.
2. Be Alert to suspicious people and vehicles.
3. Avoid dangerous situations.
If you are out for the evening:
- Turn on lights, radio or television so that it looks like some-one is at home.
- Lock all doors and windows well, even if you are just leaving for a few minutes.
- Don't display items where they can be seen from the outside.
Park your car in a well-lit area and make sure all windows and doors are
locked.
- Avoid carrying a large amount of cash. Don't flash cash around and carry it in a safe place on you.
- If you have to use the ATM-machine, pay close attention to suspicious persons hanging around the machine. If that's the case pass up that machine and find another.
- Carry all wallets in the front pockets and carry purses close to your body.
- Keep your children close to you while shopping or attending any other activities and don't let them get separated from you.
- Pay attention to persons walking in front and behind you. (Especially in crowded places favorable for pickpockets)
- When returning to your vehicle or your home, have your keys in your hands ready to open the door.
- Before entering your vehicle, check front and rear and seats for any one that may be hiding there. Lock doors immediately after entering.
If you are traveling
- Install an automatic timer for your lights or have some-one turn them on for you.
- Ask your neighbor to keep a watchful eye out for you.
- Have some pick-up your mail or newspaper. If it piles up this a sign that you are gone.
Celebrate responsibly
The Carnival season is a time for celebration. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone. Remember that the risks of drinking and driving are not worth it. If you choose to drink during Carnival Season, don't drive. Make use of a designated driver or public transportation. (Taxi or bus)
Make sure that you know where your kids are at all times and that they are safe.
Most of all on behalf of the Police force of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius through the Public Relation Office, "We wish the entire community of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius and the visitors to our beautiful islands, a very happy, joyful and safe Carnival Season.
Philipsburg: --- Independent commissioner Louie Laveist during a radio program yesterday on Radio Souliga gave an indication to listeners that the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards is involved in his demise.
Laveist said he has documents which would prove that the governor is responsible for the investigations that took place and his court case. He hinted that on one occasion the governor requested the Federal Detectives to conduct a financial investigation on him. An investigation of this nature is considered to be of serious nature which has considerable jail time if proven.
The commissioner did not elaborate on the extent of the investigation and what prompted the governor (a senior civil servant) to take such actions against him. He also indicated that the governor seems to have a ‘beef' with him since he does not show much likeness and appreciation for him. Even though not releasing the bombshell Laveist said in due time that would be done as he is still busy getting several documents translated.

PHILIPSBURG:---As of this week, Marva Richardson has assumed her post as Director of St. Maarten Student Support Services (S4) in the Netherlands after going through an orientation at the Department of Education.
While at the department, Ms. Richardson familiarized herself with the work processes and she exchanged ideas with staff. She had the opportunity to witness all efforts being made by study financing to have things in place for this year's group of Holland bound students.
Ms. Richardson met with the Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams and the Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Roy Marlin. Both commissioners welcomed her and wished her well with her new position.
Recognizing the importance of meeting with persons who are integral in the working relationship between S4 and Government, Ms. Richardson also met with the Director of Education Claudette Forsythe-Labega and the Director of Resources Hiro Shigemoto as well as representatives of the Finance Department.
An important part of Ms. Richardson's orientation was the visit to schools where she was able to meet and exchange information and ideas with the school managers and career counselors of the various secondary schools. At this level, Ms. Richardson was welcomed and encouraged as she begins her new function.
Ms. Marva Richardson is no stranger to the commercial sector on St. Maarten and takes to S4 a wealth of information as it pertains to financial management. What many do not know is that Ms. Richardson's passion has always been education and she has a Bachelor's Degree in pedagogy.
GIS
MARIGOT: ----Kaisonian and leading panman Mighty Dow will perform his thrilling music here on Saturday, April 25, at the "Poetry & Pan" concert in the Collectivity's Garden, said Minerva Dormoy, head of the culture department.
The program of "Lyrics and melody in the garden" will begin a 7:30 pm with the "masterful pan music of Mighty Dow, a dance performance, and exciting poetry reading" said Dormoy.
Poetry & Pan is free to the public. It is also the finale of three Poetry Garden programs of the culture department and hosted by the Collectivity in the garden of the government building (former Mairie's), said Dormoy.
Visiting St. Martin to recite at Poetry & Pan is the Bahamian writer Marion Bethel, said Dormoy. After the recital Bethel will be signing her award-winning poetry collection Guanahani, My Love. The book was recently published in St. Martin by House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
"I will definitely be at the Poetry & Pan concert to enjoy the excellent pan selections from Dow, listen out for new poets to publish, and to be inspired by the poetry of Marion Bethel," said Lasana M. Sekou, projects director at HNP and himself a published poet.
For the last three months, the Poetry Garden program has been showcasing professional, upcoming and hobbyist writers, rappers and musicians "from the Collectivity and also from throughout the whole island," said Minerva Dormoy.
"The poets have read so far in English, French and Creole. So the unity, the cultural creativity and being able to express and enjoy various languages are all part of the St. Martin culture," said Dormoy.
According to Dormoy, having Marion Bethel as the invited guest poet adds a wider Caribbean dimension to the cultural manifestation (at which Collectivity leader Frantz Gumbs surprised the audience by reciting his own poem at the previous program).
"We are inviting the people of St. Martin to come out on Saturday; and to enjoy a unique evening with our own important artists and upcoming artists at the Poetry Garden. And also to give Ms. Marion Bethel a special Friendly St. Martin welcome."
Bethel is a Cambridge-trained lawyer by profession and a Harvard University fellow. She has recited her poetry at literary conferences and festivals in the USA and in the Caribbean, South America, Asia and Europe.
MARIGOT: --- Well known activist and people's person Claude Cowboy York is calling on authorities to carry out a profound investigation into the functioning of the Dutch Consulate in the Dominican Republic. York said he has information from valuable sources who told him that the consulate is selling visas to St. Maarten for 60,000 pesos or $1,500. While denying other applicants the visas.
York said he applied for a visa for a long time friend of his whom he wanted to visit the island for the 40th carnival celebration and despite providing all that is required by St. Maarten and the Dutch consulate in the Dominican Republic they denied his friend the visa.
The consulate he said claimed that they do not believe the woman would have returned to her country. "I know of several persons who were deported from here and in one week time they are back. One of them told me they had to pay $1,500 to obtain the visa. Secondly on my return to St. Maarten there were 150 Dominicans on board the flight some 40 of them visiting the island for the first time. My question to these people is what proof they have that those people would go back home? York asked.
York said he learnt the consulate is using the letters that was stamped by the government of St. Maarten to sell the visas to those that may have committed crime on the island and were deported.
York further explained that in his bid to get help he approached the island Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards to explain his plight and to see if the governor could have called the consulate to find out the reasons on which they denied the visa. He said he visited the governor on Monday whom he said promised him to call him back later that day but he never received the call. York said he went back to the governor's office on Tuesday and was told that the consulate stands by its decision.
York further explained that he already sent a letter to Curacao where he is asking that the present consulate be removed since they are involved in corruption. He said he intends to bring the matter to forefront hoping that government in the Antilles and Holland would do what is necessary to get to bottom of the matter.
The well known St. Maartener said he has been visiting the Dominican Republic for the past 45 years and the person he invited to the island has been very kind to him over the years. He said he felt he owes that family some type of favor and thus he invited one of the family members to visit the island at his expense. The young woman he said has a job in her country and she had no intention to stay here. "I just wanted them to see my country and meet my family since I have been among there's for so long. I feel the consulate has done me injustice and I would get to the bottom of it" says York.
Philipsburg- Six St. Maarten residents will be receiving a royal decoration, on the occasion of Queen's birthday, this year.
The recipients are being honored for their valuable contribution to community work and outstanding achievements.
The presentation of the royal decorations is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29th, when a special ceremony, which is held annually, is to take place at the Governor's Mansion on Little Bay road.
Meanwhile, the general public, organizations, associations and institutions are reminded to submit recommendations for nominees for 2010, to the Royal Decorations Advisory Committee, RODAC. Special forms, which must be filled in accurately, are available from the committee.
When making recommendations about nominations for royal decorations, it is important that the following is taken into consideration:
1. The nomination form must be completed with all information regarding the person being nominated.
2. All information, requested on the form, must be completed about the person or organization making the proposal.
3. The information on the nominee must be completed on a separate sheet and must be as extensive as possible, with specific periods and data of the activities of the nominee.
4. The activities of the nominee must cover a period of no less than 15 (fifteen) years.
5. The activities of the nominee must be carried out voluntarily and must impact the community, as a whole, or particular sections of the community.
6. The amount of time that the nominee spends on these activities per week or per month must also be mentioned.
7. Most important: The nominee must still be actively involved with the activities mentioned at this time.
8. A photo of the nominee must accompany the proposal.
9. Incomplete forms cannot be accepted and will not be processed.
These requirements have been stipulated by the entity which assesses all nominations for royal decorations, known as the Chapter of the Civil Honors Advisory Commission, in Holland.
The general public is asked to submit the nomination in a timely manner, since it takes a lengthy period to evaluate a nomination.
Once the nomination is received, the RODAC committee issues recommendations on all nominations to the Governor of the island territory.
The Governor of the island territory then prepares a proposal and sends the file with relevant information to the National Decorations Committee. This Committee issues its advice on the nomination and forwards the file to the Council of Ministers of the Netherlands Antilles.
The Council of Ministers submits the nomination, with its own proposal, to the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, who along with a recommendation, sends it to the Minister of Governmental Renewal and Kingdom Relations in the Netherlands.
After a favorable recommendation has been made, a suggestion can be made about the order and class of decoration to be conferred.
The minister presents the nomination to the Civil Orders Advisory Commission.
This independent body, which carries a great deal of weight, issues a recommendation on the nomination, and presents it to the minister in charge.
If the minister's decision is positive, the Royal Decoration is granted by Royal Decree.
There are several categories of Royal Decorations.
Royal Decorations for exceptional or outstanding services to the community are divided into the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands and the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Who qualifies for which order is determined by the kind of service rendered and whether it was, in any way, exceptional or outstanding.
The Order of the Lion of the Netherlands is divided into three classes of Knighthood: Knight Grand Cross, Commander and Knight.
This order can be conferred on people who have rendered exceptional services to the community, often through achievements or efforts springing from special talents that are of great public benefit. Examples include pioneering research and innovative entrepreneurship.
The Order of Orange-Nassau is divided into six classes: Knight Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Knight and Member.
The Order of Orange-Nassau can be conferred on people who have rendered outstanding services to the community for a considerable period. They are often people who carry out voluntary work for all manners of civil society organizations; they are not only members of a board but are ordinary people who keep these organizations up and running.

Philipsburg:--- While the 2009 carnival season is in its second week it can be considered a busy week for police who had to make sure law and order is maintained during the local and international shows. Of all the nights police spokesman Ricardo Henson said the busiest night was Latin night when there were approximately 10,000 people in the village. The local police he said was assisted by the police reinforcement from Curacao, the VKS and Sherriff Security who responsible for security.
Henson said security at the Festival Village has been tight and will remain so during the rest of the season. The police spokesman said everyone was searched as they entered the village and several persons were caught with illicit drugs and weapons all of which was confiscated by police.

Many objects such a pocket knives, objects that can be used as weapons to stab or cut, were taken in by the security search teams. Even a bottle that contained acid was confiscated during the search. Also quite a number of marijuana cigarettes and a small amount of cocaine powder were confiscated. There were no incidents whereby the police had to intervene. All shows started and finished on time. The security searches will continue at all the events in the Festival Village. The police Department are asking the general public to give the police and security officers all cooperation possible to make this carnival celebration a memorable one.
While these searches are time consuming it is said to be necessary for the safety of everyone.
The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau recently hosted Ms. Sabiene Walters from Action Sport in Germany. Hotel site inspections were conducted at Divi Little Bay, Sonesta Great Bay, Holland House, Passangrahan and Tamarind Hotel. During Ms. Walters brief visit, she indicated that St. Maarten is a wonderful island with great hospitality.
Philipsburg- A high level delegation of French St. Martin is to join their counterparts on the Dutch side of St. Maarten on Wednesday for discussions on the Franco-Dutch treaty.
Members of the French commission expected to attend the meeting include Prefet Dominique Lacroix, who will lead the French delegation.
St. Maarten's governor Franklyn Richards is leading a Dutch-Antillean Steering Committee Franco Dutch Treaty attending the meeting, which is to be held in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall.
As this will be the first meeting of the steering committee in its official composition, a working group will be officially installed as an initial step for the implementation and the carrying out of the treaty.
The treaty makes it possible to organize joint controls for passengers arriving at St. Maarten's airports.
The treaty has as goal to facilitate cooperation between the French and the Netherlands Antilles authorities in preventing illegal immigration to the island.

Philipsburg/ St. Eustatius. A delegation from the Netherlands Antilles and from Aruba visited Brussels this week in order to attend a two day workshop organized by the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) of the EU on April 27th and 28th. Following an intensive review of Environmental Impact Assessment systems in all of the EU overseas territories in the past six months, the delegation of seven from the Netherlands Antilles and two from Aruba were invited to the workshop, which focused on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs). Both government departments and environmental NGOs were represented from the Netherlands Antilles, namely Miriam Jonker (DROV, Curaçao), Faisal Dilrosun (LVV, Curaçao), Tico Ras (Environmental Service, Curaçao), Rueben Thompson (St Maarten PRIDE Foundation, EPIC), Nicole Esteban (STENAPA, Statia), Marco Gravenhorst (DROB, Bonaire) and Frank van Slobbe (DROB, Bonaire). Representing Aruba were Byron Boekhoudt (Coastal Zone Management Unit) and Henry de Cuba (Ministry of Health and Environment). Head of general and judicial affairs of the Cabinet of the Plenipotentiary Minister of the Netherlands Antilles, Laurens Warnink and European Union representative for Aruba, Raymond Croes also attended the workshop.
EIAs are studies regarding potential environmental (and social) impacts of a proposed project or action. SEAs are the assessment of potential environmental (or sustainable development) impacts of proposed plans, programmes and policies. The cost of EIAs are generally covered by the project developer and should be carried out by independent consultants selected by government/environmental authorities prior to the development of any plans in order to incorporate alternative development options and recommendations of the EIA, including mitigation efforts, into the overall planning process. EIAs should always be conducted for large scale projects such as condominiums, hotels or resorts, waste management facilities, oil refineries, energy production installations, or any large scale expansion of urban development and as otherwise determined by government/environmental authorities. SEAs should be conducted for long term programmes, such as a Zoning Plan, Tourism Master Plan or Multi Annual Economic Policy Plan.
During the intensive two day meeting, over 50 delegates from 16 overseas territories learned about the EIA/SEA implementation process and incorporation into the national planning processes. Speakers from various overseas territories (including Bonaire, Cayman Islands, New Caledonia and Greenland) described existing or proposed legislation and systems for EIAs, as well as presenting case studies from their own countries. The case study presented from the Netherlands Antilles by Marco Gravenhorst focused on incorporation of SEA into the land use planning process currently underway on Bonaire.
Delegates learned that EIAs and SEAs can only be effective when clearly described within island legislation, and well integrated within government departments, such as Planning, Public Works and Domain including laws and policy documents such as zoning, infrastructural plans and building ordinances. Worldwide, SEAs are frequently adopted as a planning tool by authorities in preparing zoning plans and other kinds of policies or programs. The delegations take home guidelines for EIAs and SEAs that are relevant for small islands. Overall recommendations from the workshop included urgent establishment of legislation, including systems for execution of EIAs and SEAs, on each island.
Times Online
A speeding car hurtled towards an open top bus carrying the Queen of the Netherlands today before smashing into a crowd and killing four people who were watching the royal parade.
A 38-year-old Dutchman, who was driving a black hatchback, has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out an attack on the Royal Family.
Thirteen people were injured, five of whom remain in a serious condition, but the Queen and fellow members of the Dutch royal family were not hurt.
The black Suzuki ploughed through the crowd during a parade to mark the Queen's Day national holiday in the city of Apeldoorn.
Princess Maxima, wife of heir Willem-Alexander, watched in horror, with her hand over her mouth, as the vehicle sped a few metres past the royal bus.
Footage of the incident shows the damaged car continuing to be driven at high-speed after crashing into members of the crowd.
People were thrown up into the air as the car swerved across police railings, where hundreds were waiting to see the Queen. The car was only halted once it had slammed into a stone monument in the centre of the city, about 50 miles east of Amsterdam.
Queen Beatrix responded to the attack in a national broadcast this afternoon. "What started as a beautiful day has ended in terrible drama, which has shocked us deeply," she said.
A spokesman from the Dutch prosecutor's office said the suspect was believed to have purposely targeted the Royal Family.
"We have reason to believe that this was a deliberate act," said Ludo Goossens, a public prosecutor. He said there were no indications of terrorist links nor were there signs of explosives.
Mr Goossens said the police suspected that the attack was deliberate "based on initial contact with the suspect before he was freed from the car".
Video showed at least one victim receiving emergency resuscitation in the road while paramedics were attempting to save the lives of several others who had been hurled to the tarmac.
A policeman narrowly escaped injury when he jumped off his bicycle to avoid being caught between the car and railings in front of the monument.
Peter von de Vorst, a witness, said that the incident was like watching a Hollywood film. "It was a really nice day. Then you hear a bang. Everyone looks up and you see people indeed flying through the air," he said. "This must be a joke or a strange prank. Then suddenly panic and you realise that something really terrible has happened."
It was not clear how the car managed enter the parade area, which police had sealed off hours before.
Police officers arrested the suspect, who was slumped against his seat with blood on his forehead, and put him into an ambulance
Shortly after the incident, investigators and a sniffer dog examined the car for explosives, then sawed off the roof of the car for a further inspection.
Fred de Graaf, the Mayor of Apeldoorn, said all festivities were cancelled. "The scare and the images that the family has seen are reason to break off the official programme," he said. Holiday programmes were also called off in the port city of Rotterdam, and more were likely to be cancelled around the country.
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the main Dutch cities last night and today to celebrate the national holiday. The royal family normally spends the day in a small Dutch community.

Marigot: -- The Collectivity of St. Martin is presently investigating a case of sexual harassment against a minor reliably sources informed SMN News. The source said an employee of the Pole Sociale identified as F.G tried to sexually molest a 15 year old who was on training (stagaire). The man it is said wrote a letter to the young employee telling her to meet him in one of the flats that is paid for by the general council. The flat is said to be located in the vicinity of Forum Caraibe.
Employees of the social department is said to be furious about the incident especially since the man whom they said could be the father of the 15-year old is still working and is supposedly getting support from two senior civil servants from Guadeloupe. The two seniors is said to be ones who have to protect minors that are in danger.
According to information reaching SMN News is that the particular male employee has been the habit of molesting young trainees, but this is the first time it is being reported. It is said the DGA identified as R was aware of the incident and instead of taking actions against the perpetrator she sanctioned the young girl and sent her to work in another location. It is understood that F.G and R are close friends and they are both from Guadeloupe. SMN News understands one of the senior workers A.F took his vacation when he found out elected officials is on the case. The source said that the 15-year old personally informed A.F about the incident and he did absolutely nothing to protect the minor. "A. F did not offer this young girl no counseling neither did he do anything to his compatriot who can be considered a pervert. If that happened in a home A.F would have made sure the child is placed outside of her family home". One angry source said.
Reliable sources said the teenager was in fear and did not know how to deal with the matter however older women working in the department it is said called in the vice president in charge of Social Affairs who immediately ordered that F.G be reprimanded since the 15 year old is in possession of the letter which is in the man's handwriting. It is said F. G was called in by the head of human resources and he was informed that he either would have to go back to Guadeloupe or move to another department. Up to late last week the man was still seen working in his office which is located upstairs of La Voix St. Martin. SMN News understands that this incident took place nearly a month ago and workers in pole social plans to take action if elected officials do not act appropriately. SMN News understands that the workers are at odds with the DGA whom they said are calling them to work at in-appropriate hours and are extremely rude towards them, thus is the reason she did not offer the 15 year old any protection. "It is simply R has no respect for anyone on St. Martin and she would not defend any St. Martiner, elected officials knows this and they still aren't doing anything about it". The source concluded.
Philipsburg: --- The Democratic Party was dealt another low blow today (Thursday) when independent island council member Louie Laviest withdrew his support from the party for the second time in three months.
Laveist resigned from the Democratic Party on November 9th 2008 and on that same day he indicated via letter to the chairman of the Island council Franklyn Richards that he was no longer supporting the Democratic Party. However, day's later party leader Sarah Wescot Williams managed to get Laveist to reinstate his confidence in the party which allowed them to remain in government.
All of this transpired after Laveist was released from pre-trail detention where he spent nine days. He was later charged with forgery, bribery and fraud.
On April 28th the court of First Instance handed down its verdict in the criminal case against the embattled councilman. He was convicted on all counts and sentenced to 18 months behind bars, nine of which are suspended. Laviest was ordered to pay Naf. 5000 fine. He was also banned from holding public office for the next five years while on a three year probation.
Upon hearing the verdict Laveist immediately filed an appeal with the appeals court of the Netherland Antilles and Aruba.
On Tuesday, one week after the verdict was given the embattled island councilman resigned from the executive council but held on to his island council seat. In a press conference on Tuesday Laveist said he was in negotiations with the leader of the Democratic Party and that he was still in support of the party.
However, it is obvious that Laveist was not getting any support from members of the DP since his arrest in October last year. Party leader Wescot Williams had visited Laveist while in prison and asked him to resign from both executive and island council which he refused to do at the time saying justice must take its course. As promised back then he said whenever there was a verdict and it was not in his favor he was going to resign which is what he did earlier this week.
It was understood that Laviest met with Westcot Williams on Thursday afternoon and she asked him to return his island council seat to the Democratic Party so that they can remain in government but Laveist made it clear that he had no intentions to do that. The negotiations it is understood were to continue. However, this morning (Thursday) Laveist submitted a letter to the Government Administration Building indicating that he has once again withdrawn his support from the party.
Shortly after the councilman issued a press release which reads. "
SUPPORT WITHDRAWAL FOR THE CURRENT DEMOCRATIC PARTY LED GOVERNMENT.
"The current ongoing developments regarding my person, and our quest as an Island Territory to obtain country status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has prompted my decision to place Country above self.
In doing so, as an Independent member of the Island Council of St. Maarten, I have recently tendered my resignation as member of the current executive council of the Island Territory of St. Maarten.
With respect to the people of St. Maarten, who have placed their confidence in me as their representative, and in order that I not be viewed or considered as an obstacle to the ongoing constitutional and political process. I have withdrawn my support from the current Democratic Party led Government. I hereby place my support and public endorsement for a NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, to be represented by both the Democratic Party and the National Alliance. This decision clears any and all impressions, that I could be obstructing the process of good governance, and makes way for the formation of a new and stable government, having a comfortable majority. This National Government will represent the majority of the voters of the Island Territory of St. Maarten." The release concludes.
SMN News understands that the councilman became extremely angry when he read the open letter former Senator Marcel Gumbs that was published in the Daily Herald today.
Gumbsis the vice president of the Democratic Party and is supposedly the adviser to the party leader Sarah Wescot Williams. Sources close to the embattled councilman said Gumbs never once called Laveist since his arrest in October and to date he has never offered any support to him yet Gumbs found it fit to call himself a "friend of Laveist."
The source said it seems as if the Democratic Party's intention is to strip Laveist of all he has because he already gave them his "shirt" (the commissioner seat) and now they are looking for his pants and maybe shorts(Island Council seat). This according to the supporter of Louie Laveist is selfishness since the Democratic Party is yet to inquire from Laveist how he would survive as a St. Maartener. The source said Laveist already spent thousands of dollars on legal fees and his legal problems are far from over.
Laveist has so far declined to make a public statement while leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams and members of the National Alliance is yet to make a public statement.
DP Making Several Offers to Laveist.
SMN News understands that several persons who are linked to the Democratic Party has gotten in contact with the Island councilman offering him lots of monies and other goodies so that he can re-consider his withdrawal from the party. Sources close to the councilman said while some members of the party has refrained from contacting him and are looking into other political strategies others are out there trying to make a deal with Laveist.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus says in the ongoing spread of Influenza A (H1N1) also commonly known as swine flu, would like to reassure residents that influenza viruses are not known to be transmissible to people through eating processed pork or other food products derived from pigs.
Concerns about the possibility of this virus being found in pigs and the safety of pork and pork products have been raised at the international level.
Heat treatments commonly used in cooking meat (e.g. 70 degrees celcius/160 degrees F core temperature) will readily inactivate any viruses potentially present in raw meat products.
Pork and pork products, handled in accordance with good hygienic practices recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), will not be a source of infection.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to maintain a pandemic alert phase 5 levels which means the virus is spreading from human to human in communities with outbreaks.
Residents are being advised to continue to maintain high standards of hygiene in order to avoid getting the flu virus. At this moment, there are no cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus on the island.
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
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. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
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.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. For people developing symptoms following international travel should follow the same procedure if they develop symptoms seven to 10-days after travel. People who are ill are recommended to postpone travel.
The Preventive Health Department has intensified surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.
Persons seeking additional information should contact Sector Public Health at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1).
Filed under: Uncategorized - PJIA Media Center at 1:49 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2009
Budget UK airline easyJet has announced its intention to hold marriage ceremonies mid-flight in a unique revenue-raising idea.
EasyJet is investigating whether its pilots could become authorised to carry out weddings during flights. The plan would see the captain hand over to the co-pilot once airborne in order to officiate the wedding at the front of the plane.
The time-saving move would mean couples could marry while flying to their honeymoon destination.
The airline announced the plan after their research showed more and more people dream of marrying above the clouds.
"We're excited about these plans" said Paul Simmons, easyJet's UK regional general manager, told The Guardian.
"If there is the opportunity, our pilots could be marrying couples in the air. Future brides and grooms can say ‘I will' on the flight from London Gatwick to Olbia, on Sardinia, for example. After their marriage at a height of 30,000 feet they then can go directly on their honeymoon."
However, easyJet will face legal challenges before it can start marrying people in the clouds. In the UK marriages must be conducted in a permanent structure that doesn't move, and be officiated by a minister of religion or registrar employed by a local council.
It is a unique approach to cost-cutting, with United Airlines and Ryanair looking to apply extra charges to overweight passengers to generate more revenue.
United Airlines passengers are now required to buy a second ticket or upgrade to business class on United Airlines flights, while Ryanair announced last month that it was looking at how it could introduce a "fat tax".
(ETN)

Philipsburg: --- Leader of Democratic Party (DP) Sarah Wescot Williams in a statement to PJD2 said that the leader of the National Alliance started off on the wrong foot when he said in his letter that he wanted a National Alliance (NA) led government with three commissioners appointed. Wescot Williams said what she had expected from Marlin was a declaration of intent so that talks could have begun. She said she believed it is the National Alliance leaked the contents of the proposal to the media since that information was not released by the Democratic Party.
The leader of the DP said they also are of the opinion that they should be the one to lead and should they take the same stand point as the NA then they would not move from stage one of the talks. She said she already replied to the NA's proposal but so far she did not hear anything new from them.
Wescot Williams said that the party would not be leaving any stones unturned prior to forming the new government. Asked about the situation with the DP and independent island councilman Louie Laveist, Wescot Williams said they are working on resolving the issue. She also admitted that there is not much they can do to reclaim the island council seat from Laveist even though he was elected on the DP slate.
At the island council meeting held yesterday National Alliance leader William Marlin again voiced his concern on the present status of the island government. He said that in his view he believed the other four commissioners now holding office should resign from their post to pave the way for the formation of a new government.
Wescot Williams in a sharp response said when she took the lectern that the DP team does not need anyone to lecture them on any lesson before moving on the ordinance for good cooperate governance. Up to press time yesterday there have been no new developments between the two parties.
Independent Island councilman Louie Laveist surprised most of his colleagues yesterday when he came to the island council meeting. Even though late for the afternoon session Laveist made sure he showed his presence and waited until the meeting concluded.

Philipsburg: --- The leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams has informed the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin that she would be meeting with him sometime later today (Thursday) to discuss the formation of a new government. SMN News understands that Wescot Williams already indicated to Marlin that she did not agree on the basis on which he wants to form a government.
In an invited comment, National Alliance Leader William Marlin said the National Alliance is prepared to hold a meeting of the leaders, each accompanied by another member of their party at the Holland House Hotel at 4 p.m today.
The National Alliance has eliminated it pre-conditions as was set before. Marlin said neither side would have pre-conditions. As such, the National Alliance wants all DP Commissioners to resign before the meeting is held at 4 pm. There will then be no opposition party and no governing party and there will be no Commissioners with portfolios.
Asked about the present political crisis at yesterday's executive press briefing Wescot Williams said even though it is already one week since Independent Island Council member Louie Laveist had withdrawn his support from the Democratic Party there has not been any formal talks between the two parties to form a broad base government.
Speaking about the communication, she received from the leader of the National Alliance she said when she was given the proposal from Marlin on Friday last week she did not divulge that information to her members neither the media. However, that information was out there by Saturday morning.
She said that responded to Marlin informing him that she would not be negotiating under the conditions he set out. Wescot Williams said that in an email to her Marlin said, he was still willing to form a government with the Democratic Party but he did not remove his pre-conditions. She said all she wants to know from Marlin is if he was willing to begin talks without any pre-conditions as was outlined in his letter before they can begin the formal talks.
Wescot Williams said based on newspaper articles, blogs and talk shows the National Alliance seems to have some sort of letter from Independent Councilman Louie Laveist in their back pockets, which explains the basis on which they are dealing with the DP. "If that is so then it would explain the actions of the NA even though it is evident. The only persons to clear this up are those involved which is Laveist and Marlin. If it turns out to be true then one can see the reason for the hardball the NA is playing."
Wescot Williams said the way she see it does not mean because she wants a stable government in place that she would sit down and allow the NA to walk over her with the type of demands they placed on them.
She said if it turns out that, the NA is walking around with a letter from Laveist in his back pocket then he would allow the standoff to continue then he would say he tried and since it is not possible, he would form government with Laveist, if that is so then Marlin owes the people an explanation.
Even though not excluding the possibility she said her party does not have other options now.

Philipsburg: ---- The editor of the Today Newspaper Hilbert Haar has spent his second night behind bars last night for assaulting a female former colleague of his. Haar was arrested on Wednesday evening for physically abusing Lisa Brown Mac Kay who went at the TODAY Newspaper Office to pick up her camera. She told reporters that Haar has always been insulting her and this is the second time he assaulted her.
It is understood that the detectives are busy working on his file to take the matter the court sometime today for an extension in pre-trial detention.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said a final decision in the case has not yet been taken since police was still hearing witnesses up to late yesterday afternoon. Stein did not disclose who those witnesses are and when the interrogation would be completed.
However, sources told this newspaper that all the employees who were at the Today Office were called in by police as witnesses.
Asked what are some of the possibilities that can be taken against Haar Stein said that Haar can be called to pay a fine and or do community service or he can be summoned to court if there is sufficient proof. He said they can also dismiss the case but all of the above depends on the contents of the file, which he did not get yet.
Sources told SMN News that Haar's wife an employee of the Court of First Instance was seen at the Prosecutor's Office trying her best to get her husband released, but her bids seemingly failed.
On another note information, reaching SMN News is that the managing director of the TODAY Richard Gibson Jr does not intend to take actions against Haar since he is supposedly a good worker. Despite knowing that Haar not once but twice assaulted a female and it is not sitting well with the community Gibson is yet to issue a warning letter to Haar for his irresponsible behaviour.
The source said if Haar is released from custody now he would immediately return to work at the Today without any repercussions. So far, Gibson did not release an official statement while he could not be reached by phone for a comment.
Several commenters on this and other websites are condemning Haar's attitude towards the former journalist as well as the community of St. Maarten, including Safe Heaven and the St. Maarten Media Workers Association where Haar is a founding member.
Some bloggers are outraged and promised to take the law in their own hands when he is released from police custody. Hilbert Haar is also known for using the newspaper to write articles that criticize several well-known persons in the community including Leopold James.
Philipsburg:--- Police from the Special Armed Robbery Unit have arrested three persons in connection with the two recent robberies that were committed last week. In custody are two women and one male disclosed police spokesman Ricardo Henson.
Henson identified the suspects as A.M.R and C.W from St. Lucia and C.E.P from Guadeloupe, while fourth suspect managed to escape police on Saturday.
Those in custody are suspected of committing an armed robbery at the Marina Plaza at Pelican Resort on May 13.
Police managed to make the arrest when they were informed of the bandits and their location on Billy Folley Road Pelican.
Henson said the detectives already identified the fourth suspect and he was already spotted on Saturday May 15 on Union Road Cole Bay. In a bid to capture the wanted man police who was riding a motorcycle police fired several warning shots but the suspect still managed to escape his arrest Henson said.
Breaking News: Commissioners Sarah Wescot Williams, Theo Heyliger, Maria Buncamper Molanus and Roy Marlin has decided to tender their resignation later today Monday (18.05 2009).
It is understood that leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams in an email to the board members of the DP said that the commissioners have decided to resign since they believe it is the right thing to do.
Wescot Williams said she believes that the National Alliance is demanding their resignation in order to make impossible demands after which they would conclude that the two parties are not able to work together. The party leader said after that the NA would fall back on their agreement with independent council man Louie Laviest where they would form a government.
She said that this would only be evident when talks begin between the two parties.
The leader of government has called a press conference for later today where she would address the state of affairs and make the resignation known.
Full story will be given later today.
Philipsburg: --- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams confirmed that talks have begun with the National Alliance to form a new government. Without divulging any information to the media during the executive press briefing held on Wednesday, Wescot Williams said there has been some communication.
Sources say the DP leader met alone with the leader of the National Alliance on Tuesday. It is not clear, why Commissioner Theo Heyliger was not part of the talks and if other members of the NA were involved. So far, both sides have remained tightlipped on the process.
Philipsburg- Over 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from high blood pressure and it is the single biggest risk factor for death, causing heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
High salt (sodium) consumption is the cause of hypertension in about three in 10 adults. Globally, seven million die every year because of high blood pressure and many of these deaths could be prevented by eating less sodium.
In fact, if salt intake was reduced by half it would save approximately 2.5 million people a year dying unnecessarily of strokes, heart attacks and chronic kidney diseases worldwide.
Sodium is part of table salt but up to 80 per cent of the sodium we consume comes from processed or packaged food and food eaten in restaurants.
The average daily salt intake worldwide is approximately 9-12 grams per person, twice the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) (1 teaspoon of salt of five to six grams per day).
Practical things that people can do to reduce salt consumption are to eat fewer servings of processed and high-sodium foods, check food labels before buying, substitute salt with various spices, and get rid of the salt shaker. The importance of having regular blood pressure checks is also stressed.
This information is being provided by Sector Public Health, Preventive Health Department, as part of its calendar of health observances. The calendar is to promote particular health issues or topics during a specific identified time in the year.
Persons requiring more information about high blood pressure and stroke should contact the Preventive Health Department by calling 542-3553 or 542-2078.
(GIS)
Philipsburg:---"Part of St. Maarten's history is returning to the people St. Maarten." So says Commissioner of Culture Maria Buncamper-Molanus while announcing that several of the island's archeological artifacts will be returned from Curacao. "We are on our way to country status and as such it is important for us to secure as many parts of our history as possible for future generations," she added.
The Executive Council, via letter, informed the Minister of Culture Ms. Omayra Leeflang that St. Maarten has decided to seek the return of the artifacts at the earliest opportunity via the Dutch Naval vessel "Pelikaan". The artifacts are currently at the National Archeological and Anthropological Museum on Curacao (NAAM).
Once back on St. Maarten, the registration of the returned material can then be done here with the cooperation of the St. Maarten Museum and the St. Maarten Archeological Center (SIMARC).
"St. Maarten participated in a meeting in March of this year on Curacao organized by NAAM where focus was placed on the implications the constitutional changes of all of the islands will have on the management of the cultural resources of the Netherlands Antilles and in particular on the cultural heritage of the individual islands," Buncamper-Molanus said.
"There were several points of views exchanged on issues such as sharing of knowledge, educational projects and archeological research between the islands. The one thing I believe which was made clear was that historical artifacts belonging to the islands that were shipped to Curacao at some point in time in the past, should be returned to the island. I am extremely pleased that our artifacts will soon be back home where our people and most importantly our children can study, learn, embrace, respect and own significant parts of their history," the Commissioner added.
The artifacts that will be returned were identified by Dr. Jay Haviser of SIMARC at the NAAM facility. They include: artifacts from Cupecoy Bay and Hope Estate, several from Fort Amsterdam including 1 cannon and 1 cannon carriage with two wheel sets, and general surveys of St. Maarten (Belvedere and other areas).
Philipsburg:--- Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus opened a four-day workshop on Protocol training for select members of the Island Government apparatus yesterday morning.
The workshop will provide training on Etiquette, Protocol, and the organization of meetings, receptions, luncheons, dinners, and study visits.
Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus explained how and why this protocol training came about, namely, that she was impressed by the reception she received from the Protocol department when she traveled to the Netherlands some months back.
"I inquired about having such training in St. Maarten, and within some months, it was made possible," Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said. "I want to thank you for being here. And this training is actually a prelude to St. Maarten becoming a separate country."
"Do enjoy the course and take advantage of the knowledge being provided."
The four days of training in Protocol is conducted by Miss Marleen de Groot, International Relations Department for the City of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Miss De Groot has been working in the field since 1987.
On the first day, the participants were informed about Etiquette, dress code, table manners, and seating plans.
Day two will be on Protocol, and the Decoration system. On Thursday, there will be more on Protocol and organizing of luncheon, dinners, receptions, and meetings.
On Friday, the workshop will be about how to organize a foreign visit, Project management, and how to work with the press.
(GIS)

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of Finance Roy Marlin yesterday distributed the booklet for the 2009 budget to the media, which he said, is ready. Already St. Maarten has submitted the quarterly figures to the CFT, which Marlin said is acceptable. Marlin who would no longer be part of the executive council now that the Democratic Party has lost its majority said that there is 61 million guilders as reserve in the government coffers and he hopes there would not be a spending spree when the new government takes office. The finance commissioner said that over the years they managed to build up the cash money that would be at government's disposal. Marlin said even though he fully believes that every responsible government should have at least six months of its operating cost set aside they have come along way.
The finance commissioner said when the Democratic Party took office in 1999 the coffers of the island government were depleted and they were forced to ask the banks to give them overdrafts so that they can at least pay their monthly bills. He said this took a lot of work on the part of the island government to constantly convince these banks to assist them at the end of each month to make ends meet in shouldering their operating costs. He said the monthly operating cost stands at about 22 millions guilders monthly. He said he sincerely hoped that this money would not be depleted now that there would be a change in government. Marlin said during the early 90"s there was monies in the government coffers but by the end of that term the monies disappeared and the governor had to intervene and manage finances of government.
Marlin said based on the amount of monies they were able to build up showed that there is a sound financial management in place and the CFT is satisfied with the island's performance.
Even though the monies in the bank is not enough or what it should be government no longer has to constantly be looking at overdrafts Marlin said. Furthermore, St. Maarten he said can now borrow monies via the CFT while the finance department is busy preparing the documents for the pre-financed projects that stands at 28 million guilders. The projects he said involves Back Street 1 and 2, Festival City and others. He said that right now they are working together with the CFT and the Central Bank to spread the financing for the projects a bit longer with a lower interest rate of about 4%.
Marlin further explained that it is important he give clarity to the people regarding the budget and the amount of monies that would be at the disposal of the new executive council.
Marigot: --- The gendarmes have arrested three persons who violently robbed a man that was at the Match Howel Center on Saturday last week.
Two of the suspects were transferred to Guadeloupe one age 20 and the other 17, while authorities released the third suspect a 16 year old. The trio robbed the man of his monies and cellular phone.
The gendarmes are also investigating the apparent robbery of the Adidas Store that is located in the West Indies Mall. In a press release, the gendarmes reported that robbers rammed a car into the mall on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. The investigation is ongoing, no information as to what has been stolen has been released.
Philipsburg- Leader of Government and Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, says she is very pleased with the success booked by the St. Maarten Institute of Technology & Hospitality (SMITH).
SMITH's 2009 Work Based Training Program officially began recently for the SPRING 2009 semester. Sixteen students, pursuing an SBO diploma at the Institute in the area of Computer Service Assistant, Business Administrative Assistant or Secretarial Assistant, began their first semester of SBO Work Based Training at thirteen different companies.
"The preliminary feedback received by SMITH's Work Based Training Coordinator, from the majority of the businesses, regarding the black and gold professionally uniformed trainees, has been very satisfactory." stated SMITH's Education Coordinator Sidonia Hodge-Lacorbiniere.
Prior to participating in the Work Based Training each student was required to successfully complete SMITH's Skills Training Program, be making satisfactory progress in the relevant SBO courses and successfully pass a readiness evaluation by the Institute's facilitators and coordinators.
The Work Based Training is in an integral part of the practical training of each participant. It takes place throughout the duration of the three, two year, SBO programs stated above. During the first year of enrolment in the SBO program, the Work Based Training will be conducted two days per week and will increase to three days per week in the second year of training.
The opportunities to intern at various cooperating businesses provides each participant with valuable experience that reinforces the various skills being learnt at the Institute, exposes the student to hands on experience that can only be gleaned in the labour market and enhances their future employability. It also provides the cooperating businesses with trainees who are capable of taking on increased levels of responsibility and autonomy, during the two year period and a pool of potentially new employees.
During the Spring of 2009 and Fall of 2009, the Work Based Training will be conducted for two days a week for a twelve week and a sixteen week period respectively.
"SMITH Institute is very appreciative of the cooperation received from the various cooperating businesses, which include Marshal Motors, Telem, Le Grand Marche, Prime, Windward Islands Bank, Carl's and Son's, the Island Government of St. Maarten, Heineken, Pelican Resort, Oyster Bay, Rainbow Grocery, and WINAIR." stated Education Coordinator Sidonia Hodge-Lacorbiniere.
"SMITH was established to create an opportunity for those who didn't get to complete their education. The nation's young people are the hope of the St. Maarten nation. I am very pleased with what SMITH has been able to achieve so far and I am very pleased with the support of the business community as well. With the cooperation, and hard work of all stakeholders, we will continue to take this nation forward," Commissioner for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service.
(GIS)
Philipsburg:--- Former head of VROM Delano Richardson had yet another victory against the island government yesterday. Richardson filed a civil case against the Island Government after they fired him from his job when the developer of Blue Mall Louis Goya provided them with a tape claiming that Richardson was trying to extort monies out of him in exchange for his building permit.
The court ruled that the Island Government did not provide sufficient documents and or evidence to prove that Richardson was involved in any type of corruption. The judge in his ruling gave Richardson the option to provide the island government with a proposal instead of him going back to work since their is an investigation presently taking place at the department of ROB/VROM. Should the island government disagree with the proposal provided by Richardson the judge would give his final ruling in two weeks.
Delano Rihcardson was fired by the Lt. Governor and Island Secretary in January after the businessman submitted the tape to Governor Richards. Goya taped Richardson when they met one Saturday evening to discuss business.
By Dawn Marie Roper, Writer (Panos Caribbean)
Minister Olivia Grange, Minister of Youth, Sport & Culture, holds a copy of Jamaica's draft Sexual Harassment Policy, as she addresses the Bureau of Women's Affairs sexual harassment forum held recently in Kingston.
Kingston, (Panos): Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Olivia Grange, has indicated that Jamaica's draft National Sexual Harassment Policy should be passed within the 2009-2010 financial year.
"People do not know how to report sexual harassment or where to seek redress. This policy will be a guide to other organisations in creating their own sexual harassment policies," said Grange, whose ministry has direct responsibility for Women & Gender Affairs. "We intend that this legislation is passed within this financial year."
Grange was addressing a full auditorium of government workers and officials, business people, NGO representatives, representatives from women's organisations, community groups and the media at a Sexual Harassment Sensitisation Forum in Kingston recently.
Minister Grange held the draft Sexual Harassment Policy high and explained that it was a step towards sexual harassment legislation in Jamaica.
In Jamaica many people do not know how to define sexual harassment, let alone report it. As a daily part of living females endure lascivious looks, comments and gestures from men they know and total strangers.
Some people see nothing wrong with pinching or caressing another person as an expression of admiration whether the targets of their admiration welcome the attention or not.
In the workplace stories of male and female bosses who sexually harass their subordinates are common. The workplace victims are pressured to submit to unwelcome advances or risk demotion and job loss. Sexual harassment at work also plays out in subtle ways. The display of nude pictures, sexually suggestive graphics on coffee mugs and the computer, although inappropriate, are common. Many people see nothing harmful in these things.
"Any conduct of a sexual nature that is un-welcome or uncomfortable to the victim is sexual harassment," explains Mrs. Faith Webster, Executive Director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs. She was speaking at a Sexual Harassment Sensitisation Forum in Kingston put on recently by the Bureau of Women's Affairs.
In a recent release the Bureau of Women's Affairs said that sexual harassment in private and in public has become a "disturbing problem" in Jamaica. At the forum Mrs. Webster explained that sexual harassment is widespread and occurs across all social strata and age groups. Victims are mostly female, but reports of male victims are on the increase. This was also true for same sex harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of gender violence.
In response to this problem the Bureau of Women's Affairs has created a Sexual Harassment Policy for Jamaica. This national policy will address sexual harassment in workplaces, institutions and rented accommodation. The policy addresses issues such as an organisation's liability for sexual harassment and the fair treatment of both victims and perpetrators. In a 2005 survey the Bureau of Women's Affairs found that of 44 organisations surveyed only 5 had any sexual harassment policy. None of the 5 organisations were from the government sector.
Senator Dwight Nelson, Minister of National Security, also addressed the forum. He supported the speedy enactment of sexual harassment legislation in Jamaica, pointing out that sexual harassment is a public health issue.
"Jamaica's health services are unduly burdened because of violence against women."
He also pointed to the ingrained nature of sexual harassment in Jamaica.
"Many "big men" in Jamaica were brought up to believe that they should not sow their wild oats outside. But they were encouraged to use their domestic helpers," he said.
Sexual harassment by definition is also a misuse of power, as Hilary Nicholson, Co-ordinator or Women's Media Watch pointed out. "Unless we understand the power relations in our society it is impossible to understand sexual harassment," says Nicholson.
Attendees at the forum wanted to know about any plans to address sexual harassment in public. Dr. Eileen Boxill, Attorney-at-Law pointed out that sexual harassment in public would not be easy to prosecute.
"It presents some gray areas that might not fit comfortably in legislation." However, she added that in some cases sexual harassment sanctions might exist in criminal law, for example indecent assault.
The sexual harassment forum marked the closing session of a national project to reduce violence against women. The project which was funded by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) involved months of training and sensitisation programmes for Jamaican government workers and human resource practitioners.
(End/01/06/2009Panos)
Marigot: --- Heavy traffic backed up bumper to bumper on Rue de Hollande on Wednesday morning due to repair work being done at the round about. The Rue de Hollande main road was closed without notification to road users which caused bumper to bumper traffic. This however, caused several media personalities to wonder where the staffs of the communications department of the COM. are
Already we know of at least two European journalists who are working there that have some knowledge on the importance of communication however; they seem to be missing in action while collecting huge salaries out of tax payer's monies to do practically nothing. One of the journalists who were working for the bi-weekly newspaper on the French side of the island eventually sent out a press release on Wednesday afternoon indicating that Rue de Hollande was closed. For this person's information the damage was already done and he believes the government information service works like the newspaper by putting out the information after the fact and not before. Our suggestion to the President of the COM is to send this young man on some sort of training so he can at least know the government and the private sector does not operate the same way.
Some of our colleagues in the media have said the staff of the communication department would appear in the two's and three's to cover one assignment yet they do not send out releases on the events, some said when the communiqué is sent out by one particular staff member it is only sent to his former place of employment.
SMN News also understands that at least three of the staff from the communications department of the COM attended the SMART trade show opening reception with their boyfriends and girlfriends. It was reported that these so called civil servants were having a good time eating and drinking alcohol on the opening night of the SMART tradeshow which was held for the first time on the French side. One would expect that the COM would have done its best to promote the French side of the island so that the hotels as well the other sectors on the French side would attract more business.
According to one journalist the employees of the communication department were only focussing on the best wines and food that was available that night and not the news. It is also said that it seems because those people's bread is well buttered they don't care whether or not the French side remains a ghost town.

Philipsburg- Governor Franklyn Richards Chairman of the Island's Disaster Emergency Management Organization, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), would like to commend the Belvedere Homeowners and Tenants Association (BHOTA) for organizing what has been termed a successful clean-up of its district in preparation for the 2009 hurricane season.
BHOTA was assisted by a number of other community organizations with the clean-up that included the clearing of drains, removal of debris, car wrecks and the collection of 115 garbage bags of household debris.
Governor Richards is appealing to community organizations and councils in other districts to take the same initiative by cleaning up their neighborhoods.
"We are now in the hurricane season. Residents are urged to make appropriate preparations. Even though hurricane forecasters are predicting a near normal 2009 hurricane season, it only takes one hurricane to do damage and make it a bad season for the island.
"Preparations for a hurricane are not only an individual effort, but a collective one. A hurricane does not hit St. Peters and leave Simpson Bay unscathed. The entire island is impacted. It's better to prepare early.
"It becomes stressful to wait until the last minute to prepare for a hurricane. To avoid this, start preparing from now," Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Friday.
James is also looking to meet with the President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Frantz Gumbs where he would be sharing his concerns which concerns hatred, resentment and mostly importantly on how to fight crime.

CUL DE SAC: --- Supporters of the National Alliance as well Commissioner Theo Heyliger came out in numbers to witness the historic signing of the declaration and political agreement at the Emilio Wilson Park on Saturday afternoon. Among them were the uncles of Heyliger, Willy Haize and several well known supporters of the Democratic Party.
The agreement was named the Emilio Wilson Historical Declaration, and was signed by leader of the National Alliance William Marlin and Independent member of the island council Theo Heyliger.
The new leader of government will be William Marlin while the deputy leader Theo Heyliger. Marlin would also be the chairman of the leadership conference.
The National Alliance also introduced the new executive council which consists of five commissioners who would be sworn in on Moday June 8. They are Frans Richardson who would be holding the economic affairs and tourism portfolio, William Marlin will be responsible for constitutional affairs, education and housing, Hyacinth Richardson would be handling labour, Xavier Blackman is going to be in charge of Finance and Theo Heyliger will hold all the portfolios he handled previously which included environment and ROB.
George Pantophlet will be returning as an Island Council member while he would also be taking up one of the senate seats which were vacated by Marlin and Richardson, also going to parliament to occupy the other senate seat is Rudolph Samuel, while Patrick Illidge would be the new State Secretary for Health.

After the signing, Commissioner Theo Heyliger in his short speech said it took him sometime to make up his mind to leave the Democratic Party but he did so in the interest of the people of St. Maarten who elected him to work for them. He said over the past days a lot of discussions and negotiation took place which led to the agreement that was signed. Heyliger publicly thanked the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin who called him and invited him to begin the negotiations. "As far as I can remember I was on the opposite side of the National Alliance and other political parties that Marlin was on. Despite that I also had the opportunity to work with Marlin in 1995 during the DP/ SPA coalition government." Heyliger further explained that he is eagerly looking forward to be the deputy leader of government, one of the things he could not have said in 1995.In 1995 Heyliger was the highest vote getter but the DP leader had failed to recognize that back then. Heyliger also welcomed the other three junior commissioners and vowed to support them in the future.
"Walking in here today felt a little bit different since I was member of the Democratic Party for the past 39 years, since I was born, so it did take me sometime to make this decision which I did in the interest of the people of St. Maarten". Heyliger said he was elected to serve the people and that is what he intend to continue doing with the grace of the new government in place.
Heyliger told the gathering that he listened well and he also recognized that his grandfather late Dr. Claude Wathey started out politics in the National Party (NVP), and it should not surprise anyone that he the grandson signed an agreement with the National Alliance.
Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin in his speech thanked his supporters who came out to witness the formation of the new government. Marlin also thanked Heyliger for answering his phone call. He considered the formation of the new government as the ‘dawn of a new day" and a new beginning for the people of St. Maarten. Marlin said he worked with Heyliger in the executive council for two years and he saw the work he did then and that which he is doing now. He said now that the two are on the same side in government they stand in threshold of a complete new beginning for the entire St. Maarten. Marlin said the negotiations on the governing accord is not over yet and the agreement signed on Saturday is only the political agreement. He said in the next few days they will put in place their governing program. He said even though this program will not have a lifespan of four years they hope to put St. Maarten beyond the 21st century. Marlin said this new government will make the constitutional process their priority so that they can execute the people's wishes. He said he knew the battle would be an uphill one since many in Hague has been saying St. Maarten is not ready. However, with the new team and the help of Minister of Constitutional Affairs Roland Duncan they would prove those in The Hague wrong.
Marlin said choosing the Emilio Wilson Park for the signing of the agreement was not a coincidence however; it is to show that this new government will be preserving the park as a historical park for the island's people.
The new leader of government (to be) said that they also heard the cries of the teachers particularly those in public education. Marlin said in the very near future they intends to meet with these teachers, he also made clear that the meeting will not only be about just talking instead they would be seeking solutions for public education together.
Marlin said they also heard the cries of the environmental groups and they intend take their cries seriously because the island's future belongs to everyone. He said the new government intends to dialogue with the people so that the island can move forward and be that strong Caribbean nation it ought to be.
Marlin also thanked independent member of the island council Louie Laveist who did not attend the ceremony. He said Laveist said the new government will get his full support but they would not be seeing much of him for now. Marlin said Laveist would be spending most of his time preparing his defense in his criminal case.
He also gave brief introduction of Xavier Blackman, the new finance commissioner whom he said was born in Saba but he spent 22 years of his life in Holland where he studied and worked. He said Blackman served in several high ranking positions in Saba and he is the director of KPMG St. Maarten. Blackman he said was also working closely with the island government.
Marlin in a twist said that the island government did mention they have 61 million guilders in their coffers but somehow they forgot to mention the amount of debts the island government has, thus the National Alliance would not be holding any parties to celebrate the historical moment. Marlin called on his supporters to come out on Monday at the Clem Labega Square and support the new government.
A large crowd gathered to spectate the incident about 5 p.m.
Hundreds of people converged on a section of Hillsborough Street Monday afternoon to see what many claimed to be a superstitious phenomena taking place in the vicinity of Scotiabank.
An elderly woman and a female public servant were reportedly seen standing face to face since about midday.
According to reports, the public servant claimed that the elderly woman is a 'soucouyant' or witch and this is why she did not want to pass on her left side.
It is believed in Dominica folktales that if a woman is a soucouyant, no matter what the circumstances, she will not pass on the left side of a passerby.
Dominica Online News
PHILIPSBURG - The Board of Directors, Management, Staff and Students of the University of St. Martin (USM) on Tuesday publically thanked three contributors to the fundraising efforts.
The three contributors are AFOO GROUP OF COMPANIES, BALLERINA JEWELERS, AND THE DR. A.C. WATHEY CRUISE FACILITIES. These are the first companies to be publicly thanked and more are expected to follow.
These companies each donated US$20,000, as Classroom Sponsors last year, to USM during its fundraising drive where some $1.8 million in donation and pledges were received. These funds are being used in the construction of the upper floor of USM and efforts to obtain accreditation.
In a ceremony on Monday, January 26, 2009 plaques were placed on the doors of classrooms 110 for Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Facilities, Classroom 103 for the Afoo Group of companies, and Classroom 104 for Ballerina Jewelers. These plaques, while honoring the sponsors, are designed to remind student of the generous contribution by these sponsors.
Present for the plaque unveiling were Ballerina Jewelers representative Peter Mirpuri, Afoo Group of Companies representative Fanny Cheng, and Michel Soons from the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Facilities as well as USM President Josianne Fleming and Board Members Lockie Johnson, Danny Ramchandani, Valerie Giterson Pantophlet. The Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Ron Pribble, Chief Financial Officer Ken Nolan, and other invited guests were also present.
The recently added second floor at USM, which includes more classrooms and office space, is complete. Currently, particulars for the office space are being added. The aim is to have all the classrooms and office spaces ready for the upcoming 2009-2010 academic school year.
Other USM Classroom Sponsors include ACE Mega Center, American University of the Caribbean, Krebbers Associates N.V., Le Grand Marche, Nordic Fish Company N.V., Philipsburg Liquor Store, Regina Buncamper, Senator and Mrs. Edward Brooke, the Ramchandani family, and the University of the Virgin Islands.
USM, which was founded in 1989, is the island's only tertiary institution offering associate, and bachelor degrees and one master's degree.
Philipsburg: --- The immigration department is planning to enforce the law against persons who are looking to retrieve their down payments prior to leaving St. Maarten.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said several persons have been trying to trick and abuse the system by sending other persons to transact their business with a power of attorney. The police spokesman said anyone who intends to approach the department has to prove the actual resident who is looking to retrieve their monies has already left the island. He said the law clearly states that anyone wishing to leave St. Maarten permanently has to transact their own affairs at the immigration department prior to leaving the island.
Philipsburg: --- Police on Thursday arrested three more local men for their involvement in the killing of Marco Beaumont. Beaumont was killed on May 1st during the carnival parade.
The three arrested on Thursday were identified as J.R.R 30 years old born on St. Maarten H.B.D 28 years old born on St Maarten and T.E.M 31 years old also a native of St. Maarten.
The three well known young men were arrested while driving in a vehicle on A.T. Illidge Road. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard confirmed the arrest. Leonard said an arrest warrant were out for all three of the suspects who were taken into custody. So far police arrested eight people in the slaying of Beaumont, one of which was later released.
Beaumont was shot to death on May 1 during the carnival and Labour Day parade. The incident took place at a house in Sao Paolo road Union Farm.

Philipsburg: -- Six P&c ASVE coaches received their certificate of achievement yesterday. They are ready to work with the Quality Card P&cASVE in their school/institute. School boards-and management where eager
Preparatory& Advanced Secondary Vocational Education Schools and institutes who received the self-evaluation instrument are SIFMA (training for day care group leader), SXM Academy (Vocational department), St. Maarten Vocational Training School, Milton Peter's College TKL, PBL and SBO, Sundial and SMITH; Sint Maarten Institute for Technology and Hospitality.
Management agreements on implementation were formalized with School Boards. With the finalizing of the instrument it is now in the hands of the school boards to ensure the use of this especially for their schools developed self-evaluation instrument. As mr. Rogers from SVOBE (MPC& Sundial) remarked: ‘Quality of Education is our top priority, we will guarantee this instrument will be implemented in our schools'. Most schools decided to integrate the use of the instrument in their year planning.

Director of The Ministry of Education Windward Islands Ms. M. Hazel also received the Quality Card P&AVE and its guideline. She was enthusiastic about the initiative, the development process and the outcome. She especially applauded the involvement of the school boards and their commitment to implement this instrument in their schools as part of their internal Quality Care structure.
For more information, please contact DERPI (5420164), Service centre SBO or Vanderzwan Educational Research& Development (
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Philipsburg: -- Due to an erroneous article published by the Today Newspaper about the camera surveillance system last week. Members of the media were given detail information on the contract that was signed by the Chamber of Commerce and Liberty Consultants on the intended Camera Surveillance Systems.
President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty as well as members of Liberty Consultants namely former Prosecutor Johan De Vreeze and Jack De Groot outlined their plans on the camera surveillance system they are working on.
Even though the cost of the project which is aimed at providing Safety and Security for the island is not yet known the consultants are trying to cover every aspect of the project before trying to sell the project. One of those aspects is to make sure there is an ordinance on the people’s privacy something politicians on St. Maarten would be called to work on and execute. Government would also have to come up with information on what are public and private domains, and most importantly ways of funding the project.
Carty said the contract signed in November to the tune of Naf. 144,000 and a 10% deposit were paid to Liberty to conduct its research.
When the research is completed and the report on the entire project is completed if accepted by all stakeholders then the bidding process can begin. However, the research would take at least three more months before Liberty can deliver their ideas and research on paper.
The intention of the parties or Chamber of Commerce is to sell the idea to the Executive Council of St. Maarten and other stakeholders to whom they are looking forward to for financing, input and support.
Carty said the Chamber of Commerce has no intentions of stopping what they started with their crime task force. He said even though the Indian Merchants Association has one such committee in place they would cooperate with efforts but would not throw out the ideas of the Chamber.
Giving some background information he said he was eager to have cameras placed all over the island to combat crime and he realized there was more to it than hanging up cameras. Carty said a project of such magnitude also takes a lot of time since they are also dependent on third parties.
He said some of the things needed for these projects are money and time and if the island government is not going to give them their blessings then they would have to pull the plug on the project. “We are not going to take responsibility for a project that might fail for the lack of support and maintenance. This project when completed would be providing safety and security for everyone this is the reason why the entire community should embrace it.” Carty said their focus is to get everyone in the philosophy. He made clear this project is not for the Chamber Commerce instead they are just the vehicle of the project which includes the pre-financing of the kickoff.
Carty said they are expected to meet with the new executive council in the very near future where they would give the elected officials a first hand view of the project in the making. While the Camera Surveillance System is an idea invented by the Chamber of Commerce this is not a project the Chamber wants to shoulder alone neither does Liberty Consulting. He said both the success and failure of the project would depend on the contribution given to it by the public. Carty said the only way they would be able to sell the project is if is accepted and successful. Asked how they plan to finance the project he said there are several ways to ROME.
He felt that they need to begin thinking outside of the box when asked if they would consider applying to USONA. The Chamber President said there are a number of cruise lines coming to St. Maarten and are bringing their passengers here and surely they may want to consider financing the project for their passenger safety. Another idea is to contact the bankers association and even homeland security if needed. He said the consultants has to first figure out the cost to maintain such project which includes manpower, insurances, as well as their project room.
In outlining the project De Groot in his power point presentation said they are looking at the side effects as well as the advantages of the installation of such a system.
GREAT BAY (GIS)— On Monday June 15th, in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall, the Executive Council was briefed on Governmental and organizational matters at the Government Administration Building.
Members of the Executive Council present were Commissioners William Marlin, Xavier Blackman, Frans Richardson, and Theo Heyliger, who listened attentively and asked questions accordingly.
As the top civil servant within Government the Island Secretary Joan Dovale-Meit, extended a warm greeting to the new Executive Council members and explained in short what the civil service has been busy with and the future organizational developments, including some challenges and critical issues.
Members of management team including Directors and Department Heads gave presentations on their Sectors or Directorates, from their tasks and responsibilities to their mission statements and current developments. The line up of presentations was as follows:
1. A comprehensive overview of Government, its Procedures and Processes
2. An introduction to Governmental Organizational Structure & an Introduction to Management of Operations
3. Presentations on the activities of the Island Secretariat, Directorate of Programs and Projects, Management Support Services, Management Resources, ROB: Environment Development & Property Management, Directorate of Education, Directorate of Economy & Tourism and Directorate of Health Care and Social Development Affairs.
In addition to presentations by Directors, there were presentations by the Government Information Service / Protocol, Disaster management on the functioning of Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and an update on Constitutional matters by Project Director Dennis Richardson.
GREAT BAY --- St. Maarten has joined the other parts of the world by recording its first confirmed case of the H1NI swine flu. The first case of H1N1 flu has been reported on St. Maarten and the public is urged to use preventative measures to combat the illness.
On June 12, 2009, Sector Public Health, Social Development and Labor received a call from a family physician indicating that a person departed the island on June 6th, 2009 and is quarantine in Japan on June 11th, 2009 is confirmed with H1N1.
Based on this report and a number of flu cases on the AUC (American University of the Caribbean) premises, the Preventive Health department executed a follow-up, whereby a team of registered nurses visited the university to identify persons who had flu-like symptoms and who have had contact with the confirmed case of H1N1 and/or who have traveled in the past 7 to 10 days. During this follow-up, one sample was collected and sent to Rotterdam. The person was advised to remain at home which is located somewhere on the French side of the island.
On June 16th the National Epidemiologist Dr. Izzy Gertzenbluth reported to the Director of Sector Public Health, Social Development and Labor that the sample is confirmed. The patient and her room mate received Tami-flu. At this point in time, the AUC will remain open.
The Preventive Health Department continues to monitor the development of the situation at American University of the Caribbean.
The Preventive Health Department urges persons, who are experiencing flu-like symptoms and have traveled to or arrived from countries other than Mexico and the USA within 7-10 days, or has had contact with a confirmed H1N1 patient to stay at home and call their physician or the Preventive Health Department at 5422078 or 5423003 or 5204523. Visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int for more information on Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
The Netherlands Antilles has expanded the case definition to include the USA as well as Mexico or who has had contact with a confirmed H1N1 patient.
CASE DEFINITION:
A suspected case of H1N1 is defined as a fever and respiratory illness (ARI) case with recent travel to an affected area (for the Dutch Side it is Mexico and the United States of America). Who have had contact with a confirmed H1N1 case or had close contact with a person with a history of travel to an affected area within 7-10 days of onset of symptoms.
On June 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.
More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.
WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die from novel H1N1 infection. Experience with this virus so far is limited and influenza is unpredictable. However, because novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against novel H1N1 virus.
In the United States, most people who have become ill with the newly declared pandemic virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment, however, CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this pandemic in the coming days and weeks. In addition, this virus could cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths in the fall and winter during the U.S. influenza season.
Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus, but it may also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth. Novel H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
The first novel H1N1 patient in the United States was confirmed by laboratory testing at CDC on April 15, 2009. The second patient was confirmed on April 17, 2009. It was quickly determined that the virus was spreading from person-to-person. On April 22, CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to better coordinate the public health response. On April 26, 2009, the United States Government declared a public health emergency and has been actively and aggressively implementing the nation’s pandemic response plan.
Since the outbreak was first detected, an increasing number of U.S. states have reported cases of novel H1N1 influenza with associated hospitalizations and deaths. By June 3, 2009, all 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were reporting cases of novel H1N1 infection. While nationwide U.S. influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall influenza activity is decreasing in the country at this time, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense activity.
CDC is continuing to watch the situation carefully, to support the public health response and to gather information about this virus and its characteristics. The Southern Hemisphere is just beginning its influenza season and the experience there may provide valuable clues about what may occur in the Northern Hemisphere this fall and winter.
Case of Influenza A (H1N1)
Person with acute lower respiratory tract illness of abrupt onset, characterized by:
• fever (temperature >38 C); and
• sore throat; and
• cough; and/or
• dyspnoea (difficult or labored breathing);
AND one or more of the following:
a) Recent travel to Mexico or the United States (within seven days prior to the onset of symptoms);
b) Having been in contact within seven days prior to the onset of symptoms with
person(s) suspected or confirmed with Novel Influenza A (H1N1).
It is advisable to immediately implement preventive measures at your establishment such as:
1. Washing hands. Washing hands often help protect a person from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner/sanitizer. It is recommended that when you wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds.
2. Persons should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
3. Dispose used tissue properly in the waste baskets and wash hands thereafter.
4. Frequently disinfect hard useable surfaces such as door knobs, counter tops, desks, phones etc.
5. Provide napkins, hand sanitizers on a regular basis for your staff and clientele.
6. Avoid close contact with sick persons diagnosed with H1N1.
7. Persons who have flu-like symptoms and have traveled in the last 7 to 10 days should stay at home and immediately contact their general practitioner/physician or the Public Health Department.
8. Diagnosed person should stay indoors and protect his/her family & colleagues.
Philipsburg: --- President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty personally delivered a copy of the report from the economic summit to commissioner of economic affairs Frans Richardson.
Richardson promised to begin working on the document to bring about much needed relief to the economy of St. Maarten.
By Rawle Nelson.
Airport:---Windward Islands Airways International N.V (Winair) is set to re-launch it website with new and improved features in the coming week. This is according to the company’s Vice President / Director of Marketing and Sales, Claudio Buncamper. He noted that the new platform is “part of a broader range of services which the airline intends to provide with the view of remaining competitive in a shrinking market.
The website is also geared towards keeping members, customers and visitors to the site effectively informed and sensitized on a number of development and happenings within the company according to Buncamper.
He pointed out that the new website is being funded by the company and will be a more enhanced and state of the art website while it will provide users with information on the range of services which Winair proposes to offer and will also provide “a platform on which members can garner information and news relating to the company and or its customers.
Buncamper pointed out that the site is being designed with the view of improving and increasing its marketing scope as the company explores other areas in making monies.
Buncamper in an interview with the media pointed out that with the decrease in the public travelling, It is imperative for any airline contenders who are very serious in terms of ensuring that its customers and staff are properly informed ought to have an interactive website as it will also aid in accelerating economic activity for the company.
“I have to point out that we have assumed such an initiative because of our strong and frank conviction that Winair has been limping along while it sought to compete fiercely with a number of other bigger airline companies. We can no longer view this company as being small as we are afforded the marketing and communication techniques that other companies make full and beneficial use of,” he said.
Buncamper pointed out that the website initiative can be seen as the start of a process through which the airline is strongly seeking to reinvent itself,” the VP / Director of Marketing and Sales said.
He added that the airline has some very serious and firm concerns regarding a number of issues and therefore with the establishment of this new relook site, a number of key issues would be addressed.
And according to Buncamper Winair is particularly concerned about the role that its website can play in enhancing the capacity of the airline company which has been in establishment since 1961
Buncamper pointed out that with the current global financial crisis making its impact felt throughout the globe significantly, his company continues to explore avenues and ways in bringing more value and service to its clients at an affordable price.
“In recent months we have been paying a significant amount of interest to the effective role that the website can play in continuing to promote the airline as the ideal mean of traveling from one destination to another.
Winair is requesting all passengers traveling on our services to use our website as their avenue to purchase their tickets for any future flights. The website will offer 24/7 reservations and ticketing capabilities and would offer the best prices available. In the coming months the website will have further enhancements which will allow passengers to put bookings on hold and pay at our sales office, clients will be able to pay with a Maestro card, Clients will be able to make changes to their reservations online and also will be able to Check-In online
Winair will introduce a 2 day website only sale. Fares will be as low as US$ 30.00 one way on select destinations and will be valid for travel until September 30, 2009. Visit www.fly-winair.com for further information.
Philipsburg: --- The Federal Detectives have intensified their investigations into the extortion case against theVROM head Delano Richardson. SMN News understands that the detectives were on the island last week and they questioned the director of ROB Joseph Dollison.
The source said Dollison was questioned on the issuance of building permits at his office. It is said the detectives are also interested in speaking to Claudius Buncamper who is presently off island. Buncamper also works in the same department that handles the issuance of building permits. SMN News understands the senior civil servant is expected to be back at work on Monday.
The prosecutor’s office searched the home of Richardson on 18th December the same day he was relieved from his job after a developer Luis Goia supplied the island Lt. Governor with a letter and tape claiming that Richardson was trying to extort monies from him in exchange for a building permit.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed the detectives were on island and they did speak with Dollison. Stein said he does not know if the investigators would be speaking with Buncamper, however, he did not rule out the possibility that Buncamper maybe a witness in the case.
In the meantime, the investigations conducted by SOAB are now over and an interim report is now with the executive council.
SOAB was mandated to conduct two assignments from the former executive council regarding the application and issuance of building permits.
In the interim report, SMN News understands that the executive council is advised to hire someone else who has never worked at the department to bring about order. It has been determined that the Director of ROB Joseph Dollison and his assistant Claudius Buncamper have no control over the day to day management of the sector and they should no longer be working in that department.
Furthermore, the department is in chaos, the inspectors even found files in the toilet some of which were destroyed with water. Also astonishing is that some of the files the SOAB were looking for mysteriously disappeared.
SOAB finds there is no clarity in the job description given to the director Joseph Dollison especially when it comes to the dossiers that are under the value of Naf. 500.000. While this is the rule the director should follow it is said that nothing of this nature is clearly outlined on paper. Meaning that the executive council never gave Dollison his directive on paper outlining his job description as director of ROB, it was also discovered that both Dollison and is assistant Buncamper has signed permits with a much higher value. The SOAB found several files, which should have been signed off by the executive council, were signed off by the acting director of ROB.
The inspectors also found files that were botched by those working in the department. Another blatant fact is that several civil servants working in the department were conducting private work for developers. One such person who was making electrical plans was the former head of the inspections department since this civil servant earns more money with his side job than he does as a civil servant.
A situation that clearly shows there is a conflict of interest with the side jobs and the government function. Civil servants also act as advisors to the developers, for example, they advised the Blue Mall developer to cover at least two floors of his building with mud so it would not count as floors; another clear indication of conflict of interest. Several files were taken away from the regular staff and were handled by the director and his assistant. One such file is the Travel Inn that was signed by Claudius Buncamper, the original copy of the permit could not be found. The inspectors of SOAB also found that the department of inspection is willfully left out of the process, since they receive directives from Dollison and Buncamper.
Another hindrance found at ROB is the lack of sufficient staff that is hindering the control process.
There are instances found where no building permit should have been issued and building stops should have been given. However, this was not the case as the permits were issued even though basic requirements were not met. The SOAB in their investigations found that there are several buildings that do not meet the legal standards and to date no action has been taken by ROB.
Most importantly, several files or applications for building permits were incomplete yet the permits were issued by the director or his subordinate. One such file that had several missing documents is Olzina N.V that is located in Cay Hill.
Furthermore, they discovered that the sector does not live up to the rules and regulation regarding the issuance of building permits. There are cases where the inspection of the building takes place after the permits have been issued.
It is further understood that the final report will be sent to the prosecutor’s office where a criminal investigation would begin. The information in the report issued by SOAB is comparable to the information the present executive council released while they were in opposition. Another person that shed a lot of light on the discrepancies at ROB is the former VROM head Delano Richardson.
Philipsburg: -- Police arrested a 22 year old Rasta youth identified as R.A for assaulting an elderly truck driver. The incident occurred on Tuesday on Man Chung Drive St. Peters. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said a Haitian man identified as L.O who is the driver of a flat bed truck with license plate V457 parked in the area as he was busy delivering items to the supermarket next door.
Leonard said the youth R.A came afterwards and parked behind the truck whose hand brakes was not properly up and the truck rolled backward hitting the young man’s car a red Hyundai Atos with license plate P 3341. Leonard said the vehicle was damaged to the back door and the young man R. A wanted the keys of the truck. He said when L.O refused to hand over the truck keys R.A began beating him up. To make matters worst the police spokesman said two other young men joined R.A and they beat the driver up so badly that he had to be transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center by ambulance. Leonard said when police arrived on the scene they met R.A but the two other culprits had already left the scene. Police has since arrested R.A pending the investigations while L.O was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment.
Philipsburg/ Marigot: --- Some 16 divers are expected to begin a water search for the bodily remains of Leta Lynn Cordes. Six of the divers are from the Netherlands, six from the United States of America and four from the French side will be participating in largest ever search on the French side of the island.
SMN News understands that most of the participants are on island and they are expected to hold a tripartite meeting on Thursday on the French side of the island before the searchers can begin their operation.
In a press release from the prosecutors office Prosecutor Rienk Mud said based on new information a comprehensive search will be led by the RST in order to locate the possible bodily remains of Leta Lynn Cordes.
Mud said the French and American authorities would be assisting the RST with the search, most of whom are highly trained divers, specialized in tracing and recovering bodily remains. The team of divers he said will be using advanced sonar equipments that can be applied in both deep and shallow waters.
Earlier in February this year the American friends of Leta Lyn Cordes searched the Le Galleon Beach with cadaver dogs. Among the searchers were several American media who came to cover the story of the missing woman which became international news.
Police on the Dutch side of the island arrested Frank Cordes the German husband of the Mission Viejo woman on Tuesday October 14 2008 but released him on January 26th when police could not come up with sufficient evidence to prosecute Cordes.
Even though released Frank Cordes still remains a suspect in the disappearance of his wife.
The woman went missing on January 11 2008. Her husband and his mother were the last persons who saw the woman. Cordes told police as well as the media his wife was a frequent drinker and gambler and she was drunk the night she went missing. According to Cordes his wife left on foot to go to the Westin Casino to gamble.
The Cordes who were having a rocky marriage had several arguments days prior to her disappearance. SMN News learnt that the woman and her husband along with
Cordes mother were on Grand Case Beach the same day she went missing. The couple it is said had a huge argument and Leta threatened to leave her husband.
Philipsburg: --- The boyfriend of slain Nejumbia Fleming and father of Ronelyia Fleming, Rosendo Kingsdale were heard by a French judge at the Phillipsburg Police Station on June 5th 2008. Nejumbia Fleming and her baby were murdered in her home on October 30th 2008.
Prosecutor Jacques Louvier said the judge Terrier from Basseterre came to the island to question Rosendo Kingsdale. Kingsdale was seen in the company of police officers as he arrived from Statia to the Philipsburg Station. Louvier said even though the young man was questioned by the judge no extradition was requested by the French. The local prosecutor said the French authorities are working diligently to solve the most brutal murders on the French side of the island. He said even though they have one of the suspects in detention she is not cooperating well with investigators.
The police on the Dutch side of the island arrested Kingsdale the same day the crime was committed. The young man spent a few weeks in detention but was later released when the authorities on the French side failed to provide evidence to hold him as a suspect. The French also did not submit the necessary documents to request an extradition. Also arrested that same day was a former girlfriend of Kingsdale Rochely de Windt (25) who is currently in detention in Guadeloupe.
Nejumbia Fleming died of a single gunshot wound to the head while the killers broke the neck of baby Ronelyia. The killers also set the house in which the crime took place on fire.
(CNN) -- Michael Jackson, the show-stopping singer whose best-selling albums -- including "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" -- and electrifying stage presence made him one of the most popular artists of all time, died Thursday, CNN has confirmed.
HE WAS 50.
He collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific time, suffering cardiac arrest, according to brother Randy Jackson. He died at UCLA Medical Center.
Lt. Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said an autopsy would probably be done on the singer Friday, with results expected that afternoon"Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of color," the Rev. Al Sharpton said. "To say an 'icon' would only give these young people in Harlem a fraction of what he was. He was a historic figure that people will measure music and the industry by."
Jackson's blazing rise to stardom -- and later fall from grace -- is among the most startling of show business tales. The son of a steelworker, he rose to fame as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, a band he formed with his brothers in the late 1960s. By the late '70s, as a solo artist, he was topping the charts with cuts from "Off the Wall," including "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
In 1982, he released "Thriller," an album that eventually produced seven hit singles. An appearance the next year on a Motown Records 25th-anniversary special cemented his status as the biggest star in the country.
For the rest of the 1980s, they came no bigger. "Thriller's" follow-up, 1987's "Bad," sold almost as many copies. A new Jackson album -- a new Jackson appearance -- was a pop culture event.
The pop music landscape was changing, however, opening up for rap, hip-hop and what came to be called "alternative" -- and Jackson was seen as out of step.
His next release, 1991's "Dangerous," debuted at No. 1 but "only" produced one top-ranking single -- "Black or White" -- and that song earned criticism for its inexplicably violent ending, in which Jackson was seen smashing car windows and clutching his crotch.
And then "Dangerous" was knocked out of its No. 1 spot on the album charts by Nirvana's "Nevermind," an occurrence noted for its symbolism by rock critics.
After that, more attention was paid to Jackson's private life than his music career, which faltered. A 1995 two-CD greatest hits, "HIStory," sold relatively poorly, given the huge expense of Jackson's recording contract: about 7 million copies, according to Recording Industry of America certifications.
A 2001 album of new material, "Invincible," did even worse.
In 2005, he went to trial on child-molestation charges. He was acquitted.
In July 2008, after three years away from the spotlight, Jackson announced a series of concerts at London's O2 Arena as his "curtain call." Some of the shows, initially scheduled to begin in July, were eventually postponed until 2010.
Rise to stardom
Michael Jackson was born August 29, 1958, to Joe Jackson, a Gary, Indiana, steelworker, and his wife, Katherine. By the time he was 6, he had joined his brothers in a musical group organized by his father, and by the time he was 10, the group -- the Jackson 5 -- had been signed to Motown. He made his first television appearance at age 11.
Jackson, a natural performer, soon became the group's front man. Music critic Langdon Winner, reviewing the group's first album, "Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5," for Rolling Stone, praised Michael's versatile singing and added, "Who is this 'Diana Ross,' anyway?"
The group's first four singles -- "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There" -- went to No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart, the first time any group had pulled off that feat. There was even a Jackson 5 cartoon series on ABC.
In 1972, he hit No. 1 as a solo artist with the song "Ben."
The group's popularity waned as the '70s continued, and Michael eventually went solo full time. He played the Scarecrow in the 1978 movie version of "The Wiz," and released the album "Off the Wall" in 1979. Its success paved the way for "Thriller," which eventually became the best-selling album in history, with 50 million copies sold worldwide.
At that point, Michael Jackson became ubiquitous.
Seven of "Thriller's" nine cuts were released as singles; all made the Top Ten. The then-new cable channel MTV, criticized for its almost exclusively white playlist, finally started playing Jackson's videos. They aired incessantly, including a 14-minute minimovie of the title cut. ("Weird Al" Yankovic cemented his own stardom by lampooning Jackson's song "Beat It" with a letter-perfect parody video.)
On the Motown Records' 25th-anniversary special -- a May 1983 TV extravaganza with notable turns by the Temptations, the Four Tops and Smokey Robinson -- it was Michael Jackson who stopped the show.
Already he was the most popular musician in America, riding high with "Thriller." But something about his electrifying performance of "Billie Jean," complete with the patented backward dance moves, boosted his stardom to a new level.
People copied his Jheri-curled hair and single-gloved, zippered-jacket look. Showbiz veterans such as Fred Astaire praised his chops. He posed for photos with Ronald and Nancy Reagan at the White House. Paul McCartney teamed with him on three duets, two of which -- "The Girl Is Mine" and "Say Say Say" -- became top five hits. Jackson became a Pepsi spokesman, and when his hair caught fire while making a commercial, it was worldwide news.
It all happened very fast -- within a couple years of the Motown special. But even at the time of the "Motown 25" moonwalk, fame was old hat to Michael Jackson. He hadn't even turned 25 himself, but he'd been a star for more than half his life. He was given the nickname the "King of Pop" -- a spin on Elvis Presley's status as "the King of Rock 'n' Roll" -- and few questioned the moniker.
Relentless attention
But, as the showbiz saying has it, when you're on top of the world, there's nowhere to go but down. The relentless attention given Jackson started focusing as much on his eccentricities -- some real, some rumored -- as his music.
As the Web site Allmusic.com notes, he was rumored to sleep in a hyperbaric chamber and to have purchased the bones of John Merrick, the "Elephant Man." (Neither was true.) He did have a pet chimpanzee, Bubbles; underwent a series of increasingly drastic plastic surgeries; established an estate, Neverland, filled with zoo animals and amusement park rides; and managed to purchase the Beatles catalog from under Paul McCartney's nose, which displeased the ex-Beatle immensely.
In 1990s and 2000s, Jackson found himself pasted across the media for his short-lived marriages, the first to Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie; his 2002 claim that then Sony Records head Tommy Mottola was racist; his behavior and statements during a 2003 interview with British journalist Martin Bashir done for a documentary called "Living With Michael Jackson;" his changing physical appearance; and, above all, the accusations that he sexually molested young boys at Neverland.
The first such accusation, in 1993, resulted in a settlement to the 13-year-old accuser (rumored to be as high as $20 million), though no criminal charges were filed, Allmusic.com notes.
He also fell deeply in debt and was forced to sell some of his assets. Neverland was one of many holdings that went on the block. However, an auction of material from Neverland, scheduled for April, was called off and all items returned to Jackson.
Interest in Jackson never faded, however, even if some of it was prurient. In 2008, when he announced 10 comeback shows in London, beginning in July 2009, the story made worldwide news. The number of concerts was later increased to 50.
Seventy-five thousand tickets sold in four hours when they went on sale in March.
However, when the shows were postponed until 2010, rumors swept the Internet that Jackson was not physically prepared and possibly suffering from skin cancer.
At the time, the president and CEO of AEG Live, Randy Phillips, said, "He's as healthy as can be -- no health problems whatsover." (CNN)
Philipsburg: --- Members of the Union met in two separate meetings at the parliament building on Friday with two of the three senators on St. Maarten to enlighten them on the present saga taking place with the FZOG and pensioners. The first meeting was held with Senator Erno Labega. Labega in an invited comment said that held meetings with the various unions who have concerns regarding the pensioners and their FZOG insurance. Labega said since the FZOG has transferred their administrative to SVB that seemingly is causing some problems. He said right now pensioners are paying more than they are receiving less and the employees are receiving more than the pensioners.
Labega said since the switch took place their has been an increase in the premiums for the pensioners while their benefits are decreasing. He said right now the pensioners are paying more for less benefits something that should not be or tolerated. He said the unions are also concerned about the fact that the pensioners do not enjoy the same benefits as those that are currently working. He said based on what he was made to understand is that current employees are enjoying more than pensioners who gave years of service.
Labega said that the fact FZOG transferred their administrative work to SVB is already problematic since SVB would not be able to take any decisions on their behalf. He said right now FZOG does not have a representative on St. Maarten who would be able to take decisions in the case of an emergency. Basically every decision has to be taken in Curacao, while the staff of SVB would be over burdened doing their administrative work. “One has to know FZOG is a separate funds who have their own employees in Curacao. The only common ground with this is that the director that handles SVB funds is also the director of FZOG funding.’ Labega said.
He said the intention of the unions is that they are lobbying parliament to look into this matter so that they at least have equal opportunity. The unions believe if parliament should intervene then they would be able to bring the benefits of the current and former employees even. He said the Minister of finance is expected to be in parliament next week Tuesday and the St. Maarten senators would be raising this issue with him since it is on the agenda.
He said they would be looking into raising the level of health care to that of the Netherlands based on article 43 which was signed by the Netherlands where it states that health care benefits to the signatory countries should be the same. He said the unions pointed out the health care level in the Netherlands Antilles particularly St. Maarten is at a lesser level than that of the Netherlands. Already this is raising tension in SVB because they are ones receiving the public while decisions are been taken in Curacao.
This treaty he said clearly stipulated in Article 43 that all health care benefits has to be the same, something that has already been implemented in France. Labega said this matter was raised two months ago in parliament where several unions brought forward the issue where the grievances were outlined. He said since then their has been additional grievances and the idea of the meetings were to bring all senators locally up to par.
Also meeting with the unions was senator Rudulph Samuel. Samuel just last week took over from former senator Marlin now leader of government. Samuel said his meeting was geared as fact finding mission.
GREAT BAY, – St. Maarten is being represented at the leading low cost airlines conference for the Americas. Representing St. Maarten is commissioner responsible for aviation affairs and tourism, Frans Richardson. He is joined by St. Maarten’s head of tourism, Regina Labega.
The Low Cost Airlines World Americas 2009 conference got underway on Monday morning in Coral Gables, Florida.
The conference is hailed as a forum “where innovation in the aviation sector happens” and brings together leading airline executives - many of them CEOs - from the tip of Canada to the toe of South America.
Topics being discussed include the evolving business model of a LCC (low cost carrier), route expansion into international markets -- with a focus on Latin America, optimizing sales and marketing channels and building brand loyalty, expanding smartly by analyzing route viability and what you can learn from the up-and-coming LCCs.
Considered as the sounding board helping drive the industry forward, the conference promises participants an opportunity to learn how to maximize opportunity cut costs and increase revenue.
The conference is described as the only event in the Americas to address the nuances facing low-cost, regional, charter and even legacy airlines and the industries that supply them. Participants are expected to hear about what the next 12 months hold for the industry and how to increase market share amid the blurring lines between low-cost and legacy carriers.
Just last week, the aviation and tourism commissioner hosted an introductory meeting with representatives of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (S.H.T.A.), at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg. Led by its president Emil Lee, the S.H.T.A. delegation of board members discussed topics related to the tourism authority, reallocation of the 4.1 million dollar SEI fund, labor permit policy, the economic summit, tour map, tourism budget and the environment.
GREAT BAY,– The last two laboratory samples taken on June 25 and sent to the lab in Holland for testing for the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus, have come back negative which means the persons are not infected with the influenza A H1N1 virus.
Swab samples were taken from two women who reside on the island who had recently returned from a country with laboratory confirmed cases. The two persons developed flu-like symptoms six/seven days after returning to the island. They consulted with their family physician and were treated with antiviral medication.
The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says that according to global health officials, the severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. To date the island has had seven confirmed cases who recovered fully.
The St. Maarten community has an important role to play in reducing the impact and spread of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus by being socially responsible and exercising good hygiene.
Persons with a flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.
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.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg:--After closed door meeting with members of the island council they decided to send a letter to telecommunications company Scarlet who recently won a court case to be able to open and operate business on St. Maarten.
The contents of the letter were not released, but opposition leader Sarah Wescot Williams highlighted a number of areas where she said corrections should be made before the letter is sent off.
Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation hereby announces that Saturday July 4, 2009 the Simpson Bay Bridge will open for maritime traffic at 18:00 hours PM instead of Sunday, July 5.
Beginning Sunday, July 5, 2009 the Simpson Bay Bridge daily opening hours will be the customary hours for the off-season, namely: 09:30; 11:30 and 17:30 hours for both inbound and outbound maritime traffic.
Please be advised that the outbound maritime traffic has preference over the inbound traffic. Please start transiting only after the Bridge Attendant has signaled the free passage by giving the green light for vessel traffic.
During this period the main repair work consisted of the reconditioning of the lift deck: stripping the old worn out coating, grid blasting the upper deck, welding where necessary and resurfacing the deck with epoxy and new grid slurry, including the side walks.
Underneath the bridge, the lower deck was inspected on deficiencies, corrected and repaired where necessary, hydro jetted and completely conserved by applying four different layers of epoxy and polyurethane paint.
In the last two weeks of August 2009 Hofman Sliedrecht will continue the repair works replacing the traffic barrier boxes and booms; installing new traffic lights and installing a new electrical control cabinet for the bridge.
All the repairs to the Simpson Bay Bridge are based on the recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges. They are done to ensure the durability and longevity of the Simpson Bay Bridge and to ensure the safety and security of all its users.
In August 2009 Inspectors of Rijkswaterstaat will once more asses the condition of the bridge after all the improvements and will submit a report to the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority admonishes all small craft: dinghies, tenders, kayaks, rhino riders and jet skis to use the port channel when transiting the bridge channel. Small craft are not allowed to transit the bridge channel during opening hours of the bridge.
In particular the jet skis have to lower their waterspout at all times when transiting through the port channel. Jet Ski operators should instruct their guides and renters to lower their waterspout as not to corrode the steel structures of the bridge.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority wishes to thank all pedestrians, automobilists and captains /owners of vessels for their endurance and patience caused by all the inconveniences of the repair period.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority wishes to thank all the companies that participated in the repair work at the bridge. Hofman Sliedrecht B.V. as the main contractor; Feyenoord N.V.; Carnefco N.V.;Electec N.V. SXM Marine Services N.V.; Sea Cure Marine Construction NV; William Arndell Bucket Truck Services; Windward Roads; Avalon NV; Hismar NV and Eric Dowling Inspection Services, Public works, Police Traffic Department.
For any further information please call the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority’s Collection Office at the Police Station in Simpson Bay next to the bridge at tel.no: 545 3183 or via the Police Station at tel.no: 545 5500/01/02/03/04/05 or call the Bridge Operator on VHF channel 12.
Philipsburg:--The Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs (COBIZA) is pleased to announce the culmination of its Summer Work Program which will run for three weeks in the month of July 2009.
This program is a chance for high school students to work with the Ministry, get a firsthand look of how the Federal Government works, and will serve as an excellent leadership training opportunity.
The application process consists of an application and interview. In addition, program applicants are required to submit a short essay that describes their interest in, and reasons for applying to the COBIZA Summer Program. Specifically, the essay should answer the question, “Why do you want to participate in the 2009 COBIZA Summer Program?” It should be limited to 500 words while thoroughly addressing the question.
Students in their junior or senior year of high school, with good grades are encouraged to apply.
For more information please contact Ms. Ari Sutton at the Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs at Brooks Towers, Phone 542-9081.
Philipsburg: --- Members of the Windward Islands Teachers Union, (WITU) Windward Islands Civil Servant Unions (WICSU/PSU) and the ABVO said at a press conference said that they have had enough regarding the FZOG and the unions are ready to take action. Claire Elshot of the WITU said that when the unions noticed that the St. Maarten Medical Center has said via the newspapers that they were not going to accept the FZOG cards as of June 6 if the hospital does not receive is backlog payments, the WICSU and WITU met to discuss ways of handling the issue.
Elshot said the unions made a complete evaluation over the last weeks regarding FZOG and the full announcement from the SMMC. She said the unions immediately addressed the matter with the Minister of Health, parliament, while they also sought to meet with the inspector of public health.
Elshot said they were made to understand that the problem between St. Maarten Medical Center and the FZOG has been resolved since the SVB (Social Insurance Bank) made a payment to the St. Maarten Medical Center while they also have a payment plan in place.
Despite this happening the St. Maarten Medical Center has not announced that there has been an agreement.
Elshot said several of the pensioners are contacting them to see what measures have been taken since they do not want to go the hospital and be turned away.
The unionist said one of their main objectives via the media is to denounce any type of threats from health care providers. “Threatening to withhold Medicare is against human rights and using the weakest link such as pensioners to solve administrative matters is an inhumane tactic used by the St. Maarten Medical Center.” Elshot said.
The unionist further explained that she felt the SMMC has lacked respect by not even announcing that they now have an agreement and FZOG card holders can now go the hospital if they are in need of medical treatment. Elshot said the unions also took note of the statements made by the Minister of Health Omyra Leeflang who also said that the actions taken by the St. Maarten Medical Center is of grave violation of human rights.
Elshot is also calling on all pensioners to make contact with the unions and re-register so that they can have a proper head count of their pensioners so that they can properly champion their causes.
Elshot said this is not the first time the St. Maarten Medical Center or other entities have chosen the weakest link (pensioners) to achieve their goals but the unions she said has had enough and would now take action if needed.
Elshot said they are also seeking to have a meeting with the executive council to address the matter. She said they (the unions) believe that it is the responsibility of the island government to guarantee the best health care insurances for pensioners since they already contributed to the funds by serving on the island. She said the island government has to also make sure there is some sort of firm solution to the ongoing problems facing pensioners.
Elshot said right now the BZV card holders would also be integrated with the SVB something they are monitoring closely since they do believe that their members should be respected. In a word of caution she said any more acts of violation against their membership would force them to take drastic measures and actions.
The unions are presently mobilizing and informing their active members of the ongoing developments so that they can be ready to take action when necessary. She said the unions would also be calling on the active members to back up the pensioners because this problem would also trickle down to them. “The abuse that is facing the pensioners today would also face the active members down the line. All civil servants are contributing to the FZOG funds so they can benefit from it in the future.”
Elshot said she is not even convince with what parliament is saying because the FZOG funds were established since 1975 (34-year old) and it has been kicked around from one administrator to the next. Elshot said already three different administrations handled this fund and every time there is a change in administrators the benefits would decrease.
Elshot said this is one point they intend to raise with the island government because they cannot as union accept the constant decrease because of someone’s deficiency.
(Right now pensioners are called to pay 10% in advance before they can have their prescription filled, while they still cannot get all their medications at once.) The WITU leader said she cannot sit back and see these types of abuse and not warn her active members, instead they would begin bind and mobilize their members to fight back. “If that is not done these members would be paying a premium and would not get anything back in return which is unheard of. Elshot said the unions are looking for equalization for all pensioners and active civil servants with is mandatory in the Kingdom. The unions believe its time that the FZOG funds should be re-integrated back to the funds that are handling that of the active civil servants. ‘This is the same system that was recommended to handle the Dutch pensioners and the BES islands when the islands are dismantled. Equalization and fare treatment is what the unions are suggesting as the solution. However, the unions believe its time for the local governments both on St. Maarten and Curacao can demand the same benefits for its islands. Furthermore, they believe the island government should hold parliament responsible for anything that is not properly managed since they are the ones who suggested that the funds be handled by SVB. Elshot said the unions are not concerned with the amounts of monies that is owed to the medical institutions however, they want to make sure that the health care for their members are not being threatened.
Elshot further explained that the unions does not believe the SMMC should decide what is an emergency and what is not instead all referrals from house doctors to the hospital should be treated and handled without discussion.
She said that while the SMMC said they did not really want to apply such members they are to be considered crooks because they (SMMC) could have called in their social partners which are the unions and dialogue on the matter. She said the director of the SMMC Mr. George Scot attended one of their meetings with the pensioners so he fully well knows that the union was addressing the matter.
Raymond Jesserun from the ABVO referred to the World Health Organization definition of health in 1946 which stated that the complete physical, mental social well being and not merely the absence the of infirmity and diseases. He said when the SMMC threatened people that they would not be getting their medicine and or treatment is also affecting their mental state and well being.
He said they are happy that the Minister of Health has spoken out since government is not only there to denounce but to prevent the abuse of human rights.
He said the Kingdom charter in article 43 states that each of the islands has to see that the fundamental human rights and freedoms as well as legal certainty and good governance are respected. He said health care is a fundamental right to the highest level which is outline in article 35 of the declaration of human rights.
Jesserun said everyone is entitled to certain standard of living which is adequate to their well being. He said it is time for the island government to come out and demand what is given to Bonaire, Saba and Statia since the two islands St. Maarten and Curacao are still part of the Netherlands Antilles and if the Kingdom has it for those islands then they also have it for them.
He said pensioner’s standard of living dropped the minute they stopped working and with the recent serge in prices for food and other basic necessities they were no indexation to compete instead these people are called to pay monies up front for their medication.
Responding to some of the statements made by the SMMC, Jesserun said while they are saying they don’t want to harm the pensioners they are killing them by denying them health care. “It the same SMMC who denied a patient Medicare and sent him home, this patient died two days later and the SMMC director said he was making sure they (SMMC) did everything according to protocol because they did not want to be held liable for a crime.”
Reason why they have chosen to speak out because attaching health care is already a violation of human rights.
Honduras:---On Sunday, June 28, Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was detained by a group of soldiers and flown into forced exile in Costa Rica. That same day, the people of Honduras were to go to the polls to vote on proposed constitutional reform, but the vote was suspended by the country’s Supreme Court.
“This was nothing less than a crime against democracy!” declared the president, who also categorically denied resigning his post.
The events that took place in the Republic of Honduras require the strongest possible condemnation by the international community. As First Vice-President responsible for assuming the presidency of the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas, I wish to express my categorical repudiation of the coup d’état and of the overthrow of President Manuel Zelaya by the military.
The leaders of various Latin American countries, the United States and Europe have already voiced their unqualified denunciation of the actions of the Honduran military, and reaffirmed their support for Manuel Zelaya, whom they consider to be the country’s legitimate president.
The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Organization of American States (OAS) and the General Assembly of the United Nations, among other international bodies, are in complete agreement with them.
The members of the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas believe it is their duty, as representatives of the people elected by popular vote in their respective countries, to prevent a return to the horrors that have plagued Latin America in the past, and of which the coup in Honduras is reminiscent.
As members of the wider American and international communities, it is our duty to contribute toward the restoration of institutional order. We must refuse to recognize any government in Honduras that has not been legally and legitimately elected by the people, and demand the restoration of democracy and the immediate reinstallation of the president of the Republic of Honduras.
“We must also call on the Honduran people and the international community to rise up together against this serious breach of the democratic process on the American continent strongly convinced as we are that internal conflicts must be resolved only through democratic institutions and the rule of law.” Said Senator Edda Acuña
Vice-president responsible for assuming the presidency in a press release.
GREAT BAY– Boat owners are being advised to plan ahead and early so they can be ready to take action in the event of a storm/hurricane threat to the island.
Even though there hasn’t been any storm formation since the beginning of the season, boat owners should still be prepared.
The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness reiterates its theme for the 2009 season, “It only takes one, be prepared,“ and is also reminding the general population that for those who still have not made any preparations for the 2009 hurricane season, to take the time out to do so.
Hurricanes have been the cause of many maritime disasters. Constant monitoring of hurricane potential and continual risk analysis, when used with some fundamental guidelines become the basic tools to minimize a hurricanes’ impact to vessels at sea or in port.
Systems that are forecast to make landfall within 50-100 nautical miles of a particular port tend to be more destructive than those that approach the port from over land or parallel the coast in the vicinity of the port. Also, ports located in the right front quadrant, based on direction of movement of hurricanes during landfall tend to have higher winds, seas, and storm surge.
The decision to leave port for hurricane avoidance must be made very clearly. Consideration to the latest safe departure time and likely avoidance routes must be balanced with a number of other factors. Most important of these is time versus distance.
The risk of damage to a vessel at sea increases as the motion of the hurricane increases towards the maximum safe speed of the vessel attempting to leave port in advance of that system.
Considerations to remain in port during hurricane passage must include an evaluation of the amount of protection afforded by the port. The direction from which the strongest winds are forecast to blow along with the potential for storm surge must be factored in when deciding whether to seek haven pier side or at anchorage.
Cole Bay:--- Newly elected President of the Board of the Democratic Party Michael Ferrier “called a spade a spade” by stressing that the party has not been served well by a few individuals and as a result, the people of St. Maarten have not been served, primarily because the party allowed those individuals to place themselves before the party, before the people, before St. Maarten.
By doing so, he added, the DP has allowed the Government and the leadership of our island to be high-jacked by “our opposition and a few infidels.” Ferrier was addressing DP’s general membership soon after being elected by acclimation on Saturday last during the party’s mid-year conference.
Ferrier said the leadership of the party will be decisive and emphatic regarding the principles and philosophy driving the DP party and there must be a break with the past in terms of candidates and the party management. “Whether based on perception or fact, the party can no longer be viewed as simply a vehicle to achieve individual political or financial personal objectives,” he said.
He said his new board will focus on Integrity, capability, commonality of message, projection of leadership, inclusiveness and consistency. “For political candidates which we will present on the DP slate, we will strive to attract only persons who bring these and other positive attributes and strengths to the party’s table,” he said.
Ferrier saved his harshest words for his membership and underscored his message with one line: “the selfish will not get our support.” He said it is time to show by deeds as a party that the DP means what we say when we claim: “Country before Self”.
“It cannot and will not be just an empty slogan; it is a promise, a promise that has to be kept by the entire Democratic Party, board, leadership and members alike. To go forward, this party needs to consider what relationship we want with the public, and most importantly, how can that relationship be attained? Selfishness has no place in that relationship,” he said.
The new board, he continued, must avoid the usual political blah-blah and instead work with whomever it chooses as candidates to present a strong, coherent, fact-based platform. “No more complacency and rampant individualism and egotism. That was yesterday and it has no place in the DP of today or the DP of tomorrow,” he stressed.
Adding: “There are some out there who are “hedging their bets”: waiting to pick a side once the dust settles. There are others who, at the first sign of challenge, seek cover. There are those who watch things happen, there are those who wonder what happened and then there are those who make things happen. The DP will put together a political team capable of public service, whose skills, experience and integrity are unquestioned and who are can make things happen.
“Those are the people who need to answer this call. If you want to postulate yourself only to make sure “you going to get your share” of what is left, save yourself and us the trouble and embarrassment, for we will expose you ourselves, before the opposition has a chance to do so. Time for watching and wondering is over.”
Philipsburg: --- The police department is calling on parents living in the Union Farm area to pay attention to what their under aged children are doing. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said about three months now police are not able to go Barrio Blanco Area in Union Farm. He said there have been a number of under aged children who would begin throwing rocks at the police they minute they see the vehicle approaching.
Leonard said police has to always call for reinforcement when entering Union Farm since the police is now becoming fearful of the outcome. Leonard said most of the children committing the acts range between 9 to 15 years of age and they seem to be coming from foreign background. ‘These children are living in the housing complex area and the way I see it it’s a number of children who may not be residing on the island legally attacking police.”
Leonard said already damage was done to police cars and they are going to be holding the parents of these children responsible for their children’s action. The police spokesman called on parents to be vigilante especially during the summer vacation since most of these children are home or on the street corners doing nothing. He said this is the age when children get into gangs and parents needs to monitor their children more carefully.
Philipsburg: --- A family feud that went violent has landed a woman in police custody and is now facing attempted manslaughter charges. The woman has been identified as G.M from St. Maarten was held on Monday night after she tried to run over her brother with her vehicle.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the case is still under investigation. Prosecutor Rienk Mud said he extended G.M time in pre-trial detention on Wednesday and she is expected to go before the judge of instruction soon. Mud said the woman attempted to commit murder when she ran her brother down with her vehicle.
Philipsburg: --- The United States Immigration and Customs (Homeland Security) will begin one week training on St. Maarten relating to human smuggling and trafficking as well as the use and identification of fraudulent documents. The umbrella department Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) would be providing the training for all islands of the Caribbean. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said several neighboring islands would be on the island participating in the workshop.
The initiative is taken by the US law enforcement as they are trying to bring all partners in the Caribbean in accord as the United States. Leonard said that during the first two days there would be three sessions at both venues, which is the Philipsburg Community Center and the Customs, head office in Simpson Bay.
The ICE will be arriving on the island with their own instructors to conduct these training sessions. The first session is scheduled to take place at 8 am on Tuesday next week. Leonard said some 130 participants for the various islands would be participating in the weeklong training session. Also scheduled to be here are representatives from all islands of the Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.
French Quarter:--A brawl between some football players on Friday has left one under 17 youth hospitalized confirmed head of sports Lou Baly. The youth is nursing a fractured nose and is scheduled to remain in hospital until Tuesday.
Baly said a team of players representing the U-17 and U-15 from the Newtown Team in St. Kitts and players from Flamingo and the St. Louis Stars were in the Telbert Carty Stadium on Friday when a fight broke out. According to Baly, the coaches of either St. Kitts team or the St. Martin team did not see what had happen but according to what they understand a player who was, stretching on the field during their cool down time got in the way of the players from St. Martin who was running around the field at the time.
Baly said they do not know if the youth who was stretching on the field at the time did anything intentional or if it was an accident. He further explained that because of this an argument began which ended up physical and landing six youths the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. However, most of them suffered minor cuts and bruises.
Baly said those on the field did everything to separate the players and they managed to get the U-17 team that was involved in the brawl in the changing rooms. While in that room the players from St. Martin followed and again the argument continued and got worse. He said the worst part of the incident began when some players who were locked out of the change room attacked some U-15 players from St. Kitts. Baly said the smaller youths were not involved in the fracas instead they were on the stands looking on but those who were locked out of the change room attacked them simply because they could not get in.
The sportsman and local representative said President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs went to the hotel where the players were staying to apologize for the incident and to offer the neighboring island some comfort but they decided that the French side was not a safe place and voluntarily left for the Dutch side of the island. The players he said are staying with friends and relatives on the Dutch side of the island and they are expected to leave on Monday.
In the meantime, a press release appearing on SKN Vibes website states that following the game involving the St. Kitts U-17 vs. the French St. Martin U-17 in St. Martin, which ended in a 2-2 draw, the St. Kitts U-17 team was attacked by players of the French St. Martin U-17 and their supporters.
The SKNFA U-15 team who at the time were witnessing the match also came under attack by spectators. Several of our players in both U-17 and U-15 sustained injuries and were hospitalized. At least one player from the U-17 remains in the hospital.
The SKNFA is very disturbed and concerned about this recent development in St. Martin and has activated our Emergency Committee to put in place a plan of action to deal with this crisis. The SKNFA would like to ensure all parents of the U-17 and U-15 teams and the entire St. Kitts-Nevis community that the safety of our young footballer is of paramount importance at this time.
The SKNFA has already contacted the parents of the players who were injured as a result of this incident and has apprised them of the situation.
The SKNFA has contacted the various Government officials and ministries, including the Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Sam Condor, Minister of Sports, Honourable Richard Skerritt, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports Lloyd Lazar and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mrs. Astonia Browne for assistance in dealing with this serious matter.
The SKNFA is also in contact with the local LIAT representatives and other airlines to bring the players home as soon as possible.
Measures have also been put in place to ensure the safety of all our players and their coaches in St. Martin until their return home.
The SKNFA would like to ensure all parents that we are doing all within our powers to address the current situation and get the players and coaches home as soon as possible.
Marigot: -- Prefet Delegue Dominique LaCroix is scheduled to leave the island on Tuesday as his term on St. Martin and St. Barths is officially over. A cocktail party was held at the Sous Prefecture on Monday for the departure of the State representative and his wife Mrs. LaCroix.
According to information received LaCroix’s successor Jacques Simonnet would be arriving on the island late August to take up his position by September 1.
Philipsburg:-- Three members of the Windward Islands Teachers Union would be attending the 34th Biennial Conference organized by the Caribbean Union of teachers (CUT) to be held in Grenada on July 27 to August 2. President of the WITU Claire Elshot told members of the media that the theme for this year’s conference is “transforming today’s classroom for tomorrow’s world.”
Elshot said the CUT has a packed agenda, which would open with a women’s conference. She said there are going to be a number of workshops during the weeklong conference, which would address policies and educational issues. Teachers attending the conference would also be attending a breakfast meeting sponsored by the UNESCO for July 28. The intention is to have the delegates from the Caribbean Union Teachers participate in meeting which has a theme “Caribbean Teachers Union and the Global Teacher for EFA initiative ( Education For All Initiative). An issue that is of concern to St. Maarten now that the island government would seek to implement compulsory education in the new school year Elshot explained.
Elshot said the CUT normally plan ahead for the next two years during these conferences the different summits. Focus she said is also placed on the track and field competitions, which is also held every two years. To date she said St. Maarten is not able to take a delegation to these track and field competitions.
Philipsburg: --- USONA representative Bart Pasman and commissioner of youth affairs Hyacinth Richardson signed off the release on some much-needed funds that would go towards the children’s home on St. Maarten. The Crystal Home (MPO) would be able to begin construction of new home in the Cay Bay/Cole Bay area. Some 2 million guilders have been approved for the project; I Can Foundation was awarded Naf.100, 000 for their interior furnishings. Monies were also set aside for some much-needed training programs Pasman said. In addition, to benefit from these funds is the UJIMA Foundation who would also be part of the training programs geared at upgrading the facilities that care for foster children.
The USONA representative said this was the last contract they had to sign to use up the harbour buy back shares.
Witnessing the signing on Thursday was Eva Williams and her representative from the Crystal Home. Not present was the director or any representative of the I Can Foundation, which was destroyed by fire some two years ago (August 1, 2007).
In an invited comment, Cassandra Gibbs (Debby) said she intends to contest the way the island government (former executive council) handled the distribution of the funds. Gibbs said when the I Can was destroyed by fire in 2007 Government had plan to assist with the re-construction of the home but they backed out saying that there was some unsettled matter pertaining to the land on which the home is constructed upon. Gibbs said on July 10 2008 she received a letter from the executive council who explained that due to the land dispute they would no longer contribute to the building instead they would furnish the building and provide monies for the training and upgrading of the staff, which she agreed to.
Gibbs said government was supposed to invite her to a meeting where they were suppose to discuss her the plans and the budget that is needed to furnish the home that caters to 29 foster children but that meeting was never called. The surrogate mother said in April 2009 she contacted Pasman now that they are in the final stages of the building and it was then she was notified that only Naf.100,000 was allotted to the furnishing of I Can Foundation. She said she immediately contested the amount because she wants to know on what grounds the island government (former executive council) made their calculations and submitted it to USONA. I Can Foundation she said would need close to Naf.500, 000 to properly furnish the building, which they built from donations and fundraisings. She said USONA even told her that I Can was not given any monies for the trainings even though they have more children that need foster care.
Gibbs said after that conversation she was contacted by another USONA representative who promised to call her in with her invoices so they can at least reflect the project files but that meeting she said was never called. Gibbs said she was informed that all project files has to be compiled by the island government and the meeting with the USONA representative again never took place.
Gibbs said it was not until Thursday last week she received a call from the Commissioner of youth affairs who invited all the surrogate mothers and caretakers to a meeting where he outlined the amount of monies awarded to each home. She said she immediately notified Richardson on the situation who told her he was trying to make sure he handles everything carefully and Richardson told her that there was an end date placed against the funding and if it is not signed off before that date then Holland can take back the monies. Gibbs said she plans to contest the matter since the person who worked on these project files never made contact with her. She said she would be questioning why MPO (Crystal Home) who cares for 14 children could get 2.1 million guilders while the I Can that has more than double the amount of children only has Naf.100, 000.
Gibbs made clear that she did not show up to the signing in protest, she said she is not going to giggle with people while they are purposely shafting the foundation and the children who she cares for.
Despite the controversy, the commissioner thanked the USONA for the monies that were made to the disposal of the foster care on St. Maarten; he particularly congratulated the MPO now that they are able to begin construction of a new home.
Dawn Beach: -- It was a strange sight on Friday afternoon when several government officials including lawyers that are representing Busby Beach Bar in their appeal against the Island Government who denied the restaurateur a vending license to operate the renting of beach chairs and umbrellas on Dawn Beach.
Representing Daniel Jurczenko is attorney at law Jairo Bloem, while Amador Muller and Lewis Brown from the government legal affairs were on the premises for the first time to get a first hand look at the entire situation. Also on the scene were workers from VOSEC, economic affairs, spectators from Duck International (Coral Beach Club) and the owner of Oyster Bay Resort Jan Borsje who is also trying to get the island government to grant him a space on the beach for him to put beach chairs for his clients.
Bloem was seen explaining the officials of the island government why he believed it was necessary for the island government to grant Busby Beach Bar an amendment to their business license, which would allow him to rent chairs and umbrellas legally. The island government some months ago denied Daniel Jurczenko the license, the decision was given three years after Jurczenko filed a request for the permit. The businessman immediately filed a court case appealing government’s decision. Busby Beach Bar has been renting both beach chairs and umbrellas over the years but the island government stepped in after the two license vendors Joan Veerwoord and Jean Paul Rousseau operating on Dawn Beach contested and said the businessman is hampering their business especially since he is operating without a license.
In an invited comment, Joan Veerwoord said she is calling on the Island Government to make another decision in this matter and to also try and fight the appeal aggressively. Veerwoord said they (the two vendors) are suffering tremendously since they practically have to wait until the chairs that are placed illegally on the beach by Busby Beach Bar is filled before they can rent one chair and umbrella. The local businesswoman said she has taxes and other dues to pay and is not making any kind of monies on the beach even though she has an indefinite license. Veerwoord said there are days she is going home with $20. while Jurczenko is taking away their business and is not declaring any of the monies he is making from the rental of chairs and umbrellas.
The local businesswoman said the operator of Busby Beach Bar has several other businesses, which she said included a marina, and pizza shop as well as the Busby Beach Bar. Veerwoord said it is her opinion that the businessman is trying to take away all the business opportunities in the Dawn Beach Area since according to her she understood he is also trying to get the space Oyster Bay Resort is after.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—The bus inspection for public transport of school children is complete. All buses were inspected in the parking lot of the Jose Lake, Jr. Sports Park; many have passed the inspection, while others have failed for several reasons, but mainly due to students cutting seats or marking chairs. Those busses that failed will have an opportunity to rectify the situation.
One of the most important aspects of the inspection, besides the mechanical and safety part, was the comfort of students. Therefore, some buses were advised to fix or adjust certain aspects in order for them to get an approval or passing grade from the inspectors.
Section Head for school bussing and taxi dispatching, Martha Thewet, said that “for the most part, the buses are in good condition, but this year, there seems to be the issue of the cutting and marking of the seats by students. “Once this happens, the seating becomes uncomfortable for the students.” Thewet said. Students traveling on the Public School Bus Transportation System are asked to refrain from such destructive behaviour in the future.
We also made sure that there was a First Aide Kit on board, a fire extinguisher, and the emergency/rear exist were in proper working order, Thewet pointed out.
Other items that were checked were Insurance, drivers/bus license, license plate, details of the bus, i.e. chassis number, the front and rear lights, foot and hand brakes, indicators, seating capacity, windshield, wipers, steering, muffler, tires, and spare, among other details.
Thewet said that 29 busses were inspected, and approximately 11 busses failed the inspection.
Recommendations were made on the spot to the school bus owners/drivers about the failing points. Additionally, bus owners will be getting official notices as well, early next week.
The entire school bussing section is experiencing a total upgrade in terms of screening all bus drivers, and the entire administration.
Thewet pointed out that all busses have to be inspected. “I would like to encourage all school bus owners to please contact the department to make an appointment as soon as possible. Failure to show up for the annual school bus inspection is an automatic failure. And failing the inspection also means that the bus or busses that were not inspected will not be allowed to operate and transport school children for the island government.”
Philipsburg: -- The Democratic Party faction led by former leader of government and commissioner of labour Sarah Wescot Williams said her faction is supporting the call of the unions to have the Brooks Tower Accord implemented.
The Democratic Party faction leader made the disclosure on Monday at their bi-monthly press conference. Wescot Williams said that while in government she had several discussions with both the Minister of Justice and the Lt. Governor of the island territory of St. Maarten who gave various reasons for not implementing the policy, which was ratified by the executive council of St. Maarten.
According to the Windward Island Chamber of Labour Unions who was part of the tripartite committee, when negotiating the revised labour policy the Brooks Tower Accord was an integral part of the process. Wescot Williams said the reason she concurs with the unions is that the revised labour policy was part of a comprehensive approach relating to all labour matters.
The former labour commissioner said this policy was to address the youth unemployment rate, unsavory business practices, as well as training.
Wescot Williams said the Brooks Tower was intended to regulate the status of persons (foreign workers) working and residing on the islands illegally. She said while the accord, which is not referred to as a “grace period or amnesty accord” was meant to give all undocumented workers on St. Maarten the opportunity to regulate their statuses. Wescot Williams said the Minister of Justice has maintained that he was not in a position to implement the policy for the lack of an organization, which would adequately handle the implementation.
The faction leader said they are joining those calling on the Minister to implement the policy, which was signed three years ago to grant the island a much needed clean up, which would grant legal status to those persons residing and working on the island. Wescot Williams referred to the revised labour policy in article 3-part 2-J) that stated that the first time applicants could get a letter from their employer, which must state that the foreign worker is and will remain outside of the Antilles during the processing of their work permits. This she said can be replaced by a statement of positive intent for the foreigner (declaration of intent).
This statement must be issued by the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten if the foreigner is already residing on St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said the intention was with the cooperation of the Lt. Governor those persons already residing and working on St. Maarten would not have to leave the island during the processing of their work permits. Wescot Williams said the Lt. Governor (Franklyn Richards) after initially agreeing to the approach felt that the resident permit should not dictate the work permit instead he believed it should be the other way around.
Wescot Williams said they believed that the Minister of Justice should act urgently regarding the status of persons residing and working on St. Maarten illegally, she said in accordance with the Brooks Tower Accord these persons should be granted residency whose employer can seek employment permits for them.
Philipsburg--- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams said the National Alliance/Heyliger/ Laviest have just placed their feet in their mouths regarding the revised labour policy. Wescot Williams said in the policy it is stipulated that government have to agree to quotas in the labor market.
The former labor commissioner said developers of projects has to give government a guarantee on how many locals would be hired prior to being allowing these developers to bring in foreign labour.
Speaking at the Democratic Party bi-weekly press conference Wescot Williams said that the commissioner of labour Hyacinth Richardson selected a handful of workers and took them on a tour at one of the projects where he presented them for jobs.
Wescot Williams is now asking what is going to happen to those persons who have followed procedures and registered at the labour office. She asked if the commissioner would now put these people on the job bandwagon or if it is only the ones that are on the commissioner’s good grace would get on the job bandwagon. Wescot Williams said her faction wants to know if the unemployed should still register at the island labour department. She also wants to know if other island council members can also take people to the various projects with persons that are seeking employment.
Marigot:-- Two armed robbers on a scooter robbed Goldfinger store situated at Rue de La Republique Marigot around 10:45 am on Wednesday. Prosecutor Jacques Louvier said the two robbers went to the store on a scooter, they were both armed and wearing helmets. The storekeepers he said were not able to see their attacker’s faces.
Louvier said once inside the store the bandits held up the storekeepers at gunpoint, one of them broke open the glass case with a hammer and stole 13 Rolex watches to the value of $350,000. The prosecutor is calling on everyone to be vigilante for these youngsters who might approach them to sell their heist. Louvier confirmed that the shopkeepers were not injured instead they are highly traumatized.
GREAT BAY– The Island’s mainstay, the tourism sector, is being advised to review hurricane preparation plans now before we approach the most active period of the 2009 hurricane season, which begins August 15 and runs through October 15.
Residents and businesses are also advised to pay keen attention to weather reports with special focus on the Eastern Atlantic Ocean where tropical weather systems that form off the African Coast (Cape Verde Islands) can become a serious threat to the Eastern Caribbean island chain.
At this stage of the hurricane season, tourism-oriented businesses should be prepared. The prevention of the loss of life of our visitors and staff along with protecting property from damage is the responsibility of every business owner. The engine of the economy is every single business operation on the island. Each one plays a very important role in the island’s tourism-oriented economy.
As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, “It only takes one!“ Now is the time for businesses and residents to review what preparations are in place and to get ready, and not when a storm is about to hit.
The hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
GREAT-BAY (GIS)- On Wednesday, July 29th 2009, eighteen year old Courtney Willock was interviewed about her travelling abroad to further her studies. Courtney attended the Caribbean International Academy, and is now going to be furthering her studies in Miami at Johnson’s & Wales University to study fashion merchandising.
At a young age, Courtney always aspired to be a great fashion designer, remained with those dreams for years, and wants to open her own store someday. “I hope that I settle in well at my new school” Courtney says. She will be living on campus with three roommates from two different countries and expects them to all get along very well. Courtney desires that the school is not a party school and that she could get her work done. “I am very excited to attend the school” she said “not only because I liked what they had to offer but because it was the only school I applied for and was happy that I got accepted”. Courtney hopes to gain knowledge about the fashion world, and hopes to get her Bachelors degree in four years.
Courtney is a little sad and depressed to leave because she is her mother’s one and only child and finds it hard to leave her behind. With all the advice and all, that her mom thought her Courtney thinks that she is independent enough to go on her own. To the youths that are next in line to leave the island Courtney says,” keep up the hard work and do your best in school”.
Maho: -- A police officer Isel Doran and brother of assistant chief commissioner of police Ademar Doran barely escaped death on Saturday midday when the suspects of an armed robbery fired shots at him as he approached the scene of the crime.
At least four armed bandits wearing helmets entered into Gold Creations in Maho, where they held the storekeepers at gun point prior to breaking the glass case with a hammer and stealing an undisclosed amount of jewelry.
According to eyewitnesses, a female tourist flagged down the cop who was passing through Maho at the time and informed him that an armed robbery was in progress. The officer whom this reporter learned was working alone at the Simpson Bay outpost immediately turned around to intercept the robbers when he was confronted with the shots.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard who was on the scene said one of the robbers who was standing at the door saw the police pick up and he began pounding on the door to inform those inside that police was in the area. Leonard said when the two bandits inside saw the police they immediately fired two shots at the officer. One of the bullets grazed the vehicle while the other shot barely missed him and landed on the showcase of Riveria Too Ice Cream parlour shattering the glass case. Leonard said back up officers arrived on the scene and managed to arrest three of the suspects who initially escaped from the first officer. Leonard did not release the identity or nationality of the suspects on Saturday. The police spokesman said one of the culprits locked himself in the bathroom in the La Terrasse Hotel.
Police managed to get the suspect out and arrested him, while the second suspect Leonard said jumped off the second floor of the Maho parking lot breaking both his legs. The young man the police spokesman said is from St. Maarten and he was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center under police guard while a third suspect was caught as he tried to escape in a get away car, police is on the hunt for a fourth and possible fifth suspect the police spokesman explained.
According to an eyewitness and visitor to the island said, she saw the entire ordeal, which left her shaken. The woman said it has been years she has not had a vacation and she came here to relax with her family only to be confronted with a near death situation. She said they saw when the robbers enter in the jewelry store, they literally saw when the shots were fired, and they ran for cover. The woman said she was with her son and his girlfriend who began running when they saw the robbers began firing shots at the police officer, she said they even jumped over a wall to avoid being shot at.
The owner of a nearby business said he was standing outside of his shop and he noticed two black men wearing helmets entering the shop. The businessman said shortly after he heard the men saying, “Move” and within seconds, he heard a huge bang. “When I heard that I immediately realized what was happening so I went back into my shop and pulled the shutters down. I then called one of the employees of Gold Creations who confirmed to me that they are being held up at gunpoint. I immediately hung up and called police.”
The businessman expressed his concerns and fears for their safety he said the incident occurred just around midday on Saturday when there is a lot of people moving around in the Maho area. He said the bandits are vey brave and they are not even looking to rob people in secluded areas anymore, these thieves are attacking during high day and in busy areas.
On the scene were several detectives investigating the case including head of detectives Krips were seen picking up spent shells in Riveria Too Ice Cream Parlour. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said police confiscated two motor cycles that were parked in the parking lot of the Maho Sonesta Hotel, they also managed to recover some of the stolen jewelry, which was in the pockets of the suspect that jumped off the second floor of the parking lot. Police also recovered the hammer that was used to break open the glass case, as well as the car that was used as the gateway car. The police spokesman is expected to release more information on his case sometime over the weekend.
Philipsburg: --- The Windward Island Civil Servants Union (WICSU/PSU) is calling on the island government to take responsibility and intervene in the FZOG and St. Maarten Medical Center saga.
At a press conference on Saturday representatives of the ABVO Ethelwoldus Josepha, William Reed from the WICSU and Raymond Jesserun also from the ABVO pensioners union told reporters that they sent a letter to the island government some three weeks ago requesting a meeting.
The unions said they outlined the problems pensioners are faced with at the St. Maarten Medical Center and they felt that it is necessary for the local government to do something.
Josepha considered it shameful that government sat by and said nothing about the entire ordeal even though those suffering today are former civil servants. The unionist said what is more shameful is that government also did not have the common courtesy to respond to their letter of July 10.
Right now, the unions have drafted a letter, which will be sent to the Kingdom outlining the breach of basic human rights towards the pensioners. Jesserun said the Kingdom already intervened in situations where human rights are being breached and they took responsibility for it. One such case is the benefits and conditions that were restored for prisoners of the Pointe Blance prison and Bon Futuro in Curacao. The unions also highly condemned the actions of the medical director of the St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. George Scot who continues to refuse the FZOG cards for pensioners. Jesserun said the hospital director is acting illegally and he is targeting the wrong people for payments owed to the institution.
William Reed said another option the unions have to send their letter to the Public Servants International, which he sure would pick up their case.
Asked why the unions have not chosen to take the St. Maarten Medical Center to court of the FZOG if they feel so threatened. Josepha said they know exactly what the judge would say and instead of spending monies to start a court case they are trying to get everyone around the table to work out the matter.
Airport – On Saturday August 1, 2009, as a result of a technical problem the EDS machines, these are the equipment, which electronically screens all checked luggage, failed. Our technicians have to date been unable to remedy the problem and our technical support service providers are expected to be on site by midweek to assist with the repairs. We expect to have the systems fully operational shortly thereafter. As a result, we have instituted and will continue to execute the back-up plan for events such as these.
After a challenging start up of the plan on Saturday, the plan has been working relatively smoothly since Sunday. We regret any inconvenience to our passengers and airline customers and shall continue to do everything necessary to ensure efficient and smooth operations. We wish to thank the airlines, the handling companies and their staff as well as our employees for their continued cooperation.
Philipsburg:--- The Simpson Bay patrol will begin another type of control as of this Thursday says police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. The police spokesman said the patrols will be removing all persons loitering around mini marts and supermarkets as well as along side the road. Parents are advised to warn their teenage children who are presently on vacation to stay away from roadside loitering. The police would also be paying special attention to scooter riders who are performing wheelies the on public road. Scooter riders who are caught in the act would loose their scooters and they would have to pay a fine or spend some days behind bars. Leonard said just last week a youth was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center in serious condition and that victim has now lost one of his legs. The accident had occurred on Airport Boulevard. Leonard also reminded the public of an accident that occurred on the French side of the island where the victim in this case has been declared brain dead.
The patrols he said would also focus on cars that are parked alongside the public roads. Any vehicle that is parked longer than 2x 24 hours will be towed away at owner’s expense. Persons who leave their vehicles along side the public road with for sale signs would face a fine for vending without a license. Anyone who wishes to sell a vehicle and wants to park it alongside the road needs to obtain a permit to do so the police spokesman said. Persons who are caught obstructing traffic would also be fined while those acting suspiciously would be arrested.
GREAT BAY:---– Head of the Census Office Leona Marlin, informed the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday that the Identification (ID) Card machine is out of service until further notice.
Due to the incompatibility of software, the system is rendered useless until further notice. The community will be notified once this software issue has been resolved.
ID cards are required by law. If you don’t have one, inquire at the Census Office once the ID card machine is in operation.
The administrative cost for a new ID card is Naf.35 and for senior citizens (60+) Naf.15.
The ID card is legal proof of identity. It is used to open bank accounts or other types of services that requires some form of identification.
The ID card is also a required document for some government procedures and services.
The law requires that a person carries some form of identification with them at all times and the ID card is the handiest one and preferred method of formal identification.
Failure to produce the card may result in being denied access to premises or attainment of goods and services.
Those who require further information can call the Census Office at 542-2457 or 542-5375.
Sandy Ground: --- Relatives of Ricardo Gumbs are now mourning their loss, Gumbs passed away just around the midday hours on Thursday confirmed his aunt Ginette Gumbs. The 21-year-old young man was knocked off his motor cycle on Friday evening near US imports in Sandy Ground. He suffered massive head injuries as well as to his body including punctured lungs.
The accident victim was flown to Martinique on Saturday morning but was sent back to his native island on Tuesday. Doctors on that island concluded that there is nothing else they could have done to safe his life. Gumbs was declared fully brain dead on Tuesday. He passed away peacefully on Thursday midday at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital.
Eyewitnesses say they saw a Black KIA bearing Dutch number plates hit Gumbs off his motorcycle. The driver did not stop to offer any assistance to the young man who went airborne after he was struck. Due to the impact, the motor cycle burst into flames creating a panic on the scene, relatives of the now deceased young man provided a video to SMN News to show what the situation was like when the accident occurred.
On August 06, another road accident occurred on Bellevue main road leaving a 20-year old man badly injured. A press release from the gendarmes indicated that the driver ended his race along the Bellevue Road in a wall. The accident occurred around 04:00 in the morning.
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Dutch Quarter: -- The Dutch Quarter roundabout was a disastrous area on Wednesday afternoon. Seen in these photos is the amount of water that lodged in the area of the roundabout, which is presently under construction. Several drivers were seen trying to escape the water as they travelled through the dirt path to go over to the French Side. Workmen were also seen on the spot monitoring the water.

Marigot:--- The Prefecture of St. Martin in a press release said the spread of the influenza H1N1 appeared to be limited on the French side of the island. So far, there have been some eight confirmed cases, which were tested at a laboratory in French Guyana. Of the eight cases four came from one family, two cases was referred from a general practitioner, one case was diagnosed from the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital and the other person was infected in Martinique. The patients are recovering well.
The release said the testing on influenza A H1N1 is not systematic any more: they are conducted when there are three or more cases in one area. General practitioners would decide if their influenza patients are to be tested for H1NI if there is an increased amount of patients..These tests would identify the presence of the virus on the territory and the level of viral circulation has increased. .
Influenza A H1N1 evolves in a moderate manner nowadays just like a seasonal influenza. Taken medical measurements are the same that for a classical influenza. The bet under treatment of antiviral is not systematic and automatic: it is prescribed by the general practitioner.
It says that it was confirmed a worldwide extension of the epidemic of influenza virus H1N1, the WHO being crossed in stage 6 of its influenza plan of pandemic: it is confirmed the circulation of this virus at worldwide level. The actual strictness of new influenza is softened.
The situation in France evolves towards a local pollution of persons, not having travelled out of necessity next months. France stays in stage 5 of its influenza plan of pandemic at the moment.
The island of saint Martin refreshed of the whole implement of conflict against the development of influenza A H1N1 and collaborates for several months with the health authorities of Sint Maarten.
Saint Martin disposes 15 of a network of general practitioner and a consultation devoted to the hospital of Saint Martin for cases orientated by or by a general practitioner. The population is called to remain vigilant faced with this new influenza virus with moderate character. Every person infected with the virus would notice the following symptoms.
• violent high-pitched respiratory Syndrome,
• the upper Fever in 38 ° either ache or debility,
• respiratory Signs: cough or shortness of breath.
Every person introducing evocative signs must consult his medicated doctor.
Simple gestures to restrict risks of pollution are:
• washing regular of the hands several times a day, during at least 30 seconds,
• Throw your handkerchiefs into a garbage can and wash hands you having blown,
• If you are sick, to carry a surgical mask sold in chemist's shop to protect your fellows.
Philipsburg:--- Parents of some 83 students who registered to enter public or government subsidized schools earlier this year are still without placement. Acting Sector Director Qunicy Harrigan in an interview with Government Information Service said they were in meetings up until Thursday with the government subidized schools looking to see if those schools would assist in placing the students now that compulsory education has been implemented.
Of the 141, four to six year old that registerd with the education department only 56 of them were placed in the public schools Harrigan said. Harrigan said if the students cannot be placed in the government subsidized schools then government would have to begin creating space at the public schools for them.
The Acting Sector Director said they also noticed that some parents registered their children at more than one location and those are some of the things they need to sort out. Students who are not placed can expect to be out of school for the next two weeks as government tries to find a solution to the problem.
Harrigan said they are also confronted with a situation where locals and persons who are residing on the island legally are only now coming forward to register their children, all of which is creating some set backs. Parents are now advised to register their children at schools in their district and not the education department. Harrigan said the major problem facing them right now is the lack of qualified and competent teachers for the students that are not being placed. He said so far there is enough furnitures and locations for the additional students but teachers he said cannot be found. One of options the department of education has to hire more teachers but that Harrigan said would be the final alternative.
During these two weeks students who are going to be accepted by the government subsidized schools would have to be tested so that they can be placed according to their level of education.
Harrigan there has been a flurry of school registration at different school locations by parents of undocumented students, age 4-6 years old. This has caused a burden on the schools administration as a result the placement of these students has been delayed 1 – 2 weeks.
Philipsburg: ---The Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutors Offices of the Netherlands Antilles promises a reward of Naf 3000 for the person that provides information leading directly to the arrest of Louis Albert Alexis, also known as “Sticky.”
Louis Albert Alexis is suspected of several armed robberies. Anyone seeing this person or know where he can be located should contact the police at telephone number 599 5813674.All information will be dealt with carefully and confidentially.
SMN News has learnt that the suspect is the main suspect in the Gold Creations Robbery which took place two Saturdays ago in Maho. It is also understood that Sticky was the gunman who shot at Officer Isel Doran.
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Philipsburg: --- Leader of Government William Marlin has condemned the actions of the Democratic Party Faction who chose to walk out of the island council meeting on Thursday. Marlin described the actions of the DP faction as that of a group of spoil brats meaning that if they were not able to accomplish something, no one else can. He said when the DP was in charge of the constitutional change the National Alliance was a loyal member of team St. Maarten.
The leader of the National Alliance Faction said they did any and everything in order to support St. Maarten with its constitutional change. He said Thursday’s island council meeting was to deal with the code of conduct on cooperate governance which is part of the agreement with the Netherlands. Marlin said the reason this is part of the agreement is due to occurrences with the Democratic Party, He reminded of the blatant conflict of interest regarding former commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus who found herself with the Sky is Limit Foundation President and her husband on the Telem Board including the $25,000 donation which is still on the minds of the Dutch Politicians including the State Secretary of Kingdom Relations.
Marlin said that incident including others was why the Dutch insisted in having this in the agreement prior to St. Maarten gaining its country status.
Regarding the walk out he said was because the meeting had to be adjourned at least three times, Marlin said if his faction had done that in the past then they would have been walking out of practically every meeting of the Island Council because of constant adjournments on several occasions without notifications.
The island leader said the actions of the Democratic Party on Thursday had nothing to do with respect instead if the executive council is not ready the meeting can be adjourned for as long as three weeks.
Marlin further explained that what took place on Thursday was that procedures were not properly followed because the chairman of the island council had to make sure the councilors vote and if there were not sufficient votes casted then he would declare the vote null and void for a lack of quorum.
Marlin said there are times when councilors would hurriedly go back to their places to vote because on several occasions they probably left their seat to go the bathroom, on the porch or even sit in the public tribune. He said the fact councilman Roy Marlin called for “hoofdelijstemming” individual voting and walk out does not constitute a lack of quorum. He said it is remarkable that the chairman of the island council did not allow the voting to take place and he also refused to adjourn the meeting claiming it was not possible.
Marlin said has nothing to do with the lack of respect instead its the Democratic Party he said is trying their best to obstruct the process of constitutional change because they know that based on the agreements the code of conduct on cooperate governance had to be implemented by August 1.
The leader of the National Alliance Leader said Thursday was indeed a sad day for St. Maarten and the Democratic Party has declared war on the people on St. Maarten with their constitutional change. He said during elections there would people who would be putting up huge bill boards with “country above self” but the display of the Democratic Party clearly shows that it is the Democratic Party above country because the code of conduct on cooperate governance does not belong to the National Alliance/ Theo Heyliger or any politician instead in the interest of St. Maarten achieving what the people voted for nine years ago which is to become country.
Philipsburg: --- Even though the leader of the National Alliance and government of St. Maarten William Marlin refuted the story published some days ago in one of the daily newspapers pertaining to the replacement of the acting Lt. Governor Millicent de Weever. Island councilman Roy Marlin said where there is fire there is smoke. Marlin said he read carefully the reaction of the leader of government who said the local coalition did not forward any documents to have the acting Lt. Governor replaced.
The island councilman said everyone knows how it works in the Central government who has the authority to remove and install the acting. Lt. Governors.
Marlin said when one is in coalition in the federal government they do not necessarily have to put anything on paper to get the process moving. The island councilman said the process could begin with a simple close door discussion.
He said what is now termed as a rumor has to have some sort of truth because matters such as these does not spring up like that. “For me where there is fire there is smoke” Marlin said he believed that those supporting the central government has prompted the central government to look at the removal because during an island council meeting two weeks ago the acting Lt. Governor allowed him to give a statement after the vote.
Philipsburg: --- Employees of the St. Maarten Tender Services on Monday approached their boss demanding that the union dues, which were taken out of their salaries for the Windward Island Civil Servants and PSU, (WICSU/PSU) be returned to them. Speaking to SMN News on behalf of the employees is Sandra Blaize. Blaize said the general manager of the company had ordered the secretary not to take out any dues from the employees who are presently at odds with their union but the secretary she said still took out the dues. The long time worker said the company promised to return the monies that was deducted from their salaries. Blaize also made clear that the St. Maarten Tender Services do not have 34 workers as was reported before. She said the workers in the office are part of management while some other workers are on contract. She further explained that management is trying to mislead the public with the figure they released earlier since if all the workers were added together they still would not amount to 34. According to Blaize there are only 18 employees of the St. Maarten Tender Services all of whom she is said works on the boats.
The workers of the St. Maarten Tender Services have decided to change their union claiming that the president of the WICSU/ PSU has failed to adequately represent them. The workers already approached the Union Federation Union where they are seeking representation. A request for a referendum has been submitted to the Federal Labour Department.
Philipsburg:--- The relatives of an 11-year old child are furious with police whom they said arrested a Jamaican national who allegedly raped the child. The relatives who spoke to SMN News on the condition of anonymity said the incident occurred Saturday evening and the man as well as the child’s mother was arrested after she assaulted him.
However, police did not take a statement from the mother over the weekend since according to them there was no juvenile detective on duty. The young mother was asked to report to the police station on Monday, which she did, the child was taken to a medical doctor where a rape kit was taken. The relatives identified the alleged rapist as L.D and they said that he has been molesting the child over three years now. According to the aunt of the child, her sister was not living on St. Maarten when the abuse was taken place but sometime last year, she filed a report against the man because he molested her child and she had also assaulted him. The relatives claimed that the child’s guardian as well as her grandmother with whom she is living has been covering up for her husband. They said the woman told the child not to tell police all that happened because she preferred the alleged rapist be deported and not face criminal charges for his act. To date the prosecutor’s office has no information on the case, even though Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said they have an official report against the suspect and action would soon be taken.
Philipsburg: --- While being very reserved finance commissioner Xavier Blackman said dollarization for the Curacao and St. Maarten remains an option. Blackman said there were a number of case studies that were presented during the conference. He said based on these case studies it was revealed that only countries that were in a crisis dollarize. Most of the Latin Countries that dollarize followed recommendations from the IMF.
Blackman said the Director of the Central Bank Emsley Tromp said the reason he believes it was necessary to dollarize was because of the deteriorating balance of payments of the Netherlands Antilles, and given that, if another crisis was to occur then it would hit the islands harder.
Blackman said assuming that the financial situation will improve when the islands take on country status, since the federal government layer will be removed, which would allow both future countries to keep their revenues.
When that happens then these countries would no longer have their revenue spread out especially to the BES islands and when that happens then their should be a healthier finances which would ensure a healthier balance of payments. Blackman said in his opinion if the above is acquired then the argument given by the Central Bank would become obsolete. He said he is not sure if dollarization would address the problems.
However, the finance commissioner agreed that there should be more discussions including the broader community. He said government is busy preparing to hold information sessions on the matter to look at the future monetary system for the countries.
The commissioner said he also believes that the public has to be involved in this process since the people need to know what would happen to their money. Asked if he has preference on the matter, he said his official position on the issue is that St. Maarten and Curacao is working on creating a common currency for the future countries, while his personal position on dollarization is that is has pros and cons.
However, he said the list of cons is just as long as the list of pros. He said while one would said that it is more practical but admitted that this is a very hard decision to make. He queried why fix something that is not broken and one has to be very careful when fixing or changing something that is working.
On Wednesday August 26, Commissioner Theodore Heyliger continued his distribution of orange pencil cases to the students of the Leonard Connor primary school. On the cover of the pencil cases there is a message from Commissioner Heyliger reminds the students “The future depends on you.”
Great Bay:---- – It’s now official: St. Maarten/St. Martin has been certified by Modern Bride as one of the top 50 Best Honeymoon spots in the world. In a letter to the island’s tourism authorities announcing this, Publisher of Modern Bride, Jennifer Hicks, disclosed that the honor was conferred by “a panel of Virtuoso travel specialists.”
“Each year, Modern Bride has a signature editorial feature that announces the 50 Best Places to honeymoon worldwide,” Hicks explained.
“In determining the winners,” she continued, “Virtuoso experts look at a variety of criteria: factors that establish a place as a really hot destination for newly weds. A romantic backdrop, great beaches, adventurous activities, superb nightlife, and opportunity for seclusion… our expert panel narrows down the top choices in all these categories.”
St. Maarten/St. Martin was ranked 45th out of the 50 Best Honeymoon destinations in the entire world by Modern Bride. The publication receives over three million impressions a year for its much-anticipated annual feature.
Commissioner of Tourism, Frans Richardson is thrilled by the news. Just back from New York where he led a St. Maarten delegation to meet with travel writers from various trade and consumer publications that included Bride's, For the Bride, and Wedding Dresses Magazine among others, the Commissioner said being chosen by such a prestigious magazine as Modern Bride among the Top 50 Honeymoon spots in the world was a huge honor.
“The wedding and honeymoon segment is a growing niche market which we are also focusing on because of the potential it presents for us. This honor presents a unique opportunity for us to further target this segment,” Commissioner Frans Richardson remarked.
“It is a publicity windfall which will boost our current marketing efforts even more,” he added, noting that he is keen on taking full advantage of opportunities like this to brand the island as a desirable destination “for romance as well.”
On Thursday 27th of August, representatives of the NAOC (Netherlands Antilles Olympic Committee) Board met with Commissioner Frans Richardson (picture: second from right) from St. Maarten. Mr. Richardson visited the island of Curacao to have different meetings. Mr. Richardson discussed various topics with NAOC.
A possible new sports structure was discussed as well as ways to develop sports associations of St. Maarten. NAOC also brought forward that some athletes received scholarships in the past and that this will take place before the end of this year.
The commissioner asked to keep up the good work, to continue organizing courses and to support the organizations, such as the St. Maarten Sports Federation.
It is important that everybody on St. Maarten knows what NAOC stands for and how they can make use of the different programs.
The next meeting is planned to take place on St. Maarten, where the official announcement regarding the scholarships being granted, will take place.
Philipsburg: --- Island councilman Petrus Leroy De Weever at a press conference on Tuesday told reporters that he has been consistently expressing his concerns about the legislation that was put together by his party while in government. The island councilman said he posed several questions to the notary who worked on the document and he was not satisfied with the answers or modifications made to the document. De Weever said he also expressed these concerns to former leader of government and leader of his faction Sarah Wescot Williams prior to making his decision not to even vote on the document. He said he also asked the current government what was their reasons to appoint a committee for life, and what sort of message they are sending to students studying abroad. However, the executive council he said did not intend to provide the answers neither the names of the people that were to sit on the permanent committee.
He said should something go wrong how and what means government would use to remove any member of the committee. De Weever said he even asked for the names of the persons to be appointed and their resume but none of the information was forthcoming.
The island councilman said the only people that are appointed for life are judges and this situation placed him in a rather awkward position since be believed in the ordinance on good governance most importantly De Weever said they all worked on the legislation and he did not feel having a review of the committee after three years were sufficient for government. The island council man said he is rather frustrated with the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laviest government because in his opinion they believe they would hold power forever, thus they have not been showing respect to the other members of the island council. De Weever said the executive council has refused to answer questions posed to them by the opposition reason why he felt he needed to take the route he took which was to establish his frustration. Asked why he did not stop the process when he was the chairman of the central committee De Weever said he submitted a seven-page letter with concerns and asked questions even then. He said the legislation was geared at controlling commissioners and to take away their responsibility and put in the hands of a foundation is not ethical or correct, because it was belief that responsibility lies with those elected.
Great Bay: ---United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representatives will be on St. Maarten next week to conduct meetings on September 9 with stakeholders and to hold a two-day workshop on September 10 and 11.
The purpose of their visit is to do a country assessment on reproductive health commodity security, comprehensive condom programming, and the female condom programming. They will also do a site visit to various brothels, a pharmacy and will also visit a condom wholesaler. The findings from the assessment will be gathered and analyzed by UNFPA and represented to St. Maarten in the form of a report, along with the evaluation results from the training workshop.
The objectives of the two day workshop are: to increase partner awareness and understanding of reproductive health commodity security; to increase partner understanding of comprehensive condom programming so that it can be applied at a national level and assist partners in the development of a National Plans for Condom Programming and Promotion; to increase partner awareness of the second-generation female condom and strategies for programming and promoting the female condom.
Cornelius de Weever, Assistant HIV/AIDS Programme Manager said”: I wish that all stakeholders attend and hopefully out of this workshop the need for a sexual reproductive health policy arises. For this we need great leadership to ensure access to these sexual reproductive health services and supplies, such as condoms, pills and counseling in order to reduce social inequity, poverty that runs from one generation to the next and continues to erode St. Maarten’s middle class.”
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.
Philipsburg: -- Police on Tuesday September 1 apprehended a well-known drug addict who was seen by two detectives on a bicycle carrying a box. The alleged addict began acting suspiciously when he noticed police who immediately did decided to check what the contents of the box were. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson identified the suspect, as W.K.R.who was caught leaving Eddy’s Auto Supply with the box, which had in two new car batteries. Henson said when police questioned the suspect about the car batteries and where he obtained them for the man could not provide a reasonable answer, as such police arrested him. It turned out that the batteries were stolen from Eddy Auto Supply as the following morning that an official complaint was filed by management of the Auto Shop. The suspect remains in custody as police continue their investigation.
Philipsburg – The 20th Anniversary celebrations for the University of St. Martin will now be held on November 7, 2009 due to logistical issues, officials announced this week.
The original date scheduled for the event was today, Saturday, September 5.
“The organization of the full evening of activities is on track and being refined. Refinements are also taking place at our facilities,” USM officials said.
The 20th anniversary celebrations are scheduled to be held at the campus in Philipsburg and include speeches and presentations honoring founders the late Dr. Claude Wathey and Dr. Hushang Ansary. Especially important in the evening’s event will be the expression of gratitude to all of the donors that have helped to make the second floor of the current building a reality. The second floor consists of five new classrooms and office and other space, including a new teacher’s lounge, conference room and office spaces for Board of Directors and the Student Government Association (SGA).
“We are very enthusiastic about the commemoration of this milestone and we are looking forward to playing a more pivotal role in our community as we forge ahead,” USM officials said.
In addition, as part of the Open House, in many of the new classrooms there will be Powerpoint and pictorial presentations. Some of these presentations include: 20 years of history of USM, and degree programs offered by the institution. The USM students, the alumni of USM, the USM faculty and a program of the Fundraising and construction of the second floor of the building will also be featured. Guests can visit each of the classrooms to view the presentations.
Invitations have been sent to the minister of education and leader of government/commissioner of education and deputy leader, respectively, and various stakeholders in the community.
“We apologize for the postponement of the event and we urge all invited guests and stakeholders to mark your calendars for November 7th, 2009. Once the weather holds, we expect to see you at this historical event,” the USM officials noted.
The Foundation of the University of St. Martin, Board of Directors (BOD) will also be unveiling special plaques and donor boards at the institution. The Partners in Education, the Classroom Sponsors, the Patrons, and friends of the University will be honored for their generous contributions.
The celebrations are expected to get underway at 6:00pm. Music will be provided by a steel band and a local string band.
The University of St. Martin is the only institution of higher learning on the island offering several associate degrees in business and general liberal arts, bachelor degrees in business, education, and hospitality and one master’s degree, in education, in addition to several non degree programs such as the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Tutorial and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.
USM has more than 550 alumni many of whom have gone on to work internationally and locally in various sectors.
Philipsburg:--- Media representatives on St. Maarten were treated at a cocktail party on Wednesday evening at the Chesterfields restaurant and bar in honor of press day. Kooyman is also celebrating its 70th anniversary said the assistant store manager Binkie van Es. Es said the company recognizes the work and dedication media workers do for the community and thus they feel compelled to honor them on this solemn occasion of press day.
He said free press dates back to article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948 that states that everyone” has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impartial information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”
Since the adoption of the “Windhoek declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press” in 1991 that led to the establishment of World Press Freedom Day in 1993 and is celebrated ever since.
The Windhoek Declaration emphasized the importance of a free press for developing and maintaining democracy in a nation and for economic development.
Now, 26 Years later this is still as important today as it was then , our own country is in both political and economic turmoil and needs a free press more than ever to safeguard our democracy and economic growth. “You as a group assembled here tonight are the guardians of our society, here as much as elsewhere in the world there are political and economic forces that would prefer to silence you. We ask you not to be silenced but continue to report abuse, incompetence and other sorts of behavior that does not benefit our society.” Es said as he addressed the media workers.
With this great Freedom, also comes great responsibility and another great roll of the press is educator, he continued, by reporting about worldwide events, health issues, technical developments, environmental issues and many others, you take on the job as educator of your audiences and with this come the added responsibility of reporting honest and well researched facts.
As a society have come to rely on the media as a prime source for our information to base their daily decisions on and for this important role we salute you.
On behalf of the company he said they would be celebrating their 70th anniversary of Kooyman as a company. 70 years ago Adrianus Kooyman founded his company on Curacao and to day his children are still the sole shareholders, several of his grandchildren are also in various positions in the company.
In the, past seventy years Kooyman has grown to become the leading building material and home improvement company in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba with three outlets on Curacao, two on Aruba, one on Bonaire and since January 2007 a Megastore in St Maarten.
Kooyman B.V. suppliers are located in all parts of the world. The assortment includes products from countries specializing in their product areas, e.g. tiles from Spain and Brazil. Other countries include The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and The United States of America.
Kooyman considers their staff as their most valuable asset, at the moment Kooyman has over 400 employees on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and St. Maarten.
We consider the knowledge and efficiency that has been adopted over the years regarding the import of goods into the islands one of our core competences. For a relatively small island Kooyman is a company, which import a vast amount of building materials and hardware on a weekly basis.
Philipsburg: --- Island Councilman Rudolphe Samuel, a member of the National Alliance declared that the Democratic Party has begun their election campaign on the floor of the island council on Monday. Samuel said when he listened to what the current opposition had to say and the questions they posed it is clear to him that they begin campaigning for the January 22 2010 elections.
The island councilman said that it seems as if the Democratic Party had to be placed in the opposition benches so that they could hear the cries of the people. He felt it is good for politicians to be on both sides of the isle since it is only then they can get the true feelings from the man in the street. He said when the Democratic Party was in government for at least 10 years the voice of the man of street could not be heard.
Samuel said the agenda point up for discussion, the financial and economic situation of the island was on the floor for the third time this year. He reminded that the National Alliance who was in opposition earlier this year had brought the agenda point to the floor seeking answers from the former government.
He said when they asked if government had increased the amount of monies going to Social Affairs in their budget and they were told it was not increased. The councilman said it is his understanding that the former government, now opposition did not anticipate that things would become this bad, reasons why they did not reserve monies to attack the crisis.
Samuel said that while the speakers before said they did not come to frustrate the government he wants to know why they would mention it. “If your intention is not to frustrate government why did you mention it or maybe you want to say you come to frustrate the government,” Samuel said the opposition even mentioned that they asked some of the questions before and were provided the answers but because they did not get them in writing, they are asking them again. He reminded the Democratic Party of their statements when they said that the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laviest government does not deserve a honeymoon.
Regarding the sand that is used to build to Ring Road that has a value that was asked he said this is not the first time sand from Great Bay harbor was used for other projects on St. Maarten.
The statement that the Ring Road sand has value. He said this is not the first time sand from Great Bay harbor was used for projects. He said questions are being asked about turn over tax while the same opposition while in government said they were going to increase the turn over tax, today they want it reduced. He reminded of the former commissioner of finance who said he could go to Curacao and speak with the Minister of Finance to increase turn over tax, is now asking that it be lowered.
As for the questions that was posed about the recipient of government land. Samuel said he hopes the executive council would comply and release the names of the people who received government land in the Belvedere area in one weekend. He said when the answer is given it would be revealing for the people of St. Maarten to know who got these land then and who are the owners today. Samuel said that land was given to certain persons back then but today owners have changed.
As for the consultants, the island councilman said the very people that are asking those types of questions are the ones who hired the director of TELEM that has a salary of Euros 20,000 per month. He said a quick calculation would show that this person would receive some Euros 300,000 by the time his term ends. He said he wants government to tell him how much money made during the year 2007 compared to what is made in 2008 after Drent was hired.
Samuel condemned the leader of the Democratic Party who used the Caribbean statics to make her point on the economic crisis. He said the same person was in charge of finances and they did not put in place a system to track and store data.
Samuel charged that the Democratic Party has used political gimmick to say the small man is struggling and they need relief from GEBE. He asked who managed the island for the past ten years. Samuel made clear that the effects seen today did not happen over the past three months.
As for diversification of the economy, he said he could clearly remember Oswald Richardson and Mr. Joslyn Richardson who pleaded with the former government to do something about agriculture.
He reminded the opposition who was said that investing in education is not an investment yet they are asking about the amount of monies is spent on education.
As for the unemployment rate question, Samuel says he too wants to know the figure, because he already asked how many gas stations and drug stores are on the island, to which the answers were not provided.
Also addressing these issues was councilman George Pantophlet who said he used the media in the past when he was asking for information and never got it. He said he called on the former government almost two years ago to form a plan to deal with the global economic crisis that is currently affecting the islands. Pantophlet said he sent a letter to the executive council and never received a response. He said when he questioned how much money was set aside for the pensioners he was told that is private information. Pantophlet said the deficit on St. Maarten stands at 50 million and it is climbing. He called on the opposition to bring proposals to tackle the crisis instead of grandstanding government or the island’s people. The island councilman said it is time the Democratic Party use their 10 years of experience to garner proposals, which he assured the executive council, would consider.
Philipsburg: --- A team of experts from Curacao is on St. Maarten to assist immigration with the implementation of the Brooks Tower Accord. Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba said the delegation that is on St. Maarten came to install and check on the new immigration system. Jacoba said the team met with the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards who asked the team of technicians for their assistance in the implementation of the Brooks Tower Accord.
Former Minister of Justice David Dick had said on August 4 that the Brooks Tower Accord, which is aimed at regulating the undocumented persons in the Antilles, would be implemented on September 15 2009.
Dick on his last day in office had said the matter of regulating the undocumented had been discussed with the current Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba. Dick said it was
not possible to publish the information earlier seeing as the basic conditions for The Admissions organization had not as yet been met. The condition is that the regular service sector is guaranteed before the problem of undocumented persons can be solved. To realize this, a basic provision is needed, consisting of a sound infrastructure with adequate housing, sufficient qualified personnel, and customized ICT.
On Bonaire, the Foreigner Management System (FMS) is already operational. The employees are busy removing paediatric illnesses from the system. Following Bonaire and Curaçao, St. Maarten now also has an adequate furnished location on Illidge Road in order to be able to offer regular services, be it within a new organizational structure, the New Admissions organization.
In the meantime, an interim-chief has been appointed on St. Maarten. The move to Illidge Road should have taken place at the end of August, after which the location at Sun Color Building will be furnished so that the project ‘registration and handling undocumented aliens’ can commence.
In order to also start the project on Curaçao, a suitable location is being looked for in consultation with the Department of Labour Affairs. The offices at the Waaigat will still be used to offer regular services. The negotiations for a new location are in full swing.
It is expected that all infrastructural renovations on all islands will be implemented by mid September, after which the handling of undocumented persons on all of the islands will take place in phases and in an orderly manner. The fact that an alien is considered undocumented as long as he has no legal status, is expressly pointed out.
In the Brooks Tower agreement, which was signed on the 2nd of March 2007 on St.Maarten by the Minister of Justice and the deputies of the five islands, it is described how the problem of the undocumented persons will be dealt with. The aliens are divided into three categories according to the date of arrival. In due time, the Minister of Justice will implement the Brooks Tower agreement in phases. The categories are:
1. Persons who entered the Antilles before the 31st of December 2001;
2. Persons who entered the Antilles between the 1st of January 2002 and the 1st of January 2006.
3. Persons who entered the Antilles after 1st of January 2006.
Persons from group 1 can apply for a permit on their own merits, while the persons from group 2 need their employer to apply for them. Persons from group 3 will be treated humanely, but for them there is no possibility of legalizing their status and they are requested to leave the country. If necessary, they can apply from abroad and await the process of the application in their own country.
The conditions will be published in the media soon and will be available at various embassies and consuls, at the Admissions organizations and the Department of Labour Affairs. The implementation of the project registration and handling of undocumented aliens will be evaluated along the way. In practice, situations will be revealed which were not held into consideration during the development of the policy. If such is the case, then the policy will be adapted. The new project will commence between the 15th and the 20th of September 2009.
Philipsburg: --- A teacher from the St. Maarten Vocational School has reported to police that he was severely ill-treated by a student who was disturbing his class on Tuesday. According to a press release from police spokesman Ricardo Henson identified the teacher identified as J.O who told police that a student identified as J.C hit him at the school. According to the teacher the student in question, stood outside the classroom behind the door with a bottle of water and while hiding behind the door he would throw water on the other students in the class-room and in doing so interrupted the class.
The teacher further stated that to pull the attention of the person hiding behind the door he pounded on the door with a piece wood. It is then that he noticed that the person hiding behind the door was the student. The student J.C. who apparently became very angry attacked the teacher and started beating with his fist. He struck the teacher several times in his face and chest. The teacher did not want to file an official report, however he requested that the student be severely reprimanded with regards to his behavior and also that his parents be informed of the incident.
Philipsburg: --- Senator and Island Councilman George Pantophlet has taken the initiatives to discuss at least two issues that are pending and relates to St. Maarten with the newly appointed Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba.
The senator in a press release said he recently held discussions with the Minister concerning the implementation of the Brooks Tower Accord. Pantophlet said the Minister Jacoba said the Brooks Tower Accord would be implemented on October 31 and not September 15 as was reported. However, this is contingent on some judicial procedures that have to be finalized. In addition, the immigration and naturalization building is almost ready and the possibility exists that the personnel from the relevant departments from the Immigration and Police Affairs might be relocating there sometime this month. The Minister also emphasized that this is not a grace period or amnesty. The senator sent a strong message to not to use this opportunity not to apply for working permits for their employees. “The Protocol has three different categories and these will be published as soon as the legal procedures are completed. He cautioned that no one should under estimate the social and economic impact this protocol would have on St. Maarten.
The other issue that Senator Pantophlet discussed with Minister Jacoba is the legal positions of some brigadiers and inspectors at the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSSS). Pantophlet said the Minister informed him that she is working on trying to resolve the situation. She has requested certain information from the management of the police force, which will allow her to solve this problem once and for all. The Minister is working in close cooperation with the Lt. Governor and Local Chief of Police Mr. Franklin Richards in gathering the necessary information and in resolving the issue.
On the matter of Inspector Carlton Phillips, the Minister said that she could not go into any details as the matter is under investigation.
Philipsburg: ---Several other staff of the police department is now speaking out against the victimization they face with the management of the police force. Sources say some of the workers have have already contacted their union who are now dealing with the issues with Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba. Several officers of KPSSS is supposed to be paid for work they did and the management of KPSSS is making sure these workers are not paid.
Sources close to management of the KPSSS said management is refusing to pay certain employees their over time or extra monies that is owed to them. One of the persons that are yet to be paid for the work she executed for a period of six months is Belinda Brison. Brison was in charge of the daily operations last year when Sylvia Gibbs, head of human resources was sent home by management of the KPSSS. According to a federal government ordinance if any civil servant hold a position for a certain amount of time in the absence of the department head that person has to be paid extra which is equivalent to the department head.
It is understood that the police management under Assistant Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran has refused to process the necessary paperwork for Brison to be paid instead they are busy seeking advice from other police organization to see if they can deny Brison the monies she has worked for.
SMN News also understands that both the NAPB and the ABVO were inform on the case and is said to be discussing it with management. SMN News further understands that Brison has been waiting for over three months for her extra monies.
SMN News also learnt another police officer was placed in another department to set up the IT-Data of the KPSSS and immigration. According to our sources, this officer has to also receive compensation for the work he did. The system has been already installed but the officer in question remains in the department to monitor the systems. Sources say the management of KPSSS has to process the documents so the officer can be compensated but to date they have not done so. Unless management does their work the finance department cannot make the payments.
The disgruntled workers of KPSSS said that while management is busy hindering the staff who is actually working for the people of St. Maarten, they (the management) makes sure they do all they can to make sure they are promoted to higher scales. The source said that the management team would put heads together when it involves their own benefits while they make it their business to stifle the workers. In the meantime, Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba has met with Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran on Saturday to discuss the issues facing St. Maarten. Jacoba said ever since she took office she has been dealing with problems and to date she is not able to sit down and do her work. Asked for a comment on the accusation made against the management team Jacoba said the federal detectives are busy investigating the case. She said unless she gets some information from the investigating team she is not able to say anything. Asked if the police management is investigating themselves since they sent a letter with several questions to detective Carlton Philips. Jacoba said the management team is not investigating the case; however, as management they are within their rights to ask questions. The Minister said the detective made lots of claims and he has to come up with some proof on these matters. Minister Jacoba said St. Maarten in particular has a number of issues that has to be dealt with.
In the meantime, SMN News has learnt that the former Assistant Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflek has sent a letter to Minister Jacoba requesting to take over the management of the police force. It is said a number of officers have been encouraging Panneflek to return to the helm. So far, the Minister has not responded to Panneflek’s request.
POINTE BLANCHE,– Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo says marketing efforts need to be stepped up in the German market as that market is the fastest growing market in cruise passengers in Europe and will become the biggest market in Europe.
This is one of the main trends in cruise tourism that he learnt from attending Seatrade Europe, the leading meeting place for the Cruise, Ferry, Rivercruise and Superyacht industries, held from September 15-17 at the Hamburg Messe Fairground in Germany.
The European cruise market overall grew by 10 per cent in 2008, with 4.3 million taking a cruise. Germans represent the second largest group that takes a cruise, with the United Kingdom being the first. However, Germans spend two times more than their British counterparts.
Ninety per cent of Germans book via travel agents and make their reservations six months in advance.
“Germany plays a significant role in the global cruise market sector stretching from participation in new ships being constructed, vessel repairs, ownership and management to name a few.
“Germany is the second largest source market for cruise passengers in Europe with an estimated 907,000 residents having purchased a cruise in 2008. We need to spend more money in the German market especially where stay-over visitors are concerned,” Mark Mingo pointed out.
One of the leading German owners of ocean tonnage includes AIDA Cruises. The number one German brand is AIDA Cruises which claimed almost 40 per cent of the German domestic market in 2008.
AIDA will be making 10 calls to the Port of St. Maarten for the 2009/10 cruise season. TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., entered the market in May, and will also be making calls to St. Maarten.
Mingo was accompanied by Supervisory Board Chairman Michel Soons and Cruise Manager Nzinga Lake who also attended Seatrade Europe.
GREAT BAY:---The HIV/AIDS program is having a two-day workshop for Health Care Providers in the area of HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment. In addition, this training will expand the pool of health professionals that deal with the growing number of HIV/AIDS cases. Currently, two doctors deal mainly with 90% of the HIV/AIDS cases.
The session, according to the HIV/AIDS Program Manager, Suzette Moses, is intended to train other Health Care Providers to deal with HIV/AIDS patients in a more consistent and sustainable manner through a managed Care and Treatment program, geared towards St. Maarten with the input of the local factors regarding St. Maarten situation from health care providers.
Other topics that will be dealt with are access to medication and procurement systems.
Dr. Noreen Jack, based in Trinidad with the Health Care Organization, PAHO, was the facilitator of the workshop, which is over two days. Dr. Jack, a Care and Treatment specialist, will review the current situation on St. Maarten, such as HIV testing and counseling and HIV Care and Treatment, among other topics that will be discussed.
The second half of the day will focus on discussing target setting, models of care, health systems strengthening, capacity building, and patient information systems.
Day two will consist mostly of work-group sessions using the operational plan template, dealing with target setting, models of care, sites and providers, health systems strengthening/Capacity building/standards and guidelines, access to medicines/procurement systems, comprehensive care, patient information systems, monitoring and evaluation, and surveillance.
Each group will present the group’s model and in the end, an amended and comprehensive Care and Treatment plan would have been developed from the ground up, Moses said, one that is workable and that involves everyone.
Present at the meeting were nurses, doctors, sector health care workers, pharmacists, HIV/AIDS program mangers, and other health care providers.
My St. Maarten (http://www.mystmaarten.com) is a new initiative that has evolved out of a partnership between a very successful St. Maarten based Internet marketing company which has developed sites such as St. Maarten-Info (www.stmaarten-info.com) and Saint Martin Activities (www.saint-martinactivities. com) , and a team of Vacation professionals with many years of experience in the resort and vacationing industry on St. Maarten .
My St. Maarten is specifically designed for St. Maarten residents allowing them to directly book their vacations at the lowest prices.
As a St. Maarten resident you do not have to travel far to be able to have a great vacation. In fact, all it takes is a short drive and you can discover some of the great resorts the Island has to offer. Direct Resorts St. Maarten makes it possible to book your own vacation directly at the providers, at the lowest prices.
Of course, you are not restricted to booking a vacation on St. Maarten. The affiliated providers offer more than 1,000 resort locations, as well as villa rentals, hotels, cruises, car rentals and air fares all over the world.
How are discounts available? Resort properties and their developers do not always have 100% occupancy and owners at these properties do not always use the inventory. As a result, this “excess inventory” is made available on a limited basis.
Iit is important to be flexible when making a condominium selection. That is why you should not try to be set on a specific resort, destination or week. Travel provider offerings are on a “first come first served” basis. As a result, the greater your flexibility, the greater your chance of securing a satisfactory week for an enjoyable vacation.
Condos are available on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, the greater your lead time in planning and booking with a specific provider the greater your opportunities. Keep in mind that holidays, peak seasons and other factors also play a part in availability.
Direct booking means you cut out the middlemen and save both time and money.
Is there any limit as to my use of Direct Resorts? No, provided that it is only for your personal use and that of your family living in your household. You may not book travel for others or to operate a business.

Christopher Velasquez, an 18 year-old student of St. Maarten Academy, and a member of the St. Maarten Archaeological Center (SIMARC), last July in Antigua made an archaeology presentation at the International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology (IACA). It has now come to pass that Chris has been invited to attend introductory classes at City University New York (CUNY). While at the IACA congress with fellow student Matthew Halley and SIMARC Director Dr. Jay Haviser, Chris had the opportunity to meet Dr. Cory Look who is the head of the Forensic Science department at CUNY. Dr. Look was very impressed with Chris’s presentation at the IACA Congress, and after subsequent correspondence invited him to attend some classes at CUNY to see if he is interested in pursuing a career in the field of Forensic Archaeology. “We are extremely pleased that the professional networking opportunity that Chris got by attending the IACA congress has resulted in this kind of career potential for him”, said SIMARC director Dr. Haviser. “It is one of the central goals of SIMARC to stimulate more St. Maarten youth to look for careers in scientific fields, and here we see success towards that direction”, Haviser further stated.
GREAT BAY:--- – Fire Commander Winston Salomon is calling on the community to cease from lighting fires in their yards as the smoke is a nuisance to neighbors and also poses a risks to property with respect to possibly leading to a bush fire in the area that could get out of control.
The fire department has received a number of complaints from residents about persons burning leaves, garbage etc in their yards.
In order to reduce the chance of a bush fire near a neighborhood, restrictions are applied to where fires can be lit, and this is done in order to protect lives and property.
Persons who would like to burn bush or rubbish in a built up area or on a hillside for agricultural activities, should first contact the fire department for advice. The inappropriate use of fire can endanger the environment.
“Fires can get out of control. Every homeowner has a responsibility to make sure that they don’t cause any situations that could result in their neighbor suffering damage to his or her property due to a yard fire that gets out of control,” Fire Commander Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday.
Those seeking information can contact the Fire Department at 542-1215, 542-1217, 543-1316, 543-1318 or emergency number 919 which is only to be used for emergencies.
Great Bay:---HIV/AIDS Programme Manager, Suzette Moses-Burton along with representatives from the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation will be travelling to the Dominican Republic to attend a “Consensus meeting on Access of Most-AT-Risk and Vulnerable Populations to HIV Prevention, Treatment and Health Care Services in the Caribbean” October 7-9, 2009.
Suzette mentioned that this meeting is critical because one of the priorities for action under year two of the EU project is Most-at-Risk Populations and before planning interventions we need to have a clear understanding of the situation that exists with this population, and more importantly include them in the discussions about developing interventions that will best suit their needs.
Some of the objectives of this three day meeting are as follows: review what is known about the accessibility, utilization, quality and outcomes of HIV health services for men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender, sex workers, prison inmates, and drug users in the Caribbean; to establish a community of providers of services for MSM, Transgender, sex workers, prison inmates and drug users in the Caribbean as a platform for ongoing information-sharing and capacity building; to design a set of pilot interventions for MSM and sex workers in the Dutch and British overseas territories within the context of the EC/OCT Project.
This consensus meeting is an activity that stems out of the HIV/AIDS European Union Project. Once this meeting is concluded certain results are expected for the region. Such as: Regional consensus on priority actions to reduce barriers and enhance the quality, accessibility, utilization and outcomes of HIV prevention, treatment and care services for MSM, transgender, sex workers, prison inmates and drug users in the Caribbean; A Caribbean Plan of Action to enhance HIV services for MSM, Transgender, sex workers, prison inmates and drug users in the Caribbean; Interventions designed for implementation in the Dutch and British OCTs starting in 2010.
The three days will consist of various panel discussions covering a wide variety of topics. At the end of day three workshop attendees will be split in four groups, namely representing drug users, prison inmates, men who have sex with men/transgender, sex workers. These groups will be the ones that will together with the facilitators develop a plan. Together they will: review key documentation pertaining to the respective group; identify key information gaps; indentify key actions and strategies, and lastly identify key barriers and underlying/contributing factors to provide HIV health services for vulnerable populations in the Caribbean.
Marigot:-- A 4.4 earthquake occurred on Monday at 12.28pm. A report from the Observatoire Volcanologique et Sismologique de Guadeloupe − IPGP states that the magnitude of the earthquake was 4.4, at 18.6 North and 62.78 West. The earthquake had a debt of 15 kilometers. The measurements are according to the Richter scale. It was identified as a tectonic origin with the epic center located 19 kilometers North Northeast of St. Barths.
Pointe Blanche: --- Workers of the Ambulance Department were with all smiles on Wednesday when they drove away with a brand new ambulance for the department. Head of the Ambulance Department Clyred Richardson said receiving another ambulance in such a short time is history for St. Maarten since only some weeks ago they received the first of the two vehicles that was ordered at Wheelco Deliveries in Miami and cost the island government a whopping $70,000. The vehicle he said is fully equipped with the necessary emergency equipments.
Richardson said the commissioner of public health Hyacinth Richardson was very instrumental in making sure the vehicles arrived here in working order. He said the purchase of both ambulances was part of the island government budget. With the arrival of the new ambulance the department now has four ambulances.
Hopefully the new vehicle should be ready for use within the next two weeks Richardson said. Having the new vehicle Richardson said the department would be able to make proper maintenance plans for all their vehicles as well as to provide a much better service to the community of St. Maarten.
Also addressing the reporters is commissioner of public health Hyacinth Richardson said the island government plans to add on their 2010 budget the purchase of another two ambulances as well as some medical equipments, which includes to mass casualty incident trailers (MCI) trailers for mass casualty. Richardson said these equipments are vital for any ambulance department. The department head said they already sent the advice to the executive council and is hoping that the purchase can take place before the end of this year. Richardson said these trailers are complete with all necessary medical equipments and has a purchase price of about $15,000.
In the meantime, commissioner of Health Care Affairs Hyacinth Richardson confirmed that Sherriff Security is planning to bring in at least two ambulances. Richardson said he was officially informed by the company of their intentions during a meeting on Wednesday of their intentions to bring in ambulances, which would service mainly the tourists. The commissioner said he heard of Sheriffs plans some three years ago but only on Wednesday, he was officially informed. He said the company has to send their plans to the executive council for approval. Commissioner Richardson said the company is looking into having two ambulances one of which is already on island.
The department head said it is of uttermost importance that the ambulance department is a government agency and they should be able to have the necessary equipments including ambulances to guarantee proper services to the community. Richardson said when it comes to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a government responsibility and government has lived up to its responsibility thus far. He said government is now trying to bring the department up to par by making sure they purchase the necessary equipments. Richardson said in the past the department was faced with a number of issues because the ambulances they had were breaking down. He said in the event of any disaster the more ambulances that are available will be the better for the community. He said the same way the department works with other organizations such as the Red Cross they would work with Sherriff if they have ambulances since the department would need extra personnel and equipments.
Marigot:--- The head of communications for the Collectivity of St. Martin it is understood is not performing her duties. SMN News learnt that members of the president’s cabinet are having constant problems with the employee who was recruited from Guadeloupe. It is also understood that several department heads had huge arguments with Collette Erivan whom they said is always getting in their way.
Several employees of the COM said the woman who once worked at the Chamber of Commerce in Pointe Pitre Guadeloupe would find herself doing everything else except the job she was hired and is paid over Euros 4000 to do.
The historic research committee in France (Comite de Liaison et d’Application des Sources Historiques) once contacted Erivan for information regarding May 28 and she took weeks before responding with incorrect information. Besides that, Erivan withheld information regarding a visit from the Dutch side to the French side.
Sources say members of the president cabinet are at war with Erivan because she presents herself in all meetings and most of the time gets in the way of progress. SMN News also learnt that Erivan had an argument with someone in the communication department and the person went to senator Fleming’s office to lodge a complaint.
Former president of the COM and now Senator Louis Constant Fleming including the current president Frantz Gumbs said on several occasions that they neglected to communicate with the people of St. Martin since they were elected. Both men promised to enhance communication over a year ago.
The COM spent thousands of Euros to prepare a new office over Forum Caraibe for communications, which is of no use to the Collectivity.
They have since hired three new employees in the department of communication, yet communication from the Collectivity is a nightmare. When the UPP took office some two years ago, they eliminated the “Our News”. The political appointees from UPP went as far as taking away the fax machine and other equipments from the department. SMN News learnt that the two hosts of “Our News” had a struggle with the vice president of communication Louis Jeffry who finally agreed to allow the news program back on the air about a month ago. SMN News learnt that even though Erivan is head of communications she has nothing to do with the half hour television program that is produced by staff of the communication department.
During the Victor Schoelcher fete this year, Erivan fought with Grand Case residents over food, she even went as far as telling the locals that she was the one that organized the day’s activity. Sources say Louis Jeffry had given the employee he recruited a warning letter for her actions.
SABA—GEBE joined up with the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF)on September 26, and organized Saba’s participation in the International Coastal Clean-up, which was termed as a big success.
The SCF endorsed GEBE’s successful Supermarket Challenge and has been working alongside with GEBE to also increase the awareness of the dangers of plastic in the environment.
The SCF has been very active in the education system on Saba for many years. The non-governmental organization’s environmental education program which entails teaching a variety of topics including this year’s environmental calendar takes place at the Sacred Heart and Saba Comprehensive Schools.
After GEBE’s successful Supermarket Challenge on Saba, aimed at eliminating plastic shopping bags from the streets, the SCF in conjunction with Child Focus, challenged Sacred Heart School students from Grade 3-6, to use up all the plastic shopping bags under their mothers kitchen counters in the most creative ways possible.
On October 2, a GEBE team consisting of Mark Zagers, Shaun Johnson and Kevin Johnson had the very difficult task to judge the students efforts of the Sacred Heart School. Each student received A Guide to Saba’s Trails book and each class received a video with Saba’s pristine reefs.
The prize for the best overall class was awarded to Grade 6b, which received a complete collection of Blue Planet DVD series. The second prize was won by Grade 5, a complete collection of the Planet Earth DVD series, and third prize was awarded to Grade 3b. This class received the National Geographic’s Natures Most Amazing Events DVD collection.
The prizes were donated by SCF and Child Focus. After the selection, the GEBE judging team treated the students to pizza and refreshments to show their appreciation for a job well done.
Plastic shopping bags usually end up caught in trees littering the environment and can kill marine life because they are mistaken for food. Instead, GEBE has been promoting the use of reusable shopping bags, which can be used over and over again as part of the company’s environmental program aimed at Saving Some Green.
Philipsburg: --- Friday October 9th was Prison Guard day and for this occasion, the prison guards of the Point Blanche Prison celebrated. The Management of the prison organized a luncheon at the Great Bay/ Sonesta Hotel for their entire staff. The Minister of Justice Mrs. Magali Jakoba who was also present and took some time out of her busy schedule to attend this luncheon, she congratulated the guards and other staff members present.
Minister Jacoba also thanked them for the good work they have been doing on a daily basis and encouraged them to continue doing so. She reminded them that together there are many challenges that they will be confronted with, but together they will overcome all of these challenges. The Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Ademar Doran and senator Rudolph Samuel were also present. They too congratulated the prison guards on their day and expressed many words encouragement to them.
Marigot: -- Leader of the RRR party Alain Richardson has openly criticized senator Louis Constant Fleming for the amendments he made to the organic law without consulting with the territorial council. Richardson said it is clear that Constant Fleming believes that he is still the president of the COM while Frantz Gumbs is his puppet. Richardson said based on how the senator acted its clear he is still running the show behind the scenes.
He said Fleming is acting more like a dictator when he decided to make the changes regarding the portfolios and to reduce the power of the executive council. Richardson further explained that the senator in his proposal is looking to reduce the power of the vice presidents and to give more power to the president. This he said can be used as weapon against vice presidents who do not agree with the president. The president would also have the power to decide on who gets a building permit.
The opposition leader said doing so is opening the door to corruption since the president can be easily influenced when it comes to granting of building permits. He said in the proposed amendments Fleming wants the president would be the sole person to decide on these permits. He said investors could easily bribe their way in. Richardson said Fleming disrespected both the executive and territorial council and it is hope that the majority would understand what had taken place.
Last week SMN News reported that the Union Pour le Progres met where they discussed the amendments of the organic laws and the decisions the senator has taken regarding the amendments.
Senator Fleming is currently off island and could not be reached for a comment.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—On Monday, October 12, representatives of Johnson & Johnson visited Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson to have preliminary introductions and to discuss the information sessions to be given by Johnson & Johnson at various schools on the island. The representatives also paid a courtesy call to Commissioner of Education Mr. William Marlin.
The company representatives are presenting "Girl Talk" in elementary schools on St. Maarten.
The program, which is not new to St. Maarten, will take place from Tuesday through Friday of this week.
It is a program with the objective to educate and orient girls and adolescents about changes during puberty, hygiene and menstruation, sexuality, and other crucial phases of their lives.
This program is a way that Johnson & Johnson is giving back to the community, not only on St. Maarten but several islands in the Caribbean.
Present at the meeting were Stanley Baptist Sales Manager of Manrique Capriles, Helen Piper Registered Nurse with Youth Affairs, a section of the Preventive Health Department, and Elmora Aventurin Pantophlet of Youth Affairs, Socio-Cultural Development Department.
ANGUILLA/CARIBE LUMBER BALLPARK— Antigua sent a clear message to its competitors—the defending Nagico One Day Cricket Champions mean business. Antigua scuttled Anguilla by six wickets on Monday at the start of the tournament at the James Ronald Webster Park in Anguilla. Anguilla batted first setting 264 for 5; in reply, Antigua scored 265 for 4. Javin Williams was the high scoring batsman for Antigua with 92 runs; Orlando Peters with 69 runs and Wilden Cornwall with 40. For Anguilla, Jamar Hamilton scored 50 runs and Chesny Hughes had 47 runs. Terry Adams and Junior Johnson scored 40 and 42 runs not out respectively. The outstanding performer was Larry Joseph who two wickets for Antigua. Antigua will next do battle today with the British Virgin Islands at the same venue in Anguilla.
SXM CRUSH BVI.
John Eugene asserted himself as one of the best in Leeward Islands cricket after being the only player in the Nagico One Day Cricket Tournament so far to score a century plus a five wicket haul from Asa Edwards helped St Maarten to a 134 run win over the BVI in one of the first matches of the 2009 staging of the tournament yesterday at the Caribe Lumber Ball Park in St. Maarten. BVI started inflicting wounds early on St. Maarten taking the wicket of Sherwin Peters, LBW for duck and Romain Doodnauth for 14. Experienced batsman Royston Trocard was caught by Gavin Singh from the bowling of De Freitas on eight; Moreland Le Blanc was gone for four, with the score on 28.
It was left to Anil Persaud and John Eugene to repair the damages and with a spirited 88 run partnership, St. Maarten was on the road to recovery.
St. Maarten captain team Lionel Ritchie helped Eugene when he time came producing a beautiful 81 run partnership, the second highest partnership of the day. Eugene went on to strike a brilliant century before he was caught by Pipe for 116, with the score on 237.
Chasing 270 to win turned out to be an uphill task for the BVI and after 10 overs; they were on 55 for 3. Due to rain, the 50 over match was reduced to 42. The BVI were reeling on 91-6 and at the end of the 22nd over, they had reached 106 for 6. Eventually they reached 136 all out.
Great Bay, - Gynecologists Dr. Randall Friday and Dr. Tjon Kon-Fat were given a supply of female condoms, which they will distribute free to their clients. The female condoms, the new FC2 were handed over by HIV/AIDS Assistant Programme Manager Cornelius de Weever.
This activity is part of the implementation plan for St. Maarten under a “Comprehensive Condom Programming” project entered into with UNFPA until December 2010. The new FC2 condoms as well as male condoms will be distributed through various outlets, including the gynecologists’ offices and their access and availability will be monitored closely by the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team. Prior to the official start of the project, a workshop facilitated by UNFPA was held here last month to introduce the new FC2 female condom. The main objective of introducing women to the new FC2 female condom is to see its benefits, with the aim of empowering women and increasing their opportunities to make wiser decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
Philipsburg:--- The five students that are scheduled to leave St. Maarten on Tuesday to participate in the Scotia Bank- York University program Emerging Leaders Program (EGLP) was advised by Commissioner of Education William Marlin to make good with the opportunities given to them. Marlin said already the schools has already identified the leadership qualities in them and it is for them to continue on a positive path in making themselves, their schools and most of all the youths of St. Maarten proud.
St. Maarten team has chosen to work on a project focusing on the destruction of the mangroves and its environmental impacts. The students would be making their presentation in St. Kitts next week they are Kristen Sorton, Kelly Velasquez, Girish Motwani, Sherwin Toulon, Yannick Remie, and would be accompanied by Olga Mussington of the Education Department.
Facilitating the trip was Scotia Bank St. Maarten in the person of Ellie Bendally. Also participating in the EGLP are students from Jamaica, BVI, Cayman Islands, Antigua, Montserrat, Anguilla, Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
On Wednesday Bendally presented the students with their tickets while commissioner Marlin pinned a St. Maarten Flag on each of the student who would be representing St. Maarten.

GREAT BAY (GIS) — On Wednesday October 14, 2009, Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards administered the Oath of office upon incoming Police Officer Daryl Addisson Chandler in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall. Officer Chandler took the oath , in the presence of Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran and high ranking Police Officers Antonio Rogers and Hildo Martina.
Marigot: --- Two financial experts visited St. Martin this past week to analyze the financial situation of the Collectivity of St. Martin confirmed senator Louis Constant Fleming. Fleming said the experts departed St. Martin on Friday he said the President of the Collectivity was advised not to take on any additional financial engagements besides the day-to-day expenditures of the COM.
Senator Fleming said that the financial jeopardy the COM is facing is not one the COM is responsible for. He said the COM is lacking some 12 million Euros due to the loss of the Octroi de Mer funds.
The senator said one of the persons that have St. Martin in this situation is the deputy of Guadeloupe Victorin Laurel. Fleming said when this issue arises and the elected officials brought it up with the State, Laurel he said had decided to pay the Octro de Mer funds for 2008 and refused to pay it for 2009.
The senator said he felt that Laurel should have left this matter up to the State and then it would have become a communal income, which was the case of the past. Fleming said when the island got its new status the evaluation commission had to take this into consideration. He said he was informed of this since 2008 when he was told that the Octroi de Mer is a Regional subvention. Fleming said he along with the President of the Collectivity Frans Gumbs have a letter which was signed by Yves Jego and Michelle Alliot Marie stating that the State would advance St. Martin the 12 million Euros that was lost due to the Octroi de Mer funds. He said when this matter was sent to Bercy they said they did not understand how to make an advancement. Due to this, he said both the president and senator made a request for an inspector of finance and administrator to visit the island to analyze the situation, which is what took place.
Fleming stressed that the Collectivity should not be blamed for the financial woes, instead it is the fault of the French Government. He said the government signed a contract with the COM in March 2008 where the COM is paying the State 2 million Euros to collect its taxes. Fleming said in the past the State was not executing its duties by collecting taxes but they were guaranteeing the monies to each commune. Fleming said even though this was happening the French Government was not loosing any monies even though they guaranteeing the monies. He said St. Martin was producing five or six times more than what the island was receiving. He said they were getting these monies through TVA, droit de mutation, and tax immobiler.
The Lions Club in its ongoing commitment in serving the golden age for this Lionistic year under its President Richard Panneflek gave out thirty baskets to various elderly persons around St. Maarten.
The baskets contained various products that the club the elderly would need such as flour, sugar, rice, butter, milk and tea of which all mentioned that they were very appreciative of the Lions Club gifts and these items would be put to good use.
In addition to giving out the baskets, various members of the club spent time with the elderly reminiscing on stories of the past and listened to any concerns of which the elderly might have. The program is a yearly activity of the St. Maarten’s Lions Club.
French Quarter:--- Relatives of 21-year old Rene Davy Chance are mourning his sudden death, that occurred on Saturday evening. Chance it is understood from eyewitnesses lost control of Kawasaki Street bike in the vicinity of St. Martin Cable TV on French Quarter main road. Witnesses to the deadly accident said the young man lost control and skidded on the wet road since rain had fallen that afternoon.
Eyewitnesses say the young man hit a concrete wall and suffered severe head and neck injuries and died on the spot.
SMN News learnt that the young man also lost his mother in a motor cycle accident at the same age in the Dominican Republic. His father Rigobert Hodge confirmed that someone hit his son’s mother off her motor cycle in the Dominican Republic when he was almost two years old. Hodge said she also died on the spot.
Rigobert Hodge father of the victim said he was at his home at Round the Pond when a friend of the victim told him that his son died in a road accident. Hodge said he hurried to the scene and saw his son lying on the road. “When I reached the scene the ambulance people was working on him but I knew he had already died. I looked at the machine they hooked up on him and saw it had a straight line,” Hodge said.
He said several people were standing around his son as the ambulance personnel was working on him and he asked the gendarmes to seal off the scene of the crime. The distraught father said he also questioned the reasons why the ambulance took over 25 minutes to reach the scene of the accident. He said he was told that when someone called for an ambulance on weekends the call goes to Guadeloupe and then it is reverted to St. Martin. Hodge further explained that the ambulance attendants told him they called for the doctor at least three times before she reached the scene.
Asked if he knew if his son was doing a wheelie Hodge said he could not say exactly how the accident occurred. He said he learnt from others that his son went to drop a friend home and was on his way back home. Asked if he was wearing a helmet Hodge said when he saw his son on the ground he did not have on a helmet, he said he also learnt a helmet was on the scene. He said someone on the scene removed the motor cycle after the accident occurred and placed it in a nearby yard where it was later recovered.
So far, the gendarmes have not released any information on the accident and death of Rene Davy Chance.
Former Public Health Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus is concerned is asking what the status of the efforts made to establish a national health insurance system on St. Maarten.
The councilwoman told the media that after having engaged a Dutch Consulting firm which delivered it’s finding in 2007 and having established a NHI committee, steering group, having several stakeholder meetings and the engagement of an actuary to prepare scenario models, the expectation is that Government has information to share with us to share with the Island Council.
Council lady Buncamper-Molanus recalled that just before the Democratic Party left office the Actuary Keesen was preparing a scenario model for the contribution system of the proposed National Health Insurance system.
Issues under consideration were the overall cost of this NHI which, as the name already implies, would ensure that everyone would have health insurance on St. Maarten. The Councilmember stated that the Actuary’s specific task was to develop a scenario model which would indicate how much it would cost to ensure that every insured person would receive the coverage they are entitled to and that the organization would remain financially healthy on the short and long term. Buncamper-Molanus said that whether Government would have to make a contribution towards the NHI for those who could not pay the premiums and whether there would be a need for a nominal contribution by employers, employees or a combination thereof would also be looked at. Simply said, the answer expected from this exercise would tell us how high the premiums and other financial contributions would have to be, to make sure that all medical bills of those insured would be paid for on the short term and long term.
In addition to this aspect a decision would have to be made regarding the operation of the Health Insurance organization. The options under consideration were for the NHI-organization to be run publicly or privately or a combination of both. The option of Government establishing the package of coverage, the tariffs and the contribution while the organization is run by a private company was a discussion which was on the table in June of this year.
Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus questions what is on the table now.
I will be very blunt; we have seen government apparently redirect funds allocated for the improvement of the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex to the building of a cricket field, knowing full well that a large campaign contributor to the NA has been lobbying for a cricket field.
Can we then expect that the operation of the NHI or perhaps the entire health insurance system will be privatized to a (health) insurance company owned and operated by the same financier?
If the result of all the studies, discussions, stakeholder meetings and calculations indicates that we should privatize health insurance then so be it. Then bring it to the Island Council and let’s debate it. It must however be fair game for all insurance companies to participate.
To emphasize the seriousness of this issue I would like to point out the fact that a tremendous amount of work and money has already been invested in this issue:
• The development and approval of the project plan was completed by the project leaders while a steering group was formalized.
• The development of the scenario model started in February and a decision was scheduled to be taken no later than September. Included in this phase would be a final decision by the Executive Council regarding the basic package of coverage, the contribution system, a guarantee fund and the issue of a Public or Private organization.
• According to the planning, a decision by both the Executive Council and the Island Council regarding the operation of the NHI organization would be taken between September and December of this year.
• Terms Of Reference for the following projects should have been taken already:
o Setting up the NHI Organization
o Collection system
o Transition
o Communication
o Health Information System
o Tariffs
o Legislation
• By September 2009 the Executive Council should have made a decision as to the execution of the projects listed above.
• and legislation decides upon by the Island Council by September 2010.
• Between December 2009 and January 2010 the organization is to be established.
• Business plan for the executing organization is scheduled to be approved by January 2010.
• According the schedule prepared when the DP was in office, by July 2010 the projects are to be completed
• Implementation new National Health Insurance St. Maarten was scheduled for July 1st 2010.
• And an evaluation was scheduled for July 1, 2012.
The former Public Health Commissioner Maria Buncamper has understood that the project group is no longer operational; this is of course very worrisome, because the sector cannot handle the going concerns and the preparations necessary for Country status. There are concerns about the investments already made and whether or not we can consider this lost tax payers money. Will the amount about Fls 538.000 allocated to this project still go towards the development of a National Health Insurance for our people.
Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus reviewed the reasons that let to the start of the National Health Insurance Project:
o We have a rather fragmented health insurance system in the Netherlands Antilles of which is St. Maarten thus far forms a part;
o The socio-economic reality on St. Maarten which includes the migration, immigration, demands of the patient, the cost of health care and insufficient correlation between the healthcare system, its financing and the health care needs on St. Maarten; be reminded of the 2001 survey
How Healthy is St. Maarten”.
o The fact that as a result of the Constitutional development on St. Maarten, a decision will have to be made with respect to the health insurance for the people of St. Maarten
o The results of the study done by BMC and Hassink & Roos “Met de Welvaart Stijgen de kosten” – “With Prosperity Cost Increase” which indicated that a Health Insurance System for St. Maarten was a realistic proposition.
“ 538.000 guilders was allocated to the National Health Insurance project; under the SEI an amount of 1.6 million guilders has also been allocated for the development of a Health Information System and Fls 250.000 for Medical Care Tariffs. The information provided to you this morning should give you an impression of the work that was being done with respect to Health Insurance for the people of St. Maarten as we move into a new constitutional status by the DP government. Needless to say we hope that the present government is cognizant of the importance of continuing and finalizing the work that we have started” concluded Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
Philipsburg:--- Police is busy investigating a shooting incident where a man has been shot in his right hand. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in his police report said police were called to Raspberry Road, St. Peters for a shooting incident around 9 am on Thursday morning. Henson said on the scene the investigating officers found a victim identified as C. M who was bleeding from wounds to his lower arm.
The victim told police that while he was standing next to his car, which was parked, close to his home he was suddenly attacked by a man whom he knows with initials D.B. The suspect was also armed with a handgun. The man told police that a struggle ensued between them and some point he was gun-butted to the back of his head. The suspect who is known by police fired a shot at the victim, which struck him in his right arm. The victim was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center where he remains as a patient. After committing his act, the suspect took-off on foot. The Forensic and Detectives Department are conducting their investigation to determine exactly what happen and why this shooting-incident took place.
Airport:--- Commissioner of Aviation, tourism and economic affairs Frans Richardson welcomed Westjet Airline on their inaugural flight on Sunday November 1. The following is the full text of the speech delivered by the commissioner.
Allow me, on behalf of the people and government of St. Maarten, to bid a very special welcome to WestJet, on the occasion of this inaugural flight, which has just touched down at our Princess Juliana International Airport…
I wish to extend to you, particularly to our esteemed guests just arriving from Canada, a warm St. Maarten welcome.
I am pleased that the following WestJet officials could join us on this memorable occasion; they are: Ms. Janice Webster -- Vice President of Talent Management & Retention in People Department; Mr. Robert Palmer -- Manager of Public Relations and Ms. Angela Braun -- CARE Coordinator.
I am delighted with the level of commitment that we now have from WestJet.
Today, West Jet has become the first airline to provide scheduled airlift service out of Canada into St. Maarten, bringing 116 passengers aboard flight 2652.
Importance of Canadian market
The Canadian market is important to St. Maarten.
Interest for the Caribbean remains high in North America, according to the CTO, the Caribbean Tourism Organization.
With a total of nearly 2.5 million Canadian visitors last year, the Canadian tourism market accounted for a 14 percent growth overall, according to CTO figures.
Canadians are known to have been long-time supporters of the Caribbean and have nearly doubled their tourism numbers to the region since 2005, according to the CTO.
Penetration Canadian market
As Commissioner responsible for tourism, economic affairs and aviation, I was thrilled to hear, sometime ago, how bookings for flights to St. Maarten are doing extremely well. Load factors are said to already be in excess of 80% for the first 3 months of bookings.
Based on demographic data obtained from WestJet, bookings indicate the following:
60 percent of these bookings come from Toronto
13 percent from Montreal
10 percent from Calgary
7 percent from Ottawa
3 percent from Edmonton
3 percent from Vancouver
4 percent from Halifax
One can say that with WestJet, we now have the opportunity to really penetrate the Canadian market.
My goal is to steer our tourism development in a positive direction not only by our marketing efforts, but by our aggressively pursuing all opportunities to improve our tourism product.
What does regular schedule by WestJet mean for St. Maarten?
• Additional numbers to fill hotel rooms
• Additional shoppers for our stores and business establishments
• Increased revenues for the airport and handling agents.
This in turn is good news for the economy.
Figures made available by the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, indicate total expenditures by U.S. and Canadian visitors to St. Maarten, during the first 6 months of this year amounting to over 39 million U.S. dollars!
If we look at projections now, we need to take into account an 80 percent projected load factor of seating capacity on WestJet flights.
In terms of income for St. Maarten, it would mean an increase of almost 50 percent of what we bring in annually from the Canadian market.
Every time, a WestJet flight lands here, St. Maarten earns income from:
• The sale of fuel
• Landing fees
• Passenger handling fees
• Ground handling fees
• Navigation fees
• Sita- CUTE fees
• Passenger screening fees
• Airport departure taxes
• Increased hotel room occupancy
• Increased spending at restaurants
• Increased business for taxis and car rental operators
Preliminary estimates are that the financial impact for St. Maarten would amount to some 5.5 million U.S. dollars during the months of November to April. The financial impact for the year, which is From January to December, would amount to over 10.5 million U.S. dollars.
Open skies policy
Open-skies policies will be a start to opening up and liberalizing the air travel market, giving rise to the abolition of monopolies, greater competition and potentially lower fares.
Key provisions of most of the existing civil agreements include:
No restrictions on international route rights; number of designated airlines; capacity; frequencies; and types of aircraft.
It provides for fair and equal opportunity to compete:
All carriers — designated and non-designated — of both countries may establish sales offices in the other country, and convert earnings and remit them in hard currency promptly and without restrictions. Designated carriers are free to provide their own ground-handling services — "self-handling" — or choose among competing providers.
It provides for liberal charter arrangements:
Carriers may choose to operate under the charter regulations of either country.
I look forward to the day when bilateral agreements can be signed facilitating open sky policies benefitting St. Maarten.
We need to implement changes in our aviation sector to make us even more competitive and more sustainable.
I am optimistic about our strategic location with convenient airlift from most major U.S. markets, and now from Toronto, Canada.
Commitment
The commitment of my office, the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and that of this government of St. Maarten is that WestJet can count on us in being a true partner as we, together, embark on further promoting destination St. Maarten throughout the Canadian market.
With this in mind, I have reason to be confident that WestJet will play its role, as a new stakeholder with St. Maarten, in the further development of this island as a premiere vacation destination not only in the Caribbean, but throughout the world.
As we are now into the final quarter of 2009 and the winter travel season is beginning, we are confident that WestJet will aid St. Maarten in increasingly becoming a popular and trusted choice for Canadians seeking value from their vacation dollars.
WestJet -- St. Maarten looks forward to being partners with you!
Once again, allow me to congratulate WestJet as well as all other instances and persons, who have worked so diligently to make this inaugural flight a reality – as we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in St. Maarten’s ongoing tourism history.
GREAT BAY (GIS) The Governor of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards & Leader of Government William Marlin are leading a delegation that is presently in the Netherlands on a working visit.
The delegation visited the Police Corpse of Rotterdam-Rijnmond, fruitful discussions were held with Chief of Police Aad Meijboom and the top brass of the organization, in light of the ongoing project concerning the improvement and the functioning of the police corpse of Sint Maarten and in light of the constitutional changes, which will take effect in 2010.
Present at the abovementioned discussions were also the Program Leader Constitutional Affairs Sint Maarten, Dennis Richardson, Acting Chief Commissioner of Police Sint Maarten, Ademar Doran, technical assistant charged with the improvement project, Ronald Dongor, Police Commissioner Rotterdam/Rijnmond, Eric de Vries, and Acting Chief of Police Rotterdam/Rijnmond, Hans Visser.
SIMPSON BAY - Bridge repair and maintenance works are set to begin on November 6 until 14 as scheduled, Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation Managing Director Russell Voges said on Wednesday.
Maritime traffic will have to work with two bridge openings on a daily basis from Friday, November 6 to Saturday, November 14, namely 6.30am and 6.00pm for outbound and inbound movement of vessels.
Vehicular traffic will not be affected during the repair and maintenance works. However, during the late evening hours, the bridge will be opened for short periods of time of no more than 15 minutes in order to be able to finalize the conservation of the underlying sides of the bridge deck.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority would like to apologize for any inconvenience that the maintenance works will cause during the period of November 6 to 14.
On Sunday, November 8 only, the bridge will open during the three regular opening hours of 9.30am, 11.30am and 5.30pm for outbound and inbound maritime traffic.
From Sunday, November 15 until Monday, November 30, the bridge will open during the three normal opening hours of 9.30am, 11.30am and 5.30pm for outbound and inbound maritime traffic.
Contractor Hofman Sliedrecht NV will be carrying out the maintenance works.
The maintenance works entails the strengthening of two main girders and subsequent conservation of the structure; the repair of the bridge fenders; the finalization of the electrical circuits and the standardizing of the traffic lights for maritime and vehicular traffic.
Motorists are advised to pay extra attention while crossing the bridge. A bucket truck will be parked on the sidewalks of the bridge deck and motorist should exercise caution when passing.
Regional airline, Windward Islands Airways International N.V (WINAIR) has announced a sizzling hot special in observance of three special events to take place in three of its nine destinations. The events are; St. Maarten day which will be observed on November 11th, St. Eustatius day on November 16th and Saba day on December 4th.
According to the airline’s Vice President of Marketing, Claudio Buncamper the specials that are being offered is geared towards further demonstrating the airline's commitment, determination and appreciation for the islands that they serve. He noted that serving these islands for some decades now they have recognized that constantly giving back will serve in further boosting the excellent relationship that they share with their brothers and sisters on these islands.
“We thought it best to have a special implemented for these events as we are cognizant of the level of support and patronage that we receive. As such, we have decided to have this sizzling special which I am sure is a true demonstration of our continued commitment,” Bancamper said.
He disclosed that fares will start as low as US$ 4.00 one-ways to Saba, US$ 11.00 to St. Maarten and US$ 16.00 to St. Eustatius. However he noted that seats are very limited urging the traveling public to make full and advantageous use of the special which he said has special conditions. In giving an insight into the special conditions that apply, Buncamper said fares are flight specific, seats are limited while and can be purchased at Winair sales offices in St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius and online.
He added that fares are non changeable, non refundable pointing out that airport taxes and surcharges have been excluded along with service fees. Boasting about his company’s impressive track record of being a community oriented airline, Buncamper said they recognize that to forge a lasting relationship such as his, a company certainly needs to ensure that they play a pivotal role in the community development of the various islands. “It is a partnership and therefore we do not only seek to maintain a business but rather we seek to maintain a relationship as we strongly feel that it will help in enhancing our service while ensuring that we can make a meaningful contribution to the island’s growth and development,” he noted.
Buncamper also joined with the airline’s Managing Director, Edwin Hodge in wishing residents and citizens of these islands a joyful and safe celebration of their annual day urging them to continue seeking ways in boosting the relationship between themselves and the airline.
Great Bay:---St. Maarten has been selected as the location of the tenth Annual General Meeting of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) in October 2010. This was a unanimous decision taken by the membership during the close of the recently concluded 9th Annual General Meeting held in St. Georges Grenada on October 29 & 30.
According to HIV/AIDS Programme Manager Suzette Moses-Burton, “This is a tremendous opportunity, which took some lobbying on the part of the Dutch territories present at the meeting. The PANCAP AGM is one the largest and highest level regional HIV/AIDS meetings held annually. It brings together all the key stakeholders working in HIV in the region, including heads of Governments, ministers, international donors, regional agencies, national programme managers, members of civil society and the community of people living with HIV as well as non-governmental, community- and faith-based organisations. This year’s meeting had over 160 persons representing the various members of the partnership and it is expected that next year’s meeting will draw even more participation as it marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership. We felt that it would be an opportune moment for St. Maarten to be given the chance to host this meeting, as October 10, 2010 will also mark a historic occasion for our island, the achievement of country status, and what better way to demonstrate our pride in such an achievement than by welcoming and hosting delegates from the region and the world who come together to discuss the region’s collective response to halt the spread of the HIV epidemic. This will also be a significant boost for our tourism product and we intend the work closely with the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau in the planning of this event. As one of the most active members of the partnership it also gives us the unique opportunity to expose the rest of the region to the peculiarities of the epidemic being faced by the Dutch territories. I am very pleased and proud that St. Maarten has been selected as the venue for such an auspicious and important event. We plan to make this the best ever PANCAP AGM.”
Philipsburg: --- The Editor of the Today Newspaper Alex Holder is now in police custody, he appeared before the judge of instruction on Monday afternoon and was given an eight days extension in pretrial detention. SMN News learnt that Holder was arrested over the weekend after his girlfriend filed a complaint with the police.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed the arrest of A.H whom he said would appear in court sometime during the afternoon on Monday. Mud said the suspect has been charged with theft. No other details on the case have been released.
It is further understood that Holder had a domestic dispute with his girlfriend and her brother last week. The newspaper editor published a story in the newspaper he worked for outlining details of the dispute, which he said, occurred during his son’s baptism. SMN News further learnt that the dispute began when the suspect allegedly stole monies from his girlfriend. Sources said the suspect allegedly took some $5000.00 from his girlfriend credit card since he was in possession of the card and its pin number.
Efforts made to contact the young woman proved futile up to press time.
Philipsburg:---We are absolutely honored and thrilled that one of St. Maarten’s very own, Mr. Darren James will be delivering the keynote address to the National Alliance Congress, and to particularly the youth, under the theme: “Together, Moving forward”. Darren A. James is the son of the late former Commissioner and Island Councilman, Vance James Jr. and Theresita L. James. Darren graduated with distinction at the St. Maarten Academy where he was the 2nd Runner-Up Valedictorian. He received the Principal’s Award for Outstanding Leadership and was also recognized for his industriousness on the St. Maarten Academy Debating Team for the Annual Constitutional Affairs Interscholastic Youth Debates and his service as the 1st assistant editor of the School Newspaper “The Academy Journal” (a Bi-Monthly Publication). He held the presidency of the St. Maarten Constitutional Youth Club (now Constitutional Cultural Club) between 2004 and 2006, where he joined other students in relaying the message of constitutional change. He was also a member of the Interact Club.
Darren is now is pursuing a double major BA in Communication & Business at the American International College, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA and he is expected to graduate in 2010. As president of the Student Government Association at AIC he presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of a $4.3 million new athletic facility and mobilized AIC students to pledge $50,000.00 for this long awaited project. Darren’s long-range goal is to come back to the island to build his country St. Maarten through the field of Radio Broadcasting which he loves dearly. He has said, “Although my passion is media, I am not ruling out the possibility of a political track. I will go where life leads me.” Just last August he returned home to be the Masters of Ceremony for the St. Maarten Outstanding Youth Award (SMOYA) hosted by the St. Maarten Youth Council Association. That evening he expressed how proud he was to witness the creative talents on display and to listen to the many, unheralded accomplishments of St. Maarten’s youth.
St. Maarten is at a critical juncture in its history. We are acutely sensitive to the rapid pace at which geopolitical changes are taking place in the world. In the midst of a global financial crisis and a planet in peril due to the effects of global warming, we have arduously undertaken to finalize all steps to become a Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands before the end of 2010. On the eve of this new beginning, our people understand that there is a narrow window of opportunity, which we should not miss, but also recognized that we need to prepare our youth to inherit the future.
President of the Congress Committee, Terry J. Peterson, said, “I do believe that Darren James epitomizes the future of the National Alliance Party and he has every right to claim this inheritance. Besides his impressive resume, all of us can still remember the dynamic and touching tribute Darren delivered at his father’s memorial service, so we are more than confident in his ability to instigate crucial guidance to the young generation as we move forward as a community and country. It will be an exciting adventure and exceptional day for all of us, and we are happy that so many enthusiastic supporters and friends have expressed their desire to help us commemorate this special occasion.” The National Alliance Congress will be held at the Dutch Quarter Community Center on Sunday, November, 15, 2009 at 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. NA District Councils still have up until Friday afternoon to submit names to the Congress Committee for election to the Party Board.
From the National Alliance Congress Committee
Great Bay:-- St. Martin-The Think [RED], Do Safe slogan for the [RED] Campaign for 2009 is coming to an end, as World AIDS Day is fast approaching and the anticipation of the new slogan will be unveiled. It gives us time to reflect on the progress that we have made over the last two years.
After Talking and Thinking [RED] many people have taken the initiative to know their HIV status. Physicians have also taken the initiative to have their patients tested. This is clearly reflected in the amount of HIV tests requested at the St. Maarten Laboratory Services N.V. (SLS). There has been a noticeable increase of tests and we can expect that there will also be an increase in the number of new HIV individuals.
According to a report from the St. Maarten Laboratory Services, during the month of July a total of 605 HIV tests were administered; August saw a slight decrease with 502 HIV tests done; September saw a rise again with a total of 555 HIV tests administered; October also had an increase with 598 requests for HIV tests, and between November 1 to November 12 a total of 232 HIV tests has been requested.
Although worldwide there has been a noticeable decrease in HIV infections, the numbers of new infections on St. Maarten are expected to rise, because more HIV tests are being done.
According to HIV/AIDS Programme Manager, Suzette Moses-Burton, “It is important for us, as a community, to understand that the only way we can continue to progress is by knowing our status and protecting it. When the diabetes foundation holds their drives- new diabetics or borderline cases are discovered. In the same way when more HIV tests are conducted we will expect new cases to be discovered. We have to keep testing to get a realistic picture, ensure care and treatment, and protect our HIV status be it negative or positive. There is still the perception that than when one is HIV positive they can not get infected again. But the truth of the matter is that you can get re-infected with a different strain of the HIV virus and create other complications like the efficacy of your medication. We remain hopeful that as we move into year three of the campaign that the community will continue to be involved and take a more pro-active role in accepting the responsibility for taking charge of their sexual and reproductive health by ensuring that they have the information they need to avoid infection.”
The HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team sees the increase in the number of tests requested at the SLS Lab both by patients and doctors as a clear signal that people are more aware about the disease and want to know their status.
Amsterdam/St. Maarten: --- A well-known Cole Bay family and the island government of St. Maarten was greeted with sad news early Tuesday morning. SMN News understands that a student studying in Holland passed away in her apartment. No information on how or what caused the death of the student has been obtained.
The student it is understood resides in Cole Bay and has been identified as Larissa Peterson (23). Reliable sources have informed this media house that an autopsy has to be performed on the body before it is shipped back to St. Maarten. So far no official statement has been released from the education department and the office of the commissioner of education. SMN News will bring you an update on this case as soon as the information becomes available.
SMN News would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Larissa Peterson.
Philipsburg: --- Police and the Coast Guard intercepted a boat with 32 illegal immigrants including an 11-year-old girl. According to a press release from the Police Department the boat with the name Agatha D. Grenada was intercepted on Tuesday in St. Maarten waters. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the young girl was placed at the “I Can Foundation” while the adults mostly Haitians will be kept in custody, most of the immigrants that were on board the boat Henson said are female. Henson said the immigrants already informed police that were on their way to Miami when they were stopped at around 02:30 am on Tuesday morning.
An investigation is being carried out by the Immigration Department to determine exactly, who these persons are, where they were going and who is responsible for this boat trip among many other questions that have to be answered.
With exception of the 11 year old girl who is staying at the "I Can Foundation" all other persons will be held at the Philipsburg Police Station until the necessary steps have been taken for their safe trip back to their country, said the police spokesman. The vessel "Agatha D. Grenada" was also confiscated for further investigation. Prosecutor Reink Mud confirmed the interception of the boat. He said an investigation is currently taking place.
Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Pride Foundation has sent a letter to the executive council regarding the dilapidated buildings in Mullet Bay. Following is the letter.
The Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation has been paying attention to the recent developments surrounding the visit of Mr. Ansari to the Island and to the public outcry demanding that something must be done about the ruins of the old Mullet Bay Resort.
As one of St. Maarten’s foremost environmental organizations, the foundation is hereby adding its voice to the public’s demands that the dilapidated buildings at Mullet Bay need to be demolished and that the area needs to be cleaned.
Mullet Bay Resort was once Sint Maarten’s Flagship hotel, destroyed by hurricane Luis in 1995. The island as a whole and its tourism product was massively destroyed by hurricane Luis. Despite the hardships of the hurricane aftermath, the island has been rebuilt with the hard work of many in our community bringing the island back on the tourist map, with the exception of the Mullet Bay owner.
We are now 14 years later, and the ruins of the old Mullet Bay Resort stand as ugly eyesores, many painted with graffiti along the Rhine Road. St. Maarten Pride Foundation is hereby requesting that your Council requires Mr. Ansari to demolish the remaining ruins at his expense.
Many of our return visitors have commented over the years about the derelict state of the area, many of them have written letters to the newspapers, made comments on tourism websites as well as social networking sites.
Pride Foundations is of the opinion that the current state of the Mullet Bay area with its derelict buildings is an eyesore and diminishes the value of our tourism product as a whole. While our taxpayer’s money is being spent on marketing campaigns to promote a beautiful paradise, our visitors have to pass through the Rhine Road and witness an area that resembles a war zone.
The Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is reminding Government that we have legislation that can be used to force the owner to demolish his derelict buildings and clean up the area;
The island waste management (Afvalverordening Sint Maarten) Artikel 28a states the following:
“Het is de eigenaar van enig onroerend goed verboden:
a. dit goed geheel of ten dele aan te wenden of de aanwending daarvan te gedogen voor het opslaan van onbruikbare of aan hun bestemming onttrokken voertuigen, vaartuigen, of vliegtuigen of onderdelen daarvan, oud metaal, glas, afbraak, afval, puin of andere oude materialen”.
The island waste management (Afvalverordening Sint Maarten) Artikel 35:
“1. Indien het bestuurscollege bij een aangetekend schrijven aan de eigenaar of gebruiker heeft verklaard dat de toestand van enig onroerend goed naar zijn oordeel vervuild of gebrekkig is, is de eigenaar verplicht binnen de door het bestuurscollege te bepalen termijn de door dat college voorgeschreven maatregelen uit te voeren.
2. Onverminderd het bepaalde in het eerste lid is de eigenaar of gebruiker van enig onroerend goed verplicht te gedogen de maatregelen die de door of vanwege het bestuurscollege aangewezen ambtenaar ter bescherming van het milieu noodzakelijk acht en hem ter uitvoering van deze maatregelen toegang te verlenen”.
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is of the opinion that our Island Government should no longer tolerate and entertain Sun Resort’s refusal to clean up their derelict buildings as their inaction is not based on lack of finances or resources, but rather appears to be one of disrespect to the people of Sint Maarten, our laws and our tourism product.
St.Maarten PRIDE foundation is also advocating that the area remains free from residential, commercial and Industrial development for a period of 15 years after the demolition. This small island has seen rampant development in the past 10 years and it would be wise to implement a large scale building moratorium until, police and security, sewage, environmental management, roads and infrastructure along with drainage issues have been planned out well by our government.
The Mullet Bay area is the last open green zone on the Western side of the island and should be promoted for eco-sports and leisure activities, such as golf, tennis, biking, rollerblading, running/jogging, kayaking and of course beach activities.
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation hopes that government will use our existing laws in order to force Sun Resorts to clean up their mess and current derelict buildings. Without doing such, our government will be setting a negative example by allowing a development group to violate our laws to the detriment of our people and our main source of income Tourism.
Philipsburg: --- Relatives and friends of Jenifer Sorhaindo (37) have several questions concerning her mysterious and sudden death. Sorhaindo, the mother of a ten-year-old boy died at the St. Maarten Medical Center on Wednesday after her sister had taken her there for medical attention.
SMN News understands that Sorhaindo was eight weeks pregnant and did an abortion at a doctor’s clinic on Monday. Sources close to the now dead woman said Sorhaino had visited the doctor on several occasions during a one-week period. It is also alleged that the doctor who performed the operation may have left parts of the fetus in the woman. However, we were unable to confirm the allegation. SMN News managed to make contact with close relatives and friends of the deceased woman that is living on the island and they are tight-lipped about what happened.
The young woman mother Stephanie Jno Baptiste arrived on the island on Thursday wondering how her daughter died and who is responsible for her death. Jno Baptiste said she spoke to her daughter sometime around St. Maarten Day and her daughter informed her that she fell down on a sports field as she went with her son who was participating in sports.
The woman said Jenifer told her when she reached home that day she realized that she was bleeding from the fall. She said her daughter told her she went to see a doctor and he gave her some painkillers and told her the baby was still in tact. However, about two days later Jenifer called her again this time telling her she was under severe pain and was bleeding heavily. Jno Baptist said her daughter told her, she visited the doctor for the second time and this time the doctor had given her some suppository to use which was intended to bring the baby down (aborting the fetus). According to Jno-Baptiste, her daughter had a miscarriage.
The woman further explained that her daughter told her that the suppository was not working and that the pain was becoming more unbearable. The distraught mother said her daughter also told her she went back to the doctor who told her she needed to have a clean out(D&C) where he would remove the fetus. “My daughter told me the doctor told her if she did the procedure at the St. Maarten Medical Center (hospital) it would cost her $1000 but, if it is done at the doctor’s office then she would only have to pay $650.” Jno Baptist said her daughter was supposed to do this procedure on Monday but since then she never heard from her again. “I cannot say if Jenifer went ahead with the procedure or if she did not do it”. Jno-Baptiste said.
Asked if her daughter was working and if she was in possession of an SVB card the woman said her daughter was working for a well-established business but left the job some years ago and was working for herself at the time of her death. “Jenifer was doing manicure and pedicure, and she was also selling Avon products.” What she told me was that she did not have the $1000 to pay the hospital. Jno Baptiste a national of Dominica could not provide the name of the doctor whom her daughter visited on the island and which doctor it was that supposedly did the procedure at their clinic. A family member told this reporter they needed time to grieve and that they were going to see a gynecologist that is working at St. Maarten Medical Center in the hopes of getting some answers as to the circumstances of Sorhaindo’s death.
While money seemed to have been the young woman’s problem, it is not known if she was residing on the island illegally. Her mother said her daughter had been living on St. Maarten for a number of years and that her son was born on the island. SMN News also understands that the woman was in a relationship with someone of good standing.
SMN News contacted Dr. George Scot for a comment on the woman’s death. Dr. Scot who is currently off island said he was not aware of the case but promised to contact the hospital for the file, which was to be sent to him by email. Up to press time, Dr. Scot said he did not receive the file and promised to make a statement as soon as he gets the file. Asked if doctors on the Dutch side are authorized to perform abortions Dr. Scot said if any doctor even a gynecologist on the Dutch side is caught performing abortions they can lose their licenses. Dr. Scot further explained that if there is a case of emergency the doctors at the St. Maarten Medical Center would refer their patient to the French side where abortion is legal. He said when the procedure is over they at St. Maarten Medical Center would also take ex-trays to make sure nothing is left inside the woman.
SMN News also contacted Prosecutor Rienk Mud to see if he was investigating the case and if a report was filed by the St. Maarten Medical Center with the police but the prosecutor said, he had no knowledge of the woman’s death. He suggested that the family make a report with the health inspector who is based in Curacao.
SMN News will bring you more information on this case as it develops.
St. Maarten – A series of stamps commemorating aviation pioneers from Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten has been issued by Nieuwe Post Nederlandse Antillen N.V. in cooperation with the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation. The stamps featuring ‘Freddy’ Johnson (Saba), José ‘Pipe’ Dormoy (St. Eustatius) and ‘Chester’ Wathey (St. Maarten), as well as special first day envelopes were presented to the families of the pioneers and to the Lieutenant-Governors of Saba and St. Eustatius and to the leader of government of St. Maarten by the General Managing Director of Nieuwe Post N.A. during a special ceremony at the Belair Community Center in St. Maarten.
General Managing Director Mr. Franklin Sluis, Post Master General of the Netherlands Antilles, acknowledged the contributions of the three pioneers to the development of the islands before handing over specially framed presentations of the first day envelopes to Patsy Johnson from Saba, widow of the late ‘Freddy’ Johnson; to Ms. Elizabeth ‘Elly’ Deliën from St. Eustatius, partner of many years of the late José Dormoy; and to Ms. Brenda Wathey of St. Maarten, daughter of the late Norman ‘Chester’ Wathey.
Lieutenant Governors and Commissioners
Mr. Jonathan Johnson, Lieutenant Governor of Saba, said that the first day memento would find a special place on the walls of Saba’s airport in honor of the pioneers. Commissioner Chris Johnson, speaking on behalf of the government of Saba, stated that: “We have a very vibrant, new community in Saba and that would not be possible if Saba had never been opened up to the outside world.” On behalf of the younger generation of the island, he expressed appreciation for being able to enjoy the results of the work of the aviation pioneers.
The lieutenant-governor of St. Eustatius, Mr. Hyden Gittens, also congratulated the families of the honored aviation pioneers and said that the legacy of these great men would be continued.
St. Maarten leader of government Commissioner William Marlin recognized the pioneers “who have left their marks in aviation history, each of them in their own respective way,” and went on to say that “it is important that the Postal Services were able to engrave their names in history – not only for the families but for us as a people. And it should not stop there. It should become part of the text books that we still have to write. ”
Mr. Frans Richardson, St. Maarten’s commissioner for aviation affairs, also stressed that “We must continue to highlight the achievements of our people in aviation.” He underlined that it is important to record the stories of those early years before it is too late so that everyone “can have an understanding of what was the contribution to the aviation world of our people. “ He commended the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation for taking up this task.
Families and Friends
Senator Will Johnson from Saba, brother of the late Freddy Johnson, spoke words of thanks on behalf of his family. He stated that “Freddy and his family have been one of the most reliable agents for Winair since 1962,” and reminded the audience that “For years Freddy did not charge Winair ground handling fees as he said Winair could not afford it.” Referring to the legacy of the pioneers, he also mentioned how “In the past thirty years many young St. Maarteners, Statians and Sabans have been inspired to learn to become pilots.”
Historian and communications professional Walter Hellebrand from St. Eustatius, secretary and member of the board of the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation, spoke on behalf of Ms. Elly Deliën, partner of the late José Dormoy. He highlighted the role of “Pipe” in releasing Statia and Saba from their isolation and thereby improving the quality of life of the people. He conveyed the appreciation of Ms. Deliën and the Foundation for immortalizing José Dormoy on “a stamp that reminds us that it takes extraordinary people to make things happen that we now find ordinary and take for granted.”
Ms. Brenda Wathey expressed the appreciation of the Wathey family for the recognition shown to her father.
The Van Dol Dancers livened up the spirits with a captivating performance before everyone was invited for drinks and snacks catered by the St. Martin Food & Beverage Catering Services.
The stamps.
Mr. Terrance Rey, managing director of AirStMaarten, a company specializing in private charters throughout the Caribbean and current President of the Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation, emceed the event. He remembered how just over a year ago, while discussing ways to honor the aviation pioneers of the Windward Islands over lunch with Ms. Elizabeth Deliën (then president of the Foundation), the management of the Post Office happened to walk in. The subsequent talks and discussions that day led to the submittal of a request to have the three stamps issued.
The stamps are valued 59 cents (Freddy Johnson), 110 cents (Chester Wathey) and 164 cents (José Dormoy). They are available – as are the special first day envelopes – from all post offices in the Netherlands Antilles and also from postal agents such as Mazinga Store in St. Eustatius.
Projects of the Aviation Pioneers Foundation.
The Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean Foundation was established in 2008 by Elly Deliën to preserve and promote the history of aviation in the Caribbean - in particular in the Windward Islands – and to pay tribute to the pioneers who opened up the islands to the outside world and thereby played an important role in their development. Some of the ways by which the Foundation tries to achieve its purpose include research and exposure of the history of aviation as well as projects to create more interest in the aviation history of each individual island. As a non-profit organization, the Foundation’s work could not be possible without the generous contributions of many donators and contributors. More information can be found on: www.aviationpioneers.info.
In its first year, the Foundation’s sizable archive was inventoried and organized. Also, displays commemorating the aviation pioneers were arranged for Saba’s airport and Winair’s sales office in St. Maarten. A comprehensive, twelve panel display highlighting the aviation history of Saba, Statia, St. Barth’s and St. Maarten was unveiled in the departure lounge of Statia’s airport in September 2009.
The Board would like to encourage everyone with stories, material or images relating to the history of aviation in the northeastern Caribbean to contact the Foundation so that scans or copies can be made in order to increase the knowledge of its fascinating beginnings and development.
Philipsburg: --- While there are several questions surrounding the death of Jennifer Sorhaindo (37) who passed away last week Wednesday at the St. Maarten Medical Center SMN News managed to secure some information regarding the case. Based on our research we learnt that Sorhaindo was a full time employee of the Oyster Bay Resort since April 2009. SMN News understands that the young mother worked for the resort in the past as a casual worker but managed to secure a contract in April 2009. It is understood that the company was deducting SVB and other allowances from her salary and was paying SVB.
However, the company it is understood allegedly failed to register Sorhaindo at SVB. SMN News learnt that Oyster Bay Resort did not fill in the Mutation form for Sorhaindo and some other employees that were hired during the same period. The source said that the company contacted SVB after the woman’s death and explained to them that they somehow made a mistake by not filling out the forms and has since done that so that SVB can cover the expenses of the hospital when she died. SVB has since given the company a written warning where they gave Oyster Bay Resort one week to register all of its employees. Should this occur in the future then SVB would be in its full rights to sanction the company financially.
In an invited comment, Head of the Social Insurance Bank Reginald Willemssburg confirmed that the now dead woman was a full time employee of Oyster Bay Resort. Willemsburg also confirmed that the company did not register the employee while they were indeed paying her dues.
Willemsburg further explained that Sorhaindo went to SVB two weeks prior to her death and she withheld valuable information from them. He said when Sorhaindo went to them for assistance, they asked her where she was working, and she told them she was doing fingernails, and was cleaning some place. He said Sorhaindo did not tell them where she was cleaning and for how long. “She gave us the indication that she was cleaning somewhere on and off and we told her we could not do anything for her. Had she provided us with all the information she would have gotten her doctor card.” Willemsburg said.
Willemsburg said if Sorhaindo had given them all the necessary information, they would have been able to issue a doctor card to her even though she was not registered. He said he could have called the company to find out what was happening and why she was not registered. Willemsburg said he could not understand why Sorhaindo withheld information from them when she was entitled to her benefits. “There are people who lie to get a doctor card but here you have someone who robbed herself of her rights,” Willemsberg said.
SMN News also managed to secure information, which states that Sorhaindo was residing on the island legally as her extension is currently in process.
SMN News also learnt that Sorhaindo did visit a specialist at the St. Maarten Medical Center. It is further understood that the specialist did what he needed to do in his private clinic and the patient was supposed to check back with him the next day for follow-ups but she did not for the lack of cash. While family members say, the woman had a miscarriage this cannot be confirmed by anyone. Sources say the specialist is now saying the patient did not comply with his orders and she reached at the emergency room, too late which caused her death.
SMN News contacted the medical director of the St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. George Scot for a comment on this case. Dr. Scot said while there are three specialists working for the St. Maarten Medical Center. Two of them he said have their private clinic inside the hospital while one is located outside of the hospital. Dr. Scot said that the St. Maarten Medical Center does not have access to the records of these specialists and so he cannot say exactly what happened and how the woman died. Dr. Scot further explained that the patient was taken to the emergency room at 3 am on November 18 and she was admitted at 4 am. He said she passed away at 9 am that same day. “We depend on our specialist or doctors to tell us if someone needs emergency medical attention and when we are told that the patient is treated whether or not they have insurance.” Dr. Scot said he does not have the records from the specialist since it is private and as such, he cannot say if the woman had a miscarriage or an abortion. He did say both scenarios could cause the same outcome if proper care was not given.
SMN News also learnt that Sorhaindo visited the medical institution when she began feeling sick and the specialist who treated her at his clinic refused to return to the hospital saying he would be at the hospital at 6 am the next morning. Efforts made to contact the specialist in question proved futile up to press time.
Cole Bay: --- A 69-year-old man identified as Jean Pierre Roudon committed suicide at his home on Tuesday November 24. According to police spokesman, Ricardo Henson the victim was found hanging by his neck with a rope in his garage at Dr. Lavendag Street on Cole Bay Lagoon. Henson said a number of police patrol including detectives arrived on the scene where the body was found. According to man’s relatives, he was suffering from severe depression and had attempted to take his life before. An investigation was conducted which concluded that there was no criminal intent or act committed.
The Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving service will take place on Sunday December 6th 2009 in front of the Government Administration Building. The service will start at 4:30pm and it is a joint service hosted by various churches on our island.
The general public is invited to come out to give thanks collectively for the safe passing of the 2009 hurricane season. The service will consist of praise & worship, songs and the spoken word. All are encouraged to come out and give the almighty God thanks for bringing us safely through another year.
During the service the annual lighting ceremony will take place to ring in the Christmas season.
A love offering will be received, which will go towards providing food baskets for less fortunate persons in the community for Christmas.
Individuals, groups, organizations, businesses etc. are encouraged to contribute to the food baskets by providing non-perishable food items.
You can contact the Department of Social Cultural Development to drop-off or call 5422056 for picking-up the food items.
GREAT BAY,– Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Governor Franklyn Richards, is thankful that once again the nation has been spared from a direct hit by a hurricane for the 2009 hurricane season.
“We have much to be thankful for having gone through the 2009 hurricane season without being struck by a storm and the costs that comes along with it in damages. The 2009 hurricane season comes to an end on Monday, November 30 until next year June 1 when it all starts again.
“I would like to thank the people of our island nation for taking the necessary preparations for the season. We had a number of storm systems that passed close to the island and these forced us into a emergency preparatory mode for possible damage should the system have changed direction.
“However, preparation at the beginning of every hurricane season is the key. It’s an investment that must be made in order to protect life and property. I would like to thank the public as well as the island’s disaster management team and emergency support functions for their role played in preparing the nation,” Governor Franklyn Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
For the 2009 hurricane season, nine named storms formed of which three became hurricanes (Bill, Fred, and Ida) and of those two became major hurricanes of over category three (Bill category four, Fred category three).
Hurricane Bill became the first hurricane and first major hurricane of the season with 135 miles per hour winds.
Hurricane Fred, a category three according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, became the strongest hurricane on record south of 30 degrees North and East of 35 degrees West in the Atlantic Basin with wind speeds of 120 miles per hour.
World AIDS Day: “Universal Access and Human Rights”
World AIDS Day was first observed on 1st December 1988, 21 years ago. It was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote awareness for all HIV/AIDS related matters.
As an important day around the world and also here on St. Maarten, recognizing this day is an opportunity to remind people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are still many actions to be carried out and preparations on various levels to be made.
It has been over 25-years since AIDS was first discovered. And the existence of HIV/AIDS has had a profound impact on the most intimate of human behaviour. This generation and the previous have witnessed one of the most influential illnesses this world has ever known.
Fore HIV today, remains a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world. More people are living with HIV than ever before. Data from the AIDS Epidemic Update reveals that there are 33.4 million persons living with HIV, because they are living longer due to the beneficial effects of antiretroviral medication.
The number of AIDS related deaths has declined by over 10 per cent over the past five years as more people have gained access to life saving treatments; a fact which is a great achievement.
New HIV infections have been reduced by 17 percent over the past eight years. This reduction is due to the hard work of programme management teams, health care providers and volunteers around the world, who have left no stone unturned in providing information and access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. One cannot however make mention of any world wide success without acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the management team on St. Maarten.
HIV prevention programmes are, thankfully, making a difference. The eradication of AIDS is not only just another issue or/and ordinary topic. It is a reality that many persons for example, a loved one, a colleague or friend are faced with on a day to day basis. AIDS is an issue that gets to the very heart of the family unit, with which we are very concerned. It threatens the fundamental well being of a nation, it undermines the values that are predominant in our society and it robs us of vital human resources.
As a virus, HIV is likely to be with us for a very long time. How far it spreads and how much damage it does is entirely up to us as a nation. As a community, we have to ask ourselves, will our actions pass the AIDS test? Do we need to submit our blood in order to determine if we are being safe?
AIDS is the great moral cause of the 21st century and beyond, however it should be more than a moral cause. As a nation, we have to support the efforts of our own programme management team and the great work of the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation and its private sector partners.
As a community, let us work ‘Stronger Together’ in the fight against HIV/AIDS on St. Maarten.
Hyacinth Richardson
Commissioner of Public Health
Saint Lucia will be hosting the 2009 Windward Islands Under-15 Cricket Tournament, with matches scheduled to be held at the Dennery and Beauchamp Cricket Grounds, respectively.
However, instead of having the grounds closed to facilitate venue preparation, the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association has gone ahead with the hosting of the SMJ Twenty20 Tournament.
Persons have no problem with the hosting of the SMJ Twenty20 Tournament, except the timing of the hosting.
Those who are in charge must not reserve quality preparation of Test, One-Day Internationals, and regional and international Twenty20 matches, but for all regional tournaments, at all levels.
Next Sunday December 4 2009, the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association will be hosting the Men and Ladies Twenty20 finals, scheduled to be played as been announced at the Dennery Cricket Grounds.
The very next day is the scheduled start of the 2009 Windward Islands Under-15 Cricket Tournament.
What message are sending to our young cricketers when the fields upon which they will be pitting their budding skills against their regional counterparts, have not been closed to facilitate preparation?
How can anyone in the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association who is the tournament’s implementing agency for the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control tell us that they have done what is needed to adequately prepare the venues.
About one month ago, a team of officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports led by Sports Director Victor Reid with the Saint Lucia national Under-15 cricket coach Keith Charlery part of the delegation, paid a site visit to the Dennery Cricket Ground.
During that visit, a number of recommendations were accepted aimed at carrying out certain works to prepare the ground surface, pitch, and dressing rooms for the teams.
The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association was not present, and to date, there has been no information in the public’s domain on the upcoming tournament.
Can someone tell us what is going on and we sometimes wonder why the rest of the Caribbean continues to leave us behind in sports?
When one takes into consideration the rapidly dwindling sponsorship monies available, and the need for the administration of the sport in the region to take on a radical turnaround, it hurts to experience what passes for administration in the islands.
A call was placed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control Lennox John on the issue of venue preparation, and marketing of the tournament.
Like the recently held Windward Islands Senior Cricket tournament, there has been and continue to be, a tomblike silence emanating out of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association on status of those tournaments.
Marketing is key, and if the relevant authorities will take on board the offers of public relations and other forms of assistance, and not look at the messenger and deal with the message, we in these parts would be better off in our hosting of tournaments, and preparation of teams.
Another key component is information dissemination, and up to the present day, the media is yet to receive the statistics of the recently held Windward Islands Senior Cricket tournament, despite attempts to get such.
Who were the top-scorers? Who took the most wickets? How many half-centuries were scored? How many centuries were scored? Were there any five-wicket hauls?
Even when the issue of the schedule of matches, which the media was never given, was raised at the press conference at the Green Parrot Hotel, no remedial action was taken.
It took the efforts of one sports journalist to go out of his way to prepare stories along with photographs, did the regional media get the necessary information on the tournament.
Many members of the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control did receive these reports, and it was expected that certain measures would be put in place to change the way media receives on these tournaments.
That is a critical component in the marketing of tournaments, and it does not take one with degrees and doctorates to do what is needed.
What is need are persons who are sincere, committed, and are radical in their mind-set to think outside the box, in order to strengthen the administrative chain the Caribbean.
The Old Boys Club of cricket administration in the Caribbean continues to hurt the fans, chase away potential sponsors, and leave the media bitter and cynical, for the although massa’ days are long gone, the colour of one’s skin is still a defining factor in these parts to get those in charge of our cricket to listen and do what is absolutely needed…to once again give us hope that our legacy is safe in their hands.
(Robertson S Henry/www.sportcaraibe.net)
Philipsburg: --- Students, Teachers and staff of the Sundial School opened their newly built library, care-unit and renovated gym hall with a small ceremony on Tuesday. On hand to cut the ribbon of the care unit was Commissioner of Education William Marlin said the construction is just an integral part of innovations in education as part of the implementation plan for the preparatory Secondary Vocational Education (VSBO). Marlin also called on the students to take care of the new that is already in use as if it was their own bedrooms or living rooms.
The project was financed by the Dutch Development funds through USONA and costs some NAF, 500.000, while the SVOBE also made the necessary funding for the complete construction of the SVOBE office. The construction was realized with close cooperation with ROB department of New Works, Kurt Ruan, and Guy Gumbs while the architects were done by Preams with contractors Cypress Construction.
At the ceremony were members of the department of education, project manger of innovations Angela Dekker she called on the students to make full use of their gym, as it is necessary for their growth and development. Joseph Rogers representative of the school board thanked those that participated in the building and financing of the new building.
Arch Road:--- On Monday night, a break in at the St. Maarten Zoo occurred.
Upon opening the zoo Tuesday morning, the zoo staff noticed feathers on the ground and two macaws were missing.
A blue and gold macaw and a green winged macaw were stolen.
These birds are important birds to the animal collection of the Zoo, and Zoo management expressed their deep concern at such an act.
If anyone on the island notices someone trying to sell macaws, please notify the zoo immediately at 543-2030.
Due to this theft, the Zoo will be installing security cameras and will have extra security available during the night.
Philipsburg:--- The funding for the language lab that is now installed at the University of Saint Martin has been approved. The signing took place on Wednesday at the Government Administration Building, present to witness the signing was Director of USM were Josianne Fleming Artsen and its Dean Joyce Watson.
The funding signed off by representative of USONA Bart Pasman and Commissioner of Education William Marlin. Marlin said the funding is part of the Social Economic Initiative(SEI ) funds.
Marlin said the project was submitted to USONA in August and it has been approved to the tune of Naf. 300.000.00.
The monies he said will be used to execute the project “USM Regional Language Lab.” The project Marlin said would not only benefit St. Martin but the entire region, which would catapult the USM economic activity. Students would now be able to take courses in English, Dutch, Spanish, French, and Papiamento. One of the main reason USM has launched this program is to cater to the island’s needs as a tourism destination. This program is also geared at broadening portfolios of the economic activities, which would also assist in diversifying the economic activity in other sectors.
MARIGOT:----High school student Joy Carty won the Collectivity’s English-to-French translation of poetry contest here on Monday, November 30, 2009, said Minerva Dormoy, head of the Cultural Department.
Collectivity president Frantz Gumbs said that the objective of the “second annual educational and cultural event is to promote St. Martin literature in the schools.”
Second and third prize winners were Lisa Sanchez and Elisabeth Marcon. The prize-giving ceremony was held at the Lycee Polyvalente in Marigot.
Magloire Hughes, director of the Collectivity’s Human Development sector, greeted the assembly of students, teachers and government officials in English though the language of instruction and the territory’s official language is French.
Hughes noted that he chose to speak in English, the historical language of the island, reinforcing President Gumbs’s statement last year that students at all levels of the school system in the North of the island should be proficient in French and English.
The 2009 translation contest included a fiction selection from “The Wake,” found in the book of short stories Brotherhood of the Spurs, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi (HNP), the book’s publisher.
In addition to the contest winners, the other participating students were Hyguenec Meredas, Sophia Andrew, Keisha Lake, Carlotta Saint-Hill, Marie-France Genelus, Jean-Philippe Kerilia and Elgeesha Minville.
The participants all received a certificate and a National Symbols of St. Martin book prize. The winners took home more books, travel and money prizes. The judges were Alex Richards (chairman), Anicke Hansen and Jacqueline Hamlet.
Poetry in particular and literature in general had a busy year among the youth and on both parts of St. Martin. “We’re honored to be involved as a publisher and enthusiastic observer,” said Sample. “Future writers and translators are in the making among our young people right before our very own eyes,” said Sample.
Author Lasana M. Sekou points to “a virtual calendar of 2009 poetry-related highlights. Availability of more quality poetry books published in St. Martin; visits by leading poets; the Poetry in the Garden series; the nation’s first poetry CD set to music and poetry videos online; tourist magazines cautiously offering ‘wordsmiths’ as part of the traveler’s original experience; the book fair as a recital, reading and listening platform; the just concluded book week; and Rhoda Arrindell’s hands-on and disciplined involvement of USM and Academy students with the ‘elements’ of what is a national literature.”
“Then there was the unprecedented run of open mic recitals – up to 25 readers at times – with Ras Mosera holding court at Axum Café on Frontstreet. Ruby Bute’s gallery in Friar’s Bay held soiree readings. We saw the public unfolding of Yaya Richards’s oral vignettes into spoken word poetry, with a distinct village orientation,” said Sekou on Wednesday.
“There’s also the growth of individual postings on YouTube, rapping in English, Spanish and Kweyol. What was seemingly new this year is how the teenagers among this group appear to be trying to find their original St. Martin/Caribbean rap voice, as St. Martin’s children – instead of just mimicking imported and divisive varieties,” said Sekou.
“All of these spoken word and text activities can’t be isolated acts and events and could be seen as feeding from a dynamic whole, from the times that we’re in, and at the same time fueling the nation’s cultural independence,” said Sekou, who also spoke at the translation contest program earlier this week.

Philipsburg: --- Several dignitaries from the Dutch and French sides of the island gathered in front of the government administration building to give thanks to God for spearing St. Maarten for yet another year during the hurricane season.
In addressing the gathering Lt. Governor Frankly Richards called on everyone to continue to give thanks as they praise God for watching over the nation. Richards said residents of St. Maarten would gather on annual basis to give thanks simply because the island has God-fearing people. Richards call on the nation to recognize God's protection and they should continue to seek his guidance and wisdom and take them safely through the year into the New Year.
While President Gumbs in his short address publicly thanked the churches and families who have prayed for him and his family. Gumbs said while there maybe one person who maybe be seeking to destroy government due to animosity they must remember that when a government failed it is an island that is failing.
Leader of Government William Marlin who lit the Christmas lights also called on the nation to remember those in need through this Christmas season. Marlin said while they gathered to give thanks for spearing the island this hurricane season, they are also giving God thanks for bringing the slowest season of year to an end.
Philipsburg: ---Imbali Center for Creative Movement will be staging its 15th anniversary celebratory, fundraising concert at the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center on Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12 at 8pm sharp.
This production, which is titled 'In My Feet Is God's Rhythm', focuses on exploring ideas about spirituality from around the world through the medium of dance. Clara Reyes, founder of Imbali and director of this production, said that the all adult cast would be performing energetic and rhythmic pieces celebrating the connection between dance and spirituality. Cast members for this production are Jacky Nichols, Bianka Roberts, Stacy Roberts, Hillianthe Boasman-Simon, Sylveria Jacobs, Candide Bernard, Thierry Gombs, Cassandra Janssan, Peggy Oulerich, Laure Delion, Maryline Jouvenet, Shanay Andrews, Cavin Bridgewater, Karim Toulen, Rudolph Davis and Ademar Violenus. They will be performing to rhythms produced by drummers Julien Seguret, Helier Coqilias, Pierre Curran, Victor Helia. Reyes, Lena Brown and Miguel Alexander will also treat the audience to several songs on the same topic.
Reyes explained that while she had wanted to put together a show highlighting performances from her previous productions over the years, time had not permitted for this and instead she decided to gather together choreographers from around the island to build a show paying tribute to the origins of Imbali.
"Imbali is really about dance and movement, about honoring the body and what it is capable of doing. That is what this show is about. In the past I have done shows that were really multi-disciplinary and of course I will do such again, but this show is really different, because I decided to go back to the beginning, to go back to strictly dance," Reyes said.
As a part of the celebration of dance and especially traditional dance on the island Reyes has invited Evelyn Roberts, whose grandfather danced the ponum at emancipation and Justin "Moose" Romney, whose dance moves are appreciated at a popular island club, to be special guest performers in the line-up.
"To me dance is always about the people, it originated after all from people finding ways of expressing themselves. On the island we have a strong history of dancers and people appreciating good dancers. Because of this I really wanted to incorporate that legacy into this production. Ms. Evelyn and Mr. Moose, who will both be dancing waltzes, will do this beautifully," Reyes said.
Reyes said that in addition to the traditional waltz, audiences will see pieces from ballet, modern contemporary, African and Caribbean dance genres. The cast has been practicing diligently for the past weeks and are ready to blow audiences away.
"This is a really strong cast of performers and I am proud to work with them. They have managed to wrap their minds and souls around the message I am trying to bring with this production; which is that dance in its purest form is all about the spirit, about what moves people," Reyes said.
Tickets for this production are available at Imbali Center for Creative Movement office in the John Larmonie Center on Longwall Road in Philipsburg and at Pete's Photo on Bushroad. Costs are $20 for adults in advance and $25 at the gate and $10 for children in advance and $15 at the gate. More information about the show can be obtained by calling Reyes at 554-9364.
"People who have enjoyed Imbali productions in the past should definitely come out and see this one. It is unlike any we have done before, and of course we want people to come and see 15 years of dance progress which honors the past and still is innovative about the future," Reyes concluded.

Philipsburg: ---- Minister of Home and Constitutional Affairs Roland Duncan met with the executive council on Tuesday where they discussed the transfer of dependencies from the central government to St. Maarten. Speaking to reporters shortly after the meeting Duncan said the objective of the meeting was to discuss the transfer process, which is, going far too slow. The Minister said if the dependencies are set up structurally on St. Maarten then it can be used to build country St. Maarten.
However, they took an inventory on the process to see which is functioning from that, which is not functioning. Duncan said he planned to go back to the council of ministers to see if they can make some changes on the functioning of these dependencies. He agreed that this task would not be easy but is prepared to try to convince his colleagues on the situation at hand.
The Minister said St. Maarten is not at happy with the slowness of the transfer process and they would be voicing their opinion at the RTC meetings to be held on Wednesday.
Duncan said the paper work for the transfer of tasks and dependencies are almost finish, which he said definitely looks nice on paper but the funding for these transfers are not in sight for January 2010. He said St. Maarten does not have the monies to hire the people that would be needed to work in these departments or ministries while there is no structure in place for St. Maarten to actually take over.
Duncan said they do have suggestions in mind, which the central government can use to move the dependencies there. Some of the suggestions are the Brooks Tower Building, the Vineyard Building that is rented by the central government and can be used for the future settings at no cost to St. Maarten. He said the physical setting up is not going as fast enough. Asked what is hindering the process Duncan said there are several problems including the slow reaction from Ministers, and now they are saying there is no money. He said that right now there are a number of issues or excuses that are popping up that has to be dealt with immediately. He said even though the process is going slow he would see to it that the law on the transfer of tasks becomes effective as of January 1 2010. When this law is in place then St. Maarten can stretch forth its arms, and say give me these dependencies, and they would have to prepare the places for these transfers. Duncan further explained that they are busy looking into the measures that has to be taken for January 1 2010 when St. Maarten would have the right to ask for what it is hers but there must be preparation. He said he is not saying that the central government has to turn over everything come January 1, 2010 but they need to see that the necessary steps for preparation is taking place at a faster pace. Those that attended the meeting on Tuesday were members of the CAN (Core Group) and the SOAB who normally advises Duncan as well as the director of constitutional affairs.
Domino's Pizza has once again issued a challenge to the community: help less fortunate children enjoy Christmas this year. As usual, Domino's Pizza is offering $4 off a large pizza to every customer who brings in an unwrapped toy. Delivery customers can also take advantage of the offer as well by mentioning it when they place their order and then giving the toy to the delivery driver. Right before Christmas, Santa Clause and a group of Domino's Team members will deliver the presents to the children in areas identified by community members.
Franchisee John Caputo hopes that the entire community will once again rise to the challenge and get involved. "We are rewarding our customers in the very spirit of Christmas to the benefit of needy children. And we are making it easy for anyone to get involved."
This is the 6th year for the successful toy drive which delivered over 400 toys to boys and girls last year, thanks to the support of the community and especially Learning Unlimited School. "What is also great to see, is that many people just drop in toys without even buying a pizza. So many people want to do something in the spirit of Christmas, but most just do not know what to do or how they can help, and this is a great and convenient way that you can make a difference to a child in our community. To see the smiles on the children's faces as they receive their present is priceless and heartwarming." John Caputo continued to say.

Simpson Bay:--- St. Maarten has recorded two killings in two days. The first occurred on Friday when law enforcement found the lifeless body of a Haitian national with severe head injuries at his home. While on Saturday night police were called to the Bumper Car Fun Park in Simpson Bay where they found the owner shot to death. The victim has been identified as Jean Claude Busquet (58) who police said was shot to death just around 11:30 pm.
Busquet's killing has brought the number of murders on the Dutch side of the island to 5 for the year 2009. According to police, spokesman Ricardo Henson Busquet's body was found outside of his office by police and members of the forensic department. Henson said the victim is a French national who, probably bled to death due to the severity of the wounds to his head, chest and right arm. Henson said after interviewing the security guard they learnt that the victim at some point screamed and he went to check on him. It was then the security guard found the victim on the ground bleeding. Henson said so far the cause of death has not been determined and that the investigation is still ongoing. The Police Spokesman said based on the evidence collected at the crime scene it is already determined that the killing is consistent with that of an armed robbery. The police have also confiscated the body for further investigation
In an unrelated case, police found the body of a man late Friday afternoon in his home on Margareth Dive Middle Region. The victim has been identified ads Saliba Absalon (42) from Haiti. Henson said the man was found lying on his floor and that he had bled profusely from wounds to the back of his head.
Based on the evidence collected at the scene police has not ruled out crime. Henson said it seems most likely that a crime was committed but it is too early for them to say what type and who may have committed the horrendous act. The body of this victim has been confiscated as the investigations continue.

Great Bay:--- - Myra Sprott, Administrative Assistant with the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team was awarded "Employee of the Year" during Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour's Christmas Dinner at the Fleming's Estate in Cole Bay on Monday December 14.
In addition to her plaque, Sprott was also given a travel voucher to either Curacao or Aruba on DAE, and a beautiful painting of a Flamboyant Tree by Ruby Bute.
Sprott was voted employee of the year by her fellow colleagues at Public Health for her willingness to always assist.
"I was in total shock, when I was called for the award, I am always willing to give my fellow colleagues within the sector a helping hand no matter which department," said Sprott.
Sprott would like to thank her fellow colleagues for recognizing her dedication to the job, and encouraged all civil servants to continue striving to be the best.

Philipsburg: ---- Dutch teenager Laura Dekker was sent back to the Netherlands on Monday after she was found by authorities here on Sunday. According to police spokesman, Ricardo Henson the teenager arrived on St. Maarten on Thursday from a Paris flight.
Henson said Dekker stayed somewhere in the vicinity of the Simpson Bay yacht club from Thursday to Sunday when she was found. Authorities on St. Maarten he said was asked to placed the teenager at a local hotel under the watchful eyes of the Marchausse. Henson said all arrangements were made from Curacao for the teenager to travel back to the Netherlands on Monday. She was escorted to the Princess Juliana International Airport by assistant chief commissioner of police Daphne Francesca who made sure she boarded Insel Air to Curacao then to the Netherlands. Dekker had with her a guitar and several bags including a small suitcase.
According news reports online Dekker ran away from home after she failed to convince a Dutch court that she is old enough to sail around the world. She was located two days after she was reported missing.
Henson said the teenager cooperated well with police and those that were close contact with her after she was located.
While police here have not confirmed if Dekker was in contact with anyone who would have assisted her to take her dream voyage it was clear it was still on her mind as she was located at a marina.

Philipsburg: --- Several civil servants working for the island government of St. Maarten are angry at a newspaper article that appeared in the Daily Herald on Tuesday accusing them of not amending the room tax ordinance.
The civil servants who spoke to SMN News on the condition of anonymity said that they are not scapegoats and politicians should not use them for their own political mileage or to their benefit. The civil servants contested the contents of the article by providing SMN News with the decision taken by the Democratic Party executive council on January 22 2009 to deny Westin and Sonesta Maho of the room tax waiver they promised them some four years ago. They also provided SMN News with copies of the letters sent to the resort on June 30th 2009 saying that Marlin should dance to the music and not blame them since they did not run for office. "On several occasions the elected would ask civil servants to do the impossible even though they know we can go to prison for not following the law."
According to the civil servants, the former finance and tourism commissioner Roy Marlin should let the people know that he promised Westin to amend the room tax ordinance in exchange for the renting of his house. "While the former commissioner was collecting his house rent Westin was waiting in limbo".
They said Marlin knew that he was not in a position to amend the ordinance since what he wanted was against the law. The civil servants said legal affairs provided the Democratic Party executive council with an advice on this matter since 2005.
They said Marlin had issued the letter of comfort to Westin Dawn Beach in 2005 while he did the same to Maho Sonesta in 2003 and only on January 22 2009 the executive council basically took a decision to deny both these resorts their request.
In the article, Marlin said while his executive council had the amendments of the ordinance as high priority that was not the case with the departments. While Marlin said legal affairs and Resources, management had to work on the ordinance to enable the amendments, which delayed the process. The civil servants said the executive council had gotten the advice in the early months of 2005 since he Marlin had promised Westin to make the amendments by mid 2005.
Leader of government William Marlin had made this disclosure last week telling members of the media that they were busy cleaning up another mess made by the former executive council. Marlin said his government would not be taking any blame for the Westin affair, but he was busy negotiating with the island receivers and Westin management to find an amicable solution.
Below is the decision taken by the executive council on January 22 2009 as well as the letters sent to both resorts.



Last Tuesday SMN News reported that the island receivers for unpaid room tax from 2004 to 2009 placed a lien on Westin Resort. This sparked some heavy discussions last week including court hearings after the Island Receivers office had decided to auction the movable properties at the Resort. An agreement was reached late Thursday night between parties to hold off on the auction until another court hearing. It is understood that Westin has decided to place the monies owed to the island government in an escrow account until the hearing.
Westin was supposed to invest in the training of locals and other infrastructure that would have boosted the tourism industry. The former executive council had promised to grant the waiver for at least five years whenever they changed the legislation.

GREAT BAY (GIS) — The Department of Social Cultural Development, as is customary prepared baskets which will be distributed to the needy persons in our community. During this year's Thanksgiving Service on December 6th, 2009 the public demonstrated once more their concern for the needy and gave a love offering which was used for the purchasing of the goods for the baskets. These baskets will be distributed by the churches, the department of social affairs and other community organizations in the spirit of giving and sharing with those less fortunate in our society. Heartfelt thanks is expressed to all who in one way or the other made a contribution and made this project possible once more.

Philipsburg:-- Police on Tuesday December 29th at approximately 11.00 a.m. a unanimous report came in to the Central Police Dispatch informing them, that at least three persons were busy breaking into a house on Killebarn drive in Cul-de-Sac. Immediately after receiving this information several police patrols and detectives were sent to the scene to investigate the matter, however on the arrival of the investigating officers the suspects had already left the scene in a small black vehicle with license plate P-8292.
A search of the area did not have any positive results. However, at around 03.15 p.m. a unit of the 0-tolerance Team, while in the area of Madame Estate spotted the suspect vehicle in the parking lot of Fresh Market. No-one was in the vehicle at the time. The unit stood on guard for a short time and saw when two unknown men stepped into the suspected vehicle and attempted to drive away. The two suspects were arrested on the spot and during a quick search of the car, a generator was found on the backseat of the car. The suspects are R. E. from Sint Maarten and G.P.C. from the Dominican Republic.
Neither of the suspects could give an acceptable explanation to where the generator came from or who the owner was. The generator was confiscated for further investigation. Both suspects were transported to Philipsburg Police Station and handed over to the Detective Dept. who will continue the investigation into this matter.

French Quarter: --- It is the end of another year and as usual, media houses on St. Martin are tasked with selecting someone that stood out during the past year. Such a task is always great and also burdensome. This year as we peruse the profiles of all our public figures the only person that stood out among them is former Lt. Governor Dennis Richardson.
Richardson as we all know is on St. Maarten's team negotiating the terms of country status for St. Maarten. While this is indeed a long and tedious journey we realize that to remain part of this team and to get what the people of St. Maarten voted for would take a great deal of determination. Determination to make the dreams of the people a reality, determination to stay focused and to achieve all that is needed for St. Maarten to survive under its new umbrella and most of all determination to achieve what rightfully belongs to St. Maarten and its people.
Richardson got involved with the constitutional process since the referendum in the year 2000 when he was Lt. Governor of the island territory of St. Maarten. After his term ended in 2000 as Lt. Governor, Richardson then established a consultancy firm. At that time, he was also part of the work group for constitutional affairs of St. Maarten.
When we selected Richardson we decided the only way to get a background on the process, itself was to interview Mr. Richardson. An interview he willingly gave us.
Asked when he took up the challenges of the constitutional process Richardson said he was on the work group for constitutional affairs on a part time basis after his term as Lt. Governor of St. Maarten. As Lt. Governor, he chaired the committee that established the outcome of the referendum.
As a matter of fact in 2004, he became the project director and advisor for the constitutional reform, because of this step he became a full time member of the St. Maarten team. As such, he was part of St. Maarten's negotiating team, headed by Mr. Eugene Holiday, Mrs. Joane Dovale Meit and Mr. Hiro Shigimoto, in the project group for finance. Richardson said through tough negotiations they came up with an acceptable agreement on measures relating to financial supervision and the good management of government monies in view of the Dutch offer to pay off the debts of the Netherlands Antilles and those of the island territories. Richardson was also part of the negotiations on the justice chain as well as other laws that would have to be applied when St. Maarten achieves its new status. These negotiations were carried out in the project group on the maintenance of law and order and on constitutional affairs. He is co-chairman of that project group.
Those laws include the consensus law on the police, the public prosecutor's system, the joint court of Justice, as well as the council for the maintenance of law and order that will function as an independent inspectorate of the justice chain. Richardson also participated in the negotiations on the Kingdom Charter to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate the new countries St. Maarten and Curacao as well as the BES islands.
He said that throughout all negotiations, there was always a political shadow hanging over them since the Dutch government and parliament had some stringent demands when it comes to financial supervision as well as criminal investigations on these islands. Richardson said one of the things that the Dutch wanted was more of their influence in these processes.
Asked how difficult is this task? He said that everyone would remember the negotiations that took place prior to the final declaration in The Hague. "Things could have gone anywhere during this negotiation. St. Maarten delegation could have returned home with nothing. The talks could have broken down completely."
He also spoke of the recent negotiations that were held in Curacao in June 2009 concerning the assessment on whether the island is ready to assume more responsibilities for the new status. Richardson said the way the negotiations were going it looked as if the Dutch were setting St. Maarten up to fail since we have to build the country from scratch without the necessary financial means and without the necessary authority when it comes to central government responsibilities. One of the challenges would have been to secure qualified manpower and infrastructure to execute the work that lies ahead prior to the new status, without the means to do so. However, the St. Maarten team was alert and realized that they were being set up to fail which he said was unacceptable to St. Maarten. Richardson said it was then that the leader of government William Marlin made a clear statement and informed the Dutch that St. Maarten cannot agree with the proposed assessment and draft Kingdom measure to guarantee the execution of tasks, while St. Maarten is being denied the means and the opportunity to timely build up its new government organization, Richardson said they made clear that St. Maarten knows what is needed including the amount of qualified personnel and the only thing that is lacking is the money, the manpower and the authority to do so. He said an appeal was made to both the Dutch and Central government that if they wanted to see an organizational structure actually in place and ready prior to the new status, then they needed to give St. Maarten the necessary support by providing the subsidiaries and the necessary manpower prior to the new status. Richardson said that again they were faced with a situation where they had to take a decision to either get the Dutch to understand the island's predicament or step out of the negotiations and come back home to explain the people that had they stayed and agreed with the proposals St. Maarten would have gotten its country status, but it would have been under higher supervision through no fault of its own. Richardson said it was then he came up with the idea to have a cooperation agreement on the specific institutions the Dutch want in place. The idea he said is, while St. Maarten is going to work towards building these specific institutions, a monitoring committee in which the Dutch are to participate, would supervise the process based on a plan of approach in those specific areas for a period of two years. If St. Maarten failed the Kingdom government would have the authority to provide a solution. After an initial discussion on which institutions were to be named it was agreed that the further defining of the organizations would take place in the following meeting of the Political Steering Group, scheduled for December 2009, based on proposals of a petit comite
He said after that proposal was accepted an agreement was reached and the date 10/10/10 established for the new status. That proposal he believes saved the day for St. Maarten at that time, as well as for the establishing of a date.
Denis Richardson also stood out on December 9 when the PSG meeting continued past 02:35 a.m. in which he was of the opinion that the Dutch themselves reneged on the verbal agreements and spirit of those agreements made in the meeting of June 2009 and tried to comeback on the defining of the institutions that would fall under the general Kingdom measure, thereby again opening the door for higher supervision on the country St. Maarten across a broad front of the country's responsibilities. A clear example of "backwards negotiations" (terug onderhandelen) of which they have more than once accused their Caribbean negotiating partners with disgust! Again leader of government William Marlin backed the position taken by the whole negotiating team of St. Maarten and in this way once more demonstrated that the St. Maarten's delegation has (always had) political backing, is coordinated and shares a joint vision on achieving country status for St. Maarten.
If this last bid fails there are a number of options open to St. Maarten, amongst others: arbitration by the United Nations and/or a new referendum with other options for its constitutional status.
He readily agreed that this constitutional process has consumed all of his time and that he has not been able to adequately develop his consultancy firm. Asked about that he said his main concern right now is to make sure St. Maarten is treated fairly and gets whatever she deserves, he felt being the project director is a mission, and not just another job, given to him, especially since he is convinced that St. Maarten has a bright future ahead. Richardson said the island would have some difficulties in the beginning but the island would benefit significantly in the end.
Asked if he felt if the transfer process would take place on October 10 2010? Richardson said he has his doubts on this because the consensus Kingdom laws still have to be passed in parliament and the State Secretary still has some convincing to do since those in Parliament still have concerns of their own. Furthermore, Bonaire has initiated a new referendum the results of which can cause the unnecessary complications. And last but not least the outstanding issue with St. Maarten has to be satisfactorily resolved.
On behalf of the team at SMN News, we would like to extend a hearty thank you to Mr. Richardson for being on the forefront for St. Maarten. Thank you for trying to make this new status a reality and mostly for looking out for the best interest of our island. With that, CONGRATULATIONS as you are indeed our MAN of the year 2009.
Persons who fall under the risk groups are: pregnant women who are in the last six months of pregnancy or second trimester – from their fourth month onwards – will be vaccinated; persons with chronic conditions e.g. with pulmonary disease; with cardiac disease; after a recent bone marrow transplant; with a diminished resistance to infections: livercirrosis, (functional) asplenia, auto-immune illnesses, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medication; with diabetes mellitus, even if not on medication; with chronic kidney disease/failure; with HIV-infection; persons 60 years and older; health care workers and health care workers (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics and general practitioner/specialist practices); and home care givers of people with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality.
Clinics administering the H1N1 Vaccine for their patients in the identified risk groups are:
- Dr. Mercuur Clinic (Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 1.00pm)
- Bush Road Clinic (Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 2.00pm)
- Dr. Deketh Clinic (Monday to Friday, 2.00pm to 3.00pm)
- Simpson Bay Medical Clinic, Dr. Tjaden & Datema Clinic (Wednesday & Thursday, 2.00pm to 5.00pm)
- Dr. Ruth Douglas (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7.30am to 9.30am)
- Union Road Clinic of Dr. Van Osch (Wednesday, Thursday 2.00pm to 5.00pm)
- Dr. Spencer Clinic (Wednesday, 2.00pm to 4.00pm)
- Great Bay Clinic of Dr. Bus/Dr. Knol (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 2.00pm to 3.00pm; call 542-6542 for an appointment)
- Dr. Zamora Perez Medical Clinic (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 2.30pm to 4.00pm)
Other family physicians will be added to the list and this information will be announced once it has been received.
Cupecoy: --- The Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation was notified by some concerned Cupecoy residents of illegal building activities on the Cupecoy beach.
A representative of the foundation visited the beach over the weekend and noticed that a developer has built a high concrete wall on the sandy beach covering the natural rock formations that makes the Cupecoy ocean side so special, says president of the St. Maarten Pride Foundation Jadira Veen.
Cupecoy Beach is showcased in many of our tourism brochures, marketing and online tourism websites as having a unique rock formation coastline, sand stone cliffs, and two natural caves. While the Cupecoy cliffs and rocky coastline formation are not protected on the Monument list, The Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation recognizes that they are a very unique feature to the islands landscape and should be protected and appreciated for its natural beauty.
PRIDE is calling on all beach side developers in the Cupecoy area to stop destroying the natural beauty of our landscape for their own personal gain.
In the meantime, the relevant authorities such as the Inspection department, the Prosecutor, the Sector head of Nature and Environment has been appeased of the illegally built wall on the Cupecoy beach.
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation along with the concerned residents who do appreciate the natural unique beach landmark features will be paying close attention to the follow up on this situation.
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation has requested that the illegally built wall be demolished at the expense of the developer.
GREAT BAY – With the holiday season underway, preparations is well underway for holiday parties. In order for you and your family to have an enjoyable and safe holiday season, certain precautionary measures should be taken.
When preparing for holiday parties, decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties. If guests will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco. Remember the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.
When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking driver. If you are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages available for guests who are driving.
During the holiday season pets are also susceptible to injury believe it or not. With respect to pet safety this holiday season, anchor your Christmas trees securely. Climbing cats and dogs with wagging tails can knock over your tree for those who have their pets indoors.
Hang breakable, glass ornaments well out of reach. The small glass and metal fastenings can be stepped on or even swallowed by your pet. Keep tinsel and ribbons out of reach of pets, especially cats that are intrigued by them.
Clean up pine needles frequently. They can be toxic when eaten by your pet. Keep lights and extension cords safely secured or covered to deter chewing, which can lead to electric shock or even electrocution.
This safe holiday season message is from the Preventative Health Department and forms part of the department's calendar of observances to create awareness where it concerns holiday safety.
Have a safe holiday season.
Philipsburg:-- Police is also investigating another case where a security guard were tied up during a robbery. The incident occurred on January 3rd police and detectives were sent to ECONO Food Market on Welgelegen road for a robbery.
On the scene the security guard with initials E.F.G. stated to the investigating officers that around 05.00 a.m. while carrying out his controls of the building and premises he was attacked by five unknown men.
The men were mainly masked and dressed in dark clothing. At least one of these men was armed with a small silver colored handgun. The victim stated the at the time of the attack he was at the back of the building where he was tied-up and being held against his will. Four of the robbers then gained access to the building while one robber stayed guarding him. His money and cellular telephone were stolen from him. The robbers also stole, two laptop computers, security camera system, computer equipment, a large amount of Chippy telephone cards and both cash register containing a small amount of cash from the building. The stolen items were placed in a vehicle and taken away. Shortly after the victim loosened himself and called the police and notified his other colleges. The Special Robbery Unit is investigating this matter.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said they received of reports robbery, and house break ins. These incidents he said took place at private homes, business places and cars. Police he said were very busy since they also have a number cases on ill-treatment and destruction of property being investigated.

Philipsburg- The Insurance for the West Indies presented commissioner of education Sarah Wescot Williams with six computers which is meant for Foundation Computers in Education.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams was pleased to accept the computers on the Foundation's behalf, which aims, among other objectives, to provide computers to primary and now secondary schools, and commended the company, as represented by Gloria Blackwood, Branch Manager and Cleavland Beresford, Marketing Consultant.
The company-ICWI-has been established for 40 years in the Caribbean (Jamaica, Bahamas, Cayman), and 2 years on St. Maarten. The company, being a corporate citizen, donated these computers. Blackwood said that it was a pleasure to contribute to the foundation, and that the computers, although small, shall be useful for students.
The students at SMITH, the St. Maarten Institute of Tourism and Hospitality will be pleased, Commissioner Wescot-Williams said. These computers will equip the computer lab with 6 brand new modern computers.

Philipsburg: --- Sources close the National Alliance said that Island Councilman George Pantophlet has left St. Maarten to be sworn in as the new state secretary for health. Pantophlet is expected to be sworn in today by the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles. He would be replacing Joan Berkle Smart who resigned from her position when the news broke that he was being investigated for alleged fraud. Since Berkle Smart resigned there had not been any new developments in the matter. The prosecutor's office in Curacao had said the Federal Detectives were asked to look at the facts to see if a crime was committed.
SMN News also learnt that Patrick Illidge would be taking up the vacant seat in the Island Council which was left by Pantophlet. Efforts made by this media house to confirm the information proved futile since we were not able to make contact with the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin.
Sandy Ground:-- Four persons are now nursing injuries they sustained during an armed robbery in a night club in Sandy Ground. A press release from the Gendarmes states that the incident occurred during the early hours of Monday January 6th.
According to reports two armed men stormed into the establishment and used their weapons for unknown reasons. Three of the injured persons were hurt by gunshot wounds while the fourth was beaten with a stick. The suspect managed to get way on foot with some $250, while the four victims were transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment.
The research Brigade has opened an investigation into the incident.

St. Peters:--- Teachers of the St. Maarten Vocational School has given the Department of Education a deadline which ends at 2pm on Wednesday. The deadline is for a meeting with department head to discuss security measures. The Windward Islands Teachers Union has joined their teachers fight said Claire Elshot.
Elshot said the teachers of that school have been having constant problems with students who are in possession of weapons and they have addressed their concerns to the department. One of the requested the teachers are making is to have full time security at the school by January 2009 since dealing with school fights in the past has left one of the teachers injured. Elshot needs to have the necessary space to function as educators and not security officers.
Elshot said the department did not honor the teachers request so they have decided to further continue with their actions. The union leader said that on Tuesday the teachers made the request for a meeting but that request was also not honored which gave the teachers no choice but to set a deadline for this meeting. Elshot said late last year the police visited the school in question and found a number of weapons and items that were confiscated by teachers of the school. She said when this happened the department head Ms. Oldine Bryson Pantophlet wrote a letter to the newspaper to downplay the matter. However, she said the school is not a place for weapons and it seems as if parents and the school cannot control what is taken on the school premises. She said if no one can control this situation the teachers definitely would need to have some sort of security.
Marigot:-----A series of activities are being planned by the St. Martin Awareness Committee under the theme "YES YOU CAN" which is scheduled to take place at the Chamber of Commerce building in Concordia between January 17 to January 24th. The activities include a public debate, a car rally which will begin from Caribbean Auto Sales Parking Lot to the Marigot Waterfront, and a public rally on the final day which is Sunday January 24.
The idea of the activities to show youths how they can embrace what they face. The dates are to coincide with the American Presidential Inauguration which would show there is still hope for the people of St. Martin. President of the COM Frantz Gumbs has pledged his support for the activities.
Philipsburg- Local insurance company ENNIA is the first business kicking off the year-long Think [RED], Do Safe Campaign, a program specifically designed to emphasize healthier sexual lifestyles. After jumpstarting the Talk [RED] campaign last year with its [RED] cocktail party on board the Explorer and the memorable welcome speech of Guy Cozijns themed " Dum Spiro Spero," meaning "while I breath I hope." It is in this same spirit that they have adopted the Sister Regina School to instill their hope in the students. Look out for their activities with this school during the month of January on the [RED] pages of this paper.
Every Friday is still designated as [RED] Day and ENNIA will be sponsoring the media package which includes radio, television and newspaper ads. However, the messages, pictures and presentations will be different this time around. Customer information packages will again be distributed between the hours of 8:00am and 12:00pm as well as red ribbons to continue raising the awareness and keeping our hopes alive.
Think [RED], Do Safe is the second stage of the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team's [RED] Campaign and was launched on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2008. With the success of last year's Talk [RED] Campaign the expectations for Think [RED], Do Safe have been raised and ENNIA will be leading the [RED] businesses into a creative year focused on St. Maarten's youth and the general public at large.
The UMP Federation of Saint Martin would like to extend its best wishes for 2009 to all its members and the entire community of St Martin / St Maarten.
2008 has been an important year for UMP Saint Martin with the raising of an autonomous Federation and the election of our First Senator nominated at the Laws Commission in the Senate in Paris.
Let's make this first step a strong foundation for our country and political party.

Philipsburg:--It is confirmed that former commissioner of labour Louis Laveist would have to face a judge on February 11 to answer charges of fraud. While the court date is tentatively set the charges are yet to be completed. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said he is not fully acquainted with the file since he is not the one dealing with the case. He said his colleague from Curacao Martin Hemelaar is expected on St. Maarten next week at which time he will know more on the case.
SMN News also understand that members of the Democratic Party are busy trying to see if the would get the commissioner to resign from his position in the executive council. But Laveist it is understood wants his portfolios back until he is charged, tried and convicted. SMN News understands the commissioner and a die hard DP member held a meeting in Pointe Blanche yesterday discussing the possibilities of him resigning.
CUPECOY - The water production facility at Cay Bay was shut down Thursday, January 8 in order to facilitate the installation of a larger intake piping system that is part of the new upgrades and expansion of the Cay Bay desalination plant.
This was a planned shutdown and the expansion work was completed on time which would have allowed for no interruption of water delivery to GEBE. Despite the fact that precautions were taken to ensure a successful restart, certain pump house equipment failed that was recently damaged by Hurricane Omar, which prevented the plant from returning to full production capability.
The unfortunate combination of the low storage tank level due to the shutdown and limited production capacity upon re-start, resulted in a temporary inability to meet full water demand.
Air Fin worked around the clock to rectify the situation and is happy to report that the plant was back at full production capability on Friday January 9, at 4:00pm. Air Fin apologizes to GEBE and to anyone who might have been affected by this situation and hopes that everyone recognizes that these shutdowns are necessary in order to upgrade and expand the plant so that an adequate production safety margin exists for the future.
Accordingly, Air Fin expects to commission a new 3800 Cubic Meter per day plant on January 15th.
Marigot: --- Information reaching SMN News states that the gendarmes are busy investigating a severe case of rape and robbery which took place on December 31 2008 in Concordia. It is understood the victim was in a store at the time of the incident and a considerable amount of monies was also stolen.
While the authorities are tightlipped on the case and the gendarmes could not be reached for comment it is understood they have a good idea as to who the culprits maybe.

MAHO--Cheri's Café treated the athletes of Special Olympics St. Maarten to lunch Sunday afternoon.
The Special Olympics Board also used the opportunity to thank its coaches and volunteers for all the work they do for the athletes. A number of coaches received their certification for Coach Special Olympics and all volunteers got a token of appreciation.
Sweet Chocolate Band entertained the group and got many of the athletes to show their skills on the dance floor as well.
Chairwoman of the Board first lady Angela Richardson presented the certificates and expressed her thanks to owner of the restaurant Cheri Batson, who also had a small present for the children before they left.

Sucker Garden: --- Several drivers on St. Maarten was caught by surprise yesterday when several members of the Zero Tolerance Team including the new officers that came to St. Maarten from Curacao began a road control on the Sucker Garden main road. Drivers were asked to pull aside as police checked to see if their documents were in order.
Drivers of vehicles that had on tinted windows had to go through the process of removing the tints from their vehicles, as if not enough the drivers was also given a fine since police has issued several warnings to drivers about tinted windows. Police is expected to make an official report on these controls sometime today.
CALLING ALL CARIBBEAN ARTISANS!!
Philipsburg- The Caribbean Artisan Network, The BVI Tourist Board, The Mooring, LIAT, and the British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) will be hosting what has become the biggest Artisan Festival in the region: The 2009 Caribbean Arts and Crafts Festival. For the sixth year in a row, this increasingly popular cultural event brings together over 60 Artisans from throughout the Caribbean to display, sell and demonstrate their crafts at a variety of locations in the beautiful British Virgin Islands. From March 6th-9th, the Festival is held on the beach in Trellis Bay Village. On March 10, the festival relocates to Virgin Gorda for the day and back to Trellis Bay for the Full Moon Party in the evening. March 11th wraps up in the capital city, Road Town, at the Noel Lloyd Memorial Park.
Aside from the wide variety of Artisans selling their crafts along the beach and the top class musical entertainment through out the event, this year the Caribbean Artisan network has added several new attractions to the event. On the Saturday evening the first annual Festival Fashion Show will take place which intended for those Artisans who design and manufacture clothing, accessories and hand crafted jewelry to exhibit their products in a live environment.
A booth for local schools to exhibit and sell students work will also is added. The booth fee will be waived and schools or interested students should contact 1-284-495-1849 for more information.
In addition, the festival committee has created a series of awards to be presented in a ceremony on Sunday afternoon. The awards include Most Creative Display, Best Preservation of Traditional Craft, Most Innovative New Craft Item and The Best Youth Artisan (under 18).
Visiting Artisans are being offered complimentary accommodation aboard catamarans anchored just off the beach in Trellis Bay, which have been generously provided by the Moorings.
The Caribbean Artisan Network is a six year old BVI registered Non Profit Organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Caribbean Arts and Crafts (more info on www.caribbeanartisan.net). By creating links between artisans, the Network functions to strengthen the production of traditional and innovative Caribbean Crafts through educational workshops, marketing initiatives and skill preservation efforts.
The Artisan Network is dedicated to increasing the commercial viability of Craft as an income generator and as a crucial aspect of maintaining Caribbean cultural identity. For more information, or to participate as an exhibitor or sponsor, please contact the network via www.caribbeanartisan.net or email the network at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Philpsburg:---In the scholastic year 2007 -2008 DERPI introduced the well received program "Active Parenting NOW in 3" to all FBE Schools in Sint Maarten.
"Active Parenting NOW in 3" LEADERS have been trained and a total of 50 LEADERS have received an official Active Parenting Certificate. This school year DERPI, is pleased to have the support of Telephone Company TELEM, and their certified LEADER Mr. J Carty.
The involvement of the businesses and other organizations in the field is very essential and important. This will allow parents to enjoy and learn more about parenting on the job. DERPI will approach more businesses and other organizations in this coming calendar year, in joining the "Active Parenting" Program.
To guarantee the continuation of this program, the founder Dr. M. Popkin, will once again pay a visit to Sint Maarten for a special Training of Trainers. A group of 15 participants have been selected to take part in this initiative. They will be trained to become the Active Parenting support platform in order to "spread" the information and reach out to more parents on the Island of Sint Maarten.
This special training is scheduled for January 20, 21 and 22 and will be held at the Carl's and Son Conference Center in Cole Bay.
On January 22, Dr. M. Popkin will address all certified "Active Parenting" LEADERS during a handing over ceremony of the LEADER Certificates.
Success of this program is fundamental for our society, but will only succeed with the imput and involvement of the society!!
Cul de Sac:-- A Guyanese woman is the latest victim of house robbery which not only left the woman stripped of her personal items but they bandits used her religion to catch her. The woman told police two unidentified individuals armed with a machete or chopping knife knocked on her door and upon inquiring who they were. They responded to by greeting her in Islam "As salaam Walikum" and said they brought greetings from the Priest.
The woman said when she opened the door she was confronted by two bandits one of them was armed with the weapon. They robbed her of Us$ 800, - and 900 in Antillean guilders. Before exiting the house they pulled out the land phone wires and escaped on foot. Police are investigating the robbery.
Marigot: --- Employees of the Collectivity will be begin taking action today as they seek answers on several issues facing them. The union representing the employees UACL, CGTG de Saint Martin kept a meeting with their members on Friday evening at the Chamber of Commerce Building where they informed their members that the strike will begin at 8am in front of the COM.
The action is expected to take place for 24 hours. It said if the answers are not forthcoming during the day then the strike would prolong. So far the union presented the President of the COM with a pre-avis informing him that the workers will be in action today.
In the meantime, several unions within the region will begin industrial action on Tuesday demanding solutions to many of the crisis facing the region. Those issues include cost of living, and the monies given by the State to defray the cost of gasoline last year. It is understood the State gave 3 million Euros to the petrol dealers to help defray the expenses but this monies was never given to the community. It is said the unions wants this money to be given out for trainings for the employees.
Philipsburg:---National Alliance State Secretary of Health George Pantophlet says that he is settling into his new function. There is much to learn. He attended meetings of the coalition and the council of Ministers and many issues were discussed such as the transfer of government employees to the islands of Curacao/St. Maarten when they attain country status.
A decision was taken in December of 2007 that all employees would be transferred to their respective countries. What is important is that the details are worked out clarifying the position of each employee so as to avoid anxiety on their part. On a very important note, he is looking forward to working with government and all other health care providers and institutions. He will first hold discussions with Minister of Health Omayra Leeflang when she returns from the Netherlands where she is on a working visit. St. Maarten is on the cutting edge of becoming a country and must prepare now to take on its responsibilities. Our geographical location in this region must be utilized and this will also mean upgrading of our facilities. As far as he knows the St. Maarten Medical Center is awaiting approval from the executive council to go ahead with the expansion of its facilities. Other matters he is looking into are the issue of obesity. The report "How Healthy is St. Maarten has to be updated and information regarding "The Dengue virus on St. Maarten from November to present has to be updated. And additionally the cause of the return of the midges has to be looked into.

THE BOTTOM - GEBE announced the winners of the GEBE Christmas Lighting Competition in Saba during its annual Staff New Year's Party on January 17, 2009. Saba received a record number of participants in the 2008 Christmas Lighting Competition who were wowing residents with their festive displays throughout the month of December.
"The standards of the displays keep rising every year and I am sure that the judges had a really challenging time selecting a winner for each category. I congratulate the winners and thank all entrants for their time and effort in putting up attractive Christmas lights and lighting up our community," Brooks stated as he presented the prizes. Winning first prize of $1500 was Cornell Johnson, followed by Peddy Johnson who won the second place prize of $1000. Peddy Johnson explained that his wife had done all the work. "I only plugged them in," he quipped. and Karel Sorton who won the third place prize of $500.
A new addition to the lighting competition was the popular prize. The winner was determined solely by the number of votes received from the community through the newspaper ballots and online voting. "We really wanted to encourage the community to get involved by visiting the many lighting displays and voting for their favorite." Bradley Johnson of Booby Hill won by a mere two more votes in a tight competition that closed on December 31, 2008 and accepted his prize of a $500 shopping certificate.
GEBE encouraged the community to Save Some Green by using energy saving technology such as LED Christmas lights when decorating since they run 90% more efficient and save money and the environment. The lights were available at Ace, Cost U Less, Electec and Kwik Bargains.
"We are really happy with the participation on this year and we are looking to make the 2009 Christmas Lighting Competition even more exciting."
Philipsburg- Bureau for Constitutional Affairs will begin with the production of 6 commercial spots for both radio and television. These commercials were written and directed by Ian Valz.
On Saturday, the first commercial was in production at the AC Wathey Cruise and Harbor Facilities, Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams was present and said that we have to be persistent in the development for constitutional attainment.
"Here we are, in the next part in the constitutional campaign, which will be launched in February. The theme is: En Route to Country St. Maarten. This constitutional process is about getting involved; it is a road we need to follow in order to arrive at country St. Maarten."
"On this road, we will encounter obstacles and road blocks, but we need to persist, and we need to do that together. It is about knowing, of being part of, it is about understanding, the future of our island is about each and every one of us," Commissioner Wescot-Williams said.
"We have to ask ourselves, ‘What is happening with our constitutional efforts? Where are we at? How much further do we have to go?' But more importantly, ‘How is each one of us contributing to the constitutional developments?'"
Commissioner Wescot-Williams said that ultimately, "Having country St. Maarten on paper is not enough, it needs to live in the hearts and minds of all St. Maarteners. Through this promotional campaign, I encourage you to live it, feel it, and work towards country St. Maarten. Be part of the process, know the issues, defend the issues, defend our island, defend Country St. Maarten. It is truly a road to walk, a path to follow, and we need to do it together."
Jeannette Hagen, Head of the Constitutional Department, explained about the need for these commercials. "We saw the need to bring the technical information of the constitutional developments in a more informative and entertaining way to the community of St. Maarten. We are trying to bring forward messages that people have on their minds in a simple and fun way."
Director Ian Valz elaborated on the current promotional productions that he is engaged in. "After months of consultants, it was decided that a series of short infomercials would be produced. We came up with various themes that we have to work with and that the public needs to be address and for the public to become aware of. The infomercials will be informative and entertaining, and we have utilized the best actors on St. Maarten."
Philipsburg:--It was reported a road traffic accident on the Welfare road infront of Kentucky Fried Chicken, early Sunday morning, after 3:00 am, whereby a pick-up was found on it's roof. On arrival of the patrol, the driver was not at the scene. A female motorist identified herself later as the driver of the pick-up carrying license plate V-1709. She reported that while she was driving on the Welfare road she had to abruptly swing to her right to avoid collision with an approaching oncoming traffic that was driving partly on her side of the road. She unwillingly increased speed and crashed with velocity into a low wall and (GEBE) electrical post and flipped over. She told police that her right leg was paining her and passersby took her to the St. Maarten Medical Center, where she received treatment and released. The V-1709 resulted in a total loss. The pick-up however is insured. The traffic department is investigating the accident.
On Sunday, at about 11:10 am., police were called for road traffic accident on the Buncamper Road in the vicinity of Caribbean Liquor and Tabacco. The driver of a scooter (no number-plate) was driving in the direction of Point Blanche in the back of a car and noticed at the last minute that the car had stopped to make a left turn. Notwithstanding he tried to avoid a collision, the scooter banged into the back of the car. The driver of the scooter ended up with a fractured right leg and had to be transported by ambulance to the Medical Center. He was admitted to the hospital for further treatment.

Philipsburg:--- Members of Operation Trust 2 raided a home in Fort Willem based on a tip off said police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. He said the raid took place on Monday January 26 at around 7:30pm. During that raid found a substantial amount of crack cocaine, marijuana fontu tobacco. Also found is a weighing scale, plastic bags for packaging of marijuana as well as an undisclosed amount of monies. All of the items found were confiscated.
In connection with case a male suspect with the initials F.W. 29 years old from St Maarten, was arrested. He was taken to the Police Head Quarters, where he is been held for further investigation.

Philipsburg:---National Alliance State Secretary of Health George Pantophlet would like to congratulate Mr. Don Froston on the establishing of his "Foundation for Hope and Music Development. Due to his schedule he is unable to be present for the launching. He is humbled by the invitation of Mr. Froston to such a special event. It is a known fact that Mr. Froston has and is still dedicating a lot of his time and effort in work of a Social nature in the community. This effort calls for a lot of sacrifice on his part but one can see it is something that he has dedicated his life to. We know that music transcends all languages and it has brought him to realize his dream by establishing this Foundation. He reaches out to all sectors of the community excluding none. This can be seen with his music ministry and his ministry at the Point Blanche prison. There many others some known to us and some not known who are also involved in this venture and they too must be recognized. Don's vision and mission to give hope to young persons in particular is evident in the name of the Foundation, "Foundation of HOPE". He wants to wish Mr. Froston and members of his foundation much success and God's strength.

Belvedere: --- Road repairs and the construction of yet another round about will begin in the next two weeks said head of new projects Kurt Ruan at the signing ceremony yesterday. The new roundabout will be constructed at the Belvedere and Dutch Quarter intersection which joins the French and Dutch Border. Also included in the 3.5 million project is the enlarging of the gutters in the area which would help facilitate the run off of rain water as well as to beautify the area where the local people lives.
The contracts were granted to the two main companies which is Windward Roads and MNO- Vervat said Ruan. MNO Vervat has a contract for Naf.586, 008, 72 while Windward Roads contracts amounts to Naf. 3049, 853. The intention by the two major companies is to sub-contract the work to the local contractors.
President of the Dutch Quarter Community Council Henry Illidge said he hopes that the project will extend further up to Dutch Quarter since they are plagued with several types of water problems. He called on the two contractors not to forget the youths of Dutch Quarter whom he has encouraged to be part of the process.
The road repairs long over due said commissioner of public works Theo Heyliger. Heyliger said the idea of this project began some 13 years ago when he took office in the island government. He said part of the property was donated by a family 13 years ago. This round about was to be build on Bishop Hill and Dutch Quarter said Heyliger. He said the procedures that has be followed takes years before it can be executed since they are obliged to follow proper procedures. Also present at the signing ceremony was commissioner of finance Roy Marlin including several residents of the area.
Philipsburg- Leader of Government and Commissioner responsible for Constitutional Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, who is currently in Curacao attending a two-day conference on Air Traffic Relations, will also be meeting with other officials related to constitutional matters.
Commissioner Wescot is expected to hold deliberations with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles Emily de Jongh-Elhage, Curacao's Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Zita A.M. Jesus-Leito, and Minister of Constitutional & Interior Affairs of the Netherlands Antilles Roland Duncan.
Discussions will focus on the planned political consultations scheduled for February.
The Leader of Government is expected to return to St. Maarten on Wednesday.
CLOSE TO 100 TEACHERS FROM FRENCH ST. MARTIN TOOK TO THE STREETS YESTERDAY TO SUPPORT THE GENERAL STRIKE IN FRANCE. THE TEACHERS BAGAN MARCHING FROM THE SANDY GROUND CULTURAL CENTER TO THE COLLECTIVITY OF ST. MARTIN WHERE THEY WERE WHILE THE GENERAL STRIKE CRIPPLED FRANCE. RECEIVED BY ELECTED OFFICIALS. AFTER THAT THE PROTEST MARCH PROCEEDED TO THE ACADEMY OF GUADELOUPE ON FORT HILL WHERE THEY ALSO EXPRESSED THEIR GREIVANCES TO ROBERT ROMNEY.
Hundreds of thousands of workers have begun a nationwide strike in France. Eight labor unions have called the industrial action to protest against what they say are insufficient measures by the government to tackle the economic crisis. Unions say that with unemployment mounting, French workers should not have to foot the bill for a crisis that has led to expensive government bailouts for banks, carmakers and other sectors. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has announced a 26-billion-euro stimulus package while pledging to press ahead with unpopular reforms to trim the public sector workforce and liberalize the labor market.
Employees demonstrate in Marseille, France, 29 January 2009. French teachers, postal employees, train conductors and other workers from the public and private sectors stayed away from their jobs in a one-day general strike that has disrupted transportation and shut schools across the country. EPA/GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO

Philipsburg:---Last week a number of teachers from the primary as well as the secondary schools along with members of the HIV/AIDS Education Policy Workgroup attended the re-scheduled Curriculum Development Workshop. The workshop was initially held in October, but due to the passing of Hurricane Omar it had to be re-scheduled to January.
The Curriculum Development Workshop was held on Thursday, January 22 and Friday January 23 at the UTS Training & Development Center, and it was facilitated by Salorne McDonald a Behavior Change Communications Specialist with a degree in education specialization in curriculum development.
During the two day workshop attendees were engaged in interactive activities all surrounding the topics of: curriculum & syllabus development; needs assessment & content derivation; skills building components & message analysis; curriculum streaming and spiraling; integration and adaption along with other topics.
These workshops are part of the preparation for the development of the HIV/AIDS Education Policy that will be implemented into the schools' curriculum from the 2009-2010 academic terms. The need for an HIV/AIDS Education Policy came out of the 2007-2011 HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan.
Suzette Moses-Burton, HIV/AIDS Programme Manager stated, "We are pleased to be moving into this phase of the HIV/AIDS Education Policy development. It has been a long road, and the journey to reach our goal is some distance away. So far we have completed the data collection from the surveys which were administered with all the relevant stakeholders, including parents, teachers, management and of course the students themselves.
Although the data is still being analyzed we already have a fairly good indication of the direction in which we should be heading with this policy and so we have been able to move forward with the next phase of actually developing the curriculum. Once this has been done, both the draft curriculum as well as the draft policy will be presented to the stakeholders for their review and comment before finalization. The next big item before the policy implementation will be the training of the teachers. So far the process has been moving well and we are pleased with the progress being made."

St. Peters: --- Several students were beaten by police officers yesterday afternoon when police was called at least twice to deal with school fights. It is understood that police received a phone call to deal with a school fight and they went to the Milton Peters College and dealt with the matter, but less than half an hour later they were called again for yet another fight. This second time around the officers responded in record numbers to the school and began a search.
The management team of the school which involves Mrs. Yvette Halley, Mr. Aventurin and Mr. Garren head of security told members of the media at a press conference called at the school that they had at least two very unfortunate incidents at the institution. Garren said in the first incident two students got into an altercation and they had problems with managing one of the students. Garren said based on their school policy they called in the police to deal with the student in question. The chief of security said the police was called just before 11:30 am. He said even though the security guard was trying their best to restrain the student that was not possible. He said when the police arrived at the scene they removed the student in question.
Garren said even though unfortunate this type of things takes a snow ball effect because the students would then become agitated. He said this caused a second incident between some other students which was not related to the first incident. He said these students were taken to the school's office and because the police was in the area they went back to the school and they decided to carry out a control and check the students. Garren said the sole purpose of the control was to make sure that the situation at hand could be managed easily.
Garren said whenever the police get involved the school management has to step aside especially since the police came with a large contingency since they were somewhat alarmed at the second call.
Garren said they instructed all the students to go back to their classrooms and await further instructions from the school management. He said some of the students refused to comply with the orders of the school and even when the police ordered them to go back to their classes they did not cooperate. Garren said those students who did not comply with the orders of the police were dealt with in accordance with the police. Students were slapped a number of times while one female student said she was hit with a baton while on her way to her classroom. Eyewitnesses to the scene said a police officer slapped a young boy about five times and the student did not budge until he was thrown to the ground handcuffed and placed into the police vehicle.
He said they as management are grateful for the support they received from the police since the police responded in record time. Yvette Harley said they are calling on parents to instruct their children to comply with the orders given to them by management or the police who is called by the school management. She said if the students followed the instructions then there would be no problems. Halley said they are planning to take this matter one step further as they would seek to discuss the matter of insecurity around the schools with the necessary stakeholders, which would include the island Lt. Governor, Prosecutor and the police as well as parents and guardian. She said they would be putting forward some solutions on the table which would have to be discussed by the stakeholders mentioned.
Garren said they are appealing on parents to take on their responsibilities since these students are not following instructions given to them. He said some of the student blatantly ignored the instructions given to them both by the school management and the police.
At the police station yesterday several parents and students claimed that the students were manhandled during the control. Garren said they are concerned about the attitude of their students who did not follow instructions when given to them. He said if the students were manhandled they could not intervene in this matter since they themselves have to respect and obey the orders of the police. Garren said he did not witness any police brutality except to say the students were restrained and the necessary force was used in the exercise.
He said they would need to continue to evaluate the situation on Monday since they need to take further steps. Garren said they already met with the school board who is yet to decide on the disciplinary actions that has to be taken. The intention is to meet with the parents of the students who had to be removed from the establishment by the police. While he could not say exactly what type of measures would be taken he said the parents would definitely have to major role to play in restoring their children's behavior.
Garren said when they cannot deal with a situation they have no other choice but to call the police. He said they pleaded with the students and did all that was possible to restrain the students. He said whatever happened at the school is a direct result of the disobedience of the students. He said he hoped that the parents would not idle on what happened during the control instead they need to focus on the cause of the situation. He said he felt that the police used the amount of force that was needed to restrain the students at the time of the incidents.
Up to press time a comment from the police department was not forthcoming on the matter.

Marigot:--- Since January 20, 2009, on the initiative of a collective (LIYANNAJ KONT PROFITATION: LKP) of about fifty trade-unions and cultural organizations, the people of Guadeloupe has initiated a movement.
This Collective raises basic problems which are at the origin of the suffering, the distress, the discomfort and the identity and societal crisis which affect not only Guadeloupe but all overseas French territories and consequently St-Martin. The massive support of the people of Guadeloupe is admirable.
The claims of this collective, essentially, include those affecting our territory, particularly as regards the fight against the high cost of living and the improvement of the purchasing power, the claiming means for a better and more appropriate Education, issues regarding health and the like and more provisions for public services, but also a priority for local employment, the need for privileging the local companies (small shopkeepers, craftsmen...). These claims also dealt with the urgency to privilege a true endogenous development. In our capacity as a group of elected officials within the Territorial Council of St-Martin and in the name of the Saint-Martin people, we bring a fraternal and massive support to the people of Guadeloupe.
Through our respective battles we advance the general cause of our territories. It began with the Reunion Island, was then followed by Guyana, today it is Guadeloupe's turn to speak out. By means of these movements, the emphasis has been upon the basic problems which are presented and the legitimate claims for which one demands serious attention and real appropriate solutions; the time for surface repair is over.
By our statutory evolution within the framework of article 74 of the French constitution, we have lead the way on a very important subject: the nature of our relationship with France and the granting of our autonomy. This road remains strewn with obstacles because the State never stops reconsidering its primary word and engagements (refusal to compensate for the resources lost due to the suppression of the benefit enjoyed from the shared "octroi de mer", reconsideration of its position on making pro visions for the territories to each have a representative in Parliament in Paris, etc...).
Our territories can no longer continue to ignore their geographical, cultural and identity reality by hiding behind legal provisions. The handling of the identity and societal crisis which characterizes all of our territories becomes as urgent today as the need to give attention to the economic crisis because our dignity hinges on them both.
The Movement LIYANNAJ KONT PROFITATION: LKP brings the evident proof that in our territories the emergence of a "structured civil society" is necessary because it gives a new meaning to participative democracy. This civil society must be heard as being an essential link which best expresses itself today from the "streets", most effective mode of expression of direct democracy that the State can no longer ignore.
"Sovereignty cannot be represented, for the same reason it cannot be alienated; it consists primarily in the general will and the will cannot be represented; it is the same or it is different; it knows no medium. Thus, the deputies of the people are not and cannot be the representatives of the people, they are only commissioners; (...). Any law that the People would not have personally ratified is null...."

"Non Governmental organizations wishing to garner the support of businesses must have a solid strategic plan, deliverables and a proper balance sheet," Managing Director of the Ikemba African Art Gallery, Michael Maghiro told the gathering of persons turning out to witness the official; launch of the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation and Sow a Seed Thanksgiving service.
The event was held last Wednesday, at Honey Crunch Bakery and Deli situated on the By Road, St Kitts.
A number of persons were in attendance among them being Minister of Social Development, the Hon. Dr Earl Asim Martin, Constituency One Representative for The Peoples Action Movement, Glenroy Blanchett, Ann Wigley and members of the Herbert family.
Maghiro noted that he is aroused and pleased to see the giant step that Pastor Desmond is making aptly putting it, "placed his hands into his pockets so as to get the foundation off the ground." Michael who is a Nigerian national living and working in St Maarten where he has a major business made a significant donation to the foundation while committing to make regular donations so as to aid in the foundation's work.
Pastor Herbert responding on behalf of the many persons who he pointed out volunteered their services to the foundation in establishing it said that he was thankful. He noted that persons can assist with the growth and development of the foundation noting that they can give in cash, kind or service.
Maghiro who himself executes similar feeding programme in St Marten while he is a major contributor to a number of NGO's praised the foundation's executives for its prudent management thus far, accountability and vision which has helped to guarantee that the foundation begins to attract attention which he said will rebound into support.
"Once business begins to take note of what is happening then they would be willing and eager to assist and I am glad that the foundation while officially launching today has been around for some months doing its work quietly," he said.
He commended Pastor Herbert and his team for possessing the foresight and leadership which he said will help in keeping the foundation growing and expanding. "I have seen a number of foundations and organizations being established where there are no clear vision and passion as to what direction the founders want it t go but fortunately this foundation today is different as there is not only a clear vision but there is also an undying passion which will help it over the bumps in life," Maghiro said.
The St Maarten based businessman added that the development and growth of any organizations depends heavily on those that are leading it, as without proper leadership there will be no success. He pointed out that with the current global recession and the challenges faced by many economies it has forced business entities to be very sensible with their investments.
"I can tell you as a businessman that you now have to put your money where it can have a multiplying effect and offers significant mileage as that is what helps in keeping us going." He further stated that apart from the aforementioned features, the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation is the only Christian related foundation that has sought to provide a progress and other reports to its donors and sponsors at the end of every project or programme.
He urged members and potential members of the foundation to not only to be good ambassadors for Jesus Christ, but also to those who will be yearning to garner this assistance and help. "Remember that you must always see your role as volunteers as too many times people create the impression that they are volunteering but in the end still looks for payment".
Another point of note that Michael Maghiro mentioned was that sponsors are more interested in organizations who they can feel very confident and comfortable about being associated with without the fear of negative comments or consequences, but who can be more of a positive influence to the communities and people that they serve.
Philipsburg: --- The department of labor has put in place a new committee to deal with all appeals on working permits says commissioner of labor Sarah Wescot Williams. She said the committee has already worked off the backlog up to October last year.
The commissioner said since then she is sure the committee has dealt with other appeals. Persons who are not happy with the decision of the executive council on their request for a labor permit can appeal that decision with the new appeals committee which replaces the previous one.

Yet another road accident on Link One Yesterday so far police has not issued a report on the case.

A minor car accident today on the L.B Scot road today in the vicinity of the bridge leading into Saunders. A Toyota car license plate 617 ZAX 971 hit the rear of a Suzuki jeep licence plate M 4183.
A WHITE HYUNDAI SONATA THAT WAS STOLEN A FEW DAYS AGO WAS RECOVERED ON CAMILLIA ROAD IN BETTY ESTATE. AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY THE CAR LISCENCE PLATE R 1231 WAS TOWED AWAY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE POLICE.
Philipsburg:--- President of the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union William Reed expressed his dissatisfaction at the way Minister of Constitutional and Internal Affairs Roland Duncan is handling the dispute between the Minister of Finance Ersilla De Lannoy and his members at the office of the Inspectorate of Taxes.
The Finance Minister Ersilla De Lannoy in a statement had described the employees of the Tax office as "lazy and as a result their approach to work needs much to be desired."
Reed and Duncan apparently had "a heated exchange of words" at the beginning of the meeting because according to Reed, the Minister was sent to represent St. Maarten at the Federal level and he contended that all "politics are local." Response to Reed Duncan said that as the Minister of Internal Affairs, he cannot go outside of the scope of his ministry since he cannot dictate to the Minister of Finance. He said my job is not to tell another Minister how to do his job and what to say.
Reed stressed that Duncan has two Senators who are his bosses and as a result he could have challenged the situation through them and let them deal with the Minister of Finance. The union leader felt that Duncan was not proactive enough on the issues at hand.
Reed added that a "whole tongue lashing" that the Minister gave to members of his organization on St. Maarten, she would have never had done so in Curacao since her votes comes from that island, he said. He felt that the Minister has no regard for the people of St. Maarten.
He said that the insults meted out to his members by the Minister of Finance "lives the life of its own," especially when dealing with a sensitive area such as the tax office. He indicated that in cases such as these some members of the community will believe her and some may not.
Furthermore the matter could be counterproductive thus he informed Duncan that he was not at all happy with the situation. Reed said his intentions are to take the Minister to court since he already made contact with an attorney at law.
Reed said when the Minister was notified of the legal procedures she acted out of order by attacking the entire staff of the tax office. He felt that the comments made by the Minister was unnecessary and could have been avoided.
The Union leader said that his members at the Tax Office on St. Maarten has been abused and is understaffed and even a copier that they had requested was refused. He added that he does not understand how the Minister of Finance could under these circumstances who work under these conditions decide that they are not producing and as a result it is not fair, said Reed.
Philipsburg: -- Representing the executive council on the draft Kingdom Laws which was before the island council for its approval was leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams. Williams began the procedures by explaining the draft Kingdom Law on the council regulating law and order. A procedure that has to take place prior to these Kingdom Laws goes before the Kingdom Council of Ministers in The Hague.
Wescot Williams said the draft on the council is suppose to oversee the quality of all parts of the justice chain as well as cooperation between the countries of Curacao, St. Maarten and the Netherlands in the area of justice.
She said the draft consensus Kingdom Law on council on law and order was agreed to on October 1st 2008, where it was established that the council would also oversee justice tasks of the coast guard.
This council would also have to carry out its duties in St. Maarten, Curacao and the BES islands. The draft she said was deliberated and amended on numerous occasions in the so-called PRRC who also approved the law prior to it been sent to the island council.
During yesterday's preceding several questions was posed to the island leader by Island councilman Rudolph Samuel concerning the council that would be regulating this law. Samuel said the law is not only important but very serious. He said because of the seriousness of these laws then it is vital that the people of St. Maarten be given additional information on the implications of these laws. He suggested that a copy of the laws be placed at the library so that the people can get access for perusals. Another concern for Samuel is what would be cost of managing the council. Something that is not yet finalized said Wescot Williams in her response however she said that has to be done so that the expenses can be taken up on Country St. Maarten budget.
Wescot Williams agreed that the law is of great importance and while the law would be on the government's websites she said it would be a good idea to place it at the library in both languages. She acknowledged that the government websites are under reconstruction since they want to make the site more accessible as well as more space for documentation.
Also approved yesterday is the Consensus Kingdom law on the Police of Curacao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and Eustatius. Wescot Williams in her presentation said the police law was the most hotly discussed Kingdom laws. She said it only after a lot of negotiations this law was approved by the PRRC. Some of the questions she said arise concerning amendments of these laws.
The said the agreement on this particular law was reached on a political level after being challenged several times. One of these biggest hurdles she said was the joint services for the police. She said this particular article was taken out for deliberation. This law she said is applicable to Curacao, St. Maarten and the BES islands which also stems from the November 2 2006 agreement. It has been agreed that each of the islands will have their separate police forces.
The island leader also gave basic break down on the articles of the police law. One of the highlights of this law regards the make of the force which would have a police chief and their authorities and to whom they are accountable.
Councilman Samuel in questioning the law said he wants to know what is St. Maarten's specific task on the development of the local police force? Furthermore he wants to know how far is the island government in fulfilling its requirement on this specific law.
Wescot Williams in her brief response said that it extremely important for the island council members to take note on the documents that were submitted to them since all the necessary is attached. She also said that there are going to be individual workgroups to guide the process in the police organization.
The island leader said Attorney at Law Richard Gibson Sr. has been tasked with the justice related matters for country St. Maarten. She said Gibson has been working tireless hours to make sure everything is in place while he has been holding countless meetings with the Minister of Justice. She said that Gibson is the chairman of St. Maarten workgroup reason why he is pulling the justice cart.
Peeved at the response Samuel said that when the island council members posed questions to the executive council is not that they don't know the answers. He said the reason behind the questioning is to give the listening public the opportunity to have more information on their country and its laws. The councilman also wanted to know if the committee that is working on the police law has a deadline since far too often it is said the date is put off due to the justice chain.
Also debated before it was also unanimously approved is the Consensus Kingdom Law on the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles.
Wescot Williams said one could approve all the laws but if they do not the approve the proposal to change charter with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles then it would be a waste of time. She said none of the above laws would be able to take effect unless St. Maarten is able to attain its country status.
When this law is approved then it would pave the way for two other countries which is St. Maarten and Curacao as well as public entity.
Chief Executive Officer of NAGICO Insurances, the region's arguably leading insurance company, Imran Mc Sood Amjad told a large gathering of agents and staff that growth and development opportunities in the insurance sector particularly in the Caribbean will continue to net high returns despite the economic difficulties that many countries are faced with.
According to Mc Sood who has been credited for taking NAGICO Insurances from a 75,000 company in 1981 to some 700 million United States dollars worth in 2008 that the insurance sector is vitally important to the Caribbean and more in particular to the Netherlands Antilles's economy and several opportunities continues to exist in the sector.
He told the 200 odd gathering that assembled at the West Inn Hotel in St Maarten that based on research done by the wizard minds within the company that Insurance will net the highest returns as there continues to be several fly by night companies that has been popping up their heads. "There are those that will promise you the pie that is not in their hands but beware of them s with NAGICO we give you the pie in the hand," he said.
Mc Sood who has been at the helm of the company since its establishment some 27 years ago said the challenges encountered this year when a number of prices spiraled engendered a "renewed focus on the insurance sector."
He said that his company continues to devise means and ways in incorporating "a family community oriented type of insurances" side by side involving its agents and staff so as to continue reaping success adding that plans are in train to take insurance to yet another level within the region.
"We are known at NAGICO to create opportunities and increased benefits for our customers as we strongly believes in good customer service therefore NAGICO continues to look for opportunities so as to enhance the services that we provide," the CEO said. He also told those gathered for his company's annual Christmas dinner that NAGICO Insurances is unique because in the very near future it will reinforced itself as the region's number one insurance company.
‘Generation Reforms'
Mc Sood said that his management tam within the company has been engaged for some time on ‘industry and company reforms' noting that this will help to ensure that the company and its various offices throughout the region remains viable and profitable where "from an unstable macroeconomic situation, triple digit inflation, huge fiscal deficit, huge debt, among others, he explained that many countries and companies within the region has managed to achieve stable macro economic fundamentals."
He said too reforms were also done in infrastructure though "we still have a long way to go, bridges etc. that will support ... investment, education and health care and a number of other things."
The NAGICO CEO declared that his company has reached a stage where it needs to move to another level of reforms "that are more quality, reforms that are more direct," Mc Sood said.
Mc Sood noted that NAGICO Insurances have come a very far way noting that it was because of the enormous contributions of the staff and agents which created the kind of environment that it needed to grow that well. "the staff and agents played a pivotal role in the growth, development and success of this company and for that I say thanks to you all because no company can grow successfully if it doesn't have the support and assistance f its staff and agents first and foremost and its customers ," he stressed.
Alluding to the current financial crisis, Mc Sood said, "We in the Caribbean think that we may not be able to ride it out but let me assure you that if there is one company that has the ability to do so then it is NAGICO Insurances as we are prepared for crisis like these.
This is primarily as a result of the fact that our financial system is essentially sound, we survived several hurricanes that left many still struggling and others too weak to even review but in it all NAGICIO survived as we are not only resilient but we are committed to the task of rebuilding and surviving regardless of the circumstances.
He added that his company has some of the toughest policies, regulations and systems in place that will aid their clients in times when they need them the most. "No company can survive if the customers are not at its heart and therefore we at NAGICO recognized this from day one that is why we have grown to be recognized as accompany that looks out for its clients," Mc Sood noted.
Mc Sood reassured his staff that for this year a number of new and exciting innovations will be done to the company so as to ensure that they are effective and efficient in addressing changing global crisis. "We believe in always being a step above the game so I warm you about the now come companies who will use whatever they can to lure you to them, be careful and alert as they will come with all kinds of promises so as to entice you but we know that they have nothing tangible to offer," he said.
Philipsburg:---Like many other sectors within the Tourism Industry, the marine sector is feeling the effects of a host of negative pricing and economic factors, both local and global. According to SHTA Director of Marine Trades and SMMTA Board Member, James Roidis, charters have been hit hardest, as can be seen by the almost non-existent transit of yachts in and out of SXM. Charters are the main revenue generators of the yachts, so the decline in this area has created a domino effect. This effect of course leads to decreased spending and yachts returning to both the USA and Europe 2 to 3 months earlier than usual, cutting an already short season in half.
Adding to the effects of the crisis are the drastically increased port fees of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority, which in most cases were raised by 300% without any warning on January 1st 2008. These fees have placed St. Maarten's port fee pricing in a non competitive disadvantage when compared to the neighboring ports, like: French St. Martin, British Virgin Islands, St. Barths and Antigua. Additionally, the manner in which the fee ordinance is interpreted (weekly billing vs. daily billing) and is collected, adds to the expensiveness of the fees. For example, if a yacht captain uses SXM as a base and goes for 3 day trips during the week to Anguilla, St. Barths and Saba, he/she will pay for 4 weeks even-though they only stayed 4 days! As a result, yachts that usually dock at the marinas in Simpson Bay are now opting to dock at ports on the French side of the island, where fees are rational and reasonable.
Both the SHTA and the SMMTA are extremely concerned by the effect that the slower than usual season is having on the many local service providers. Businesses like: Taxis, local port agencies, restaurants, car rentals, food wholesalers and marine services to name a few are already experiencing a decrease in revenues; and as is the case with the other pillars of the SXM tourism economy, they depend on a strong high season to carry them through the slow and now ever lengthening off season.
Separating the marine sector's 3 main categories in groups, the declines and comments are as follows:
1. Retailers - Revenues are down an average of 25% - Non-local vessels in SXM have declined to levels of more than 20 years ago. Comparative stores in Antigua and Virgin Islands are up in revenue.
2. Marinas - Revenues are down an average of 20% - Revenue and occupancy percentage was on par with last season until beginning January 2009, after which it has dropped off significantly. A shorter and abruptly ending high season is predicted.
3. Services - Revenues are down an average of 30% - December 2008 was on par with December 2007, but has now dropped off significantly. Back order jobs are no longer existent and yachts are now choosing to repair small projects rather than replacing a/o take on larger jobs as was the case in past years.

Philipsburg:-- The Executive Council on Tuesday approved the MOU that will now be signed between the Island Government and representatives of the private sector. Additionally, the Executive Council also established the date for the Economic Summit and the presentation by President of the Central Bank Mr. E. Tromp.
Mr. Tromp's public presentation will be held on Wednesday, March 4 followed by an all-day Economic Summit on Thursday, March 5. This vital summit is being held to assess the actual situation of the island's economy and to gather recommendations for stimulus and possible additional ways to mitigate the affects on St. Maarten of the world wide financial crisis.
In light of this, the Island Government and private sector are pledging their commitment to work collectively where feasible. This commitment has been represented in the form of a MOU between the Island Government and representatives of the private sector.
The private sector will be represented by the Chamber of Commerce, who along with government is the driving force and initiator of the summit. Also to take part in the summit will be the SHTA and unions. The Island Government will be represented by the Commissioner of Economic Affairs and relevant advisors. A tentative date of Monday, February 23 has been designated for the MOU signing.
"We are all partners and as such should work closely together in St. Maarten's best interest. I welcome the cooperation from the Chamber in particular. Many financial experts and economists now agree that the financial situation world-wide will probably become more challenging before we see any sound improvements. St. Maarten is obviously not immune to the financial crisis. In depth discussion and concrete recommendations are needed to mitigate the affects on St. Maarten," the Commissioner said.
Today the "Care" teachers of the various VSBO schools received an official Certificate "Care" conducted by Fundashon pa Inovashon di Ensenansa na Korsou (FIDE).
Over the past 13 months, they have received 8 weeks of intensive training to advance their expertise and capability related to the subject Care, which is part of the VSBO sector program.
Based on an assessment, done in September 2007, FIDE compiled a specific practical training as a follow up to the pedagogical-didactical training that the VSBO teachers had already received in March 2007.
Through this training the "Care" teachers have become knowledgeable in creating a different classroom environment with workstations and transfer information to their students by formulating practical individual- and group assignments.
The initiative of the FIDE training is funded by USONA as part of the implementation of the project plan VSBO, Sint Maarten.
Philipsburg:--- The search team that arrived on the island last week to conduct searches for missing American Leta Lynn Cordes is now on standby as the investigators peruse the case.
Earlier in the week the team of Americans as well as volunteers from the Sheriff Security and Checkmate conducted two days of major searches on the French side of the island. Those searches were focused on Le Galleon Beach and Baie de L'Embouchure. Despite the cadaver dogs located some hot spots nothing substantial was recovered except a sheet that had blood on it. Authorities have taken that sheet to conduct some forensic analysis to see if the bloody sheet would take them any closer in solving the case.
On Tuesday local reporters went over to the home of Frank Cordes, the husband of the missing woman to secure an interview.
The team of reporters from three of the leading news agencies namely the Daily Herald, AVS News and the Today Newspaper managed to get that interview, half on tape while the other half off the record.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the investigators who are now handling the case spoke to at least one of the reporters in an effort to get the off the record information. Arts Video Studio Reporter Lisa Brown Mac Kay was questioned by the authorities yesterday, while the authorities also requested the taped interview from Arts Video Studio which was delivered to them.
In the meantime, friend of the missing woman Elaine Karas told SMN News that they revisited some of the hotspots yesterday to make sure they did not miss anything. Now that is over they are waiting on the authorities to guide them to other areas where more searches would be conducted.

Philipsburg----Seeing that Valentine's Day was right around the corner, the Social Committee of the St. Maarten Medical Center organized a breakfast for the staff last week Friday, and also gave out boxes of chocolate to them.
Since the St. Maarten Medical Center is the [RED] business for the month of February, and it is the month that Valentine's Day is celebrated, they saw it fit to organize the breakfast. These pictures are highlights of last week's events.

PETIT-CANAL, Guadeloupe -- About 3,000 mourners on Sunday turned the funeral for a labor-union activist killed in Guadeloupe into a political demonstration, calling out for higher wages and respect from the French government.
People clad mostly in white packed a gymnasium in the cane-growing area of Petit-Canal to hear poems about struggle and songs in homage to Jacques Bino, the labor-union activist shot to death last week in the French overseas department, apparently by rioting youths.
Some of the participants wore T-shirts emblazoned with images of Bino, who was killed as he drove home from a meeting with the organizers of protests that have paralyzed the French island for more than a month. His body was displayed in an open casket for two days.
"We are saddened, but we will continue the fight," Guadeloupe protest leader Elie Domota told mourners in a speech.
In the crowd, Adele Goram, an islander from a nearby town, said she attended the ceremony for Bino because she wanted Paris to "respect" Guadeloupe, a French overseas possession with deep economic and social disparities.
The strike by workers demanding a higher wages in Guadeloupe began in late January and has been marked by resentment of the tiny elite who control the island's economy. Strikes have spread to neighboring Martinique.
The Sunday ceremony in Petit-Canal attracted Segolene Royal, former presidential candidate for the French Socialist Party. She sat in the crowd but did not speak.
Meanwhile, an agreement between Guadeloupe's employers and its striking workers is likely not imminent, the head of France's employers' federation said Sunday.
Federation chief Laurence Parisot warned that talks are "still very complex," suggesting an end to the standoff might not be around the corner.
"The latest news that I received last night demonstrated that we were perhaps not that near a deal," Parisot told Europe-1 radio in an interview Sunday.
Tensions in Guadeloupe have largely died down after a televised address Thursday by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who announced a euro580 million ($730 million) financial package to help development in France's overseas regions.
French officials have suggested an accord that would end the standoff was on the horizon, but negotiations have proven slow.
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER JENNY BARCHFIELD CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORT FROM PARIS.
PHILIPSBURG- Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus, is calling on parents and guardians to make use of the mid-term break from school to update their child(ren's) vaccination status and or the records of Youth Health Care (YHC).
YHC will be commencing a vaccination outreach program for the mid-term break starting on Monday, February 23 to Friday, February 27 starting at 9.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm.
Parents can visit the YHC at the Vineyard Office Park Building.
Disease prevention is the key to public health. It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it. Vaccines prevent disease in the people who receive them and protect those who come into contact with unvaccinated individuals.
Vaccines help prevent infectious diseases and save lives. Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases that were once common around the globe such as polio, measles, diphtheria, rubella, mumps, rubella and tetanus. Many countries have taken action to protect their children because they are aware vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact on a community, resulting in doctor's visits, hospitalizations, and premature deaths. Sick children can also cause parents to lose time from work.
If a child is not vaccinated and is exposed to a disease germ, the child's body may not be strong enough to fight the disease. Before vaccines, many children died from diseases that vaccines now prevent, such as whooping cough, measles, and polio. Those same germs exist today, but babies are now protected by vaccines, and the disease is not seen as often.
"Immunizing individual children helps to protect the health of our community. A measles outbreak in Germany highlighted the need for vaccination reminders and better information for parents, after a study showed that at least 80 per cent of 614 cases in Duisburg in 2006 involved people who have not been vaccinated according to research published by the World Health Organization.
"Measles still cause an estimated 197,000 deaths each year around the world, the majority of them children under the age of five. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Even healthy and well-nourished children, if unvaccinated, are at risk of measles and its complications such as pneumonia. This is an opportunity to check your child's vaccination status, make use it," Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Those requiring further information can call YHC at 542-3553, 542-3003 or 542-2078.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the National Alliance, island council member and senator William Marlin has confirmed that the island council meeting that was called by the National Alliance faction last week will take place today.
The two agenda points he said are government's policy on the issuance of building permits and the economic situation of the island.
The meeting which had to be postponed due to the lack of quorum since the members of the Democratic Party did not show up was rescheduled by the Chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards.
Marlin had said last week that his faction was contemplating withdrawing the meeting since had to be off island attending to parliamentary meetings. During a telephone interview yesterday from Curacao he said the meeting would go on but could not confirm if all members of his faction would be present to make their case.
Last week Marlin lambasted the leader of the Democratic Party for creating a smoke screen to hide the internal problems of her party while failing to carry out the duties of the people. He said the island leader had falsely accused the chairman of the island council whom she said was in cahoots with the National Alliance to call meetings when the DP faction is not on island.
Last week when the island council meeting was called commissioner of public works Theo Heyliger was in the AC Wathey Legislative hall but refused to sign in to form a quorum. One of the agenda points of that meeting falls directly under the commissioner in question. Something Marlin rose during his press statement shortly after the meeting was postponed.
Marlin had said it is evident that the island government has internal problems and they don't know how to deal with the issues at hand.
He said the Democratic Party has problems with the commissioner of economic affairs whom he said is continuing to pressure government to implement certain policies.
Marlin said during the last island council meeting there was an agenda point to amend the business license ordinance which the commissioner in charge wants on the floor of the island council. He said when this point was finally on the agenda point the meeting was abruptly adjourned.
Marlin explained that while the chairman claimed the meeting was adjourned to give members of the island council the opportunity to go to a funeral the fact of the matter that was not the case. He said later the members of the island council received a letter telling them that them that the executive council had decided to withdraw that agenda point.
He said this is clear indication that the DP are having internal problems and if they are not willing to talk about those problems then that is their right but they should not twist matters which would make it appear as if it's the Lt. Governor and the National Alliance that are playing games.

Philipsburg:--- Island Councilman Frans Richardson made sure he suggested that a green zone be built in Philipsburg. He said that he knows the commissioner of Public Works Theo Heyliger loves to plant trees. Richardson said it has been four years now since the former commissioner of Public Works hit down an old building in Philipsburg next to CIB claiming that they would be building a parking lot there.
He said to date that no parking is built and instead of having a waste piece property the island government should shift some of its monies and purchase that property and make sure they build a green zone in Philipsburg which is already congested with concrete jungles. Richardson said far too long the government is developing and they have forgotten to take care of their people and believes a park with some trees and beautiful benches would serve the children of Philipsburg well.
Bonaire:--Despite the small size of our island, it appears that the Bonaire Jazz Foundation will once again be successful in organizing the 2009 Jazz Festival which will take place on 4, 5, 6 and 7 June. A variety of music styles will be offered at different locations on the island as internationally renowned artists will mingle with local jazz musicians. Considering the large number of well known jazz musicians that are interested in participating in this year's festival, it has become clear that Bonaire Heineken Jazz Festival is now well known in the world of jazz.
As usual the Festival starts off at the cozy, romantic location of Fort Oranje on June 4 with the Jazz and Poetry evening, with presentations by Gabriël (Gabby) Saleh with his quartet, the Cabacao Trio, both local, that will break the ice for Denise Jannah, a vocalist of Surinamese/Dutch origin who was the main artist at the 2004 Festival.
On June 5 and 6 the two main concerts will take place at the Tipsy Seagull of the Plaza Resort. The top attraction will be the world famous Monty Alexander Quartet from Jamaica who will present his homage to Bob Marley. Because Monty is so well known many visitors are expected from outside Bonaire. The Hans Dulfer Band from the Netherlands will be performing, as will be the Alfredo Naranjo y El Guajeo from Venezuela with his Latin Jazz Salsa Band, Denise Jannah with a quartet from Curacao and last but not least, The Dikazz Group and the Silver Bullets Steelband from Bonaire. For those that just cannot get enough, jam sessions with festival musicians and locals will be held on those 2 nights at Sense, located at a stone throw from the Plaza and this will start at midnight.
The always very popular Jazz Brunch will be held on June 7 at the Divi Flamingo Resort where Festival musicians and local jazz artists will present the most incredible jam session while guests enjoy a wonderful brunch.
As prior years Heineken is the title sponsor and the main sponsors for the event this year are: Littman's Jewellers, Rocargo & IFC, It Rains Fishes Restaurant, Telbo, Caribbean Homes and Yachts, Maarten Maartense, Plaza Resort Bonaire, Divi Flamingo Resort Bonaire, Bonaire Fun Travel, Ennia, Sense and MCB Bank Bonaire.
Suzette Moses-Burton, HIV/AIDS Programme Manager just around Valentine's Day received an undisclosed monetary donation from ENNIA Insurances. In photo is Guy Cozijns, Manager ENNIA Insurances St. Maarten along with Suzette Moses-Burton. The money will be used to continue activities in the field of HIV/AIDS.

Maho: --- The audience and judges in both rounds of last night's debate were kept on the edge as both teams who participated in both rounds of the second night debating competition came prepared.
The Leeward Island Debating Competition began on Thursday night and will last until Sunday.
The Maho convention center indeed came alive during the first round when the St. Maarten team debated against Nevis on the moot "Religion should be a compulsory part of the Caribbean School Curricula".
Representing St. Maarten was Kevin James and Johnicia Joseph on the proposing team while Joanne Fleming and Michele Slack McGrath represented Nevis on the opposing end.

It was clear from the inception that St. Maarten was going to come out the winner as Kevin James the only male on the team took command of the audience as he represented the moot. James made clear that having religion as a compulsory course would help to shape youths both in and outside of school. He pointed out that the Caribbean nation would not have to re-invent the wheels since religious guidance is already part of the Caribbean Examination Council guidelines. Having such a subject also would enable students to better understand and know their peers religious culture and beliefs and help reduce the rate of crime and youth delinquency. St. Maarten came out with 649 points while Nevis just behind with 617 points. Best speaker of the night went to James who captivated the attention of the audience. James also received credits for taking the stance he does in education. Chief Judge Dencio Bryson in his congratulatory message to James said that normally men have taken the back seat in education but James he said displayed stark qualities in his beliefs. The other judges were Drs. Leopold James and Cedric Hodge.
The opposing team argued that making religion compulsory would influence discrimination and most of all would put added pressure on students who already have a heavy work load. With thorough research they showed that Islands like Jamaica and Trinidad has the highest crime rates even though most schools in Jamaica are from a religious background. However, information provided by the team did not sit well with the Jamaican audience who said that taking statistics from Jamaica is not representing the entire Caribbean. The Jamaicans displayed some outrage since they felt the opposing team did base their arguments from the negativity of Jamaica. Order had to be brought to the floor by the moderator when the discussions became somewhat uncontrollable.

During the third debate between the British Virgin Islands and Antigua the four young ladies on the team made sure they dug deep into each others culture. The moot for that debate was "A politician personal lifestyle should be considered when determining suitability for public office". On the proposing team representing Antigua was Tessa Marius and Alicia Ward. These two young ladies did their best to show that ones personal life determines their character and would definitely influence their decision making. They believe in such trying times politicians should not be given the opportunity to indulge in corruption as was the case in some of the islands. However, the two did not manage to convince the judge with their arguments. The BVI team who was represented by Corina Corea and Nikkea Roberts did a much better job in showing that ones personal lifestyle does not hinder their achievements in public office. Roberts in her arguments pointed out that the Antigua Prime Minister Lester Bird was no easy man, he had some 12 children outside of his two marriages yet he was declared a national hero based on his political achievements. Roberts made reference to US president Barrak Obama who was criticized for his personal choices such as smoking weed and cigars but yet he managed to rally America to come together. References were used from Bill Clinton who could not maintain his loyalty to his wife but yet he led America for eight successful years. The BVI team managed to score 615 while Antigua a mere 565. Corina Correa also from the BVI walked away with the best speaker prize with 176 points.

The winners of last night's debate will be facing off tonight. The first round will be St. Kitts against the winner of debate 1 which was Anguilla on the moot "Polygamy is a viable alternative to prevent destructive consequences of single parent families". While St. Maarten would be debating against the BVI in the second round on the moot "Increasing Inflation rather than crime is the hindrance to Caribbean Development.

Pelican: ---- Two armed gunmen robbed the Splash Jewelers located at the Pelican Resort next to Hollywood Casino about 5:30pm yesterday. The robbers were described as dark who escaped with a white vehicle.
The bandits crashed two of the showcases with crow bar and managed to steal a mixture of jewelry which consists of watches, rings and other jewelry. The robbers was said to be armed and was wearing masks at the time.
SMN News understands that the entire ordeal was caught on the surveillance tape. On the scene yesterday afternoon were members of the Special Armed Robbery Unit were reviewing the tape up to press time as well as taking forensic evidence at the scene. SMN News understands that the tape was not helpful to police since the two robbers were fully dressed in black clothing, had their heads covered and even wore gloves to conduct the act prior to running away from the scene.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said that police are busy investigating the case, Up to press time no arrests have been made.

Philipsburg:--- Commissioner of Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus would like St. Maarten students to know that her door is always open to them if they need assistance with their projects. The Commissioner recently met with VWO 6 students in her office to answer questions they had about currency once St. Maarten obtains country status. The students will use the information to complete their profile paper.
"I am especially happy to see that the senior students in exam classes have projects and papers to write pertaining constitutional change. I cannot stress how important it is for our students to be involved in the process. Afterall, what we do today, they will inherit tomorrow. My staff and I are available to our students when and if they need assistance with such projects and papers," the Commissioner said.
The Commissioner went on to compliment the school directorates and/or those who determine curriculum for putting emphasis on the constitutional process. She urged increased discussion with students about constitutional matters as the date draws closer for Country St. Maarten.

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of Labor Sarah Wescot Williams at the weekly press briefing gave out the statistics on the newly implemented revised labor policy. She said after one full month after the implementation of the policy there were 100 new requests for labor permits. Some 92 of those requests are from exotic dancers and the other eight are for other professions.
The labor department received 39 applications for extensions. Eleven of those she said are for the management who has to pay the fee of Naf. 1,500 position and the 28 are for other professions which falls in the Naf. 800 bracket.
Wescot Williams further explained that some 56 persons registered at the labor department in search of jobs. 56 of those applicants are between the ages of 16- 24 while the other 32 are over 25 years of age. The labor department also dealt with 70 applications for advertisement.
The commissioner said some amendments in the new policy was suggested by the tripartite committee but those changes still has to go before the central committee. These changes she said is in the draft MOU which will be on the floor of the executive council. The labor commissioner said that when this MOU is completed then there would be some changes in the revised policy.
Clarity on Immigration Policy.
Asked if she is still believes that persons who are gainfully employed be registered. The commissioner said while she still believes that something in the Minister's Immigration policy is necessary on St. Maarten. She said when Justice Minister David Dick made his announcement in 2006 they had indicated to the minister that they were in agreement with the policy. Thus it is of uttermost importance that the executive council be given clarity on the matter. The labor commissioner said the policy is not fully implemented and as such they would be seeking that clarity.
She said they have already concluded that there are persons in the labor force that for some reason are not registered even though these people are considered to be part of the local labor force despite the emphasis is for locals to be hired.
The commissioner also appealed to the locals to not continue with the myth that St. Maartner's don't want to work or in certain areas. She said this was a complaint often heard of by the employers but that myth must be dismissed and the locals should go out and seek the jobs that are being advertised. She said what must be understood is that employers are looking for workers who are willing to give a fair days work for a fair days pay.
She said with the regards of the synchronization on the labor policies. Wescot-Williams said she still wants to know how these policies are going to be implemented since she understands that this policy is only partially being implemented. She said the people of St. Maarten needs clarity on this matter while there is need for the synchronization on the policy education, immigration and labor. She said in the first meetings they began looking at these issues especially the policies of the Lt. Governor with regards to registration and immigration. She said before a final conclusion on these matters are made they would have to make sure all parties understand the complications in the other areas.
Wescot Williams said they have requested meeting with the minister of justice to discuss these issues but this has not yet materialized however this would be one of the agenda points in the meetings with the Prime Minister and Governor General while on St. Maarten today.
Also to be discussed is the MOU which was drafted that has to go before the central committee. These matters she said will be tabled in the executive council sometime next week including the formalization of the tripartite committee.
The commissioner is calling on all businesses to deal with the tripartite committee so that there concerns can be addressed.
Also the to debated is the matter concerning students who completed the school system. She said there is an article that deals with this problem. She said this article states that if a student was registered for five consecutive years then they would be integrated. She said she personally asked questions concerning the students who were not registered. Wescot Williams said she is sure that this article in particular would be debated.
Questioned on the amount of backlog in labor permits the commissioner said there was indeed some pending but she could not give a figure on the exact amount that is pending. Asked if she believed if that amount is in the close proximity of 1900 the commissioner said she would be surprised to hear that since she estimated that it was close to 30 or so.
Philipsburg: --- A young man who moved to Holland after the slaying of 14 year old Akeem Lake was arrested in Holland two weeks ago as he was wanted by police on St. Maarten in connection with the killing confirmed Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. Stein said the young man responded well to the questions they had for him and he has been released from custody.
However the unidentified young man will be one of the witnesses for the prosecution. It was understood that the youth would have been brought back to St. Maarten but an RST detective flew to Holland and questioned the Dutch Quarter youth who now resides in Holland.
Presently there are three persons in custody for the brutal killing of Lake who lived most of his young life among the gangs since he had dropped out from school at aged 11 said his father in an earlier interview with SMN News.
Two of the first five suspects have been released from police custody. The investigation into the brutal killing of the 14 year old youth involved the entire Netherlands Antilles as the prosecutors had decided to split up the suspects when they were first arrested on Front Street during a house raid. This investigation has since moved to Holland. Stein remains tightlipped on the ongoing investigation saying he does not intend to jeopardize the case. It is also understood that the case is almost close and it will soon go before the courts for trial, however, Stein said there is no court date has been set for the case since the investigation is still ongoing. The case of Akeem Lake is one of the nine unsolved murders that took place last year and is now being handled by the RST. The Dutch detectives are also busy investigating the disappearance of Leta Lynn Cordes.
The Princess Juliana International Airport Sporting Club (PJIAESC) is holding a walkathon on Saturday March 28 and literally everybody in St. Maarten is invited. The objective: something fun and healthy for the airport community and the St. Maarten community in general. Simultaneously it will serve as a registration drive for the Sporting Club.
After a short dormancy, the Sporting Club since last year has a new board, comprising PJIAE employees Evans Marsham as president, Robert Brown as Vice President, Melba Zabala as Secretary, Migdala Artsen-Clarinda as Assistant Secretary, Michael Lake as Treasurer and Anastacio Baker as Assistant Treasurer, with Angelo Brill, Rene Guishard, Emile Levons and Duncan van Heyningen as Members. The organization's objective is to organize, promote and enlarge the practice of sports and recreation, in particular among the workers at the airport.
"We have a lot of plans for 2009; the most important one being to register as many people in the airport community as members of the PJIAESC," said Club President Evans Marsham. Club Secretary Melba Zabala stressed that members do not just have to be PJIAE employees. "This is a club for all workers at the airport, so we want everybody who works for the airlines, handlers and even the concessionaires to join us," she said.
Marsham said the benefits of membership will be the enhanced social relationships between airport workers. "And members will be able to partake in every activity we organize," he said. "We're also planning trips to socialize with clubs on other islands, so our members will be able to take part in those activities too."
The board members said that even though the response to their efforts to get more members has so far been a bit disappointing, that doesn't deter them; the walkathon of March 28 speaks for their determination to succeed.
The walk will take participants from the Raoul Illidge sports complex next to the St. Maarten Medical Center, to the Princess Juliana International Airport. The walkathon will start at 5.00am. The Red Cross has already indicated that they are taking part; police escort has been requested to help guide the walkers through the early morning traffic.
Tickets are already for sale by board members; interested persons can call either the Club President (Marsham) at 5220452 or the Secretary (Zabala) at 5803049. The tickets cost US$ 10. "For that the participants will get a T-shirt and at the finish line at the airport, a light breakfast will be served," said Zabala. Also, club members will be going around with registration forms, to sign up airport workers for membership right away.
The board members called on everybody to take part. "We did a similar walk a few years ago -which started at the Harbor- and it was a lot of fun," said Marsham. "This will be fun too. And it's going to be a healthy early morning walk."
Philipsburg:--- The 12 year old Starlight Education student who field a report with the court of guardianship will be sent back to Jamaica this Saturday to be with her father. SMN News understands that the child was sent back to her mother who placed her at her aunt's house temporarily since the mother is still living with the man she accused of raping her. The teenage girl returned to her relatives since last Tuesday and she has not attended school since then.
The minor child and her mother and other siblings are residing on St. Maarten illegally however; the only person that will be leaving the island is the victim in this case.
In an interview with head of the court of guardianship Joel Arrindell and the Social Worker handling the case said they advised the mother to send the child with her father who also has legal custody over the child. Arrindell said the mother of the girl is still legally married and her husband resides in Jamaica.
Arrindell said that the mother is the legal custodian of the 12 year old and she has the right to decide where her daughter must live. He said since the child is accusing her stepfather of molesting her and he lives at the house they do not believe it would be safe for the child to stay in the same house, reasons why they advised the mother to send her to her father since the child mother cannot guarantee her safety.
Arrindell further explained that even though the child will be sent back to Jamaica they would still be following the case. He said his office will make contact with their international partners and notify them why the young girl was sent back to Jamaica.
Arrindell said the police conducted the investigations and it is the police who have to determine if the suspect will be prosecuted. He further explained that the child was taken to the doctor and it has been determined that the youth is sexually active. However, he cannot say for how long the teenage girl is sexually active and with whom she is actively involved.
In the meantime, Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said the child can indeed leave the island. He said that it is the judge of instruction who decided to released the suspect S.N. Stein said his office has not taken a decision as to if they will prosecute the suspect. "I do not even know if we have enough to take this case to court." Stein said.
Philipsburg: ---A French white woman is now in police custody for pick pocketing. The woman A.M.S aged 30 was caught by members of the Soualiga Team on Tuesday shortly after she had picked the pocket of a 73 year old vendor on the Market place. The victim E. B told police that the theft took place during the mid-day hours.
The theft took place while E.B. was selling her items and at an unguarded moment, the thief snatched a one hundred dollar bill from out the pocket of her pants and ran off.
The saleslady event though she was not feeling well ran behind the white woman pick pocketter and when the alert members of the Soualiga team noticed the commotion, they apprehended the thief when she was just about to hitch a ride.
The tired sales-lady told police that while chasing the thief she fell down twice but got back up, and continue the chase on foot, she was determined not to allow the thief escape with her hard earn money especially in these difficult times.
In another unrelated robbery police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard in a police press release said bandits stole a generator, tools and other items on the property of a construction site located on the A.Th. Illidge road. The owner reported the theft on Tuesday morning, he told police that it was during the night hours a gray coloured generator, several tools and several boxes of tiles were stolen.
Philipsburg - Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams met with Harold Robinson, the Director of the United Nations Population Fund Sub-Region office for the Caribbean mutually interesting matters.
UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.
UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programs to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.
The objective of Mr Robinson's visit to St Maarten was a fact-finding mission. The Caribbean sub-region office has worked with the Netherlands Antilles but never directly with St Maarten.
In light of the upcoming constitutional changes, it is important to look at where we can collaborate with regards to issues pertaining to population and development, poverty, sexual & reproductive health, and gender equality, Commissioner Wescot-Williams said.
While on the island Mr Robinson met with:
the Department of Economic Policy and Research, represented by Ms Lucy Gibbes;
the Department of Civil Registry, represented by Mrs Leona Marlin;
the Sector Health Care Affairs, represented by Ms Maria Henry/Ms Fenna Arnell;
the Program Management Team for HIV/Aids, represented by Mr Cornelius De Weever;
the Section Youth Affairs, represented by Mrs Shermina Powell-Richardson;
the Section Community Development, represented Mrs Aida Boyrard-Holaman;
the Program & Project Bureau, represented by Ms Richelda Emmanuel;
Gender organizations, represented by Mrs Cassilda v/d Neut;
Women's Desk/ Community Development, represented by Ms Joy Arnell;
The meetings were considered a success. It was acknowledged that proper population research and data collection were key factors for future policy development and that the various Departments were in need of assistance to properly take up these tasks.
As such it was determined that UNFPA would be able to provide technical assistance and capacity training with aspects of population and migration dynamics, SRH and gender data collection and analysis, poverty assessments and policy development.
UNFPA will carry out a more in-depth mission as early as the beginning of May and the expectation is that various project agreements with the various stakeholders will follow.

Philipsburg: --- Delano Richardson former head of VROM who was fired from his job after the developer of Blue Mall Luis Goya provided the island government with a taped conversation which suggests that Richardson attempted to extort monies from the businessman for his building permit is now calling on authorities to conduct an indebt investigation into the department. Richardson made the call in an exclusive interview on "In-depth with Andrew Bishop" which aired last night throughout the Caribbean region and St. Maarten/ St. Martin.
The former VROM head said while much blame is casted at the department of VROM or ROB the Lt. Governor and Island Secretary is equally responsible for the years of corruption that is taking place at the department since the signatures of both these persons are on these licenses. He said that while the processing of the building permits is a lengthy one the director of ROB is fully responsible for each license since he is the one that signs off on the licenses whether or not it is under the Naf. 500, 000 mark. Another point he made is that one has to know the inspectors of VROM is the eyes of the department.
Richardson said he intends to clear his name since he was framed by the island government who considered him a threat to their political agendas. Richardson said just three months after he was hired the former commissioner of ROB Roy Marlin in the presence of the director told him he was a liability to government and he was also standing in the way of their campaign monies. He said the director even told him if he did not do what he expected him to then he would send a letter to the executive council that either fire him or set him aside so he can rot. He also condemned Marlin for statements he is allegedly making in the public. "Marlin is now saying that ‘pay back is a bitch and then you die" Richardson said. He said the statement is beyond his comprehension since Marlin is the one who recruited him from Holland.
The ousted former head said he lodged several complaints with the governor and he did nothing about the corruption which has been taking place for the past 30 years. He said that he was prevented by government to execute his duties over the one year and ten months he was there at VROM. He said he cannot imagine how the island government would go after him they way they are even though there has been years of corruption at the department.
Richardson also indicated that his mother spoke to the governor on his behalf and the governor failed to act. Richardson went on to say that the director of ROB told him that he did not want him in the position he held rather he was looking for someone who could have played ball with the politicians.
On the question as to what really took place when he met with Goya, Richardson suggested that he was drugged with a glass of wine. He said when he got out of the meeting he began vomiting but never sought medical attention. Delano Richardson said that he met with Goya to discuss what is known as the landmark project. He said his intention was to take a leave of absence from government to work on the project.
Richardson further explained that his mother also listened to the tape and her remark was he was describing government officials as whores. He said his mother also indicated to him that the island government would have done what is necessary to get rid of him.
Richardson explained it is a pity that the island government would go at length to slander locals who have studied abroad and returned home. He made clear that he never accepted any bribe from anyone since that his not his character. He said his first priority is to make sure his name is cleared and taking care of his family.

Philipsburg: --- Responding to questions posed to her concerning statements made by Minister of Education Omyra Leeflang. Education commissioner Sarah Wescot Williams said she already requested to meet with the Minister since would need some explanations on the statements the Minister made last week concerning the implementation of compulsory education. Leeflang had said there are monies available to St. Maarten for the introduction of compulsory education and she felt these monies should be used to build more schools. Wescot Williams said she would not be going into details on the matter since she noticed several ministers and the island government is busy speaking at each other and not to each other. She said even though she was aware that the Minister would be visiting schools and meeting with several stakeholders she was not aware if there was meeting with her and the minister. Wescot Williams said for this reason she requested a meeting with the Minister and other school officials. She said she is hoping that the Minister would clarify her statements and she would then use the opportunity to provide the Minister with additional and new information with respect to what St. Maarten is doing in the education sector and the plans they have. She said she needs to know where St. Maarten has monies lying around since is simply not the case. Wescot Williams said based on the education cooperation agreement the island has submitted their programs for funding.
She said one pillar of the program is compulsory education while another one is the social formation which is also part of the proposed funding for St. Maarten. The island leader and education commissioner said she does not believe the minister has all the relevant information regarding St. Maarten and she hopes to share the information with her.
Quincy Harrigan said additionally the executive council forwarded a letter to the minister just over a month ago informing her of the island's plans regarding compulsory education. In this letter the cost of implementing compulsory education was mentioned as well as the additional funding that would be needed. He said even though the minister is saying there is funding available for the implementation of compulsory education the minister has not responded to their letter. The Minister of Education is expected to arrive on St. Maarten today for the UNESCO meetings.
Philipsburg- Interim Department Head of the Government Information Service (GIS) Rodney Richardson, announced on Wednesday that the GIS will introduce a half hour public information program to premier on Friday, March 20 on St. Maarten Cable TV channel 15.
The first program will have as its guests Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams and airs at 7.00 pm. Program host is Cedric Peterson.
According to Peterson, inside government presents a series of interactive, information led, exclusive forums and events designed for the general public of St. Maarten.
The program helps key government representatives inform and be informed on the main issues of the day, in an environment designed to generate discussion, debate and sharing of vital information.
Inside Government will be aired on Friday's at 7.00pm. The magazine style program will draw together elected officials, policy-makers, experts and practitioners to bring tele-viewers speakers who have a wide range of knowledge and experience. Each program will provide ample opportunity for guests to interact and discuss the topics of the day.
Inside Government builds strategic relationships with a cross-section of the key players from all the sectors to ensure that the program is on the pulse and meet the needs of the citizens of St. Maarten, providing a unique insight into current government agendas.
Starting on Monday, March 23, Marsha Gumbs-Beauperthuy will be the face of the half an hour GIS Bulletin which will start airing on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 15 at 7.00pm.
The Bulletin is a news program that covers current events and new developments within Government by informing and educating the general public.
...
The losses of world airlines in 2009 are likely to exceed the USD$2.5 billion forecast previously, as the global economic crisis eats up passenger and cargo traffic, an industry body said on Thursday.
"Our last industry forecast made in December was for a USD$2.5 billion loss in 2009 based on a 3 percent fall in passenger demand and a 5 percent demand in cargo," said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
"This is now looking very optimistic and next week we will issue a revised forecast," he told reporters.
IATA, which represents 230 airlines said earlier this month world airlines lost up to USD$8 billion last year, far more than the USD$5 billion previously estimated.
In January, international passenger demand fell 5.6 percent year-on-year, following a 4.6 percent decline in December, according to IATA. February numbers are to be released next week.
Cargo volumes in January fell 23.2 percent year-on-year after December's 22.6 percent decline, the eighth consecutive month of contraction for freight traffic.
Bisignani said while economy travel demand has also slumped in response to the global financial crisis, a much faster decline in the premium segment, which airlines depend on for their bottom line, was hurting more.
"Business classes are empty. The airlines make money in the front and recover the cost on economy, and when the business class disappears, it's a big problem," he said.
Airlines around the world have been battered severely by the global financial crisis and have unveiled a slew of cost-cutting measures to stay afloat. Asian carriers have been worst hit.
Singapore Airlines, the world's biggest airline by market value, last week asked staff to take unpaid leave for up to two years in a bid to reduce costs.
The Singapore carrier, which last month announced plans to cut its capacity by 11 percent and has grounded 17 of its 100-plus aircraft, had already asked pilots at its cargo arm to volunteer for unpaid leave.
Cathay Pacific, the dominant airline of Hong Kong and Asia's fifth-largest carrier by market value, which reported a record USD$1 billion second-half loss recently, said last week it could sell some assets to raise cash.
Bisignani said he expected more capacity cuts by airlines across the world to adjust to slowing demand.
"You see further capacity cuts practically every week in different parts of the world. We have to try to adjust capacity to demand," he said.
(Reuters)
Philipsburg: --- Leader of Government and Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot Williams met with Education Minister Omyra Leeflang yesterday. The commissioner said while there are a number of issues to be discussed she intends to speak about compulsory education while bringing the minister up to date on other matters. She said she intends to inform the minister on the implementation of compulsory education and how far the island is on the matter.
Wescot Williams said another issue she needs to address is the fact the minister intends to meet with school boards regarding the current Foundation Based Education (FBE). She said while the minister would be addressing the current laws on FBE St. Maarten has been discussing the education laws for country St. Maarten with these school boards, based on this fact she said these meetings needs to be co-coordinated so that the people they are addressing would fully understand the issues at hand.

Philipsburg: --- Even though all of the workers of GEBE did not show their faces during the protest action organized by the United Federation Union (UFA) which lasted just over three hours yesterday morning, those that remained inside the building did not provide services to the public as people were seen waiting outside to pay their utility bills. Those that remained inside the building clearly sat in groups discussing their grievances.
The Commercial Manager of GEBE Steve Duzanson in an invited comment said GEBE operations were not affected yesterday despite the protest action which drew close to 100 workers from all departments.
President of the UFA and their legal advisor Attorney at law Edwin Maduro told reporters that after speaking to the managing director of GEBE William Brooks in the company's parking lot they already foresee that the union would have to take their grievances to court. Olivachi said Brooks admitted to the workers that the second agreement he had with GEBE management and UFA is not binding since there is only one signature on it. That document is a proposal which was to be taken to the UFA board so that they could have given before they pay the workers their 5%. Brooks also indicated to the union that he was willing to enter into a re-negotiation which was to begin immediately. Olivachi said that Brooks already agreed to pay the workers by April 5th but the union must sign a third document.
Asked to provide clarity on the matter since the UFA and management of GEBE already has a CLA since 2006. Olivacchi said a court case in the matter is visible if management refused to comply with the 2006 CLA. He said even though he signed a second document it is not binding since the UFA bylaws clearly stated that at least two board members of the UFA must sign off on any agreement. He said while they are going into negotiations with management of GEBE it is not to re-negotiate a new CLA or agreement, instead they are sticking to the 2006 CLA now that Brooks has changed his position.
Advisor to the UFA Edwin Maduro said Brooks changed his position based on the second document that was signed by Francis Olivachi and GEBE management since he realized the document is not binding. He said Brooks now wants to begin negotiations for a second CLA which he considered to be a positive indication since the workers has not yet indicated they are on action. Maduro said he intended to send Brooks an official letter to make sure he lives up to the open compromises he made today (Monday).
Maduro explained if there is a deadlock in the negotiations then the union and its members would declare industrial action.
Maduro said while the negotiation is ongoing workers of GEBE would resume working effective immediately.
In the discussions with the workers and the union Brooks told the workers that the second agreement had to be sent to the supervisory board. He said that the contents of the agreement were to show the board what they agreed upon which is the 5% payment. He said that agreement was not binding. Brooks also asked the union to go inside and sign the third agreement but the workers immediately intervened by saying they are not in agreement and their union would not sign anything. Brooks said the supervisory board agreed to pay off and now the union must sign a third agreement before workers are to be paid. In the parking lot confrontation Olivachi made clear that the union does not have to sign anymore documents since it is in their CLA of 2006. Brooks said while he agreed that is on the CLA it was not based on the old protocol of GEBE and not the existing one. He said he explained this to Olivachi on numerous occasions. However, Olivachi said there was an exception in the CLA which calls for the evaluation of the workers which GEBE did not comply with unless the company will face a 3% penalty. Brooks appealed to the union to come in and negotiate so that they can get over the hurdle of the 5%. He told the workers they elected the union to represent them and while the negotiation is taking place he expected them to go back to work.
The General Manager of GEBE William Brooks openly displayed his arrogance while discussing with the union and its members that created several outburst from both union and workers. Some of the workers made clear that they are there to get their 5% increase which is long overdue. They made clear to the union representatives that they are not to sign anything else except the payment. They told their representatives that Brooks cannot bind the union to anything since he is not running a "one man show".
Denis Salomon from the ASWI union told reporters who were eventually kicked off GEBE premises that the protest action was organized by the UFA even though his members have the same grievances. Salomon said the staff union ASWI is in solidarity with the UFA since they are having the same problems with management of GEBE. Salomon said he needed clarity with some of the statements that were made the parties involved. He said management should respect and honor the collective labor agreement. He said even though he supports the action he does not believe that the action taken would move management of GEBE. Salomon explained he worked for years at GEBE and based on his experience he does not see where they show any concerns for the workers. However, he said he would hope that management would use their common sense and not allow confrontation to prevail since the workers have had enough.
President of the UFA Francis Olivacchi said that the workers have been looking forward to their increase and cost of living adjustment since the UFA and management of GEBE signed a collective labor agreement since 2006. Olivacchi said so far management has not complied with the agreement and that has caused them to pay a penalty since they are not in full compliance with the CLA. Olivacci said GEBE had to provide an appraisal system for its workers each year and to date they have not done so. He said the workers even sent a proposal for their new CLA to the managing director William Brooks and to date Brooks has not responded to the workers. Olivachi said in the new proposal the workers wants a 25% increase and Brooks he said refused to send a counter proposal to the ASWI.
He made clear that the workers are not on strike and neither are they on go-slow but they have decided to demand the monies that is owed to them for over three years now.
Olivacci said even though there is inflation and economic crisis GEBE is yet to pay the workers it cost of living adjustment. Asked how long the union plans to wait on management he said he was not willing to divulge that information. He warned that the union has plan B in place but that will be made known in due time.
Sources close to the two unions UFA and ASWI said this is the last chance for William Brooks since they would do what is necessary to get him off the job. They said Brooks has not been working in the best interest of the company neither the people of St. Maarten. They said since Brooks took over their have been a number of problems with GEBE including when the company of that magnitude ran out of fuel and he hopped off island. The concerned workers said Brooks does not even show respect to them since he has a selected few in his corner who already received a Naf. 3000 increase in their
In a press release from GEBE it is said the employees converge on the request of their union. The release states a group of some 30 GEBE workers led by UFA President, Francis Olivacci, converged on the GEBE parking lot on Monday morning, to address the issue of the impasse on the negotiations concerning the financial package for the period 2008. GEBE Managing Director Ir. William Brooks was in attendance to directly address the workers and the union representatives and give additional clarification where the bottleneck is in the financial package that is holding back the payment to the employees. The proposed increase of 5% has been approved by the GEBE supervisory board of directors. GEBE management is ready to sign the agreement and the union has been notified accordingly in writing. The union wants time to go back to their members and the UFA board to ratify and formally sign on the proposed financial package.
The discussions which took place in the GEBE parking lot were informative for both sides and narrowed the gap between management and the employees. The union has agreed to reconvene and study the proposal. A response from the union is expected within short. GEBE management has committed to payout the 5% increase as soon as the union signs the formal agreement.
After the explanations on both sides were given, the workers who had converged at the main office returned to their workstations. GEBE daily operations were not seriously affected by this short convergence and at no point was electricity nor water supply affected. GEBE looks forward to a quick resolution to this issue in the interest of the customers, the employees and the company.

Marigot: --- Leader of the RRR Alain Richardson said he has been monitoring the continuous controversy taking place at the French Tourist Office. Richardson said while he expressed his concerns on this matter on numerous occasions those concerns are beginning to heighten. He said while there is a lot said about the tourist office the RRR has no official information on the controversy.
He said it is clear there is an ongoing war between these two persons since one of them is considered to be the ‘little boss".
The opposition leader said it is clear there is division between the Vice President and the president of the EPIC. Those differences he said relates to travelling and other expenses.
Richardson said his group was not in favor of the EPIC which has failed less than six months after it was installed. He said the RRR voted against the EPIC since there was not sufficient research done. He said while the EPIC was supposed the solution for tourism is now affected due to the controversy between the two elected persons. "This is putting the EPIC at risk since those professionals who are working in collaboration with the Tourist Office cannot fully function.
Also echoing concerns on the development at the Tourist Office is Aline Hanson who said on two occasions she noticed the commissioner in charge of Tourism (Ida Zin Ka Ieu) would walk out of the meetings when it comes to voting for her projects. "I think this commissioner should be the one to defend her pole in the public since she is the one responsible for the development of tourism. I am beginning to get more concern on these developments". Hanson said.

Marigot:--- "All I want to do is contribute to my country, this is my home, my roots are here, all I have achieved came from St. Martin and I truly believe I owe the island", are the words of Alex Richards one of the most senior civil servants on the French side who still suffers because of political victimization.
Richards made his statements yesterday when speaking to this reporter concerning the status of St. Martin. "We are in bad shape, things are really bad and we have a very tainted image in the outer world. Our politicians have failed us miserably and they need to step up to save the face of this nation." Richards said because of his concerns and the state of affairs locally he is driven to go on and to do the best he can for the island. "I would remain optimistic because I know better can be done for my homeland. I am not interested in pointing fingers and accusing anyone. My intention is to make contribution is to make things better." If those at the head cannot do the job then they need to hire people with the education and knowledge to do that work for them. They should not be hiring their friends and family. Richards said the general interest should be about getting the job done and not about ones pocket.
Richards who are presently working at the Social Economic Council said he was brought on the job at the request of the president George Gumbs who insisted that he be hired. Even though this is not what he had anticipated to be the next step in his life he said he is giving it his best shot to help shape the country St. Martin.
Richards said he applied for several jobs at the Collectivity but each time he was turned down. He said he is a grade "A" Civil Servant yet he is victimized by the present administration who still cannot understand that the political campaign is over.
The former cabinet director for Mayor Albert Fleming said he felt in July 2007 all the local politicians would have gathered around the same table with one common goal which was to work in the best interest of St. Martin. He said while people may consider him to be an idealist he felt the only solution to shape the island in its new setting was to have everyone working together.
Richards also sanctioned some of the statements that were made by former Mayor Albert Fleming who said on several occasions that the island was not ready for a change and that the local politicians have crab mentality. He said the politicians have proven Fleming to be right even though they criticized him.
He said even though the politicians were not ready they could have made themselves ready to handle the people's affair. Richards said sometimes he would wonder why these people is doing the things they are doing and what really motivates them.
He said with the present trend we are telling the world especially France that we were not ready and most of all we are not good at what we are doing. Something that is very unfortunate for St. Martin since those in office has all that they need to be successful. However, if they continue to make choices based on party politics then we are bound to fail.
Richards said even though somewhat late, the politicians can still come together and put in place a government who would better shape the island. "It is time to put aside party politics and deal with the interest of the people of this lovely island." Richards admitted he is desperately concern about the future generation. He said he is not seeing anything done for the island's youths who have great potential and real worth compared to what other children from other places. He said he does not know what would happen if the island youths would not get a chance to contribute to their island.

Philipsburg: -- A Guyanese man was arrested on his job in Cole Bay yesterday for selling fishes he caught in the Great Bay Salt pond to restaurants and grocery stores on the island. The man was taken to the Philipsburg Police Station by Ervin Esdale; project leader from the Sanitation department before he was taken to the Hygiene Department where an official statement was taken from him.
In an invited comment Esdale said the Guyanese man Chandralall Takurdin was seen selling fishes he caught in the pond to Mambo Restaurant and other businesses in the community. Esdale said someone in the community saw where and when the man catches the fishes and when he sold it to the restaurant in question for $5 per kilo.
The sanitation head said the concern citizen took the culprit number plate and he was later tracked down. In front of the police station the man told this reporter that he has been eating the fish from the Pond and nothing is wrong with him. "I have been eating that fish ever since and I am not sick. It is not the first time I catch and sell that fish" he said laughing in the presence of Esdale.
Esdale who was obviously furious with the statements said the man does not know what he is doing and the risk that is involved. Esdale said Takurdin has been using a net to catch the fish in the pond and he sells it to local restaurants at a cheap price. Esdale said the owner of the restaurant told him the man (Takurdin) told them him he caught the fish in Saba and Statia. "I never seen such fish in my life before, it's all pretty looking but I don't know what type of fish they are" Esdale said. He said the culprit uses a net at the mouth of the polluted pond almost every weekend.
SMN News contacted the Hygiene department and was told Takurdin gave a statement to them which will be forwarded to the Prosecutor's office who would then decide on how much fine will be imposed on the culprit. Maria Van Hennigen acting head of the department said the fish that was sold at the restaurant was confiscated and destroyed since it's not good for human consumption.

Philipsburg: --- Former Commissioner of Labor and Social Affairs Louis Laviest will be making his first appearance in court on Wednesday where he would answer charges to forgery, bribery and fraud.
The commissioner, who has been in active since he was arrested on October 22nd 2008, still holds his office even though his portfolios have been distributed among the other commissioners. Laveist spent nine days behind bars where he was interrogated on the alleged wrong doings.
Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams had approached Laveist while in pre-trial detention and requested that he resigned from office but to date the commissioner has not done so. He said in earlier interviews that a person is innocent until proven guilty and that no one should act on behalf of the judge and jury. He even called on the community as well as his colleagues in government to give him the benefit of the doubt and to wait until the trail is over.
Laveist is represented by Attorney at law Remko Stomp. In an earlier interview with SMN News Stomp said he is confident that his client would be cleared from all charges.
It alleged that Laveist committed fraud and forged several documents in relation to work permits as he was the labor commissioner who was in charge of working permits. He was accused of accepting bribes from several business persons through the Culture Club foundation.

Grand Case: --- Members of the board of the L'Esperance Airport is calling on all airport users to settle their outstanding bills that are owned to the entity or face legal actions. Speaking at a press conference yesterday was president of the board Daniel Gibbs, and board members Guillaume Arnell and Jean-Philippe Richardson along with the directress Sabrina Charville.
Gibbs said the airport is now a private entity and it is regrettable that they have to always approach the Collectivity for monies to upgrade as well as conducting the necessary repairs. He said since 2007 when he took office the board has been in discussion with the airport users as they were trying to convince them to pay their bills. Gibbs said the board as well as the directress has exhausted dialogues in trying to convince the users to make some type of financial arrangement with the airport but to date no one have responded to the calls of the airport board.
Gibbs said already the COM has committed close to 600,000 Euros for major repairs while airport users have a debt of 372,000 Euros which is impacting essential funds. Even though not naming anyone in particular Gibbs said even landing fees are not being paid by airlines.
"We cannot on the one hand say we want to be an autonomous airport, and at the same time always ask the Collectivity to provide us with more funds," Gibbs said
"There needs to be balance and people must understand that monies are needed for the daily functioning of the airport. If we are leasing space to users, they need to pay for the space they are utilizing." Gibbs explained. Furthermore, if these entrepreneurs are facing financial problems we can work out a plan but to ignore us is unacceptable.
Former General Councilor and member of the board Guillaume Arnell said he has been involved in the management of the airport for a number of years and he is fully aware of the situation. Arnell made clear he is part of the RRR party and he is part of the administrative board. "I am here because I want to make sure I take up my responsibilities for the development of the airport. I have decided to be on the commission so I can make sure the work that was done prior to the status change is not lost since I have the knowledge and experience of this airport." Arnell said even though they voted against the budget where there is monies allocated for major repairs at the airport he felt it is important for him to uphold his responsibilities. Concerning the financial problems facing the airport Arnell said the departure tax and other airport fees is the airport income which must be paid. He said the Airport cannot continue with the bad functioning. He said several persons have solicited the airport for space and today they are not responding to their financial obligation.
Arnell further explained the structure of the airport is too small and business people have to respect each other. He said while the vendors were given specific directions on what they are allowed to sell almost all of the vendors in the boutiques are selling the same items and any type of merchandize.. Due to this management of the airport would have to take the necessary measures to reinstate order. He also called on all airport users who are in arrears to come forward and regulate their financial obligation. Arnell further explained that there are people who have not paid their dues since 2006 and they as board as well as management have done everything possible to recuperate its monies amicably. "I need the population of St. Martin to understand that if these people are to be evicted based on the outcome of the legal actions; everything was done by the administration prior to reaching that stage." He said they have given everyone a chance to make sure the payments are made.
Arnell said this is not only affecting the functioning of the airport but it is also impacting the competences of the directress.
Gibbs said one of the fire trucks have broken down and monies are needed for the repairs. He said a company has filed bankruptcy and the board has to take a decision on what they would do with the employees.
Board member and territorial councilor Jean Phillipe Richardson said that they have done everything possible before reaching this stage. He said they invited each user where they explained to them the plans for the airport. He said while the people made several complaints on what is needed. He said they have made a conscious decision on taking legal action. He said the airport cannot continue to depend on the COM for monies while the airport is a private entity. Richardson said the friendly discussion is now over and they are going to proceed with legal action. He said defaulters have to come forward with their full payments. Richardson explained the users are making demands for upgrade but monies he said are needed for these projects. "We need the monies that are owed to the airport because monies are needed for the daily functioning". Richardson said.

Marigot: --- It is now official the State Council has officially annulled the presidential election of Frantz Gumbs which took place on August 7 2008. The decision was released yesterday during the lecture of the State Council. Gumbs and all vice presidents sitting in the executive council would have to face re-election within one month's time.
Aired last night on RFO Guadeloupe Le Bâtonnier Félix Rhodes declared that the State Council has annulled the election of Frantz Gumbs he said the election was cancelled based on the pre-printed ballots that was made for Gumbs on August 7th.
SMN News also understands that Gumbs already sent out a press release to all French Newspapers acknowledging that the State Council has invalidated the August 7 election. It is understood that Gumbs also said that first Vice President Daniel Gibbs will be acting President in Interim and he would be responsible for preparing the next election. While the lawyer representing Marthe Ogoundele-Tessi; Félix Rhodes said according to him Ogoundele Tessi should be the one in charge now that the election has been cancelled.
"I filed a petition on the illegality of the election on behalf of the first Vice president Ogoundele-Tessi, who will resume her functions in the COM of St. Martin because the provisions of the electoral law for St. Martin were not complied with and that is the conclusion the Commissary of Government gave a week ago. When his information was published in the newspapers in St. Martin, everyone knows by now that the election will be cancelled since the rapporteur in the State Council, the former commissary of the government, is always respected 95 if not 99 times out of a hundred by the State Council. We are coming back to the same and identical situation as we were after the cancellation of the elections of Mr. Fleming. Félix Rhodes said.
In an invited comment DGA Pascal Avern confirmed that the State Council has invalidated the election. Avern said that while the election was invalidated Gumbs did not receive any type of sanction. He said the former president Gumbs already sent out a press release on the issue. Avern said the next election will be held during the period that is allowed by law. Asked if Gumbs will be running for the seat again Avern said he could not say if Gumbs would be taking up the challenge but he believes that would be the case. Avern also confirmed that the COM would have to re-elect the members of the executive council which according to him is an obligation.
SMN News released information on the possibility of Gumbs being invalidated on March 18th.
When the article was published sources told this media house that Gumbs and the UPP Party who was busy discussing the issue were furious with SMN News. It is said when a particular reporter contacted Gumbs for a statement he made some derogatory remarks against SMN News reporter for breaking the story but refused to go on the record regarding his invalidation.
As stated on RFO News last night St. Martin is back to zero since elected officials have to now re-elect a new president instead of moving the island forward.
In an invited comment Marthe Ogoundele Tessi said while the information that was released was given in the lecture yesterday (Friday) there is no official document released as yet. The former first vice president said her lawyer Félix Rhodes made the announcement in Guadeloupe but she does not know on what grounds the election was cancelled and neither has she seen the conclusions. Ogoundele Tessi said unless she gets those documents she would not make any official comment. Ogoundele Tessi did not say if she intends to run for the presidential seat in the next election. Asked about that she said when she gets the documents she would take a decision on what to do.
SMN News also contacted Alain Richardson leader of RRR who also filed a complaint with the State Council against the August 7th election. Richardson said while it is official that the election of August 7th has been invalidated he did not receive any official documents. Richardson said unless he gets the document he would not be able to comment.
On July 15th 2007 the New Collectivity was installed with Louis Constant Fleming elected President, one year later the State Council sanctioned Fleming for not respecting the guidelines of the 2007 election. Being the head of the UPP list Fleming was removed from his Presidential seat.
Sources close to L. C Fleming told this reporter that Fleming wants to postulate for the seat of the presidency now that his best friend is also sanctioned. However, that seems impossible since the election of the third president will be in one month's time two months before the end of the one year sanction.
The party leader nominated his best friend and colleague in politics Frantz Gumbs who is also the president of the Union Pour Le Progres (UPP) party. On August 7th Gumbs and Marthe Ogoundele Tessi ran for the seat. Something that did not sit well with the UPP party. Several members of the party were not in favor of Gumbs whom they considered a dictator and someone who is arrogant. Many of them it is said had preferred if Louis Jeffry was given the seat, but that was shot down by L. C. Fleming. Sources close to the party said the Fleming wanted to the senator, while Gumbs the President and Jeffry would have postulated for the deputy seat.
Due that conflict within the party the leaders of the party decided to pre-print the ballots with Gumbs name on it for the August 7th election. That was to force the UPP councilors to vote for Gumbs even if they were against him being the president and not for Ogoundele Tessi. Less than one year later Gumbs lost his seat due to the error.
With the current developments St. Martin has become the laughing stock in the French Republic it is proven that those elected are not competent to manage their own party politics more over an island that is looking forward to development.
PHILIPSBURG - St. Maarten's Carnival will be experiencing for the very first time ever a Queen of Queens Show entitled 40 Years of Royalty. Imagine the grandeur of Carnival royalty at its best taking center stage at the St. Maarten Festival Village on Saturday, April 18th 2009 which kicks off promptly at 8pm.
This show will be a portrayal of ladies showcasing the best of the best in Class, Poise, Beauty, Grace, Intelligence and Splendour, who have all matured since their life-changing crowning throughout the years of carnival pageantry. We will have the privilege in experiencing more than fifteen (15) women who were once crowned Senior Carnival Queen over the past 40 years on stage on the same evening. These ladies will make an appearance in cultural wear, talent, evening wear, creative wear or carnival costume displaying to all patrons what it means to be a true queen.
The Coordinator of the Sub-Committee of the St. Maarten Carnival Development
Foundation, Mrs. Rhonda Fowler-Smith is extremely pleased with the interest of the participants and the enthusiasm of the general public for and of this once in a lifetime event.
This project was birthed during the organization of the 2008 carnival activities and when discussed it was decided that it would suit best for the 40th carnival anniversary.
The sub-committee and the young ladies are still having some difficulties in acquiring sponsorship to cover show expenses and various wears for the event. However, Mrs.Fowler-Smith is humbly requesting businesses to please support and contribute financially.
The sub-committee of the SCDF and these young ladies are contributing to our St. Maarten's culture and 40th Carnival Anniversary by putting their finest forward to make sure that the public experiences a great show, which will be a once in a life-time experience to
witness. "If we work together, St. Maarten wins and so will many other generations still yet to come."
Philipsburg:---The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) will hereby like to inform all Public Servants employed by the Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles and the Island Government of Sint Maarten to be vigilant as the transition of Central level positions is being implemented.
The Island Government of Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles has implemented their new organization structure and is in the process of formally establishing the final structure for Country Sint Maarten. As this process is being done, vacant positions are made known and applications are being processed.
This union advises all Civil Servants who are uncertain of their current position be it on a Central or Island level to apply for the vacant positions that they qualify for. This is your right and it will minimize the Island government from hiring external personnel during these transition processes.
Both governments have specific deadlines to meet with the Constitutional developments and the WICSU/PSU is hereby placing emphasis on a statement made by Kofi Annan, former General Secretary of the United Nations, that strengthening the public services should be the precondition to building the capacity of the State...for us to face the many challenges of globalization and have a leading role in the development process.
Maintaining law and order is the rule of any democratic society; therefore, it is of grave importance that all personnel who are required to uphold and carry out the laws of the land are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities to do so.
As we stated earlier in this communication, all civil servants of Sint Maarten must remain vigilant and assume their responsibilities as expected by the respective governments. On the other hand, both governments must give civil servants a clear indication of the structures for the future and how the current staff will fill them.

Philipsburg: --- The AC Wathey Legislative hall came alive today (Wednesday) when independent island councilman and non active commissioner Louie Laviest spoke out during the Island Council debate. Laveist who is known for showing his emotions when he is hurt blurted out that he intends to drop a ‘bombshell" rather soon concerning his arrest and ongoing court case after he heard some remarks that was made by Island Councilman Frans Richardson.
Richardson in his address concerning the unfinished government administration building said it is shocking to see a commissioner (Laveist) charged with accepting bribes from a Canadian based company while promising the company in question the contract to furnish the Government Administration Building. Richardson said the charge in itself is disturbing to say the least, he said when charges such as these are being levied against someone it shows that something is definitely wrong, since the charges are serious and do cast a shadow over the present executive council. He also charged that the that the executive council has so far remained mum in relation to the charges laid against the commissioner. Richardson said the charges laid against Laviest can be considered an indictment against the entire executive council.
He also wants to know if Laveist has fooled leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams about him going to resign in the near future or if the party leader was not telling the truth about the so-called resignation.
Richardson said based on the trend of government regarding this particular project several persons are going to be going to jail. The island councilman said while of the council members are worried about getting separate status others are worried about getting locked up since the present trend would continue. Richardson said while St. Maarten is saying they are ready to take charge of their own affairs, they would never be ready if they do not engage in open honest and meaningful dialogue regarding the correlation between conflict of interest, corruption, transparency and good governance. He said all elected officials have a collective responsibility towards the people of St. Maarten and thus they should all remain vigilante. Richardson said for this reason government should seek to get things right from the very start to finish. Richardson said he believes that there would be an EMRON2 on St. Maarten when it comes to the Government Administration Building and the amount of monies that are already spent of the facility.
Independent Commissioner Louie Laveist who was in consultation with his lawyer earlier in day showed up at the meeting moments before he was due to take the podium. The commissioner said while on his way to Philipsburg he heard the statements Richardson made but he did not expect such statements from Richardson. Laveist said he did not mind if any other member of the council had made such statements but knowing that he personally expressed himself to Richardson at the Enoch's place on the French side, he said he felt the councilman truly understands what he was going through with the entire investigation and court case. Laveist said he personally told Richardson what he was going through and felt that when he spoke to Richardson it was ‘real moments".
Laveist also said it is sad to see locals caught up with the crab mentality by wanting to bring down others by indicting them prior to the court rendering their verdict. He said he felt that everyone is innocent until proven guilty and he cannot understand why he does not deserve that same sentiment. Laviest said based on the statements Richardson already has condemned him to guilty of accepting bribes and plane tickets in exchange of a contract to furnish the new government administration building. He said he felt that basic principle of law would have applied to him but it does not seem as if members of the opposition particularly Councilman Richardson cares about giving him that right.
Laviest then said as he stands before the council he wants them to know that he never accepted any bribes for the government building neither any other project nor thing, therefore he asks the council to give him the benefit of the doubt instead of continuing to assassinate his character as well as the good work he has done throughout the years as a member of island and executive council.
Laveist said he is deeply disturbed with the comments made by Richardson; however democracy prevails since the councilman can say any and everything during an island council debate. He said he felt the objective of the investigation against him was to divide and conquer and he Richardson has fallen victim of the mission. He said he could not blame Richardson since history has shown that the people of St. Maarten have always suffered from the crab mentality or crab syndrome mentality.
Laveist also called on the executive council to give a full elucidation on the procedures on the process on how contracts are awarded to bidders since he feels this would serve to educate Richardson on the functioning of government. Laveist said it is clear to him that Richardson does not know the procedures on spending public funds and he felt it is the council's responsibility to explain Richardson these procedures.
Laveist said it's technically impossible for him or any other commissioner to give a commitment to anybody regarding the granting of a contract based on the requirements lay down by executive council and the laws governing the island. He said the process with regards to the public bidding on the government administration building. He said he has to be some kind of genius to take a bribe from the Canadian based company in 2003 before any block was laid for the construction of the building to grant a commitment to someone on the contract for 2009 or 2019.
"Either I am smarter than anyone else or a genius or maybe everyone thinks I am the biggest dummy in the world to give someone a commitment for millions of dollars in exchange for a plane ticket". He concluded that he would not rest until the executive council gives full explanation to the general public on the procedures to obtain a contract for the government administration building so that he Richardson is educated. He said that the people of St. Maarten are suckers when it comes to believing that their brothers and sisters did something wrong since everyone believes that every member of the executive council is so greedy that they cannot execute a project unless their hands get greasy or their pockets are filled and they took home a bag of money or the millions in off shore accounts. Laveist said that he intends to drop a ‘bombshell' by the end of the week or early next week.
He said he was only waiting on the integrity of the justice system to take place. After which he would reveal what is truly taking place on St. Maarten so that the councilman could understand the motive of the investigation. He said the entire investigation has nothing to do with hiring an illegal or a plane ticket to Canada. He said that because of this he would unload his bombshell so that he can get back his life. Laveist then pleaded that he be given a fair chance so that justice can be served. He said based on the assumptions made by Richardson he should not be afforded that fair trial. He said he is disappointed with Richardson since he gave him full explanations on the investigation. He said Richardson knows his pain and wants to know if he did what he did for political mileage.
In the second round Laveist showed more emotions when he said he intends to expose from the top to the bottom in government including a certain member of the media who has an axe to grind with him. Laveist said he has documents that are now being translated and he intends to expose everyone who is making sure inaccurate information is being printed in at least one local newspaper. Laveist made the statements after Richardson said he made his remarks based on articles that were printed in the local newspapers. He said the council members should not take heed with the newspaper articles since the media representative in question has a motive.
Laviest said he intends to mention all persons in and outside of the government building that is involved in his demise.

Philipsburg: -- The island council meeting had to be adjourned twice yesterday morning so that the chairman can be provided with the speakers list while members of the island council had to be provided with documentation pertaining to the spending on the government administration building.
Just about midday yesterday the executive council provided the council members with a letter with the expenditures pertaining to the unfinished government administration building. So far the island government has spent on rent for the new building prior to civil servants moving in.
Those expenses include
RGM was paid a USD $16,270,000 for the realization of the base of the building,
BCC Naf.738, 108 for additional masonry work.
BCC partitions and ceilings Naf. 4,844,341
WEC for RGM buy works Naf.451,937
WEC for installation of data cables Naf. 1,299,600
WEC for additional installation and electrical and plumbing Naf 814,590
Penguin Air-conditioning for additional HV AC works Naf. 660,388
Penguin for Air conditioning for RGM buys out works Naf. 324,342
IMD for advisory fees (improvement public services ICT Naf. 244,589
ARCON for advisory fees (project management) Naf. 374,400
OKT/CEB for design review of the technical installations Naf. 78,434
OCT/CEB for advisory fees (electrical and plumbing Naf. 134,400
ICE for design review of the construction NAf. 37,500
ICE for design and engineering works Naf. 26, 800
Exeqtech forf project management Naf. 260, 548
Lievense Consulting Engineering for infrastructure design Naf. 73, 609
The above does not include Block d and therefore the Island territory has commissioned a team of architects and engineers to complete the design of Block D
Design Collaborative Associates for architecture (USD$ 206,250 Naf 371,250
ICE for structural engineering NAF. 93,500
CEB Engineering technical installations NAf. 144,295
IMD interior design and public service concept Naf. 300,100
Next step Consulting for ICT design Naf. 52,530
Exeqtech for project coordination (USD$55,000) Naf 99,000
In addition to the above the executive council has also recently approved an amount of Naf. 1,600,000 to be paid in additional work to BCC and WEC, Penguin as well as Exeqtech to bring the construction on of the building to a state of practical completion with the exclusion of the works that needs to be worked out.
The island government has also agreed to pay RGM rents which are to be paid on a quarterly basis to the amount of USD 481,000 to April 2009. The island government already made six such payments . The executive council also paid USD 344,640 to RGM was a compensatory purchase price for the building.
Marlin said in his address to the island council that it is a shame that the executive council does not have the final agreement with Marvin NV for the new building. He said to date the executive has not given an update as to how much monies they have been paid to Marvin and if in fact the present administration building has been transferred to the island government.
In relation to the new government building Marlin said from the time the proposal was brought to the floor of the island council there was several unanswered questions pertaining to the agreement with RGM. Marlin said the National Alliance had raised several questions pertaining to the agreement with RGM and they also made proposals to the executive council. He said the NA has maintained that government was going to get an empty shell and not a completed building from RGM since it was just the walls and the roof that was involved. Marlin said the present "White Elephant" is the most expensive pigeon coop throughout the Caribbean and the world that can be recorded in the Guinness Book of records. He said the reason he labeled the building as the ‘pigeon coop is because since last year civil servants were to move into the building which has not yet happened. He said each time they discuss the building is when Executive Council goes to the Island Council for more monies to invest in this project. He said it is time the executive council shed light on what is really taking place with new building.
Marlin said that Westin and the Government building started the same time and they are six times bigger yet that project have completed and is now operational. He said the government building started at least six months prior to Westin and yet government is struggling to completing their coop for the roosting their pigeons.
He said each time government approaches them they are saying they never realize a number of things. He said the government is operating as if they went a toy store to shop and its only when they reach the cashier they realize they did not have enough money. Marlin said government is not operating as a collective body instead each commissioner is looking for their baby project in which they make their deals.
The island council man said they have said from day one that the building is too small to accommodate the entire civil core. He said they had promised to save tax payers monies when they build this big building that is supposed to house all civil servants but that seems rather unlikely.
He said government is behaving reckless and it is a shame to see that members of the island council went to Canada and Trinidad to hold discussions pertaining to this building. Marlin said it time government do things right. He highlighted the unfinished projects around Philipsburg including the unfinished round about next to the Police Station and Festival Village.
He said based on rumors they have heard that RGM has now been bankrupt are supposedly the cause for the project not finished. Marlin said the executive council had pictured this project as a ‘win win' for everybody but with the current expenditures it is indeed the ‘lose lose project". He said all that is seen right now is bills that are piling up with no end in sight. He said the reason they brought this to the floor is because they need government to shed some more light and that there a several rumors. Those include that there is a dispute with contractors and sub-contractors and that money was not enough including RGM gone bankrupt. The NA leader also wants to know how government intends to lead the civil servants to the promise building.
Marigot:---- Persons who have enjoyed the Le Calmar over the past months would now have to blog on Facebook, since those responsible for the online newspaper said via email that they are forced to suspend its publication.
The staff of Calmar said some of the reasons behind their decision are the sudden attack on one radio personality Thomas Krider Program Manager of one of the radio stations who was beaten in his home some days ago. Outside of that they were faced with threats and pressures since they were publishing material that some newspapers would not dare to publish. The writer of the email said they suspect the involvement of the freemason in the attack as well as the over development of St. Martin particularly in the Anse Marcel area.
Le Calmar claims they have tangible evidence in the many sensitive issues they have published. They said someone also filed a complaint against them for spamming as well as defamation.
Nevertheless, we will recall that if spamming was the rule at the outset, it has been accepted by a very great part of our 1500 monthly readers (within 16 months we have received only 3 requests for subscription cancellation, and we have, of course, complied with them).
"As for slandering, on the one hand, the opinion column offered the possibility of the "right to reply". On the other hand, we insist on recalling that we hold evidence on everything we have published, and that it would be without fear whatsoever that we would have faced the complaints from the so-called slandered prominent characters.
The local mafia being what it is, we are left with no other choice than to stop our publications.
Le Calmar in their online blogging on Facebook and copies sent to their readers said the
the local mafia as it is, it leaves them no choice but to stop publications.
"In light of recent pressures, we now better understand why the local press works in consensus is with the "fathers" of St Martin; these characters are too powerful and above the laws, they still decided if it still rain or shine on what can or may not be published.
Finally, they encourage their readers to react to the ruling which was given by the State Council against the President of the COM or simply to defend the freedom of the press, by widely circulating this e-mail to all your contacts or, as always, by sending your comments and reactions to lecalmar@ gmail.com or by publishing them on the "fan club" of squid on Facebook:
The stall of Calmar will meet shortly to consider possible action to deal with threats.
Marigot:--- After having studied the official verdict of the State Council regarding the annulment of the election of ousted President Frantz Gumbs. Marthe Ogoundele Tessi in a press release to SMN News said she is considering the options before her.
Ogoundele Tessi also plans to address the nation on several radio and television programs throughout the week.
The former first vice president is also calling on the different components of the population, the leaders of the different institutions, the political parties, the civil organization, to get together and to rise above these matters and focus so that they can be constructive and positive for Saint Martin since the island does need some sort of political stability so that they can overcome the crisis the island is faced with.
She admitted that she won the court case but says everyone has to stay where they are even though frustrating. Ogoundele Tessi said the Organic Law has rules to which elected officials have to abide by.
Ogoundele Tessi said in her release that the main purpose of the new status was to bring about institutional changes and to give the island more autonomy and a real chance to develop. The former first vice president also said the new status was to solve the social and cultural ills of the community while ensuring there is sustainable economic development with proper security in place.
Despite the vision two presidents that were elected to manage the COM were invalidated by the State Council and the law has to be respected on both occasions.

Philipsburg:---The popular Mullet Bay Beach was cleaned and cleared of trash on Tuesday morning by Caribbean International Academy students and teachers. The cleanup organized by the St. Maarten PRIDE foundation is in keeping with promoting a full awareness for Earth Day April 22nd a press release from the PRIDE Foundation states.
Mullet Bay Beach used by locals and tourists alike was left in a messy state after the Easter Monday celebrations. Many beach goers have been complaining about the trash left at the beach and especially in the corner where locals and residents party and picnic. St Maarten PRIDE foundation and the CIA school students and teachers cleaned up the beach and left the beach in pristine condition. Many of the students were appalled by the amount of beer bottles and plastic that was left behind as trash.
The volunteers were joined by employees of the Towers Mullet Bay who trucked the filled trash bags away.
Today April 22nd is celebrated around the world as Earth Day. A day for everyone to reflect on the precarious state of our planet; climate change, over fishing, protection of our species and conservation efforts. It is also a day for many of us to make efforts to change our behavior patterns, like making use of eco-reusable shopping bags instead of plastic, volunteering for beach and community cleanups, using less energy and water, planting trees and kitchen gardens, and making a more decisive effort to understand our planet earth and how to take action locally.
St. Maarten boasts 37 beautiful beaches on both sides of the island, our economy is tourism based with 1.3 million cruise passengers and 450.000 stay over guests annually. It is clear that our beaches play a vital role as an attraction and has a high economic value. Our elected officials and our people must therefore take steps, collectively and as responsible individuals to make sure our beaches stay clean and free of trash. Our National Pride is at stake and so is our tourism economy the release states.
Marigot: --- The Prefecture of St. Martin has sent out the official notification to the 23 councilors of the Territorial Council informing them that the re-election of the president would take place on Tuesday May 5th at 8:30am. The notification letter was written on April 21st said one councilor.
Also on the agenda point is the election of the executive council, the bidding commission and the delegations that are to be signed by the president.
So far the only person that has declared their candidacy for presidential election is ousted president Frantz Gumbs. In the meantime Marthe Ogoundele Tessi has been on several radio and television programs expressing her thoughts on the present political saga. Ogoundele Tessi still did not say if she would be postulating instead she said she still has her options open. Several persons within the community called in on the local radio programs expressing their concern some giving support to Ogoundele Tessi whom they said never got a chance.
Last night on the local cable station was President Interim Daniel Gibbs and Gumbs who also was quizzed on the present situation.
Tonight it is expected the RRR party would also be addressing the population on the live television program.

Marigot: --- Former first vice president Marthe Ogoundele Tessi has few words for elected officials on St. Martin which is that they must respect and recognize the values and contribution of women in politics. Even though not disclosing her intentions for the May 5th elections Ogoundele Tessi said she is willing to work with a group of people who are willing to work in the best interest of the island. Of course that group can only come from within the 23 elected territorial council members since the May 5th election is internal.
Ogoundele Tessi a member of the Union pour le Progres, one of the two persons who filed a complaint against the August 7th 2008 elections with the State Council which was officially cancelled on April 10th 2009. Due to the verdict issued by the State Council the Territorial Council of St. Martin must re-elect its president. So far the only candidate that postulated for the vacant seat is ousted president Frantz Gumbs. It is still not clear if anyone from the RRR party would postulate on May 5th or if Ogoundele Tessi would do so on the day of the election.
This is the second time in two years that St. Martin is going through this procedure since attaining its new status. The first president that was elected in the new setting was Louis Constant Fleming who was sanctioned one year later for not following election procedures; he was replaced by Frantz Gumbs who was elected by pre-printed ballots which was cancelled, since it breached the secrecy of the voters.
At a press conference on April 25th Ogoundele Tessi confirmed that she received the official notification from the State Council. In reference to the verdict she said she has dedicated her victory from the courts to the youths of St. Martin. "People should believe in dignity, integrity, and transparency as well as the Republican values such as equality, freedom and fraternity."
The former first vice president said elected officials can no longer allow leaders to do as they wish which would eventually jeopardize the island and the entire system. She said any government structure would only function properly if the foundation is laid correctly.
Ogoundele Tessi said she wants to make known that anything that is done incorrectly will be sanctioned. She said while many is saying that there is no law on St. Martin her victory in the State Council shows that there is law since this is the second time a court decision is rendered against the present elected body.
She called on the people to demand more and request more rigorous actions as well as transparency in managing the affairs of the Collectivity.
She felt this is only way for checks and balances which will create a more objective approach in the functioning of the COM.
Ogoundele Tessi a teacher by profession felt elected officials must do more to change the tainted image of St. Martin since the island is under current stigmatization with the changes underway.

Philipsburg: --- The police department is calling on all Carnival lovers who are attending the shows and other activities in the Carnival Village to take better care of their children and make sure their children are with them at all time. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release said while the police are extremely busy with maintaining law and order in the carnival village the police was burdened with a number of children who somehow got lost from their parents. Henson said there were a number of incidents on Sunday after the junior parade. The missing children ended up at the police outpost and several officers had to babysit the minors until their parents and or guardians were found.
Henson said Festival Village was packed to capacity and while there were no incidents of fights and other criminal behavior officers were stuck babysitting.
The police had at least 15 cases of children getting lost. Henson said, some of the children stayed for no less than an hour at the police station. Some of them fell asleep during the time they were there.
When the parents of these children came to pick up their children, they were severely reprimanded about their irresponsible behavior. The police department is asking all persons traveling with children to keep an keen eye out for them. Make sure at all times they know where these children are. Make sure that these children do not put themselves in arms way since the police have more important work to do than babysitting.

MARIGOT: --- The MOCSAM headed by Julien Gumbs is calling on all residents on St. Martin to come out in full force and support their protest march which is planned for Friday May 1. Gumbs told reporters at a press conference yesterday that the people of St. Martin need to demand respect from its elected officials. "The theme for this Friday's march will be "RESPECT" for the people, the island and their monies" Gumbs said.
While the march will not be dealing directly with politics the organizers plan to address the annulment of the August 7th election where Frantz Gumbs was elected president.
Gumbs said they intend to ask the elected officials to do the honorable thing and step down if they are not able to properly manage the affairs of the people. He said for the past two years there are several issues which the MOCSAM brought to the forefront but nothing has been done by those in authorities to correct the matter.
Gumbs said just recently the State refused to grant the COM a decree on the vignette tax which was collected last year, he said the COM has to modify their request and to date it has not been done, yet they are forcing people to pay this road tax.
He said two months ago the MOCSAM held a march and they presented the President with a list of their grievances but to date he is not able to get a meeting with President and his cabinet to discuss the pertinent issues. Gumbs said some two weeks ago the ousted president told him the reason he would not grant him a meeting is because his points are too political. "I personally don't know what the ousted president means by that but I need him to know that the MOCSAM does not intend to give up and he would be seeing more of these marches which would progress each time.
One of the issues to be addressed on Friday by the MOCSAM is they intend to form a committee which would serve as a shadow behind a PAF police who has been suspended last week. The officer who hails from Martinique has filed a complaint against one of his colleagues whom he said has been using racial slurs against other black colleagues working in the PAF.
The officer an assistant brigadier Achille Thiver said he has been suspended by the management of the PAF after they learnt he went public concerning the racism that is taking place within the PAF. Thiver said he went on SOS radio on April 6th where he spoke of the insults his colleagues has to face simply because they are black. The management of the PAF felt Thiver betrayed the service when he went public with matters they consider to be internal.
The officer said he filed a complaint with the justice system which is now being reviewed. While he is not the only one to file a complaint he is the only officer that has been suspended from duties. Thiver said on February 16th 2008 one of his colleagues ordered another colleague whom he said is black to bring him a coffee. He said his colleague refused to do as was asked and when she did not pay any attention to the sous brigadier he told another black colleague to give the order which was also refused. After seeing that the officers would not comply with his orders he said his colleague said if he was responsible for the abolition of slavery it would not have happened.
He said the female colleague was also insulted when she was called "hey Spanish, hey Spanish" how did you came to St. Martin was it by boat. Thiver said the young woman wrote a complaint and filed it with the Directress of the Departmentale de la PAF but these persons have failed to take action.
However, Thiver did not gave up he took action by filing a judicial complaint against his colleagues as well as making the matter public.
Gumbs said he felt Thiver did not buckle to pressure and congratulated him for the brave steps he took. He said the local people of St. Martin should come out in full force and support Thiver since racism is existing on St. Martin for a very long time. "We need to stop this kind of behavior because it's hindering the youths from joining the PAF. It has been over ten years now locals are given contracts to work with the PAF but when that contract is up there is no future for our people with the police force." Gumbs said.
Philipsburg- St. Maarten joins communities in Holland and elsewhere in the kingdom, in expressing solidarity with families and friends of victims claimed on Queen's birthday, during festivities staged in the Dutch city of Appledoorn.
This after a speeding car had raced toward an open bus carrying the Dutch royal family during a parade on Thursday, killing four people and injuring 13 others in an apparently deliberate act.
St. Maarten's governor Franklyn Richards says that for those viewing live TV reports of the incident, the tragic incident had created an atmosphere which was in contrast to carnival and the festive atmosphere enjoyed at Governor's Mansion, on occasion of the presentation of royal decorations, one day earlier.
As a sign of solidarity with the victims of the incident, Richards says that the thoughts and prayers of the people of St. Maarten should remain with the relatives of the victims and with members of the Dutch Royal family, who are viewed with fond appreciated throughout the Netherlands Antilles.
Upon recommendation of His Excellency the governor of the Netherlands Antilles, Frits Goedgedrag, flags flying at government buildings in St. Maarten, were lowered to half-mast.
Governor Richards said that he wishes to convey, on behalf of the people and government of St. Maarten, a message of strength and comfort, to all those affected, at this time of sadness.
On St. Maarten, no official program had been slated to mark Queen's birthday - making it unnecessary to consider a suspension or cancellation of such festivities.

Marigot: --- The Collectivity of St. Martin will be holding an internal election in the Territorial Council to re-elect another president tomorrow (Tuesday May 5th). This comes on the heels of the annulment of the election of Frantz Gumbs by the State Council who was elected president on August 7th 2008.
The State Council issued its ruling on April 10th 2009 after the RRR party and former first vice president Marthe Ogoundele Tessi filed a complaint against the election of 2008 when they realized the majority used pre-printed ballots to elect Gumbs to his presidential seat.
It is understood that Gumbs will be the only candidate postulating for the seat. However, that can change since the other possible candidates have remained tight-lipped thus far.
SMN News also understands that Marthe Ogoundele Tessi might also present even if she does not get the support from the majority or the opposition. Sources close to the councilor said she would present just to send a message to the ruling party. Efforts made to obtain a statement from Ogoundele Tessi have proved futile thus far.
Sources said the former first vice president is extremely angry after she received an anonymous letter telling her she made mistake with the UPP party. It is said in the unsigned letter Ogoundele Tessi was offered a position in the executive council if she does not present as a candidate. The detailed letter it is said went into the breakdown of the territorial council and basically telling Ogoundele Tessi she is not needed. SMN News also understands that the territorial councilor also received an anonymous letter last year prior to the presidential election on August 7th.
SMN News has been reliably informed that other councilors including Jean David Richardson also received an anonymous letter telling him that Ogoundele Tessi would be a candidate and he needed to weigh his options. The source said Richardson received the letter on Thursday which was sent to his place of employment and he immediately filed a complaint with the gendarmerie. It is said this is the second anonymous letter Richardson received which made him somewhat angry. Richardson could not be reached for comment up to press time.
Other sources said Ogoundele Tessi has been in discussions with the UPP party and she might be given back her position as first vice president where she would continue to deal with the education portfolio. SMN News understands that Ogoundele Tessi would be meeting with the majority today to further discuss her options and the councilor should be putting her cards on the table in today's meeting.
As the date for the internal election nears several persons in the community has been saying that the UPP is fully divided and that the fourth vice president may also be a candidate in Tuesday's election. Already interim president Daniel Gibbs was on the radio clearing the air saying he is not a candidate in the May 5th election. It is understood that it was also rumored that Gibbs was also interested in the presidential position.
MARIGOT- The gendarmes arrested a man in Agrement on Monday when they were called by eyewitnesses who saw when the man attempted to break in a home early that morning.
The gendarmes a man reported to authorities that he was threatened by several persons in the Marigot area on Sunday night. The said he was threatened with a gun by one group who stole his belongings.
The gendarmes are currently investigating all three incidents.
Did you know that children whose parents are involved in their education do better in school?
Parental Involvement is critical to every child's school "career." But being involved doesn't mean doing their homework for them. It means joining your child's educational team.
DERPI offers an exciting PARENT EVENING on parental involvement called PARENTS ON BOARD.
This evening is scheduled on Monday, May 11, 2009 form 7 till 9 in the evening and will be held at the Cultural Center (Backstreet) in Philipsburg. During this evening, one of our certified Active Parenting trainers will help you how to "get on board" with your children's educators.
How to use effective discipline and encouragement, promoting attitudes that build success and how to coach your child in reading, writing, spelling, math and science, without being an expert, are some of the topics that will be discussed during this evening.
So come out and meet other parents, share some common questions and concerns and learn how to help your child find academic success.
We are looking forward to your presence!!
This initiative is funded by USONA and is part of the implementation of Foundation Based Education.
Philipsburg: --- The National Alliance via a letter to the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams has indicated that the they are in favor of a National Alliance led government. That was disclosed to members of the Democratic Party last night when they met at the Belair community center.
In a statement to reporters leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said that his faction has received copies of the letter that was sent to the chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards. Marlin said because of this letter there is no government in place at this time and the opinion of the National Alliance is that all the other commissioners must tender their resignation before a new government can be formed.
Marlin said even though Laveist has resigned from the executive council he still remains a full fledged commissioner until he has been replaced. He said when the other commissioners resign they would remain in office as caretaker government until the new government is formed.
Marlin acknowledged that he briefly met with the leader of the Democratic Party and he promised her that he would get back to her after the NA holds its meeting. Marlin said whenever he meets with Wescot Williams and they have agreed to the proposal given by the NA then they can move on with discussions on the formation of a new government.
Also issuing a statement to reporters last night is leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams who said that she already received a commitment from members of the Democratic Party as well as those elected under the faction of the DP to do what is necessary for St. Maarten and the party.
She said elected officials locally would be doing what is necessary to make sure there is a government in place before someone else does it for St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said that even though she has not had a long meeting with the National Alliance she believes both parties realizes that they have a responsibility to the island is to guarantee there is government for St. Maarten before others does it for them. She said based on that commitment discussions will take place. ‘
Asked if she is referring to high supervision Wescot Williams said the Kingdom would not allow St. Maarten to remain without a government or governmental impasse for any long period of time. She said the possibility of higher supervision do exists.
Wescot Williams said that the members of the executive council would have to take a decision on whether or not to resign; however, there is a political process that has to take place outside of the formal meeting of the island council to appoint new commissioners. She said right now they have to allow things to run its course.
Asked what proposal she would be making to the National Alliance Wescot Williams said she is not willing to divulge that information prior to sharing it with the NA. She said after notes is shared between the two parties then a decision would be taken on what direction they would be going. Asked if she would support a NA led government? Wescot Williams said the talks have not gone that far and they have not yet decided on what type of government would be installed.

Philipsburg: --- There were more questions than answers in the dismissal of Ir. William Brooks Managing Director of GEBE. The matter was dealt with in an island council meeting yesterday which was called for by the National Alliance.
Commissioner Roy Marlin and former chairman of GEBE supervisory board said that he preferred the supervisory board of GEBE stand before the island council and answer questions on why they chose to terminate Brooks's contract.
The energy commissioner said that he requested a central committee meeting be held where the supervisory board, managing director as well as the shareholder representatives would be able to say exactly why they believe Brooks must go before his five year contract is up. In delivering some of the answers to questions posed by the National Alliance Marlin said that he would stand by his position where he said Brooks needs to go home since he failed to properly manage the government owned company. He said when the Island Council is given the answers they are looking for by the supervisory board then they would be able to make their own decision which he would respect.
One of the questions posed by leader of the National Alliance William Marlin is if the executive council is aware of the dismissal plan and what is their opinion. The NA leader also wants to know if the executive council has seen the letter that was sent to Brooks and if they sanctioned the decision. He said even though the decision does not lie in the hands of the island government it is their responsibility to make sure that locals who returned to the island be given a fair chance to perform.
Marlin said he wanted to know if the former chairman of the supervisory board (Roy Marlin) had any influence on the present supervisory board when he made his public call saying that he wants Brooks' head. Marlin also asked how often commissioner Marlin would meet with the supervisory board, shareholder, and managing director.
He asked if an investigation was done into the fuel shortage that took place last December and what is the outcome of that investigation. Island councilman Patrick Ilidge, wants to know what type of background information the executive council has on the dismissal of Brooks and if they were in communication with those involved. Illidge said in his opinion he feels an in-dept investigation is warranted to determine the facts surrounding the dismissal of the local engineer. Illidge warned the commissioner to provide facts concerning Brooks, he warned that the population deserved respect and they must be told the truth about GEBE. He said he felt that the executive council would have acted responsibly by trying to assercertain the facts pertaining to the dismissal and not allows the people to speculate. Illidge said he personally did his own little investigation on the matter and he is amazed at what he found. Even though not divulging that information he said he would give the executive council the opportunity to explain matters to the island council.
Also posing questions to Commissioner Marlin is Island Councilman Rudolph Samuel who wanted to know if Marlin or the supervisory board ever did an evaluation on the performance on Brooks who have taken up office some two years ago. Samuel said this is the only way the island council or the people of St. Maarten would know if Brooks was performing his job optimally. He said this is not the first time the National Alliance has to stand on the floor of the island council and defend local professionals. He said he wants to know if the present DP executive council has modus oprandi to remove locals from the job force. He said he can clearly remember when commissioner Marlin made his public plea and it was during the time when GEBE ran out of fuel sending the island in total darkness. Samuel said it has to be made clear that neither the island government, the supervisory board of GEBE neither the managing director of the company is not responsible for the purchasing of fuel instead that responsibility lies with SOL Antilles.
Samuel said he was made aware that SOL Antilles who is responsible for providing fuel to GEBE sold that much needed fuel to hotels, yachts and leave the island utility company without. He asked the commissioner of energy to make some clarifications on these information. He also wants to know if Marlin was on the fundraising committee for the University of St. Maarten (USM) while being chairman of the supervisory board of GEBE. Reason for bringing this to the forefront Samuel believes that the commissioner or probably other are on some plot to get rid of Brooks since there are times he has to take firm decisions.
He said their was a barge of fuel on the island and was to sold to other persons who paid more monies. He asked that the executive council to provide clarity on this issue.
Commissioner Marlin admitted that he personally witnessed SOL selling heavy fuel to two yachts but he did not know there would have been a shortage of fuel on the island. He said it is a fact that a barge of fuel was in port and was sold to other persons but had he had prior information that would not have taken place.
Marlin said SOL Antilles informed the managing director of GEBE of the shortage since November 28th and had Brooks taken action then the island would have speared the 20 hours of darkness.
The commissioner said it was not until December 14 while on his way to Curacao he was informed by Brooks that there is a crisis looming over GEBE and the island. He said he felt that Brooks who was on his way to Aruba should have cancelled his trip and deal with the situation at hand since it pertains to the island and its people.
Marlin said he was the one who informed the governor and also made contact with Statia Terminals and other distributers who managed to assist the island, something he felt Brooks could have done or if he had informed him earlier the crisis would have been prevented. He said he personally wrote the SOL Antilles and sought clarity on the situation. He said while he blamed SOL for their shortfall he felt Brooks had neglected his call of duty.
On the issue of him being on the USM fundraising committee he said he was never part of the committee but he did made a request to GEBE Supervisory board for $100, 000 as a donation for USM. Marlin said he even had to request that the minutes of that meeting be altered since it had said he insisted that USM be given the extra monies as a donation.
Island Councilman Frans Richardson also posed several questions to the executive council, but before doing so he read out a number of headlines relating to GEBE over the past two years. Richardson also read parts of an article that was published on the Washington Times, where GEBE former managing director Julius Lambert was quoted as saying that the island utility company is managing growth.
Richardson said the former managing director and now chairman of the supervisory board went through the same symmetric as Brooks that is going through today since others came to St. Maarten on a private jet from Curacao to get rid of Lambert. He said it behooves him to see that the same Lambert is putting someone else through the same ordeal. He said according to him Lamberts appointment to the supervisory board as chairman is illegal according to book 2 as well as the ordinance of good cooperate governance which was carried earlier by the island council.
Richardson also indicated that this is no type of message to send to the youths of St. Maarten who are furthering their studies abroad and who are being encouraged to return home.
Marlin maintained that he would not be providing all the answers as requested by the National Alliance Faction. He said he believes that it would be better and more clarity would be given in a central committee meeting where all parties would be present and the NA faction can quiz those involved in the dismissal process.
Philipsburg: The editor and managing director of the TODAY Newspaper Hilbert Haar was arrested yesterday afternoon after he allegedly assaulted former journalist Lisa Mac Kay Brown.
In a statement to reporters last night, Brown said she went to the office of the TODAY newspaper to pick up her camera. Brown said she lone her camera to one of the reporters at the Today a week ago. Upon reaching the office, she asked for the former colleague and was directed to her desk. While in that office Brown said Haar approached her and poked his two fingers in her face telling her to get the hell out of his office.
She said she even told Haar why she was there. Brown said her husband was outside and someone told him that Haar was assaulting his wife and he rushed into the office to see what was taking place.
She said at point she turned her head and before she knew it Haar hit her blow on the side of her head. She said she immediately began feeling pains and had to be taken to the doctor where she was given an injection to relieve the pain.
"My husband got furious because he already warned Haar about hitting me. When he heard that the man punched me in my head he picked up a chair to go after him. But employees of the Today prevented him from hitting Haar back. Instead they called the police who responded and arrested her attacker."
SMN News understands that Brown a former employee of the Today Newspaper had run-ins with Haar in the past and he assaulted her back then. The journalist confirmed this the second time she was assaulted by Haar and each time she filed a police report, however, she has officially filed charges against Haar hoping that he would leave her alone in the future.
The former media worker said Haar had been using the Today Newspaper to slander her in the community. "On several occasions he wrote things about me and I even complained to Richard Gibson Jr. but he did nothing. Instead Gibson told me the man was writing his opinion of her and sugessted that she approached him and talk to him. Just last week Haar wrote an opinion on Brown when she covered the Laveist press conferrence but Gibson she said did not take actions.
At the police station last night were several reporters and camera men, trying to give support to Brown.Violence in any form should be condemned and it is in this line that journalists in St. Maarten condemn the incident that occurred on Wednesday at the Today newspaper. Our disgust is exacerbated by the fact that a male assaulted a female. This should not be allowed in any circumstance and practicing journalists distance themselves from the aggressive behavior that was exhibited on Wednesday.
We opt to let justice take its course in this matter and we also offer our support and solidarity to our female colleague.
It must be stressed that such behavior is NOT condoned. In fact we feel just the opposite especially since the majority of us enjoy a deep fraternal bond and also because we understand that violence is unacceptable especially when it involves a male striking a female.
Donellis Browne on behalf of the steering committee of The St. Maarten Media workers Association.

Philipsburg: ---Comedy king Fernando Clark and song diva La-Vaune Henry are among the royals taking part in the fifth anniversary Boardwalk Mas on Saturday, May 16, said parade manager Urmain Dormoy.
The parade of masqueraders, drum bands and street theater starts at 5 PM. The parade route is from the eastern part of The Boardwalk (seaside of Pasanggrahan) to the western extent of the promenade (beachfront of Sea Palace), and then returns to the Wathey Square for the free concert program.
Clark will deliver his belly-busting jokes on stage among a roster of modern and folkloric dancers, singers, and musicians.
La-Vaune Henry will lead an ensemble performing classic folk and traditional songs. The musical combo includes Erno York, one of the pan-playing princes from the York clan and Tanny & The Boys, the indomitable stringband of golden-age musicians.
Other royals on the boardwalk for the festival are Carnival queens of 2009, along with folk personality Pa Ben and award-winning twirlers from Les Coeurs Enchantes.
"Masks" is the anniversary theme of the masquerade.
Dormoy said, "there will be bunch of cats (Motiance dancers), jumbies, fish and lobster, devils, and other characters from old time stories" in the Boardwalk Mas.
According to Dormoy, over 40 groups and individual artists are registered to parade on the boardwalk and to perform on the Wathey Square on Frontstreet.

Among the participants are nine marching bands -- including Ebony Steel, Les Explorateurs, St. Jozeph Scouts, Soualiga Jump-Up Brass Band, SCIDD, Baby Rebels, and the visiting Saba Drum Band; Nritya Dance Company; An-La-Ri-La; and the Montessori and Sr. Borgia schools.
Rappers Versatile, General Blunty and Mad C, and New Chick will perform on stage, said Dormoy.
Locomotiv, Love Is and Los Diablos; the loveable Grain D'Or; the extraordinary skillful Sualouiga Capoeria; the awesome stilt-walking Chagredandies from St. Kitts-Nevis; Shabba Djembe Drummers and models wearing elaborate headdresses are also scheduled among the boardwalk masqueraders and stage performers, said Dormoy.
The mas ends at 10 pm, following the performance of No Limit Band, the Carnival "Band of the Year."
The Boardwalk Mas is a heritage program of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau that celebrates the traditional St. Martin festive and parade culture.
French Quarter:--- A Spanish driver lost control of this brand new car yesterday on the Belle Plaine Road. The driver who was speeding along the French Quarter main road RN7 landed over in an open field.
Eyewitnesses said the driver got out of the vehicle that is a total loss and grabbed his cellular phone before collapsing to the ground. He was taken the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital by ambulance. There was no official release on the accident was released by press time.

Philipsburg: --- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot-Williams disclosed at a press conference yesterday that all four of the commissioners would be submitting their resignation to the chairman of the island council sometime today (Tuesday). In reading the resignations, it states that the resignations would only become effective as of June 8 2009.
It was expected that all four of the commissioners would have been present during the press conference but that was prevented due to the central committee, which was ongoing from morning.
The leader of the Democratic Party said the reason they chose to have the effectiveness of the resignation until June 8 is that they believe three weeks would be enough for talks with the parties that are serious to form a new government in the interest of St. Maarten.
Wescot Williams said that now the resignations are in talks should now begin and no excuses are in the way.
The resignations read as follows: "To the chairman of the island and executive council, the honorable Lt. Governor F. E Richards --- Subject Resignation of Commissioner, the undersigned Sarah A Wescot Williams hereby tenders her resignation as commissioner of the island territory of St. Maarten effective June 8 2009." Wescot Williams said the other three commissioners signed a letter each to the same effect and she does not expect to hear tomorrow that what is submitted is not enough. She said that making such statement would only make visible the type of face she expects to see of the National Alliance.
Sources close the National Alliance already indicated that the talks would begin on June 8th when the resignation of the commissioners is effective. The source said the NA would not be negotiating with a government to form a government and that was made clear during the press statement last Thursday. Leader of the National Alliance has declined to make any further statements until he is notified on the resignations.
On attacking the perception that there is no government, Wescot Williams said there is a legitimate government in place even though they have lost their majority and are in a caretaker status.
She made clear that the present government would be doing what they have to do when it comes to making and taking decisions.
Wescot Williams said the post resignation of the commissioners has nothing to do with the National Alliance pre-conditions before negotiations of the next government take place. She said her faction believes that resigning would indeed be the right thing to rather than the smart one. "We have come to the conclusion to resign, because firstly we want to take away any semblance of wanting to hold on to the offices of commissioner. While we have been in deliberation on this as well as the concerns of the community and those who advised us not to resign we have decided to do the right thing over the smart thing," Wescot Williams said.
Wescot Williams said even though many feel that the smart thing to do right now is to let National Alliance call their bluff to form the government, which they have been saying they can form. "A smart thing politically is to say go ahead and form the government and we will not resign and we will see where the chips would fall." Wescot Williams explained.
She said that since the executive council has lost its majority the right thing for them to do is to resign since they believe doing so would allow the National Alliance to show their face and it would become evident to the public of St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said she had been dealing with the persons involved for a long time and she knows how the games are being played by them.
The Democratic Party leader said it would become evident in the next coming days or weeks the intentions of the National Alliance. She said she would stand by the statements she made regarding the National Alliance until proven otherwise.
Wescot Williams said she expects the demands and conditions in the talks with the National Alliance to be of such that the Democratic Party will be forced to say "thank you but no thanks if you think you have a government then you should go out and form that government.
Wescot Williams also made clear that the Democratic Party would not be taking any of this lying down since not only that they have a responsibility towards the voters but also to the population which is to offer a stable government to the island and its people.
The leader of government said that personally, she is getting a little bit tired of the amount distraction from government and governing that is currently taking place.
Referring to statements made by the Minister of Constitutional Affairs, Roland Duncan who said there are big decisions to be taken constitutionally which the present government is not doing. She said that doing the smart thing would have been to allow the NA faction and the Minister the opportunity to do all that he said that this current government is not doing.
Wescot Williams said Duncan made these justifications to say the next government should indicate their new signature and a different policy.
Wescot Williams said if that is the basis, on which the talks with the NA then they are in for a long and hot summer notwithstanding the Laveist situation she said the DP remains the largest party that was duly elected by the people of St. Maarten in 2007.
Wescot Williams said based on that fact the DP does not intend to give the NA carte blanche to put their signature and policy in place as such the discussions would take a very long time.
Asked if the Democratic Party still can muster, a majority to remain in power during those three weeks Wescot Williams said that either party could muster a majority. She said any side that gets six seats has that majority. The DP leader said that is why she stated from day one that the two parties should have made a written declaration of intent to say they are willing to work together. Having done that would have given the people the assurance that is need so that they as politicians could also take as much time needed to negotiate and work out the formation of the new government.

Philipsburg: ---- Former State Secretary for justice, founder of the St. Maarten Peoples Party (SMPP) and the number two candidate of the People's Progressive Party in the 2007 Island Council elections Johan Janchi Leonard said the island council members on St. Maarten are too selfish. Leonard said that now the process of forming a national or broad base government is being hindered because too many island council members are looking at what is in it for them and not the island. Leonard further explained that while the island has a terrible image overseas politicians and island council members are busy fighting over who is to be the next commissioner.
He said while being a commissioner is good these island council members can make a greater input in other areas to further develop the island as well as taking the constitutional train to its destination.
The veteran politician who was also a member of the Democratic Party said he fully endorses the proposal of the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin who already said he is looking to forming a National Alliance led government. "I fully agree with the perspective of the National Alliance who said they are not going to be used to prop up a falling government. However, the leader of the National Alliance must sit with his members in a retreat to sort matters out. As a leader, he needs to be fully transparent and open with his members and let them know the direction in which he plans to take them. Right now Marlin has to show his leadership skills and let his island council members know who can be and will be commissioners. We need people with knowledge and intelligence in government." Leonard said.
Leonard further explained that everyone at this point in time knows that Independent Island Councilman Louie Laviest is the one that dictates politics since it is with his vote alone that decides who would be running the island. However, even though not having all the details many scenarios can be worked out. Asked if he feels that any of the two parties should form a government with the island council member, Leonard said even though he knows that this person has thrown down the government twice and is has severe legal problems he has not yet spoken to Laveist to get the details of what is really taking place.
Leonard also made clear that Mr. Laveist remains the key person in the formation of a new government simply because he does not foresee the two major political parties namely the DP and NA coming together to form a broad base government. "Right now you have bunch of commissioners who are looking at their own interest and not the interest of the country and that is the major problem facing St. Maarten. Had these commissioners and island council members put aside their own self-interest then it would have been an easy combination to form the next government. "My advice to each of these party leaders is to make sure they inform their members that everyone cannot be commissioners and they need to act quickly if they are to eliminate Laveist's power from the island council." Leonard stressed that while he respects the people that voted for Laveist and the commissioner himself he cannot be allowed to jeopardize the island and its future. " Even if he was not treated fairly by anyone he cannot risk the entire island, that is plain as well as simple for the leaders and well as Laveist to understand." Leonard said.
The first and foremost problem is both of the party leaders want to be leader of the government and that is a problem from the onset. "Right now Sarah would not let go of leadership and William would not allow her to be the leader in this new government. I also fully support William because he did not fail the island." One has to understand that we are at the threshold of constitutional changes and Wescot Williams has been to all meetings and signed all documents thus far and to let go of all that is going to be hard for her. However, Wescot Williams needs to put that aside and put country first and not just say it as lip service. "My message is for all eleven island council members who must put aside their self interest and put St. Maarten first. Even though it is the prerogative to be commissioners they cannot do such when the country is at stake, some of them would have to give up what they want since the island is on the verge of its constitutional change." Leonard said St. Maarten right now needs people with experience to follow through with the changes that are ahead and those that are holding on to what they want has to move aside and allow the process to go on.
Obviously angry and emotional when making his statements Leonard said his island is painted black in Holland and other countries and the politicians need to be transparent and open with the people who elected them. He felt that the two leaders needed to hold a mini retreat and trash out this problem for the sake of St. Maarten.
Philipsburg:--- The Special Robbery Unit has also reported that the man with the initials D.A. from the Dominican Republic, an employee of a popular pizza restaurant has been arrested after he had filed a false official report with the detectives, stating that he had been the victim of an armed robbery. D. A filed a complaint with the detectives department stating that he was robbed while on his way to deliver a pizza. D.A told police that he was robbed at least twice by armed men while on his way to make deliveries.
After an intense investigation by the detectives, it was found that the man's statement had several inconsistencies, therefore he was called in by police and was confronted with the inconsistencies found. D. A then admitted that he filed a false report. He was immediately arrested.
Philipsburg: --- Police have arrested both parents of six-month-old baby who died mysteriously on Tuesday. SMN News understands the dead baby was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center with a broken neck and police were called in.
The local couple lives in Sucker Garden and are both working, so far it is not clear if a babysitter is involved or if the parents are the ones who were with the child when it died.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed the arrest of the parents; Stein said the parents who are living together did not give police a satisfactory statement as to how the young infant died and such they have confiscated the body for an autopsy to be conducted. He said so far police does not know the cause of death and the parents are the only ones that are suspects. Stein said it is clear something happened and the statement given by the parents is not satisfactory.
In the meantime, police is yet to release information on the death of the child and the arrest of the parents whose initials are given as B. Questioned about this incident Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said that the case is a sensitive case and that information on it cannot be released at this time. Doran said the case is delicate and the only thing he can confirm is that there is a dead baby and both parents are in police custody.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, says intensified controls of bars, restaurants, snack-its and clubs will commence by controllers from the Department of Permits, Licenses & Economic Control (VOSEC) and the Department of Control, Inspection & Security (CIB), within short with respect to excessive sound which creates a public nuisance in residential areas.
The island has experienced an accelerated urban economic development and due to constraints such as the island size, limited zoning, and land availability, this has resulted in land usage conflicts and unregulated economic activity.
Consequently, in areas which are otherwise considered as residential areas as well as mixed areas (residential and commercial development), commercial activity such as bars, restaurants and clubs, which create a nuisance to the neighborhood in which they operate, such as sound, smell and sight, will be limited.
"The overall objective here is to make sure that businesses are adhering to the law and comply with the stipulations within their licenses. Government does not want to close down any businesses, but every business owner has a responsibility and must follow the rules and regulations of the land.
"We want to see an improved quality of life for the residents in the various areas/districts," Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday.
Sound meters will be used in executing the controls. In case an establishment is emitting excessive noise, the following actions and penalties will be imposed, written warnings, closures of one week up to three months and permanent revocation of the establishment's license.
If an establishment doesn't have the required documentation such as a business, operational or vending licenses, the penalty is immediate closure until all the documents are in order.
Approximately 10 controllers will be out in the field conducting the exercise. The number also includes extra ordinary police officers who are authorized to give fines and or make arrests.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus, says that tobacco is continuing to take a toll on human life. Her message comes after World No Tobacco Day was observed across the globe on May 31.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to half of all smokers will die from a tobacco-related disease. Second-hand smoke harms everyone who is exposed to it.
Globally more than five million people die from the effects of tobacco every year. This is more than the combined total for HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
"It is an eye-opener when you hear that more people die annually around the world from the effects of tobacco than from the combined total of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
"I appeal to the St. Maarten community especially smokers, to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco use amongst families, friends and co-workers.
"Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Warning people about its true risks can go a long way towards reducing the number of persons that would become addicted," Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also called on governments to require that all tobacco packages include pictures to warn consumers of the ill effects of tobacco use.
Studies reveal that even among people who believe tobacco is harmful; few understand its specific health risks. Health warnings on tobacco packages in most countries do not provide information to warn consumers of the risks.
WHO points out that an effective health warning, especially those that include pictures, have been proven to motivate users to quit and to reduce the appeal of tobacco for those who are not yet addicted.
Commissioner Buncamper adds that she fully supports the call made by the WHO for tobacco companies to use effective communication images on tobacco packaging that would promote the risk and motivate behavioural changes, such as quitting or reducing tobacco consumption.

Marigot:---- The office of opposition leader Alain Richardson was broken into on Sunday morning while the businessman and politician was in church, the incident occurred on Sunday morning Richardson told reporters.
The opposition leader who owns an accounting firm in Bougainviller Building said nothing was stolen from his office since the alarm system did not give the theives time to take away anything from the office. ‘The only thing they did was to thumble the drawers looking for valuables". Richardson said.
Richardson said most of the damage was done to the locks and doors of the building which was replaced by the security company the same day. Richardson said he did not feel the attack was politically motivated because if that was the case the intruders would have gove after his computers which has valuable information stored in them. He estimated his loss of about two to three thousand dollars.
Richardson said this is not the first time theives attempted to break in the Bougainville Building but its the first time they ever accessed his office.
Richardson said on numerous occasions he brought to the attention of Prefet Dominique Lacroix the height of crime on St. Martin.
He said everyone in law enforcement knows of the increase in crime especially robberies, he also said his office was broken into at 10:30am which in his opinion showed how desperate the thieves are.
In the meantime, the gendarmes has reported that a pizzeria was robbed in Oyster Pond. The entered the establishment around 11pm Sunday night and stole some $200 and Euros 100 in cash.
Due to the increase in armed robberies the gendarmes reported that they have brought in reinforcements from Guadloupe to help curb the rising crime rate. The gendarmerie disclosed with the additional manpower more patrols will be deployed at night. Efforts made to obtain more information on the re-inforcements proved fututile as both captain and commandant were off yesterday due to a holiday.
Philipsburg:---The Bishop hill road will be closed-off from Monday June 8th 2009 upcoming from 9:00 am for a period of six (6) weeks. The Lt. Governor has signed a resolution approving the dates of the road closure.
The road will be re-opened on Monday July 20th 2009.
The road will be closed-off for a period of 6 weeks in order for the general contractor MNO-Vervat to carry out the much needed upgrading of the concrete culvert that will be constructed under the Bishop hill road.
With the upgrading of the culvert on the Bishop hill road the overflowing excessive rainwater that presently flows over the road into the adjacent trenches will be something of the past.
Philipsburg: --- Police were called to two more robbery sites on Wednesday night reported Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. Leonard said the first robbery took place somewhere between the midnight hour into the early morning hours of Thursday morning.
The police spokesman said three bandits, two male and a female broke into the Get Wet Beach Bar on the boardwalk and stole an empty cash register. The intruders he said entered through one of the windows of the establishment which was forced open. Leonard said shortly after the break-in someone saw the bandits leaving in a motor car and they took note of the number plates on the vehicle and notified police. Police he said began a chase and caught up with the thieves on AJC Browers Road where they managed to stop the vehicle and conducted a search. The three occupants of the vehicle two male and one female is now in police custody pending the investigations.
The second robbery incident that took place also on Thursday evening was at Happy Bar Restaurant on Union Road Cole Bay. Leonard said two masked men entered the establishment around 9:30pm wielding machetes as they threatened the patrons and proprietor of the establishment. At a given point one of the masked men jumped on top of the counter wielding his machete and stole the cash register which had in the day's sales. The police spokesman said there was about $250 inside of the cash register when it was stolen. He said the second bandit also searched the purse of one the patrons and he stole her cellular phone. After committing their act the bandits escaped through Tjo-sie Fat Road. Police searched the area but did not find the culprits.

Philipsburg: --- Minister of constitutional affairs Roland Duncan is angry with the police on St. Maarten and wants to know what their priorities are. Duncan said crime is killing St. Maarten and the only thing the police officers are concerned about is rent allowances.
The Minister said even though he is not the Minister of Justice he has been attending several meetings regarding justice and he is actually pissed off when he saw the Island Chief of Police is asking for more police officers. Duncan said he wants to know what the 120+ officers that presently make up the police force are doing to combat crime on St. Maarten.
The Minister said the people are not seeing the police and it's the Soualiga Police that are patrolling the streets of St. Maarten while the officers are sitting in their air conditioned offices and cars. He felt the time has come to take away all cars from these police and have them walk since almost all of the police officers in service have huge bellies because they are not doing anything on the job.
"It is beyond my comprehension to see the VKS and Soualiga Police patrolling the streets, I need to know where are the police and what are they doing to reduce crime. So far I only hear them saying they want to know about their rent allowances." The Minister said he would like to know what these officers are doing with their salaries because the only thing they are talking about is more monies, while they don't intend to work for that money, a situation he considers to be very disappointing.
The Minister of Constitutional Affairs said each time one speaks to the police they are asking for promotions but he wants to know how that is possible if they are not doing their work. People only get credit for their excellence.
He said right now St. Maarten needs a new police organization because the present one stinks from a distance... "the chiefs neither the Indians want to work, yet they are asking for rent allowances and promotions".
He said he believes the time has come for them to re assess the police on St. Maarten to see where their commitments are because the island has a major problem with crime and the police does not seem to care.
The officers do not want to work with the Dutch Marechausses because they believe everybody wants to take away something from them, but that might be the only solution for the crime and other concerns for St. Maarten.
Another concern for Duncan is the unions that are representing the police because he said they have been involving the unions with the constitutional process but yet they do not inform their members.

Philipsburg/Marigot: --- Several journalists operating on St. Maarten/ St. Martin has sold out the integrity of journalism by personally aligning themselves with politicians. Some of these journalists are said to be on the payrolls of certain politicians for favors they allegedly promised these politicians. Already the Collectivity of St. Martin has employed at least two journalists who have aligned themselves with the Union Pour le Progres political party prior to them being elected.
One such favor is to make sure nothing negative is printed about their so-called bosses or favorite politicians. Over the past years several persons in the community have been speaking out against the work journalists on St. Maarten do and their personal alignment with politicians. Some persons are extremely critical of at least one daily newspaper because at least one journalist from that company is seen campaigning and working for certain politicians on St. Maarten yet the newspaper has done nothing about these statements.
We at SMN News understands that management of that newspaper is waiting for someone to give them proof so they can act.
Just recently independent Island Council member Louie Laveist said a particular journalist on St. Maarten was involved in his demise. Even though Laveist did not publicly say who this person was he did say that everyone knows that person. One newspaper even mentioned the name of a journalist to be the culprit. Even then the journalist neither the company for which that person is working for never reacted.
Some of the stories that are being told that one particular journalist held several meetings with Laveist when he was in office as the labour commissioner. This journalist was supposed to be a co-owner of a business the commissioner was supposed to open. That journalist was also supposed to be paid a hefty salary for their work in promoting the commissioner at the time. All of which fell through because Laveist was advised not to make that mistake.
The same journalist also sent out an email to certain other members of the press asking them if they were interested in doing public relations work for certain politicians on St. Maarten. Something that is in direct conflict of interest with the professions these people hold. Doing so also discredits the credibility of the stories that were written by these reporters. Worst of all the newspaper for which they are employed has turned a blind eye to the entire situation which is becoming more worrisome by the day.
In a meeting held with the president of Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty some months ago, Carty told several reporters bluntly that he heard they were sold out to politicians since there are no more objective reports printed in the newspapers on St. Maarten. Even though the statements made by Carty during that meeting was not meant for publishing, it did send the message to the few journalists that were there during the meeting. Surely those present were obviously embarrassed about what was said and the public perception on their involvement with politicians.
Over the past weeks all media representatives have been receiving email invitations from a particular journalist on behalf of politicians, reasons for their involvement is yet to be revealed.
Since the fall of the Democratic Party one journalist in particular has been actively involved with one of the former DP commissioners, this journalist was seen in public places with the commissioner and relatives of the commissioner. The journalist in question even acknowledged in a Blackberry chatting message that she would be the press secretary for the new deputy leader of government, when confronted by a well known politician on St. Maarten.
The journalist who no longer hides their involvement with the commissioner in question had on her MSN messenger the following messages ("total high energy on Lime Green" and" Lime Green Storm" to show their alignment with the politician who intends to use that color for his new political party in the next election.
On Saturday during the signing of the political agreement several journalists showed up to cover and even witness history being recorded. While some of us were there simply to cover the story as a reporter, the journalist and political ally and their spouse was there showing their personal involvement with the politician in question by wearing the same color of clothes and make sure they were fully involved in the process of signing the political agreement.
The following statement was taken for the Society of Professional Journalists website to remind our colleagues in the media our purpose in society.
PREAMBLE
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.
Willemstad---The United States Consulate General Curacao is proud to announce sponsorship of a visit to Curacao by renowned American pianist Regina Shamvili. We are pleased to present, together with Art in Avila 2009, a piano recital at La Belle Alliance, Avilla Hotel, and Penstraat 130 on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 11:00am. Ms. Shamvili will perform Robert Schumann: Kreisleriana, opus 16 (Eight Fantasies of Hofmann's Fairytales) and Michael Glinka: Piano Miniatures.
Tickets are for sale at the Avila Hotel front desk. For ticket prices and other information, please call 461-4377. Donations will also be requested to benefit the Stichting Klassiek Curacao. Regina Shamvili gave her first orchestral performance at age 10. After graduating from both the Tbilisi Conservatory and the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, she became a household name in her native Russia. Her Melodia records were bestsellers. In 1983, she left Russia for the United States. A pianist with an international fan base, Regina has performed in more than 100 countries around the world.
Please visit www.reginashamvili.com or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regina_Shamvili for more information about Ms. Shamvili.
Philipsburg: --- Two persons were stabbed by their partners and have not filed an official police report said police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. The police spokesman said both incidents occurred on Tuesday, the first he said took place on Back Street. The victim has been identified as S.S from Jamaica whose ex boyfriend dealt her a stab wound. The woman was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Centre for treatment. She promised police to make an official report at the detective department after treatment but so far that report was not filed.
The second incident Leonard said occurred in Dutch Quarter, a man whose initials was not released were stabbed several times by his concubine. The man was stabbed on his shoulder, right lower arm and foot. The man was also taken to the hospital for treatment and he too did not file an official report.

Philipsburg: ---- Leader of Government William Marlin has advised members of the public to wait until next week before trying to reach any of the new commissioners of the executive council. Marlin said that the office spaces for the commissioners are now being prepared since they needed to be painted over. He further explained that some of the offices would need additional furniture; he said the staff for these commissioners should be behind their desk by Monday morning. The new leader of government said persons wanting to reach the commissioners would have to meet them in the corridors of the government administration building. The only commissioner that can be reached immediately is Commissioner Theo Heyliger who maintains his previous office.
Marlin said the new executive council held their first executive meeting. He said the council did not handle any new pieces or documents. He said the only thing handled on Tuesday was the offices of the new commissioners as well as the allocation of portfolios.
Marlin said he would be responsible for constitutional affairs and already he has a number of meetings scheduled for the next two weeks. One of those meetings is the official meeting of State Secretary for Interior and Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveld-Schouten which will take place on June 22 in Curacao. The new leader of government said his work is cut out for him since this is an ongoing issue for St. Maarten and the rest of the Kingdom. He said he would be meeting with the advisors on the constitutional process so they can prepare for the upcoming meetings which are to be held in Curacao later this month.
Marlin said he already met with the incoming Dutch representative who should be taking office by September 1. He said he gave the Dutch representatives the breakdown of the present government and also assured them that nothing will change as to the constitutional process. He however, promised that the Dutch will see a stepping up of the process locally. He said even though they supported the former government with the constitutional talks they did not agree on the slow pace on which things were moving on St. Maarten. He said there are a number of organic laws that have been prepared by the advisors but to date they are not finalized by the island council.
Marlin said the new government would be looking into having an Ombudsman put in place and to regulate the gaming board situation which raised some issues.
Marlin said matters such as these do not have to wait until the island attained its country status because the earlier one puts these in place the better it would be for St. Maarten.
Philipsburg- The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says there is not need for panic as the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday announced that it had raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6. The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic reported the WHO on Thursday with reference to Influenza A (H1N1) Virus also commonly known as Swine Flu.
According to Maria Henry from the PHD, there is no need for panic as the severity of the virus is moderate. The decision taken by the WHO on Thursday was done in close consultation with leading influenza experts.
The weekly physician base syndromic reporting surveillance system has not reported anything out of the ordinary in relation to influenza (the common cold/flu).
The overwhelming majority of patients according to the WHO has experienced mild symptoms and has made a rapid and full recovery, often in absence of any form of medical treatment. Worldwide, the number of deaths is small.
The upgrade from phase 5 to 6 was done due to the geographical spread of the disease. The spread of the virus is being closely monitored. As of Thursday there were close to 30,000 confirmed cases reported in 74 countries.
Based on the upgrade in phase, the PHD says that it is necessary for residents to continue to follow the recommended high standards of personal hygiene and that there is no need for panic.
At this moment, there are no cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus on the island. According to PHD, even though the severity of the aforementioned virus has abated from its original onset, it is imperative that persons continue to practice high standards of hygiene.
High standards of personal hygiene entail covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hand 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. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
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.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around them, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications of influenza.
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution over travel to affected areas. In the event that travel is unavoidable, the public is advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times.
Most cases of influenza A (H1N1) so far reported around the world appear to be mild. There is currently no vaccine for the new strain of flu but severe cases can be treated with antiviral medication.
The PHD has requested physicians to be on alert and to report any suspected cases so that the necessary steps can be activated. The PHD is also reminding persons to execute the necessary preventive measures at all times.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHP at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg: --- The United Federation Union UFA is calling on the Supervisory Board of GEBE to take action against the company's managing director William Brooks whom they said are out of control. The union suggested that Brooks must be demoted from his position since they are unable to work with him. According to a press release from the UFA it states that Brooks has insulted the President of the UFA Mr. Francis Olivacchi, he is also accused of insulting the former President of the Union Mr. Boasman as well as Mr. Barton. The UFA further charged that Brooks even threatened their president telling him if he did not sign the evaluation of 5% to bind the workers. The UFA acknowledged that Olivacchi did sign but the protocol of the UFA states that at least two persons from the board of the union must sign on their behalf if not the document becomes null and void.
According to the UFA they have a pending Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) since the year 2004 and 2007 that the protocol of the wages have been agreed upon but the nonfinancial part of the CLA and the social benefits of the CLA, up to now has not been finalized because the Managing Director of the GEBE, Mr. Brooks refused to negotiate with the UFA those pending points.
In the collective labor agreement for 2007 to 2010 parties have requested an increase of 10% in 2007, 10% in 2008, and 5% in 2009 on wages. Up to this present moment the Managing Director, Mr. Brooks, bluntly refused to sit on the table with UFA to finalize those pending CLA's. Brooks they said offered was 5% including Evaluation and he (the managing director), will determine how it will be decided upon in the future.
The UFA bluntly refused because he Brooks has to honor the protocol signed between the former Managing Director, Mr. Julius Lambert, and the former President of the UFA, Mr. Lionel Boasman whereby the Evaluation has to be finalized in mutual agreement.
Furthermore, for each year until the Evaluation goes into effect, GEBE has to pay 5% and also when the cost of living increases to more than 4% then they have to get the necessary adjustment according to the stipulations in the CLA.
He went so far in the early part of 2009 to threaten the President of the UFA, Mr. Francis Olivacci, stating that he must sign 5% Evaluation to bind the workers. The President of the UFA did sign but according to the Constitution of the UFA a minimum of two persons have to sign making it null and void. He, Mr. Brooks, even went so far as to say that the President of the UFA has no back bone and all other kinds of insulting words.
The UFA in their letter to the supervisory board states that if action is not taken against Brooks then they would have no other choice but to take action. That action they are referring to is labour unrest.
The union in their letter said Brooks has insulted, Former President of the UFA, Mr. Boasman, in the past and also Mr. Barton, he is getting out of control and the UFA will do what they have to do if the CLA is not respected.
The UFA said Brooks is like someone from the wild, wild west. They further said that the reason action has to be taken against Brooks is because they feel the managing director to be incompetent and he is just creating labor problems for the workers of GEBE.
The union said they believe Brooks must face demotion since they are unable to deal with him. Dealing with Brooks the UFA said may cause physical action and that they are trying to prevent. The union is also calling on the supervisory board to start a profound investigation against the Managing Director who is already up in arms with the supervisory board. The board already suggested to the island council in a central committee meeting that Brooks should no longer remain on the job.
The workers of GEBE in St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba are totally fed up with the Managing Director, Mr. Brooks. They said Brooks went so far as to tell the Vice President of the UFA, Mr. Irwin Jack, to resign as Vice President of the UFA in order to get a wage increase and also one of the workers in Saba, Mr. Daniel Johnson, he does not want to negotiate a justified wage increase for him as supervisor.
Reasons they gave for the investigation since they felt Brooks has over stepped his bounds in his managing style.
The Union said so far the workers have not gotten their cost of living which is long over due to them and also the payment of 5% that has to be paid until Evaluation system has been implemented which was signed by the former Managing Director of GEBE and the UFA.
In addition, the company refused to negotiate the pending CLA with the UFA and if solution is not found then the UFA will have a labor problem in the three island labor territories.
The UFA concluded its letter by stating that they have had enough and that their patience has simply run out. They are also asking for an urgent meeting with the board of directors of GEBE to see if they can resolve the long overdue labor issues.
Simpsonbay- Contractor Hofman Sliedrecht will commence on Monday, June 15 at 8.00pm with civil works related to the resurfacing of the bridge lift deck which will have some consequences for motorists. These works will lasts for approximately five days to remove the coating and replace it with a new one.
Only one traffic lane will be available for vehicular traffic on the bridge. The flow of traffic will be regulated by traffic lights and motorists are asked to carefully observe and follow the traffic signs that will be erected.
The same civil works process will also be followed on the second lane in the week of June 22 for another five day period. The successful completion of the works is conditioned on the weather.
The Traffic Police have indicated that they will be on standby should it be necessary to help facilitate the flow of traffic.
The bridge will only open for maritime traffic in and outbound vessels on Sundays during the construction phase period at 6.00pm. After June 30, 2009 the bridge will continue to open daily on the regular opening hours.
At times the bridge will open for approximately 20 minutes or less to facilitate the works that need to be carried out on the face side of the structure. These openings will take place before 6.00am and after 8.00pm when there is hardly any vehicular traffic.
Managing Director of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Russell Voges says due to the constant vehicular movement over the bridge, the coating on the deck has become worn and needs to be replaced.
"These civil works are part of the full rehabilitation of the bridge project which has been carried out in phases over a period of time.
"I appeal to motorists for their patience and apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. The contractors will work diligently to limit the inconvenience as much as possible," Director Voges pointed out.
The recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, (the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges) in their report of March 2007 are being executed to ensure the durability and longevity of the Simpson Bay Bridge.
For any further information please call the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority's Collection Office at the Police Station in Simpson Bay next to the bridge at telephone numbers: 545 3183 or via the Police Station at telephone numbers: 545 5500/01/02/03/04/05 or call the Bridge Operator on VHF channel 12.
Philipsburg: --- Managing Director of United Telecommunications Services UTS Glen Carty has placed all rumors to rest on Monday when he admitted to the media that the company is busy talking with management of TELEM group of companies. The talks he said is regarding the sale of the government owned company. Carty said parties signed a non discloser policy and he is not able to divulge much information on the negotiations that are ongoing.
He said ever since he joined UTS in 2002 he has been very consistent with his philosophy about the merging of the two companies whom he said came from the same grandparents Landsradio and TELCOM.
He said there is certain amount of synergy within the two companies and if they merge they would be able to compete rigoursly with other telecommunication companies. “One of these companies have the monies (infrastructure in place and the other has the know how, so bring them together would be beneficial to St. Maarten”. Carty admitted that the politicians would have to say how they would make this happen, since they would be able compete against giants like Digicel and France Telecom.
Carty said already they have a draft policy in place when the island takes on its country status. The idea of telecommunication is to provide jobs even from home. He said he does not believe that telecommunication is used sufficiently to create work locally. While he admitted that competition is healthy for any business he felt it is important for them to focus on creating more work and what would bring monies to the island.
Marigot:-- A 39 year old man who was residing on the French side illegally now has to spend the next four years behind bars for drug trafficking. The suspect was also banned from entering all French territories for ten years after he is expatriated.
A press release from the gendarmerie states that the individual was arrested and transferred to Guadeloupe on June 11 and he was judged and condemned the same day after it was proven that he was trafficking crack and cocaine. An investigation conducted by the brigade de recherché on June 9 led to the arrest of the suspect, who it turned out was also using a false identity and residing on the island illegally.
Philipsburg: --- Sources close to the police organization on St. Maarten said that at least eleven police officers most of whom are in the service for long time has requested to leave the St. Maarten Police Force and move back to Curacao. The source said the officers are not content with the type of leadership that St. Maarten has thus they want to leave, another concern for the officers is the lack of growth as well as their benefits. The officers it is said are from Curacao who prefer to return to their island.
SMN News further understands that some of the officers would leave as early as next month. So far the management of the local police force has remained tightlipped on the situation at hand. Already the police department is highly understaffed and loosing more officers can be a detriment to the island’s safety and security. Even though the police are presently involved in a recruitment drive in all the islands this would not bring along relief anytime soon.
In an invited comment Chief of Police Franklyn Richards said only two persons are scheduled to leave the police force and go back to Curacao. Richards in the beginning said he was not aware of anyone leaving but after taking up the issue with the Assistant Chief of Police he was told that only two officers requested to leave St. Maarten.
SMN News could not get hold of the Assistant Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran for a comment since he was not answering his phone.
In an invited comment Minister of Justice David Dick said he was not aware of the developments. Dick however, promised to do some investigations on the matter before making an official comment.
Philipsburg:--- The members of the twin organization SNBF and Association L' Esprit de Concordia met with the President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs earlier this week and on Wednesday met with the island Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards.
In a press release President of the Associations Leopold James said they are now finally seeing recognition for the work the association is doing and they are now moving to the next level.
James said a 'paradigm-shift' is taking place as far as the acknowledgment of the role and importance of the twin-organization is concerned, this he said only became evident after a very high ranking Dutch official had an in-depth meeting president Drs. Leopold JAMES, in which a number of critical socio-economic and political developments taking place on Dutch St. Maarten were discussed.
In addition, possible scenarios for the future of the island were presented and analyzed.
He said a power-point presentation made on Monday, June 15, 2009, JAMES, to Mr. Frantz GUMBS and Counsel Members of the Collectivity Saint Martin on the importance of the St. Martin cultural-identity and the overall development of the island, clearly stimulated their consciousness and commitment to make use of the grass-roots connections of SNBF/L'Esprit.
Furthermore, during a meeting, Wednesday, with Mr. Franklyn RICHARDS, Lt.-Governor of St. Maarten, the delegation clearly made a tremendous impact on the governor, who pledged full cooperation with the plan to initiate a 'broad-based' socio-economic and cultural partnership between all stakeholders on the island, in a structural and integrated attempt to foster 'unity' within our island-community.
Already, this concept also has the blessing of Mr. Damo RAWTANI, vice-president of the IMA, (Indian Merchants Association) Mr. Glenn CARTY President of the Chamber of Commerce and others.
It is the intention of the two associations to work out technical and legal details with the Governments of both sides of the island in order to come to a mutually acceptable working relationship between the 'twin'-organizations and both Governments, before all stakeholders can be approached and invited to solicit their cooperation as well.
Clearly, with this blessing from the highest levels of the governments from both sides of island, this St. Martin grass-roots movement can finally take its role in community- or nation building to the 'next-level' in the interests of all native St. Martiners, St.Martiners-at-heart and other residents.
Commissioner responsible for tourism and economic affairs, Frans Richardson, was on Thursday treated to a presentation by the sector Economy and Tourism. During the gathering held at the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall, the commissioner was accompanied by incoming members of his office staff.
The commissioner and his delegation expressed satisfaction with the information and updates provided and were afforded the opportunity to pose questions to the sector's director as well as department heads, section heads and senior officials associated with the various island government services resorting under the sector Economy & Tourism.
Philipsburg— There has been six more confirmed cases of Swine Flu H1N1 on St. Maarten, bringing the number to eight. Five of the cases are related to the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) where the first two patients were tested positive earlier this week. While the other case is elsewhere on the island, the exact location is still not known.
The information was made available to Sector Health Care late Friday afternoon. While the number of cases is rising by the day information surrounding the pandemic is not forthcoming. So far authorities have not decided to quarantine patients with the virus, instead they are depending solely on the advice given to the patient which is to stay home.
A press conference is yet to be called by authorities on the island even though they were informed about the new cases on Friday afternoon. It is understood a close door meeting will be held on Saturday to further discuss the matter. Efforts made to contact the island Lt. Governor proved futile up to press time.
The Director of Sector Health Care, Social & Labor, Jorien Wuite was informed by the Epidemiologist for the Netherlands Antilles, Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth of six additional confirmed cases of H1N1 flu on St. Maarten.
These cases were confirmed by the Erasmus Medisch Virologisch Laboratorium in Rotterdam. These confirmed cases are primarily related to the previous confirmed case of a medical student at the American University of the Caribbean (AUC).
This indicates that the surveillance and case investigation and follow up of the Preventive Health Department is working effectively. The Preventive Health Department will continue its work throughout the weekend with additional investigations, information and assistance to the affected patients. As a reminder affected patients are urged to remain at home.
A EOC meeting will be called on Saturday, June 20TH with Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and Commissioner of Health Hyacinth Richardson, to assess the situation and to discuss possible further measures.
The general public will be informed in the coming days with a more extensive press briefing. In the meantime persons are reminded to follow hygienic procedures especially persons who are traveling..
The Preventive Health Department advises that if you have been near or around someone with H1N1 flu, or someone with flu-like symptoms, call your House Doctor or call the Preventive Health Department. If you have traveled to or arrived from, Mexico or the USA within the last 7-10 days and have flu-like symptoms, you are required to stay at home and to call your House Doctor or the Preventive Health Department immediately. The phone numbers are as follows: 5422078 or 5423003 or 5204523. Persons can also visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int for more information on Influenza (H1N1) virus.
The symptoms of Influenza H1N1 are:
• fever (temperature >38 C); and
• sore throat; and
• cough; and/or
• dyspnoea (difficult or labored breathing);
It is advisable to immediately implement preventive measures at your establishment or home such as:
1. Washing hands. Washing hands often help protect a person from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner/sanitizer. It is recommended that when you wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds.
2. Persons should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
3. Dispose used tissue properly in the waste baskets and wash hands thereafter.
4. Frequently disinfect hard useable surfaces such as door knobs, counter tops, desks, phones etc.
5. Provide napkins, hand sanitizers on a regular basis for your staff and clientele.
6. Avoid close contact with sick persons diagnosed with H1N1.
7. Persons who have flu-like symptoms and have traveled in the last 7 to 10 days should stay at home and immediately contact their general practitioner/physician or the Public Health Department.
8. Diagnosed person should stay indoors and protect his/her family & colleagues.
On Tuesday the first confirmed cases of Swine Flu was made known to the island’s authorities. On Wednesday, the director of Sector Health Care said there were two confirmed cases, one of the patients she said was in Japan at the time she was tested positive while a student of the AUC was confined to her home on the French side of the island. The sector head said they took samples from at least nine more people and it was sent to Holland for testing. She said at the time, there were 100 doses of Tamiflu on the island and that people should not panic.
In the meantime, the French Minister of Health and Sports has advised that the protocol for patients contaminated with H1N1 Swine Flu has been revised.
Patients that are suspected of having the virus must call the SAMU at their emergency number 15 whose staff would then direct the patients to a pre-indentified medical establishment equipped to deal with the suspected cases of H1N1 FLU virus.
Patients tested positive for the virus will be provided with anti-viral medication and face masks. In case the patient condition is not is not severe then they can return home. However, all patients must adhere to the guidelines that will be provided. Hygiene procedures must be strictly followed which includes the wearing of the mask, with proper ventilation. Persons tested positive must remain confined to their homes and not go out and must stay in touch with the medical institution. Patients with severe symptoms would require hospitalization.
Also confirmed there are two cases of H1N1 flu confirmed in Curacao. One of patient is said to be an American Tourist, while the other a member of Curacao’s National Men Volleyball Team.
Health Department epidemiologist Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth said both patients are recovering. The volleyball player is one of more than a dozen cases to emerge in the Caribbean from the international tournament last week in Trinidad.
There were concerns about further spread that prompted authorities in Trinidad to cancel next month's Caribbean Games.
Philipsburg: --- President of the Windward Island Civil Servant Union William Reed is calling on all its members in the civil service to check with the union if they were shortchanged with their vacation allowances. Reed said so far only three of its members provided them with their pay slips which showed there are some discrepancies with the payment. “These three workers began working for government the same time, they receive the same salary and most importantly they are in the same salary scale yet, there is a discrepancy with the vacation allowances which ranges from Naf. 50 to Naf.100.” Reed said he intends to check with the finance department because someone has to tell him what went wrong in the calculation.
Several civil servants expressed their concerns and disappointment in the amount of monies they received from what they expected in their vacation allowances. When asked why they did not meet with the union some of them said the WICSU is not representing its members since there are board members that have political ties. It should be noted that the vice president of the WICSU ran on the Democratic Party slate in the 2007 elections.
This person is now working for the central government. When confronted about the conflict of interest the President of WICSU became rather upset saying that someone sent the reporter to target him. Reed said this matter was raised during one of his board meetings and he believes it is one of the board members who leaked it to the news.
Reed went on to say that he is a man of his words and he does not allow political ties to hinder the representation he gives to his membership which is way over 600. Regarding those civil servants who said they are not getting representation Reed said he is sure they are not members of the union. This is not the first time several civil servants claim they are not getting representation from the WICSU, the same was said when the island government began implementing its salary scales. It was said that Reed was part of the committee putting the scales together and he knew in advance his members were going to be affected.
SMN News further understands that the board of WICSU is having internal problems which are boiling over. It was clear with Reed’s reaction on Tuesday that the matter is now getting to him.
CUL DE SAC—Some 16 persons including children are now homeless after an early afternoon blaze on L.B Scot Road, Cul de Sac. At least three wooden structures have been destroyed between Catapult and Killebarn Drives.
SMN News understands that the fire maybe electrical but up to press time that could not be confirmed. When the fire trucks arrived on the scene the building where the fire started was almost flat and was making its way to the nearby building.
Fire fighters on the scene had difficulty getting the blaze under control due to the overcrowded area as well as the wind which was working against the officers as they tried to battle the blaze.
As fire fighters battle the blaze residents of the nearby homes was busy trying to save all they can from their homes.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the police received a call around 2pm and the traffic had to be diverted. Henson said there were no injuries but several people he said are homeless.
Henson said Wednesday’s fire is a reminder of what took place in Cay Bay two years ago.
Willemstad: ---Councilwoman and Democratic Party Leader, Sarah Wescot-Williams has commended State Secretary Bijleveld on the bold step taken during the political meeting of June 24th 2009. After the meeting, Sarah Wescot explained that the constitutional process is not one of leaps and bounds, but one of small and sure steps. The agreement of June 24th is such a step.
The focus for this meeting was on the establishment of a date for the transition to the new country status. The outcome is not an exact date yet, but close enough. On the other hand, we had set 2 target dates before that could not be met. The State Secretary has stuck her neck out, by establishing that Sint Maarten will attain country status no later than October 31, 2010, a position that is to be commended.
In essence now, the date to become country is yet to be established, but will be no later than October 31st, 2010. Reference is made in the agreement of June 24th, 2009 to the federal election of 2010 and possible island elections in that same year. The federal election, constitutionally due at the beginning of 2010 will have to be postponed. Basically this means that the term of the Antillean parliament, which would expire at the end of March 2010 will be extended for a few months, again no later than October 31, 2010.
We are not out of the woods yet, as the approval process of St. Maarten’s compliance is yet to take place. In accordance with agreements reached in the past, this approval will take place in a conference, to be held sometime next year.
A joint technical committee will develop instruments and provisions to be applied in the event the new countries can not execute certain tasks which will be come their responsibility as a country.
This committee will report to the Political Steering Group which will meet again in late September 2009.
Councilwoman Wescot-Williams also commended the entire Sint Maarten delegation, especially the hard working advisors, some of whom have been part of this process for as long as she herself has.
Philipsburg: --- Leader of Government and commissioner of Constitutional Affairs William Marlin in a press conference on Thursday said St. Maarten has made a lot of head way during the last weeks since the new government took office. He said the accomplishments of the new government should not be taken lightly, even though there are people who are trying to downplay their achievements.
The new leader of government said while there is no date set for the achieving of country, they do have a time line in place. During this time the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles will be extended since the islands cannot have two sets of elections. Marlin said sometime in 2010 there would be one election where they would be electing a 15 member council. Seven of which are going to be commissioners.
During this election the island would be separating the responsibilities for the legislative branch from the executive branch. He said someone who is a commissioner would not be able to hold on to their seat in the island council. The system he said would be similar to that of the parliament and central government. This he said would be in preparation for the 15 members for the first parliament for St. Maarten. When the island attains it status then there would no longer be an executive council instead it would move over to the Council of Ministers with a Prime Minister as chairman.
The island leader said that the reason for taking such a decision is because St. Maarten and the other entities would need more time to prepare to take on country status and not going to the people for another central government election. Marlin said no politician in their right mind would go back to the voters and loose their credibility with an election for the central government which is slated for March 2010. Marlin said the date on which St. Maarten and Curacao as well as the BES islands would take effect would be established in September during their political steering group meeting. During these meetings he said a possible date for an election would also be established.
Explaining the headways the new government has made Marlin said they have managed to turn the negative perception of the Dutch and created hope for the future.
Marlin said when he took office some three weeks ago he promised they would do things differently on the constitutional front which they have made a priority for the National Alliance/ Theo Heyliger government.
Marlin said their intention is to put the various structures in place that can accommodate country St. Maarten. Some of the things that will be put in place is the ombudsman, the MOT, and the gaming control board process all of which the Dutch were complaining about over the last year.
The new government also intends to install the department of civil aviation and the department of justice. Departments that already exist on St. Maarten will be upgraded and expanded to meet the criteria for country St. Maarten as well as practice good governance by filling the critical vacancies that presently exist.
Marlin said during his discussions on Curacao he made clear that St. Maarten would need financial help as well as qualified personnel with experience to help set up the institutions for country St. Maarten. The leader of government said after the discussions were completed they signed two agreements, one with the central government and the other with the Dutch government.
He said the agreement with the Central government stipulates that the central government will assist in setting up branch offices on St. Maarten. The central government also agreed to make personnel available for these departments. He said knowing that neither St. Maarten and the Central government does not have the finances and personnel available to make this happen he discussed it with the Dutch State Secretary of Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveldt-Schouten who signed an agreement on Wednesday. Marlin said with that agreement the Dutch Government has agreed to support and assist St. Maarten in the setting up of the central government departments on St. Maarten so that they can meet the criteria to become country by the end of October 2010. Marlin said by the end of July 2008 the island would know the type of assistance and the amount of monies the Dutch will put forward for the setting up of these departments.
Even though there are agreements in place no calculations been done on how much money and persons would be needed.
Marlin said there are those who are trying to play down their achievements he reminded that even after the visit to The Hague the Dutch was very critical of St. Maarten becoming a country. Marlin said it is clear that Curacao is fully prepared to take on their new status but St. Maarten is not for the lack of infrastructures.
He said while the island has a few departments in place they are understaffed and under equipped. He gave an example of the tax office whose legislative body is in Curacao while there is an office locally. This he said applied for bureau telecommunications.
Marlin said during his bilateral talks with Ank Bijleveldt-Schouten two things were made very clear. That St. Maarten would not agree to give the Dutch more autonomy over the island. He explained that the Dutch State Secretary asked if the island would agree to have the Dutch take responsibility for the areas that the island was not ready to take on. Marlin said he was further asked that if the island refused option what would be the solution and he asked why the Dutch government assists St. Maarten in establishing that which is not in place. He said he made clear that all responsibilities must remain local since they have no intention of moving from the central government and go over to the Dutch. He said he made clear that the people of St. Maarten voted for country status and that is what they would be accepting.
Marlin said his government would continue to work hard to change the negative image of the island.
He concluded by saying that several persons have contacted him offering their services to assist the island setting up for the transition. He said while he was contacted by experts and qualified people who wants to assist they would be looking in bringing back St. Maarten students who are living abroad who were labeled as over qualified.
Philipsburg: -- A two part signing took place Friday afternoon to make monies available for the installation of five quartermasters. Signing the first half of the agreement was Minister of Constitutional and Interior Affairs Roland Duncan and the representative of USONA Bart Pasman. Immediately after that the Minister signed another agreement with the leader of government William Marlin where he immediately handed over the monies.
In a short address Minister Duncan thanked USONA for providing the funds for the projects which is to set up a department of Protocol as well as the installation of five quartermasters on St. Maarten. The contract between USONA and the Minister was a guarantee of the funding while the agreement signed with the island government and the Minister relates to the execution of the two projects.
Duncan said by signing these agreements in keeping with the mandate of the central government in the benefit of St. Maarten.
Leader of Government William Marlin said the monies received stands at Naf. 1,079,070 for both projects.
He said in the past the central government was the ones to execute these projects but now that St. Maarten is on her way to country status, she must take her own responsibilities. Marlin said the funding is indeed two fold. One the island must hire quartermasters to help build some of the departments.
The departments that would be receiving quartermasters are the finance department (resource management), education department, sector health care, general affairs and spatial planning and environment. He said parts of the monies would also be used to upgrade the protocol department so when St. Maarten becomes country then the level would be upgraded. The intention Marlin said is that each of the above sectors would have their Ministerial work group but the quartermaster he said would assist the chairperson of these work groups with the constitutional development with the development activities.
The island leader said the quartermaster would be tasked with developing policies, as well as implementation plans as well as its execution. The quartermasters would also have to develop communication strategies as well as executing them. They would also have to compile a transition document for the chairpersons of the Ministerial workgroups.
Marlin said the total duration for the execution of the two projects would take between six to eight months.
Marlin further explained that with the upgrading of the protocol section Government Information Service would have to be upgraded by defining the processes and procedures. He said the employees of this department would also have to engage in training where they would have a professional section of protocol for country St. Maarten. The quartermasters he said would have to develop a protocol as well as setting up of a database. The island leader said with the two agreements signed on Friday is geared at helping St. Maarten getting closer to achieve what is necessary for the island to achieve that which is necessary for them to obtain its status. He said these persons and departments in place would assist the island with its transition phases.
Marigot/ Philipsburg:--- Several taxi drivers both from the French and Dutch side of the island are planning to boycott the Marigot market place now that the Vice President of Economic Affairs and Transportation has unveiled his 25 point new rules for taxi drivers.
According to information reaching SMN News three taxi drivers from the Dutch Taxi Association have been fined for illegal parking, while the car rentals that do not have an allocated parking space is left untouchable.
Some of the drivers said they cannot even leave their vehicle parked while they sit under the tree or say hello to someone else. “One of the drivers was fined because he went to see someone by the Anguilla ferry stelling.” While the new rules states that any driver who is found to be carrying more than the legal amount of passengers would also be fined. The DSTA members want to know if the French is speaking about their legal limits or if the Dutch side is inclusive. The legal limit on the French side for the French side is nine compared to 14 on the Dutch side with D licenses.
Some drivers also from the French side spoke to this media house anonymously saying they themselves would boycott the French side, mainly Marigot since the French does not do anything to enhance tourism. What is amazing one would believe the Collectivity would show the licensed taxi drivers some respect by sending them the rules, but to date no one from the COM ever kept a meeting with the drivers to at least let them know what is coming to them. “one of the drivers said this is a total lack of respect from government.”
The drivers said they are over burdened with taxes on the French side even though most of them do not make one dollar on this side of the island.
One of the drivers who were fined said they are now going to work according to the treaty which said that drivers can pass through Marigot but not stop for shopping. The driver said already the French side is more expensive for shopping and their currency is working against them, information they would readily pass on the tourists who are touring the French side of the island.
SMN News contacted Clyde Hook of the Dutch Taxi Association (DSTA) for a comment Hook said he did not see a copy of the rules that were implemented, he said the French side Government did not see the need to send the DSTA a copy of their new rules instead drivers are being fined without a warning. Hook said not even the French and Dutch liaison officer did not notify them of the changes. Hook said he did receive complaints from his drivers but he would not make a statement pertaining to the actions they would take unless he sees the rules himself.
Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association in a press statement said the draft report that has been submitted to government will not bring any type of relief to businesses during the economic down turn. SHTA President Emil Lee said after reviewing the document which was submitted on June 9 he has not seen any type of relief forthcoming any time soon. The SHTA felt that the economic recovery plan should have elements that would offer immediate relief to both business and residents of the island in order to stimulate the economy.
The St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade (SHTA) feels that after months of work the so –called draft proposal does not have any solution for crisis. The association does not believe that those in the driver seat should wait any longer to develop plans if not the businesses and residents will suffer.
In the meantime , the SHTA said they have been lobbying for the reallocation of SEI funds for emergency marketing since February 2009.
They said in its efforts to ensure a speedy approval of the reallocation of the funds, the association met with the Island Government and Dutch Kingdom representatives on several occasions to convince them of the importance of increased destination marketing for the island in these trying times.
The release said before the reallocation of funds could be approved, the Dutch issued a prerequisite asking that the private sector contribute approximately US$ 1 million in kind to the marketing campaign., the SHTA, with the help of its member hotels, managed to secure over two million guilders, exceeding the required amount in record time.”
San Juan, Puerto Rico:--– Last Monday, June 22, 2009, the premier of the movie, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” was held at the San Patricio Caribbean Cinemas theatres in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and its “¡Diviértete Más en St. Maarten” summer
Advertising campaign sponsored this special movie premier. A total of 423 people
attended the “by invitation only” special event, and were the first people in the
world to see this summer blockbuster, which broke all Wednesday opening day
records in the United States and in Puerto Rico.
At the end of the event, all attendees received a St. Maarten promotional bag
with information about the island, St. Maarten promotional items and information
about the summer packages available only through the St. Maarten / Puerto Rico
Program Partner Retailers.
Sponsorship of this movie premier is part of the aggressive marketing and
promotional efforts that the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and its Puerto Rico
representatives, Paradigm Associates, are undertaking in this market to establish
the island as the ideal vacation destination for Puerto Ricans.
Currently, St. Maarten is sponsoring various different promotions in Puerto Rico including television, newspapers, radio and internet (Facebook and Twitter).
The St. Maarten Facebook group for the Puerto Rican market (“Diviertete mas en St. Maarten”) has increased its membership to more than 500 people posting their
vacation photos, positive reviews about the island and inquiring information about
special packages to vacation in St. Maarten.
The next movie premier to be sponsored by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau will
be “G.I. Joe” during the second week of August. This movie is also expected to
be another summer blockbuster.
Philipsburg. Gracita R. Arrindell, Founder of the Peridot Foundation states; “we are eager to present our continuing series of awareness programs with this occasion slated for this Saturday July 4th 2009 at the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center with the featured address to be given by former First Lady of Guyana, Ms. Varshnie Singh. In our communication at the beginning of this week, Ms Singh told us that she is Quote; ‘right on track for my visit and looking forward to it’.
We will be having a full program for Ms Singh during her first visit to Sint Maarten, starting with the main event this Saturday July 4th at 7.30 sharp. The program for the evening includes; Sint Maarten song; by Ms. Karia Arnold, Prayers; Mrs. Dorothy Boezerman; Remarks by Safe Haven Director, Mrs. Oldine Bryson Pantophlet, Vocal entertainment by Ms. Keila Gumbs, introduction of guest speaker by Amalia Elstak, the address by Ms. Varshnie Singh, followed by closing remarks and presentation of tokens of appreciation by Gracita Arrindell. We urge those who are advocates to have less violence in our homes, schools and community to come on time”.
Gracita continues; “On Sunday July 5th Ms. Singh is invited to attend a special luncheon organized by the Sint Maarten –Guyanese Foundation. We are very great full to the Sint Maarten Guyanese foundation for making this valuable contribution and look forward to afford her a warm welcome for this occasion as well. The articles establishing our foundation also includes the islands of Statia, Saba and Saint Martin. In this regard we are excited to have been invited by the, “Women with a higher Purpose” foundation in collaboration with “Women’s desk” and have accepted to travel to Statia on Monday July 6th to speak and participate at several functions organized by both organizations in Statia.
On Tuesday evening from 8 to 9 p.m. we will be on air as guest of radio personality Tamika Jones’s program; ‘The Beauty In Me’ on S.O.S 95.9 FM.
Ms Singh is scheduled to return to Guyana on Wednesday July 8th”.
Gracita said: “Peridot Foundation takes this opportunity also, to say a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors including Air-fin Management represented by Willem Barendsen, Xerox management represented by Obersi, Holland House management Paul Boetekees, Taliesin construction management Carl Chritchlow and the Sint Maarten Guyanese Foundation for its generous support.
Gracita concludes: “Our Foundation is very excited to put this program together and hope to welcome a large segment of our community on Saturday evening to support the cause to eradicate domestic violence from our society.”
...
Marigot: ---The Sous Prefecture has confirmed that the samples taken from two patients on June 30th has returned positive with the H1NI virus (swine flu). A press release from the Sous Prefet states that the two cases are not related but both patients were having flu like symptoms and are living on the island.
The tests he said were conducted at the Institute Pasteur in French Guiana and the results were received on Thursday evening. The prefet said both patients received instructions and recommendations to remain at home until 48 hours after the symptoms has disappeared. He further explained that status of the patients is not of concern meaning there is no health hazard.
Patients are advised to take hygiene measures to limit the spread of the virus. Persons should make sure they wash their hands carefully with soap for at least 30 seconds. Those with flu like symptoms must do so more than once a day especially if they are sneezing and snuffing. They are also make sure to wash their hands after going to the toilet and after contact with a patient tested positive with H1NI. All papers and tissues must be placed in a bin with a lid on.
In case of drying, sneezing, cough,: the flu virus is transmitted by air, especially by respiratory droplets, it is imperative to observe the basic hygiene following:
- Cover your mouth whenever you cough, then wash their hands;
- To cover their nose every time you sneeze, then wash their hands;
- Blowing the nose with tissue paper disposable thrown into a dustbin, if possible, covered with a lid.
Philipsburg: --- The police department is yet to take a decision on how to handle the case against brigadier R.J who is accused of beating his wife for another woman. Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said the police department is busy conducting two investigations against R.J.
Doran said one of the investigations which were completed was done by the detective department while the other one is done by the Police Internal Affairs. Doran further explained that the criminal investigation is now completed and the file was sent on the prosecutor’s office on Friday afternoon. The top cop said he is yet to discuss the file with the prosecutor and to see what decision has to be taken while the investigation by internal affairs is still ongoing.
In an invited comment Prosecutor Rienk Mud said he already has the file with the complaint filed by Connie James. He said he would be looking into the matter early next week since domestic violence cannot be tolerated.
Mud further explained that he was informed that R.J was questioned by police but he did not see the file.
In the meantime. SMN News understands that R.J is someone who has had several problems in the past and he should not have been in the police force. Reliable sources say the young man has had trouble with the law since he was 15 years old and they cannot understand how he made it through to the police department. Several other colleagues of R.J said the officer is badly in need of psychological evaluation. Asked about that Doran said every officer has to go through such testing before becoming an officer and in the case of R.J he said when he did his tests nothing was highlighted.
Philipsburg: --- Organizers of the Peridot Foundation was obviously disappointed when only about 30 persons showed up to their awareness on domestic violence on Saturday night. Keynote speaker of the event was Guyana’s first lady Varshnie Singh. Singh on her first visit to St. Maarten read her public statement on her experiences about domestic violence even though she was the wife of the president of the Republic of Guyana. Varshnie Singh is also the founder of Kids First Fund which was established to help the poor and needy with health problems in her native country.
Singh in her opening remarks gave an elucidation on the purpose of her foundation and how she came about forming such a foundation prior to reading her statement on the experiences she had with her former husband the President of Guyana Bharat Jagdeo.
At no point in the statement did Singh mention her former husband’s by name but she stuck to his title as Guyana’s President.
The first lady went on to say that she did not want to be the type of first lady who would be cutting ribbons and kissing babies on their forehead, instead she wanted to be proactive and make real contributions to further develop her country. Something her husband had agreed to prior to them getting married but that she said never materialized.
She said during her ten year marriage she was not allowed to work neither was she receiving proper maintenance or financial or otherwise. She described her type of domestic violence as high tech, or institutionalized violence and abuse of power.
She defined domestic violence as a behavior pattern which is used to gain or maintain power and control over ones partner. Domestic Violence she said includes any behavior that intimidates terrorizes or manipulates hurt over ones partner.
While reading her speech that kept the small gathering tense she called on everyone to look out for each other since domestic violence concerns everybody she reminded the gathering that she is and educated woman who held the highest office of any country yet she has been a victim of domestic violence, something no one should underestimate.
The following is the full statement written by Varshnie Singh which is available online.
Statement by Varshnie Singh
20 January 2009
I was married according to Hindu rites to Bharrat Jagdeo since 1998. In 1999 he became President and I the First Lady.
During our marriage I was not allowed to work and did not receive proper maintenance or care, financial or otherwise.
The First Lady’s office is a myth that I created because of a need. It advocates on behalf of the voiceless and receives no government funding or any type of assistance.
I left England in 1997, where I was working as a paralegal for a top 5 law firm and earning a very good salary to come to Guyana to assist my father with a land case.
My intention was to serve my country, Guyana, as a lawyer. Doing free work for poor people and a few paying cases so I could earn a living. I had also aspired to enter politics as a servant of the people perhaps as an MP.
Bharrat and I had a deal before we got married that we would work together, to move Guyana forward, but that never happened.
A week after being married he locked me out of our bedroom. From then on it was one problem after another, nothing I could do was ever right. Any attempts to find out what the wrong, why he stopped talking to me, why he was so mean, were met with long silences which lasted days on end and I got no answers.
I left my family and the country of my birth to make a new life with someone I loved, only to find I meant nothing and he had little to give me but contempt. I saw his behaviour in every possible light, he had no regard for me or any of my family
I left to go to the UK to complete my studies and to get away from the loveless and stressful life I found myself in. I told Bharrat that I was not happy and didn’t want to live like this, that we should go our separate ways. He did not want to do so and kept telling me it would be different and that he was sorry. It sounded fine on the phone but when we were together it all went terribly wrong.
Later he told me he would become President and asked me to come for the swearing in. I told him I didn’t think it was a good idea. I did attend the ceremony not wanting to upset his special day. I also tried to give our relationship another chance. Still nothing improved, it just got worse.
Whilst visiting my Aunt in Industry I was approached by a lady who sold greens; she had a sick grandchild, Vijai Naraine, who needed help to go to Trinidad to remove a tumour from his brain. They did not have enough money and Ministry of Health could only afford to pay part of the cost. The grandmother put her child in my lap and begged me to do something. I told her I would try my best.
I had a copy of the estimate from Mount Hope Hospital and a photograph of the child. On my father’s advice I walked all over Georgetown meeting the business community and asking them to help the child and they did.
It dawned on me that there must be many people who need expensive medical treatment but can’t afford it. So my idea was to set up a charity for children, use my job title to raise funds and then leave the charity with someone reliable to run it and return to the UK.
I did set up Kids first and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, but never found anyone to run them properly, so I was left to run both.
I did not complete my studies but I found ways to serve through Kids First Fund (helping sick children) and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau aka First Lady’s Office (dealing with adult health, social and welfare problems, advocacy and empowering youth and women). Being the Chairperson of the National Commission of the Rights of the Child, the Chairperson of the National Steering Committee Against Child Labour, Patron of The Divine Charitable Society and Patron of the Guyana Hindi Prachar Sabha.
When I told our President of my idea for Kids First, he was angry and said it was a slap in the face of his government as he had invested so much money in the health sector. I could not see it that way, I felt it was badly needed and beneficial to the country. So I continued unsupported.
We ended up at BK International’s office because when I asked the President to use a room at Office of the President, he said that OP belonged to him and there was no room for me.
Our first Kids First meetings were held outside in a yard in Church Street, when that was not possible we had them in BK International’s yard, eventually we were offered a space inside the building. After that we were in high Street and now we have been in Mr Gafoor’s building for the past 5 years. All locations have been rent and overhead free.
Although my work is done with total commitment, fairness and honesty for the benefit of others. It irritated my husband a lot.I have given without any personal benefit, 10 years of my life to fulfil my dream of serving Guyana. I have done it to the best of my ability, without regret; but in the face of serious challenges and obstacles, lining my path because my husband and I don’t get along and he finds my work embarrassing and me annoying because I want to help. I used my fancy job title to advocate for those who had been taken advantage of and needed help, the voiceless, poor people, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
I would accompany people to hospital, court, police stations, home visits etc do whatever was necessary to help. This he found as interfering and offensive, personally and politically.
I have given without any personal benefit, 10 years of my life to fulfil my dream of serving Guyana. I have done it to the best of my ability, without regret; but in the face of serious challenges and obstacles, lining my path because my husband and I don’t get along and he finds my work embarrassing and me annoying because I want to help.
The First Lady of every country in the world whether they are helpful or not are treated with respect and given the full backing of her husband, government and nation. Even if they never do anything other than cut ribbons and kiss babies heads. I have enjoyed the support of the nation, most Ministers and very little from the President.
Anyone who has ever received a call or letter from me, can tell you that I don’t demand, I don’t expect any special treatment, but I do expect that once presenting the facts of every case that the decision makers would do the right thing and help. I am persistent because people are depending on me and I don’t want to let them down. And I feel I have an obligation to try my best to help.
This is the first country that I have heard of where the First Lady is proactive, doing good for the nation but gets penalised because her husband is President and finds her work to help the same people he swore to defend and represent as “showing up the inadequacies of his government” and therefore made me his enemy.
Later down I would hear other cruel rumours, but the worst had to be this year after the Lusignan Massacre when I was requested by the families of the victims to organise a peace rally, which never materialised.
Propaganda was used to peddle lies about me, my work and the court case in Trinidad. People would repeat, misinformation being spread by irresponsible people. I had to stand alone to explain to the nation why I could not let Medical Associates and Dr Mathura rob Kids First and therefore our people. So court action was necessary. Our President said I was an embarrassment and refused to listen to the facts of the case.
Yet a prominent lawyer in Trinidad gave me a hearing and when I explained my case and inability to pay he agreed to take my case free of charge. He could see the injustice even if our President wouldn’t.
Later down I would hear other cruel rumours, but the worst had to be this year after the Lusignan Massacre when I was requested by the families of the victims to organise a peace rally, which never materialised.
I met the Leader of the Opposition Mr Corbin and his wife in the yard of one of the victims’ the day after the tragedy. He shook my hand, introduced me to his wife and told me to keep up the good work as I am helping everyone and not to let anything prevent me from doing so. I thanked them for coming and they left.
By that evening the propaganda was in full effect, the word on the street was that I am collaborating with the PNC and Mr CN Sharma to bring down the Government and organising a protest march. I was oblivious to this until 2 friends of the President came to the wake where I was meeting the families and informed me that this was the case and they had come to find out if this was true.
Running in my veins is the blood of a patriot, I have a deep love for this nation, for humanity in general, regardless of race, religion and political affiliation. To demand excellence in effort and integrity and justice from our elected officials doesn’t make me anti-government or anti-party or pro- opposition. It makes me pro- Guyana. This is my right as a citizen of a great nation to expect nothing less and I have no apology to make for this.
I have been begging our President for financial assistance so I can live, for the past ten years and have not received it. I have had to depend on my parents who are pensioners and my family to support me. It is shameful at this stage of my life to regress to having my parents support me. It is funny and sad to hear the politicians talk about the campaign against domestic violence, investing millions to “stamp it out” etc when what I am experiencing is hi-tech domestic violence and persecution. Our President is using his office and state resources including Ministers unprofessionally to disadvantage a woman.
I had wanted to leave many years ago and tried to get our President to co-operate with me to call it a day amicably. He refused to entertain any dialogue until after the last election. Then everything went into overdrive by his hand.
It is funny and sad to hear the politicians talk about the campaign against domestic violence, investing millions to “stamp it out” etc when what I am experiencing is hi-tech domestic violence and persecution. Our President is using his office and state resources including Ministers unprofessionally to disadvantage a woman.
Everything comes under the control of our President. There is no provision for a First Lady or any wife of an official in our constitution. This is something I think needs to be changed.
There was much speculation about all the money I got in settlement etc after the marriage was over. Yet my reality was and is far from the wildest imagination. There is no one in this country that would work as diligently as I have done in these awful conditions for the past 10 years without any pay or financial/other incentive.
For almost 2 years (2003-2004) I was denied access to the Presidential apartment at State House. If I was not home by 6pm the apartment door would be locked with the latch from the inside so my key could not open it.
Even if I was home at 6pm I would be in my room by myself, where all I could do was read and listen to music. We were two people living separately under one roof. When I was locked out, I would have to spend the night on a sofa on the 1st floor, without a sheet, get murdered by mosquitoes, praying for the night to pass quickly so I could get into my room bathe and get to office, or to my public engagements etc.
I got no sleep at all during the period I was locked out. Eventually I would walk with a change of clothes, just in case and then go to my Aunt’s house nearby to bathe the next morning. Making a joke of the water tank at State House not having water.
When my Aunt heard from some other source about what was happening to me she told me off and offered me accommodation. I stayed by her and other relatives but always felt embarrassed and angry that I was being put in this position.
My room in the Presidential apartment had a bed, wardrobe, en suite bathroom and a telephone that could make only local calls. I have no personal cooking facilities or fridge there. I have use of the washing machines and the domestic staff do help me with anything I ask them to do.I went to NY to attend the Bollywood awards in 2002, I was given an award for Humanitarian Service. The 2 recipients before me were Michael Jackson and Steven Segal. It was an honour for Guyana and I accepted it on behalf of the country and had a chance to mention Kids First as well.
I spend most of my time in office because I felt the President was irritated by my presence, and didn’t want me around. Also there I have access to resources not available at home.
I would be in my office, put on a dvd to keep me company and do my administration, follow up on my work and then when I feel tired or decide to go home I do so to sleep and then start again the next day.
I am not mentioning this for sympathy but I have not done nor could I do, anything which warrants this disrespect and contempt that I have been shown.
Although my personal life was dysfunctional and non-existent, my official or professional life was very productive and compensated to an extent for what was lacking in other areas.
After close to 2 years of being locked out and denied access to my room, I discovered an empty guest bedroom on the opposite side of the house that didn’t require going into the President’s apartment. That way I could always access it, so I moved my things over and have been residing there peacefully until recently.
I received no payment or allowance for my work. On I believe 4 occasions only did I receive any stipend for travels overseas. Once on my only state visit to China and the other times from the Ministry of Health for medical outreach to USA and India.
Every time there was a First Lady’s conference I was never allowed to attend and the one time it looked possible the conference in Peru was cancelled due to political unrest.
When I would go overseas to do Kids First work the Guyana Officials there would be told by Office of the President that my trip was not official, Kids First was my hobby and not to afford me the “official” courtesies one might expect anywhere else in the world. Sometimes I was “officially” First Lady other times I was not according to Office of the President.
I went to NY to attend the Bollywood awards in 2002, I was given an award for Humanitarian Service. The 2 recipients before me were Michael Jackson and Steven Segal. It was an honour for Guyana and I accepted it on behalf of the country and had a chance to mention Kids First as well.
I asked our President for money to buy a suitable outfit and 2 new suits and he would only spare US$200, it wasn’t enough. I had to borrow money from the Consulate in NY and the Office of the President had to repay him when I returned. This was because our President did not approve of the award and was being his usual spiteful self.
I had the opportunity to address 400 doctors at the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, in Nashville Tennessee, USA. They would be willing to come to Guyana and perform free surgery and clinics. Our President objected and my travel which had been booked and approved was stopped. Much preparation had been made for this visit by Vanderbilt and this was another embarrassing situation to be in. We lost out tremendously on having all those willing and highly qualified human resources help us free.
In November 2007, I returned from my trip to India having taken 9 children and 1 adult for open heart surgery to find the vehicle I was using had been taken away without any explanation.
In April 2008 as the Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child I was part of a delegation going to a special session on Children at the UN. I was given my ticket by UNICEF and would stay with my relatives. The day before I was due to leave, my name was mysteriously removed from the list of delegates.
Upon enquiry I was directed to Office of the President but could get no comment. By not being on the list of delegates I would not be able to access the sessions at the UN and that was the whole purpose of going. I could not attend.
Everything I am involved in NCRC and the National Steering Committee against child labour gets disrespected either because we work too well and the officials feel we are showing them up or because I am involved. Being genuine, proactive, conscientious and professional are qualities that are not appreciated.
NCRC has by all accounts ceased to exist. Although a Cabinet appointed National Commission, we have not officially been informed, we had to hear it though the grapevine. The National Steering Committee Against Child Labour has been blocked because we are not allowed to work as we see fit. I chair both and I think this is why they have been squashed, although we will be told some other excuse.
Every time I have gone overseas to do fundraising or represent Guyana I have done so without any financial resources, just my ticket alone. I stay with my relatives and they take care of accommodation, transport and food.
I have been deprived of the basics for many years, my food is taken care of by my Aunt who has a shop. My clothing, money and every thing else is from my parents and family.
I had to turn down invitations to I had to turn down invitations to events because I did not have proper attire, and no money to buy anything new. I have to think what I wore the last time I went out because I don’t have an extensive wardrobe. I dress casually partly because it’s my personality and because I can’t afford to wear formal clothing to my office. I am just washing and wearing clothing I have had for many years. I have to think what I wore the last time I went out because I don’t have an extensive wardrobe. I dress casually partly because it’s my personality and because I can’t afford to wear formal clothing to my office. I am just washing and wearing clothing I have had for many years.
The best and only resources that I have access to are my rent free room at State House and in recent years, the use of 2 government vehicles and they were taken away last November. A vehicle is the bloodline of the charity and my office.
We need it to do almost everything, from picking up the volunteers, one of which is using crutches and is a cancer survivor that we helped, to doing errands, going to the bank, taking patients to doctors/to labs and dropping them to the park, visiting patients at home, dropping off wheelchairs, medication, delivering mails, collecting donations, arranging activities, going to meetings, attending functions, shopping and visiting my family, in particular my elderly father who lives in Enmore.
My work has been impeded severely since the vehicle was taken and due to the kindness of complete strangers I have been able to borrow vehicles to use. It’s not a position I like being in, but efforts to get a duty free concession have been squashed. The President told me I am not entitled to one.
He has decided I am entitled to nothing outside of what he wants to give. He makes and breaks the rules where I am concerned.
I have people coming to me in the hope of financial assistance not knowing that I am in a lot of ways worse off than them. People come to me for solutions to their problems; they do not know that every time I advocate and put pen to paper, it costs me personally one way or another.
I have survived the past decade by refusing to give up and keep going against the odds to achieve the required results and somehow the work always gets done. I could be much more productive if I had a vehicle, an income, a place to live and co-operation from the President. If co-operation is too much to expect then no interference would be preferable.
Kids First Fund is one of many amazing organisations in Guyana and has helped many people as has the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, NCRC, the National Steering Committee Against Child Labour and deserves to be protected and honoured. I say this not because I am part of them but because of the good work they do and the positive impact they have on ordinary people’s lives.
Ordinary people who don’t have connections are falling through the ever widening cracks in the ministries bureaucracy. We have officials who need to work much harder than they have been and should remember they are the servants of the people, not the other way around. Every country in the world has NGO’s working in harmony with government to help the nation.
Other Heads of State and even Royal Family’s have had failed marriages and are able to behave in a civil manner and not misuse their position to disadvantage their previous partner.
Stamp out child abuse, gender abuse, domestic violence, corruption, abuse of alcohol, drugs, and most importantly abuse of power. Not something that is uniting people all over the world and helping people in need and sick children in our country. Where is the sense in that?
I have been without during my entire marriage and at one point just wanted to get out and move away without anything from the President. I made steps to start a business and to get a job but found that anything I do, would somehow eventually need his approval on the business front. On the job front, I was told that no one would employ me for fear of backlash from our President.
I then considered that I had worked free giving my full commitment and energy and I should be entitled to at least what I was owed during marriage. I had hoped that once the marriage came to an end, the President would do the right thing and give me a proper settlement. He has not and is not willing to give more than he offered.
Our President earns GY$200,000 pm of which I have not seen a dollar for most of my married life. He recently built a house which I understand is being rented and now he has GY$10 million left. He is willing to give me GY$5 million. That won’t buy even a suitable vehicle, considering the cost of a second hand one to be US$15,000 and the duty US$30,0000.
I have been taking children to India since 2005 for open heart surgery and spent thousands of USD which the MOH until last year used to contribute towards. There are many children and adults needing surgery and can’t get it because it’s expensive.
My experience with Minister Ramsammy in 2007 left me disappointed with him and our President. The Minister told me the applications were turned down at the Cabinet level and the President instructed him not to help me or Kids first Fund.
In fact the request for help came from the parents of heart patients. By not helping all they did was force me to go out to beg for money to do their job to help save the lives of Guyanese children.
I did not know our health policy was guided by the egos of our leaders. If they feel like it they will help, if not you are stuck and left to die. I was foolishly under the misconception, that timely access to healthcare, is a constitutional right; especially for children, according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. I thought it depends on availability of funds and facilities, Not the whims and fancies of individuals elected to serve.
That experience moved forward a plan I have had for a number of years to build a state of the art hospital. A charitable children’s hospital at a place called Morakai which would have a cardiac facility, neurosurgery, eye surgery, bone and chemotherapy. We will bring the expertise to Guyana so that more people can access the care and therefore save thousands of dollars and time travelling around the world to save lives.
I applied for the land at Moarakai 31.4 acres to do several things and the application is in the system awaiting the President’s signature also EPA and other approval.
The hospital is important for Guyana because of the benefit to poor people needing specialised treatment and the financial savings we would make. Also we would be a centre of excellence in something and attract patients from our neighbouring countries. Also I would have a paid job.
We will have approximately 100 beds, with various specialties, full diagnostics, dialysis, tele medicine, physiotherapy, swimming pool, alternate medicine; acupuncture/massage, lab facilities, counselling etc computer lab & research facilities, class rooms for lectures etc it will be a teaching hospital. A&E etc It’s a kid friendly and people friendly hospital. Overseas medical students could do electives and voluntary work with us.
The complex will also have:-
kids first fund’s office, a hostels for the vulnerable, nature trails and adventure park, camping site, bird watching facility accommodation for local and overseas doctors/staff, a skills training centre, guest house, supermarket, gas station/vulcanising/work shop, multi faith place of worship, children’s play park and an Ayurvedic health spa.
I also intend to establish cottage industries, after training people in the surrounding communities to do farming, craft making, cooking, dress making and various other micro-enterprise initiatives, to develop and improve the lives of those living in the immediate communities.
I have a plan to raise the money to build from investors and selling bricks for US$1000 to corporate sponsors. There are at least 500 waiting for us to launch our hospital website so they can start buying.
We can’t launch until we have the land. We offered to buy it from the Government but I was told by the President he can’t sell state land. We asked for a 99 year lease, but he said he can only give 25 year lease.
The President told me that if I don’t agree to his settlement figure of GY$5million, he and his government would not deal with me and the hospital project will not happen.
I received GY$1million dollars in 2007 from our President, he said that money was to pay my rent for a year and to buy a middle income house lot which cost $500,000 GY. I paid for the lot but could not find anywhere to rent for that budget. In the end I had to use the rest of the money to buy tickets to travel to the UK to fundraise to pay off the March 07 hospital bill for Kids First.
I received GY$1million dollars in 2007 from our President, he said that money was to pay my rent for a year and to buy a middle income house lot which cost $500,000 GY. I paid for the lot but could not find anywhere to rent for that budget. In the end I had to use the rest of the money to buy tickets to travel to the UK to fundraise to pay off the March 07 hospital bill for Kids First. Early in 2008 I went to the UK and Canada where we raised US$10,000 to pay off the Oct 07 bill. It was very hard work and created a lot of good will amongst the diaspora and people genuinely interested in the well being of children.
I was informed in August 2008 just before I went overseas, that I have to vacate my room at State House because the President needs it back to house his guests for his university reunion in September. Also since we are no longer married I should leave State House.
I have nowhere to move to and I don’t intend to run back to my father’s home when I was married to someone who has I believe an obligation to provide for me.
In August 2008, I went to the UK and USA to fundraise for the next trip to India which was planned for October 2008, but due to insufficient funds we have postponed the trip. We need to raise US$120,000 to pay for surgery and air fares. There I was able to raise US$22,306. In November I went to Canada and raised CAN$10,000. Achieving our goal could be easier with co-operation from our President, but the opposite happened.
In September 2008K we planned to hold a food fair fundraiser at the Guyana High Commission which would have raised ₤5,000-₤6,000 it was stopped because the High Commissioner received a letter from the Director General, which stated on the instruction of the President, Kids First Fund is no longer to have access or use of the building.
Quite amazing when other organisations in the UK have full use of the building to keep meetings and host social activities. Kids First uses it to raise money to save lives and to store our stocks of souvenirs and craft in a basement office that is used for storage and filing. Also we have stayed there with the patients there to save paying hotel bills.
I was advised by our President that he has no responsibility to make any further settlement as we were not living as married people. I must not use the title First Lady and I am not entitled to have diplomatic status or a duty free concession to buy a vehicle.
Our President says he is willing to let a judge decide what he must pay. Which Judge would be willing to hear the case and be impartial, when the most powerful and vindictive man in the country is involved? I do not feel that I could get a fair judgement. Also the President can not be taken to court whilst in or out of office. Even if a Judge makes a ruling how do you enforce it on someone who is immune from the constraints of law?
Our President’s advice when I said I need money to build a house, set up a business and buy a vehicle was that I should go overseas and get a job save up and come back. When I reminded him of dedicating 10 years of my life to help poor people, he said I could have left at any time.
The Mayor and Opposition parties called for the vehicle to be returned, yet the President is claiming to be following the rules, whose? Where does it say that I must relinquish the vehicle? Where doe it say anything about me? The President claims I have no right to government resources paid for by tax payers money. Yet tax payer’s money is being splurged to pay for resources for his employees when they crash state cars, or need anything etc
When I was the First Lady he contributed nothing to my upkeep, now I am no longer the First Lady, he still won’t do the right thing.
I feel very disappointed and frustrated that I am being penalised because of a bad relationship with our President and that I am being disrespected as a woman, wife and First Lady of this country and no-one is able or willing to help me.
I am asking for :
- Our President to reverse his current policy and please stop persecuting me, Kids First Fund and it’s supporters. Let people have the freedom to associate and support us since you won’t.
- Our President and his agents to stop warning off people not to help and threatening to give people a hard time/remove GOG funding etc I am not your enemy, I don’t want your job, I just want to serve my country without you and your staff/agents stamping on my efforts. I have proved my dedication why else do you think I am still here without any money or support.
- Stop disrespecting everything I am involved in and instructing your Ministers to give me and my colleagues a hard time. I am going to resign as Chairperson of the National Steering Committee Against Child Labour, you’ve already snuffed out the NCRC.
- I wish to retain all courtesies and use of overseas missions to carry out our fundraisers etc In particular the UK where you promised my sister Kieran we can still continue our work undisturbed and to keep hold of the keys. The High Commissioner in the UK has no problem with us using the building in any capacity and is following your instructions.
- Use of the mission was not subject to me being First Lady when other organisations use it for their socials and meetings. Our stock is stored in a disused office in the basement. We bring together more Guyanese at our activities than anyone else could get with free rum.
- Full duty free concession on a personal vehicle and one for Kids First.
- The land for the hospital at Morakai be given to Kids first or sold to us for a reasonable amount. We would like full co-operation at the government level. We don’t need your money we just don’t want you to obstruct me or the project.
- The land cruiser I was using, PGG 1108 be returned to me and gas and maintenance provided by the Office of the President until I retire.
- I would like re-migrant status backdated to 1997 – duty and VAT free on my building materials for my home and the hospital
- I wish to keep my Diplomatic status and passport.
- I was told there was a First Lady’s allowance which the President stopped when he assumed office. I would like every allowance that I was entitled to on every trip I made but did not get.
- A proper settlement so I can build a home, buy a vehicle, live peacefully and earn a living. The President paid nothing towards my existence for the past 10 years.
I have suffered for the past decade and I want to move on but I don’t have the resources or co-operation to do so.
Finally, on the 5 January 2009 I received a letter from our President’s lawyer dated 2 January requesting that I vacate State House within 48 hours or I will be denied access to it. I responded with a letter requesting more time.
I have asked to keep my room until I return from overseas fundraising activities on 1 April, after which I will move out before I take my last batch of children to India for surgery for a while.
On the 19 January when I returned to State House I was denied access on the President’s instructions. I have no clothing apart from what you see me wearing here. I am asking for
I have no choice but to close my office and move back to UK for a while to earn a living to support my charitable work. This is not what I want to do, as Guyana is my home and I have a right to live and work here. Due to the unfair discrimination I am suffering at the hands of our President and his agents, I have no choice.
Someone once said “PT revolution is not enough” I am a full time patriot and nothing will ever change that. If you, Mr President, had dedicated a fraction of the energy you expend in making my life difficult to actually working with me, we would have achieved much more for Guyana.
It was not an easy choice to make this statement, everything I have said is true.
My humble apology my parents, to this great nation and to my family and friends for any embarrassment this has caused, but I was given no other choice.
Varshnie Singh
Citizen of Guyana
Chapel Hill, NC:--- Divi Resorts today announces the hiring of Gillian Spronk, a veteran of more than twenty years of Caribbean resort management, as the new general manager for its Little Bay, St. Maarten property. She will be responsible for managing all aspects of Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, ranging from daily operations, marketing, supplier relationships and guest services.
A native of Holland, much of her management career has been spent on the island of St. Maarten. Spronk’s people-oriented approach has led to the creation of more efficient customer-reservations systems and staff-development programs at her previous resorts, leading to enhanced guest experiences.
“We are looking forward to having a seasoned St. Maarten hotelier at our Little Bay helm,” said E.J. Schanfarber, Divi Resorts president. “Her experience in leveraging the guest-service potential in each staff member will boost both employee and guest satisfaction. Gillian joins Little Bay at the exciting conclusion of our major facilities-renovation projects.”
Divi Little Bay began renovation 18 months ago to modernize and beautify its long-time property to a premium level. In addition to complete room renovations, the grounds recently were landscaped with new pathways and plantings and the tennis courts refurbished. The resort also expanded Seabreeze Restaurant, a popular dining venue overlooking Little Bay’s private beach peninsula. Work has started on a new beach bar and grill to be completed later this year.
Willemstad: President of Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles Pedro Attacho said by means of a letter, dated July 1st, 2009, he informed the Minister of Finance, Mrs. E. de Lannooy, that the Central Committee of the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles, during their meeting and in her presence, debated on the National Health Fund for the Government pensioners and the preoccupation that prevails amongst them.
During that meeting a total number of 17 Members of Parliament participated in the deliberations where the Members gave their clear vision on the topic that laid on the floor. A great majority of the Members expressed their consent to allow the integration of the National Health Fund for the Government pensioners with the General Health Fund, anticipating the submitting to Parliament of the draft-laws regarding this integration.
Referring to the debate Attacho officially declared so to the Minister of Finance and also declared to her that a great majority of the Members agreed to allow the Bank for Social Security (SVB) to start with the necessary operations to reach that goal, in accordance with the wishes that exist in the Central Committee of the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles.
Finally, he said he informed the Minister that the corresponding draft-laws should be submitted to Parliament as soon as possible.
Philipsburg:--- The United Federation Union (UFA) has sent a letter to all members of the island council on the three islands , St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius requesting a meeting with them to further discuss their grievances with the managing director of GEBE William Brooks.
The letters dated on June 30 states that the managing director of the government owned company has failed to reach a consensus with the union regarding their Collective Labor Agreement. The union said they are at a brink of a deadlock. They suggested to the island council to request their list of grievances from the supervisory board who said they are unable to intervene in the ongoing dispute since that would create a situation of conflict of interest.
Philipsburg: --- Former VROM Head Delano Richardson was held by the federal detectives on Wednesday afternoon after he was asked to visit the offices of the detectives who are now on island. Richardson was held until late Thursday afternoon then he was released. Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed that Richardson was held for questioning and was subsequently released.
SMN News also understands that the interrogation of Richardson is continuing. It is understood that Richardson will be questioned again on Saturday at the Prosecutors Office.
Sources close to the investigation said the detectives also questioned Head of ROB Joseph Dollison and his subordinate Claudius Buncamper as witnesses in the so-called extortion case against the former VROM head.
The developer of Blue Mall Luis Goia, submitted a tape conversation to Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards. According to the developer Richardson demanded money from Gioa in exchange for a building permit. Members of the Federal Detectives immediately searched Richardson’s home and confiscated a number of items.
Delano Richardson has a court case against the island government whom he said illegally fired him from his job on December 18 2009. The judge in its first hearing had ordered the island government and Richardson to come to some kind of agreement since Richardson was not heard in the so-called extortion case.
The judge had given the two parties two weeks to come to a solution. Surprisingly the island government (executive council) did not follow the advice of the judge instead they called Luis Gioa as a witness in the hearing. The judge allowed Gioa to testify, the verdict is expected on July 16th.
In the meantime, since the firing of Delano Richardson the SOAB has been conducting an investigation into the day to day management of ROB and the issuance of building permits. In its preliminary report to the executive council the SOAB cited that there are a number of irregularities taking place at ROB/VROM. They went as far as suggesting that the executive council hire a new interim manager to regulate the management of ROB.
The SOAB in their report said the procedures for the requesting and granting of these permits were constantly being tampered with depending on the applicants.
Cul de Sac: --- The island government of St. Maarten was given a stern warning during the sermonette at Sunday’s Day of Prayer. Delivering the message was Pastor Royston Philbert of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. “While it is good to seek God’s Guidance this must be done on a daily basis especially in times of making decisions.” Philbert said.
He also called on politicians to put aside their past and party colors and unite for the best interest of St. Maarten who is seeking country status. He said the fact that politicians has stopped to seek God’s guidance is a strange phenomenon for politicians and politics. Philbert said the church has come to the conclusion that politicians or those that sit in government are self opinionated as well as anti-religious convictions that they would never grant the nation the opportunity for a service such as the one held on Sunday.
Philbert said he believes the situation that is facing the world today has forced local politicians to turn to God for a formula. That formula he said is to get out of the world economic crisis and immorality.
He reminded the large gathering that showed up at the Emilio Wilson Park that people are very vulnerable since financial doom has all independent countries looking for a way out, while Iran is trying to emerge as the new superstar with their nuclear holocaust. People from all over the world are looking for solutions to solve problems such as homosexuality, crime, teenage pregnancy and gangs related violence. Philbert reminded government that they are living in a world that is mad with problems yet still there are men who are embracing the opportunity to lead the nation to country. Philbert said St. Maarten does need a new beginning since those responsible for the shaping of minds has been destroying the morality and the discipline of minds. Philbert said St. Maarten has locked itself in a deadening trap by looking the other side for too long, now the people are looking at government to lead them out of that trap. While reflecting on scripture Pastor Philbert reminded the new National Alliance/ Heyliger government that they can lead the people to the promise land just as Moses did. He said people once looked at St. Maarten and was jealous of it but today St. Maarten is not the same. Philbert said while those in government are busy looking for a way out there is already one and they needed to look to God for that way out since God has that formula waiting for them to receive it. He warned that it’s not just calling for a day of prayer since St. Maarten needs to experience God and times such as these demand spiritual leadership. Philbert said spiritual leadership does not begin when an event is called but when the lives of the leaders are transformed by God and the process of leading a nation towards God depends on continuity.
In closing Philbert made three suggestions to government if they are to move forward. First they must let go of the past. He said people sometimes want new things but are not willing to change since they consistently live in the past. Philbert said nothing is wrong with memories but one must know that memories do not live lives it is people who does.
He said while people believed the world is lacking money the major need is more men with wisdom, he admonished the new government to forget about their past and focus on the future which he said is bright with God.
He also advised the leaders to look to their faith in leading. In addressing the leader of government he said if God destined him to be the one that would take St. Maarten towards country status then that is what it would be since God is able to put people up as well as take them down. He also called on the gathering to look at the man behind the man in leadership, while politicians need to put aside their differences, past and party color and unite for the sake of the island. He also reminded Marlin that when God is for someone nobody can be against them. At the end of the service Pastor Wycliffe Smith prayed for the island council. Accompanying them were their spouses and members of the clergy.
Endorsing the speech given by Philbert was assistant Lt. Governor Millicent de Weever who said that government needs to follow God’s rules when governing. De Weever also gave credit to the youths who participated in the program as well as attended the service. The theme of the national day of prayer “Dawn of a New Beginning, Be Emancipated” comes at time when St. Maarten is at a crucial juncture in its constitutional changes as well as the socio-economic development. De Weever said the constitutional process does requires the input of the entire nation and the God’s guidance which she said is definitely needed to move them forward.
The island’s Lt. Governor said St. Maarten is now confronted with greater challenges with the economic down turn more than it did in the past. She said with the perseverance of the people the island would prevail.
De Weever said the national day of prayer at this time brings greater significance and would definitely go down in history.
Also calling for unity was leader of government William Marlin. Marlin said politicians have to aside their own agendas and put all hands on deck to serve the people.
Marlin said when a nation is divided they would definitely fall but when united they stand tall. Marlin said a united front is only possible when they set aside all political differences and party colors to fulfill the mandate of the people who elected them.
He said there is much work with the negotiations to bring home country status which the people of St. Maarten voted for some nine years ago And it is the believe of his government to set aside partisans and political concerns and seek common grounds to serve the people’s purpose.
CAY BAY—The GEBE power plant experienced mechanical malfunctions with two generators that resulted in load shedding, today, July 13, 2009. Diesel Engine #9 will remain offline pending the arrival of a replacement part while repairs were made on Diesel Engine #12 that was brought back online at 5 p.m. Two cables feeding the Pelican, Zagersgut, and Belair areas were still out up to press time, but power was expected to be restored shortly thereafter.
The power plant’s operational personnel ascertained that the fuel injection pump of cylinder #4 of Diesel Generator #12 had seized, resulting in extremely high exhaust gas temperatures. The maintenance department reacted immediately by taking the engine offline to exchange the seized fuel injection pump resulting in a loss of some 10 MW of capacity. The team made use of the down time to replace flexible fuel hoses and perform some other preventive maintenance on the engine.
Diesel Engine #9 that produces approximately 5 MW also experienced mechanical problems when the compressor wheels and aluminum wall insert of the turbo charger were damaged beyond repair and required replacement. Most of the required spare parts were in stock and the changing out of the damaged parts has already begun. Only the wall insert will have to be flown in. This may lead to some additional outages until the repairs have been completed.
The areas that were affected were Oyster Pond, Saunders, St. Peters/ South Reward area, Cole Bay, Lowlands/ Cupe Coy, Over the Bank, Belvedere, Madame Estate, Pelican Keys, AT Illidge Road, Zagersgut, Belair and Simpson Bay.
Due to the recent spate of engine problems, GEBE power plant technicians have been working around the clock conducting emergency repairs to minimize the effect of the engine malfunctions on the community. With the warm weather, the electricity demand has increased significantly. GEBE is already operating on a tight electricity production schedule since a fire seriously damaged a major diesel generator in 2008, leaving the GEBE power plant with just enough capacity to meet the current demand. Any mechanical problems may lead to short power interruptions.
GEBE Power Plant is already undergoing expansion with the two 11.2 MW generators. The new engines are expected to arrive on the island shortly and should be commissioned by December 2009 in time for the beginning of the high tourism season.
GEBE would like to apologize to its customers for the recent power outages and GEBE would like to assure the community that we are doing everything we can to maintain a steady supply of electricity and to avoid any outages. Once an outage does occur, our team is immediately mobilized to conduct the necessary repairs and minimize the effect of the outages due to malfunctions of the engines on the community.
Updates on the load shedding schedule as well as the ongoing repairs will be available on the GEBE website at www.nvgebe.com as they become available.
Middle Region:--- Some nine detectives including members of the RST (three members of the RST and seven from the local force) were seen on Tuesday afternoon at a Middle Region home searching. It seems as if law enforcement is conducting a major investigation since the chief of detectives as well as the chief of the armed robbery unit was on the scene along with the RST.
The house in question belongs to an employee of ROB. It is understood the woman B..B has a 19 year old son K.B who was also detained on Tuesday. SMN News understands that police some weeks ago found four stolen vehicles in the same yard and the said house was searched. Sources say K.B is allegedly involved in several major crimes on the island. Police went to get the owner of the house who was at the police station so she could open the house for them to conduct the search. The woman who is well known to this reporter began crying at one point saying she is tired of speaking to her teenage son. She told the officers who were seen searching around the house that she told her son to be careful because she knew police would eventually come to her house.
Police so far has remained tightlipped on the investigations. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said he is not releasing any information on the ongoing investigation. Stein said it is more important for them to investigate and solve crimes rather than updating the media.
Philipsburg:--- The island council meeting to handle the position of the executive council pertaining to the revised labour policy got underway late due to the late arrival of the assistant Lt. Governor Millicent De Weever, chairman of the island council. After a half hour adjournment the island council received its quorum after the leader of government and other members of the National Alliance signed in.
Opposition leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams in her presentation questioned the executive council on why they shelved the revised labour policy which was implemented on January 12 by the Democratic Party executive council. Wescot Williams also hinted that her faction had prepared a motion which they intended to bring to the floor of the island council in its second round. However, that motion never got to the floor after the chairman postponed the second round of the meeting until further notice so that the executive council can prepare the answers that were posed by three of the four members of the opposition.
Wescot Williams also gave an elucidation as to how her government got to the implementation of the policy and who were the persons that worked on it. She said the policy aims at providing more work for locals since her government saw the need to curb the influx of foreign workers coming to St. Maarten. While agreeing that the policy needed some amendments Wescot Williams said her motion was to seek to have the island council implement the Memorandum of Understanding with the changes that needs to be made in the policy.
Island councilman Roy Marlin and Island Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus also gave their reasons why the former executive council had implemented the policy and why they felt it was irresponsible for the present executive council to shelve the policy.
However, Island Councilman Rudolph Samuel asked several questions pertaining to the policy which is now contested, Samuel wants to know who the commissioner in charge of labour was when the policy was implemented. The island council man also wanted to know where the training program is for locals as stipulated in the policy. He further asked how is that a foreign work permit policy is going to benefit locals, he also wants to know which chapters of the policy specifically deals with benefitting locals. Samuel wants to know on what date the policy was discussed in the island council prior to its implementation. Samuel said while one hears about the students abroad and compulsory education the whole truth is not being told about the revised policy. Samuel said he understood that all businesses are not obliged to adhere to the policy and are receiving exemptions when processing labour permits. Samuel said if the information he is receiving has truth then the former government were involved in discrimination. He also posed questions about the programs that are supposed to advance the island values. Samuel said while several statements sounds good he wants to know where are the programs to advance the people. Samuel said during the election campaigns politicians are heard blaming the National Alliance for hating foreigners yet those same politicians are the ones that brought a policy which is aimed at putting foreigners who are living here for five or more years out of work.
Responding to the opposition Leader of Government William Marlin said that the island council has certain agreements during the island council recess, yet the current opposition felt it necessary to call for an island council meeting on the July 14th celebration. Marlin said in the past the recess had to be extended to give the Democratic Party councilors time to attend August Monday celebrations in Anguilla.
Marlin said very often the National Alliance and other political parties were blamed for not wanting foreigners on the island but the same Democratic Party who has been casting the blame are the ones who brought a policy out to get rid of foreigners since they are apparently taking over the work force.
As per the policy Marlin said the revised policy is under review and the government plans to come with a policy that would address the issues in the labour market. Marlin said while the revised policy dictates that employers have to provide adequate housing for foreign workers it condemns the present housing conditions on the island. Marlin said the labour policy as is states that anyone person requesting a working permit has to be living in a home that is no less than 25 square meter, while the emergency homes that has families is no more than 40 square meter. Marlin calls this hypocrisy since there is no one controlling the current homes.
The island leader said that based on that fact several homes and or apartments would have to be condemned since it is not meeting the required stipulations of the labour policy. Marlin said just recently he held a meeting with several business persons and he made clear that there needs to be an open and honest discussion with the businesses and government to address the labour issues particularly how local people have been treated over the years. He said the revised labour policy is not going to solve the problems that were created over the years. He said the perceived notion that this policy would provide jobs for locals is far from the truth. He said one of the things that need to stop is the abuse in the labour market instead this policy he said is creating more abuse towards those that are already employed.
Marlin said while several business people are saying that the locals do not want to work, the truth of the matter is the locals are being abused. He said locals who are well paid and has secured jobs are happy and are working willingly. He said right now businesses are exploiting foreign workers who often get a better salary than they get in their own country. Many of these people he said work extended hours to make ends meet. Marlin said over the years businesses have abused the six month contract which is geared towards seasonal workers. He gave example of the airline industry, casinos and cashiers are being hired on the six month contract while these are permanent jobs. Marlin said several of these persons cannot buy a home simply because they do not have a permanent job.
Marlin said he has encountered men 40+ years getting minimum wages while the policy is saying foreign workers must be treated dignified. Marlin said the former executive council has chosen to terrorize the businesses who might eventually pack and leave the island. Marlin explained while government has this policy there is no follow up to make sure the foreign worker whose application was turn down did not leave the island. He said this policy is even hindering young people who have lived all their lives on St. Maarten. He said the law states that when a child reaches 18 years their parents can no longer sign for them and the current policy is saying that a person has to be 25 years before they can receive a labour permit.
After the closing of the meeting leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams in a statement to the press said that they came prepared for the meeting. She said it seems as if the National Alliance island council members seemingly have their roles confused because now they too are posing questions. Wescot Williams said she also would like to know if all businesses are not complying with the policy and why they were not. She said she does not know who was Island Councilman Rudolph Samuel was questioning however, she expects his government to provide the answers. The opposition leader said she indicated on the Day of Prayer that no one can start a new beginning instead they can bring about a new ending. However, what see saw and heard at the island council meeting does not give her any comfort in the change the National Alliance/Heyliger government is talking about. She said the reason they requested the meeting was because they needed answers for the island’s people.
Philipsburg: --- GEBE the utility company providing electricity to the island has warned that there would be some more loads shedding in the coming days, until the necessary parts for DG number 9 and 12 get the required parts from overseas. Even though the company managed to get the DG 12 running again it’s running at low capacity.
Commercial Manager Steve Duzanson told reporters that presently demands for electricity is equivalent to the production capacity of GEBE. Duzanson said that even though two new generators are already on island they would not be up and running before the end of the year. The new generators he said still has to be assembled which he said would take a few months.
Duzanson said GEBE is expected to go back to normal sometime by the end of the week or early next week when the necessary parts arrived and the repair work is completed.
Duzanson said their peak demand registered last week was at 54 megawatts while the company’s production capacity is the same. He said the company as is running at full capacity at any types of problems encountered would cause some sort of load shedding until those problems are rectified. Duzanson said the company was aware that they were running tight based on their demands but the recent mechanical problems just made the situation worst a major issue for the company.
He further explained that most of generators are now running at full capacity and the generators now operational are over 20 years old which he believes attributed to some of the problems they are experiencing.
Duzanson said the company does have a maintenance program in place and defused rumors which stated that there is lack of mechanical engineers at the company.
The commercial manager also called on residents to install surge protectors to protect their sensitive equipments. He said the company does not compensate people for damaged electronics and felt residents should take the necessary precautions.
Philipsburg----- Head of Island Labour Rafi Boasman can no longer sign working permits, the decision would rest solely with the executive council confirmed head of the sector Joireen Wuite. Wuite said the executive council took the decision some two weeks ago to revoke the mandate of the department head. She said even though the written notification has not yet been given to Boasman she already notified him of the decision that was taken by the executive council. “Even though the administrative work is not completed the decision taken by the council still stands.” Wuite said.
Wuite explained that all incoming requests for work permits would be decided by the executive council and not the department as stipulated in the new revised labour policy. Even though losing his mandate Boasman remains head of the department.
Reliable sources had said the decision was sent to the Lt. Governor for his signature.
SMN News understands that even the advise that is made by Boasman and sent to the executive council does not bear his signature.
Wuite confirmed that the department is still using the revised labour policy that went into effect on January 12 until consultations with the stakeholders are complete. She said whenever the consultations are over and the necessary changes are made then the department would then adopt them.
SMN News had reported last week a decision was taken by the council to revoke the mandate of Boasman due to the fact that there maybe some sort of conflict of interest that is linked to the department heads and agencies that are processing labour permits for companies.
GREAT BAY (GIS)— there was a short cultural demonstration of the 6-member cultural group who will be representing St. Maarten during the Kingdom Games, a Cultural and Sports event held every 2 years within the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba to foster communal bonds.
The event will take place from July 21st to the 27th, 2009. This year the events will emphasize the 17 and under age group. The theme is “Power.”
Khimony Antoine, Danielle Borsje, Anisa Dijkhoffz, Tanvi Goklanni, Saskia Jones, Rochelle Miller—are the participants who will be traveling with their chaperon Dorothy Lake, who said that the young ladies are looking forward to the trip and participating in the Cultural event on the 23 of July.
The goal of the event is to promote mutual respect between the young competitors regardless of cultural and social background, Lake said.
Each group will have to perform an original piece, which was put together in different ways by: Stacy Hein, Clara Reyes, Susan Hein, Kimberly Milan, and Arlene Harley.
The performance is a dance routine, consisting of a poem and a hip hop section.
Each cultural group will participate in the Cultural activities part of the Kingdom Games and in the daily workshops, meant to hone the skills of the young participants.
The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, & Education, the Netherlands, and the host country.
Cole Bay: --- Relatives including eleven children are now mourning the tragic death of their father and loved one Sylvester Cuthbert Hazel 45 of the island of Dominica.
According to Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein, the deceased was driving along Union Road heading towards Marigot when he lost control of his red pick up truck. Stein said when the driver lost control of the vehicle he slammed into a wall breaking it down, the vehicle he said came to a stop in a garden behind the wall, it appeared that the driver died instantly from the injuries he sustained.
Stein said the accident so far looked one sided and that the driver and now deceased simply lost control of the vehicle and the driver was not wearing a seat belt. The accident took place near ORCO bank Stein said.
Firefighters and the rescue team took over two hours trying to remove the body from the mangled pick up truck said his relatives.
In the meantime, the bereaved relatives including the girlfriend of the deceased are somewhat angry. The relatives said their brother had already reached home in French Quarter when someone called him out to continue their weekend lime.
It is believed Hazel was heading towards Bellevue where a bicycle or motorcycle race was about to start. SMN News further understands that Hazel and his drinking friends would meet at a location in Bellevue where they would end off their weekend sporting. SMN News was reliably informed that Hazel and his girlfriend had an argument when she learnt that he left the house to go sporting since only some weeks ago, he had an accident and total loss his vehicle, which he repaired.
The source said Hazel drove off leaving his girlfriend when she was pleading with him not to go anywhere. SMN News further understand the young woman was at the Star Mart Service Station in Cole Bay and she wanted to go along with her boyfriend but he drove off leaving her there and shortly after he ended up killing himself in the accident.
The sisters of the dead man said their brother who is now dead normally falls asleep behind the wheel especially when he is out all night. They believed that their brother who has a habit of sleeping on himself fell asleep behind the wheel that caused his instant and tragic death.
In a statement police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the driver was allegedly driving at high speed when for some unknown reason the driver went off the road on the right hand side then he crossed back the road and hit on a heap of rocks before going airborne. Leonard said based on statements received from eyewitnesses the vehicle then landed back on the road and was on two wheels and continue driving before hitting into a wall. The police spokesman said after that the vehicle landed in a yard and the driver seemingly died from multiple head injuries.
Hazel leaves to mourn his eleven children, both his parents and siblings on St. Maarten and abroad.
The Governor General Frits Goodgedrag is on a short working visit to St. Maarten. He met with Leader of Government, Commissioner William Marlin to discuss the latest developments. He leaves on Tuesday, July 21, to Curacao.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—Commissioner of Education and Constitutional Affairs William Marlin and Commissioner of Finance and Human Resources, Xavier Blackman met with two representative of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organization to discuss:
1. Responsibilities of Member States towards their National Commissions, as outlined in the UNESCO Constitution, the Charter of National Commissions for UNESCO and other legal documents.
2. Status of National Commissions (legal position and relations vis-à-vis government authorities (e.g. autonomous, semi-autonomous, governmental), ministries, and permanent delegations).
3. Involvement of St. Maarten in the 35th Session of the General conference (October 6-23, 2009).
Secretary General of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO, Mr. Antonio Maynard, and Secretary General of the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO, Mr. Everton Hannam was on hand to present detailed information on how to become a member state of the UNESCO organization.
These two individuals form part of the Working Group and were invited by Sector Education to consult and advise the relevant Government officials on the best arrangements to make the National Commission an efficient and dynamic entity within the new country St. Maarten.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are a specialized agency of the United Nations established on 16 November 1945. Its stated purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and the human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the UN Charter.
UNESCO has 193 Member States and six Associate Members. The organization is based in Paris, with over 50 field offices and many specialized institutes and centers throughout the world. Most of the field offices are "cluster" offices covering three or more countries; there are also national and regional offices. UNESCO pursues its objectives through five major programmes: education, natural sciences, social, and human sciences, culture, and communication and information.
Projects sponsored by UNESCO include literacy, technical, and teacher-training programmes; international science programmes; the promotion of independent media and freedom of the press; regional and cultural history projects, the promotion of cultural diversity; international cooperation agreements to secure the world cultural and natural heritage (World Heritage Sites) and to preserve human rights; and attempts to bridge the worldwide digital divide.
Present at the meeting were Dorothy Lake, Advisor to Commissioner W. Marlin, Claudette Labega –Forsythe, Sector Director of Education, Louis Brown, Sector Director Management Support, Neville York, Head of Culture Department, Patricia Lourens, Head of DERPI, and Khalilah Peters, Policy Worker.
The meeting came about as a follow-up from a March of this year. The Chairperson and Workgroup for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs met with Kwame Boafo, Head of the UNESCO’s Caribbean Cluster Office. In his discussions with the Workgroup, Mr. Boafo committed to assist St. Maarten with building its own National Commission for UNESCO by including St. Maarten in their National Commission capacity building training programs.
As a follow-up to this promise, the Caribbean Cluster Office offered the Government of St. Maarten assistance from the Working Group on Strengthening of National Commissions in the Caribbean Sub-Region.
As St. Maarten undergoes its new constitutional change process to become a Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is most essential that the Government of St. Maarten start to forge, promote, and strengthen its alliances with regional and international organizations.
The Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles is transferring tasks and responsibilities to the Island Territories of St. Maarten and Curacao.
The dismantling process in essence means dissolution of Dutch Antillean membership in regional and international organizations and hence it is important for St. Maarten to begin its relations with important regional and international organizations such as UNESCO.
In order to optimally make use of projects, programs and resources of UNESCO, the Government of St. Maarten will not only be required to apply for associate membership but also start with the preparations in establishing a National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM).
A NATCOM by definition is a national cooperating body established by the Member States for associating their governmental and non-governmental bodies with the work of UNESCO. The National Commission is the main agency to implement UNESCO’s work at Country level and source funding for projects.
French Quarter/Marigot: --- The Board members and the organizers of the Committee of Traditions and Culture (CTC) were inexperienced and were mostly playing politics when organizing the Caribbean Festival; that is according to persons that worked throughout the preparation of the Caribbean Festival.
The sources said they were recommended to the CTC said the minute they began discussion with the CTC board they were told that there is no money involved and if they wanted to be part of the festival then would have to do it for free. The CTC received over Euros 350,000 to organize the Caribbean Festival.
The Collectivity gave the CTC a subvention of Euros 155,000 while the tourist office gave an undisclosed amount of monies and Semsamar also supported the project. It should be noted that the Collectivity has 51% ownership shares in Semsamar while the Tourist Office also a department of the Collectivity. It is clear that most of the monies that were awarded to CTC are government funding and an investigation into the spending of these funds during a recession is needed. An investigation should also begin regarding the awarding of the security contract to one of the CTC board members, clarity should also be provided on the amount of monies this security company that is under investigation was paid.
The sources who were close the organizin committee said on several occasions the local participants had to leave the field because CTC were not providing basic materials for the practicing.
“Things were so badly organized that the St. Martin troops did not even have water set aside for them on July 14th while other troops from overseas had their water and other beverages set aside.” The person who spoke to this reporter anonymously said someone who was assisting with the St. Martin troops had to make sure they got on the truck and took water that was set aside for the foreign revelers and gave to the St. Maarten children. The source said another sad experience was for them to see that the children and other revelers who came from Martinique had a special bus taking them from the Beach Plaza Hotel to the field while the local revelers had to get there by foot.
The source further explained they cannot understand what the CTC did with the monies they got simply because monies were not spent on the St. Martin troops, they said they have witnessed the drama between the choreographer and Gayle Mussington which on most occasions was disrespectful. Speaking of the emails the person said they saw them and it was clear that Mussington had no respect for Walker who had to wait a very long time before he obtained the signed contract from CTC. SMN News was privileged to see the emails and we were shocked to see the spelling mistakes and grammar errors in the emails sent by Mussington to Walker.
One thing that was very noticeable is Mussington is rather young and inexperienced when it comes to organizing these kinds of activities. They said it was clear that Mussington was under severe pressure from the overseas promoter and due to that, she was severely stressed out. “It is my opinion the CTC should respect the contract they have with Kofi Walker and pay him the monies that they owe him. Walker worked hard with the revelers on St. Martin and he is an asset to the community. Right now Walker is doing St. Martin justice by having summer camps for students who do not have an alternative.” There are local people who have free time on their hands and they are not doing anything for the youths while Walker a foreigner is doing all he can to decrease delinquency without recognition.
Efforts made by this reporter to contact president of the CTC Joel Dormoy and Gayle Mussington for comments were futile up to press time.
Philipsburg: --- American fugitive Michael Jason Registe (26) the ten most wanted person on the FBI most wanted list has been extradited to his homeland of Columbus Georgia on Thursday afternoon. The prosecutor’s office contacted the US authorities notifying them of the decision taken by the courts, which was to uphold the decision of the Governor General of the Netherlands Antilles. The Governor General had stated that the United States authorities had given enough guarantee that they would not seek the death penalty for Registe if he is convicted for the crimes he is wanted for in that country. In an invited comment Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said that he did contact the United States authorities and notified them that the highest courts has granted their request for Registe’ extradition and they can now pick him up. Stein said they made an appointment where the United Stated agreed to send a special airplane with the FBI agents to pick up the wanted man. Registe he said was taken to the Princess Juliana International Airport by the Arrest Team of the local police force where he was safely handed over to the US agents.
Asked what would happen to the appeal that was filed by the attorney Remko Stomp protesting the decision of the governor general, which according to Stomp did not bear the signature of the governor general, Stein said he was not notified of any appeal. Asked if Stomp was notified of the extradition, Stein said he sent Stomp and SMS message to which he did not reply.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard confirmed that the arrest team transported Registe to the Airport safely.
Registe was captured on St. Maarten on August 27 2008 at a local guesthouse on A.T Illidge Road by the Arrest team when someone recognized him as being someone that is on the FBI most wanted list.
Ever since his arrest Registe has been contesting his extradition to the US especially to the State of Georgia claiming that the mostly white state would not grant him a fair trail. Registe is accused of participating in a double murder on July 20 2007. According to information posted on the FBI website it stated that law enforcement officials responded to a shooting incident in which two males sitting inside a truck had, suffered execution style gunshot wounds to the back of their heads.
One of the victims they said died on the scene while the other passed on shortly afterwards.
The FBI had their reward monies at $100,000 at the time Registe was captured.
On the FBI website on Thursday it stated the man accused of killing the two Georgia athletes two years ago in a Columbus parking lot is being returned from the Caribbean after an extradition battle, the FBI said Wednesday.
Michael Jason Registe is charged with murder in the deaths of Randy Newton Jr., 21, and Bryan Kilgore, 20, who were found by Columbus police fatally wounded in a truck at an apartment complex July 20, 2007. Newton was a basketball player at Columbus State University and Kilgore was a pitcher on the baseball team. Registe, 26, will be flown to Columbus on Thursday, the FBI said.
He was captured on the Dutch island of St. Maarten last August after the FBI put him on its Top 10 Most Wanted list and a reward in the killings was increased from $20,000 to $100,000. Registe also was featured on "America's Most Wanted" twice and on Interpol's Website. The Supreme Court of the Netherlands ruled Registe could be extradited after Gray Conger, the former district attorney in Columbus, agreed not to seek the death penalty. Registe also is wanted on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault in Columbus in 2005.
Registe Wanted to Escape from Pointe Blanche Prison.
Well place sources have informed SMN News that Michael Jason Registe was trying to escape from the Pointe Blanche Prison when his luck ran out in the courts. The source said Registe was asking questions in the prison hoping that someone would assist him in his plans. An alert prison guard however informed their superior who immediately placed Registe in confinement until he was picked up by the Arrest team around midday on Thursday. The source said that Registe even went as far as offering a huge sum of monies to a senior prison guard on Thursday prior to his extradition. The American fugitive had expected the senior official to assist him in his bid to escape in exchange for monies but the senior official reported the incident and remained loyal to his job.
Philipsburg: --- The police union NAPD along with the president of the ABVO came to St. Maarten where they participated in a number of meetings seeking clarity on the status of the police when St. Maarten takes on its country status. NAPD representative Norwin Villarreal in an interview with SMN News said that the focus of the meeting was to discuss the so-called WIN WIN Agreement that was signed about a year ago with the unions and the Minister of Justice. Villarreal said the trail of the Win Win agreement was off track and they needed to clarify the issues pertaining to the signed agreement. He said the purpose for the weeklong meetings was to make sure they get the train back on track. He said the meetings were all internal which included meetings with the team leaders of each department of the police force as well as with the police management. A meeting was also held with the Minister of Justice and the chairman of the workgroup of St. Maarten Mr. Richard Gibson Sr.
Villarreal said a general membership meeting was also held to apprise the police of the outcome of the meetings. The union also took the opportunity to meet with the current leader of government Mr. William Marlin in an effort to get synchronization and commitment based on what is in the final declaration for the country status. In that declaration, it is stated that if the police force is not up to par St. Maarten would not attain its country status and the police does not want to be seen as the stumbling block of the process. The union representative said even they though they do not want to be obstacle in the process they do not want government to push any and all kinds of things down their throats which would not be workable or feasible for the police department. He said if that should happen St. Maarten would be in the same position as is today by not having the much needed status change if the police force is not up to par.
Villarreal said they need to get the commitment and synchronization so they can all be on the same page and move forward. Asked if their was any discussion on the house rent allowance which is of concern to several police officers, Villarreal said they did not discuss the matter because the Win Win Agreement has sufficient elements which would allow them to take the police management or central government to court if needed.
He said they still have some to work to do on their part since they now have to clear the air and dismiss some of the rumors that were circulating.
Marigot: ----- The Collectivity of St. Martin has decided to deepen their investigation into the case of alleged sexual harassment against the son of one of the vice presidents who was working at the Collectivity during the summer vacation.
A meeting held on Friday where the youth was questioned by a professional (Social Worker) and a decision was taken to issue a heavier sanction against the employee who is presently on vacation. It is understood that the alleged suspect was given a three days sanction since he is on vacation and when he returns to work a heavier sanction would be issued.
Reliable sources say the parents of the youth already filed a criminal case against the predator and the Collectivity.
SMN News understands that the youth provided the COM and his parents with a print out of his MSN chatting where the suspect was having an in-appropriate conversation with him and he also told the social worker about the touching of his private areas when he went to the rest room. It is understood that the suspect followed the young lad to the bathroom and touched him inappropriately. Sources close to the family said the child is highly traumatized over the entire ordeal, especially now that the story has gone public.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the young man did not report the incident directly to his parents instead he told a colleague who informed a senior employee of the Social Affairs Department. It is further understood that employee is the one who informed the vice president who at that point questioned her son and began the process of filing legal charges.
Philipsburg: ---National Alliance Senator and Councilman George Pantophlet said that he wants to try to bring some clarity to the controversy surrounding the protocol of the Brooks Tower Agreement that was signed on March 2 2007 at the Brooks Building in Philipsburg.
The senator said this protocol was signed by the Minister of Justice Mr. David Dick and all the Lt. Governors of the Island territories. It was to address the problem of undocumented persons living in the Netherlands Antilles.
Pantophlet said after hearing complaints that it would not be published, he contacted Minister Dick who informed him that the protocol would be published.
However, the Minister said some logistics had to be put in place first. It would be irresponsible to publish the protocol now when the location designated to handle the requests is not ready.
“We are all aware that the Immigration Department located in the Police Station and the Police Affairs office will be relocated to the newly constructed building on ATh Illidge Road. After this is done and everything is in place, the protocol will be published. It is unfortunate though that this is coming almost 3 years after it was signed.” Said the senator and Island councilmember.
Last week the members of the Windward Island Chamber of Labour Unions called on the competent authorities to publish the protocol since it has been mentioned in several articles in the now contested labour policy.
GREAT BAY,– On Saturday, the Preventive Health Department (PHD) received confirmation that the island now has its 13th and 14th confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
It’s a six-year-old boy who is part of the family circle that recently took a cruise to Cozumel starting from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His parents were the 11th and 12th cases to be confirmed with H1N1 flu virus.
The second person is a 20-year-old female tourist who arrived on the island from Miami, Florida on July 17. She also traveled to New York. Both persons have been treated with anti-viral medications.
The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with a flu-like-illness to remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.
This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons who develop flu-like symptoms a week after returning from a vacation abroad should take the same recommended action as noted above.
Tourists are hereby advised if they develop a flu-like illness while vacationing on the island, to contact the PHD immediately.
The severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past all confirmed cases have recovered fully.
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.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg: --- Several major robberies took place over the weekend and late last week, none of which police reported to date. Jadira Veen of Pride Foundation said her home was robbed on Thursday night. Veen who was off island at the time said her husband Jerome Veen was on island but was not at home when the bandits invaded their home stealing a number of valuable items.
Veen said she lost all her jewelry, which she accumulated for over twenty years, some of which she had intended to pass on to her daughters, because of their sentimental values.
The thieves she said also stole her computer, internet router and other electronics including the games for play-station and game boy, cable and satellite box. Veen said it seems as if there was more than one person, because the thieves walked with tools to break the metal bars from their windows. She said the bandits not only broke the bars they also broke the wall, she said they broke the kitchen window, where they gain access to the house. While inside the house, the thieves she said had so much time that they opened one of her computers and took out the hard drive (RAM). Veen said the thieves nowadays are not coming empty handed, besides being armed they are walking with power tools to remove safety and security bars. One of the concerns of the well-known resident is that police is not doing a good enough job to warn its residents about the ongoing spate of robberies. Furthermore, she said both sides of the island are lacking proper security.
Veen said the police visited the home on Friday morning and they took fingerprints as they began the investigation.
Also robbed was the home of Bobby Velasquez. Velasquez said a drug addict went into his home on Saturday night, which is located upstairs of the Green House restaurant and stole a number of items. The businessman said he was in his house at the time sleeping when the bandit went through one of the guess bathroom window, all of which is recorded on his video surveillance system. Ironic though Velasquez said he noticed the invasion when he woke up on Sunday morning and up to midday on Monday, the police had not yet visited the scene. Velasquez said the bandit whom he recognized as one of the drug addict on the beach stole his music system (BOSE), his cable television box, and an IPOD.
In addition, robbed last week is the office of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association, none of which has been reported.
SMN News was also informed that the owner of Golden Eyes was followed home and robbed. The source said the owner (Abbas) was followed to his house, the thieves it is said tied him up and robbed him of over $7000 as well as pouring gasoline on the victim and set it alight. Police said they are not aware of this incident, since no official report has been made.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard in his statement confirmed the robbery at the residence of Jerome Veen. The police spokesman said the robbery unit is busy investigating.
MARIGOT—Several persons had to be treated at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for minor wounds during last week reported the gendarmes. These persons were either wounded by knife or machete in separate incidents. The first it is reported occurred on July 23 when someone was arrested for injuring another person in the Rambaud area, the victim was taken to the LC Fleming Hospital for treatment while the suspect is summoned to appear in court later this year.
While the following day a man was attacked by several persons who seriously wounded him with a machete. It is still not clear if the second incident is related to the first incident.
Another man had to be transported to the hospital on July 22 after he was reportedly wounded after being involved in a brawl with several persons. This incident took place in an area close to one of the shopping centers. The attacker would have to appear in court later this year. Another person was also injured and treated at the hospital, an investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Philipsburg:--- The Green Party, which sources say may be named the St. Maarten Democratic Alliance, is now gaining strength as several key politicians in the community are planning to join force with Commissioner Theo Heyliger.
SMN News has learnt that Christopher Emanuel is now part of the Green Party as he negotiated with Heyliger and sealed a deal.
SMN News further understands that Johan Janchi Leonard who ran on the People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) list is also part of the new kid on the block. It is not clear if Gracita Arrindell is going to leave her party and join Heyliger even though she is making sure she has a board and other requirements in place so that she can contest the 2010 election under the PPA banner if negotiations failed. Arrindell already held talks with Heyliger, the leader of the Democratic Party as well as with the leader of the National Alliance.
Sources close to Heyliger and the Wathey family has said that Heyliger would not join with any other party and he would at all cost form his own party using the color green. It is understood that Heyliger wants the people of St. Maarten to remember him and his grandfather the late Dr. Claude Wathey in a special way.
The late Dr. Wathey began his political career under the Nationale Volks Party (NVP), which used the green color and ended his career with the Democratic Party, (Red) while Heyliger would do the same thing in opposite direction. Heyliger started his political career under the red banner and he intended to close it off with green.
The only difference with Heyliger is that he would be the leader of the latter party, which is forming for the upcoming elections. On July 24th the commissioner said he already had the foundation of his party and was now adding floors meaning he was busy negotiating with politicians he believe has St. Maarten in their best interest.
St. Louis:--- The St. Louis Women’s Organization has become vocal on the issue of building a social home (ASHLM) in their community. Speaking to SMN News president of the association Laurel Richards said recently, they learnt that someone intends to build a set of social homes at the entrance of St. Louis on a vacant plot of land that was recently sold. Richards said the association has been trying to obtain that parcel of land since the 1990’s to no avail. She said they approached government to see if they were willing to purchase the land for them since the Association wanted to build a “locale” or community center there.
A center she said was to be used for teaching youths of St. Louis the island’s culture. The Association also needed some place where they could hold their meetings. Richards said despite their pleadings government did not provide them with the much-needed space and as such the resorted to keeping their meetings under the tamarind tree in the village. Just recently, she said they learnt that the parcel of land was sold and the intention of the buyers is to build some social homes.
Richards said the people of St. Louis do not want any social homes in their village and they are making it abundantly clear to those who has plans to do such. She said the association intends to keep a meeting sometime next week where they would be discussing the recent developments. So far, there is no plan of action Richards said.
MARIGOT—A drug mule was sentenced to two years in jail, one of which is suspended reported the gendarmes. The unnamed suspect was caught when he attempted to transport more than a kilo of cocaine to St. Barths from St. Martin. The reports states that when the trafficker disembarked on St. Barths last Sunday he was detained after being suspected of having illicit drugs in his possession. After a search, the culprit was to have in his possession over 1 kilo of cocaine, 2 grams of cannabis and an undisclosed amount of money. A search was also conducted at the suspect’s residence, which yielded more money and 24 grams of cannabis. He was handed over to the gendarmes on St. Martin.
The gendarmes also managed to apprehend a man who slashed a youth in his face as he was riding a bicycle in Sandy Ground. According to the report the driver of a car slashed the youth in his face, witnesses called the gendarmes who later managed to apprehend the suspect. He is to appear in court sometime in December to answer charges of assault.
Sandy Ground:-- A 21-year-old young man identified as Ricardo Gumbs was flown to Martinique on Saturday morning in critical conditions after an unknown vehicle hit him off his scooter. The accident occurred around 10 pm Friday night.
The young man’s aunt who was very shaken on Saturday told this reporter that her nephew left his home around 9:30pm and shortly after she received, a call from her daughter who told her “Tony” got into an accident. Ginnette Gumbs said she did not have her car at the time and she walked to the scene of the accident, which was in the vicinity of US Imports. Gumbs said when she reached the scene the ambulance had already taken her nephew to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital while the firemen was on the scene trying to put out the fire from the motor bike.
The woman said according to information reaching the family a car (Black KIA) hit her nephew and did not stop. She said up to press time they did not know who the car belonged to neither do they know who was the driver. The impact from the hit she said left her nephew with severe head injuries, as well as abdominal injuries. The motor cycle she said caught fire due to the impact.
The relative said based on eyewitnesses when the gendarmes reached the scene they met her nephew on the ground and the bike, which was very close to him on fire, but the gendarmes did not do anything to offer help. She said several residents questioned the actions of the gendarmes because they did not even try to move the victim away from the fire neither did they try to put the fire out. She said they even asked the gendarmes if they did not have fire extinguishers in their vehicle and the gendarmes they said asked them if they wanted them to take their monies to equip the vehicles.
Gumbs said it is her son and another bystander who moved the burning motor bike away and they are the ones who looked for sand and put the blaze out while the gendarmes stood up looking. The woman said she confronted the gendarmes at the hospital and they confirmed to her that they did not have fire extinguishers in their vehicle.
Another concern for the woman is the fact that the radiology in Marigot is in operational. Gumbs said her nephew was taken to the radiology in Concordia and it was then the hospital was notified that the scanner is not working. She said the doctors had to contact the Dutch side to get an emergency scan because they wanted to know the extent of the injuries. “It was after 1 am in the morning the victim was taken to the Dutch side where the much needed scans were done. Gumbs said after that the doctors at the LC Fleming had to cut open her nephew to see if he was having internal bleeding. She said doctors discovered that the both of the youth’s lungs have perforated while he has some injuries to his abdomen as well as severe head injuries. Gumbs said the head doctor whom she does not know took the decision on Saturday morning to fly the youth to Martinique where he would be able to get the necessary testing as well as treatment for the injuries he sustained.
Airport: -- Relatives and friends of three athletes who represented St. Maarten at the Kingdom Games in Aruba greeted them at the airport on Sunday midday. Among them was senator and Island Council man Rudulph Samuel who along with his wife and son were proud to receive his son Johanathan (Johnny) Samuel with his silver medal in tae kwon do. Among those at the airport to welcome the youths who all preformed extremely well was Althea Richardson from the office of the commissioner of sports Frans Richardson.
Coach with the travelling team Jason Juliet said he is proud of his athletes whom he said went through a difficult time in Cuba as well as Curacao. Juliet said he is especially proud of “Johnny” whom he said listened to him and despite been worn out from the training managed to handle his opponent well. He said the youths that represented St. Maarten trained hard and if given the opportunity would excel to greater heights.
The youths that represented St. Maarten St. Maarten athletes who participated with the 2009 Kingdom Games on Aruba from July 25 until July 31, 2009. Miss Emmy Fraenk: Track & Field and Mr. Jonathan Samuel: Tae-Kwon-Do. Ms. Thamyra York: Softball, Ms. Naomie Korstanje: Swimming, Mr. Luis Francisco Gonzales Tejada, and Mr. David van Heyningen: Baseball will be arriving on the island on a later date.
Addressing those that arrived on Sunday on behalf of the sports commissioner Althea Richardson said she was happy to be part of the delegation that travelled to Aruba to witness this spectacular event. “I felt very proud and honored to see our very own athletes partake in this memorable event.” Richardson said.
MARIGOT: --- Leader of the Union Pour le Progress and senator of St. Martin Louis Constant Fleming in an interview with SMN News late last week confirmed that the one-year sanction he received from the State Council last July is officially over on July 25. Fleming said that since the people elected him he felt it was necessary for him to give them an update on some of the progress he has been making in the State.
One of his achievements is the fact that he managed to get the European Union to accept St. Martin as an Ultra Peripheral Status, which allowed the fiscal policies of St. Martin to be conformed as of June 4. Fleming said the discussions on St. Martin began some two years ago when the EU had declared the island a “No Man’s Land.”
The Senator said he is rather pleased with the results, which he believed was achieved in record time.
Fleming said St. Martin also made progress in improving its justice system over the last two years since the third judge is expected to arrive on the island within short. When this happens, Fleming said several persons who committed crimes will be tried locally, something he felt would restore justice the island’s people.
Regarding the organic law which the senator said was not written in marble since there will be other organic laws. He said very soon St. Martin would be proposing a new organic law, which would deal with a number of issues such fiscal while others are technical, which would also clean up the current organic law.
The senator said the organic law that is to be proposed would be a ‘projet de loi and not a proposition du loi”. Fleming said the reason he chose to accept a projet du loi, which is proposed by the government, is because there are going to be both fiscal and financial instances. Fleming said laws that have financial matters inside which would affect the State budget then it has to be proposed by the government if not it would face throwing out by the Constitutional Council.
Fleming further explained that St. Martin would have total competences on all fiscal matters as of 2010. “In the beginning the government had wanted to exclude persons not living on the island but owns apartments here all of which was regulated as of June 9.
All of that has changed for the up coming year.” One of the visions of the president is to build a university on St. Martin that would give students the opportunity to further their education locally.
Fleming said that people may not agree with him but he felt that the students who are presently in school should get a chance to further their education at less cost to their parents. Fleming also explained that they are looking into having an Institute of Regional Administration(IRA )to further upgrade the 850 staff of the Collectivity. Fleming said they are going to reassess the entire human resource since these people have to be trained. Several persons he said will be moved from their present function and some would be promoted. The UPP led government he said wants to give each employee the opportunity to upgrade himself or herself since it is their objective is to offer the best opportunities to everyone which would keep them motivated.
With regards to the justice system, he said there is an urgent need for people who are willing to work in the police force. “We need people who are career minded and dedicated to their job” if not St. Martin would have to go for a commissariat of police since there are enough inhabitants living on St. Martin. He said that right now, there is a gross lack of manpower in the Territorial Police and if there were enough people to fill the vacancies then he would have to opt for latter even though the island has avoided that route to prevent an influx of people from Guadeloupe and France.
Marigot:--- The Sandy Ground accident victim Ricardo Gumbs was flown back to St. Martin on Tuesday. SMN News learnt that the young man arrived at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital sometime in the afternoon on Tuesday. According to information received earlier this week the hospital that Gumbs was in Martinique said they were unable to do anything to save the young man’s life.
Ricardo Gumbs was struck off his motor cycle on Friday evening near US Imports by a hit and run driver. The gendarmes have since opened an investigation into the accident. No detail on the vehicle or driver have been released. Eyewitnesses say they saw when a Black KIA with Dutch License plate hit the motorist but no one managed to see the number plate of the vehicle that hit the young man. The scooter on which Gumbs was riding exploded into flames due to the impact. A video of the horrific scene can be viewed on SXMTUBE.
Relatives of Gumbs said that while the young man is at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital, no one is allowed to visit him. The hospital is only allowing close members of the family to be with the young man during these critical hours.
Philipsburg:--- Robbery suspect 18 year old St. Lucian born K.I who is seen laughing in this photograph would spend the next eight days behind bars as police continue to investigate the daring daylight robbery. Chief Public Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed that the young man’s time has been extended.
Stein said they have released the two suspects who were arrested in a boat trying to leave St. Maarten with four persons on board the boat. Stein said for now they do not believe the two persons that were arrested on Monday had anything to do with Saturday’s robbery. Asked if any of the five suspects between Saturday to Monday has been released or if any of them were turned over to immigration Stein said he does not think so because he did not order the release of any of the suspects.
Port of Spain, Trinidad:---- During a busy second day in Trinidad Minister Duncan met with the ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin America & the Caribbean), the ACS (Association of Caribbean States), and the ILO (International Labor Organization).
Yesterday Minister Duncan was warmly received by the technical staff of the ECLAC, the coordinator of statistical and social development Mr. S. Roberts and the coordinator of program support Mr. S. Dookie.
Staff members showed great interest in the constitutional process of the Netherlands Antilles, questioned whether the Antillean flag would be replaced, and inquired how the dismantling would affect each island. During the meeting, it was established that ECLAC is prepared to assist with technical support and seeks to make this proposal available to the individual islands.
Mr. Luis Fernando Andrade Falla, Secretary General of the ACS welcomed the Minister and his delegation and strongly encouraged the Minister to suggest that the islands use the ACS platform to strengthen cooperation in the region in various areas such as aviation. The multilingual culture of the Netherlands Antilles is an asset and particularly Spanish is a very important link to Central and South America. The Secretary General went on to say that, he viewed Minister Duncan’s trip as a positive step in the process of ensuring the strengthening and broadening of the relationship with the new countries.
Minister Duncan concluded his eventful day with a meeting with the ILO where he spoke with the Director Dr. Ana Teresa Romero, and other specialists in the field of HIV/AIDS, Social Dialogue and Labor Administration programs. During this visit, Minister Duncan was honored to receive the first HIV/AIDS awareness poster in Dutch. The ILO encouraged the Netherlands Antilles to make the most of its membership by utilizing the expertise of the organization when putting together the governmental structures in the new countries.
Brief presentations were made at the three organizations on the process of the political structure in the Antilles and Duncan stressed the desire of Curacao and St. Maarten to continue and strengthen where necessary the existing ties with these organizations. The members of all three organizations were interested in the constitutional process especially as it relates to future participation of the new countries.
The Minister responded to several questions posed by the ILO concerning the schedule implementation of the constitutional changes and the expected impact these changes would have on government organizations and workers.
During these meetings, Minister Duncan was assisted by the Mrs. Louise De Bode-Olton, representative of the Netherlands Antilles at the Dutch embassy in Trinidad and Ms. Ivy Lo Tam Soen acting director of Administrative and Constitutional Affairs.
For more information please contact Ms. Ari Sutton at the Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs at Brooks Towers, Phone 542-9081.
Philipsburg:--- The executive council it is understood has offered a package to head of Public Works Joseph Dollison. The offer is for Dollison to vacate his position as head of the department. Dollison who is presently on vacation SMN News understands made several phone calls to the office of the Commissioner of Public Works on Friday. It is not clear, if Dollison would accept the offer or if he plans to contest it. Sources say the executive council basically asked Dollison to step aside now or to face legal embarrassments when the final reports are submitted.
This comes on the heels of the investigation presently taking place by SOAB. Some two months ago the SOAB delivered a preliminary report to the island’s Lt. Governor and executive council advising them to hire an interim manager due to the fact that both Dollison and his subordinate has no control over the day to day management of the department. Also on its way is a technical report, which would define some of the wrong doings of Dollison.
Even though the final report on the three-month investigation is not yet finalized, the SOAB along with assistance from the department of ROB (Curacao) visited several buildings on the island earlier this week. SMN News understands that most of the buildings that were visited by the investigating team acquired building permits that were signed by either Dollison or his subordinate Claudius Buncamper.
The inspectors and investigating team visited a building owned by the head of ROB Joseph Dollison, that building is located on LB Scot Road. Sources close to the team said they were busy measuring the doors, windows, and toilet spaces to see if the building is in compliance to the building codes of the Netherlands Antilles. It is said the inspectors even checked the thickness of the concrete and the parking spaces for the three-story building.
In the preliminary report submitted to government some two months ago the SOAB said there is no clear mandate given by the executive council to the director of ROB. Secondly the SOAB determined that based on the analysis between the residential and commercial projects the director of ROB categorized some million guilders project as residential so that he could sign off on the building permits instead of the executive council. The director of ROB had the mandate to sign off on projects, which are to the value of NAf.500, 000, or less but during the investigation, the inspectors found Dollison as well as his subordinate signed off on projects, which valued more than a Naf. 1,000,000.
According to the report, the investigators found that instead of these top civil servants uphold the law they were busy assisting the developers by finding loopholes in the law.
The inspectors found several buildings that are not up to par and in accordance of their building permits, and it was clear that the inspectors of ROB (St. Maarten) did not perform their duty since they did not conduct measurements.
The investigators are yet to find the guidelines or definitions that are to be used by the department internally. They also found that the director would remove certain requests from the normal procedures.
Cul de Sac: --- St. Maarten Pride Foundation will carryout a clean up of the Cul-de-Sac Cemetery on this coming Saturday August 15, 2009 from 8am until 10:30 am. The cemetery is currently littered with bottles, cups, plastic bags and other garbage. Pride plans to focus this initial clean up on the lower section of the cemetery and will facilitate additional clean-ups in the near future if necessary.
Pride Foundation is hereby requesting the General Public, Church Groups, Community councils, Service clubs, businesses, Government departments as well as any other groups, organizations, foundations and individuals to come and assist in the clean-up of the historic Cul-de-Sac Cemetery.
Pride Foundation will provide garbage bags, rakes, and gloves.
Philipsburg: ---The island council unanimously approved the decision taken by the Executive council to deny the request of a director’s license, which was submitted by Crew Nest Bar and Restaurant N.V. The owner of this establishment had filed an appeal with the executive council who once denied his request.
In the appeal submitted to government the businessman quoted the friendship treaty signed between the Netherlands and the United States of America. This treaty is also applicable to the Netherlands Antilles.
Commissioner of Economic Affairs Frans Richardson in his presentation to the island council advised the council to reject the appeal for the second time since the company is considered one of limited liability.
Richardson said the applicant Mr. Le Blanc has been living and working on St. Maarten illegally since 2004 and requesting a director’s license is a form of abuse to obtain a residence permit. Richardson said the current executive council had sought legal advice before taking a decision since the applicant not only used the US/Dutch treaty but he also made mentioned of a verdict taken in Aruba. However, neither document could have been used in the case of LeBlanc. The US/Dutch treaty states that an American citizen who makes considerable investments in the Kingdom and its dependents should have equal treatment to the Dutch citizens. However, the executive council has determined that having a restaurant and bar is not considerable investment on the island.
One of the arguments used by legal counsel for The Crew’s Nest Bar & Restaurant is that related to the person in question being beneficiary of a March 27, 1956 “Treaty of Friendship, commerce and Navigation between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States of America.
That treaty says The Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States of America, desirous of strengthening the bonds of peace and friendship traditionally existing between them and of encouraging closer economic and cultural relations between their peoples, and being cognizant of the contributions which may be made toward these ends by arrangements promoting mutually advantageous commercial intercourse, encouraging mutually beneficial investments, and establishing mutual rights and privileges.
Nationals of either Party within the territories of the other Party shall be free from molestations of every kind, and shall receive the most constant protection and security. They shall be accorded in like circumstances treatment no less favorable than that accorded nationals of such other party for the protection and security of their persons and their rights. The treatment accorded in this respect shall in no case be less favorable than that accorded nationals of any third country or that required by international law”…and so forth and so on.
Referring to the applicant Mr. LeBlanc intends to work as a bartender as well as the captain of his boat that according to the executive council can be done by anyone else. Richardson said the applicant applied for wrong permit and he could have gone through the regular process of applying for a work permit.
Richardson also mentioned the fact that the Brooks Tower Accord, which was recently published, will go into effect and LeBlanc could now use it to his advantage.
Richardson said the reason the Brooks Tower Accord was drafted by the former Minister of Justice was to put an end to the misuse and abuse to the director’s and business license to obtain residence permit.
Philipsburg:--- The police on two wheels will soon begin permanent operations now that their one week training is almost over. The officers were seen patrolling certain areas on Thursday, well dressed in their Biking Uniform. An official demonstration is planned for Thursday in front of the Philipsburg Police Station.
Philipsburg: --- A couple identified as R.M.M and M.D.M residing at Madame Estate has filed an official complaint with the Arm Robbery Unit on Friday after they were robbed under threat. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said according to the couple they were sitting on the steps leading to their apartment when two men of dark complexion attacked them. The couple reported that both their attackers had their faces covered with their tee shirt while one of them had a pointed object wrapped in a cloth. The attackers forced their victims inside their apartment where they ransacked and robbed them of a number of electronic equipments including a laptop and cellular phones. The Armed Robbery Unit is busy investigating.
Also on Friday, a bus driver identified as J. A reported that on Thursday evening while driving along L.B Scot Road he picked up two unknown men in the vicinity of Cake House Supermarket. The bus driver said when he reached Cannegitter Street one of the men stepped out of the bus and remained at the door while the other man who was still in the bus pulled out a knife at him in attempt to rob him. The bus driver said he retaliated by pulling at the suspects shirt. The bus driver said that at that point his attacker swung his knife at him cutting him in the forehead, after committing the act both men ran away. The driver was attended to by paramedics before taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center.
Philipsburg– WINAIR has announced that it wishes to advise the public that it will continue to operate normal with the exception of Saba as the cross winds are very strong.
Please be advised that the airline is monitoring the passage of Hurricane Bill and passengers will be advised by 12.00 noon today of adjustments to the schedule.
It is important to note that we are monitoring Hurricane Bill and services might be disrupted as the hurricane comes closer.
Passengers are advised to contact their local airports and continue monitoring radio stations for further updates.
Philipsburg: -----Adviser to the United Federation Union Willy Haize did not mingle with words when he reacted to statements made by president of the Windward Island Civil Servant Union (WICSU) William Reed who accused him of conspiracy.
Haize said Reed is angry because the workers of St. Maarten Tender Services (SMTS) sent a letter to their employer informing him that he should no longer pay their union dues to the WICSU/PSU alleging that the WICSU/PSU has failed to properly represent them. Haize also provided a letter that Reed drafted and gave one of the employees of SMTS to sign, where the employee is apologizing to her employer considering that she worked for the company for over 20 years. According to Haize, the long time employee refused to sign the letter drafted by Reed and as such, their working relationship has deteriorated. Haize also provided the list of grievances the workers have with the WICSU/PSU, which was signed by the shop stewards. According to the grievances Reed told the workers, they needed to protect their jobs because they are foreigners, and that they needed to better budget their monies. The SMTS workers are asking management to increase their hourly rate from $3.00 to $5.00 considering the fact that their has been an increase in cost of living. They claim Reed called a strike and to date they do not know the legal consequences of their actions. The workers also claimed that Reed has been an embarrassment to them and has been holding private meetings with their employer. The workers said that Reed made an agreement with management of SMTS for their retroactive pay without their permission and instead of receiving the $2000.00 they are owed they received a mere $800 which was sent to the Union’s account. The SMTS workers are now demanding to know where the balance of their monies is and who kept it.
Haize said when the SMTS workers approached him he personally called Reed and offered to assist him with the conflict but Reed he said told him that the workers at SMTS are foreigners and there is no need to fight for them. Haize also provided documents submitted to him by the SMTS shop stewards who said that Reed made the same argument when they expressed their concerns to him. The shop stewards also alleged that Reed is never prepared and does not even go into negotiations with agenda points. They further alleged that Reed signed a Collective Labour Agreement with their employer without their permission all of which they are asking the UFA to contest.
Haize said that he hopes that Reed can support his statements when it comes to the tip box and the amount of monies the SMTS workers are collecting. The UFA adviser said Reed does not know anything about unionism and he should stay in the kitchen as a cook. As per the conspiracy theory brought forward by Reed, Haize said he wears two caps, one for the United Front where he represents heavy equipments and the other as an advisor to the UFA. Haize made clear that he has never represented Connecting Waves and felt that Reed should get his facts straight.
Haize said the WICSU/PSU president began campaigning for the referendum which is yet to be decided on. The UFA advisor said he is giving Reed a long rope because has information where the WICSU/PSU has been losing its members on all three of the islands for the lack of representation. The unionist said the WICSU/PSU is having internal problems and as such, they are not able to adequately represent their members. Haize also accused Reed of making deals with the employers that would personally benefit him instead of his members from whom he is collecting dues.
Philipsburg:--- Police arrested three persons identified as K.C. from Jamaica, T.R.A. and I.G.L. from the U.S.A. after they were spotted acting suspiciously. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in his police report said police from the Simpson Bay outpost spotted the three men standing next to a red car carrying French license plate on the crossing of Windsor road/ Olive drive in Cole Bay.
When the suspects saw the police approaching, they became quite nervous and started to behave suspicious. One of the men who had a black plastic bag in his hand stuck the bag between his legs in the attempt to hide it from the police. The driver of the car tried drive away but he was stopped by the patrol.
The driver attempted to run away from the scene with the black plastic bag, but after a short foot chase by the police, he was arrested. The plastic bag contained three other plastic bags containing pressed marijuana. The marijuana was confiscated for further investigation.
Police also arrested the second suspect in a robbery attempt, which took place on August 9 2009 at El Pollito Bar in Sucker Garden. During the attempted robbery, one man was shot in his right shoulder. However, the wound was not life, threatening and he (the victim) went home after treatment at the Sint Maarten Medical Center.
The second suspect in this case has been identified with initials A.G. from Jamaica. The arrest took place in Cole Bay where the suspect has been hiding out since the robbery attempt.
Police also arrested another suspect who was involved in a shooting incident. The suspect that was arrested has been identified ad C.J.C. The shooting took place on August 9 on the Rock Salt road. One person was injured during this incident. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said police is still looking for the other suspects involved in the case.
Philipsburg--- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams is also questioning the decision of the chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards who postpone the voting on the code of conduct on cooperate governance on Thursday. Wescot Williams said based on the rules of order the Chairman of the island council can make a proposal but postponing or adjourning is not up to him. She said Richards had to allow the voting to take place and when the votes are counted then he can determine if there was a lack of quorum, but doing that ahead of voting is not proper. “Only when the votes are counted and it shows less than half of the island council voted then he can declare the vote null and void for a lack or quorum.”
Wescot Williams said her faction has no intention of arguing with the Lt. Governor and Chairman of the island council, but she already had suggested to that, the island council should have met and debated the new draft rules of order, and allow the island council to make the necessary amendments.
The DP faction is now suggesting to the governor that the matter be tabled again since there are amendments pending. She said of the things she believe is frustrating to the leader of the National Alliance is that her faction is now using the time allotted for notices to bring up important issues and not just expressing birthday wishes. She said the ‘notices” was only for the use of the Lt. Governor but they have a ‘gentleman’s agreement which allows every member of the council to utilize this time. She said being accused of misusing the rules of order is totally ridiculous instead; it seems as if the executive council has an issue with the Democratic Party raising issues in the island council. “If this is so then we would be having an issue at each island council meeting because the National Alliance/ Heyliger/ Laveist government would not shut up the Democratic Party.” Wescot Williams said.
Another concern for the DP leader is how would the meeting be reconvened, and if members of the island council would be given the opportunity to again debate the issues at hand or if they are only going to be called to vote. The sentiments of the leader of the DP were made at a press conference on Friday at the Parliament Building.
Wescot Williams also said she is wondering how important is the topic of cooperate governance to the present government. She reminded that the topic was to be discussed on August 13, which had to be postponed due to travel plans of the leader of government William Marlin. Wescot Williams said that even though the meeting was abruptly adjourned on August 13 because Marlin had to leave the island he still had enough time to hold a press conference to rebut prior statements. The DP leader said in her opinion if the executive council was serious in handling the people’s business they would have allowed the opposition to pose their questions, which would have given them enough time to prepare.
As for Thursday’s island council meeting where the same agenda point was to be discussed, the meeting had to be adjourned a number of times because the leader of government was nowhere to be found. Wescot Williams said she also wants to know what is wrong with the other full-fledged commissioners in the executive council and if one of them was not in position to read out the answers that were prepared by the advisors. Wescot Williams also refuted the excuse given to the island council that it took over three hours to prepare the answers to their questions.
Wescot Williams made clear that the DP faction is not concerned on how the National Alliance acted as opposition but right now, there is a new opposition that takes their role serious and the present government would have to be content with the way they work.
Wescot Williams said the Democratic Party is not going to accept any blame from the National Alliance leader because he failed to get the work done. She said after all the adjournments and to hear the spin put on the issue that the Democratic Party has declared war on the constitutional process will not be accepted. She said if cooperate governance was important to the National Alliance/ Heyliger government then the agenda point would have been dealt with on August 13 since the leader of government had to know his travel plans prior to August 13.
Reacting to the statements made by the leader of government who said the DP faction has declared war on the constitutional process and they are considered to be spoil brats. Island council man Roy Marlin said ‘Today is spoil brats, last week was shut up and go home, few weeks before that we were little boys” statements all made by the leader of government either in the island council or elsewhere is a total lack of respect for the voters of St. Maarten. The island councilman said each and every member of the island council has been elected and each time the leader of government levels his insults he is directing it to the voters of St. Maarten who elected them.
As per the declaration of war, Marlin said on May 21 the State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Mrs. Anke Bijleveld-Schouten sent a response on the ordinance on cooperate governance and to date the executive council is yet to respond.
The island councilman said during the first meeting of the island council he asked if a response was sent to the State Secretary and was told the governor sent a response, Marlin said he immediately asked if the executive council intended to respond and to date that was not done. He said he learnt another response was sent but that too was sent by the governor and not the executive council even though the agreement clearly states that the executive council and the state secretary should show that by August 1 2009 the code of conduct on cooperate governance is implemented. He said if the leader of government thinks he is going to blame the Democratic Party because they walked out of meeting while he did not have the common decency to respond to one letter then he wants to know exactly who is responsible for declaring war on the constitutional process.
Also reacting to the outcome of Thursday’s Island Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus who said the leader of government does not only lack respect but there is a lack of political as well as governing maturity. She said she believes that since the NA/ Heyliger lacks maturity it lead to debacle they are faced with today. Buncamper Molanus said as per the agenda point discussed on Thursday they were presented with three letters, which clearly stated that the matter should have been dealt with prior to August 1 2009. She said she wants to know how important this issue to the present government is because they chose to bring the matter to the floor of the island council 20 days late.
She said that because of the lateness the opposition wants to know what would be the consequences of the lateness or tardy decision. She also wants to know if the council on cooperate governance has been established and if not so when would this happen if this matter is of such importance to the present government.
GREAT BAY,– Last week teachers and support staff welcomed thousands of students back to the classroom. As kids settled down for their first week of the new school year 2009-2010, much effort in learning must be made during the new year Commissioner of Education William Marlin said on Sunday.
“Through the individual commitment students, parents and teachers, our students will graduate at the end of the school year having gained the knowledge, skills and values necessary to move them up a grade and on to the next level and of this journey.
“For the 2009-2010 school year, everyone’s goal is increasing learning and achievement for all students. Parents also have a role to play where this is concerned. You have a responsibility in the education process of your child.
“Students and teachers cannot do it alone at this stage of their educational journey, and your input is essential. Students have to be prepared especially those who will complete high school at the end of the school year. They must have the readiness in life after high school in an ever-changing society and economy.
“I reiterate, teachers cannot do it alone. Parent’s commitment to educational excellence is necessary. Parents and community members need to join in this new school year by volunteering in the schools and becoming involved in partnerships to support students.
“Let us look forward together as students, parents and teachers as the second week of the new school year gets underway on Monday, to an outstanding school-year,” Commissioner of Education William Marlin told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.
Philipsburg: --- The police have arrested a 28-year-old St. Maarten man indentified as R.C for allegedly raping two persons. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said R.C was arrested on August 21 and is now in police custody as they continue to investigate the case. No other details on the cases have been released due to its sensitiveness.
Police is also investigating another case of sexual molestation of a minor; SMN News was on the scene yesterday when the mother of the child reacted with screams after she was told by the medical examiner that the child was raped on more than one occasion. According to relatives of the victim, the suspect is the husband of the child’s guardian. They said the woman who was also at police station when the commotion was taking place was allegedly trying to cover up for the man since she works for government. The child was seen at the police station crying uncontrollably as her mother it is understood assaulted the alleged molester. The relatives identified the culprit as L.D of Jamaica. They said police already notified the child’s mother that she would be arrested since L.D has filed charges against her after she assaulted him.
Several family members of both the mother and the young victim said they do not intend to take the matter lightly since the man in question allegedly assaulted the child on more than one occasion. They said the man even told the 10-year old that he was going to give her a $100 to keep quiet.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein in an invited comment said he is not aware of the case, since only on Monday the police were taking statements.
Dutch Quarter:--- A man identified as J.W from Dominica is nursing gun shot wounds at the St. Maarten medical center. According to Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson police were called to Lambert drive # 18B in the Zorg en Rust area early Wednesday morning where they met the man with gunshot wounds to the side of his stomach.
The victim who was in a conscious state, with a gunshot wound to left side of his stomach, stated that a short while before he had gone to the nearby bushes to relieve himself when he was suddenly attacked by two masked men.
One of were armed with a shotgun and they both demanded money from the victim while threatening him with the gun.
Henson said when the victim, could not deliver the monies requested by his attackers the suspects started beating him. The man with shotgun then fired a shot a victim from a very close range hitting him in the left side of his body.
According to the victim, the suspects fled the scene. On the scene, the victim was attended to by paramedics and then transported to the St Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. The detectives and the forensic department are presently busy investigating this case because it is still very unclear what exactly happened, why it happened, and who the suspects responsible for this act are.
Philipsburg:-- Several students were arrested while some of them injured when a gang fight broke out in a school bus on Friday. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said this was something waiting to happen and that police were receiving several phone calls alerting them that some students are preparing to fight. Henson said earlier in the week he called on parents to pay keen attention and to monitor their children but several of them had to visit the police station where their children were.
The police spokesman said several police patrol had to respond to Bush Road, where a big gang fight between students from the Sint Maarten Academy and the Milton Peters College was taking place.
The report also indicated that the fight was taking place on a school bus and that weapons like machetes were also involved. On the scene, a patrol learnt that a student involved in the fight had left the scene by taking a bus to Philipsburg.
The bus in which student in question was, was intercepted by a patrol coming from Philipsburg. He was arrested on the scene, however the student resisted heavily against the officers, during his resistance he suffered a minor cut under his chin. He was taken to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for treatment after which he was released in police custody.
According to eyewitnesses, the school bus was attacked on the crossing of Bush Road Zagersgut Road by a large group of young men/students that came out of the Blijdendrive area, some in uniform, and others without uniform.
The students who attacked the bus had their faces covered with blue bandana's to conceal their identity. The attackers started a major fight with several students on board of the bus. During this fight a machete was pulled. According to the bus driver, a window of the bus was destroyed by one of the attackers with a machete. The bus driver also stated that he tried to take away the machete from this person, but was unsuccessful in doing so and suffered minor cuts to his right arm.
Shortly after the attackers exited the bus and ran into Blijdendrive according to statements made by eyewitnesses. Several students who were on the bus and who were involved in the fight were brought to the Philipsburg Police Station to give statements about this incident. However, these students fail to give the necessary information and cooperation to the police in order for them to be able to put together what exactly happened, what was the reason for this unfortunate incident-taking place and who the persons that are responsible for these serious acts. Several parents of students involved in the fight was called to the police station and informed of this very serious situation.
The police during the day continued to receive information that these confrontations or gang fights will continue. For that reason several patrols were sent out to monitor the situations and if necessary act on them.
During controls done by the patrols on the roads, several machetes and items used to strike persons with were found and confiscated. At the Sint Maarten Academy P.S.V.E. in Ebenezer, the security guard on duty found a machete on the premises. This machete was of course confiscated by police
Information coming in to the police indicates that these fights are between several rival gangs from different districts on the island.
Mullet Bay;---Last weekend the Royal Dutch Marines kept their annual Hurricane Exercise (Hurex) with the Fire Department, Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten (VKS) and the Sint Maarten Red Cross, several of the agencies responsible for disaster relief on the island in the event of a hurricane.
On Saturday August 29th the focus was on support of the fire department. During the day the marines were instructed by and trained jointly with the fire department at Mullet Bay. Several scenarios were staged where marines would arrive first at an incident and had to deal with the matter at hand. The focus was on stabilizing a situation, creating a safe work area and putting ones own safety first. All exercises where performed under the supervision of the fire department’s instructors.
The training day ended at night with a big staged accident. A police car in hot pursuit of a criminal ended up under a tree, whilst the criminal’s car crashed into a house. The criminal was launched into the bushes and the car burst into flames. The house itself was about to cave in while the owner was trapped inside. Marines reached first at the scene and feverishly tried to stabilize the situation before the arrival of the fire department. Several citizens tried to rescue their trapped neighbor by entering the unstable house. They also wanted to attack the wounded criminal. All the different exercises of the day culminated in this large scenario.
Cooperation between the various agencies went very well. In the event of a hurricane situation or any other type of disaster, assistance by the marines might be needed. Good cooperation between the several entities is therefore essential. Both marines and the fire department look back at a day where the relief groups worked as one team.
Philipsburg: --- Island councilman and former energy commissioner Roy Marlin has issued a public call to Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards to step in. Marlin said GEBE has some loans with Pacific Life the financing agency over the last ten years. He said the company managed to live up both agreements with the agency over the last ten years. However, right now the financial agency may soon have to call on GEBE to pay up its outstanding loans, which is in excess of 40 million US dollars. Marlin said the concession with Pacific Life will expire in January 2011 but government and Pacific Life has agreed to have a new agreement in place by January 2010. Marlin said he began negotiations since last April but based on the current correspondence between Pacific Life and GEBE may not be able to pull off an agreement. He said should this happen it would bring dire consequences to the island and its people. Marlin said he believes the governor has the right and power to look into the extension of the concession, and have the executive council deal with this matter post haste.
The island councilman said government has given Pacific Life a letter of comfort ensuring them that they would take the necessary steps to ensure all is done for the renewal of the concession. Marlin said he is making is appeal so that GEBE would remain the main concessionaire for the production of light and water for St. Maarten. He made it clear that the issue at hand is above politics instead it’s about the sustainability of the island which would also ensure that GEBE can live up to his obligations and financial agreement. Marlin said to date the financial statement for GEBE is not yet ready or finalized to be sent to Pacific Life by September. He said so far management has not completed the task and everyone knows his position on the managing director of GEBE. He said he was accused by the opposition that he is head hunting but now those people are in government and he is eager to see how they are going to deal with the issues at hand. He said he still believes that if the managing director William Brooks cannot do the job then he needs to vacate the seat and allow the supervisory board to take the necessary actions.
Marlin said the working situation at GEBE has deteriorated to an extent where several workers are on sick leave simply because they disagree with the style of the management. He said no one at this time should allow a company such as GEBE to go down the drain because of one person. He said he was accused of head hunting a local St. Maartener but if the company is being jeopardized then the executive council needs to take action or the governor. He said presently there are key managers out on sick leave and just recently, the automation was down because they were demoted within the company.
PHILIPSBURG – The Soualiga Optimist Club of St. Maarten is inviting persons to register for their upcoming gospel competition, which will take place on October 4th 2009. Young people in schools, churches and the wider community are invited to participate in this event. The objective of this program is to allow young people to express their creativity in song, while sending a positive message to the community.
Registrants are accepted in two categories: Individual and Group. Participants must be between the ages of 9 and 15 years old. The deadline to register is September 15, 2009.
In this day and age when our youth are under so much pressure, it is important that we provide them with opportunities to keep themselves positively engaged while showcasing that our youth can and will do well if given the opportunity to shine, Olga Mussington President of the organization said.
To register, persons should contact Optimist Julian at 522 0248 or Optimist Angel at 520 7200. One may also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Soualiga Optimist Club of St. Maarten is a service club that conducts positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to our youth. As a member of Optimist International, the club strives to accomplish a number of goals while assisting youth in our community and have executed numerous programs such as essay contests, oratorical competition, youth appreciation week, donations to underprivileged families in our elementary schools.
Persons interested in learning more about the Soualiga Optimist Club may contact the persons listed above.
Philipsburg:--Bandits held up some four men on September 1 at gunpoint reported police spokesman Ricardo Henson. The men are from the Netherlands and are here on vacation.
According to report, the men were attacked around 12:30 am while walking near Defiance Club.
They told police that they were followed and then suddenly attacked by two unknown black males. During the attack, one of the suspects pulled a gun and fired a shot in the air. After that, he pointed the gun at them and demanded they handed over all their money. The victims said to avoid being shot the victims complied with the robber’s demand, by handing over their money. After committing their act, the robbers took off running. A description of the robbers was given to the Special Robbery Unit and they are presently busy with this investigation.
Marigot: --- Scores of gendarmes raided two homes in the St. James area early Friday morning. According to residents, the gendarmes arrived at the scene soon after 5 am. Jean Claude Bryan said he heard strange sounds outside of his wooden house but thought it was his neighbors who were working, but shortly after the gendarmes pulled open his door, where they found him and his companion naked.
The man said they were told by the gendarmes that it was a routine search. Bryan said the gendarmes searched the entire apartment using dogs. He said at one point he was taken outside as the search was taking place shortly after the gendarmes took him back inside the house and placed him to sit down, as they continue the search. Bryan further explained that when he enquired from the officers what was the purpose of the search he was told that it was a search for narcotics (drugs.) Asked if anything was found and what was taken from his house Bryan said the officers left empty handed.
Bryan said after the gendarmes finished at his home they went across the street where they broke down the front glass door of a house to gain access.
At the scene were a number of gendarmes, in and around the home of Leroy Mussington whose house and yard were being searched. Inside the house, several gendarmes were searching as they converged at the back of the home in boats to make sure no one escaped. Mussington was also arrested and taken away by the officers who spent over four hours at the scene.
The wife of Mussington had to be taken by ambulance to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital as she collapsed when the officers left her house with her husband. The woman was overheard saying that the gendarmes were beating her husband prior to taking him away.
Another resident of the area Patrick Lake was also very vocal about the search; he condemned the gendarmes saying that they do not have a warrant to conduct such searches. Lake said his house was also searched sometime ago and felt that the gendarmes are targeting locals.
In the meantime, several residents of the area who converge at the scene to witness what was taking place were heard lashing out at the gendarmes. Most of them were saying that the gendarmes are racist and that they are targeting the locals or black people. Some even threatened to get them out of their neighborhoods.
Several other long time residents of St. James and Low Town who spoke to this reporter anonymously praised the gendarmes for the work they are now doing. One elderly resident said that Friday marked two years since Mussington’s former girlfriend was found dead in her house. One woman said crime is escalating and that something has to be done to clean up the area. She went on to say that almost a year ago another family woke up to find two people killed in their house. She was referring to Nejumbia and Ronelia Fleming who was brutally murdered during the early morning hours of October 30. Notwithstanding the slaying of Biko on January 30, 2009 in a house in Low Town.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the gendarmes seized a large quantity of drugs that was destined for St. Martin. The source said at least two shipments were seized and one person has been arrested prior to the raid at the St. James homes on Friday.
Efforts made to contact the local prosecutor Jacques Louvier for a comment proved futile while the Captain and Commandant of the gendarmes Stephanne Brunet and Stephanne Arrouseau could not be reached for a comment.
GREAT BAY--– Commissioner of Education William Marlin says that one of the greatest requisites in the world for personal development is being able to read and write – literacy – and is therefore is calling on parents and guardians to make some time on Tuesday, September 8 to read to their child/ren on the occasion of International Literacy Day.
“Literacy plays an essential role in the lives of our people. Let us join hands together on Tuesday and make that time to read to our kids. Select their favorite book and story, sit down with them, and read either before going to work, after picking them up from school, or just before they go to bed.
“As a nation we must continue to reinforce the importance of being able to read and write. It is not only the responsibility of the teacher in school, but also that of the parent and guardian. Everybody has a role to play,” Commissioner William Marlin said on Monday.
International Literacy Day is celebrated every September 8 around the globe. It was instituted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to bring literacy awareness to the top of the international agenda.
The day was first celebrated back in 1966. The aim of the international day is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies. UNESCO has been at the forefront of global literacy efforts since 1946.
Commissioner Marlin adds that being literate comes with benefits such as being able to get a job at a higher level. A literate society is also able to formulate solutions for community problems and social development.
“As a member of our community, if you are able to contribute some time each day to read to a child at the library, a voluntary reading program in our school system, or a reading session in an after school activities project, it will make a tremendous difference not only to the child you are reading too but to society overall.
“Literacy skills are for life and literate nations are better geared to meet pressing national development issues,” Commissioner of Education William Marlin pointed out on Monday.
MARIGOT— A 17-year old student of the College Mont des Accords is scheduled to appear in juvenile courts sometime later this year after he was caught with a machete during a fight outside of his school. A press release from the gendarmes states that they moved in swiftly to break up the fight, which started outside of the school just after their midday break. The fight was between two groups. Since then security has been reinforced to diffuse any future occurrences.
Philipsburg:--- Head of New Projects Kurt Ruan and the traffic department of the police force conducted a test run at the Cole Bay roundabout on Wednesday to prove that the roundabout is adequate for heavy equipments. On the scene, there were two trucks capable of carrying a 40-foot container to demonstrate the use of the round about. However, it was clear that the first driver did not know that he had to use the two arms on each side of the lane if he plans to turn next to the Daniel’s property. Without using the two arms, the back of the truck is not able to move along safely.
After having instructions from control unit and Ruan, the driver managed to turn even while another 40-container is next to him coming from the opposite direction approaching the roundabout.
On the scene, Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard told reporters that they have proven to everyone that both vehicles can pass freely without going on the sidewalks, neither is there any obstruction. Leonard said they have proven there is no need for concern and that the roundabout is indeed a success. Leonard said the entire “nay” Sayers this is a success. Asked if he believes that there needs to be some announcements to make drivers aware on the use of the roundabout, Leonard said that the police have to continue monitoring the situation until the road users are accustomed to the new traffic rules.
In the meantime, head of New Projects Kurt Ruan said the reason they conducted the test run is to show those persons who shared their concerns in the media earlier this week that the round about is safe. He said they see no problem in terms of danger when heavy equipments making use of the turn off. Ruan said they are urging all drivers to take the necessary precautionary measures when driving around the Cole Bay Roundabout.
SABA—GEBE will be taking its Reusable Shopping Bag Supermarket Challenge to Saba this week to promote the use of reusable shopping bags instead of plastic shopping bags. Saba shoppers could win Naf 100, - on the spot from their favorite local supermarket if they shop with any reusable shopping bag during the GEBE Supermarket Challenge.
Participating supermarkets are Big Rock Market, Corner Imports, D & A Supermarket, KawVaw Supermarket, and My Store Supermarket. Each shopper will only be allowed to win once, so they are encouraged to tell their friends and family as well.
The Saba Conservation Foundation has endorsed the campaign and will be working alongside GEBE to also increase the awareness of the dangers of plastic in the environment. Dave Levenstone will be kicking off the awareness on his radio program with a number of quizzes where listeners can win a reusable shopping bag and conservation package.
Plastic shopping bags usually end up caught in trees littering the environment and can kill marine life because they are mistaken for food. Instead, GEBE is promoting the use of reusable shopping bags, which can be used over and over again as part of the company’s environmental program aimed at Saving Some Green.
Used twice a week for a period of two years, each GEBE reusable shopping bag can replace up to 1664 plastic shopping bags in its lifetime. The 10,000 bags that GEBE distributed could therefore mean a total plastic bag reduction on these islands of 16 million bags. The bag is for the conscious shopper who like GEBE takes the environment into account. GEBE distributed 10,000 reusable shopping bags in January 2009 to its customers on St. Maarten, Saba, and Statia. GEBE is also planning to launch the Supermarket Challenge in Statia.
Philipsburg: ----- The Democratic Party Faction has stated its position in the central committee meeting held on Thursday and had hoped the Island Council would have opted to make a statement concerning the upcoming parliamentary elections. Members of the DP faction at a press conference on Friday said while every member of the island council expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision taken by the central government to hold elections in January, the executive council namely the commissioner of constitutional affairs did not see the need for St. Maarten to make its concern public. Leader of the Democratic Party Faction Sarah Wescot Williams said all they were hearing from the majority is that nobody can change St. Maarten’s position. She said while they agree that no one can change the island’s position on constitutional change. The make up of the new parliament when elected can affect the process.
Wescot Williams also indicated that they are hoping that a date be pinned down on when St. Maarten would obtain its separate status during the meetings to be held on September 30. She said this situation could not remain open ended if they are going to have parliamentary elections in January. She explained that unless the laws are changed, parliamentary elections would be held in January, and those elected would be elected on a four-year mandate.
Another suggestion the faction is making sure; if the parliamentary elections are held at the end of January then the necessary measures must be taken to ensure that the lifespan of that parliament is shortened and documented. She said it must be that the transition and the termination date of parliament are connected.
Wescot Williams said her factions have concerns to the tying down of the date on September 30. She explained that it is their opinion that several conditions would be placed on St. Maarten if a date were attached since it is murmured more often that there will be conditions attached. Wescot Williams said she believes that St. Maarten need to begin talks now to discuss the consequences if unwanted conditions were attached to the island. “We need to see what the consequences are going to be attached and prepare our response now.”
The former constitutional affairs commissioner said they have the gut feeling that there are more to the whole situation that meets the eye and St. Maarten should be on its guard.
She said the position of the Democratic Party is that St. Maarten should not shun any discussion when it comes to constitutional process and they do not agree with the decisions of the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles to refuse the meetings with the Netherland Antilles and Aruban Affairs (NAAZ commission.) According to Wescot Williams the island councils members were invited to a meeting, which the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles rejected.
The DP faction also wants to know what are government’s positions and what were the proposals that were sent to the Central Government regarding the central government branches that are to be established locally. The councilwoman wants know how possible it is for the central government to set up the branches locally and what and how the recruitment would take place. She also wants to know who would be financing the process.
She said her faction intends to bring these questions to the floor of the island council on Monday, since they want to know how this would jive with the agreement of November 24 2008 on decentralization. She said based on that agreement competencies had to be transferred to St. Maarten as of July 1 while another set of tasks would have been transferred by December 31.
Wescot Williams said her faction wants an update on the decentralization law and when will this law go through the formalization process.
Island Councilman Roy Marlin in his statements said over the years St. Maarten has had numerous agreements signed on the transfer of these tasks, which is yet to begin. Marlin also expressed his concerns on the parliamentary elections and its effects on the constitutional process. He said one needs to look at the political landscape in Curacao and for those that know the opposition has been criticizing the current government and if elected they would need to do something different. Should this happen Marlin said it could cause a delay for the constitutional change, which is currently underway. In outlining the facts, he said Saba has decided to secede, Bonaire and St. Maarten wants out while the PNP, FOL and PAR in Curacao also wants out, with this grouping it would be more than two thirds of the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles. He said that would put pressure on parliament to execute the agreements that were made since now there is none, reasons why he believed that a date must be attached on the lifespan of the new parliament. This he said would give all the islands the guarantee they need for the constitutional change. He said he believes that the necessary actions should be taken to have a law is established to end the life of parliament. Marlin said the leader of government did not pick up on the proposal his faction offered during the central committee.
Published June 22 2009
Philipsburg: --- Several red flags were raised when the inspectors from SOAB began their investigation at the department of ROB/VROM. In the preliminary report which was submitted to the island Lt. Governor it stated that the executive council should conduct an indebt investigation into domain affairs. The investigation conducted by SOAB showed that there are irregularities at the department even though an indebt investigation was not conducted in that specific department.
One of those flags was the fact that several civil servants working both at the department and in offices of commissioners managed to secure domain land even though their request was recent. The report stated that a detailed control was not done at that department yet the discrepancies were written on the wall. Several persons who just recently requested domain land including workers of the department already got the land even though there are persons on the waiting list long before them.
Among those persons who received domain land is the head of domain affairs. Sources told this media house that this person was allowed to choose the parcel of land they wanted, and when they were not satisfied with what was available they created a plot of land. The parcel of land that was approved by the executive council for the head of domain affairs was not designated for development but as the head of the department that person was allowed to create the plot which was given to department head and the daughter of the former leader of government, these plots it is understood is located in Pointe Blanche. Also receiving a plot of land in the same area is the head of inspections another senior civil servant.
The source said the acting head of VROM also managed to secure a plot of land in Pointe Blanche, while a senior civil servant in the department got a parcel of land in the name of teenage daughter who is studying abroad.
Among the recipients is the executive assistant to one of the commissioners whose land is located in the St. Peters area while the campaign manager for another former commissioner also received a parcel of land in Pointe Blanche even though he already occupies a parcel of domain land.
Another highlight in the SOAB report is that the director of ROB is not in control of that department. The rules and regulations are not being upheld and procedures are not being followed. It is not clear, if the director is aware of the discrepancies or if he is part of the ongoing scheme. Based on these facts the SOAB advised the executive council to relieve both the director and his assistant from their positions and to hire an interim manager who would bring about order in the entire sector.
While the SOAB is calling on the executive council to conduct an investigation it must be clear that all domain land that is granted to applicants has to be approved by the executive council.
Even though the current executive council is not responsible for the decisions taken by the former executive council, there are two persons who are still part of this new executive council and were aware of the unfair distribution of government land. Those two persons who obviously have some say in these matters are Commissioner Theo Heyliger and the Chairman of the Island Council Franklyn Richards. Efforts made to contact both men for a comment proved futile up to press time.
Sources told this media house that several department heads who already own land managed to secure domain land.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS ON VROM HEAD STRENGTHENING—DEPARTMENT HEADS MUST GO—SOAB ADVISED.
PUBLISHED JUNE 22 2009
Philipsburg: --- Following the questions posed at Monday’s Island Council meeting SMN News feels compelled to publish two of our stories that were published during the month of June.
The Federal Detectives have intensified their investigations into the extortion case against head Delano Richardson. SMN News understands that the detectives were on the island last week and they questioned the director of ROB Joseph Dollison.
The source said Dollison was questioned on the issuance of building permits at his office. It is said the detectives are also interested in speaking to Claudius Buncamper who is presently off island. Buncamper also works in the same department that handles the issuance of building permits. SMN News understands the senior civil servant is expected to be back at work on Monday.
The prosecutor’s office searched the home of Richardson on 18th December the same day he was relieved from his job after a developer Luis Goia supplied the island Lt. Governor with a letter and tape claiming that Richardson was trying to extort monies from him in exchange for a building permit.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed the detectives were on island and they did speak with Dollison. Stein said he does not know if the investigators would be speaking with Buncamper, however, he did not rule out the possibility that Buncamper maybe a witness in the case.
In the meantime, the investigations conducted by SOAB are now over and an interim report is now with the executive council.
SOAB was mandated to conduct two assignments from the former executive council regarding the application and issuance of building permits.
In the interim report, it states that the executive council is advised to hire someone else who has never worked at the department to bring about order. It has been determined that the Director of ROB Joseph Dollison and his assistant Claudius Buncamper have no control over the day to day management of the sector and they should no longer be working in that department.
Furthermore, the department is in chaos, the inspectors even found files in the toilet some of which were destroyed with water. Also astonishing is that some of the files the SOAB were looking for mysteriously disappeared.
SOAB finds there is no clarity in the job description given to the director Joseph Dollison especially when it comes to the dossiers that are under the value of Naf. 500.000. While this is the rule the director should follow it is said that nothing of this nature is clearly outlined on paper. Meaning that the executive council never gave Dollison his directive on paper outlining his job description as director of ROB, it was also discovered that both Dollison and is assistant Buncamper has signed permits with a much higher value. The SOAB found several files, which should have been signed off by the executive council, were signed off by the acting director of ROB.
The inspectors also found files that were botched by those working in the department. Another blatant fact is that several civil servants working in the department were conducting private work for developers. One such person who was making electrical plans was the former head of the inspections department since this civil servant earns more money with his side job than he does as a civil servant.
A situation that clearly shows there is a conflict of interest with the side jobs and the government function. Civil servants also act as advisors to the developers, for example, they advised the Blue Mall developer to cover at least two floors of his building with mud so it would not count as floors; another clear indication of conflict of interest. Several files were taken away from the regular staff and were handled by the director and his assistant. One such file is the Travel Inn that was signed by Claudius Buncamper, the original copy of the permit could not be found. The inspectors of SOAB also found that the department of inspection is willfully left out of the process, since they receive directives from Dollison and Buncamper.
Another hindrance found at ROB is the lack of sufficient staff that is hindering the control process.
There are instances found where no building permit should have been issued and building stops should have been given. However, this was not the case as the permits were issued even though basic requirements were not met. The SOAB in their investigations found that there are several buildings that do not meet the legal standards and to date no action has been taken by ROB.
Most importantly, several files or applications for building permits were incomplete yet the permits were issued by the director or his subordinate. One such file that had several missing documents is Olzina N.V that is located in Cay Hill.
Furthermore, they discovered that the sector does not live up to the rules and regulation regarding the issuance of building permits. There are cases where the inspection of the building takes place after the permits have been issued.
It is further understood that the final report will be sent to the prosecutor’s office where a criminal investigation would begin. The information in the report issued by SOAB is comparable to the information the present executive council released while they were in opposition. Another person that shed a lot of light on the discrepancies at ROB is the former VROM head Delano Richardson.
SMN News has decided to publish these stories once more so that our readers can see what the report states. This media house understands that the final report by SOAB is yet to be concluded and will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office.
Sandy Ground: --- Students of Sandy Ground Maternal and Primary School is without toilet paper, napkins and soap for a sometime now. However, to the surprise of the principal and other workers a number of prickly pear trees were planted in the schoolyard. SMN News understands that certain workers at the school protested when the trees were planted since there are small children attending Sandy Ground Maternal and Primary School.
However, those that were instructed to plant the trees said they are only following instructions. SMN News understands that even the director of that school who was on the opposition list felt those in power were trying to get to her by planting those types of trees in the schoolyard.
COM Finances
The source said the COM only has about Euros 220 in its accounts and to date they have not paid their suppliers for materials. The source explained that the schools on the French side do not have basic supplies even though they are asked to beef up hygiene due to the constant fear of H1N1 virus.
It is further understood each time the schools check with the purchasing department they are told that the “container” has not arrived yet. They said some schools have been waiting for over three months now and the excuse remains the same. In the meantime, our sources say the suppliers have refused the give the COM any more supplies unless they are paid. It is said there is Euros 220 in the COM account and so far, there is no more monies to meet the day-to-day expenditures of the Collectivity. SMN News further learnt that the Union Pour le Progres is contemplating to file bankruptcy (cessation de paiement) to avoid embarrassment. It is not clear if an overseas territory within the French Republic has ever filed bankruptcy but if St. Martin does, they would again be making history with what is considered a political move.
Several accountants and business people when contacted to voice their concern on this issue said the politicians when negotiating the status did not think about the consequences a new status had for St. Martin, instead they all wanted to become the first president, senator, and deputy.
One businessman said, in the past the State had the responsibility of collecting the taxes and when they had that responsibility, whether or not it was collected St. Martin was getting its monies for example the Octroi de Mer funds they never contributed to. “Today St. Martin has to collect its own taxes and pay its bills and with the economic crisis no one can pay their taxes.
Another reasons given for the financial squeeze is that the UPP led government has hired a number or foreign employees who have salaries as high as Euros 6,000 monthly, along with additional benefits such as housing, vehicle and travelling. The source said the pole social has the most foreign employees and amazingly these people who are receiving high salaries have to be trained by the locals, as well as attending formation, all of which is burdening the COM coffers.
General Director Soon to Leave
SMN News also learnt that the DGS of the COM Pascal Avern is planning to leave his post very soon, especially now that the COM is facing this financial predicament. Sources say Avern was supposed to be appointed Director of SEMSAMAR but somehow he lost the opportunity. The source further explained that Avern might become the assistant director of SEMSAMAR. It is said that if he does not manage to secure that job then he would go back to his native island Guadeloupe.
Philipsburg:---Islands, countries in the region regardless of their constitutional structure have established a fiscal regime conducive to creating more economic activity and as a result generate more employment and more funds for Government’s coffers, which as a result provide these Governments with funds to invest in infrastructure, schools, hospitals, sports, the environment etc.
In fact we don’t have to look too far, our Windward Island neigbours, as part of the BES (Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius) structure, according to their “decision list BES Fiscal Administration Consultation on January 13th 2009” made firm decisions regarding the direction in which they wish to develop their tax regime. One of these specific directives was to look into the possibility of specifically lowering the profit tax or totally dispose of it.
In July this year State Secretary Ank Bijleveld-Schouten announced that after getting the necessary permission from the tax inspectorate, companies importing and processing goods in the BES islands, that are then exported, will not have to pay indirect taxes. The expected result is that these companies also contribute to sustainable development by creating employment and realizing infrastructural improvements.
We have been debating this issue on St. Maarten for years, lectures, debates, panel discussion have been held, but the issue loses its momentum every time, perhaps because there seemed to be no urgency. It behooves us now to pick up the discussion again and this time stick to it, certainly monitoring further development of the tax regime in the region, in particular the BES islands as we may experience an exodus of St. Maarten companies to more attractive tax environments.
No one will dispute that we have taken over a Dutch tax regime which requires much more expertise and manpower than we have ever seen invested by the Central Government. Efforts to improve our Tax inspectorate as part of the constitutional process must be applauded, but we should consider a more effective fiscal approach, which will place us in a more competitive position and allow us to ensure a higher level of compliance, promote economic activity, employment, increase revenues and overall benefits for the people living on St. Maarten and businesses alike. We must ensure that the investment being made will be sustainable.
At the end of the day we need to position St. Maarten in a tax environment that will benefit St. Maarten and its people, St. Maarten workers and St. Maarten businesses. We cannot have a tax regime that does not recognize the existence of the French side, or the competitive tax regimes that are just a few minutes away by boat or airplane. The urgency has escalated, among others, as a result of the constitutional changes and fiscal changes being made around us. We hope that the NA/Heyliger Executive Council recognizes the importance of this issue. In the mean time, other partners in our community can help get the ball rolling, after all there is much discussion about a unified approach; without giving the impression that this is not an issue for our elected officials to deal with, perhaps we can give real content to unification by addressing this tax reform issue from a broad perspective including The University of St. Maarten with an academic perspective, The Chamber of Commerce, SHTA, Labour Unions and other relevant organizations to work on this increasingly urgent issue together with government. This unified approach including all who have a contribution to make, bringing to the table a different perspective, may just be the recipe for successful dialog, and the preparation of a workable tax reform proposal, backed by the entire community.
(Maria Buncamper Molanus)
Philipsburg: --- Commissioner Xavier Blackman at a press conference on Wednesday gave an outline on his working visit to Holland last week. Blackman told reporters that while in the Netherlands attended to several meetings to deal with a number of issues. Some of the meetings he said dealt directly with the tax system. The delegation he said was mainly fact finding. The finance commissioner also met with the Minister of Finance where several topics were discussed. Blackman also revived the recruitment of drive in Netherlands in the hope of finding much needed personnel.
Commissioner Blackman met with the Dutch State Secretary of Fiscal Affairs, Jan Kees de Jager, facilitated by Ersilia de Lannoy, to discuss fiscal and financial predicaments facing the island.
The pending or proposed tax system for the BES islands was discussed as well as the consequences of implementing such a fiscal system in regards to the other or soon-to-be former Antillean islands—St. Maarten and Curacao.
Though the fiscal system should be competitive, Commissioner Blackman said, it should not hamper the other islands within the Kingdom. For example, if companies were to relocate to the BES Islands due to their tax systems.
The next point that Commissioner Blackman spoke about was the Tax Jurisdiction of Rotterdam, where the delegation got a historical and a general overview of the current system.
He explained that a lot was learned, what steps they took, their challenges, and how to avoid certain mistakes that were made in bringing about a modernized tax system. Commissioner Blackman said that the St. Maarten tax system is currently about 15-20 years antiquated.
The third point that the commissioner spoke about was the recruitment of personnel. A more proactive approach was needed, he insisted.
In this regard, Commissioner Blackman visited the Antillean House, where there is a database of 700 professional Antilleans. In addition, he visited the Passat, a job recruitment organization in Rotterdam.
While in the Netherlands the delegation interviewed potential candidates(12) to fill two critical functions on St. Maarten, namely: the Head of the Personnel Department and the Finance Department. In addition, a personnel information system is being evaluated for selection and to be used to modernize the department.
The fourth point that Commissioner Blackman spoke about was his meeting with officials at the city of Amsterdam. Efforts, he said, are being made to revitalize the cooperation agreement and to expand it as well into areas not stipulated, especially he said with the service house, which administers personnel for the city of Amsterdam.
Commissioner Blackman added that during his visit he reconfirmed the Island Government’s commitment to the Netherlands on the issue of integrity within Government.
He said that initially there was a misinterpretation due to an article that was erroneous; however, he said that no doubt, the issue is still pending. In this regard, an integrity manager is being sought after.
Blackman said, the trip was cordial and productive, much information was shared, and a renewing of commitments to establish and to build relationship between and among several governmental entities.
SABA—The Saba Supermarket Challenge was a resounding success with 15 winners rewarded for their positive actions of using a reusable shopping bag instead of plastic bags for their groceries at participating Supermarkets, Big Rock Market, Corner Store, Corner Imports, KawVaw and My Store.
The GEBE Supermarket Challenge inspired the participating supermarkets in Saba took the program one step further by implementing a bag charge of Naf 0.10 per plastic bag to further deter shoppers from using plastic bags. The new charge went into effect on September 15, 2009. Charging for plastic bags is an approach used by many countries to promote the use of reusable bags while still making plastic bags available for customers who do not have bags. Le Grande Marche and Cost U Less Supermarkets on St. Maarten have begun distributing their own reusable shopping bags as an alternative for customers to move away from using plastic. Recently Cake House Supermarket in St. Maarten stopped offering plastic bags completely.
Commissioner of Energy and Sanitation, Bruce Zagers, and Saba Conservation Foundation Board Member, Carl Buncamper, joined the GEBE Saba Team of Mark Zagers, Shaun Johnson and Beverly Every, in making their rounds to the supermarkets to surprise shoppers as they were leaving the supermarkets and inspect their bags.
Commissioner Zagers commended the initiative by NV GEBE and the participating supermarkets for the unique approach to environmental awareness. “As Commissioner of Energy and Sanitation, I fully support the initiative started by NV GEBE. Their proactive approach of introducing reusable bags is not only good for the environment, but also benefits Saba as a whole. It is positive to see that the grocery stores have also joined forces with GEBE in order to make this project a success. This program is a step in the right direction towards local Environmental Awareness. In order for our Island to continue to be called “The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean”, projects like these should come to the forefront. As a Government we fully support this initiative and will become involved in future projects in the near future.”
“There are currently plans in the pipeline for starting a recycling process for the Island. I believe anything is possible if we’re all united under the same ultimate goal: to keep Saba pristine and beautiful as God gave it to us.”
Plastic bags are often found littering the environment and are known to kill marine life who mistakes the bags for food. Plastic bags also do not biodegrade but remain in the environment for up to 1000 years.
GEBE distributed 10,000 reusable bags on St. Maarten, Saba, and Statia with the goal of removing up to 16 million plastic bags on the three islands over a period of two years. The GEBE St. Maarten Supermarket Challenge was held in February and March 2009 with nine participating supermarkets and 27 prizes. The program is slated for Statia as well.
Due to the popularity of the program in the community and the support from the supermarkets, GEBE will be repeating the program with an additional 20,000 bags in 2010.
Philipsburg: -- Police arrested a woman, a compulsive gambler for filing a false complaint. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said on Wednesday September 9 2009 the woman with initials N.G.M.H. filed an official report with the Special Robbery Unit stating, that she was robbed by an unknown man of dark complexion. She further stated, that she was robbed of U.S. $ 800,- dollars and that during this robbery she was beaten on her arms and head by the suspect. The woman also told police that as a result of the beating she had suffered several superficial cuts to her arms.
During the investigation, the detectives learnt that the victim is a compulsive gambler and the she owed the landlord rent monies. The detectives also found out that the woman had been gambling at a local casino. After repeated attempts to contact this person, she was located and told to contact the detective department. After some intense questioning by detectives, the woman in question, admitted to have filed a false report of robbery and that the injuries she had sustained were self-inflicted. Her story she stated was totally "fabricated.” She was arrested on the spot and held for further questioning.
Philipsburg:--- The board of directors and members of the St. Maarten Lions Club presented a bus to the Crystal Home on Saturday.
The St. Maarten Lions Club in its aim to continue serving this community is once more making a substantial donation to an organization in need of assistance, says president of the organization Richard Panneflek.
The presentation of this 14 seater bus to the Crystal Home Foundation came about during their Valentine’s Day Car Raffle the winning ticket was not sold and therefore there was no winner and the 2009 Ford Escape SUV remained with the St. Maarten Lions Club.
Having no use ourselves for an SUV and taking in consideration that the Funds raised through the Valentine’ Car Raffle has to go back to the Community a committee of the St. Maarten Lions Club was given the task to study of the matter.
The committee was given instructions to make a need assessment within the Community to find an Organization or institution (NGO) most in need of transportation.
After the needs assessments were completed, Crystal Home Foundation came out as the NGO to be most in need of a 14 seat transportation vehicle.
In order to realize this beautiful Project the St. Maarten Lions Club put up an extra US$7.000.00 and in collaboration with a donation from Caribbean Auto Sales N.V. it became possible to present this beautiful 14 seats bus at the tune of US$. 32,000.00 to the Crystal Home Foundation.
The keys of the bus was presented to Mrs. Williams by the Lion’s Club past president Mr. Richard Gibson Jr.
Marigot:--- While relatives of murder victim Rigobert Bertin Maurice has denied that the young man was condemned by the justice system. French Prosecutor Jacques Louvier confirmed that the victim was condemned for an armed robbery with violence on September 10 2009. Louvier said the crime was committed on May 2 2009. Besides that Bertin Maurice had a suspended sentence of six months for an unrelated crime sometime ago.
The prosecutor said Bertin- Maurice did not appear in court for the last hearing and as such he was condemned in his absence. He further explained that a warrant was out for Bertin Maurice. Despite having a criminal record, the shooting has no relation to previous crimes.
Rollina Bertin-Maurice and other relatives said the young man did not have any police record and that he served his country for 18 months in the French Army. On SOS radio on Monday the older Bertin-Maurice condemned the newspapers especially The Daily Herald for the information they printed about the victim. Information which turned out to be accurate.
In an invited comment aunt of the deceased man Rosemurie Hodge said on Tuesday they were aware of some of the things her nephew did, and admitted that he was not perfect. She said most of the things her nephew was involved in, his father was not aware of them since he was no longer a minor Hodge said.
Furthermore, she felt that the French Prosecutor should not have released that kind of the information to media since it is not related to his cold blooded murder. Rosmurie Hodge said her family is now planning to meet with the prosecutor to share their true feelings.
While not excusing her nephew’s behaviour she said that her nephew Rigobert Bertin Maurice was not someone that was bad instead he followed the wrong friends whom they believed misled him. She made clear that her nephew did not kill anyone neither was he any killer. Asked why he did not return to the French Army Hodge said her nephew came back to St. Martin during the stike in Guadeloupe earlier this year. She said when he got back here he began working at the Raddison Resort before being employed by the Collectivity.
In an invited comment Aline Choisy said she was not aware that Bertin-Maurice had any conviction. She said even though he did, it does not constitute anyone killing him. Choisy said she is wondering why Bertin Maurice was not picked up by the authorities if they had a warrant for his arrest. Secondly, Choisy said she wants to know if the prosecutor and those that are working in the media does not consider the grieving family. She argued that there are a number of people including elected officials that has conviction and they are still among society. Choisy said right now the youths of St. Martin have turned to crime because there is no work for them to do. The school teacher further explained that she has to constantly be meeting with youths who are crying out for help. She said everyone including the elected and law enforcement have been condeming the youths rather than to find a solution for them.
GREAT BAY – The constant complaints about the attitude of the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Kenneth Nolan, Jr., of the University of St. Martin towards staff and other members of the Management Team is the latest issue of concern for the WIFOL union.
Nolan, who was part of the so-called Leadership Team which the USM Board had tried to put in place to replace the Management Team, is being accused of harassment and intimidation of the staff at the island’s higher education institution. As of late, Nolan has refused to attend staff and Management Team meetings, apparently Mr. Nolan has a problem with St. Maarten local professionals and their desire to step up to their responsibility as role models in education. The staff is wondering why he continues to get away with this behavior without even a reprimand by the President of USM or the President of the Board.
According to WIFOL President Theophilus Thompson, Nolan acts like he is de-facto president of the institution. “Nolan has refused to be an equal member of the recently reinstated Management Team and cooperate with the management structure accepted by the Board of Directors,” Thompson said.
Thompson cautioned that the title for the job Nolan applied for, and for which he received his employment permit, was that of Financial Comptroller, which was later changed by the Board to CFO. Nolan, who is a U.S. retiree, even started to work at USM prior to his work permit being formalized by government. Several persons on-island had applied for the position, but the Lockie Johnson Board decided to hire Nolan, who is said to have been requested by another Board member.
“This disrespect toward the staff has to stop,” said Thompson, adding that the Board of USM has to withdraw the implicit or explicit mandate given to Nolan and bring him to order. The staff members have witnessed Nolan even overruling USM’s President Josianne Fleming’s position and instructions, Thompson said, adding that some staff members have even labeled him a dictator.
The WIFOL president said that recently there has been an advertisement in the newspapers for a counterpart to the CFO at USM, but he believes this is a sham
and is waiting to see if someone is hired for the position, particularly since Nolan’s work permit is soon due to expire.
Since Nolan’s arrival last year, a number of staff members have had to take legal action against the university, their employer. Nolan, currently the highest paid employee at USM, has outright refused to pay certain employees for work done, pays others below the minimum wage, and refused to order books for the USM bookstore. Other staff members say he is requiring them to execute multiple job functions under the salary for one function.
“As CFO, he has not provided any proper calculated forecasting or any documented financial records to the staff,” Thompson said. Thompson added that Nolan continues to slander the former Financial Controller, a qualified Antillean, while he himself seems incapable of handling the job he was hired to do.
As part of the hard economic times, the university, like any viable institution, has also decided to look at its finances. “In this process, despite the many proposals presented by staff, the only measure that Nolan keeps hammering on is cutting local staff, while non-Antilleans—some without proper documentation—are overlooked in his proposals,” Thompson said, adding that this form of bias is regrettable.
While supplies and payroll and other benefits for staff take a backseat, under the claims that USM does not have any money, “beautification” of the current USM building continues. For Thompson, this is all a façade because the spending on cosmetic items is continuing, but operation essentials are being cut back. Beautification of the campus should not be used as a means of deceiving the public about the real operational and educational issues at USM, Thompson added.
“The Board of USM has to realize that the core of any business such as USM is students and the employees, and proper and fair treatment of these employees should be a priority,” said Thompson. “If the Board is taking the university in a new direction, they have to let the staff and people of St. Maarten know this; they should let the people know exactly which direction they are going,” we at the WIFOL are really concerned about this man. He really do not understand that St. Maarten is moving on and soon to be a country and its future lies with its youths Thompson concluded.
Philipsburg: --- Several students were in for one of the greatest surprise on Wednesday morning when police and members of the control unit decided to search the school bags of each student as well as the buses for drugs and weapon. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release said members of the Zero Tolerance was part of the controls. He said the idea is to reduce the amount fights taking place among the young people attending school mostly in St. Peters and Ebenezer area.
Henson said police intends to intensify their controls because several students were found to be carrying weapons and drugs to school.
These controls were carried out based on information that came into the police. Henson said police received information, which stated, that several students traveling on the buses were carrying weapons with them, however they would not take these weapons on the school premises, instead they would hide them in the immediate school surrounding in case they were needed. The goal of this control was to get hands on these weapons and drugs before they reach the school areas and create a sense of safety for the other students traveling on the buses. During the control, which was carried in the parking lot of the John Cooper-Jose Lake senior ball park, all students traveling on the school-bus were asked to cooperate by disembarking the bus and then opening their schoolbags so the officers could take a look at the contents of these schoolbags.
A total of 56 school buses and the student traveling on these buses were controlled. During these controls three machetes, a flair gun, a knife, six pairs of scissors, three lighters, a pornographic magazine and other items that can be used as weapons were found and confiscated.
One student with initials .M.F.W. who was carrying a back-pack with no school books, was taken to the police station because when a search was done in his back-pack a small plastic-bag containing an amount of marijuana and U.S. $ 90, were found. The parents of this student was called to the police station and informed of the situation. The student in question was reprimanded and the parents were advised to pay better attention to their child. The student was then allowed to leave with his parents. The control was a successful while majority of the students and also the bus drivers were quite contented with this control and gave the impression that these types of controls have been "long awaited.” These controls will continue (un-announced) in the future.
The police department, VKS and Controle Unit would like to commend the students and bus drivers for the great cooperation they have given to controlling officers.
MARIGOT— Gendarmes arrested a 23-year-old man who was wanted for an armed robbery in French Quarter. The suspect it is said fired shots at a grocery store injuring an employee. The suspect has to appear in court on December 17.
Bandits managed to enter a residence in Oyster Pond while the occupant of the home was sleeping and got away with a number of electronic items. The thieves entered the home through a door that remained unlocked. The resident woke up when she heard strange noises in her house. The woman tried to confront the thieves in the hope of getting back her belongings but she was threatened with a machete.
by Josianne FLEMING-ARTSEN.
Philipsburg:---Many people wonder why teachers do what they do with so much PASSION and LOVE. I always maintain that the TEACHING PROFESSION is an enriched one and is the one profession that sustains a WEALTH that is beyond any paycheck.
Imagine touching and influencing other people’s lives, nourishing their minds so that they can become the person they want to be in life. Imagine guiding students into the right directions so that they can turn their lives around. Imagine being there for students when they cannot approach someone else and helping them to develop new perspectives. Imagine the feeling when students achieve and you know that you had something to do with it. Imagine calling a parent to give the good news that a student is making progress because someone cares.
Just imagine what it is like when students tell their friend, “She or He was my teacher”…That simple sentence says a million words. Those are words of appreciation. That person is saying that “I am proud that she /he was my teacher because I learned from her or him. Isn’t it a great satisfaction when students return to you year after year to say hello and to let you know of their achievements. That tells a story as well. Isn’t it true that the student that gives you the most trouble ends up being the student that loved you the most?
It is for this REASON that the TEACHING PROFESSION must not lose its dynamism and its WEALTH. Dynamism in making each day a day to look forward to, not only by the teacher but the student as well through the inspiration the student gets from the teacher; however, teachers are responsible for making the days, months, and years dynamic and inspirational for students. In terms of wealth, when teachers are engaged in their profession and committed to a higher purpose, the richness in enriching is endless.
Empowering others for a lifetime is powerful and that is what the teaching profession is about. When we recall teachers in our lives the characteristics are similar why we remember those teachers and why we forget others. Be the TEACHER no student FORGETS because of your higher purpose; touching, nourishing, and inspiring others to be the best they can be and becoming a useful citizen of the world. On every occasion, the characteristics that are evident in the Master Teachers are those of CARING for students; being KNOWLEDGEABLE, DISCIPLINED, CONSISTENT, and FAIR…BECOME A TEACHER, COUNTRY ST. MAARTEN NEEDS YOU!!! APPRECIATION is extended to Teachers for all PATIENCE and COMMITMENT in challenging Times with our YOUTH.
CONGRATULATIONS TEACHERS on WORLD TEACHERS DAY!
Philipsburg:---Let the record show that it was the Democratic Party (DP) that called a press conference ahead of the meetings in Curacao in order to undermine the constitutional talks with the Dutch State Secretary. While the Leader of Government of St. Maarten, the St. Maarten Constitutional Team of Advisors and the Minister of Constitutional Affairs were busy planning their strategy for the meeting in Curacao, the Democratic Party was busy trying to sabotage the process by seeking to influence the Dutch agenda.
Let the record show that on Monday 28th September, 2009, that it was Sarah Wescot Williams in her usual tirades expressed her doubts about finalization of agreements in the meetings in Curacao with the Dutch State Secretary. She said further, “It is not possible that the legislation to dismantle the Netherlands Antilles will be ready by January 1, 2010 and that implementation will not be completed.”
Let the record also show that it was it was Roy Marlin who said on Monday 28th September, 2009 that nothing has been done in the Central Government by the National Alliance to move the constitutional process forward, and that St. Maarten may get a different status than separate status. He also said the constitutional train will be “moving without getting the full details of the several train stations and times we will have to stop at these stations before becoming a country.”
Let the record show that it was Sarah Wescot Williams who, on Monday September 14st 2009, resigned as Chair of the Permanent Committee on Constitutional Affairs (PCCA) and who sought to make a mockery of the process by re-nominating herself.
Let the record show it was Michael Ferrier who said on the 14th of September, 2009 that “the National Alliance government would have to carry the responsibility if the date for country status was pushed back again, as it might be,” and “there is no trust by the Kingdom government in the NA/Heyliger coalition.”
Now, everyone knows that it was the SPA Government that got the constitutional process moving under the leadership of the late Vance James Jr. Under his leadership came the FISA (Full Internal Self Government).
Let the record show also that it was the National Alliance, under the leadership of William Marlin who appointed Richard Gibson Sr. as Minister of Constitutional Affairs which led to the formation of the Jesurun Committee and the Jesurun Report on Constitutional Reform. This report helped to strengthen the foundation of the constitutional process.
Let the record show that it was the National Alliance, under the leadership of William Marlin that signed an agreement with the Government of the Netherlands Antilles in June 23, 2009 to begin the transfer of tasks and the establishment of departments or branches of its ministries, and agencies in St. Maarten, as the Island Territory forges ahead with plans to attain country status. Let the record show that it was the National Alliance who delivered Country Status, while the DP slept, September, 30, 2009, Signed, Sealed and Delivered: St. Maarten will become country within the kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10, 2010.
We now know that ROY MARLIN was left on the wrong platform. Since July the Constitutional Train is an Express Train!
Now we know THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE BROUGHT US COUNTRY STATUS!
Philipsburg: Island Councilman and former commissioner of labour Louie Laveist is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday where his appeal case would be heard.
Laviest was convicted on April 28th 2009 of fraud, forgery, bribery and hiring of an illegal. His case was tried on April 8th. His lawyer at the time Remko Stomp immediately appealed the case.
The court had found proven back then that Laveist forged the minuites of the Culture Club Foundation to defraud AMFO of Naf 22, 750. It also found proven that Laviest and his exectutive assistant Roberto Richardson accepted a bribe from BEMAL NV in the form of two plane tickets to Canada and $10,000 as the former labour commissioner had intended to use his influence as a commissioner to grant the company the contract to furnish the new and unfinished government administration building.
Also found proven is Laviest accepted $6,000 from Bargains Unlimited to his foundation Culture Club, the judge found that Laveist again used his influence as the commissioner of labor who was responsible for the granting of working permits used his influence to grant the businessman a working permit while there was a moratorium in place. Laviest was also found guilty as an accomplice for a hiring Samuel Boney (Sammy) the barber to work illegally in a barbershop belonging to his sister.
He was condemned to serve 18 months in prison, nine of which are conditional; less time spent behind bars during his pre-trial detention. Laveist was also ordered to pay a fine of Naf.5, 000 or spend 55 days behind bars, with three years probation. The judge also banned Laviest from holding any position in the civil core or any public office even if elected or appointed for the next five years.
In the ruling, the judge had said the suspect did not give the impression that he cared about conflict of interest. It must be concluded that the suspect did not behave himself as a commissioner in a transparent nor with integrity. Judge Smid felt the suspect (Laveist) has misused the power granted to him for personal gain, which made him guilty of corruption.
Philipsburg:---The amendments made to the revised labour policy by the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laveist executive council have been approved by the Governor General of the Netherlands Antilles confirmed commissioner of labour Hyacinth Richardson.
Richardson said the amendments to the revised labour policy are now in effect. The commissioner also said that the governor general also approved the recommendations of the executive council to uplift the mandate of head of labour Raphael Boasman. Richardson said he is not sure if Boasman were notified that he no longer has the power to sign labour permits, however Boasman would be notified before the end of the week. He said all labour permits have to be approved and signed off by the executive council.
The revised labour policy including the amendments the commissioner said will be published so that all concerned parties including businesses would know the conditions for the application of working permits.
The revised labour policy went into effect on January 12 by the Democratic Party executive council. Ever since its implementation several persons including the SBA and the unions said even though a tripartite committee was in place, they were not contacted before the implementation of the policy.
The amendments to the policy includes the removal of the acculturation examination., the housing requirements which had contradicted government standards, the lowering of the processing fees for domestic workers from Naf.1,600 to Naf.800.
A.B. 2009 No. ...
PUBLICATION SHEET OF THE ISLAND TERRITORY OF SINT MAARTEN
ISLAND RESOLUTION entailing general measures dated August ..., 2009, in execution of articles
- 3, part e
- 5, third and fourth paragraph and
- 8, first section, part f and second section
of the Federal Ordinance on Employment of Foreign Labor (Federal Publication Sheet 2001, No. 82)
(“Island Resolution on Employment of Foreign Labor”)
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE ISLAND TERRITORY OF SINT MAARTEN
Considering that for the execution of articles
- 3, part e
- 5, third and fourth paragraph and
- 8, first section, part f and second section
of the Federal Ordinance on Employment of Foreign Labor (Federal Publication Sheet 2001, No. 82) it is necessary to set rules and regulations regarding the employment of foreigners;
RESOLVES:
To establish the following Island Resolution, entailing general measures.
Article 1
(definitions)
In this resolution and the stipulations based thereon, the following is understood by:
- Federal Ordinance: The Federal Ordinance on the Employment of Foreign Labor ;
- The Island Territory: The Island Territory of Sint Maarten ;
- The Executive Council: The Executive Council of the Island Territory of Sint Maarten ;
- The employer: 1º. the person who, by executing his profession or owning a Company has another person in his employ; 2º . a natural person who has another person doing household or personal services ;
- Employment permit: the permit that the employer must request from the Executive Council in order to employ a foreigner ;
- Request: the request for a employment permit ;
- Request for renewal: request for the renewal of a employment permit ;
- Residence permit: the permit for temporary residence or residence as meant in article 6, first section, of the Federal Ordinance on Admittance and Expulsion (P.S. 1966, No. 17, as amended) ;
- Foreigner: a person who, based on the stipulations of the Federal Ordinance on Admission and Expulsion, is either legally entitled to reside in the Netherlands Antilles or who needs a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands Antilles ;
- Counterpart: a local worker, who is put to work alongside the foreign worker by the employer, and who has the potential to be trained by the employer so that within a maximum period of three years, he is capable of taking over the function of the foreign worker ;
- The Department: The Department of Welfare and Labour ;
- The Head: the head of the Department of Welfare and Labour ;
- The Advisory Committee: the Committee instituted by the Executive Council, charged with handling the appeals submitted based on article 12 of the Federal Ordinance ;
- Establishment Regulation: ordinance on the establishing of companies ;
- the Inspectorate: The Inspectorate of Taxes.
Article 2
(submitting a request)
1. A request is submitted by the employer to an official appointed thereto by the Department. The employer can have the request submitted and further handled on his behalf by a representative given power of attorney by him, and who is not the foreigner himself.
2. Upon submitting the request, the employer will be given a written and dated receipt.
3. When an employer files a job vacancy, based on article 5, section 5, sub c of the Federal Ordinance, he will receive a written and dated receipt. When submitting the notice of a job vacancy, or if he so requests at any time before that, the employer will receive a copy of the Federal Ordinance and a copy of this resolution with elucidation. When giving notice of a job vacancy, the employer will also have to sign a written statement, indicating that he has received the relevant rules and regulations and that he has a thorough knowledge of the contents thereof.
Article 3
(providing data, documents and information)
1. When submitting the request, the employer must provide the following information:
a. name, address, telephone number and fax number, or e-mail address, of the employer, and his general registration number with the Inspectorate ;
b. name, given names, birth place and date, nationality and civil state of the foreigner in question ;
c. the address of the foreigner ;
d. nature of the work and the place where the work will be executed by the foreigner ;
e. the qualifications, diplomas, certificates and experience necessary to execute the work ;
f. a justified motivation for the need to attract the foreigner for the work to be executed.
2. Together with the request, the employer must submit the following documents:
a. a copy of the employment agreement that will be signed with the foreigner and a profile sketch of the function ;
b. receipt for the fees owed based on article 4 ;
c. if applicable, a copy of the business license of the company of the employer, as meant in the Establishment Regulation ;
d. a copy of the pages of the passport of the foreigner, which are relevant for establishing his identity ;
e. a passport picture showing a good likeness of the foreigner ;
f. copies of the diplomas and certificates obtained by the foreigner and also proof of his qualifications and experience, as meant in the first section under e ;
g. proof of notification of the availability of the vacancy, meant in article 5, fifth section, sub c of the Federal Ordinance ;
h. proof that the employer, in cooperation with the Department, has made sufficient effort to fill the vacancy with workers available on the local market, all this considering the stipulations in article 9, section of the Federal Ordinance. This proof consists of one or more advertisements regarding the availability of the vacancy, drafted in consultation and cooperation with the Department, and published in one or more local newspapers during the period of the vacancy notice. In the advertisement it must be explicitly stated that letters of application must be submitted directly to the Department and that a copy must be submitted to the employer ;
i. If it is a first request: a written statement by the employer that at the moment of the submission of the request, the foreigner resides outside of the Netherlands Antilles and that said foreigner intends to stay there during the entire processing of the request.
3. If so requested by an official of the Department, the employer will let the official inspect the original copies of the diplomas and certificates meant in the first section, sub e, or if they are copies, they must be authenticated by the competent authorities of the country in which they were issued.
4. If so requested, the employer will provide the additional information deemed necessary by the Department official or the Executive Council for the processing of the request.
5. If the information requested in the above section is not provided, the proof meant in the second section is not submitted, the cooperation mentioned in the third section is not forthcoming or the information meant in section 4 is not given, the request will not be processed.
6. Neither will the request be processed if the employment agreement mentioned in the second section under a. contains one or more stipulations which are in contravention of a Federal Resolution or an Island Resolution entailing general measures.
7. Neither will a request be processed if it concerns a foreigner for whom an employment permit was already requested but rejected, unless a determined period of time has passed after the first request was rejected; that period of time is one year if all the legal appeal possibilities regarding the first request have been exhausted. That period of time is three years if, with regard to the former request, not all legal appeal possibilities have been exhausted.
8. Neither will a request be handled if there is a strong assumption, or proof, that the employer, when making the request, acted against public order or good morals.
Article 4
(the fee)
1. In order for the request to be processed, the employer must pay to the Island Territory:
a. in the event of an employee in a management position: a fee of ANG 3.000,00 if the employment permit is granted for the period of one year or less, ANG 5.400,00 if the employment permit is granted for a maximum of two years but for more than one year, and ANG 7.500,00 if the employment permit is granted for a period of a maximum of three years but for more than two years ;
b. In other cases: a fee of ANG 1.600,00 if the employment permit is granted for the period of one year or less, ANG 2.800,00 if the employment permit is granted for a maximum of two years but for more than one year, and ANG 3.900,00 if the employment permit is granted for a maximum of three years but for more two years ;
c. In the event of domestic personnel: a fee of ANG 800,00 if the employment permit is granted for the period of one year or less, ANG 1.600,00 if the employment permit is granted for a maximum of two years but for more than one year, and ANG 2.400,00 if the employment permit is granted for a maximum of three years but for more two years.
2. When submitting the request, proof of payment as if the permit were granted for one year, must also be submitted. If the employment permit is granted for more than one year, the pertinent decree will only be handed over to the employer after the balance of the required fee has been paid.
3. The fee must be paid by deposit on the bank account of the Island Receiver, or by check or cash paid at the offices of the Island Receiver.
Article 5
(exemption)
1. The prohibition meant in article 2 of the Federal Ordinance is not applicable to a foreigner:
a. who will be employed as a gardener or a housekeeper working less than sixteen (16) hours a week as meant in article 1, section b, sub 2° of the Federal Ordinance ;
b. who performs duties as a board member or as a managing director of a company, while in possession of the relevant permits in the sense of the Establishment Regulations, providing that the foreigner does not intend to actually reside in the Island Territory.
2. Neither is the prohibition meant in article 2 of the Federal Ordinance applicable to a foreigner:
a. who is in possession of an indefinite residence permit for the Netherlands Antilles,
b. who is married to a Dutch citizen,
c. who, before he became an adult, had his main residence on the Island Territory for at least five consecutive years, based on a residence permit with residence by a parent or a guardian, or
d. who is a Dutch citizen but was not born in the Netherlands Antilles.
3. Deviation from article 8, first section, in the heading and section a of the Federal Ordinance, is permitted if the work is being done as part of an internship training:
a. with a maximum duration of three months, or
b. as part of a training program of an institution established in the Island Territory.
Article 6
(specialization, professionalism, moratorium)
1. An employment permit, if pertaining to a first time request, will be denied if it regards a non-specialized occupation, or if it regards work that can be carried out by marginally educated or unskilled workers. The following professions fall within this category:
a. Cleaner ;
b. Dishwasher ;
c. Car washer ;
d. Labourer ;
e. Driver ;
f. Helper ;
g. Kitchen helper ;
h. Busboy / busgirl.
2. Unless exceptional circumstances can be proven, an employment permit will be denied if the work in question regards a specialized occupation for which the supply already exceeds the demand. The following professions fall under this category:
a. Security Officer ;
b. Hairdresser ;
c. Barber ;
d. Shop clerk ;
e. Casino dealer ;
f. Administrative worker ;
g. Accounting assistant ;
h. Receptionist ;
i. Telephone operator ;
j. OPC ;
k. Maintenance man ;
l. Gardener.
3. An employment permit will further be denied if the employer did not prove that the foreigner possesses the qualifications, diplomas, certificates or experience which, according to information given by the employer, are required to perform the work.
4. An employment permit may be denied if, according to information given by the employer, the diplomas, certificates, experience, when offset by the nature and weight of the work, are deemed obviously unreasonable.
Article 7
(maximum duration of the employment permit)
1. In principle, an employment permit is granted for only one year at a time, with the possibility of renewal in principle each time for one year, with the understanding that the total validity of the employment permit, including renewals, may not exceed three years. The maximum period of three years is not applicable to foreigners with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
2. Upon expiration of the employment permit, the employer will not qualify for an employment permit for the foreigner in question, until the latter has again resided outside of the Netherlands Antilles for the period of at least one year. If, upon expiration of the employment permit, the employer is of the opinion that he has to have the position filled consecutively by a foreigner, he will have to request an employment permit for a different foreigner. This clause is not applicable to foreigners with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
3. For special categories of foreigners a short term, one time employment permit is granted, and such as follows:
i) Adult entertainers: for a period of six months, without the possibility of renewal ;
ii) Construction professionals: for the duration of the project in question with the possibility of one renewal.
4. The stipulations of the second section are also valid for the category of foreigners meant in the third section.
Article 8
(age)
An employment permit will be denied if the foreigner, on the date of the submission of the request, has not yet reached the age of 25, or has already reached the age of 57. This clause is not applicable to foreigners with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Article 9
(quota)
1. Per business sector quota can be set regarding the maximum number of foreigners that the employer is allowed to have in his employ.
2. An employment permit will be denied, if granting of the employment permit would lead to the quota for that business sector being exceeded within the establishment of that employer.
Article 10
(counterpart)
1. An employment permit will be denied if the employer refuses to appoint a counterpart deemed suitable by the Department and provided to the employer by the Department.
2. A request for renewal will be denied if it is apparent that the employer dismissed the counterpart in question without prior permission from the Department or if the training of the counterpart was not sufficiently taken in hand by the employer, such according to the discretion of the Department.
3. The training of the counterpart may take at most three years. The costs for the training of the counterpart are for the account of the employer.
Article 11
(payment of social premiums and wage tax; medical insurance)
1. An employment permit will be denied or retracted, if it is evident that the employer did not pay the social premiums, wage and income taxes imposed by Government, based on the salary stated in the request. An employment permit will also be denied or retracted if it is evident that the employer did not provide adequate medical insurance for the foreigner.
2. A request for renewal will be denied if it is evident that the employer did not pay the social premiums and wage taxes mentioned in the first section in the period preceding the submission of the request for renewal, that the foreigner was not registered with the Inspectorate or if the foreigner was not adequately medically insured.
Article 12
(prohibition to change function or employer)
A request for renewal will be denied if it is evident that the foreigner in question is going to fill a different position by the employer. In such a case the employment permit, in as far as it is still valid, will be retracted.
Article 13
(residence permit)
1. When it regards a first request the employment permit will not be handed over to the employer until after the employer has shown proof that he has requested a residence permit for the foreigner.
2. When it concerns a renewal, the employment permit will be denied if it is clear that the foreigner was not in possession of a residence permit in the period preceding the submission of the request.
Article 14
(the decree)
1. The decree by which the employment permit is granted or denied, will be sent to the employer by fax or by e-mail. In exceptional cases, the decree will be sent to the employer by registered mail or will be handed to the employer personally. In the latter case the employer will have to sign for receipt.
2. If the employment permit is granted, the decree will always make mention of the fact that issuance of the employment permit does not mean that the conditions of the Federal Ordinance of Admission and Expulsion have been met, in as far as it concerns obtaining a residence permit for the foreigner. The decree will also always mention the grounds for retraction and the duty of the employer to report any grounds for retraction of the employment permit as meant in article 10 of the Federal Ordinance, to wit: a. knowledge of incorrect or incomplete data that would have possibly lead to a different decision on the request, b. denial or retraction of the residence permit of the foreigner, c. dismissal of the foreigner, or d. bankruptcy of the employer.
3. Further, the decision will be motivated as much as possible. The decision will always contain the legal clause regarding the possibility of submission of an appeal based on article 12 of the Federal Ordinance.
4. A copy of the decree, along with a copy of the Federal Ordinance and a copy of this Island Resolution with Elucidation will also be given to the foreigner, in as far as the latter has already been granted a temporary residence permit for Sint Maarten.
Article 15
(supervision)
Upon the request of the official of the Department, the employer, and also the foreigner, is obligated to cooperate in establishing whether the conditions for the validity of the employment permit have been met, among which:
a. that the business of the employer is actually operating ;
b. that the foreigner is really working for the employer in the position for which the employment permit was granted ;
c. that the employer really appointed a counterpart and that the latter is being adequately trained ;
d. that the employer respects the quota for that particular business ;
e. that the foreigner is not younger than the minimum age or older than the maximum age ;
f. that the employer has paid the social premiums and wage taxes owed on behalf of the foreigner, that he has taken out a medical insurance for the foreigner and that he has made sure that the foreigner is registered with the Inspection ;
g. that the employer has actually requested a residence permit for the foreigner.
Article 16
(mandate decision)
1. The authority to decide on a request can be mandated to the Head. The previously issued mandate to the Head is herewith withdrawn.
2. The authority to decide on an appeal submitted based on article 12 of the Federal Ordinance, is mandated to the Advisory Committee, in as far as the position of the Advisory Committee is to uphold the decision against which an objection has been filed.
3. When carrying out the mandate mentioned in the first and second section, respectively the Head and the Advisory Committee will, within one month of decision making, send a copy of all decisions taken to the Executive Council, accompanied by the relevant advices and the supporting documents.
Article 17
(effectiveness)
This island resolution goes into effect the day after its promulgation. At the same time this island resolution goes into effect, the island resolution entailing general measures, established on June 10th 2008 (P.S. 2008, No.376) will be retracted.
Article 18
(transition)
As of the date that this Island Resolution goes into effect, a request for renewal will be considered as a first request, in as far as the renewal will be granted for no more than three years. If, with regard to a certain foreigner, the employment permit, including renewals, at the time that this Island Resolution goes into effect, had been granted for five or more consecutive years, the Executive Council can decide not to limit the renewal to the maximum of three years.
Artikel 19
(official title)
This Island Resolution will be referred to as: Island Resolution on Employment of Foreign Labor.
Thus established in the meeting of August ..., 2009.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE ISLAND TERRITORY OF SINT MAARTEN,
The Secretary, The Governor,
This Island Resolution entailing general measures was promulgated by me on this --th day of August / September 2009.
The Governor,
Philipsburg: --- Attorney at law Ralph Richardson who is currently representing Island Councilman Louis Laviest has requested a postponement in the Court of Appeals on Thursday.
The case was scheduled to call at 10:30 am, which did not happen. Richardson said the case was supposed to be heard at 3pm but somehow on the docket it said 10:30 am. Richardson said his client is currently off island receiving medical treatment and as such, he asked the appeal courts to postpone the case until his client returns to St. Maarten.
Laviest was convicted on April 28 on all counts as charged. The court found proven that Laveist had forged the minutes of the Culture Club Foundation to defraud AMFO of Naf. 22.750. It also found proven that Laveist and his executive assistant Roberto Richardson accepted a bribe from BEMAL NV in the form of two plane tickets to Canada and $10, 000 as he had intended to use his influence as a commissioner to grant the company the contract to furnish the new government administration building.
Also found proven is Laviest accepted $6,000 from Bargains Unlimited to his foundation Culture Club, the judge found that Laveist again used his influence as the commissioner of labor who was responsible for the granting of working permits used his influence to grant the businessman a working permit while there was a moratorium in place. Laviest was also found guilty as an accomplice for a hiring Samuel Boney (Sammy) the barber to work illegally in a barbershop belonging to his sister.
He was condemned to serve 18 months in prison, nine of which are conditional; less time spent behind bars during his pre-trial detention. Laveist must pay a fine of Naf.5, 000 or spend 55 days behind bars, with three years probation. The judge also banned Laviest from holding any position in the civil core or any public office even if elected or appointed for the next five years.
Laveist first appeared in court on April 8 and was represented by attorney at law Remko Stomp.
The judge also ruled that the suspect did not give the impression that he cared about conflict of interest. It must be concluded that the suspect did not behave himself as a commissioner in a transparent nor with integrity. Judge also felt that Laveist had misused the power granted to him for personal gain, which made him guilty of corruption.
Attorney Richardson said the appeal court did not set a new date for the trial on Thursday.
Marigot: --- While contractors are not being paid, projects that are scheduled to take place are on hold and students of the primary schools are without toilet paper because of the Collectivity’s financial predicament. The COM only has enough monies to pay salaries until the end of the year and a request was made to borrow Euros 20 million, to date the COM has not received any confirmation from the State regarding the requested loan.
Yet elected officials are using taxpayer’s money to rent cars and to buy gasoline for their wives and husbands.
SMN News has seen the wives of at least two vice presidents driving their “voiture de fonction” while they are at work or off island. The wife of first vice president Daniel Gibbs was seen driving the vehicle government provided for Gibbs on Friday. Gibbs is currently off island since Wednesday of this week on business.
This reporter also saw the husband of the head of Social Affairs (DGA Madame Ramasammy) driving her car even on the Dutch side when the foreign employee is on her job. Ramasammy’s husband was seen transporting food for the restaurant he works for. He was also seen a number of times on the Dutch side shopping for the restaurant with a government vehicle. Certain employees of the COM said the DGA would then compel them to clean the vehicle whenever needed. The son of another elected official was also seen on the Dutch side driving the car government provided to his mother even though she is not a vice president.
SMN News managed to retrieve some records from a gas station that supplies government with gasoline for their vehicles.
The records show that several of the elected officials are taking their spouses and even children’s vehicle to the gas station and tanking up. These officials do not pay for the gasoline for their private vehicle instead its tabbed to the Collectivity.
Sources say that senator Louis Constant Fleming brought up this issue with at least two of his vice presidents telling them it is not ethical for their wives to be driving the government vehicle. The source said the senator even raised questions about the vehicle’s insurance, which does not cover spouses and children and he spoke of the gasoline that is taken for private vehicles. It seems however, that the elected officials have not paid heed to the concerns of the senator.
Employees of the COM said just recently they received a “note de service” telling them that human resources would not be honoring any medical certificate submitted by employees. It is said human resources informed the employees that some of them are abusing medical certificates and such no one that is sick would be paid for the days they stayed at home. This of course does not sit well with several of the employees who said that the elected and foreign employees are being paid huge salaries for doing nothing, while their house rents and other expenses are being paid while the locals are penalized.
It is said the employees are in discussion with their union who would be picking up this matter.
Philipsburg:-- “I am pleased that the media picked up on my inquiries regarding the amendment of the building ordinance which would provide the Island Government with the authority to have owners of severely derelict buildings repair these buildings or demolish them” says Island Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
The DP Councilmember is concerned that no clear picture has been provided by the NA/Heyliger government regarding their intensions with respect to this specific proposal of amending the building ordinance. Buncamper-Molanus told the media during the Democratic Party press conference on Monday: “We heard from the NA/Heyliger Executive Council of their concern about the debris that a demolition of the dilapidated buildings at Mullet Bay would cause. It must be clear that the owners would be responsible for disposing of the debris”. The Council lady says that there are suggestions that the Executive Council can look into. One such suggestion is that the metal, especially the zinc roves could probably be taken to the scrap metal recycling plant next to the land fill. The concrete debris on the other hand, can be crushed and reused as currently is done by several contractors on the island. In fact, this crushed concrete is often used in the mixture of road foundation stabilizers. If that is not possible, the crushed concrete can be used to cover the landfill instead of using precious fill material that comes from excavation, which costs the government anywhere between USD 10 to USD 15 per m3.
Buncamper-Molanus says that while the DP faction certainly shares the concern of the NA/Heyliger Executive Council on this debris issue, one can conclude that this was already taken into consideration in the 2009 budget.
In fact chapter 8: Spatial Planning and Housing specifically mentions the issue of urbanization. “821 Stadsvernieuwing” states: To ensure rehabilitation, improvement, reclassification, or reorganization of developed areas on the island from a social economic, cultural, and environmental perspective. An amount of Fls. 22.500 (is reserved for expert advice for Hope Estate, FOGA and other districts. Another Fls 85.000 has also been reserved for legal and professional advice. Our suggestion to the NA/Heyliger Executive Council is to use part of this budget to have the draft amendments to the building ordinance made since the legal affairs department is unable to deal with this matter at the moment.
Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus emphasized that the DP faction is cognizant of the fact that the legal affairs department is overwhelmed with issues directly related to the constitutional process, but obviously, this was already taken into consideration when the 2009 budget was prepared and approved.
We should as much as possible try to avoid introducing ad-hoc policies. It is evident that the Democratic Party Executive Council recognized this and therefore established in the Social Economic Initiatives (SEI) the project “St. Maarten Zoning”. The objective of this project is to establish spatial development regulations by means of zoning plans. These regulations will contribute toward sustainable economic development and provides a judicial, economic, infrastructural, and social framework for further development of St. Maarten.
However, while the SEI project is being prepared for execution it is important that we give the necessary attention to the required amendments to the building ordinance and not use the excuse that the SEI project is being developed to delay the amendments necessary for us to deal with the current situation of derelict buildings.
Buncamper-Molanus also points out the welcomed economic activity that the implementation of this ordinance can bring with it. This will demonstrate maturity on the part of our representatives. The approach to building this island must be a comprehensive one. While the Executive Council is making efforts to bring more visitors to St. Maarten equal effort must be made to improve the product these visitors are coming to”: concludes councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
Philipsburg: --- President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty is sending a strong message to all persons responsible for the utility company GEBE. Carty in an interview with SMN News said he is planning to take GEBE to court since several businesses are suffering because of the constant power outages and the high prices being charged for electricity.
Carty said he plans to use article 16 of the ordinance on Electricity Concessions. Article 16 of the ordinance reads, “The entrepreneur, regardless of the surveillance by the authorities, is responsible for all damages by person or property, due to operation of his business suffered unless he proves that the damage is outside his fault or that of his subordinates they arise.
The chamber president said they are left with no choice when negotiating with businesses to drop their prices because each time the chamber enters into a negotiation they are confronted with GEBE bills. He further explained that business are already suffering from the global economic melt down and when there are constant power outages businesses without generators suffer more. He said he is aware that GEBE would be have their two new generators operational by December but wants to know if the company intends to have businesses suffer until then. “I want to know if there is no other alternative; can’t GEBE get power supply from the French side? Or can’t they bring in a barge and open our ridges to get power supply from elsewhere, these are only some of the questions I have” Carty said. Carty said he plans to wait until Monday to see if the Stakeholders would see each other and find a solution if not he is heading to court on behalf of the businesses. Carty made clear that he is not blaming anyone because he simply does not know who is responsible for the sufferings businesses and residents of St. Maarten are faced with.
In meantime, businesses are not happy with the laidback positions the chairman and commissioner of energy Theo Heyliger are taking. They said Heyliger is not dealing with the matter simply because he does not want his decisions to have political implications on his new party. SMN News has learnt that the National Alliance already indicated to Heyliger to take a decision regarding the managing director William Brooks if he is convinced that these problems arise from bad or irresponsible management.
Two Sides Chamber Plans to Address Tourism Office Issues.
In an unrelated issue, Carty said he is planning to bring the two sides tourist office together to see if they can resolve their differences and work in the best interest of St. Maarten/ St. Martin.
Carty said just recently he met with the Chamber of Commerce on the French side and the first issue they have decided to tackle is tourist office because of its importance.
Carty said the intention of the two chamber of commerce is to bring officials from both tourist offices together and hope they can resolve their problem and resume working together. He said it is unheard of that the two entities that are dealing with the island’s main source of economy are not able to communicate.
The chamber president said he is also planning to meet with the executive council where they would discuss issues related to the tourist offices outside of St. Maarten because a decision still has to be taken on how and where the stimulus would be used.
SMN News learnt that the person appointed to work at the New York Tourist Office has unearthed some information, which is cause of concern. The source said that their seem to be people who were using government funding to do things outside of marketing the island and an investigation may soon be warranted.
Philipsburg:-- A student has decided to surrender his pellet gun after D.A.R.E officers lectured at his school. According to a press release from the police. The officers responded to request made by the Sister Magda Primary School and the St. Dominic Primary the school. The lecture was given to students of grade 5 and 6. The officers were asked to speak about the dangers of students taking weapons to school, illegal drug use, gangs and gang related violence. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said after the lecture
A student approached the police officer and told him he wanted nothing to do with violence or gangs and told the officer that he wanted to handover an air rifle (pellet gun) he had hidden at home.
The youngster mother was notified of the situation the officer went along with the student to his home and in the presence of his mother handed over the air rifle to the officer.
The main reason for targeting students attending primary school, is that a short while back the police have noticed that the carrying of weapons to school and violent behavior that is taking place in the Secondary schools has also trickled down into the primary schools.
Philipsburg: ---The Chairman of the Central committee George Pantophlet in a press release said he understands that a request was sent in on Thursday October 15, 2009 by the members of the Democratic Party requesting that a meeting be convened to discuss the Gebe N.V. situation.
The D.P. island council members had in September requested numerous meetings of the central committee to be convened with the following government owned companies; Gebe N.V., St. Maarten Telem Group of Companies, Princess Juliana Airport, and the Harbor Group of Companies, which they wanted to commence on Friday October 2, 2009. However, the chairman of the central committee is well aware that the rules of order required such be convened within one week and taking into consideration that the continuation of the island council meeting on the Financial Economic situation of St. Maarten was scheduled for October 2, 2009, convened the meeting for Thursday October 1, 2009. During said meeting the chairman of the central committee informed the members of the central committee that notices were received from the Managing Directors of Gebe N.V, The Princess Juliana International Airport, and the Harbor Group of Companies that because of other commitments and the time factor they would not be able to do their presentation on said date. The only company that did its presentation so far was St. Maarten Telem Group of Companies. The chairman of the central committee informed the other companies to notify him as soon as they were ready. To date the chairman of the central committee has not received any information as to their readiness.
Philipsburg: --- Police and health officials raided an apartment building in Saunders. The building in question is located in the area of the Metal Factory where they found a makeshift dental clinic.
Police seized several medical equipments and medicine from the illegal clinic while the occupant of the apartment and dental clinic was immediately detained.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release said that based on newspaper advertisement and information gathered at the department of public health based in Curacao it was suspected that the clinic was operating illegally on the island.
Based on the suspicions two medical doctors and an inspector from the Public Health Inspection flew over from Curacao to investigate the matter.
On Thursday evening October 15 at approximately 08.00 p.m., the inspectors assisted by two police officers went to an apartment building.
The occupant of the apartment, Henson said the man with initials E.L. from the Philippines was informed of the reason of the visit after which he freely gave them access to his apartment to conduct their investigation. At the rear of the apartment adjacent to his sleeping quarters, a complete dental clinic was set-up from which E.L. was operating from on a daily basis. Many dental tools, equipment, and medication used to administer to patients in treatment were found and confiscated for further investigation.
E.L. was detained on the spot. A further investigation revealed that the suspects documentation to reside on the island had expired and no documents for renewal were filed or in process. He was taken to the Philipsburg Police station. The public prosecutor was informed of the situation and a hefty fine was handed down to the suspect. The suspect will also remain in custody until all arrangements are made for him to travel back to his country.
One other location in Frontstreet was investigated and also found to performing illegal medical practices. The owner of this establishment also received a heavy fine.
A stern warning is going out to all those establishments that are performing illegal medical practices, that if caught in the act, they to will receive a very heavy fine.
On Monday October 12th & Tuesday October 13th, 2009 the first of a series of trainings in the Dutch language training started for the teachers of Cycle I & II of the Foundation Catholic Education on Sint Maarten. This project “Activation of Teaching Dutch Language in the Catholic Schools”, is an initiative of the Foundation for Catholic Education; DERPI provides the necessary assistance and guidance with the execution of this project, as part of the Program Education & Youth, financed through USONA by Dutch Development Funds. The project will be implemented during the school year 2009-2010.
Earlier this year the Foundation for Catholic Education on Sint Maarten requested assistance from DERPI for funding for the activation of teaching Dutch Language in the Catholic schools as part of the language policy for the schools. After many discussions between DERPI, the representatives of the Foundation for Catholic Education on Sint Maarten and the consultant regarding the content of the program, a request was submitted to USONA for funding of the project.
The consultant contracted to supervise and guide the project is drs. J.H.M. Zielhorst from the ABC Onderwijsadviseurs in Amsterdam. Ms. Zielhorst had worked on Sint Maarten in 2006 with KANS project, an exchange program between the schools in the Netherlands and the Sr. Borgia and Sr. Regina Schools on St. Maarten.
This project is geared towards the further development of the Dutch Language in the schools.
The main objective is to improve the skills of the teachers in their approach to teaching Dutch as a language of instruction for some of the schools and Dutch as a foreign Language for the schools where English is the language of instruction. The project is planned for a period of 10 months with two visits each of a month, to the island by the consultant.
During the first two sessions with all teachers, the consultant focused on teaching strategies such as oral language acquisition, vocabulary, reading comprehension and the basics of writing of the Dutch Language. The consultant will work directly with the two coordinators each school (one for Cycle I and one for Cycle II). The task of the coordinators is to develop plans and activities for the teaching strategies for their respective schools and share this with the class teachers. The consultant while on the island will visit the classrooms of each of the six Catholic schools giving ideas and tips on instruction of the Dutch language.
This project is being financed by the Dutch Development Funds through USONA.
For more information: call Oralie Boirard, project manager FBE at DERPI.
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Recently the Executive Council presented a document to the established broad based advisory committee for a new National Health Insurance System for Country Sint Maarten.
This national effort should be seen in the light of preparations for country status being set for 101010 and the especially approved project organization to accomplish health financing reform with the objective of improved accessibility to health care services for all residents on the island.
Director of Sector Public health, Social development and Labor Jorien Wuite, said that the new system will be one moving away from the current fragmented system with various packages and a high percentage of the population that is left uninsured.
More emphasis will also be placed on preventive health care services amongst the population since this is expected to benefit the overall health of the population.
The presented document describes the four basic pillars of the new system, being the preferred contribution scenario, a broad based health care package and other matters of the organizational framework such as the role of government and the executing agency in health care financing.
The developed health care coverage package for country Sint Maarten has been broadly defined according to the Dutch system.
Plans have also been developed and terms of reference drafted for an extensive review of medical tariffs, a comprehensive health information system and a communication plan to facilitate and guide the introduction process.
Important steps will be taken in the coming weeks with respect to the abovementioned subjects based on consultation with the advisory committee in which relevant stakeholders such as health care providers, insurance companies, patient organizations, social partners and the private sector are represented.
In order to introduce this system as of the date of obtaining country status, final decision-making of the pillars of this system by the Island Council is critical before the end of 2009.
French Quarter: -- As was reported on this website last week that SMN News was taken to court for libel and defamation by an employee of the Collectivity of St. Martin. Also against us in the same case was the Collectivity of St. Martin who did not allow due process to take its course by making sure they consulted with the Executive Council prior to allowing the foreign employee and her lawyer to use the Collectivity’s name in a court case.
Surprising for us is that the president of the COM President Frantz Gumbs issued an attestation to the employee and her lawyer stating that she is protected under certain article of the organic law. The president in his attestation went on to say the executive council will deliberate on the issue at a future date and that the COM would endure the expenses of the court case.
The employee who is also a legal translator and her lawyer submitted a translation of the article we wrote on October 8 condemning the lack of communication on the part of the COM without the stamp from a legal translator.
When SMN News lawyer presented the facts in its conclusion, a copy of which was given to the plaintiff’s lawyer, the lawyer then made sure another legal translator stamped the document that was presented to us earlier. The plaintiff’s lawyer also requested that the court postpone the hearing for at least 10 days for them to obtain the decree of the executive council. Of course, our lawyer did not allow the postponement and he pleaded our case. A decision will be issued on November 3.
While we were taken to court on the breach of article 9 relating to the publishing of a photograph belonging to the directress of communication, the plaintiff in the court case did not provide the burden of proof. The plaintiff accused us of publishing her photograph without authorization, failing to realize that she is a public figure that holds top public function, most importantly communication. The photograph that was published was taken with the person’s permission in November 2008 at La Voix St. Martin when President Frantz Gumbs invited us to listen and publish what he had to say to the population of St. Martin regarding crime.
Absurd in this entire proceeding is to see someone would file an injunction without having his or her evidence and facts on the law together and then expects the person they are suing to grant them time to do that. More confusing is that the president of our Collectivity gave his employee an attestation to say they would take a deliberation at a later date. He also went as far as promising to pay for the expenses of this case without consulting with the executive council. SMN News legal team would surely take up this part of the proceedings in the administrative and other courts of law.
It is clear that the court case brought against us is to silence us, and to withhold information from the population. This is a clear indication that the COM and those elected under the UPP umbrella does not want the voting population to know what is taking place in their country. Already several reporters who are not able to obtain information from the COM have expressed their frustration but they are not willing to stand up for democracy.
We are the only media house that exposes a great deal of wrong doings by our elected officials. While we agree that these people deserve to be respected, they also deserve to give respect to our youths. Elected officials have to also realize that we did not elect them to misuse public funds and we expect them to be role models to our youths. Right now, our youths are getting the impression that the best get rich policy is to seek public office. Elected officials need to know that this is not the time to mislead our youths instead they need molding and guidance. Below is the full conclusion on the case presented to the judge in Basseterre on Tuesday.
The documents below are in French so we do apologize to our English readers.
SHAW c/ ERIVAN & C.O.M. ST-MARTIN
29103128
A MADAME LE PRESIDENT
TRIBUNAL DE GRANDE INSTANCE
DE BASSE-TERRE
Audience de référé d’heure à heure du 20 octobre 2009
Rôle n° :
CONCLUSIONS
POUR :
Madame Bibi SHAW HODGE, demeurant 12, impasse Adams Alexandre 97150 ST MARTIN
Ayant pour Avocat Maître Jan-Marc FERLY, Avocat au Barreau de la Guadeloupe, demeurant 3, Quai Ferdinand de LESSEPS 97110 POINTE A PITRE, Tél.: 0590 21.18.18, Fax : 0590.21.18.20
CONTRE :
Madame Colette ERIVAN
LA COLLECTIVITE D'OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN, demeurant Hôtel de la Collectivité Marigot 97150 ST MARTIN
Ayant tous deux pour Avocat Maître Florence DELOUMEAUX – Avocat au Barreau de la Guadeloupe
En présence : Ministère Public
PLAISE À MADAME LE PRÉSIDENT
Suivant assignation en référé d’heure à heure délivrée par la SCP CAUCHFER – Huissiers de Justice, Madame Colette ERIVAN et la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin ont assigné Madame Bibi SHAW épouse HODGE sur les fondements de l’article 9 du Code Civil, de la loi du 29 juillet 1881, des articles 809 et suivants du Code de Procédure Civile, afin:
• de voir constater une prétendue utilisation illicite de la photographie et de l’image de Madame Colette ERIVAN,
• de voir constater des propos à caractère prétendument diffamatoires à l’encontre de Madame Colette ERIVAN et de la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin
• de voir ainsi avéré un prétendu trouble manifestement illicite à l’encontre des noms
• En conséquence, les demandeurs à l’instance sollicitent que Madame Bibi SHAW soit amenée à retirer sous une astreinte de 1.000,00 € par jour de retard l’article et la photographie litigieuse et qu’elle soit condamnée à payer une somme de 15.000,00 € diversement répartie à Madame Colette ERIVAN et à la Collectivité de Saint-Martin.
• Diverses demandes complémentaires sont sollicitées, savoir la publication de l’ordonnance sur la page d’accueil du site internet www.smn-news.com, la condamnation au paiement d’une somme de 2.500,00 € au titre de l’article 700 du Nouveau (sic !!!).Code de Procédure Civile
Il sera démontré que cette demande mal fondée dans les faits l’est tout autant en droit et ce sans préjudice des fins de non-recevoir qui peuvent y être opposées in limine litis.
I- IN LIMINE LITIS :
A- De la fin de non-recevoir s’appliquant à la Collectivité Territoriale de Saint-Martin.
Aux termes de l’article LO 6352-1 de la loi organique n° 2007-223, le Président du Conseil territorial est institué représentant légal de la COM.
L’article LO 6352-10 dispose :
« En vertu d’une délibération du conseil exécutif, le président du conseil territorial intente les actions et défend devant les juridictions au nom de la collectivité. »
Il en résulte que seul le président du Conseil territorial, non visé par l’assignation, a qualité pour agir au nom de la COM, et qu’il doit en outre justifier à cette fin d’une délibération du Conseil exécutif.
A défaut de justifier d’une décision du président et d’un tel mandat du conseil exécutif, l’assignation doit être déclarée irrecevable.
Toute autre personne, et notamment le vice-président, agissant en lieu et place du président, doit justifier d’une délégation de compétence expresse (Cass. crim. 24 septembre 1996 : Juris-Data n° 003922 ; Bull. crim. n° 330).
Il est également rappelé qu’aux termes de l’article L6313-7 du Code Général des Collectivités Territoriales (CGTC)
« Sans préjudice de l'exercice de ses compétences par la collectivité de Saint-Martin, sont applicables les dispositions suivantes du présent code :
1° Première partie : livres II, III, IV et V ;
2° Deuxième partie : titres Ier, II et V du livre II ;
3° Troisième partie : livre II ;
4° Quatrième partie : livre II ; sections 3 et 4 du chapitre III du titre III du livre IV.
Pour l'application de ces dispositions à Saint-Martin, la référence aux communes, aux départements et aux régions est remplacée par la référence à la collectivité de Saint-Martin. »
Il en résulte que l’article L 2122-22 du même code est applicable à la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin.
Par conséquent, l’application de cet article, lequel est ainsi rédigé
« Le maire peut, en outre, par délégation du conseil municipal, être chargé, en tout ou partie, et pour la durée de son mandat :
[ …]
16° D'intenter au nom de la commune les actions en justice ou de défendre la commune dans les actions intentées contre elle, dans les cas définis par le conseil municipal ; »,
est applicable, mutatis mutandis.
Il en résulte une fin de non-recevoir pour défaut de capacité à agir de la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin.
B- Sur l’irrecevabilité de l’action, quant à l’application de l’article 55 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881 :
L’assignation vise la loi la loi du 29 juillet 1881, sans autres précisions.
On doit supposer que c’est de l’article 29 qu’il s’agit.
Or, l’action en diffamation soumise à la juridiction des référés ne peut être examinée avant l’expiration du délai de 10 jours visé à l’article 55 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881 (Civ. 2ème, 14 novembre 2002 : Bull. civ. II, n° 253).
il faut constater qu’il ne s’est pas écoulé un délai de 10 jours entre la délivrance de l’assignation et la date de l’audience.
L’action de ce chef est donc irrecevable.
C- Sur la nullité de l’assignation sur la question de la diffamation soulevée
L’article 53 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881 précise que :
« si la citation est à la requête du plaignant, elle contiendra élection de domicile dans la ville où siège la juridiction saisie et sera notifiée tant au prévenu qu’au Ministère Public. Toutes ces formalités seront observées à, peine de nullité de la poursuite. »
Or la jurisprudence précise que l’article 53 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881 « impose que cette élection de domicile soit faite sur le territoire de la ville où siège le tribunal, à l’exclusion de toute autre commune » (Cass. crim. 4 avril 1991 : Bull. crim. n° 163).
L’exigence posée par ce texte s’impose également devant les juridictions civiles (Civ. 2ème, 12 mai 1999 : Bull. civ. II, n° 90).
Or, Madame ERIVAN n’a nullement élu domicile à Basse-Terre, mais à BAIE-MAHAULT.
Il s’agit d’une formalité substantielle entraînant la nullité de l’assignation sans qu’il soit besoin de justifier d’un grief (CA Paris, 31 mars 1998 : Gaz. Pal. 1998, 2, somm. 552 et 556 ; Crim. 10 juin 1959 : Bull. crim. n° 309 : Crim. 17 décembre 1991 : Bull. crim. n° 484 ; TGI Nanterre, 17 mai 1995 : BICC 1995, 718).
D- Sur l’irrecevabilité de l’action à l’encontre de Madame SHAW
Les personnes responsables du délit de diffamation, et l’ordre dans lequel elles doivent être poursuivies (CA Paris, 23 avril 1998 : D. 1988, IR 174) sont déterminées par l’article 42 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881 :
« Seront passibles comme auteurs principaux des peines qui constituent la répression des crimes et délits commis par la voie de la presse, dans l'ordre ci-après, savoir :
1° Les directeurs de publications ou éditeurs, quelles que soient leurs professions ou leurs dénominations, et, dans les cas prévus au deuxième alinéa de l'article 6, les codirecteurs de la publication ;
2° À leur défaut, les auteurs ;
3° À défaut des auteurs, les imprimeurs ;
4° À défaut des imprimeurs, les vendeurs, les distributeurs et afficheurs. »
Cet article s’applique y compris devant les juridictions civiles (CA Paris, 9 juin 2002 : D. 2002, somm. 2763).
L’auteur d'un article diffusé sur Internet ne peut être retenu comme auteur principal du délit d'injure et diffamation publiques, dès lors que, n'étant pas propriétaire du site, il n'a pas la qualité de directeur de publication au sens de l'article 42 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881. Il ne peut, en qualité d’auteur des propos incriminés, qu’être déclaré responsable comme complice (Cass. crim., 6 mai 2003 : JurisData n° 2003-019168 ; Bull. crim. 2003, n° 94).
Ainsi, d’une part, en l’absence d’auteur principal poursuivi, il ne saurait y avoir de complice et donc de condamnation de l’auteur de l’article seul.
D’autre part et surtout, le Directeur de la publication, à savoir le propriétaire du site, n’a pas été attrait dans la cause, Madame SHAW n’étant pas attraite en qualité de directrice de la publication et la lecture de l’assignation révélant que sa responsabilité n’est recherchée qu’en qualité d’auteur de l’article litigieux.
Madame ERIVAN n’établit pas, pour autant, l’absence d’un directeur de la publication.
Or ce n’est qu’à défaut de pouvoir poursuivre le directeur de la publication qu’elle pourrait attraire en qualité d’auteur principal l’auteur de l’article, selon l’ordre déterminé par l’article 42 précité (Cass. crim. 17 juillet 1969 : Bull. crim. n° 230).
E- Sur la double incongruité de la citation en la cause du Ministère Public
1- On peine à comprendre pourquoi, s’agissant d’une action civile, le procureur de la République est mis en cause.
2- On peine encore plus à comprendre pourquoi c’est celui de Pointe-à-Pitre qui est assigné devant la juridiction de Basse-Terre
3- Et enfin, il y a une incompréhension majeure à comprendre pourquoi les deux parquets sont assignés, par magistrats nommés, au mépris de la rège de du parquet un et indivisible
II- SUR LE FOND
A- Exposé du litige selon le demandeur
L’assignation délivrée à la fois par Madame Colette ERIVAN et par la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin révèle sous sa rubrique « Rappel des faits et de la procédure » un certain nombre de griefs à l’encontre, en réalité, de la seule Madame Colette ERIVAN.
Il est ainsi exposé qu’elle exerce la profession de directrice de communication de Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin, qu’elle est considérée […] comme excellant (sic) en la matière que « cependant, une dénommée Bibi SHAW nourrit à son encontre une certaine animosité du fait de ses origines Guadeloupéennes, que cette animosité s’est manifestée de différente manière et notamment de nombreux articles diffusés par Internet et plus particulièrement sur des sites du net privés (« blog ».
Il est exposé en outre que, dans un article du 8 mai 2009, elle a été mise en cause directement, cet article « constituant une atteinte évidente à sa vie privée et professionnelle ».
Il est ainsi continué que Madame Bibi SHAW a consacré un article complet accompagné d’une photographie non autorisée de la concluante dont les termes sont peu flatteurs, le tout étant la cause de la présente saisine.
Madame Colette ERIVAN se plaint, en droit, de l’utilisation illicite de son image (B) et d’écrits diffamants à son égard et celui de son employeur (C).
Aucun de ces éléments en droit non plus qu’en fait n’est fondé ainsi qu’il sera démontré ci-après.
B- De la prétendue utilisation illicite de l’image de concluante
Madame Colette ERIVAN se fonde sur l’article 9 du Code Civil relatif au droit au respect de sa vie privée, lequel dispose en son premier alinéa : « chacun droit au respect de sa vie privée ».
Au visa de cet article, elle cite une jurisprudence ancienne.
Le fait est que l’article 9 du Code Civil est parfaitement inapplicable en l’espèce.
Le Code Civil énonce bien que chacun a droit au respect de sa vie privée, mais ne définit pas la vie privée.
Ce sont donc les juges qui ont déterminé ce qui est du domaine de la vie privée et ce qui ne l’est pas.
Est ainsi, aux termes de la jurisprudence du domaine de la vie privée :
- La vie familiale et conjugale
- La vie quotidienne à domicile
- L’état de santé
- La vie intime
- La vie amoureuse
- Les relations amicales
- Les loisirs
- La sépulture
Il est bien constant que l’article de Madame Bibi SHAW ne se situe dans aucun de ces cas, bien au contraire.
Ainsi que Madame Colette ERIVAN l’a rappelé elle-même dans son assignation, elle est directrice de la communication de l’organe « gouvernemental » de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin et comme telle, est un personnage public payé par la collectivité et sur l’activité de duquel les citoyens ont un droit de regard et, par conséquent, un droit à l’information.
En se fondant sur l’article 9 du Code Civil, Madame Colette ERIVAN, quand bien-même la photo eut été prise, comme elle l’exprime, de façon litigieuse, ne saurait prétendre qu’une photo d’un personnage public est une atteinte à sa vie privée au regard de l’article 9 du Code Civil.
Les mesures prévues par l’article 9 al. 2 ne peuvent être ordonnées en référé que dans le seul cas d’atteinte à l’intimité de la vie privée.
Il n’en est pas ainsi, par exemple, de la publication de renseignements d’ordre purement patrimonial exclusifs de toute allusion à la vie et à la personnalité des intéressés (Civ. 1ère, 4 octobre 1989 : Bull. civ. I, n° 307).
Mme ERIVAN ne démontre pas l’existence d’une atteinte à l’intimité de sa vie privée, et dès lors ne peut invoquer l’article 9 du Code civil pour justifier la compétence du juge des référés.
L’article incriminé concerne en effet exclusivement son activité professionnelle et publique.
S’agissant de la photographie, la liberté de communication des informations autorise la publication d’images de personnes impliquée dans un événement sous réserve du seul respect de la dignité humaine (Civ. 1ère, 20 février 2001 : Bull. civ. I, n° 42).
Notamment, est admise la publication d’une photographie d’un homme politique pour illustrer un article concernant non sa vie privée mais l’origine de ses revenus (CEDH, sect. III, 26 février 2002, Kone Verlag c/ Austria, req. n° 34315).
Le principe de la liberté de la presse implique le libre choix des illustrations d’un débat général de phénomène de société sous la seule réserve du respect de la dignité humaine (Civ. 2ème, 4 novembre 2004 : Bull. civ. II, n° 486).
Pareillement ici, l’article s’intéresse à la vie professionnelle de Mme ERIVAN, en sa qualité de Directrice de la Communication au sein de la COM, et la photographie n’a d’autre but que d’illustrer ledit article.
Madame Colette ERIVAN ne va pas, dans son assignation, jusqu’à prétendre que cette photo aurait été prise à son insu.
Elle tente d’insinuer qu’elle serait poursuivie des assauts photographiques de la défenderesse, ce que ladite défenderesse conteste absolument.
Mais, il y a mieux : ladite photo a été prise par Madame Bibi SHAW elle-même le 7 novembre 2008 à « La Voix de Saint-Martin », radio publique
Cette photographie a été prise avec le consentement de Madame Colette ERIVAN dans une radio, à un moment où le Président de la Collectivité était interrogé.
Les photos du Président de la Collectivité ont été prises le même jour et un article a été publié à la suite de cet événement.
C’est dans ces conditions et dans le cadre de son activité professionnelle que Madame Colette ERIVAN a été prise en photographie par Madame Bibi SHAW ;
L’attitude sur la photo montre bien qu’il ne s’agit pas d’une photographie volée, Madame Colette ERIVAN ne pouvant ignorer qui est Madame Bibi SHAW, compte tenu de sa notoriété d’une part, mais également parce que c’est bien en sa qualité de journaliste et pour couvrir un évènement qu’elle était présente à cette radio ce jour-là.
Madame Colette ERIVAN sera donc déboutée de toutes demandes relatives à la prétendue utilisation illicite de son image, le juge des référés ne pouvant au surplus qu’observer que cette photo ne fait montre d’aucun cadre privé, n’est pas litigieuse quant au fond, ne révèle aucun élément d’ordre privé et pour cause puisqu’elle a été prise dans un cadre professionnel.
On observera au surplus le caractère cocasse de la prétention d’une directrice de la communication à souhaiter ne pas être prise en photo et ne pas paraître dans un média de quelque ordre qu’il soit.
En tout état de cause, ne caractérisant pas d’atteinte à l’intimité de sa vie privée, Mme ERIVAN ne caractérise pas l’urgence ni la compétence du juge des référés.
C- Sur les prétendus écrits diffamants
Il sera rappelé que l’article 11 de la Déclaration Française des Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen de 1789 dispose que
« la libre communication des pensées des opinions est un des droits les plus précieux de l’’homme : tout citoyen peut donc parler, écrire, imprimer librement sauf à répondre de l’abus de cette liberté dans les cas déterminés par la loi. »
La restriction posée par l’article 11 est fondée sur la théorie de l’abus de droit prévue dans l’article 4 de la même déclaration de 1789 :
« la liberté consiste à pouvoir faire tout ce qui ne nuit pas à autrui : ainsi l’exercice des droits naturels de chaque homme n’a de bornes que celles qui assurent aux autres membres de la société la jouissance de ces mêmes droits. Ces bornes ne peuvent être déterminées que par la loi ».
Aux termes de l’article 29 de la loi de 1881, est une diffamation :
« toute allégation ou imputation d'un fait qui porte atteinte à l'honneur ou à la considération de la personne ou du corps auquel le fait est imputé ».
En premier lieu Le juge observera que l’article incriminé est en langue anglaise et que la traduction n’est pas faite par personne assermentée.
On ne peut donc que constater que le juge n’est pas saisi d’une quelconque preuve dont on rappelle qu’elle appartient aux demanderesses.
Madame ERIVAN fait ensuite état de ce que les propos tenus à son égard sont « peu flatteurs », ce qui est évidemment insuffisant pour caractériser une diffamation.
Rien dans le contenu de l’article n’est de nature à caractériser une diffamation :
- Est-il diffamatoire de dire que Madame ERIVAN « provoquerait constamment des problèmes collectifs » ou que Mme ERIVAN « se bagarrerait avec plusieurs chefs de département t mettant toujours en travers de leur route » :
Outre l’emploi du conditionnel, il n’y a imputation d’aucun fait précis, mais le rapport d’une ambiance. Madame DATI a-t-elle poursuivi en diffamation à la suite de la démission de trois de ses chefs de cabinet provoquées, dit la presse, par son mauvais caractère ?
- Est-il diffamatoire de dire que Madame ERIVAN « Se retrouverait à faire tout sauf le travail pour laquelle elle a été employée et est payée plus de 4.000 € » :
Pas d’imputation d’un fait précis. Il s’agit au pire d’une accusation d’incompétence, qui n’est ni une diffamation ni une injure, mais l’expression d’une opinion relevant de la liberté d’expression.
Du reste, il y a nécessité à préciser que cette allégation ne met pas spécialement en cause Madame ERIVAN mais peut mettre en cause la façon dont est organisé le service de communication et les demandes hiérarchique qui lui sont faites.
Or Madame ERIVAN vise cela comme étant des faits diffamatoires à son égard.
- Est-il diffamatoire de dire que Madame ERIVAN « Aurait pris des semaines pour donner une information erronée à la Commission pour la recherche historique en France » :
Là encore, on lui impute, en prenant soin d’utiliser le conditionnel, une simple erreur, et en outre à nouveau au conditionnel.
- Est-il diffamatoire de dire que Madame ERIVAN « Se serait disputée avec un membre du service communication » :
Se « disputer » sous réserve que la traduction est exacte, n’est pas un fait attentatoire à l’honneur ou à la considération.
***
L’assignation indique par ailleurs qu’ « Elle serait d’origine guadeloupéenne ce qui est péjoratif aux yeux de l’auteur » :
Une telle affirmation, produite à dessein, tente d’affirmer que l’auteur aurait quelques relents racistes
Une telle affirmation est d’autant plus malodorante que rien dans l’article ne dit cela ; L’article se contentant d’énoncer que Mme ERIVAN a été recrutée en Guadeloupe, ce qui n’est un secret pour personne puisqu’elle était directrice de la communication de la CCI et qu’elle a préféré en partir, en butte avec la nouvelle présidente.
A toutes fins, on rappellera que Madame SHAW est Guyanaise, du GUYANA.
***
L’assignation tente encore d’imputer par un raccourci inadmissible les commentaires des internautes à Madame Bibi SHAW
S’agissant des commentaires de l’article incriminés, qui constituent les réactions des internautes à l’article, Mme SHAW, en sa qualité d’auteur de l’article lui-même, n’est pas l’auteur de ceux-ci ni ne saurait en être tenue pour responsable.
Avec toujours la même précaution s’agissant de propos non traduits par un expert, « This woman is a joke » traduit par « cette femme est un guignol » paraît osé !
L’auteur du commentaire pose la question de savoir si elle n’avait pas été recruté comme secrétaire de presse du Président et ne parle jamais de « mœurs légères », ce qui est une invention apparue au stade de l’assignation ; l’expression « raisons personnelles » employée n’implique pas un tel sens ; Il peut signifier l’ambition ce qui ne saurait être considéré comme diffamatoire.
Mais le plus important est qu’il ne peut être reproché à Madame SHAW ;
Ce qui est remarquable, c’est que dans leur traduction, les demanderesses oublient de dire qu’il y a eu quatre commentaires et que, sur ces quatre, il y en a eu trois positifs pour Madame ERIVAN ! Cela est la preuve évidente du désir de nuire de Madame SHAW qui s’est abstenue de les censurer, sans nul doute pour perturber Madame ERIVAN !
La diffamation, sans préjudice des questions de forme n’est donc pas fondée en fait.
D- Sur Madame SHAW
Il est constant que Madame BiBi SHAW est une personne reconnue à Saint-Martin comme étant une jolie plume.
Elle écrit régulièrement sur ce qui se passe dans la CARAIBES et singulièrement à Saint-Martin.
Si elle a une carte de presse, elle exerce bénévolement et est une des seules plumes indépendantes de Saint-Martin.
Elle accomplit son travail avec rigueur, et a fait plusieurs fois articles et interviewé des personnes comme le sénateur FLEMING, avec des commentaires parfois acerbes sans, pour autant, encourir les foudres de la justice.
Quel est alors le but de l’assignation si peu fondée ?
Tout le monde connaît les conditions dans lesquelles elle exerce et le handicap de son fils atteint d’un cancer.
En cela, l’assignation est une tentative d’intimidation supplémentaire, après quatre vols à son domicile où n’ont disparu que ses ordinateurs et documents.
C’est ce qui justifie au regard du caractère particulièrement hasardeux de la procédure la demande de dommages intérêts, outre les frais irrépétibles incluant : avocat, hôtel, avion…
********
PAR CES MOTIFS
In limine litis,
• Dire que la COLLECTIVITE D’OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN n’a pas capacité à agir dans la présente procédure
• Constater que le délai de dix jours entre la délivrance de l’assignation et la date d’audience n’a pas été respectée
• Constater que les demanderesses ont élu domicile à Baie-Mahault
• Constater l’absence l’auteur principal, en l’espèce le Directeur de Publication, propriétaire du site
En conséquence,
• Constater la fin de non-recevoir opposée à la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin
• Déclarer l’assignation nulle et de nul effet
Au fond,
• Mettre hors de cause Madame Bibi SHAW
• Constater qu’il n’y a pas d’atteinte à l’intimité et à la vie privée de Madame Colette ERIVAN
• Constater l’absence de diffamation
En conséquence,
• Débouter Madame Colette ERIVAN et la COLLECTIVITE D’OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN de l’intégralité de leurs demandes
• Condamner solidairement Madame Colette ERIVAN et la COLLECTIVITE D’OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN à payer à Madame Bibi SHAW la somme de 12.000,00 € à titre de dommages intérêts
• Ordonner l'exécution provisoire du jugement à intervenir nonobstant appel et sans caution.
• Condamner solidairement Madame Colette ERIVAN et la COLLECTIVITE D’OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN à payer à Madame Bibi SHAW HODGE la somme de 4.598,84 € en application des dispositions de l'article 700 du Code de Procédure Civile
• Condamner Madame Colette ERIVAN, COLLECTIVITE D’OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN aux entiers dépens
SOUS TOUTES RESERVES
Fait à Pointe-à-Pitre, le 19 octobre 2009
Jan-Marc FERLY
Avocat à la Cour
Conclusions communiquées à Maître DELOUMEAUX, le
Au Ministère Public, le
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Madame le Président du Tribunal de Grande Instance de Basse-Terre
4, rue Félix Eboué
97109 BASSE TERRE
Pointe-à-Pitre, le 20 octobre 2009
Lettre de Procédure
Affaire : SHAW c/ ERIVAN & C.O.M. ST-MARTIN
Nos Réf. : 29103128 - SHAW001 - JMF/ JMF/LBB/28457
Madame le Président,
Je reçois de retour à mon cabinet une pièce communiquée par Maître DELOUMEAUX dénommée « Attestation de Monsieur GUMBS » en date du 20 octobre 2009.
Bien évidemment, je vous demande le rejet de cette pièce au nom de l’oralité des débats et de ce que cette pièce a été transmise postérieurement à l’audience de référé.
Il appert d’autre part que cette attestation est quand même suspecte en ce que le Président du Conseil Territorial de Saint-Martin certifie que la collectivité de Saint-Martin apporte sa protection fonctionnelle, conformément à l’article 11 de la loi du 13 juillet 1983, sans prouver que Madame ERIVAN est fonctionnaire.
On sait qu’elle a été embauchée il y a quelques années et son statut de fonctionnaire n’est absolument pas prouvé.
D’autre part, la formulation selon laquelle la collectivité de Saint-Martin est solidaire de Madame Colette ERIVAN et qu’une délibération sera prise à cet effet ne signifie pas que la collectivité entend être partie dans le dossier, ce qu’elle peut d’autant moins faire qu’aucune délibération n’a été prise, ce que le Président du Conseil Territorial ne nie pas puisqu’il indique « qu’une délibération sera prise à cet effet par le conseil exécutif ».
Il est donc prévu que cette délibération puisse être prise et le Président GUMBS semble s’avancer à prédécider ce que le Conseil Territorial pourrait décider, alors même que l’audience est déjà passée.
Enfin, cette attestation indique que les frais de procédure seront prises en charge par la collectivité dont acte, ce qui prouve que Madame ERIVAN ne saurait faire quelque demande que ce soit au titre de l’article 700 du Code de Procédure Civile.
J’adresse, bien évidemment, copie de la présente à mon contradicteur.
Vous remerciant d’avance de l’attention que vous voudrez bien porter à la présente,
Je vous prie de croire, Madame le Président, à l'expression de mes salutations respectueuses
Jan-Marc FERLY
Avocat à la Cour
Philipsburg: --- A female officer of the Voluntary Korps of St. Maarten has been suspended from active duty confirmed Prosecutor Rienk Mud. Mud said his office was not involved in the case and that the police department has since issued disciplinary measures against the officer. The prosecutor said he do not even know what the officer did and why she has been suspended.
SMN News learnt of this case that involves officer Marina Surante of Dominca almost two months ago, when we contacted authorities on the case it was flatly denied. The officer in question has acquired her Dutch nationality making her eligible to be part of the VKS. Sources told this reporter that the officer borrowed monies from someone that was locked up and that she went as far as lending her personal phone to the suspect to call his boss and requested that his employer released the monies to her. It is said the officer has refused to repay the prisoner who decided to speak out. The officer was suspended since over a month now.
SMN News contacted the Commander of the VKS Jean Illidge with the information we received. Illidge confirmed the information and further stated that the officer is suspended indefinitely. He said the police are presently investigating the case and a decision has to be taken by them to see if they would bring criminal charges against her. Illidge said the only reason he could not confirm the case when SMN News contacted him some two months ago was because he was hospitalized and that he had no knowledge of the case at that time.
Philipsburg: ---State Secretary of Health, Mr. Patrick Illidge, made a courtesy visit to the Mental Health Foundation on Monday, October 26. Mr. Illidge met with Ms. Eileen Healy, Director of the Mental Health Foundation who introduced him to Ms. Onika Phillips, administrative Assistant; Shineca Carty, Registered Nurse; Aisheline Maduro, Psychologist, and other staff. Ms. Healy gave Mr. Illidge a tour of the outpatient Day Care facility, which included the handicraft, soap-making and candle-making rooms. The State Secretary expressed how delighted he was to see the industriousness of the patients of the Mental Health Foundation. Ms. Healy also took the opportunity to present the State Secretary of Health with a copy of the Ondernemingplan “Stop Exclusion...Dare to Care” 2004, the Multi Annual Plan 2010 to 2012, the Terms of Reference for the Guided Living Project for Psychiatric Care, the MHF Social Year Report 2009, and the MHF Annual Reports of 2006 to 2008. The main objective of the MHF is to encourage the cure of the psychiatric patient, but if there is evidence that cure is not a realistic goal, to at least reduce suffering. The MHF has treated 400 patients, has Day Care Services with 25 clients, helped 20 families at home with their psychiatric relatives, and manages 50 crisis patients per year. The State Secretary noted that he was very impressed with the efforts being made to ensure accountability, continuity, and consistency at the MHF.
Ms Healy also raised various issues as they relate to bottlenecks and shortcomings the institution faced, such as: the treatment meted out to mental care patients at other institutions, the ongoing concerns about the lack of a residential facility for Psychiatric illness, the lack of education for health care workers in mental health, and the lack of professionals who are trained in knowledge of mental health equipment purchasing. Ms Healy also stated that she believes that the role of government in health care should be that of a regulatory nature, providing legislation and control and not the execution of service delivery. The State Secretary concurred and reiterated his concern about the lack of communication, coordination, and collaboration between health care providers and institutions. He also stressed that all health-care stakeholders should continue to consult and collaborate with each other to provide optimum quality care services to the island.
The State Secretary congratulated the center for the great work that they have done over the last 3 years and thanked the Ms. Healy and her team for accommodating him and facilitating such an informative orientation. He expressed that he was very impressed with the quality of service delivery at the MHF. He expressed his willingness to assist MHF wherever he can and to seek dialogue with other stakeholders to make the residential facility a reality. Finally, Mr. Illidge promised to remain in close contact with MHF and to follow-up on its progress.
French Quarter: --- A second court case has been filed by the Collectivity of St. Martin against SMN News. A bailiff delivered a summons to us on Monday afternoon at 4pm that indicated the reporter of this news website has to appear in courts on Tuesday October 27 in Basseterre. The second court case relates to an article SMN News published on October 9 regarding the use of government vehicles. Due to the untimely notice our lawyers requested that the case be postponed which was granted. The hearing is scheduled for November 10. No details on this second court case will be released until the hearing on November 10.
As said before the COM is doing all they can legally to shut this website down, since we are the only ones who seek to inform the community truthfully. While these attacks are made against SMN News, we are sure these measures would affect press freedom in the future and as such, we urge you to pay keen attention to the developments in these cases.
SMN News wants to thank the media houses on the Dutch side of the island that has highlighted the first case. SMN News would surely update you when we have more information.
We also apologize to our readers for not being able to cover all events and activities these last days as we are busy working on these court cases. As soon as this matter is under control, we would be back to normal.
Hi Bibi,
Via Oral Gibbes live and SOS 95.9 F.M. of Billy D, I informed the public, that I will no longer continue playing a leading public role any longer in terms of speaking out in the best interest of the people of this island.
For over 25 years, with all the passion in my soul, I took very public stances in defense of my native St. Martin people and I have come to the conclusion based on numerous considerations, that it is time to change course.
This decision has not come easy for me and I hope to live up to this commitment made to the public.
However, I also committed myself to support and assist those who approach me for such, based on a noble cause.
Recognizing the critical importance of an independent, outspoken media outlet for the people of this island, especially during these very trying times to me, is reason enough to support any such platform whose existence is coming under threat.
In addition, I too have become a victim of the powers that is not want our message to be heard.
Cases in point.
The CARIBBEAN CHAMPION weekly publication, of which I was the founder/publisher and which did not survive the 'silent' boycotts.
Then most recently,our radio-program, NATIONtalk,, which was also removed off the air under pressure from politicians and certain immigrant groups.
Now for the record.
If there has ever been a particular media-outlet, which was always available to us without discrimination, it was your site and your person as a journalist.
Based on the above-mentioned, Bibi, I am prepared to offer you whatever support possible under the circumstances.
Let it also be very clear that this support is NOT based on choosing any side in the conflict with the Collectivity.
It is based on the principle that it can not be tolerated that a media platform, on which so many people base their source of information on, can not be closed because a politician or some civil-servant feels offended.
To me even if that is the case, such can never exceed the greater interest of the general public for a broad and free flow of information.
The record has shown, time and again, that your information has been not only very timely, but oftentimes very reliable and it has forced other established outlets to publish your information in order not to appear out of touch.
Leopold JAMES
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
CAY BAY— Diesel Generator #16 was taken offline for emergency repairs this morning, which is expected to result in load shedding until the engine is operational. A load shedding schedule will be made available shortly.
The general public is encouraged to prepare for outages lasting approximately 2 hours per area. Preparations include unplugging any sensitive electronic equipment, charging any portable and laptop batteries and checking UPS, voltage regulators and surge protectors to ensure they are functioning properly.
The tentative load shedding schedule will be made available as soon as possible and will be updated throughout the day as the situation develops. The schedule is an indication only as it is dependent on the varying demand and supply and therefore subject to change.
GEBE would like to apologize for the inconvenience to its customers. The power plant is operating at a very tight production schedule until the two new generators are commissioned in December 2009 and hence the need for load shedding from time to time. Visit www.nvgebe.com for load shedding updates for your area.
Here are some tips to prepare for an electricity outage:
• Unplug any sensitive electronics to avoid damage.
• Turn off all lights and electrical equipment. Leave on only one light or radio to alert you when the power has been restored.
• Try to minimize the time your fridge and freezer are open to keep the cool air in.
• Gather any flashlights and check spare batteries.
• Be careful if you decide to use candles. Do not leave them unattended.
• Prepare by equipping your house with automatic power failure safety lighting so that it does not go dark when the power goes out. That gives you time to locate your flashlights and other items.
Philipsburg:---NAGICO Insurances and Young Blood Boxing Gym have teamed up to host a night of amateur boxing on November 13th 2009. The L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium will come alive as some of the best young amateur fighters from the Dutch side, French side and Saba face off in what is being billed as this year’s most exciting night in local boxing. The main card of The Young Blood Boxing Gym, NAGICO Night of Amateur boxing will be a battle between Dutch St. Maarten’s Greg Richie and Saba’s, Enoch Charles.
An affordable $10 for general seating and $ 20 for ringside will give you entry. Matches are scheduled to start at 7:00 pm with 9 amateur bouts and 4 exhibition fights scheduled. The proceeds from the boxing event will go towards the purchasing of materials needed for training and to cover the travel expenses for young athletes who will travel abroad. The event is being held in association with the St. Maarten Amateur Boxing Association.
The entire boxing night is being spearheaded by Young Blood Boxing Gym trainer and local boxing celebrity Shawn “Pitbull” Blair. The sponsorship cheque was presented at NAGICO head office. On accepting the sponsorship Mr. Blair commented “It is one of the best feelings in a long time to know that NAGICO is willing to sponsor yet another community project, but this time in the form of boxing. NAGICO is once again providing an outlet for the youth to express themselves and keep themselves occupied. When I came up with the idea of holding an amateur fight night, and presented my proposal to NAGICO It was received positively. I would like to thank NAGICO for giving the youngsters this opportunity.”
NAGICO provided sponsorship for several big ticket professional fights held on the island last year, but unlike those events this night will focus only on amateurs.
GREAT BAY:-- – The Preventive Health Department (PHD) is making preparations to receive its first batch of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine which will first be administered to the high risk groups. It has been proposed by the Dutch Health Council and the Royal Institute for Public Health & the Environment that persons receive two A (H1N1) vaccinations.
According to guidelines from the Netherlands Antilles Influenza A (H1N1) Protocol, all pregnant women who are in the last six months of pregnancy or second trimester – from their fourth month onwards – will be called to be vaccinated.
From available international medical data there is consistent evidence that pregnant women are at increased risk for complications as a consequence of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1), even in the absence of known risk factors.
Vaccination in the first three months of pregnancy is discouraged because there is not sufficient data and on theoretical grounds a risk for the child cannot be ruled out.
Other persons who form part of the risk group:
• 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 will be vaccinated against pandemic influenza A H1N1 virus 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).
Home care givers of people with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality due to this flu will also be vaccinated.
Besides vaccination against pandemic in¬flu¬en¬za A (H1N1), vaccination against seasonal flu remains important. People, who would normally take their yearly seasonal flu shots, should still get their seasonal flu shot.
Members of the community are still strongly advised to maintain high standards of personal hygiene which entail covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and 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. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
The symptoms of pandemic 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.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around them, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications of influenza.
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution over travel to affected areas. In the event that travel is unavoidable, the public is advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times. Another preventive measure is eating healthy foods, getting a lot of exercise and maintaining an eight-hour sleep schedule.
Philipsburg: --- The police department has reported that over the past five days there has been an increased in armed robberies. Police spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release said that from November 3 to 8th several armed robberies were reported, most of which were violent. Henson said during this period at least 12-armed robberies were committed. The police spokesman said these robberies were committed by youngsters who are operating in groups of three to four persons.
The robbers Henson said are armed with handguns and or shotguns. The robbers are using excessive force such as beating their victims in their head with the butt of a gun and firing gunshots to overpower their victims and in doing so securing the success of the robbery. Chinese restaurants and supermarkets, parking lots of brothels and number offices just to mention a few of the businesses, were victims to these robberies.
The locations were Sint Peters, Philipsburg, Cole Bay, Middle Region, and Dutch Quarter. The last serious armed robbery took place November 7th when a worker from a popular lottery agency on the island was attacked and robbed of several moneybags. During this robbery, the victim suffered a serious wound to the back of his head and had to be transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for treatment.
The police are making an appeal to the public to get involved by giving the police information that can lead to the arrest of these culprits. The public can use the "Tipline by dialing # 9300. The entire communtiy should get involved to help reduce crime.
As predicted in “EPIC and St. Maarten Pride’s position statement on the Great Salt Pond Ring-road plans” of February 2009 and the Foundation’s “Objections to the Ring road Construction Permit request” of June of this year, the construction of the Ring road is having a devastating effect on the many species of birds, crabs and fish in the Great Salt Pond.
On the morning of Tuesday November 10th, 2009 St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC representatives received calls from a concerned citizen and a department of New Works Project Manager who requested the Foundations to provide assistance at the Flood Gates between the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond on the Illidge road, where hundreds if not thousands of fish were surfacing and unsuccessfully trying to get from the Salt Pond to the Fresh pond.
The Foundations contacted Nature Foundation Marine Park Manager Mr. Lake and arrived at the location at 9:35 am. Foundation representatives examined the situation and concluded that it was necessary to allow Fresh water to enter the Great Salt Pond immediately. The vast amount of sand dredged from the Great Bay area and deposited in the Great Salt Pond has increased the Pond’s salinity, this combined with diminished circulation and a decrease in oxygen levels caused many fish to die and others to seek access to a relatively more hospitable habitat in the Fresh Pond.
After over two long hours of phone calls to Commissioners, Sector Heads and other officials by Foundation staff, volunteers and Sector R.O.B staff, heavy equipment finally arrived to open the dam between both ponds, in order for much needed fresh water to enter the Great Salt Pond.
EPIC, Pride Foundation and the Nature Foundation will be closely monitoring developments at the Great Salt Pond and have advised government to allow a properly managed amount of water from the Fresh Pond to enter the Great Salt Pond when necessary in an attempt to somewhat stabilize the ecosystems.
GREAT BAY,– The Department of Social Cultural Development section Youth Affairs and Sports in conjunction with colleagues from the Dutch/French Organizing Committee is working on a number of activities to highlight International Day for the Rights of the Child.
November 20 is the international day set aside by nations around the world to recognize and highlight the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The international convention sets out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. Nations that ratify this international convention are bound to it by international law.
The theme for St. Maarten’s observation of the day is, “Strong Families, Strong Communities, Strong Nation, Strong Children.”
On Monday, November 16, at the Dr. Claude Wathey Legislative Hall, a presentation will take place by Youth Ambassadors from the various secondary schools start at 3.00pm.
Representatives of the Dutch/French organizing committee will also be publicizing the convention using various forms of media during the course of the week November 16 leading up to November 20.
A Sports Day of activities involving approximately 600 young people from Dutch and French St. Martin as well as from Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius is scheduled for the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex in Cay Hill on Saturday, November 21 starting at 9.00am sharp with an opening ceremony.
Regional airline, Windward Islands Airways Intl NV (WINAIR) is one of the major sponsors for the fourth annual Caribbean Home Exp. The eagerly looked forward to event will be held from November 13th through to November 15th and will be held at the Sonesta Maho Resort which have housed the event annually.
Vice President of Marketing, Claudio Buncamper, WINAIR is elated to be associated with such a prestigious event. He noted that the Caribbean Home Expo is an eagerly looked forward to event stressing that its professional execution continues to attract the attention of the airline.
He pointed out that in an effort to further promote WINAIR and its various destinations the will have a booth at the show to demonstrate its products and many services. Buncamper further noted that persons wishing to learn more about the airline and also have issues, concerns and questions addressed can also use that opportunity to come out as well.
Buncamper said that with the event expected to attract a large number of persons he strongly believes at the collaborative effort between WINAIR and the organizers will certainly aid in not only promoting the event but also reassuring visitors of the very effective air transport in WINAIR. He stressed that the company’s safe and unblemished track record over the past several decades speaks volumes of the level of commitment, determination and dedication in providing safe, reliable and timely transport from its various destinations.
He added that supporting community initiatives is one of the company’s greatest hallmarks noting that despite the challenges faced as a result of the economic down turn of the world’s economy he and his company strongly believes that community oriented projects and programmes should be given full and unconditional support.
“We at WINAIR strongly believes that the communities that we serve plays an integral part of our daily operation thus we strongly believe that as a community oriented corporate citizen that supporting such initiatives will continue to form a major part of our business,” he said.
Announcing that his company will be having a special during the event, the VP of Marketing said that any client that purchases a WINAIR ticket at the show will get a 25% discount on the lowest fare available for travel. Clients that don’t purchase their tickets but want to travel on WINAIR before February 28, 2010, will get a voucher for a 10% discount He further noted that WINAIR will also be raffling twice daily a voucher for 2 free tickets to any WINAIR destination.
Meanwhile, Coordinator of the event, Bernadette Davis, they have set out to accomplish their goal and that they now have the bragging rights based on the results of the past. Giving an accountant of the event for its four years of existence, Mrs. Davis noted that they have live up to their targeted expectation.
Six National Alliance supporters were inducted as honorary members for their exceptional service to the National Alliance Party by Party Leader, William Marlin. The persons honored were: Sarah Doncher, Alicia Warner, Ruth J. Alias, Marinus H. van der Neut, Henry Janvier, and Camille Baly. ,
Presiding over the ceremony, Congress Chairman Terry Peterson expressed, “It was a most difficult task for us as a committee in that only six of many deserving persons were chosen to receive the NA Distinguished Service Award. It does not mean that other persons are less deserving or unworthy, but that the committee chose to be as diverse and inclusive as much as possible this year, and decided to spread its choice over the various communities. In speaking to the honorees, the Leader of the National Alliance noted that, “An honor such as this is a wonderful way for us as the National Alliance family to recognize and celebrate the choices, and the extraordinary sacrifices, our members have made. But I believe that what should make us the most proud is not the actual honor itself, but what you had to do, sometimes under harsh circumstances, to get it. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.’ Thus, any recognition is just the icing on the cake, not to be expected but definitely to be enjoyed and celebrated.” The National Alliance therefore congratulates and commends our six honorees for their exceptional service to the party and to the community of St. Maarten. Congress Chairman, Terry J. Peterson, also received a surprise Award of Excellence from the Congress Committee for executing a very successful congress and in recognition of his continuous hard work and dedication to St. Maarten.
Philipsburg: --- The public prosecutor has released Alex Holder, the reporter who was arrested over a week ago on theft charges. Holder was released late on Monday afternoon after spending about ten days in the Philipsburg holding cells.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud said Holder was given a conditional dismissal since he is a first time offender. Mud said the suspect must repay the victim by January 1 2010 if not he would have to face prosecution. Holder was must also do 100 hours of community service Mud said.
Alex Holder was accused of stealing over $5,000.00 from his girlfriend. The young woman filed a complaint against Holder after fight broke out between them about two weeks ago. It is understood that Holder confessed to taking his girlfriend’s money from her bank account. Details on how the alleged theft took place were not released.
Philipsburg: --- The special armed robbery unit of the police department has arrested four persons who are suspected to be committing several armed robberies on the island. In a police press release Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the Special Armed Robbery Unit has reported at least six armed robberies between November 12 to November 16. Henson said the robberies were committed by two or three persons who are armed with guns, such as a revolver, a pistol, or a shotgun.
In some cases the robbers will cover their faces and in other cases they would not cover their faces. They will threaten their victims with their firearms and if necessary use any amount force to achieve their goal. Their victims will be robbed of their jewelry, monies, laptops, cellular phones, and other valuables. After committing their act they would flee the scene mostly a motor vehicle.
The Special Robbery Unit is also reporting that in connection with the investigation four persons have been arrested and remain in custody for questioning. More arrests are expected in these ongoing investigations.
Armed robbers strike in broad daylight.
In the meantime, on Tuesday November 17th between 09.30 a.m. and 10.10 a.m. a business place on the Billy Folly Road and Supermarket Located on the Union road were robbed by armed bandits.
During these two robberies money was taken from the establishment says police spokesman Ricardo Henson. The robbers after committing their act fled the scene in an unknown vehicle. It is to early in the investigation to determine if the two robberies were committed been committed by the same robbers, however their are indications that this might be possible. The Special Robbery Unit is busy investigating.
Four Armed men threatened businessman.
In an unrelated incident at approximately 12:10 pm on Tuesday November 17 several police patrols were sent to the Plantation Tourbus Company on the Welgelegen Road, where according to information, four armed men had entered the building at the same time showing their weapons and demanding the owners of the establishment the sign falsified documents. These documents would be used to allow them to collect monies on the French side. The owners of the establishment refused to sign any documents and unknowingly to the men notified the police. When these men noticed that they could not intimidate the owners and realized the police had been notified, they jumped into an awaiting car and fled the scene.
The Detective Department is investigating this case.
The Police Department is also reminding the public to make use of the “tipline’ number 9300 to provide the police with quality information.
Philipsburg:---Former employee of the Today Newspaper Alex Holder who was arrested last week and released on Monday this week has sent a detail press release explaining the circumstances of his arrest. Holder also included the decision taken by the management of the Today Newspaper who issued a dismissal letter to him. Below is the full text of the press release.
Around 4:00pm on November 6, 2009, I –Alex Holder, was invited to the Philipsburg Police Station for question regarding a complaint filed by my former fiancé Karelien de Palm on my (unlawful) use of her credit cards.
During my initial interview with law enforcement, I admitted using the cards to take care of personal business. During the lone interview of my pre-trial detention, I provided the investigating officers with a detailed statement, which supplied a relatively accurate account of my actions with the cards in question.
For the sake of clarity, I would reiterate.
I initially used the card sometime in July to clear up outstanding debts for my college tuition. At that time, I was wrapping up my Master of Arts degree in Communications, which I graduated Magma Cum Lad. I also still had some outstanding payments on my Bachelor of Arts degree in English, which was completed in 2007 with the same institution. These degree programs were perused through an online-accredited university.
I admitted to police that I failed to consult with the owner of the cards prior to me using them. In my defense I told the officers and the prosecution that I did not think (at the time) it would matter to her, considering I used the money for my education which according to me would ultimately serve to improve the quality of life for myself, her and our (at the time) unborn son. I did however tell her about it at a later date.
Added to that, the cards were also used for other matters. All the monies spent totalled about NAf. 5,000.
Although she was not made fully aware of all that her cards financed we had agreed that I would repay the monies in time, which she knew would not be overnight. The last conversation of this nature was a mere week prior to the baptism of our son on November 1.
DISMISSED
I am no longer the Editor of the Today Newspaper. I lost my position on November 10 last. My dismissal came two days after I sought an advance from my employer to clear the outstanding debts. My employer said he would only consider advancing me the cash in the event that it would somehow have an effect on my prosecution.
I did not receive that advance but rather a dismissal letter two days later. The grounds for my dismissal were (according to the letter) based on the fact that I was unable to execute my duties as Editor, my unprofessional approach towards my job, and my personal use of office property, namely a cable box.
The letter, signed by Managing Editor Hilbert Harr, says, “Today Publishing has lost all trust and confidence in you as an employee. This warrants your immediate dismissal.”
Another aspect of my dismissal was based on the fact that I my statement to police was being considered a confession. “Your criminal offence has become a fact for which a conviction is highly likely,” the letter says.
I was never given the option to explain my position with my employer and efforts will be made via the labor department to determine whether my dismissal was contractually binding.
RELEASED
On November 16, the Prosecutor’s Office decided on a conditional dismissal of the charges against me. The reason for their decision was not made explicitly clear in their notice.
Nonetheless, all criminal proceedings against me has ceased on the grounds that I repay the outstanding sum within a specified time and engage in community service. I was released sometime after 3:00pm on November 17.
LOGICS
KD and I have been in a relationship for the past eighteen months. During this time we have lived together, have given birth to a beautiful son (Alex Holder Jr.) and have made plans (having executed some), all geared towards to the eventual goal of settling in marriage.
During this time, we have both made sacrifices for each other, some of which include me financing renovation works to her home through the procurement of a loan, among others.
This loan, I must add, is still being paid by me, although we no longer share a roof.
Considering the 15-year age difference between my person and my former fiancé, building that ideal life was not always as easy as we had hoped. Our differences often collided and in several instances ended in my moving out. Some of these conflicts would see the intervention of her brother, who also shared the home with us. His last intervention saw me being beaten in the face in the early morning hours of November 2 last. My police report on the matter is what I believe lead to my subsequent arrest and 11-day detention.
Regarding the position with my son, I was not allowed to see him during the week prior to my detention, nor since.
I am not sure whether I would be perusing a case with the court of guardianship on to see joint, custody or whether we as parents would be able to reach an agreement as adults before it gets to that stage.
Press Release by Alex Holder
Philipsburg: --- Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba in the presence of the island’s Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and leader of Government William Marlin issued the first two Brooks Tower permits on Wednesday. The two recipients Yles St. Come and Du Qun Wu were the first two persons in the Netherlands Antilles to receive their permits since the project launched some two weeks ago. St. Come has been residing on St. Maarten some 22 years now, while Wu 12 years.
Minister Jacoba told members of the media that some 910 persons applied for the Brooks Tower Permits and already the justice department has approved 36 of them. She made clear that the processing of the other applicants is still ongoing. Minister Jacoba also called on the undocumented residents to register for the Brooks Tower permit, which would enable them to regulate their status on the island. Jacoba said implementing the Brooks Tower Accord, which was signed in 2007, is the largest project she has executed in her life and that many persons felt that this was a trap and not a reality.
The Minister said by presenting these two permits in a symbolic way should encourage those persons that doubtful about the program to register. The Brooks Tower permits will be valid until November 3 2010. In the case of Wu, she said she was informed that the Chippie Café employee had approached other Ministers and commissioners in the hope of legalizing her status to no avail. Minister Jacoba said she was honored to be the one to grant Wu her documents, which would give her, the opportunity to travel back to her country of origin to obtain all the necessary documents to apply for her documents through the regular channel. As for St. Come, he too can walk free but urged him that he needed to follow the right procedures so he can legalize himself. Jacoba said receipts of the Brooks Tower permits must submit all their documents for residency permits at least four months prior to November 3 2010. “having the BT permits has opened the doors for both of you to document yourselves on the island once and for all. I do not want to see recipients of the BT permits end up being illegal again”. Jacoba told St. Come and Wu.
Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards in address said Wu served several of the elected and law enforcement at the Chippie Café, thus he congratulated both recipients of the BT permits.
Richards said the BT process is a first but serious step, which would allow persons residing on St. Maarten illegally in a safer position. Richards also urged the recipients of the BT permits to get their documentation ready so that they can remain on St. Maarten. He said all persons applying for residency permits would have to provide all the necessary documents, which is based on the admittance and expulsion law. Richards called on all persons residing on St. Maarten illegally to follow the footsteps of Wu and St. Come who applied for the BT and today have them in their hands.
In the meantime, Leader of Government William Marlin in his remarks thanked the Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba who recently took office and ran off with the Brooks Tower by making a firm commitment to execute the Brooks Tower Accord.
Marlin said when they first discussed this matter the Minister had made clear that the process had to be simplified.
Marlin also called on the recipients of the BT permits to do what is necessary to obtain their residency permits in the future. Marlin like the other two speakers made clear that the BT permits are not permanent documents. Marlin said St. Come has been living on St. Maarten for 22 years and he was not able to obtain a doctor’s card and neither can he benefit from pension even though he has been working on the island. “having this permit would give him the opportunity to process his documents.” Marlin said government has decided to put several controllers in place that would be checking the work places to make sure they do not have 20,000 undocumented persons in the next two or three years. These controllers would be appointed early next year Marlin said these controllers would make sure the labour laws are upheld and that employers must adhere to the laws of St. Maarten. He made clear that the BTA is an opportunity for illegal immigrants to regulate their status. He also applauded the Minister for showcasing the procedure, which is aimed at showing those naysayers that this is indeed for real. Marlin called on the two recipients of the BT to encourage others who were in the same “boat or seat as them to make use of this opportunity. Marlin also applauded those working on the BT process he said this would help St. Maarten and most importantly the recipients who would not have to hide under a bus or jump over a wall when they see police in the future.
A delegation from the Oranje Fonds escorted by local rep. Mr. Mathias Voges, paid a courtesy visit to Lt. Governor Richards.
St. Maarten students in Curacao celebrated St. Maarten’s day in style this year once again. On the 11th students decorated the recreational hall of the Campus at the University of the Netherlands Antilles (UNA) and turned it into an exhibition of St. Maarten culture. The exhibition included pictures, posters, flags and information about the island.
From 7-10am, there was a special breakfast menu in honor of St. Maarten’s day which everyone on Campus was invited to attend. A St. Maarten’s day could not be celebrated without some Johnny cakes which everyone enjoyed. Other co-habitants of the Campus and UNA employees wished students well on their day and found interest in the exhibition.
Later on that day, students came together to watch the St. Maarten day program that was being aired on Tele Curacao. Although far from home, it did give a nice feeling of togetherness.
The weekend was filled with excitement when a larger group of students in Curacao organized a St. Maarten day celebration held at Frater Aurelio S.B.O (FAMBO) on Saturday the 14th, consisting of an exhibition of St. Maarten culture, dance, singing, poetry and acting. Guests were offered local food and drinks such as peas and rice, chicken, Johnny cake, salt fish and Guavaberry. The celebration closed with an after party which was very much enjoyed by the young people.
Celebrating St. Maarten’s day is something the students strive to do every year.
Six Physicians Available to Administer H1N1 Vaccine Starting Monday, November 23 for Risk Groups Only.
Persons who fall under the risk groups are: pregnant women who are in the last six months of pregnancy or second trimester – from their fourth month onwards – will be vaccinated; persons with chronic conditions e.g. with pulmonary disease; with cardiac disease; after a recent bone marrow transplant; with a diminished resistance to infections: livercirrosis, (functional) asplenia, auto-immune illnesses, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medication; with diabetes mellitus, even if not on medication; with chronic kidney disease/failure; with HIV-infection; persons 60 years and older; health care workers and health care workers (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics and general practitioner/specialist practices); and home care givers of people with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality.
Clinics administering the H1N1 Vaccine for their patients in the identified risk groups are:
Monday, November 23 to Friday, November 27
- Dr. Mercuur Clinic (Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 1.00pm)
- Bush Road Clinic (Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 2.00pm)
- Dr. Deketh Clinic (Monday to Friday, 2.00pm to 3.00pm)
- Simpson Bay Medical Clinic, Dr. Tjaden & Datema Clinic (Wednesday & Thursday, 2.00pm to 5.00pm)
- Dr. Ruth Douglas (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 7.30am to 9.30am)
- Union Road Clinic of Dr. Van Osch (Wednesday, Thursday 2.00pm to 5.00pm)
Other family physicians will be added to the list and this information will be announced once it has been received.
For further information, contact Preventative Health Dept. at 542-3003 or 542-3553.
Philipsburg: --- Three political parties on St. Maarten submitted their lists of eleven candidates each on Monday to contest the January 2010 parliamentary elections. The first party to submit their list was the Peoples Progressive Party headed by former island council lady Gracita Arrindell. Arrindell with members of her slate presented their list shortly after 11 am. On the list, there are several new faces while it is obvious that the number 2 candidate that ran on the PPA list in 2007 Johan Janchi Leonard was not behind her. Also not seen was Christopher Emanuel, both persons this media house published earlier was going to be part of the green party.
At a press conference held at the home of the Arrindell’s in St. Peters, Arrindell told reporters that the PPA intend to inform the people along the way if elected. She said the intention of the PPA is to conduct its campaign in the homes of the people since they believe that the people need to understand their future is now. Arrindell said it is their belief that the process of status change belongs in the homes of the people and not in the fancy offices.
“We believe it is important for the People’s Progressive Alliance, the PPA, to participate in the January 22nd 2010 elections for 2 key reasons; First. The elections are legally prescribed to be held. Political parties have an obligation to participate in all elections and not to choose elections. Almost a decade ago, the people of Sint Maarten were promised a new constitutional status. As we are painfully aware, this did not happen.”
Secondly, The PPA needs to be a part of turning off the lights of the Netherlands Antilles to ensure it is done correctly and in the best interests of the people of St Maarten. The people of St Maarten voted in June 23rd in a referendum to secure a new constitutional status similar to Aruba almost 10 years ago, and our people need to understand that this is the time to influence their future.
Those that are on the PPA slate are as follows:-
1.Gracita Arrindell
2.Dr. Ruth Douglass,
3.Mr. Les Brown,
4.Mr. Franklin Patrick,
5.Ms. Suzanne ‘Suzy’ Velasques,
6.Ms. Jennifer Richardson,
7.Ms Anique Liu,
8.Mr. Kenneth Provacia,
9.Ms Shaira Bommel,
10.Mr.Othmar Henrietta, and
11.Mr. Herbert ‘Prince’ Martina.

While the Democratic Party headed by Island Council lady Sarah Wescot Williams submitted their list just after 3:30 pm. The slate of the Democratic Party now has five new faces and Maria Buncamper Molanus a long time DP member and island council lady was nowhere in sight. Asked about that leader of the party said the party took a decision not to have Buncamper Molanus on the list, but the island council lady she said still remains a strong supporter of the DP.
Members and supporters of the Democratic Party marched to the Government Administration Building decked in red tee shirts. It was clear that the DP supporters were behind their leader as they said that they are willing to “die for Sarah”.
On the slate are the following members
1. Sarah Wescot Williams
2. Erno Labega
3. Roy Marlin
4. Perry Geerlings
5. Petrus Leroy De Weever
6. Steven Carty
7. Steward Johnson
8. Carlyle Rogers
9. Marinka Gumbs
10. Jeffry Richardson
11. 11. Richelda Emanuel
The five new faces are Perry Geerlings, Steven Carty, Carlyle Rogers, Marinka Gumbs and Richelda Emanuel
Soon after the DP party submitted their list, former member of the party commissioner Theo Heyliger made sure he joined the group as they celebrate. Heyliger was presented with a red tee shirt, as he made sure he congratulated each member on the slate.
The National Alliance was the last party to submit their slate; submitting the list was Henrietta Doran York. Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said they presented a full slate and is looking to capture all three seats, two of which they are currently occupying. Marlin said the National Alliance started the dismantling process and they would like to complete it. He made clear that the people gave them a mandate and they have kept it thus far. Marlin said his party did not fall apart instead; it was those that held power in the local government that fell apart causing them to take over.
Marlin said that ever since they took over power locally they were caught up doing a lot of unfinished work that the former government left behind.
After the National Alliance submitted their slate Heyliger made sure, he went among the candidates and congratulated them all.
Heyliger who have been in politics for a number of years now only contested the federal elections once. The election to be held in January 2010 is the last election scheduled to take place in the Netherlands Antilles.
On the National Alliance Slate are the following candidates;
1. William Marin
2. Frans Richardson
3. George Pantophlet
4. Rodolphe Samuel
5. Henrietta Doran York
6. Patrick Illidge
7. Roland Duncan
8. Silveria Jacobs
9. Engel Louis
10. Terry Peterson
11. Hyacinth Richardson
Philipsburg; ---On Tuesday November 24 at approximately 12.45 p.m. several police patrols, members of the 0-tolerance team and detectives were directed to Aruba Drive for an armed robbery. The first police patrol on the scene approached the house in question and upon entering, the home was met by a masked suspect, who was armed with a handgun and in a threatening manner aimed it at the patrol.
The patrol took cover and informed the Central Police Dispatch of what was going on and called immediately for back up. This suspect however fled the home through a door leading from the living room. He jumped the fence at back the house and fled through the hills in the direction of Saunders. A description of the suspect was given through to the other patrols that started an intense search in the neighboring area. In the Saunders area, a man fitting the description of the suspect was spotted by the patrols. When the man noticed that, he was approached by police he took-off running. This man was summoned by the police to stop; however, he did not comply with orders of the officers and continued fleeing from police.
Two other police patrols joined in the chase to apprehend this suspect and in the course of the chase shots were fired, one of which struck the suspect in his right shoulder. The chase ended on the Gladiola road. The suspect with initials R.S. from Jamaica was treated on the spot by paramedics and then transported to the St Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. At the hospital, the suspect was treated for his wound and is presently in a stable condition. He was also admitted for observation. At the crime scene in Aruba Drive where the armed robbery took place, the patrol encountered the housemaid who was tied up by the suspect. The patrols later found the owner of the house who was hidden in a bedroom. The Special Robbery Unit is busy with the investigation.
Philipsburg: --- There has been an increase amount of shoplifting as well as pick pocketing reported to the police said police spokesman Ricardo Henson. Henson said these crimes are being committed in certain areas of the island. On Thursday, police managed to arrest two Guyanese nationals who were caught shoplifting in Super Plaza located on Back Street.
Henson said the shoplifters were turned over to the detective department where an investigation is currently ongoing. The police spokesman said the department is currently investigating a number of cases of shoplifting and pick pocketing. Police is also calling on the public to pay close attention when shopping in crowded areas.
These culprits operate mostly in groups. The entire business community should take all preventive measures such as, increasing their security personnel, installing a security system, or checking their security system to make sure it is functional. The Christmas season is here and this is one of the times of the year when these culprits come out to do what they do best.
On the Dutch half of the island, "tourism has gobbled up the culture, which is now defined by the hotel/casino industry." The French side is overbuilt but has avoided so far the "fast-food joints," casinos, and concentration of duty-free shops.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"St. Maarten/St. Martin has a split personality. The Dutch side has casinos, fast-food restaurants, cruise-ship docks, and high-rise hotels. It is a typical mass-market tourism disaster. The French side has no casinos, fast-food joints, nor high-rises, but it still has problems, mainly too many hotel rooms and overcrowded beaches. I don't know why the hotel industry and cruise-ship companies can't understand the concept of "carrying capacity." More and more hotel rooms and bigger and bigger ships lead to less and less enjoyment and a diminished destination."
"Dutch St. Maarten is in trouble. St. Martin, the French side of the island, is promising in terms of balancing development with the natural resources. The environmental and ecological quality of Dutch St. Maarten is threatened by overdevelopment. The French side of the island is basically intact."
"The threats to the environment are multiple, mainly on the Dutch part of the island. The strong development of tourism without all the necessary measures to address the environment is provoking damages, many irreversible. A change of mentality in the direction of a sustainable development is necessary, especially with regard to natural resources."
"Beautiful hotels and yet piles of trash and burning of trash. Water supply is an issue here as well. On the Dutch side, a number of hotels are half completed and deserted."
"Contrast Dutch St. Maarten (overcrowded with limited character and way too many cruise passengers) with St. Martin (especially Marigot), which has maintained much of its social and cultural integrity. The Dutch side's outlook is negative; the French side needs to protect what it has."
"This island presents one of the best examples of what islands should avoid in tourism development. Tourism has gobbled up the culture of the island, which now is defined by the hotels, casinos, and other modern developments—not the island's historical, artistic, culinary, or other local heritage. Quality of life is a major consideration for residents as well as visitors. There appears to be widespread interest in making changes."
(National Geographic Traveller)
SIMPSON BAY - Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation Managing Director Russell Voges, announced on Monday that there will be six bridge openings as of Tuesday, December 1.
As is customary every season, in order to accommodate the Mega Yacht marine tourism sector, the bridge opens six times during the day in order to handle the vessels that make use of several marinas in the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
The daily seasonal openings will be: 9.00am outbound, 9.30am inbound, 11.00am outbound, 11.30am inbound, 4.30pm outbound and 5.30pm inbound.
This schedule will run from December to May 2010.
Users of small craft are requested not to transit the bridge channel during bridge opening hours. Boats docking at the BBW dock should not be maneuvering in the channel during the bridge operational hours.
Small sea craft must make use of the port channel when passing under the bridge. Jet ski owners and rentals are requested to inform users that they must put their waterspouts off when passing under the bridge. This prevents corrosion of the iron structure of the bridge.
Captains and owners of vessels after docking their vessels in the lagoon should immediately come to the window of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority & Immigration to clear in their vessel, crew and passengers and pay the necessary bridge and harbor fees and dues.
GREAT BAY,– Commissioner of Education, and Leader of Government William Marlin appreciated the 26 exceptional educators that were selected by their schools for the “exceptional qualities” displayed over the years towards their students and parents and our educational system in general. These educators do not hesitate to go the extra mile.
The teachers were given a tour of the cruise ship, Freedom of the Seas, and were treated to an exclusive lunch in one of their finest restaurants.
Marlin added that teachers are at the centre of shaping the minds and characters of our islands young people. This tour and luncheon was just a small way in which we decided to show our appreciation to this group of teachers.
I would like to say a special thank you to our teachers for preparing our children for the roles that they will play in the future advancement of our society as well as in Country St. Maarten.
We would also like to thank the Tourist Office for their assistance in organizing the tour aboard the Freedom of the Seas. Special thank you also goes to Mr. Keith Franca of the St. Maarten Port Authority, Commissioner of Education William Marlin told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Philipsburg:--- Leader of Government as well as the National Alliance William Marlin lashed out at members of the Democratic Party at Wednesday press briefing. Marlin was reacting to certain media reports, that accused the current government of several things.
Marlin said he had no intention to react this rhetoric but after seeing, a headline that says the DP slams government, the needed to make some clarification.
Marlin said the Democratic Party was in government since 2000 when the people voted to become country. He said this party was in government uninterrupted for 9 years and they should take time to sum up what they have done during that period in preparing St. Maarten to take up its county status. Marlin said that right now there are questions regarding the law on the ombudsman.
Marlin said that some five years ago a draft was presented to the Democratic Party government who did nothing with it. However, today the draft law has been completed and sent to the governor general for consultation. He said after that it would be sent to the island council for ratification. The island leader admitted that there is a lot of work that still has to be done prior to 10/10/10.
Marlin said that only last week they had the kick off for the social economic council something that the DP could have done while they were in office. The DP could have taken the lead and had these institutions in place. He said now that the DP is out of government by their own design they are making it sound as if someone stole something from them and they are coming to get it back Marlin said government was entrusted to the Democratic Party in the 2007 election. Marlin made clear that it is the DP party that fell apart and no one went behind their back and stole the government from them. “No one waited until they fell asleep and move their stuff out of this government building it’s the Democratic Party that fell apart.” Marlin said at least three members of the DP have broken away from them. “Two of those members made their statement public while the other one is yet to make a announcement on their position.” Marlin said it is a smoke screen of attacking the government by saying they are not getting things done. Marlin said this is an attempt to cover up their own internal destruction and falling apart.

GREAT BAY (GIS)— On Friday the Main Voting Bureau went through the process of selecting the numbering of the political parties and the coloring of those parties.
The results are as follows:
1) NA will be second on the list.
2) DP will be first on the list.
3) PPA will be third on the list.
The results of the colors are as follows:
1) DP will have RED.
2) NA will have WHITE
3) PPA will have ORANGE
Below are the full lists of the parties and candidates.
Lijst nr. 1
Nr. Naam en voorletters of voornamen
der kandidaten Aantal
stemmen
1 Wescot geb. Williams Sarah A.
2 Labega Erno L.
3 Marlin Roy R.
4 Geerlings Perry F.M.
5 de Weever Petrus L.
6 Carty Steven P.
7 Johnson Stuart A.
8 Rogers Carlyle V.
9 Gumbs Marinka J.
10 Richardson Charles J.
11 Emmanuel Richelda G.
Lijst nr. 2
Nr. Naam en voorletters of voornamen
der kandidaten Aantal
stemmen
1 Marlin William V.
2 Richardson Frans G.
3 Pantophlet George C.
4 Samuel Rodolphe E.
5 Doran geb.York Henrietta
6 Illidge Patrick G.
7 Duncan Roland E.
8 Jacobs Silveria E.
9 Engel Louis R.
10 Peterson Terry J.
11 Richardson Hyacinth L.
Lijst nr. 3
Nr. Naam en voorletters of voornamen
der kandidaten Aantal
stemmen
1 Arrindell Gracita R.
2 Douglass Ruth A.G.
3 Brown Les A.
4 Patrick Franklin S.
5 Velasquez Susanna A.
6 da Silva Carvalho geb.Richardson Jennifer C.
7 Liu Anique
8 Provacia Kenneth D.
9 Henrietta Othmar D.
10 Bommel Shaira R.
11 Martina Herbert M.J.

Cay Hill:----On Tuesday morning December 8th at 10:30 a two-week training and system check was officially opened at the Fire Department in Cay Hill. From December 8th to December 18th 2009 a delegation of Dutch Caribbean fire departments will be attending this training on Sint Maarten. The purpose of these two weeks is to establish a joint exam system for all 6 Dutch Caribbean fire departments. The training is organized under the auspices of the Dutch Ministry of BZK and the Dutch Fire Fighting Examination Institute (Nbbe).
In 2006 the Nbbe certified the Sint Maarten Fire Department to be able to use the Kingdom exam system for fire fighters. After this certification Sint Maarten implemented the Kingdom exams of the Nbbe for all its personnel. Since then all exams and diploma's of the firemen are officially recognized within the entire Dutch Kingdom. Back in 2006 this system was chosen to guarantee the level and quality of the exams for the firemen and since then the experience with this system has been more than satisfactory.
The success of the system on Sint Maarten has caught the attention of the Dutch Ministry of BZK. It is the intention of the Ministry to have a similar system established on the BES islands and offers the (future) Dutch Caribbean countries to participate. Since the original exam system is based on a Dutch model some adjustments will have to be made to make it workable for all the islands. Decisions about these adjustments will be made jointly will all parties involved.
To get a clear picture of the current state of affairs on the different islands a system check needs to be carried out. Sint Maarten has been chosen to host this system check, due to its pioneer role. The training and test is organized by the Nbbe and financed by the Ministry of BZK. Fire fighters from Sint Maarten, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Eustatius and Saba are taking part in trainings and tests on several locations on the island during these two weeks.
The training and test period is being held from the 8th until the 18th of December. Both the theoretical and the practical part will be executed as realistic as possible at different locations on the island. Included in the training is a three-day seminar for high-ranking members of the various fire departments to start working on a joint exam board for the Dutch Caribbean.
Prior to the start of the two-week training on Sint Maarten a presentation was given last Monday on Sint Eustatius in the presence of the Dutch Minister of BZK, Mrs. Guusje ter Horst.
The Sint Maarten Fire Department is very pleased to be the host for these two weeks of training and tests. Especially since the Sint Maarten has been an advocate for years to get a joint Caribbean examination system in place for all the fire departments of the Dutch Caribbean islands.

Philipsburg: --- Minister of Constitutional and Home Affairs Roland Duncan said the Dutch politicians are paranoid when it comes to St. Maarten and Curacao. The Minister was reacting to the motion presented in the second chamber regarding the Brooks Tower Accord. Duncan said he is disappointed in the Dutch but with this recent action it shows the Dutch are not as smart as they think they are.
The Minister said this is St. Maarten's autonomy and it is the right of the island to deal with the illegal immigrants they way they chose. He said Holland has its own immigration problems and St. Maarten and Curacao does not tell them how to deal with it. He made clear that the Brooks Tower falls under the Netherlands Antilles and the motion that was presented in the second chamber cannot affect the process.
The Minister said one of the concerns of the Dutch is that a great deal of people would suddenly become Dutch with the Brooks Tower Accord. He said this is a clear case of paranoia because there are stringent laws in place that has to be respected before someone can become Dutch citizen.
The Minister also made clear that those that qualify and passes the exams to become a Dutch citizen also has the right to there status based on the laws written by the second chamber. Duncan said he wants to know if the second chamber is now trying to over write its own laws.
Duncan said Holland believes it is very attractive to people. He said the French side of the island has far more and far better social benefits as well as a higher minimum wage in place and it has not attracted millions of Caribbean people.
He said even the statistics presented in the motion was incorrect and it is clear that the Dutch did not do any research on the Brooks Tower Accord which is only granting applicants a one year permit. Duncan said the figures were exaggerated something he already told to the Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba. In this motion they said St. Maarten has 50,000 illegal immigrants and Curacao has 40,000, while he does not have the figure the Minister said there might be a third of that figure on island. The Minister said so far there might be about 5,000 people who registered for the BTA permit. He said where the other 45,000 hiding is because the economy does not reflect any of this.
Asked if he is satisfied with the BTA process that is currently being implemented Duncan said he could not make an assessment just yet. However, he admitted that he would have had a different approach had he been dealing with it. Duncan said the requirements they are asking is too much. He said if someone has been surviving on St. Maarten for the past 10, 12, or 20 years without having a fix job or no job at all is not enough to deny them legal residency. The Minister said what if these persons are living with a live-in companion and has children to care for and they are cared for by their companion? He asked what and how they are dealing with situations where people have multiple jobs and are surviving on the islands. Furthermore, he said if the applicants are living here for more than ten years and has not gotten into to trouble with the law then he would have not made the process that difficult for them to legalize their status. He made clear immigration is not a justice matter and the Netherlands Antilles has been trying to make it one for years now. He said there are people who clean houses for two days a week for four different families per week, which means they have four employers, but the law he said does not cater to that kind of scenario.
In light of the recent fuel spill in Simpson Bay Lagoon, Environmental Protection In the Caribbean (EPIC) would like to again note that a fuel and oil spill response unit is available to the public at Lagoon Marina and Boats Service gas station in Sandy Ground next to the Suzuki Repair shop. Both these companies have agreed to allow public access to these units. These units contain booms and absorbent material sufficient for holding 65 gallons of oil or fuel while repelling water.
In the event of a spill, in addition to contacting Public Works Waste Disposal Department and local foundations, the Coast Guard should be notified as well.
In the case of a fuel spill, the worst solution is to add detergent. The detergent not only forces the fuel to the bottom of the water, where it cannot evaporate, but it also adds another pollutant to the water. The detergent coats the gills of fish and suffocates marine life while also taking a long time to biodegrade. If allowed to remain at the surface, the volatile components in the fuel will be able to evaporate in the sun over time. Clearly in this case, the victims of this spill were desperate for an immediate solution to the crisis. However, until Sol begins to take responsibility for these events, EPIC encourages all spill observers to make use of the oil and fuel spill response kits in the lagoon.

Philipsburg: On November 28th 123, students from the Caribbean Institute for Social Education Foundation(CIFSEF) graduated. The students graduated after they successfully completed various CIFSEF & CARIBCERT hospitality courses. 33 as professional Front Desk Agents, 16 as professional Bartenders/Waiters/Waitresses, 10 as Food & Beverage Supervisors, 10 as Reservations Agents, 22 as professional Customer Agents, 28 with Core-Supervisory/Management Diplomas and 5 with Computer certificates. The employees came from 33 different companies.

There were also 9 youths from the USONA-DURPI-Youth Development program. These youths were given a second chance at education. The 9 successfully completed the CIFSEF & CARIBCERT courses for Front Desk Agents. They are now proud holders of Front Desk Agents Diplomas. They also received CIFSEF Jump Start to a Job Computer Training certificate.
The CIFSEF training programs are supported by the WIFOL, SHTA and the SMTA.
CIFSEF is now registering new students for their 2010 training program. CIFSEF is located in the WIFOL building on the Pond Fill, Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- Senator George Pantophlet feels that St. Maarten would soon have to decide how it would deal with the undocumented when she attains her new status. The senator and island councilman said on a daily basis persons have been visiting his office seeking information as to how they can regulate their status but in many instances the laws on admission and expulsion does not allow many persons to regulate their statuses.
Pantophlet in a press release gave an account of three women with ten children bearing Dutch nationalities but none of these women are legal and are not able to regulate their statuses. Even worst, all three of them he said are working and their employers are not doing what is necessary to make sure their employees are regulated and resides legally on the island.
In the first scenario the island councilman said the first woman came to the island 15 years ago to join her mother who has been living on St. Maarten for the past 28 years and is a holder of the Dutch passport. Pantophlet said this person worked for several businesses but none of them found it necessary to obtain a working and or residency permit. He said at age 24 this person got married to someone that was born in the Netherlands Antilles and they have four children. The councilman said for some reason the father and husband of this woman never requested a residency permit for his wife and neither is he willing to regulate his children status at the civil registrar. These children Pantophlet said is yet to receive their Dutch passport, while the woman is doing her best to regulate her status under the Brooks Tower Accord.
In case two the senator said the woman has been residing on St. Maarten for the past ten years and has been married for over seven years. This family he said now have three children and her husband did request her residency permit which was granted on a number of occasions. Pantophlet said when the woman husband made the last request of extension he left the island and not returned. He said due to that the woman could not pick up her permit when it was approved simply because her husband was not on island. This person too is trying to register under the BTA.
As for case three he said the woman came to the island at an early age and she even completed her secondary education on St. Maarten. This person he said was also married and has three children and had residency under her husband. However, this couple is now divorced and the woman is now undocumented. The senator said that while the time for registering for the BTA expires on December 15 it does not address all scenarios. The senator further explained that under the current situation of these women can apply for permanent residency even though they are mothers and care givers for Dutch children.
Pantophlet said on several occasions he wrote letters and even made suggestions as to how St. Maarten can handle the issue of the undocumented but all of his suggestions and letters went neglected which resulted in the problems St. Maarten faces today with the undocumented. The senator said by 10/10/2010 St. Maarten would achieve its country status and the time to begin dealing with this matter is now.

GREAT BAY,– St. Maarten's Local Chief of Police, Governor Franklyn Richards, in response to recent crime incidents on St. Maarten, is once more sounding the alarm and wants the Central Government to take note of the situation.
The Local Chief of Police is of the opinion that while commitments have been made for a structural approach to addressing law and order on our island, police re-enforcements are needed right now.
The Local Chief of Police is extremely worried about the recent spate of robberies and two incidents resulting in loss of life last week, in St. Maarten.
"These senseless killings deserve our collective condemnation and cannot be allowed to continue without an appropriate response by authorities. Any and all lives taken should be condemned and so should be all acts of violence in our community", notes Richards.
As such, the Minister of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles has been briefed on the situation and a formal request is underway asking that police re-enforcements be made available to St. Maarten as soon as possible.
The recent killings and the repeated reports of home invasions, armed robberies and other violent incidents, is indicative that the criminal element continues operating with disdain for life and our safety, says Richards.
He noted that the present situation is truly alarming and is one requiring the immediate response of the responsible authorities, charged with guaranteeing safety and security for the people of St. Maarten.
Local Chief of Police, Governor Franklyn Richards says that the public and operators of businesses have no other choice but to stay alert, at all times, in an effort to aid authorities in their ongoing efforts to apprehend suspects still at large.
"All of us need to stay alert and recognize that we need to do more, in order to safeguard against the innocent loss of life", notes the Local Chief of Police.
With the Christmas holiday season approaching, St. Maarten can expect additional visitors on our shores. This creates an additional challenge to law enforcement agencies already trying to cope with insufficient personnel charged with maintaining law and order.
Residents and business establishments will do well to remind themselves, employees and security staff in what to do and what not to do before, during and after coming face to face with, for example, armed criminals, especially during this holiday season.
Whereas St. Maarten is still a relatively safe place to live, this is not to say that there is no need to address the expressions of fear, which are once more being voiced.
The appropriate role of particularly the central and kingdom governments should be to provide support and technical assistance. Governor Richards says that he remains in favor of greater police visibility with the presence of more police officers on the streets, intensified controls, and increased cooperation with the Marechaussees and RST team as well as temporary police re-enforcements from Curacao.
The Local Chief of Police meanwhile reminds victims of crime and persons witnessing or suspecting crimes to report these to police authorities immediately.
Philipsburg: ---- The island receivers would hold off its planned auction on Friday at the Westin Resort for the unpaid room tax dating back from 2004 to 2009 confirmed head of the Island Receivers Sherry Hazel. Hazel said she was informed early Friday morning that the lawyers managed to come to an agreement. She said Westin would put the monies owed to the island recievers in an escrow account pending the outcome of a court case which should be called within the next two weeks . "We would put off the auction until that court case is heard".
In the meantime, Leader of Government William Marlin is furious at the statements made by former commissioner of finance and tourism Roy Marlin on the Westin affair. Marlin said the current executive council the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laveist government has nothing to do with the letter of comfort given to Westin on March 11, 2005. Marlin said the Democratic Party Executive council had four years to change the room tax ordinance as they promised the Westin but that government did nothing to aid resort or to live up to their promise. According Marlin the former executive council had promised Westin to amend the room tax ordinance by mid 2005, which would allow Westin to qualify for a waiver on the room taxes. Marlin said the former executive council also made the same kind of promise to other resorts as well.
Marlin further explained that on November 6 2008 the Westin sent the executive council a letter regarding the so called letter of comfort and the Democratic Party Executive Council took a decision on January 22 2009 to write a letter to Westin notifying them that the executive council would not be able to honor the letter of comfort and as such they would have to pay what is owed to the island receivers office.
The letter he said states that the executive council has denied their request since the room tax ordinance remains unchanged therefore they would have to pay what is owed to island receivers.
Marlin said while a decision was taken by the former executive council on January 22 2009 that letter was sent to Westin on June 30 2009 creating the impression that this current government is involved in Westin demise.
Marlin said his government had absolutely no knowledge of the Westin's affair. He said that someone from Westin called him personally and requested answers from him after they received the letter. Marlin said it was then he asked Westin to provide the letter that was sent to them and he did some research to see what the actual problem was. Ever since then the current government has been trying to find a solution to the problem Marlin explained. According to the letter sent to Westin it states that the room tax ordinance is still undergoing revision, and the existing room tax ordinance makes no provision for the granting of exemptions and or waivers. It is also states that whenever the changes are made the Westin can apply for tourism incentives but that would not apply prior to the changes. As such, Westin must settle all its outstanding taxes and penalties with the island receiver's office forthwith to avoid any type of actions.
Marlin said he neither any member of his government did not go to the media to discuss this matter and the former commissioner is now trying to create the impression that they (Democratic Party) did all in their power to assist Westin. Marlin called on the island council member Roy Marlin to come clean and tell the people what his government did to the investor. He said Island Council man Roy Marlin said in one media report that the National Alliance/Heyliger/ Laveist government need to stop playing politics and deal with the issue at hand. Marlin said he wants to make clear that his government is currently busy cleaning up yet another mess that was created by the Democratic Party. Marlin said he wants to make crystal clear to the people of St. Maarten that the Democratic Party did not lift up one good finger to live up to their promise to Westin.
Marlin said his government is busy trying to settle this matter in an amicable way and they do not want any type of public fighting since that is not creating a good image for St. Maarten.
Marlin also made clear that his government would not take the blame for the Westin affair not even in the spirit of Christmas. In the meantime, lawyers for the island government and the Westin Resort were locked in a meeting on Thursday night to work out an agreement to stop the planned auction. Should there be an agreement SMN News will update its readers.
Quite revealing is how the Democratic Party faction would describe the discussions in the island council on the changes to the Corporate Governance Code as approved by the Island Council back in May of this year. While the changes proposed by the Executive Council presented nothing major, the Democratic Party pointed out some flaws in the process followed by the government. However, the manner in which members of government dodged issues such as that of GEBE was quite revealing. Is it asking too much of a government to give its views on the developments surrounding GEBE, both on a management level and on the supply of electricity to the consumers? Is the government as such being asked to sit on the chair of the board or management of GEBE?
We of the DP think not. After all, there is a Commissioner in charge of GEBE; this company falls under the portfolio of a Commissioner. Does that not give some authority? At least, the public is owed some information from those elected to represent them and who have taken charge over matters such as GEBE and other government-owned companies.
Good corporate governance, like good governance is meant to promote transparency and openness in government-owned companies and government respectively, not circumvent the very elements of transparency and openness.
Time will tell!
(Sarah Wescot Williams)

Great Bay,– "St. Maarten is an easy sell," says Jared McAllister of the New York Daily News, one of a group of eight journalists drawn from various publications in the US and Canada, who recently visited the island courtesy of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau. The group was accompanied by Alexis Taggard of KTCpr, the marketing and PR firm that represents the island in the US market.
"This island is beautiful," remarked Catherine McElveen (freelance writer), stretching each syllable in "beautiful" like elastic. McElveen was on her first visit to the island, while McAllister says he had "lost count" of how many trips he has made here. "Obviously, I love St. Maarten," he said.
"Spectaacular," was how Felicia Persaud, a Guyanese-born, award-winning journalist, described the island. Ms. Persaud, editor of the influential Caribbean World News, had attended the official launch of St. Maarten's new branding strategy in New York before this her first trip to the island, hence her emphasis on the "aa" in "spectaacular".
For Simone Gent of Latina Style magazine, described as a "national magazine for the contemporary Hispanic woman," the press trip was not only insightful, but an eye-opener. "I was absolutely enchanted by the island," she said, adding that her story on St. Maarten will be published in the February/March 2010 edition of Latina Style. The magazine recently featured Justice Sonia Sotomayor – the first Hispanic woman to be appointed to the US Supreme Court - on its cover.
The group also included Melody Wren and Robin Tierney both of whom are freelance writers and did featured interviews with Ras Bushman of I-Tal Shack, and lauded his dedication to organic food.
Mrs. Wren also visited the I Can Foundation, where she took some gifts she had collected from students in Canada, especially for the children at the facility. She was full of praise and admiration for Ms. Cassandra Gibbs of the Foundation and promised to seek further assistance for the orphanage.
Alexis Lipsitz, who is working on a new edition of Frommers St. Maarten, said what fascinated her most about the island was the diversity it offered. "It's just incredible," she said.
One issue they all concured needed urgent attention is the traffic situation on the island. "Either there are two many cars or two few roads or both," observed Ms. Persaud while others agreed that the situation was "agonizingly frustrating".
Director of Tourism, Ms. Regina LaBega, said she was confident the island would reap substantial exposure from the visit of the US and Canadian journalists. "The significance of these press trips lies in the fact that the journalists can see for themselves and write their own stories from a lived experience. This has more credibility with their readers than an ad; it is priceless," she said.
Commissioner of Tourism, Frans Richardson, expressed full support for such press trips and stressed that "nothing beats a story written from the point of view of an eye-witness."
"These reporters who come to visit our islands get to see and feel for themselves the experience we call St. Maarten. They can then give their readers an eye-witness account. This is a very effective way to market the destination," he said.
The group spent what one of them called "an intensive long weekend" on St. Maarten from December 10 – 14, and participated in several activities after an extensive island tour. Some members of the group paid a courtesy call on the Today newspaper, while the whole group met with the island's leading poet/author and publisher, Lasana Sekou, who presented each one of them with samples of some of the publications of House of Nehesi.
"I couldn't have asked for more," commented Kim Samuelson of Cuisine at Home Magazine on learning that House of Nehesi Publishers will be bringing out a cookbook by Yvette's as one of its first titles for the New Year.

Sandy Ground: -- The parents, relatives, teachers, and students of Sandy Ground Primary all have questions that are yet to be answered about the sudden death of 11-year-old Olivier Laurence Simon.
His mother Catherine Simon in an interview with SMN News said her son fell ill on November 27 2009. Simon said her son told her he ate something in school that day and he began having belly pains and was feeling extremely tired. Simon said she told her son to take a nap since he also played football that day. The next morning she said Olivier woke up with a fever and was vomiting. She said she took him to see a doctor located at the Marina Fort Royale and this doctor told her the child had dengue and he gave her a prescription to buy some medication. The mother said she was amazed at the diagnosis because the doctor never conducted any blood test but he determined that the child had dengue based on the symptoms. The mother said the doctor also gave her a letter to take to the Sandy Ground Primary School where the child is a student. "I am not a doctor so I did what the doctor told me and now my son is dead."
Simon said the child never got better instead his condition worsened and she then took him to the emergency room at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on December 3 where the doctors also determined the child had dengue without conducting the necessary testing. She said at the hospital the doctor on duty gave the child some syrup and told her that she has to allow the medication given to her by the city doctor and the syrup he prescribed to work, since there is actually no medication for dengue.
Simon said her son was sent home on that day but the moment she left the hospital her son began telling her that the syrup that was given to him is scratching his mouth and inside of his stomach. She said despite that she bought the syrup and continued giving her son the medication that was prescribed to him but on December 9 the child collapsed.
Simon said she took the child back to the hospital because by then the child was vomiting blood. She said it was then the doctors at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital decided to admit the child and to conduct the necessary tests. "It was after they took a test they came to tell me that my son does not have dengue. Instead, he has a terrible infection and germ that has attacked his organs. The doctor said the infection already attacked his heart and lungs, but up to now no one can say what type of infection Olivier had." 'They told me the blood he was vomiting was coming from his throat but that too turned out to be false."
The distraught mother said she sat beside her son bedside and saw that the doctors at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital did not know what they were treating her son for and she even asked them to send the child to either Martinique or Guadeloupe where the doctors would be better equipped to diagnose her son's illness. She said the doctors told her that the same medication that is given to Olivier on St. Martin would be given to him elsewhere and that he would get better with time. On December 15, Simon said she left the hospital to go to her job since she did not report to work since the child got ill. She said shortly after she received a call and was told that she needed to return to the hospital immediately since her son needed blood and she needed to sign for him to get that blood. Simon said the doctor assured her that when the child is transfused he would get better. The woman said she signed the form and the minute the child got the blood his condition deteriorated. "My son was vomiting the blood they gave him. They gave him two bags of blood and he began vomiting it right away." She said she looked at her son and saw how he was breathing and she knew that he was dying. "It was then several doctors came including nurses and began working on my son as they prepare to ship him out to Martinique for further treatment." Simon said her child died as he was on his way to that island, and to date no doctor at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital can say what killed him.
"The doctors want me to stay quiet but I cannot, I need to know what killed my son and who is responsible for his death."
Bringing the Body Back to St. Martin.
Simon said when her son died the hospital called her and the doctors wanted to know what she is going to do now that he is dead. She said she met with a social worker who told her they could arrange for the child to be cremated in Martinique and the ashes can be brought back to St. Martin, which she refused. Catherine Simon a national of Dominica said the Social Worker told her she had no rights to contest or fight to bring the body of her son back to St. Martin since she has been residing on St. Martin illegally. Simons said ever since she has been raising funds to pay for her son's body to be returned to St. Martin, where he was born and went to school so that he can have a decent funeral, she said she also met with the prosecutor where she outlined her case.
In an invited comment, Vice Prosecutor Jacques Louvier said he did receive the parent and has ordered an autopsy. The autopsy he said should be conducted sometime this week in Martinique.
The fight to Obtain Residency.
Catherine Simon said she has been trying to obtain a Carte de Sejour for years but she has been denied. The woman said she arrived on St. Martin in the year 1996 with a French visa. Since then she has been working, and declaring her taxes. Catherine Simon also has an indefinite working contract along with social security.
However, for unknown reasons her application for residency on the French side has been denied on several occasions. She was asked to leave St. Martin which she tried doing but her island Dominica has refused to accept Olivier Laurence Simon since he was born on St. Martin and was not in possession of a travel document. Simon said she was forced to return to St. Martin with her son and ever since then she has been residing and working on the French side with an indefinite working contract.
The woman said when her son died the social worker contacted the Prefecture to see if they could grant her a lesser passer (travel permit) to go over to Martinique to arrange her son autopsy and that too was denied. She said after insistence the prefecture had decided to give her authorization for one day but that was not enough.
Catherine Simon is now calling on the prefecture to tell her what she has done to St. Martin or those responsible for the granting of residency for them to deny her. She said even her son who was born on the island did not have any documents even though he was attending school.
The child she said once asked her if he was not from St. Martin and Dominica where is he from since he was supposed to travel with his school to Guadeloupe. The woman said a teacher from that school fought for her child to go along with his class, which he did not long before he died. Furthermore, Simon has a daughter who has completed school on the French side and the prefecture also denied her residency. "Someone at the prefecture told my 18 year old daughter that the only way she can get her papers is if she bore a child for someone from St. Martin."
In an invited comment, Monsieur Nicoli said that he was at his office from 7 am to grant the Simon a one-day permit to travel to Martinique to cremate her son but no one ever went to pick up the document. Nicoli said the assistant social from the hospital made the arrangements for him to be at his office at 7 am and no one ever contacted him after to say they were not interested in the one-day permit. Furthermore, asked why Simon could not have her documents Nicoli said that he did not have any dossier for the woman. He said people have to respect the law when applying for French residency, which includes the speaking of the French language.

On Tuesday December 29th at approximately 07.25 p.m. during a control done by a unit of the 0-tolerance Team, a black vehicle with license plate P-7992 with very dark tinted windows was stopped, because of the occupants behaving very suspiciously when they saw the patrol.
The vehicle in question was stopped in the vicinity of Cable T.V. on the Arch road. As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver stepped out and walked towards the officer. At that same time the officer noticed what looked like the handle of a revolver sticking out of the door compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. When the officers investigated the situation further, they realized that it was indeed the handle of a nickle plated revolver, calibre .38. This fire-arm was confiscated for further investigation. A small amount of marijuana, a switch blade and other items which can be used to commit armed robberies were also found. Both occupants of that vehicle with initials B.G. from the Dominican Republic and B.D. from Haiti were arrested in taken to the Philipsburg Police Station and handed over to the Narcotic and Fire Arm Division.

A New Year's message usually contains hopeful expectations for the approaching 12 calendar months. In our case, we are ringing in the 2nd decade of the 21st century. Ten years later is a good reference point for more than one reason and the number 10 has an stirring ring to it.
The year 2010 starts off on an exciting note. While not the most favored election, there will be the election for the Antillean Parliament on January 22, 2010 and from all indications the last one for that Parliament. It is also anticipated that a few short months later, this will be followed by another election, this time for persons to represent you in our new country.
None of this would have been possible were it not for the years of work and preparations Saint Martin put into the process of becoming that country within the Dutch Kingdom. That prospect is now closer than ever and Saint Martin can rightfully claim to be the catalyst of the constitutional changes taking place within the Dutch Kingdom.
Am I ignoring the past 12 months? How could I ever? 2009 has been a year of so many changes and challenges for Saint Martin, the likes of which we have not seen for a long time.
These changes and challenges have permeated all layers of our society, politically, economically and socially.
How could I not reflect on the political intricacies that dominated the political landscape of Saint Martin, starting in the latter part of 2008 and reaching their culmination in 2009.
The Democratic Party, as the Party that governed Saint Martin uninterruptedly since 1999, was of course affected in no small measure by the political occurrences of 2009, but its foundation remained strong and its members and supporters steadfast.
Personally, I hold the view that the rift in the Democratic Party, which surfaced in 2009, was brewing for some time and in retrospect, it was a good thing to get it over with, even though it meant losing control of the majority in the island council.
I am a firm believer that in retreat (not defeat, retreat), we can examine our challenges, we can take a fresh look at things. The political upheaval that came our way in 2009 has given the Democratic Party that kind of opportunities.
From the perspective of an opposition party since June 8, 2009, new insights could have been gained and our focus could be redirected.
It is with a much clearer sense of direction and purpose that the Democratic Party is taking part in the election of January 22, 2010, at the same time preparing ourselves for the election which will herald in the new status and a government that for the first time will be solely in charge of the affairs of the Saint Martin citizens.
The election in January is important. The persons you elect must ensure that the process to country is completed and Saint Martin's interests defended tooth and nail in this process.
Economically, we have been and are still being challenged, as we like most others combat the fall-out of the global financial and economic crises. More persons on Saint Martin have been affected by this crisis, than a first assessment would have one believe.
The amount of persons in search of employment, regardless to what the records show, is on the rise. For many, income has shrunk. And with the unemployment, the spread of poverty on Saint Martin is raising its head.
Saint Martin needs to combat this phenomenon before it gets totally out of hand. We can not continue with superficial improvements, when just below the surface, the signs of something amiss are starting to manifest themselves.
Coupled with the escalating crime, it should be clear that as a community we need to refocus and re-examine our priorities, as a community.
The legalizing of persons via the so-called Brooks Tower Accord, most of whom through their labor have contributed to our society for years is nothing more than the rectification of a situation that has been allowed to exist for much too long.
However, let us not turn a blind eye to the effects of this measure on our community as a whole. Most of these "new" residents of Saint Martin were forced to live on the peripherals of society, because of their illegal status. With this being rectified, we need to take into account that official population numbers will skyrocket with all consequences (positive and negative) of such for areas such as education, health, social security and the like. We need to be prepared to deal with these.
It is we on Saint Martin who will have to deal with this new reality. That these persons have been or will be given one year's residency is but a short respite before our island will have to decide where we go from here. How will these persons be treated long term? A clear policy needs to be developed and in time, because before we know it, that year will be over.
Without the "soft" sectors, such as education and health keeping pace with the hard infrastructure, we will be neglecting the most important factors of our overall development.
And then, there are the matters of crime and violence, escalating at an alarming rate in our view. Clearly, the calls to the central government at this time are going unheeded and we need intermediate measures as we work on the long term plan to improve the organization of our police force.
It's no comfort to the victims of crime to compare our crime statistics with others who fare worse than we do. It is just too much for our island and its people.
Yet, we can and must be hopeful about the new year ahead of us. We have some undisputed strengths as a people and as a nation. Our diversity being one of those strengths.
Diversity is not the equivalent of separation. Diversity does demand a common purpose and common goals as a nation; agreed upon priorities. Diversity demands tolerance and empathy.
During the holiday season, year after year, we see the best come out in our citizens, the care for one another and for the less fortunate among us. Let's not put that goodheartedness away until the next season. We must keep the connectivity in our community going.
Realize that as the world is more and more interconnected, so is our island. For our island to continue to prosper, we need to pay particular attention to the more vulnerable ones in our community. Social safety nets must be construed for those in need. Districts must continue to be empowered. They are the cornerstones of our community.
And let's not forget our youth. Let's pool all resources available to assist our young people. Let's give the Youth Policy some teeth and undertake action.
Our proverbial plate is full as we enter the new year, but guess what? This has not deterred us in the past and it surely will not now.
I call on all residents of our beautiful island to join hands this coming year as we put on the biggest fight yet to move from standing at the threshold of a new status to embarking on the road of country. A rocky road it sometimes will be , but one that holds great prospects if we are up to challenge.
I continue to believe in that indomitable spirit of the St. Martiner, our ability to lift ourselves up by the bootstraps when necessary and to look forward to better days ahead.
With this in mind, and on behalf of the entire Democratic Party, I wish the people of our island, here and abroad, a most prosperous and healthy new year. I hope 2010 brings us all we wish for and more and I pray that God will continue to bless our island nation Saint Martin abundantly.
Happy New Year!
Philipsburg:---Police has reported that two medical students attending the medical University on St Maarten were the latest victims of an armed robbery. The incident occurred on January 2 2009. Police has identified the victims as B.R.C. and M.M.
It is reported to the Special Robbery Unit, that on that same evening at approximately 11.45 p.m. while walking on the Rhine road in the direction of Maho Reef, they were robbed by the occupants of a small white car.
The victims further stated that the car in question had just driven pass them. They saw when the car stopped, turned around and headed back in their direction. When the car got close to them, the driver stepped out and pointed a gun at them. The passenger then came out and while they were being threatened by the driver the passenger conducted a body search on them. A small amount of cash was stolen from the victims. After committing their act, the robbers fled in the car towards the border in the Low lands area. The Special Robbery Unit is investigating.
MARIGOT- Operation Trust which was installed on the french side of the island for the first time during the 2008 christmas season has been deemed sucessful says head of the gendarmerie loic baras.
In a press release the top cop said that the operation was peaceful, he said during the last 15 days prior to the christmas holidays there was only one armed robbery on a business place on christmas day. no one was injured in the incident.
the operation which was conducted joinly with the territorial police and the dutch side police was designed to protect shoppers and visitors to the island during the holiday season.
"Some 60 patrols, either foot patrols or mobile patrols, were mobilised during this period. Their job was to carry out general surveillance and maintain contacts with shopkeepers during the risky late afternoon and early evening times."

Philipsburg:--- The Kingdom has bunch of dishonest people charged President of the Windward Island Civil Servant Union William Reed. The unionist was reacting to the fact that St. Maarten would no longer receive the 3 million guilders they were promised to renovate the prison instead they would have to make do with the 8 million guilders that is available to them.
Reed said the monies that they now have can only patch up the prison that is in a dilapidated state. He said he is trying to make contact with the island Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards who he believes has to intervene in these matters as a State representative, one that represents the Minister of Justice and most of all he Richards is a St. Maartener. Reed said the Kingdom is trying to push the burden of the prison in the lap of the local authorities when they take up the Country Status which is an extra burden for St. Maarten. "If Curacao could have received a brand new prison and had the opportunity to close down one of their existing prisons then St. Maarten should get the same opportunity. I feel St. Maarten is getting unfair treatment, and to date the prison is lacking the much needed personnel."
Reed said that a proper prison is very important for St. Maarten in its new setting and that crime is not decreasing.
The WISCU leader said he needs to know what would be in place to steer the youth from its present trend. Reed said while working at the prison he saw a number of youths being incarcerated in a facility that offers them nothing more but violence. The prison he said has prisoners as young as 16-years with a very negative attitude and there is nothing in place to better educate them, he said motivating youths behind the present prison walls is an uphill battle but it has to be done if there is going to be a change in societal behaviour.
"I feel the leaders of this island have a moral obligation towards the youth. However, the people cannot sit back and point fingers at the Minister of Justice or the Lt. Governor. Everyone has a role to play and the time to begin is now if the island is to get is country status." Reed said a change has to begin in the schools has to institute certain programs which is geared towards the youths. He further explained that while he was in Curacao over the holidays he noticed the government there has initiated programs where youths speak to the youths in order to motivate them and steer them in a better direction.
He said one of the biggest handicaps for St. Maarten is that there is no local television station that has local programs. He said the two local stations on St. Maarten are dormant and non existent, and if they do exists then government should be providing some kind of subsidy to these stations which would give them the possibility to air local programs. Furthermore the owners of these stations are doing a very poor job in promoting their stations as well as St. Maarten. Reed said the business community and government needs to subsidize the local stations since they would be servicing the community.
"Right now St. Maarten has a cable station and everybody's eyes are glued to CNN. All we have here is a half news program provided by the private sector." The strength of a nation is the airwave he said all social aspects are concentrated on the airwave with their messages. "There are too many things on St. Maarten has to be projected and the way to start is by having these stations up and running if they are to start with nation building.
Willemstad:--- Beginning January 12, 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required by law to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States under the VWP. This authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTATM), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a U.S. government Web site.
DHS does not charge VWP travelers a fee for completion of an ESTATM application. Eligible visitors seeking to travel to the United States under the VWP may apply for travel authorization via the ESTATM Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established Web sites, which charge visitors seeking to travel to the United States under the VWP, for information about ESTATM and for submitting ESTATM applications to DHS on behalf of the traveler. These businesses and Web sites are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with DHS or the United States Government. Again, the United States Government does not charge a fee to obtain information about, apply for, or obtain a travel authorization through the ESTATM Web site. Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization via ESTATM will not expedite the granting of approval.
The ESTATM application Web site is available in 16 languages and includes a help section that provides additional information for VWP travelers to guide them through the application process. Additional information about ESTATM may be found at http://www.cbp.gov/esta.
Each approved ESTA application will be valid for a period of two years, so that a visitor could travel to the United States repeatedly within a two-year period without obtaining another ESTA. Travelers whose ESTA applications are approved, but whose passports will expire in less than two years, will receive an ESTA valid until the passport's expiration date.
Visitors will need to apply for a new ESTA if their name changes, if they are issued a new passport, or if any of the answers they previously provided to the ESTA application eligibility questions should change during that two-year validity period. DHS is designing ESTA to
accommodate last-minute and emergency travel. DHS recommends, however, that travelers obtain an ESTA at the time of reservation or ticket purchase, or at least 72 hours before departure to the United States.
Philipsburg: --- While the concerns of the civil servants are mounting over the new scales that are to be implemented by the island government. Commissioner of Personnel Affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus said that the worst case scenario in the proposals is that workers would remain in the same scale. One of the main concerns on the new scales is the fact civil servants would only be able to move forward via training courses. The commissioner said that in many cases the turn out for these training courses are often time low since civil servants are overburdened with work. The courses she said always coincide with the work schedule of these workers. However, the island government always allocates monies for training courses and this she said will continue in the new setting. She said presently the finance department and the census office have been receiving trainings. Just recently the Economic Affairs department requested to have a training course which will take place. She maintains that trainings will remain a priority for the island government. Buncamper Molanus said civil servants can also take on the initiative to better
She said the process is very clear and information has been provided to the civil core that also has the opportunity to file a complaint with the committee. SMN News understands Amador Muller is the chairman of that committee.
The commissioner said many people may not be satisfied with that is given to them or what they expected. She said these persons must and should go through the appeal process to voice their concerns.
SMN News also understands while the island government has given a guarantee to the workers that the proposals will be bilingual that was not the case. One civil servant said the introduction letter is bilingual while a person's job description is only in the Dutch language. "In my opinion government wants to push this down the throats of the employees but that would not happen." Another source has since informed SMN News that all employees of the Census Office has requested a meeting with the appeals committee since it seems as if someone just copied and paste their job description.
WIN AIR has announced plans to introduce a new way of informing the public about its operations, and giving the public a chance to vent concerns while also making suggestions and addressing concerns.
According to Managing Director of the airline, Edwin Hodge they would be hosting the first of several planned "public day" in Statia during the first week of February 2009. Hodge noted that Rawle Nelson, Public Relations Officer of the airline's public relations department will be visiting the island so as to document and record concerns, issues and suggestions with a view of having the company address them as best as they can.
"We will have someone up there that will go there and meet with the public and while there he will record everything after which a report will be prepared and presented to me so that my management team and I can seriously look at addressing," Hodge said.
The airline's MD noted that the move is critically important so as to facilitate a positive continued growth and development of the airline as his management tea is of the firm view that such an initiative will boost the operations and service offered by WIN AIR to passengers of the twelve destinations that it services.
He stressed that the various islands sessions will see Nelson meeting with the public after which a follow up meeting will be held withy Hodge and the public thus ensuring that concerns, queries, suggestions and issues raised earlier can and would be properly reported on and addressed.
He said that meetings would act as a means of persons ventilating issues which are pertinent to the functioning and operations of WIN AIR thus making it better able to serve the public. He went on to add that persons attending the meetings should be aware that answers will not be available at these sessions as it is merely aimed at garnering information so that WIN AIR can and will addresses at a later date.
Hodge is urging the general public and concerned groups who are interested in attending "public meetings" to contact its Public Relations Officer on telephone number 599-554-6071.
At the St. Maarten Seventh-day Adventist School, the Active Parenting Now in 3 Parent Workshop has been introduced and made available to 100% of the school population including Parents and Teachers.
The APN in 3 Workshop Sessions were conducted by Ms. Daphne King, Mrs. Vera Illidge, Ms. Sabine Flanders, Mrs. Shirly Robley, & Ms. Joanne Reiph.
These APN Leaders offered a total of 13 Sessions.
The SDA School was fortunate to have a French Translator- Mr. Alexander Wilbert, two Spanish Translators - Pastor Cordell Williams and Pastor Vernon Illidge, three APN in Faith presenters - Mr. Alphaeus Tatem, Pastor Cordell Williams and Pastor Vernon Illidge, and an APN Babysitter - Ms. Monica Graham.
On Tuesday, January 6, 2009 the SDA School was elated and proud to have the opportunity to have kept an APN in 3 Graduation Ceremony for 108 of the active parents, of which 29 of the graduates were fathers. The SDA School would like to thank the following persons for attending and for their words of encouragement to our parents: Leader of Government - Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams, Keynote Speaker - drs. Eveline John-Roberts, Coordinator of Parental Involvement -Mrs. Edna Rijkaard, and Active Parent - Mr. Collin Marie, and all others for their contribution in one way or another.
St. Peters: --- Despite having a law which required that all children living on St. Maarten has to be educated some 180 students attending the Starlight Educational Center is now on the streets of St. Maarten. Directress of the school Mrs. Carmen Hodge confirmed reports that this media house got that the marshals placed a lock on the door of the school yesterday since the landlord wants them out.
Hodge said that she is in arrears with her rent for the building since she simply cannot afford to pay the rents without government subsidy. Hodge said each time she requested subsidy for the school the island government has turned it down saying she is operating an illegal school. She has been operating Starlight Educational Center for the past 16 years accommodating mostly to children that are residing on St. Maarten illegally. Students attending the center have to pay a school fee of $100 which has to cover the expenses of the school as well as salaries for ten teachers.
Hodge used to house her students in her private building in Cole Bay which had to be foreclosed due to lack of payments. That building was sold by the bank to an American investor who now has apartments at the location.
Hodge then moved to a dilapidated building she renovated in St. Peters area and committed herself to paying a rent of Naf 7,500. The school teacher said she pleaded with the female landlord to reduce the rent since she lost almost half of her students when she was evicted from Cole Bay. With the pleas the landlord agreed to reduce the rent to Naf: 5,800 but still Hodge could not make the payments and pay ten teachers without government subsidy.
Hodge said she owed her landlord some Naf. 55, 000 in arrears which covers the year 2006 to 2007 which landed her in the situation she is in today.
She said the landlord took her to court last year and won the case but she managed to make a soft agreement with the landlord via a pastor and she began paying her monthly rent which was paid up to December 2008. Even though having such an agreement the landlord approached the Marshals office and requested that the occupants of the building be evicted if the arrears could not be paid with the last two weeks of December 2008.
Hodge said she visited the office of commissioner Wescot Williams trying to secure meeting with the commissioner but that did not happen until Thursday. She said the only reason she got the appointment is because her husband went to the Commissioner house and waited until she came out and approached her. She said Wescot Williams had promised to call her on Wednesday but she only received the call on Thursday where she ultimately met with the commissioner and pleaded for the children whose parents would have nowhere for them to go. Hodge said that the commissioner said the department of education is dealing with subsidies for her school and felt it was not necessary for her intervene.
Hodge said she told the commissioner she did not came to see her about the subsidies instead she wanted to discuss an urgent matter to avoid the eviction. Hodge said the commissioner said she is not the one to decide since other people also have to decide on how to deal with the matter.
Hodge said she even tried to see the island Lt. Governor during this week but did not manage to see him due to office bureaucracy. However, it is not over for Carmen Hodge and the students of Starlight Education because Hodge said she already made contacts in Holland and in Curacao and she would fight this matter to end. She said she has a court order from a judge who ordered that her case be handled by the island council.
It is expected that all students will be at the school on Monday since parents and the students does not know that the marshal placed a lock on the door of the school on Friday while the teachers of all five illegal schools were participating in a workshop which is funded by CEES POT.
Philipsburg- The Executive Council in collaboration with the St. Martin Christian Council, the St. Martin United Ministerial Foundation and the Seventh Day Adventist Federation is inviting the general public to attend the nation's National Day of Prayer on Sunday, January 11.
The service will be held at the Clem Labega Square starting at 4.30pm with a praise and worship session while the official service will start at 5.00pm.
The theme for the service is, "Destined to Win with God."
The National Day of Prayer is an annual event where the various religious groups are brought together with members of society to give thanks and praise to the Almighty.
It also gives an opportunity to the people as a nation facing many challenges to ask for God's guidance throughout 2009.
An open invitation is extended to everybody to come out to this day of prayer to pray for the future that of our nation and of every individual for God's grace in the New Year.

Philipsburg: ---It was all joy for the debate team of the St. Dominic High School last night at the Philipsburg Cultural Center after it was announced that they are indeed the winner of this year's interscholastic debate. St. Dominic High School scored 328 points debating on the topic Constitutional Affairs. The school will receive $1, 500 from the water and utility company GEBE, and HIFI system. The debaters will get a laptop each sponsored by the Windward Islands bank and RBTT Bank, while the team would get a cellular phone from UTS. Chalesa Joseph one of the debaters from the winning school won the best speaker prize which is round trip ticket to any of American Airlines destinations.
Taking second place was the St. Maarten Academy with the topic "Environment" At one point the crowd as well as the Academy thought they captured the first spot but the judges have it that they were 9 points behind with 329 points. Their school would receive $1000 compliments of Nova Scotia Bank, cellular phones, a round trip ticket compliment of Winair.
Third place went to the Learning Unlimited with the topic Education. The Milton Peters School and Caribbean International School were each given participation awards. Their schools would also receive Naf 1000 while the participants would receive a pencil bag and cellular phones.
A laptop computer was given to Kyle Wathey as he was randomly chosen to receive the researcher's prize.

Philipsburg -- "The programme was truly historical in many respects where it concerns the environment," Stuart Johnson remarked. Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams was the guest featured on the radio programme, "Breakfast with de Robert". This was the first time a member of the Executive Council appeared as a guest on the show. The radio programme broadcasted live on 102.7FM instead of the usual 1300AM frequency which the show is known on. "Despite this change in radio frequencies for the show, it was a success. We have been able to ensure that Government is listening and was able to address many of the environmental issues affecting St. Maarten," Johnson said. According to the interview Johnson opened the guest list once again for members of the Executive and Island Council as well as Federal Government representatives to appear on the environmental radio show. "We must continue this national dialogue on the topic of the environment ensuring the protection of such gets the attention it so desperately deserves," Johnson added. Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams spoke on a number of issues which included the traffic congestion, nature ordinance, and what "Country St. Maarten" might look like, environmentally speaking among countless others. A poignant aspect of the show on Sunday morning was when Johnson asked Commissioner Wescot-Williams about the loss of her late-husband Louis Wescot and how she has still be coping with it. "I have been bombarded with calls and e-mails regarding the show, and it is evidence to the success of it. I am thankful for the ongoing support from the populous," Johnson concluded.

Philipsburg: ------ Commissioner Louis Laveist did not wait on anyone to support him at yesterday's island council meeting where a motion of non confidence was being presented for the second time against him. Laveist asked the Chairman of the Island Council and Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards who said the commissioner should resign from the island council due to his up coming court case if he is eligible to vote. Richards told Laveist he could not since the matter regards him.
Richards then read out several quotes as he tried to justify his decision on not allowing the commissioner to vote. Laveist however made it clear to Richards that he did not agree with his reasoning and that he felt whatever is held personal against him should stop. He said even though he is not going to debate the issue he felt he was not being treated fairly in the island council. Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams also agreed with Laveist saying she would challenge the matter where it has to be challenged.
Despite the lengthy discussions Richards made one of his biggest blunders when he called out Laveist name aloud as was picked. The commissioner did not hesitate and voted against the motion. Immediately after that Richards asked that the vote by the commissioner be stricken since he was not permitted to vote.
The motion which was brought forward by the National Alliance got the support of the five NA members while the DP faction consisting of five members voted against the motion. Since this was the second time this particular motion was brought to the floor of the island council for a vote and each time they tied the motion could not be adopted.
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Marigot: --- A group of concern St. Martiners has decided to come together and form a committee and planned one week of activities to celebrate the inauguration and the birth day of Martin Luther King.
Businessman Paul Whit told members of the media yesterday at a press conference said that the idea of celebrating the inauguration of President Elect Obama. He said while there maybe many questions as to why Obama since this is indeed is making of history. He said the President of the COM has given his full support for the week long activities by allowing them to use the stage on the waterfront as well as granting the necessary permits for the events.
Alex Sujah Reiph coordinator of the debate which will be held on Saturday at the Chamber of Commerce building in Concordia beginning from 7:30pm to 9:30pm said the event will be live on both radio and television and members of the public can participate by sending in their questions by email or on the spot. Emails can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
He said he have been involved in celebrating history over the years and he felt it is necessary for them to celebrate two great men of history which is Martin Luther King and the first ever black president of the United States of America Barrack Obama. During the debate ever sector of the community will be represented such as the education, economy, youths, women and the clergy who has a very important role to play in society. He said the theme for the event is St. Martin we can too, which is using some of Obama's words to relate to the island and its development being at the crossroads. He said their message is ‘we can too" and they are moving forward in a positive direction. Reiph said they intend to deal with all the issues facing every sector of the people of St. Martin. He urged the general public to come out and give their support.
Also on the schedule are a number of radio and television shows on both sides of the island, said committee member Mellissa Fleming. She said a motorcade will also be held on January 22 starting from Caribbean Auto Sales in Cole Bay. This motorcade is begin at 6:30pm and would conclude at the Waterfront where they would prepare for the inauguration. On November 24 the week long activities will conclude at the Waterfront. Fleming said they are expecting the entire population to come out and witness a historical movement since this would be for the betterment of St. Martin.
Fleming said the committee St. Martin Awareness Committee would be advocating change. The intention is to involve everyone and they are looking to use the Obama and Martin Luther King Momentum to bring about a real change to St. Martin. She said the intention is to see how the people advocate change and become part of that change by advocating that change while building them in a unified manner.
While Emile Powel said the churches on St. Martin/ St. Maarten would be participating. He said the Obama event will be used as a springboard in getting people to focus on the contributions they need to make locally. He said on January 24, the elected officials will be participating, which would not be about talks. Instead he feels the community the has the responsibility of moving the island forward by involving the roles of the family, churches and the young people who has a contribution to make to the island. He said he feels it is important for them to send a practical message. Asked how they intend to get the church to move away from their traditional standpoint and have them play a more active role to eliminate some of the societal ills of this community. Powel said he feels someone has to carry the torch since there would be people who would not catch the vision of the committee. He said he do believe the church has a fundamental role to play locally. Powel said for that to happen someone has to be messenger who would take the message for them to hear it. Once that is done he does feel the churches would join forces when they see the fruits of their labor.
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Philipsburg: --- An apparent agreement between Dr. Randal Friday and the St. Maarten Medical Center has been reached after Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin intervened and assisted in working out a workable agreement. SMN News has been reliably informed that Marlin met with Dr. George Scot during the Christmas holidays where he meditate between the two men. After that meeting Scot and Friday met where they came to an agreement which was sent to Friday on Saturday.
So far parties have not signed the agreement since Dr. Friday and his lawyers are looking through the proposal. Reliable sources say that this maybe the working agreement that Friday will accept which would allow him to work in his private clinic at Yogesh Building until the St. Maarten Medical Center can build the same type of facilities at the hospital for him.
Efforts made to reach Friday yesterday for a comment has proved futile, while Dr. George Scot said unless the agreement is signed and sealed he would not comment on the matter.
MARIGOT- A 21-year-old-man was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday in Guadeloupe, with one year suspended, for the armed robbery and assault of an American tourist couple in Grand Case on October 30 at 8:10pm. The tourists were accosted and the lady's handbag stolen.
Detectives linking the accused to the incident found drugs and a firearm at his home.
On Thursday two individuals aged between 19 and 21 years were transferred to Guadeloupe following an early morning raid on a house in St. Barths, part of an operation by judiciary police to dismantle a drug ring. A significant amount of cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy, as well as cash money, was discovered on the premises.

Marigot/ Paris--- Civil Servants working for the Collectivity of St. Martin have rejected the proposals of the union managed to secure during their negotiations yesterday as the workers began industrial action. Even though not happy the workers have decided to suspend their one day strike until further notice said general secretary Serge Weinum.
Wienum said the concerns of the workers are not yet settled since the workers rejected the proposals made by President of the COM Frantz Gumbs.
He said the next step is to have the Union Leader from Guadeloupe enter into the negotiations. The union boss is expected to arrive on St. Martin by the end of the week.
So far there has been no agreement signed due to the fact the workers are still dissatisfied.
Unions UACL and CGTG representing the employees initiated the strike action based on dissatisfaction among Collectivité employees over their conditions of employment, benefits, salaries, career advancement prospects, promotions, training possibilities, and so forth. The unions said an agreement with the Collectivité administration signed May 22, 2008, to address these issues had never been acted on. President Gumbs was sent a notice of strike (pre-avis) on January 12.
Asked why the proposals was rejected Weinum said the workers do not like the way they are treated. He said they intend to defend the protocol that was signed in May 2008. He said while implementation of this protocol is moving slowly. The workers feel they are being taken for granted and they are not valued enough.
He said many employees working for the past 10 years had not been promoted or given any incentive for advancement. There are also complaints that metropolitans have been recruited for jobs over the locals without any prior consultations.
The union general secretary said Gumbs proposed certain dates by which trainings will be given to the workers while their files will be upgraded. Weinum said while they (Union) were satisfied with what President Gumbs proposed most of the members rejected the proposals. He said the members did not even give them a listening ear.
One of the main concerns of the workers is the amount of foreign workers who are being recruited by the Union Pour le Progres and are being paid high salaries. The workers feel that they are not able to meet their bills at the end of the month with a salary of 1,400 Euros. They said some of them have close to 20 years of service and they are carrying home peanuts while the new recruits have a salary of close to 4000 Euros. Several placards were placed in front of the COM asking who is the real boss of the Collectivity while other placards states that the people of St. Martin needs to be given a chance. "Employ people who can handle the job, while the unqualified are the ones cleaning up the mess."
While the workers held out their day long action Senator Louis Constant Fleming made sure he board the Air France flight 489 bound for Paris.
Philipsburg- Leader of Government and Commissioner responsible for Aviation Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, is currently in Curacao attending a two-day conference on Air Traffic Relations.
The conference has been organized by the Minister of Traffic & Communications Maurice Adriaens in conjunction with the Minister of Traffic & Communications of the Netherlands Camiel Eurlings and is being held under the theme, "The Consequences of Political Changes for Air Traffic Relations."
The conference is expected to highlight the ramifications for air traffic relations for Curacao and St. Maarten as countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and countries outside the Dutch Kingdom.
The two-day conference is taking place at the Marriott Hotel and concludes on January 27.

Philipsburg: --- The husband of Leta Lynn Cordes, Frank Cordes has been released from pre-trial detention yesterday said Chief Prosecutor of the Windward Islands Taco Stein. Stein said that the prosecution has requested from the judge of instruction a suspension of Frank Cordes detention since they do not have enough evidence to move the case to court.
Even though Frank Cordes is released he remains a suspect in the case Stein said.
Leta Lynn Cordes disappeared on the night of January 11, 2008 when she allegedly left by foot to go the Westin Casino to gamble. The last person that saw the 49 year old Mission Viejo woman alive was her husband Frank Cordes who filed an official police report one day later.
Cordes was arrested on Tuesday October 14 2008 as a suspect in the case of his missing wife. Cordes remain behind bars since then until his release yesterday.

Philipsburg:---- Members of the insurance association NAVV said that the administration fees that will added to all policy holders insurance is not a get rich scheme since the services that is provided by CARS ( Caribbean Accident Roadside Services) is indeed needed on St. Maarten.
Managing director of NAGICO Insurances Eric Ellis said NAGICO Insurances contracted the services of St. Maarten Roadside Services since 2004. Ellis said NAGICO invested over one million guilders over a five year period when they were approached by the prosecutor's office mainly former prosecutor Johan De Vreeze.
Ellis said over the years they were trying to bring all insurance companies together support the project but that took longer than expected. He said the reason behind the introduction of the services some five years ago was because the traffic department was lagging behind in providing proper police reports pertaining to accident. Ellis said the traffic department was only issuing these reports once per week at the Simpson Bay police outpost. But with the services provided by the St. Maarten Roadside services made their job easier, while valuable data was also provided to the police and prosecutor's office. He said when the police report is not available clients are left to argue as to whom is liable for accidents something which he said is not ideal for insurance companies.
He said just last year they managed to create the NAVV which decided that for them to support the program they needed a name change of the company as well as request for added service such as VISION. He said the NAVV worked hard and long hours to implement an administrative charge which is not part of the premium. That fee he said is obligatory for all policy holders.
That fee is he said is Naf. 31 of which Naf 28 will go to CARS for the services they provided while Naf.3 for the VISION. While he insisted that there is no increase in premiums the extra monies he said is an obligation to all policy holders. He said that since the insurance companies cannot increase premiums they do have the right to charge administrative fees.
Policy holders with the French license plates will not have to pay the extra fee since CARS will not be offering their services on the French side for now. Managing Director of CARS Henry Ellis said they are busy working with the French Administration where they plan to introduce the same services.
The money that is given to CARS has to cover the administrative cost for the company. The company intends to provide further training to their employees who would be executing the services of VISION who would have an on the spot van with the necessary equipments.
Managing Director and CEO of NAGICO Imran Macsood said that while he understands the concern of the consumers who are focusing on the extra fees. He said that one of the things that have to be made clear is that the idea was project was motivated by the prosecutor's office. He said NAGICO was invited by former prosecutor Johan De Vreeze who recognized the need for such services. He said five years ago when NAGICO took the initiative to fund the project the situation within the police force was extremely bad since they understaffed, and under equipped since they did not even had sufficient police vehicles.
He said instead of allowing the situation to continue with ill prepared people NAGICO funded the entire project since they were not able to convince the other insurance companies to come on board.
Macsood said while focus is placed on the fees he said the cost for the services comes down to a mere Naf.0.90 per day. He said they did lots of work to make sure a fair cost fee was decided upon. He said that not everyone will be paying the fee since there are many uninsured cars using public roads. He said the figures he saw in several newspaper reports are flawed. He said the insurance companies did everything possible to make sure the fees charged in not a get rich scheme. He said while the insurance companies will not be making monthly contributions to CARS they will be contributing otherwise since they would have to providing trainings and other financial contributions to CARS.
He said the services that is provided by CARS is vital since it helps to eliminate traffic ciaos, and road ciaos even people are to depend on the under manned police force.
PHILIPSBURG- Health inspectors have removed from supermarket and mini-market shelves products made by the Peanut Corporation of America as well as Keebler and Amos products that have peanut butter in them that may have the potential to be contaminated with the salmonella bacterium.
These products are cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream.
The salmonella outbreak in the US has killed at least eight people, and has sickened over 500 others sick in 43 American states.
Inspectors from the Hygiene & Veterinary Department are continuing to carry out investigations in products related to the salmonella peanut butter outbreak and will continue to remove them from circulation if found according to Acting Head of the department Maria van Heyningen.
Sector Health Care Affairs family physician based sentinel system is already monitoring for any signs of gastrointestinal illnesses within the community.
Persons, who have purchased products that contain peanut butter made by the Peanut Corporation of America or who have Keebler, Austin, King Nut and Amos products which contain peanut butter, within the last two months, should throw them out in a manner that prevents others from eating them.
The public should postpone eating products containing peanut butter imported from the USA until more information becomes available about which brands may be affected.
Inspectors are visiting all grocers, supermarkets, mini-marts, gas stations as well as school canteens in order to ensure that possible contaminated products are taken out of circulation in the interests of public health.
Commissioner of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus urge residents to take the
warnings about salmonella bacteria outbreak in peanut butter products very seriously.
The Commissioner explained that inspectors are monitoring the situation in the US very
carefully. "As soon as officials give the green light on foods containing peanut butter,
the public will be notified. Until then however, it's better to be safe than sorry and avoid
consuming any product with peanut butter."
Most of the aforementioned where applicable will be given a check list to control their order sheet and verify whether they have those products in storage.
The US Food & Drug Administration has traced the outbreak to a Georgia plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America, which manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste for distribution to institutions and food companies.
The outbreak began late last year and forced the Peanut Corporation of America to voluntarily recall products from across the United States.
US government officials have advised consumers to avoid eating cookies, cakes, ice cream and other foods with peanut butter until health officials learn more about the contamination.
Bacteria are the most common source of food poisoning. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children; frail or elderly people; and others with weakened immune systems.
Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain 12 to 72 hours after infection.
The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.
In rare circumstances the organism may get into the bloodstream, producing more severe illnesses such as infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Persons who have eaten any peanut based products and are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms are advised to contact their family doctor.

Marigot:---- A 21 year old man identified as Christopher Williams born on St. Martin on August 5, 1987 was shot to death early this morning (Friday Morning) the shooting incident SMN News understand occurred around 5 am at 38 Rue Low Town.
This media house understands the killing was related to a gang fight since the young man is known to be in gangs since in his early teens. SMN News has been reliably informed that gang members went looking for Williams on Monday night but they did not find him. It is said that these persons at least two of them returned during the early hours of Friday morning and they found Williams sleeping in a living room at a house belonging to one Mme. Segrado where he was shot with a shot gun. Williams was sleeping in the living room at the time of the attack. Prosecutor Jacques Louvier said even though the attackers fired one shot there are multiple wounds which caused the young man's instant death.
Sources say the young man who also carries guns did not get a chance to use his weapon during the attack.
Prosecutor Jacques Louvier confirmed the early morning killing. He said the victim is well known to the gendarmes since he was convicted on two occasions already, once for armed robbery and another time for drug trafficking. Louvier also confirmed Williams was involved in a confrontation on Monday and he managed to escape unharmed. Other sources say that gun shots were being fired throughout the week in then area and one person was even shot in the eye earlier this week. The public Prosecutor said the young man also resides with his mother in Concordia and it seems as if he was hiding from his attackers. So far the investigation could not determine the cause of the cold blooded killing.
Christopher Williams is the son of Ester Williams who now lives in Concordia, It is also understood that the woman has about eight children and several of them was not raised by her. Efforts made to contact the mother of the deceased young man proved futile up to press time.
Philipsburg:---All over the world, governments have recognized the need for some sort of an economic relief or stimulus package. There cannot be any doubt as to the necessity of being proactive in these difficult times.
SHTA reiterated its concerns regarding the current economic crisis. Since spring 2008, the SHTA has been warning about the potential economic difficulties businesses will endure in 2009. By fall 2008, the predictions were worrying. Feedback from businesses indicates that things are now worse than anticipated. The time for Government to act is now! To date not one guilder has been spent on an economic stimulus plan. Instead, things have become more cumbersome and expensive for businesses, which will ultimately impact the community in the form of higher cost of living. In keeping with the SHTA's strive to obtain some form of relief to the businesses and residents of St. Maarten, the SHTA has and will continue to advocate for the following:
1. Elimination of Turn Over Tax for a period of time. Many businesses agree that the
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4. elimination of this tax, which was originally meant to be implemented on a temporary basis, would offer a significant relief to businesses and residents almost immediately.
5. Approval of US 4.1 million dollar marketing program, submitted by the SHTA and the Tourism Bureau. These emergency funds would be used for an intensive marketing and promotional campaign in St. Maarten's primary and secondary visitor source markets. This is the minimum amount needed urgently to increase visitor arrivals and save an estimated 2000 jobs that would be at stake, should the current situation continue unmitigated, the two entities stressed.
6. Realizing that government doesn't have money to fulfill its obligation to the people of St. Maarten (in regard to the crisis at hand), an urgent request is necessary from the island and federal governments to request financial assistance from Holland.
7. Implementation of the long-awaited Tourism Authority. The presence of such a tourism body, comprising of public and private sector representatives will ensure that decisions are made quickly and effectively allowing our tourism industry to become more impactful and agile.
8. All other entities (businesses and residents) have already taken measures to increase productivity, efficiency and reduce expenses. Government too needs to begin to curtail expenditures in order to prepare for decreasing government revenue. Failure to reduce expenditures may result in higher fees and taxes for the people.
9. Urgent follow-up on Chamber's initiative to formulate economic relief summit. The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry proposed the development of an economic stimulus plan for the island's businesses and consumers.
10. In these trying times, the restoration of confidence in government is of utmost importance. Therefore the SHTA calls for the approval of the proposed code of conduct for all government officials that were submitted by the Lt. Governor.
11. Reinstitute the joint marketing committee in order to structure tourism promotion between the French side and Dutch side. Structural cooperation will increase the island's marketing possibilities and improve the island's main economic pillar, tourism.
12. The feeling of safety amongst businesses, residents and visitors is essential in safeguarding the island's standing as a preferred Caribbean destination. Therefore, the SHTA encourages continued efforts by the police to control crime.
Adding to the burdens of businesses is the recently implemented Work Permit Policy. This policy has caused businesses additional time and money instead of the relief needed in these trying times. The SHTA therefore feels that the following is necessary to ensure a system free of frustration and abuse:
SHTA agrees and understands that priority must be given to local employment but in the event suitable local labor is not available the work and residence permitting process must be streamlined and affordable. Abuse must be regulated but killing the economy in order to manage abuse is not the solution.
13. Statistical information has been requested from the labor office regarding, numbers of unemployed, positions, educational level, experience etc. The SHTA feels that this statistical information should form the basis for the recently implemented regulations.
14. The Executive Council should disclose information regarding technical comments submitted by the governor general on the revised policy. See attached letter.
15. The formalization of the Labor tripartite committee. The SHTA believes that the structure should be formalized in such a way that procedures and binding decisions will be made clear. Additionally, an impartial person, preferably an economist, should be called to chair the meetings. This will assist in guiding the policy that will benefit both labor and businesses giving St Maarten's economy a sound foundation to grow.

Philipsburg: --- Responding to questions about the current status of commissioner Louie Laveist leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams said to date the embattled commissioner has not yet resigned. Asked if she was still pursuing that resignation the island leader said she is still expecting the commissioner to live up to his promise and resigned. Commissioner Laveist was detained by Federal Detectives late last year. He spent some nine days in pre-trial detention before being released. The commissioner has been summoned to appear in court on February 11 2009 where he would be answering charges to bribery, fraud and forgery. Laveist is represented by attorney Remko Stomp.

Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, is adding her voice to the appeal made by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the crucial role that teachers have to play in fostering the global citizen of tomorrow who transcends national borders to tackle the problems of the world at large.
Teachers have been challenged to do their part in raising awareness among students in schools about the issues the world currently faces, and the need for international cooperation in addressing them.
The two crises at the moment are the global financial crisis and climate change and both demonstrate powerfully the limits of boundaries and borders in thinking about problems that influence and threaten all of us.
The teachers role is crucial in communicating to global citizens-in-the-making what it means to live in an increasingly interdependent community where we are accountable not just to ourselves and our families, communities and countries, but also to the people throughout the world.
"I concur with the UN Secretary General when he says that teachers can help students grow into this notion of a global civic identity, and understand how their decisions have an impact ranging well beyond their immediate vicinity," Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Marigot: ---- The MOCSAM (MOVEMENT CITOYEN SAINT MARTIN) says the Prefecture of Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin takes over the Collectivity's policy of intimidation with regards to the payment of the vehicle tax, which is unacceptable the citizens of Saint Martin
If the argument is cash requirement only for the Collectivity of St. Martin, we ask that you look at the responsible persons, the Community and the legality of the road tax. According to a press release issued by the Prefecture it is said the road tax is legal since it is in the Organic Law.
a) This is not an organic law which gives the collection to the treasurer, but was the General Code of Territorial CGCT.
b) The Act has the merit of being clear and LO Article 6351-3, reads as follows:---
"Art. LO 6351-3. - I. - The territorial council is entitled in respect of guarantees on the whole national territory for the exercise of public freedoms, to adopt measures in the field of criminal law only for the purposes mentioned in article LO 6314-5. These acts must be in respect the classification of violations and crimes. They establish penalties may not exceed the maximum provided for similar offenses by the laws and regulations.
"The project or the proposed act in the first paragraph shall be forwarded by the President of the territorial council and to the Minister responsible for Overseas Territories who acknowledged without delay. Upon such approval, the Minister and the Minister of Justice proposes to the Prime Minister within two months, a draft decree to either the total or partial approval of the text or refusing approval.
"The decree which refused approval is motivated. It is notified to the President of the territorial council.
"The project or the proposed act may be adopted by the territorial council in the same terms.
"When a concern in the field of law, the decrees provided for in the second paragraph may not enter into force before their ratification by law.
"The acts provided for in this article may be respectively modified by a law or an order or a decree that includes a specific mention of application to Saint-Martin.
"II. - With reference to I, the territorial council is empowered to adopt measures in the field of policing and security at sea.
"The decisions taken in pursuance of the acts mentioned in the first paragraph of this II are subject to hierarchical control of the state representative. Their entry into force is subject to receipt by the representative of the State.
Clearly, this debate would never enter into force. While awaiting the verdict of the court, we hope to put an end to this sterile polemics.

Philipsburg:---Commissioner responsible for Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus said that government is willing to cooperate with the BES islands on areas of mutual interest.
The Commissioner met with Dutch Minister of Youth & Family Affairs Andre Rouvoet on Friday last to express exactly that. The meeting was added to the Minister's itinerary upon the request of Commissioner Buncamper to Dutch Representative Rob Vermaas. During the meeting held in the VIP room on PJIA
The Commissioner was accompanied by Shermina Powell-Richardson of the Sector Youth Affairs and made short presentations to the Minister on a number of topics. These included the "Quick Scan on Poverty Alleviation programs Windward Islands", in which the target youth is mentioned numerous times regarding lack of facilities, integration of youth in the labor market and training facilities geared towards the needs of the local labor market.
Also discussed were the "The Integrated Youth Policy Plan", "Safety Plan St. Maarten", which includes a specific component for the youth, the "Youth Justice Facility Windward Island", and the "Community Help Desk" whose target group is the whole population of St. Maarten with as a special target group youth and parents in need of assistance. Sports projects and the "Youth Residential Care" program were also touched on.
The Commissioner thanked the Minister for taking time our to meet with her on these very important issues and looks forward to working together with the BES islands which in the end will only benefit the youth of the various islands.

Philipsburg: -- Independent island councilman Louis Laveist did not mingle with words yesterday when he told the island Lt. Governor and Chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards that he has declared himself an independent member of the island council. Laviest said by declaring independent means that the island council now has three factions and the chairman who is charged with providing him with the necessary tools and office has not yet done so.
Laviest said the chairman Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards failed to mention that there was a third faction during the special island council meeting which was held earlier in the day to bid farewell to former Island Councilman Ebenezer Richardson who was a neighbor of Laveist. The councilman said he did not feel it was the proper time and place to address the issue during the special island council meeting. However, he said if he did not mention the issue during the second island council meeting then it would have been remiss of him. Laveist said he personally believes that this was an oversight on the part of the chairman. However, he said he would like for the chairman to take the matter seriously. He also made clear that this does not jeopardize the support he gave to the Democratic Party to re-form government during the month of November. "The same loyalty I gave the DP when I was member of that party, that loyalty still remains as an Independent member" Laveist said people have asserted that the DP are having troubles but assured that is not on his account.
The island councilman also rebuked the chairman for constantly vacating his seat while chairing the island council without appointing a replacement. Laveist said in his years of politics he has served as an Island council member, commissioner and parliamentarian, faction leader for two terms for the DP. Laveist said during his years in parliament as well as during his years in the island council under the chairmanship of others have has he seen any chairman vacated their seat or took the lectern without appointing a replacement. Laveist said even though he noticed both incidents during the special island council meeting he did not think mentioning it during that time would have been the right thing to do. He called on the chairman to bring about some clarity on the matter. Laveist said he wants to know when the chairman takes the lectern for five or ten minutes who is the chairman of the island council during that period if time.
He said no one should not take his statements as confrontational or challenging anyone's authority.
After making his public statements Laveist told SMN News that while the Lt. Governor is busy calling on him to resign as a commissioner he is neglecting his duties as the chairman of the island and executive councils. The commissioner said so far Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards did not provide him with the necessary tools and an office as a third faction yet he is calling on him to resign from the executive council even though the issue is political. Furthermore, Laveist said Richards is attacking him personally because he seems to have something against his person. "This is no hearsay I know the Governor has something personal against me". Laveist said.
Laveist further explained that what is taking place in the island council of St. Maarten cannot take place anywhere else in the world or third world countries. He said Richards has no respect for the rules of order (ERNA) as well as the eleven island council members who were elected by the people of St. Maarten. The commissioner who is set to answer charges of fraud, forgery and bribery on Wednesday said this is the first time he mentioned the irregularities but the chairman was notified on these issues on numerous occasions by other island council members.

Philipsburg: ------ Commissioner of Labor Affairs Sarah Wescot Williams said the new labor policy which was launched just a month ago creates more transparency within the labor market. She said this assessment was based on the job vacancies that are now being advertised in several newspapers. Wescot Williams said she is extremely pleased with the transparency that this new policy has created.
The labor commissioner also issued a strong call to all job seekers to go after these vacancies. She said it is evident since the introduction of the new labor policy it has become much more transparent on employment availability and the positions that are available. She said she is specifically calling on job seekers and not only the unemployed since there are people who wants to move from one job to another or even are looking to advance their career. "I am making a public call to you to go after the jobs that are being advertised which needs to be filled on St. Maarten." The commissioner said.
Wescot Williams said that all persons who are already residing on St. Maarten should be considered for the vacancies whether or not their legal status is in order. She said when the head of the labor department had made this call he was criticized and many wanted to know if he was encouraging illegalities.
Wescot Williams said she approved the idea of dealing with all persons residing on St. Maarten since some of them for many years were not able to regulate their legal status even when it is not a fault of their own they are without a legal status. Wescot Williams said if they are to stem the influx of more foreign labor then it is only normal that they take on the responsibility and deal with the persons that are living on the island already as part of the work force.
Wescot Williams made reference to the policy of the Minister of Justice David Dick who introduced a policy in 2006 which states that persons that are residing on the island and are gainfully employed along with other conditions would be legalized.
The commissioner said she believes this is the way to go if they are to stem or regulate the influx of more foreign workers. She said she has first hand knowledge of people who are here and does not have a status for the island. "I am not talking about first generation, but I know persons from the second and now going into third generations whose statuses are not in order".
Wescot Williams said she personally feels that those in authority need to deal with those persons that are already on St. Maarten rather than adding more people to the island.
The commissioner said she would be holding a meeting with the head of the labor department on Friday and she is expecting to get a report on the progress of the new labor policy. The commissioner is also scheduled to meet with the Minister of Labor later this week where matters relating to labor will be discussed.
...
Philipsburg:--On Monday February 16th 2009, the representative ZENITEL, Albert KEMPER officially presented the police department. With its first "TM200" calibrating window tint meter.
This brand of tint meter is the one legally acknowledged by the Executive Counsel of St. Maarten. This tint meter will be used to measure the amount of sunlight that in penetrating through the windshields and other tinted windows of vehicles. This electronic device will allow the police officers to better control the violation of this law in an effective manner.
Philipsburg- All driving schools on St. Maarten are invited to a meeting by the Department of Control, Inspection & Security (C.I.S.) section Driving Examinations to discuss driving examination matters.
The location will be the John Larmonie Center, Long Wall Road # 18, on Thursday, February 19th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The agenda points to be discus are:
Opening
In house procedure (Rules of engagement)
Duties of the examiner
The evaluation of the candidates "Theory examinations"
Introduction;
Implementation of the added and amended articles in the traffic ordinance will be as of April 6th 2009;
The candidates should be prepared and ready with these new changes;
Practical examinations
Procedures pertaining to the practical examinations;
The candidate's readiness for practical examination;
Which driving schools will be recognized by Census and C.I.S.
Information sheet from C.I.S.
Information sheet in order to obtain a "Driving License" for any additions the driving schools may have to this sheet.
Question and remarks
Closing
Shots have been fired at French security forces on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe where a month old general strike has degenerated into unrest.
Hundreds of extra French police and paramilitary gendarmes have been sent to the island since the strike tensions flared into looting and violence this week, with one union member shot dead on Tuesday.
The island prefecture said five shot gun rounds were fired at security forces at Gosier, near the capital Pointe-a-Pitre but no one was wounded.
A shop and a car in Pointe-a-Pitre were set ablaze and four people arrested nearby. Another store was looted at Sainte-Rose.
Paris issued calls for calm after the death of Jacques Bino, a union activist, who was caught in crossfire on Tuesday while driving a car near a roadblock manned by armed youths who had opened fire at police with buckshot in the capital Pointe-a-Pitre.
The focus of the riots, which began on January 20, has shifted away from the immediate demands for better wages.
Demonstrators are now demanding an end to domination of the economy by "Bekes," the local name for white families that trace their roots to the colonial landlords and sugar plantation slave owners of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Racial strains have been aggravated by the strong position of traditional land owning families that possess as much as 90 per cent of its estimated wealth. Landowners also control the island's shops and food distribution networks, which are popularly believed to overcharge for imported goods, a situation that undercuts the value of state subsidies to the island.
As the strike started, one prominent member of a Beke family, Alain Huyghues-Despointes fuelled public anger by criticising mixed-race marriages and stating a personal preference to "preserve his race."
Paris said it was prepared to reinforce local security forces as the monthlong labour dispute over low wages and white control of the economy became increasingly violent.
Socialist opposition leader, Malikh Boutih, said it was "shocking" to watch a police force "almost 100 per cent white, confront a black population" and drew a parallel with suburban riots on the French mainland in 2005.
"There are no concrete buildings, there are palm trees, but it's the same dead-end, the same 'no future' for young people, with joblessness and a feeling of isolation," Boutih said.
Other politicians claim the island's black majority constitutes a disadvantaged caste, trapped by birth in a poverty-stricken existence.
Protests originated with demands by the Collective Against Exploitation (LKP), a coalition of unions and leftists for a monthly 200 euro (£177) pay increase for low-wage earners. With wage negotiations looming with French unions, Paris has resisted the demands Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, recalled overseas officials to a meeting in Paris today after Michelle Alliot-Marie, the Interior Minister, declared the security situation was in a downward spiral.
The violence has provoked divisions in Mr Sarkozy's cabinet with black minister Rachida Data acknowledging that Guadeloupe suffered from "a problem with the distribution of wealth."
Elie Domota, the head of the LKE, accused the French state of treating the trouble as a distant colonial flare-up. "Guadeloupe is a colony because they would never have allowed the situation to fester for so long in a French department before taking action,"
Six members of the security forces were slightly injured during shoot-outs with armed youths, including three police officers who were hurt while helping emergency teams who tried to save Mr Bino's life.
Most shops, cafés, banks, schools and government offices have been shut in Guadeloupe and the neighbouring tourist island of Martinique as a result of region-wide disturbances.
While both islands, which are formally integral to the French state, are disadvantaged compared to the mainland, the standard of living is much higher than in the former English and Spanish colonies in the Caribbean.
Philipsburg:--- HIV/AIDS programme Manager Suzette Moses BURTON has been selected by the Edward Green Recognition Award (EGRA) committee to receive the EGRA award for her efforts and dedication towards the eradication of stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients.
Moses Burton was selected based on her creativity and design of the RED Campaign presently taking place on St Maarten.
The ERA committee official notified Moses Burton about her selection via a letter which reads:-
It is with great pleasure that I formally advise you of your selection to receive the Edward Greene Recognition Award (EGRA). Congratulations!
The Award, named in honour of Dr. Edward Greene, Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat for his sterling contribution in advancing the Caribbean development agenda in the social sectors and, particularly, in the field of health and HIV & AIDS, is also in recognition of your own dedicated and sterling efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Your advocacy in national, regional and international fora for the eradication of stigma and discrimination against people with HIV and AIDS is indeed laudable, as well as the creativity and enthusiasm you bring to bear in the design and execution of HIV and AIDS programmes in St. Maarten. The Red Campaign is indeed worthy of commendation.
On behalf of the Committee for the EGRA, I'm therefore pleased to invite you to receive this award at a special ceremony on 7 March 2009, at the Belair Health and Fitness Centre, 59 Welgelgen Road, Cayhill, Philipsburg, at 19:00 hrs.
...

POINTE BLANCHE:---- In an effort to maximize ongoing research at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities in Pointe Blanche, the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies have acquired portable hand-held units that allow research facilitators to immediately input and report the research data into an online tracking and reporting system, providing reliable and efficient results, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies announced on Sunday.
"The global community of nations is going through a very difficult time now and the impact of the financial-economic crisis will also affect St. Maarten as a cruise destination in the months to come, however, we must continue to prepare ourselves as a cruise destination for when the global economy starts to pick up again. The use of the latest technology in gathering information from our customers will allow us to continue to be at the forefront of port and cruise developments," CEO Mark Mingo pointed out.
As an ongoing measure of the success of the Port of St. Maarten, the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies has conducted extensive marketing research over the past couple of years. This mainly entails qualitative marketing research to gather pertinent information from cruise passengers and crew members arriving at the Port of St.Maarten. The research covers various areas of interest, including the new harbour facilities, transportation, shopping trends, general cruise passenger demographics, and also looks deeper into the international cruise trends, competitive climate and sustainability of St.Maarten as a viable cruise destination.
"With the assistance of a local independent agency, Innovative Marketing Creations (IMC), we are committed to evaluating our progress and thereby, prepare ourselves to take advantage of the opportunities that come forth" added CEO Mark Mingo for the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies.
During the research, a wide variety of findings were uncovered; the most impressive being the popularity of shopping among both cruise passengers and crew members, which ranked as their top activity while on the island. Reports also showed a wide-spread willingness to return time and time again. Furthermore, with the strengthening of the euro, the floodgates of European cruise passengers are opening. This signifies that despite the global economic crisis, St.Maarten's cruise industry remains poised for continuous growth.
"With the competitive climate of the cruise industry, we need to understand more about the strengths and weaknesses of our market, in order to make adjustments, as necessary, and ensure that our tourists always have an enjoyable experience. This allows us to move full speed ahead with our plans to position the Port of St.Maarten as the Monaco or Riviera of the Caribbean region," expressed Mingo.
POINTE-A-PITRE, Guadeloupe (AP) - Protesters rebuilt roadblocks Monday as talks showed little progress in ending a 35-day-old general strike over wages or helping this French island's inhabitants cope with economic crisis.
Representatives of the French government left the negotiating table Monday night, saying they were not prepared to meet the strikers' demand for a euro200 ($250) monthly raise for those making euro900 ($1,130) a month.
"The state doesn't believe that it should finance or reimburse wage increases for private employers," Nicolas Desforges, the island's top Paris-appointed official, told reporters. He said the representatives were awaiting new instructions from Paris before they would return.
Leaders of the strike-leading Collective Against Exploitation said they had reached a tentative agreement with small business groups to meet half the requested raise but that the rest would have to come from the government.
Meanwhile, protesters prepared to take the dispute back to streets where riots raged last week, pushing burnt-out cars back into intersections and erecting new roadblocks on major highways.
"If they don't want to talk, we will put the popular pressure on the streets and make them share their fortune with the people of Guadeloupe," Patrice Tacita, a Collective Against Exploitation official, told hundreds of supporters in front of the seaside port authority building where negotiations are taking place.
Last week, rioters smashed windows, burned cars and threw rocks at police, who fired tear gas. Union leader Jacques Bino was shot and killed, apparently by rioting youths, in an incident still being investigated.
The workers have been striking since Jan. 20, tapping widespread resentment over the control that descendants of slave holders hold over much of the island's economy. Strikes also have taken place on the nearby French island of Martinique.
The labor collective has a list of nearly 140 demands including the wage increase, covering issues from lowering the cost of imported goods to environmental and judicial reform.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy last week announced a euro million ($730 million) financial package to help development in France's overseas regions.
But Sarkozy remains unpopular in Guadeloupe, where his response to the global financial crisis, including bank bailouts, was seen as management-friendly.
"They give plenty of money to the banks to face the crisis, they must make an effort for the consumers too," collective negotiator Harry Durimel said.
Shops in the principal city of Pointe-a-Pitre opened briefly on Monday for the first time in more than a month, but metal storefront gates came crashing down as the marchers approached waving red flags and pumping their fists.

Philipsburg:--- Yesterday's island council took another twist when island councilman Rudolphe Samuel revealed that a civil servant in the ROB lied or misled members of the island council and especially his boss during a central committee meeting.
Samuel said recently Commissioner Theo Heyliger who chaired one of the central committee meetings asked Claudius Tooncha Bumcamper if MNO Vervat received a hindrance permit for the heavy industry in the area of the zoo and the civil servant in question said yes that permit was granted.
He said to hear that the commissioner now says that such a permit was never granted. Samuel said if the Central Committee cannot rely on the answers given by civil servants or department heads then the island government is in big trouble. The councilman said he wants to know if the commissioner in question or the executive council plans to take measures against this civil servant because he intends to seek legal advice on the matter. He said the outright lie was told during a central committee meeting when they met to handle zoning ordinances. He said this is reason why the commissioner in question is in trouble with answering questions. He said he believed thus is the reason why the Lt. Governor has to take someone from his cabinet to work at that department as well as the commissioner who sent his senior assistant there also since they all know something is drastically wrong at the ROB.
Samuel demands that answers and or clarity be given on the matter since island council members have to take decisions based on the information that is provided to them and if they are given wrong information then it is normal that they would be making wrong decisions. He indicated that he took the matter rather serious and would be seeking legal advise to see what could be done.
Philipsburg:--The Economic Summit on Thursday, March 4 will be held at the Westin Resort. The summit, spear-headed by the Chamber of Commerce and Island Government will be an all-day affair that will bring stakeholders together to explore mitigating measures for the present economic situation.
Prior to the summit, a public presentation will be given by President of the Central Bank Mr. Emsley Tromp. His public presentation will be held at the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center on at 7:pm The Summit is on Thurs. March 5
This vital economic summit is being held to assess the actual situation of the island's economy and to gather recommendations for stimulus and possible additional ways to mitigate the affects on St. Maarten of the world wide financial crisis.
Philipsburg- Head of the Census Office Leona Marlin, announces that the old St. Maarten identity cards (ID) will no longer be valid as of April 1.
Persons are requested to visit the Census Office before April 1 to turn in their old ID cards and replace it with the new credit card size cards that were introduced several years ago.
The administrative cost for a new ID card is Naf.35 and for senior citizens (60+) is Naf.15.
The ID card is legal proof of identity. It is used to open bank accounts or other types of services that requires some form of identification.
The ID card is also a required document for some government procedures.
Failure to produce the card may result in being denied access to premises or attainment of goods and services.
Those who require further information can call the Census Office at: 542-2457 or 542-5375.
In the meantime, the census office is asking holders of all old Identification Cards to turn in those cards after April 1 since the cards are no longer valid. Persons who turn in their old cards in exchange for the new card, processing fees for the new card are Naf.35 and for senior citizens (60+) is Naf.15. For further information you can call 542-2457 or 542-5375.
Pointe Blanche:---- The 35 workers of the St. Maarten Port Services has at least one more year of work based on the judges ruling in the injunction that was filed against Tropical Shipping. The judge in his ruling said that Tropical Shipping must honor all contracts with the St. Maarten Port Services until April 1, 2010 or face a stiff penalty of up to $25,000 per day which can go up to fifty million.
The judge said his ruling must stand even if the company Tropical Shipping should appeal. Tropical Shipping must continue doing business until a final decision is rendered if an appeal is filed.
Even though skeptical and the latter is likely the St. Maarten Port Services already placed the dismissal process at the Federal Labor Department on hold until a final decision is rendered.
While it is clear that Tropical Shipping has made major investments in their new location and they were actually prepared to move from St. Maarten Port Services within a month's time, it is evident the company would be appealing the ruling which was handed down in the Court of First Instance yesterday.

PHILIPSBURG-A short circuit in the main feeder cable leading to the GEBE Substation in Zagersgut resulted in a short power outage that affected a significant part of the island.
Power was restored quickly to most areas, as the technicians worked diligently at locating and repairing the damage to the feeder cable.
The load from the faulty feeder cable was redistributed to other feeder cables to limit the inconvenience to the public as much as possible.
GEBE crews will continue to work through the night to repair the damaged cable and completely restore power to all affected customers. The exact cause of the short circuit has not yet been determined as technicians focused on repairs and restoring power. GEBE apologizes to its customers for the unscheduled interruption to service.
Professor Dr. Carl Lejuez, Ph. D. paid a courtesy visit to Lt. Gov. Mr. Franklin Richards and Com. Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams, escorted by Mr. Mathias Voges, And Jessica Hodge-Aventurin.


Philipsburg: ---- Accompanied by his wife and several family members including his personal secretary chief commissioner of police Derrick Holiday looked confident as he appeared before the three panel judge for his appeal hearing yesterday.
The case which was scheduled to begin at 11 am started on time as the three judges entered the court room just about a minute ahead of time. Holiday seated next to his lawyer Jori Essed seemed relaxed and confident. The chief commissioner of police was questioned by all three judges pertaining to the re-entry permits he issued while being chief of police. He responded to each question giving careful and clear explanations about the type of forms that was used mainly during the grace period. On many occasions Holiday used his hands as he made gestures during his explanations. At times the judges as well as those in the tribune would chuckle.
Holiday was charged and convicted for signing at least 43 immigration re-entry permits which was designed by former and convicted commissioner or police Marcel Loor. Holiday insisted that the forms were not unlawful since they were not different from those in the NAVAS system. He said as Chief of Police he had the authority to sign these forms.
Holiday was also questioned about his renting contract and the house rent allowances that were paid to his uncle Donald Hughes. His attorney dissected every aspect of the case which called for a recess and continuation after lunch. Essed told reporters during the recess that he was confident in the panel of judges since he saw that they had a broad knowledge of the case, this he said made both him and his client more confident.
The prosecution demanded one year suspended prison sentence and a five year ban from the Police Force of the Netherlands Antilles.
Holiday contended that the Minister of Justice acted in conspiracy when he removed him from his office since he knew he Holiday was to be arrested. He said the Minister of Justice David Dick had mentioned this to the island leader Sarah Wescot Williams prior to him being arrested.
Holiday said the Minister had told him he had practical reasons for removing him from his office since he thought he was protecting his career. He said the Minister even suggested through a lawyer that he resign some thing he refused to do. He said his arrest, prosecution and conviction was to prove that St. Maarten was not ready for its new status since the chief commissioner of police is corrupt.
As for the rental subsidy that he collected while living in his own home, Holiday said the Minister had promised him if he repaid the monies he would not have been prosecuted. He said he did repay the monies and yet he was charged with fraud.
Philipsburg- Head of the Census Office Leona Marlin, would like to remind residents especially seniors, that the old St. Maarten identity cards (ID) will no longer be valid as of April 1.
Persons are hereby reminded to visit the Census Office before April 1 to turn in their old ID cards and replace it with the new credit card size cards that were introduced several years ago.
The administrative cost for a new ID card is Naf.35 and for senior citizens (60+) Naf.15.
The ID card is legal proof of identity. It is used to open bank accounts or other types of services that requires some form of identification.
The ID card is also a required document for some government procedures and services.
The law requires that a person carries some form of identification with them at all times and the ID card is the handiest one and preferred method of formal identification.
Failure to produce the card may result in being denied access to premises or attainment of goods and services.
Those who require further information can call the Census Office at: 542-2457 or 542-5375.

St. Peters:-- A suspicious burglary took place at the Starlight Education Center on Wednesday night. Director of the school Carmen Hodge alerted members of the media and the police about 8 am on Thursday morning saying this is the third time intruders are breaking into her school mainly the office. Police took over three hours to respond to the scene even the students and teachers of the school were waiting patiently for the patrols or detectives to arrive.
When the patrols arrived at 11 am they entered the office and noticed that all computers, printers, fax and copiers were in place however the intruders fumbled through all the files and folders.
Hodge said the culprits broke the padlock on the backdoor from where the gained entry to the building. While inside the thieves took off a glass window to enter her office. While inside it was clear the persons who broke into the school was not regular thief since all the appliances were in place. However, the bandits searched all folders and files as if they were looking for specific documents.

Hodge said that it has been sometime now certain government offices has been calling her requesting certain documents and she did not turn over those documents to the government departments.
The Starlight Education has been in a long battle with the island government trying to secure subsidy to maintain the school that is providing education for nearly 200 undocumented students. The case of Starlight Education was taken to Holland and it was even mentioned during the Geneva Convention earlier this year. Good to note the Minister of Education Omyra Leeflang in a press conference announced that she was visiting the island at the end of this month and she plans to be looking into the situation regarding the school and the island government who is compelled to implement compulsory education.
...

CAY BAY-A fault in the DC voltage control system at the Cay Bay power plant caused a total blackout on St. Maarten early Sunday morning. The blackout lasted a total of nine hours. GEBE power plant technicians were on the scene working frantically to locate the fault. Pinpointing the exact location of the fault proved to be extremely difficult and took several hours of intense troubleshooting.
At the same time, a separate crew of mechanics was busy repairing one of the main startup generators that had failed in the process to ensure that once the problem had been fixed, the power plant would be up and running as soon as possible. That crew discovered that the air pressure needed to start up the generators had dropped to extremely low levels. Increasing the air pressure to the required level of approximately 60 bars proved to be extremely challenging. At approximately 2:00 p.m., the air pressure was restored to acceptable levels and the process of systematically restarting the engines and bringing them online could begin.
Restoring power to the St. Maarten Medical Center was GEBE's first priority. Power was restored to this area at approximately 2:30 p.m., followed by other high priority areas such as the Cay Bay water plant and police stations. By 5 p.m. almost all areas on St. Maarten had electricity.
GEBE would like to extend its sincere apologies to the community of St. Maarten for the unexpected and lengthy interruption in service.
Philipsburg:--- The investigating team that are busy investigating the brutal murder of Stanley Orlando Gumbs whose lifeless body was found on March 31 2008 around 02:15 am outside of Crystal Bar (better known as Fefe's Bar) is calling on the general public to provide them with much needed information.
In a press release Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said the case of Gumbs who was killed by gunshot wounds are being investigated by detectives of the RST, KPSSS and KPC.
Stein said based on statements given by witnesses it is said right after the gunshots were heard they noticed white jeep- like car drove away from the scene. The Chief Prosecutor of the Windward Islands said the people in that vehicle could serve as important witnesses. Thus the investigating team is urging these people or any other witnesses to come forward and help solve the case of Stanley Orlando Gumbs. Persons who have information can contact the RST at telephone number 54-28761.
Already the officers have at least one person in custody as a suspect in the killing. Stanley Orlando Gumbs is the Census office employee who was shot to death last year. In an effort to get the much needed information the Public Prosecutor's office even sent out a press release in Spanish requesting the public to come forward with more information.

Philipsburg:--- Management of Office World have made a donation of Naf.100,000 towards education for their 20th anniversary says the company's director Naresh Daryanani at a press conference yesterday with commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot Williams. Daryanani would be leaving the island today where he would order the type of school furniture that is needed for St. Maarten schools. He said the materials should be on the island within the next three months and will be presented to the education department who would then distribute them to the schools that needs it most. The local businessman said this the way he chose to give back the community who has supported him over the past 20 years. St. Maarten stands to benefit half of the monies that are allocated, while the other neighboring islands such as Anguilla and St. Kitts would share the feast.
Daryanani said he is grateful that the island government has accepted his offer of one container load of classroom furniture.
Director of the education department Quincy Harrigan said the materials would be needed for the compulsory education which is to be implanted next school year. He said his office has been in contact with Office World where they have accepted the offer given to them. The materials he said will be used mainly in cycle one and two classrooms where the focus is placed on FBE education. Harrigan said the schools that stand to benefit are the public schools and those funded by the island government of St. Maarten.
Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot Williams said she delighted that both the department and Office World was able to reach an agreement based on the offer given to government. She said that the company and the department had to agree on the type of classroom materials that is needed on St. Maarten since FBE requires special types of furniture. The commissioner thanked the businessman for the gesture he made towards education. She said his offer could not have come at a better time since the island is busy implementing compulsory education.
Wescot Williams said she hoped other businesses would follow the footsteps of Office World since this shows good cooperate citizenship and education she said would continue to grow as they try to implement compulsory education. Even though the island is faced with serious economic times she commended the company for keeping their promise by making the gesture possible. She said she did not consider the gift as a small one, thus she extended best wishes to the company on their 20th anniversary.
CAY BAY-The activities surrounding the expansion of the GEBE power plant in Cay Bay is continuing at a brisk pace with the planned completion date scheduled for April 2010. The foundations are being laid for the new building that will house the power generating equipment. Construction will continue throughout the year as the preparations continue for installation of the two new diesel generators.
The new Wartsila engines, a total investment of US$33 million, will bring an additional capacity of 22.6 MW of power generation, increasing the power plant capacity from 72 MW to 94 MW. With a large number of development projects on the island in various stages of planning, building and finalization, GEBE must continue expanding its capacity to ensure an adequate supply to the island community.
Once the generators are installed, the GEBE power plant will be able to run solely on heavy fuel oil. This combined with the larger capacity of heavy fuel oil engines will allow management to retire the smaller engines, some of which are almost 40 years old. The smaller engines are less efficient and run on light fuel oil, and are therefore more expensive to operate. This will reduce GEBE's fuel bill and the savings will be passed on to the customer.
Another major benefit of the new engines will be that they are radiator-cooled, making them more reliable especially in times of high seas such as after the passing of hurricanes.
The time between the point of ordering a new generator, installing and commissioning the engine is approximately two years. Therefore long term planning is needed to gauge the level of growth on the island and the projected electricity demand.
Although the economic crisis may be slowing some developments, GEBE has reserved space in the new engine building for a third generator in the event that the island continues to develop at its current pace. The projections for electricity demand over the coming five years may necessitate the purchase of a new generator before any renewable energy projects, such as geothermal energy in Saba, are established. Since GEBE has the obligation to provide any and every customer with power, the company cannot risk not having enough electricity to supply the community of St. Maarten.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, met with Reda Sosial Director Herman George and the Small Business Development Foundation (SBDF) recently.
George was given an update on the advancement of the Entrepreneurship Training Courses that are presently being implemented by the SBDF and funded via Reda Sosial.
During the meeting George also indicated that there are still funds reserved for entrepreneurship development for St. Maarten and advised that the island should continue to tap into this for small business development.
Commissioner Buncamper was in complete agreement with this and fully understands that the micro, small and medium size business sector are the backbone of the nation's economy and any funds that are available will be fully utilized in order to continue to develop the nation's economy especially in these challenging times due to the global economic-financial crisis.
Buncamper therefore welcomes this development and gave her commitment to support a proposal to tap into the funds.
The project which was submitted by SBDF on Wednesday will be evaluated by Reda Sosial and recommendations will be forwarded to the Executive Council with respect to the commitment required from the Island Government before the process can be finalized.
French Quarter:--- State Secretary for Overseas Territories Yves Jego told the Territorial Council mainly Pierre Allioti to look for durable projects which can bring monies to the Collectivity of St. Martin on his working visit here last week. Jego made the statements after Allioti was making a power point presentation at the community council in French Quarter outlining the amount of projects the Territorial Council has planned for the next two years.
It is understood that the presentation which was extremely boring and only pertains to the amount of monies the COM would need from the State apparently got on the state secretary nerves that he literally stopped the process and indicated that even though the State is willing to help the COM has a role to play.
SMN News understands that Jego informed the COM that they need to look for projects that are environmentally friendly and those that can pump monies back into the coffers of the COM. Jego also indicated that government cannot take loans to pay the salaries of workers instead they need to invest wisely. He added that the COM has monies and they need to begin using those monies in the interest of the island.
The elaborate decorations and huge bouquets that was at the Collectivity for the 4th Vice President Louis Jeffy wedding and arrival of the Sate Secretary on Thursday sure did not miss Jego's eyes, it is said Jego immediately noticed there is a gross misapproiation of government monies and he found a way to let the elected know just that in his address at the community council meeting.
This reporter also learnt that several persons in the community expressed their discontentment to the State Secretary when he met with the population on the Waterfront on Friday morning.
SMN News also received a few emails from several prominent persons in the community who are enraged at the elected officials namely President Frantz Gumbs who allowed the use of people's money to celebrate Jeffry's wedding on Thursday. One writer said the COM pretended they were decorating the COM for the arrivail of the State Secretary when in fact they were doing it for the marriage of the vice president who got married to the president's secretary. The concern citizen in his email said already the new bride is using the vehicle of the Vice president and now husband. The concern citizen said Jeffry who is eager to get the president seat may very well get that position if the Territorial Council has to reelect a president since the August 7 presidential election procedures were illegal. If this happens then the "new" and possible president would have his wife as his secreatry.
Marigot: --- Despite it was a joint meeting with members of the Island Council and the Territorial Council yesterday President Frantz Gumbs did not think it was important enough to speak at press conference yesterday midday. Reporters were disappointed with Gumbs who simply said he agreed with everything that leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams said despite not hearing her comments.
Wescot Williams described the meeting as informative while she confirmed that there are going to be follow up meetings in the future. The island leader said members of the Central Committee met with the Territorial Council where they address at least one of the two main issues which are the constitutional developments on both sides of the island. She said both councils made presentations on the topic while they were not able to deal with other issue which is the economical development on each side. "There was so much to talk about on the Constitutional process that we had to put off the economical issue which would deal with the stimulus package for the next meeting." Wescot Williams said.
Wescot Williams also confirmed that there are a number of meetings taking place between the two sides on a technical level. She said it is important for elected officials to be briefed on the ongoing meetings. The idea she said is for them to get feedback and see if there is need to clear up any stumbling blocks and if necessary take decisions on these technical meetings.
Some of the issues discussed during the technical meetings are a general water and drainage system, policing. She explained that a high level meeting that was to be held on March 18 had to be adjourned and it is expected that this meeting will be held on the near future even though there is no date set yet for the next meeting.
Asked if there were confrontations during the meeting which ran over time, Wescot Williams said there were no confrontations, however, she explained that the structure of the territorial council is much different that the executive council. That difference she said is the fact members of the opposition is on the executive council while that is not the case for the Dutch side EXCO. Attending yesterday's meeting were five members of the eleven member council; they are Wescot Williams, Buncamper Molanus and Petrus de Weever, while Councilman Samuel and Illidge represented the National Alliance faction.
Yesterday's meeting was the first for the year between elected officials. A press release from GIS stated that President Gumbs in his opening remarks said the two sides are so close yet so far as he referred to the level of cooperation that existed between the two administrations. The meeting was long overdue and much had to be discussed, especially in terms of agriculture, fisheries, tourism, sea ports, education, constitutional developments, crime, taxation, governmental policies, development of statistical units, and other mutually beneficial areas that need urgent attention and that must be shared experiences so that we learn from each other, said President Gumbs. Chairman of the Central Committee Leroy De Weever said he wants to establish a bi-monthly or quarterly meeting so that these issues which is mutual interest. Also present at the meeting was Senator Louis Constant Fleming who gave an explanation on how the French side attained its new status, while Wescott Williams explained the plight of the constitutional developments and the current situation on the Dutch side.

Philipsburg-----The police force KPSSS will be launching a massive recruitment drive on Tuesday March 31 2009 in front of the Philipsburg Police Station. The opening of the first ever massive recruitment to take place locally will be done by the Minister of Justice David Dick. Expected to be part of the event are students from all Secondary Schools on the island including their parents. Coordinators for the recruitment drive are Chief Inspector Carl John and Inspector Ricardo Henson.
Henson said so far they will be accepting applications from everyone that are interested in joining the police force since the force is greatly understaffed. Applicants must be 17 years six months to 29 years old and must have a good command of the Dutch language.
Persons who already have some sort of knowledge of law enforcement can also apply. Those applicants he said can be as old as 35 years of age.
Asked if applicants have to be able to speak Papiamento Henson said that is not compulsory. He further explained that all classes at the Police Academy in Curacao are conducted in the Dutch language, thus it is mandatory for the applicants to have good command of the Dutch language if they are to succeed in passing their examinations.
The police spokesman and coordinator said they already have a group of six persons who are expected to leave St. Maarten early in April where they would join another group of persons in Bonaire.

Marigot:--- Territorial Councilor Noreen Brooks made clear that the hypocrisy that existed in the opposition has to be addressed. Brooks was responding to questions on the status of Territorial Councilor Louis Mussington who was not present at the press conference called by the RRR.
During the past year it is clear Mussington when speaking to the media is doing so under his political party (The Movement for the Advancement of the People. M.A.P). Brooks said the MAP does not have any seat in the territorial council and if Mussington is no longer part of the RRR then he should give back the seat to the RRR and move on. She openly called on leader of the RRR Alain Richardson to address the matter since this is of utter importance and the hypocrisy must end. "our people deserve better, they elected the RRR and not the MAP".
Brooks said it is time that the party put aside hypocrisy and handle the matter professionally. She said the RRR received six seats in the 2007 election and if there is anyone in the council representing MAP then that person should leave and make room for the other person in line in RRR to take up the seat.
Brooks said if Richardson was in Mussington place and vise versa he Mussington would have thrown out Richardson. Brooks further explained that Mussington must resign if he does not intend to be part of the RRR. She felt the island people deserve better and Mussington should stop his hypocrisy when he representing the people. "you cannot be speaking on behalf of the MAP in the council and on other related issues under the MAP. The MAP does not have a seat" Brooks said.
She said the opposition needs to bond stronger so that they can fully represent the people's interest and the affair of Mussington must be dealt with now.
Territorial Councilor Guillaume Arnell said that the people are not naïve and its time the matter pertaining to Mussington be addressed. He said while he does not intend to speak on behalf of Richardson since he is an independent person it is clear to everyone the MAP was not elected.

Marigot: --- Having his character and image smeared internationally was indeed humiliating but Alex Richards says he stands to be the winner despite the agony. In an exclusive interview with SMN News Richards said a judge threw out the case that was filed against him by former President of the Tourist Office Romeo Fleming.
Richards said the case was thrown out since last July but because those that took him court had at least six months in which they could appeal he did not say anything to the media. He said the judge finds the accusations to be unfounded and unjustified.
Richards said Fleming was notified that the case was thrown out before him and he felt it was necessary for him to wait and see what would be their next move. But no one has appealed the decision of the judge which paved the way for him to make known to the public that his name was cleared from all wrong doings.
Richards said he was accused of forgery for presenting the plan of Nieve to the municipal council; he was accused of mismanagement, and misappropriation of funds all of which could not be proven in a court of law.
Speaking out on the case for the first time Richards said he never presented the Nieve plan to the municipal council instead he made a number of recommendations and suggestions regarding a strategic plan which would outline the direction in which St. Martin would go regarding tourism. He said in those suggestions he made clear that tourism has to be primarily in favor of the country as well as its people and in this case St. Martin. He said when he made that suggestion to the former management of the Tourist Office it created some level of resistance from the board since these members were not in favor of him promoting tourism in favor of the country and its people. He said what annoyed management is that he took those from the private sector and creates an added value to the destination.
"This caused a rift since I was not promoting the hotels and restaurants and quickly after I was asked to leave." Richards said he believed those in management was looking for something to get rid of him and when he used the plan of Nieve as an example they capitalized on it. He said he never presented that plan as St. Martin's plan instead he needed to show the board members several strategic plans and they are the ones who chose than particular plan. He made clear he never presented any strategic plan to anyone, instead he presented orientations. However, he felt its all political.
"The idea was to show what St. Martin can do for our product." He said on December 12 during the budget orientations he presented something that was inspired by the one selected by the board from among the examples.
Asked if there were other grievances with him and management Richards said they said he was not competent, and did have sufficient qualification to manage the tourist office and as such he allegedly created a disaster with the Association finances. He said the former management even accused him of squandering and that he wasted monies "All of this they fabricated against me, but those who followed the procedures they would have known that they lied to get rid of me since I am victim of politics. Richards said the tourist office got their budget some nine months after he left and he would often wonder where they were getting monies from to run the daily affairs; second to that he said he was the one who managed to secure 872,000 Euros from the European funding, something that never happened before.
Richards further explained that when he was directing the tourist office he would normally meet with the board every Monday where he had to give accountability on the weekly expenditures. He said everything that he needed to do had to be approved by the board and that was exactly how he managed.
Despite the humiliation Richards said he does not plan to seek revenge from anyone. He said he already placed all of the troubles behind him even though embarrassed which also caused him to loose his mother who was ailing at the time. He said his intention is to continue contributing towards his country to the best of his ability.

Concordia: --- The gendarmes have arrested a 21 year old man identified as Francois Richards for stabbing to death his best friend Lisendo Valdez Guzman (LI) 21 years old. The incident occurred just before the mid day hours in Concordia yesterday confirmed Prosecutor Jacques Louvier.
SMN News understands the two friends were involved in a triangle love affair that went sour. It is said the woman in the center of the killing is a white metropolitan who have been sleeping with the two friends, while the victim was born in the Dominican Republic and the suspect a local. The killing is said to send a shock throughout the community since the two young men are known friends ever since growing up in St. Louis, Rimbaud area.
Louvier said the Valdez died on the spot from stab wounds. Valdez lives in Pic Paradis Road while the suspect and alleged friend lives in St. Louis. The stabbing incident occurred at the home of relative who lives in the Spring Concordia.
Louvier said the suspect was arrested and he is now in garde de vue as he is being interrogated. He said the suspect claimed the victim would always molest him for illicit drugs and when he smokes he would become aggressive. He said even though the suspect made these claims the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
Louvier said the two young men had an argument which ended in a fight and stabbing which led to Valdez death.
Louvier said the incident created a panic and the brother of the victim wanted to get his hands on the killer but the gendarmes managed to arrest him before any further dispute and or killing took place.
SMN News also understands relatives of the victim set fire on the of suspect father's house sometime after the killing. Richards came from a very respectable and well known family in the community of St. Louis. He is the nephew of Laurel Richards President of the St. Louis Women's Association.
Reliable sources say the mother of the suspect a vendor in French Quarter was also threatened yesterday, causing the woman to close her business for the day.
The suspect who surrendered to the gendarmes will be transported to Guadeloupe sometime today.
House set on Fire-Father believes relatives committed the act.
Ferdinand Richards better known as Carty in an interview with SMN News said the two boys are long time friends. Carty said the two young men were together Sunday night and they lived extremely close. He said while the killing has left both families in severe pain, someone apparently relatives of the deceased went to his home and set it alight.
Carty said he was on the scene where the stabbing took place and the brothers and other relatives of the deceased were getting on real bad. He said the men left him on the scene and they jumped in a pick up truck and left. The distraught father said he did not know where the young men were going but shortly after he was notified by neighbors who saw them breaking into his house and setting it alight. He said the gendarmes are busy investigating the incident of arson. "I am not responsible for the killing, I was there and I sympathize with the family. Li was like my son, they were always together, so I cannot understand why they would burn down my house." Carty said.
At the home of the Richards several neighbors and friends of both young men were at the Richards home lamenting on the entire ordeal. One relative and friend of both young men told this reporter that Li had become extremely aggressive these past weeks. The friend who spoke to his reporter anonymously said Li had just recently lost his new born baby and his girlfriend did not receive optimal care while in hospital in Guadeloupe during the strike earlier this year.
Also at the home of Li Guzman neighbors and youngsters from the neighborhood were all keeping wake. The mother of the deceased was visibly shaken last night as she tries to cope with her sudden lost.
Philipsburg: --- Flag Day a celebration introduced by former commissioner of culture Louie Laviest may no longer be celebrated on June 13 this media house learnt. It is understood that even though a committee is in place to organize Flag Day and St. Maarten's Day celebration there would be no actual celebration of Flag Day.
On June 13 1985 the St. Maarten Flag was officiated by the island council, it was on that day the late Dr. Claude Wathey outline the meeting of the colors of the flag and the significance of the court of arms. Thus Laveist had said it was only fitting for government to celebrate and call on the nation on that date to rally around the flag.
SMN News understands that Commissioner of Culture Maria Buncamper Molanus does not agree with the date assigned to Flag Day and she is working on putting Flag Day celebration on November 11th St. Maarten's Day. Sources close to the commissioner said the commissioner is busy preparing the new flag that is to be used when St. Maarten attain its country status.
SMN News also understands the new flag will be mostly orange even though there are some minor changes in the design of the flag. SMN News understands there are already some bickering about the color of the flag and the fact the community were not involved in shaping their flag. One island council member told this media house they do not intend to waste time in changing anything on the St. Maarten Flag since it is the people's flag. The island council member said that no commissioner should not touch the flag unless they consult with the people of St. Maarten.
Efforts made to contact Commissioner Buncamper Molanus for a comment has proved futile up to press time.

Philipsburg:--leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams announced yesterday there needs to be more indebt discussions on the Franco Dutch treaty before it is implemented. The island leader said there seems to be some sort of misconception on the treaty itself as people tend to believe that the treaty deals with visas. She said the implementation of the treaty is about controls on the so-called risk flights. She said a commission has to be set up so that treaty can be studied.
Wescot Williams said even though the visa regulations would be implemented the commission would have to determine what countries whose nationals are considered as "high risk."
She stressed that once this is decided by the commission then the work group which will be established will decide which flights are used by these persons.
When the Franco/ Dutch treaty is enforced persons who fall under the category of high risk will be subjected to double controls, since there will be both French and Dutch immigration officials at the airports.
Wescot Williams said that there is no new visa requirement that has been put in place and added that there is an agreement with the officials French Republic with regard to some of the countries that require visa by France and not the Netherlands Antilles. She said there will be some considerations granted and as a result there will be no need for these persons to be subjected to the double controls.
The island leader said there are still four countries that are considered for visas by both sides of the islands and indicated that it is the commission and the work group that is to be determine who will require visas.

Philipsburg: --- Revelers during this Carnival season would have to be extremely careful as they jump up or participate in this year carnival since the Red Cross would not be offering their services during the annual carnival celebrations. Director of the Red Cross Mr. Bobby Valesquez said they met several times with the board of the SCDF and they could not come to an agreement. Valesquez said the President of the SCDF has been giving them different answers on each occasion they meet. He said one time they are hearing they are in and the next time they are out.
Valesquez said the main problem is the SCDF and as well as the Health and Hygiene Department wants the RED CROSS to do what these departments of foundations wants them to do. He said the RED CROSS is a recognized organization and they have their house rules to abide by. He said the Red Cross is a movement that is governed by its fundamental principles and they are not a pick up organization that needs any kind of recognition. Valesquez said while the institution is there to work alongside government they must abide by their rules and principles of the Red Cross.
He made clear that no one from government or anywhere else would dictate for the Red Cross a recognized institution. He said while there are people in the community looking for recognition the Red Cross is not and he has no intention to bend the rules of the organization that are govern by its fundamental principles.
Valesquez said the organization is doing well as only recently certify close to 40 new members and they are busy preparing for the upcoming hurricane season. As for the financial situation Valesquez said last year 2008 they were experiencing some problems since the island government did not live up to its promises by providing the necessary subsidy. He said while the Red Cross provides rescue services during fires and other disasters they are not obliged to maintain these services. Valesquez said the Red Cross is not government. Victims he said needs food and shelter which must be provided by government and not the Red Cross who is only responsible for first response. He said the Red Cross cannot continue with the maintaining of these services since the island government would place the victims at their doors and forget them. He said while the Red Cross does not discriminate they do need the resources to provide the necessary emergency services.

Philipsburg/ Marigot: --- President of the United Saint Martin Movement (USM) Aline Choisy and Daniella Jeffry addressed several key issues affecting the French side of the Island on the radio Program "Breakfast with De Robert". Hosting the environmental program was Daniella Jeffry who had Choisy as her guest.
The two veteran politicians first tackled the concerns of the several persons who are commenting on the plans for an expanded and new marina to be built on the French side. Choisy said it seems more likely that the person behind the project is trying to compete with the Dutch side since they are seeking to have a deep water pier on that side of the island. She said it is time for elected officials to look in promoting eco-tourism and not build a set of concrete structures. Another point she raised on this issue is that more focus needs to be placed on the island's culture.
The USM leaders however gave a deeper insight on the ongoing saga regarding the ousting of President Frantz Gumbs by the State Council. Choisy said while there have been two presidents ousted on the French side within the last two years there is actually five presidents that held office in such a short time. Because of this trend Choisy said this can be considered a shame and embarrassment towards the people.
Choisy said the RRR party has lost their credibility in the Territorial Council from the very beginning and now they are crying fowl. "In 2007 the RRR group voted for Louis Constant Fleming to be president of the COM. They also voted for the program Fleming provided instead of setting the stage by providing their own governing program and presenting a candidate. Even though they would not have won the election of president then, the bottom line they would have laid down the basic principles in politics". The former opposition said that because of this the RRR became weak.
As for the annulment of the 2008 elections the host Jeffry and her guest Choisy said the majority UPP committed fraud when they used the pre-printed ballots in the 2008 election.
Both women commended the RRR and Ogoundele Tessi for taking this matter to court since it shows that there was a lack of confidence within the UPP group; some of the councilors of the majority were supporting Ogoundele Tessi along with the opposition which she believed created a fear. Choisy said this is a clear indication of dictatorship within the ruling party and this has to stop. "I heard they were going to use pre-printed ballots and I personally spoke to them about it but the UPP group did not listen to me then." Choisy said while the ousted president is saying it's an administrative mistake with the 2008 election in several newspapers she said it is not a mistake instead the UPP leaders took away the freedom of expression from their councilors.
‘These councilors were elected to represent the island yet they are not able to take a pen and paper and vote for the person whom they wish; then they cannot represent me. These councilors should have told their party boss that he lacked trust in them and he is aiming at controlling them."
Choisy said the reason the State Council annulled the election of the president is because they considered fraud was committed. She urges the UPP group to tell the people the truth and stop fooling them "The UPP should take responsibility and admit that they committed fraud." Choisy said.
Jeffry said in the beginning there was some controversy since the lawyer representing Ogoundele Tessi said the COM is back to square one. However, in the decision it is only the President was ousted while the executive council remains which is giving the majority (UPP) a lead in the legal affair while the Opposition looks weak since they did not provide sufficient evidence against the executive council in their court case.
Jeffry also shared her concern about the silence from the other politicians; instead she said they are voicing their opinions individually.
Choisy and Jeffry said right now the French side does not have any opposition in the council at this time since the RRR has failed to inform the population on critical issues.
Choisy said it is clear the opposition is divided since only one councilor under the umbrella of the RRR is speaking out against the present shame the island people is enduring. Choisy said that councilor whom she knows well and understands is very hurt, that councilor should also know that it is not possible to have a general election. Choisy said to have such an election a lot of procedures has to be followed since there is a constitution that rules the Republic of France. "I don't think it is going to be easy to have a general election on St. Martin. St. Martin people are not what they were before. While I agree that the population can make it happen the people of St. Martin are not ready to put up a fight." "The diluted population of St. Martin is not interested in general elections instead they are focusing on putting food on their tables. Yes the people are concerned and they know what their island is going through but Saint Martin people are not like those people in Guadeloupe who went on a 44 day strike earlier this year." Choisy said while many would wish for that to happen, people she said needs to stop dreaming because a new election would not take place.
She said the councilor that is voicing her opinion is not even getting the support from the opposition which she is part of, which shows that there is a breakdown on both sides.
Choisy said while several people are saying that Ogoundele Tessi should be given a chance the present political affair is not about chance since Ogoundele Tessi does not even have a political party, she is part of the UPP. This person even took her own party to court and won which means they would get rid of her.
Choisy said the coming election would be hot since the opposition may not give Ogoundele Tessi their support due to the outcome of the senate election and the UPP will definitely get rid of her. Marthe Ogoundele Tessi; is a member of the Executive council because the RRR party gave her one of their seats in 2008 when the UPP eliminated her.
Choisy said she does not believe Ogoundele Tessi would postulate in the coming election because she would not be getting any support from either side. "To do that one has to have guts and a party". Choisy said.
Choisy said she wants to know what is the Prefet doing since his job is to look over the affairs of the State. He is the one that is responsible for the legal aspect of the COM. "I need to know if this person did not issue and advise to the UPP group.
Choisy also said that the 23 councilors who voted for Louis Constant Fleming in 2007 used the pre-printed ballots and none of them complained because they all voted for Fleming.
She said because of this error she believed the opposition RRR should be the first ones to retire since they are not proactive enough. "They voted for Fleming and his program and they are constantly being reminded of it in the council meetings when they disagree on matters." Choisy said.
She said the present situation is indeed shameful since they have to again vote in another president but she wants to know what are the technicians and the prefet in all of this. She said while St. Martin voted a new status to handle their own affairs there are a number of Guadeloupians and Metropolitans in top positions on St. Martin and the local people are eliminated.
Article 74 or 73?
Another point the USM leaders made is the fact that several politicians are saying that St. Martin received article 74 of the French Constitution which is same of St. Barths. Jeffy the host of the program said St. Martin did not receive 74 but St. Barths did. She said St. Martin got something that looked like article 73 because of the requirements for 74 were not met.
Jeffry said to acquire 74 there had to be special laws in place. She said laws that were voted in France could not be directly implemented on St. Martin; instead it must go through the local council who would decide whether or not these laws can be implemented, this is according to 74.
Jeffry said in the new status St. Martin got direct implementation of all laws voted in France which is part of article 73. She said another point all other territories are supposed to be associate members of the European Union, this she said is outlined in the Organic law. Jeffry said this is not the case for St. Barths.
Jeffry said St. Barths has the possibility to decide if they want be an associate member as an overseas territory since their GDP (Gross Domestic Product) value is too high for them to benefit from the FIDER funds. She said these are the two main characteristics of 74. Jeffry said St. Martin did not make that choice considering the amounts of monies the departments get from the EU. Jeffry said difference between St Barths and St. Martin is St Barths received the measures of autonomy in favor of their population, while St. Martin was denied that option.
She urged the people to read her book the "Status Scandal" that is in both languages if they are to understand the true nature of the status given to St. Martin. She said the people were not told that the administrative aspect of the island is controlled by the State of France.
Marigot: --- A national of the Dominican Republic is said to be the latest victim of road accident on the French side of the island. SMN News was reliably informed that the victim a 17 year old lad who was living at Dollison Drive Cul de Sac succumbed to his injuries this weekend in Guadeloupe.
The youth it is said to suffer from head injuries, a broken neck, and rib injuries. The accident reportedly took place over the weekend on the Bellevue Road. So far the gendarmes have not released any information regarding the accident. Efforts made by this media house to contact Arrousseau or Baras for a comment proved futile up to press time.

The Australian Group Study Exchange Team, representing the Rotary Club district 9640, paid a complimentary visit to Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus yesterday. The group is on St. Maarten for a few days to examine mainly youth initiatives that encourage young people to move forward positively in life. The Group Study Exchange provides the opportunity for Rotary members of different backgrounds to travel to districts in other countries and experience life as local citizens do. They study how their vocations and professions are practiced in the host district, learn about the Culture and participate in local Rotary Club activities. While on the island they will visit the museum, the Belvedere Community Center and the I-Can Children's Home. Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus welcomed the group to St. Maarten and urged that they build relationships on St. Maarten with their counterparts here esspecially considering their diverse areas of expertise. The Australian team consists of its team leader Artie Seewald and four members: Carolyn Wilkes, Erin Kennaugh, Adam Dreyer, and Myfanwy Stanfield. The team is being hosted by Rotary St. Maarten mid-isle under the presidency of Mr. Louis Wever.

Marigot: --- The MOCSAM is planning a street march on Friday reliably sources have informed SMN News. While the president of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs did not say whether or not the march would take place he said that the MOCSAM is busy planning with the unions to protest the Etat Generaux that was put in place by the Prefet.
Gumbs said the MOCSAM protested against several issues and he was surprised to see the installation of the Etat Generaux without any notification. One of the concerns of the MOCSAM is the composition of the representatives on the Etat Generaux. He said he did not see the local business people are fully represented and this must be addressed.
Gumbs said he could not say if the march would indeed take place on Friday but said he is meeting with several bodies today to further discuss the action.
Asked if they intend to involve the population on the political developments on St. Martin Gumbs said the agenda points and the route for the march is yet to be finalized.
Philipsburg- As swine flu continues to spread to different countries around the world, the Influenza Pandemic Coordination Response Team (IPCRT) based on a meeting that took place on Tuesday at Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour, after a review of available information, is recommending to residents to only make essential trips to countries/states affected by swine influenza A(H1N1).
The recommendation is based on the protection of public health. At this time there is no indication of swine influenza A(H1N1) on the island.
Even though at present there is no threat of swine flu the Hygiene & Veterinary Department will distribute information to owners of pig pens.
The islands ports of entry have been alerted with respect to the developing situation related to swine influenza and to take the necessary precautionary measures.
A flyer from the Center of Disease Control will be disseminated to various institutions and within the community in the coming days providing preventive information on what hygienic measures should be taken in order to protect oneself from getting swine influenza.
The majority of cases in Mexico where the outbreak first occurred have taken a toll on otherwise healthy young adults. Influenza normally affects the very young and the very old, but these age groups have not been heavily affected in Mexico.
The symptoms of swine flu 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 swine flu.
Most cases of swine flu so far reported around the world appear to be mild and persons have made a full recovery. Each person should take the necessary precautionary measures.
"I would like to reiterate that there is no cause for alarm, but we are taking the necessary precautionary measures at this point in time to protect public health.
"I appeal to the general public to get informed about what swine flu is all about. Information is available at Sector Public Health located in the Vineyard Building and can be found on the internet and by watching the international news.
"The situation continues to evolve rapidly as more and more countries are being affected. We need to remain vigilant. The Influenza Pandemic Coordination Response Team overall objective is to prevent swine flu from reaching our shores, and information will be provided on a continuous basis in order for the community to be able to address the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus," Commissioner of Public Health Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Tuesday.
Persons interested in learning more about swine influenza A(H1N1) should visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int.

Marigot: --- Organizers of the MOCSAM march was somewhat disappointed with the low turn out to the march they organized this morning (Friday May 1). Protestors were supposed to gather in front of the Nina Duverlry School from 8am so they could march through the streets of Marigot. However, it was not until after 9am some of the supporters of the MOCSAM began gathering at the location where they were given information on the march.
Shortly after they marched through the streets of Marigot silently protesting some of the injustices the island is facing. One of those injustices is the expensive way of life on the French side.
The theme for the march President of the MOCSAM said was respect. That theme was fully explained to the few persons who made it their business to come out and protest.
While this is the first time residents of St. Martin were called to the street to protest on May 1, it is a known activity in other parts of the region and the Republic.
MOCSAM President Julien Gumbs said while several persons are speaking out against the injustice they are facing the locals does not seem to want to mobilize to fight against these injustices. He said while it seems as if they are loosing their time an d efforts the MOCSAM will continue to address issues affecting the community hoping that one day the people would rise up for their island.
One marcher Beverly said that ever since she came back to St. Martin 10 years ago she has been comparing prices in the region compared to France and she immediately realized that something has to be done. However, people back then was not focusing on these issues. She credited the MOCSAM for their effort since she felt the march "contre la vie chere" is a very good cause.
Speaking to the marchers after the march was Julien Gumbs who asked the people not to give up or be discouraged since there is a lot of work to be done. Gumbs said that the march held today is just the beginning because those present need to begin speaking to the neighbors, friends and colleagues about the cause. He said the MOCSAM has embarked on something new which is to march through the streets of St. Martin demanding respect from elected officials. He said already they are preparing for the next May Day march 2010.
Lenny Mussington said he believed one the reasons many people did not show up is because they are in the carnival mood. He said only this morning his daughter told him today is parade day and was wondering where he was heading to that early in the day. Sharing the same sentiments was Sujah Reiph who said that he was called to deliver a speech at one of the schools and when he asked the students what May 1 represents they all said FISH DAY.
Reiph said he immediately realized that there is a lot of work needs to be done on the French side when it comes to creating awareness. He said he is more than excited to hear that officials of the COM have changed the date of Fish Day to the first Sunday in May. Reiph said it is time for everyone to reclaim the day our forefathers worked so hard for and instead of partying and having fun the workers should use this day to highlight their grievances.
Present during the march was three councilors of the RRR, namely Alain Richardson, Louie Mussington and Noreen Brooks.
PHILIPSBURG-On behalf of the Island Government of Sint Maarten, the Department of Economic Policy & Research, under the auspices of the Commissioner of Economic Affairs Mrs. Maria Buncamper-Molanus will present the 2009 State of the Economy address, scheduled for Thursday May 14th, 2009 at the Philipsburg Community and Cultural Centre.
The presentation will commence at 7:30pm followed by a brief reception.
The address will focus on how the economy is performing thus far, and discusses dynamics within the economy such as inflation, government's plans to mitigate the effects of the global economic turmoil, and plans to stimulate the economy.
Special guest speaker for the evening is Maria van der Sluijs-Plantz who will give a presentation on the development of the "International Financial Services" for Sint Maarten.
The public and the business community are invited to attend this important event.
Marigot:--- The sous prefecture via a press release said that that results from samples taken from suspected or identified suspects of the swine flu on Saint-Barthélemy are now known. They are all negative, so there is at present, no detection or suspicion of H1N1 influenza A in Saint-Barthélemy.
The vigilance of the State and remains of the general care and hygiene are still valid.
It is reminded that persons returning from a trip to an affected country and presenting symptoms (fever and / or fatigue and / or soreness) and respiratory signs (cough and / or difficulty breathing) should contact the Center 15.
It is always asked people to visit a country affected by the flu AH1N1 to kindly postpone their trip.
To limit the spread of germs, the instructions to comply with the hygiene measures are maintained:
Handwashing (soap for at least 20 seconds) to repeat in the day, after sneezing snuffings and, after passing to the toilet after each contact with a patient.
In case of drying, sneezing, cough, cough: the flu virus is transmitted by air (respiratory droplets),
- Cover your mouth whenever you cough, then wash their hands;
- To cover their nose every time you sneeze, then wash their hands;
- Blowing the nose with tissue paper disposable thrown into a dustbin, if possible with a lid;
- Do not spit in a tissue paper disposable, thrown into a garbage can with a lid.

Philipsburg: --- Minister of Constitutional Affairs Roland Duncan has endorsed the way leader of the National Alliance William Marlin has approached the present political crisis with the Democratic Party.
The Minister said that while several persons are speaking about higher supervision being imposed on St. Maarten he wants to make clear that if politicians cannot find a solution he would step in and assume his responsibilities. "I will not sit back and allow Holland to come in and do my job for me, however dirty it is I would be executing it when the time comes." Asked what can that be Duncan said he has several scenarios, which can include the removal of the entire executive council. He said that whatever decision is taken has to be tailored to fit the island's specificities.
The Minister met with the island Lt. Governor Frankly Richards yesterday where they discussed the state of affairs on St. Maarten and the role of the Netherlands Antilles.
In a comment to SMN News Duncan said, one has to realize that the National Alliance did not create the situation the present government is facing. The standpoint of the National Alliance is clear, the Democratic Party won the election, but they have failed the people of St. Maarten. "Failed with the Maria Buncamper Molanus situation, and Louie Laviest who is now facing a jail sentence." Duncan said that the present government does have the responsibility of meeting the deadline of 2010-status change and not the NA. So far, they have failed which is told to them over and under. "St. Maarten has been to all the constitutional meetings and has signed all the necessary documents, but they were informed of the instances of failure which includes the casino gaming control board that falls under the island territory, the ombudsman, and the code of ethics which died on arrival."
The problem of St. Maarten becoming a country lies with the island government, which is hampering the achievement of country St. Maarten. This is why the National Alliance is saying that the present executive council must resign because no one intends to prop up the present government that is failing" Duncan said.
The Minister said says St. Maarten has a bad record in Holland and whoever takes over has to go back to Holland and convince them they are different if they are to get the ball rolling to make the 2010 deadline.
The Minister said if the Democratic Party believes that they can convince anyone member of the National Alliance to jump ship, then God Bless that person who would go over just to prop up a failing government. The government is not functioning properly and this has to be recognized. One may say my party is arrogant but they are simply saying that if they are to be part of the new government then they have to play a major role in governing. This means that several pet projects that are under several commissioners will die. "If the leader of the Democratic Party does not agree then she would have to see if she can bribe someone to join her or convince Laveist to go back home." Duncan said.
"Right now there are several investigations taking place locally, including the investigation at ROB on the issuance of permits by the SOAB." Duncan said
Asked if it is true that the National Alliance intends to form a government with Laveist, the minister said he was not aware of that but it is not a decision that has to be taken by him. He said while he is grateful that Laveist has extended his support to the National Alliance he wants to make clear that Laveist has to deal with his conviction.
"I do believe that Laveist must be able to hold on to his island council seat since he was elected by the people on preferential votes that must be respected. If he is to be removed then let the people remove him. Anthony Goddette was in the same situation he went to prison with his seat, came out, and was re-elected." Duncan said one should also look at Mandella, who is a great example. So let us respect democracy. Laveist was not convicted as an Island Council member instead as a commissioner. Duncan said.
Duncan said while it is said that William Marlin wants to be the leader of government, as if he is power hungry. "Let me make clear that there is no leader of government instead it's a signature. While St. Maarten created the term, "leader of government it does not really exists" but there is some sense to the terminology. While the Lt. Governor is the chairperson of the executive council, he is not a politician, so there was need to find political leadership in government. The signature is normally expressed by ones governing program, which is always given to the biggest party." Duncan explained.

CAY BAY-The main water line running from the water production plant to the main holding tanks blew out early Thursday morning resulting in water service being disrupted to most areas on the Eastern side of Cole Bay Hill. GEBE customers in Philipsburg, Cul de Sac, St. Peters, South Reward, Belvedere, Dutch Quarter, Pointe Blanch and Guana Bay did not have any water for most of the day on Thursday.
The GEBE Water Distribution team was on site quickly and determined the location of the rupture. However, the main water line is buried under close to 300 feet of dirt that had been excavated for the Indigo Bay project. GEBE technicians organized a team of two excavators to begin the arduous task of digging out the water pipes. Because of the proximity to the main high voltage electricity cables, the excavation team needed to work extremely carefully.
At press time, the excavation works were ongoing and would continue throughout the night until the pipe could be accessed. Once the main water line is accessible, the GEBE team is expecting the repairs to be completed quickly. Then the replenishment process of the water storage tanks can begin which is expected to take a several hours.
The GEBE team has been working nonstop since the discovery of the water leak and will continue to work tirelessly until water has been restored to the affected areas. GEBE would like to apologize to its customers for the inconvenience.

On Sunday May 17, 2009, several members of the VKS, as part of their ongoing community service program, once again visited the St. Maarten Zoo to lend their assistance.
Approximately 15-20 VKS volunteers spent a few hours at the Zoo painting.
The VKS members were able to paint all of the railings on the boardwalk in the back of the zoo, as well as the stepping stones / platforms in front of the exhibits.
Major Jean Illidge and Captain Paul Martens stated that this is an important part of the VKS ‘s service to the community and they were glad to be able to offer help whenever they could.
The Board and staff of the St. Maarten Zoo are grateful and very appreciative of the help rendered by the VKS.

Cay Bay: --- Residents of Cay Bay are furious with the island government namely commissioner of Theo Heyliger who is busy putting together a project for the area.
Speaking to reporters at the location yesterday was owner of Lucky Stable Roderick Halley.
Halley said the island government has plans to fill in the bay from the last peninsular to further down Cole Bay and back to the Cay Bay cemetery for the building of a fueling station for large cruise ships, asphalt and cement plant as well as a container pier.
Also in the project is space for at least ten businesses that are presently located in Sucker Garden.
Halley said he believes that the commissioner in question wants to make sure he has a container pier in place for his private business in the shipping industry.
Halley a local businessperson who is operating his stables in the area said he was made to understand that the island government plans to begin construction early next year. He said that already he was informed that the plan for the entire project has already been submitted to GEBE and VROM, but that the latter does not have the plan on display.
Halley said he made a request for a copy of the plan at GEBE but they have refused him that copy.
Halley said should government continue with its plan then they are going to destroy the entire eco-system in the area. He said even though his business would be highly hampered the construction alone would destroy nature in that area. Another concern for the Cay bay resident is the supposedly destruction of the Cay Bay cemetery.
Halley several families have their older relatives buried at that cemetery and desecrating the cemetery would be an insult to the residents of Cole Bay.
Outside of the above Halley said residents of Cay Bay and Cole Bay are planning to come together to protest against this project since the asphalt and cement plants would create health concerns for those living in the immediate area. Another concern for the residents Halley said would be the fact there would be heavy vehicles constantly in the area.
He also felt that having another fueling station in Cay Bay would grossly affect sea life. Asked if they are aware that the island government had plans to build a cargo pier in Cay Bay, Halley said while they heard of the intentions in the past no one ever presented it to the community. Halley reiterated that if anyone knows about those plans, it is the politicians since none of it was ever discussed with the community. He made clear that no one ever came forward and said they intend to fill in the entire bay. "In my opinion it is ridiculous for someone to think that he or she can fill in a bay. Even though the GEBE power plant is located here all locals living in this area still come here daily to swim and relax. This is still a beautiful bay and to fill it in would be out of place.
In an invited comment, President of the St. Maarten Pride Foundation Jadira Veen said they were invited by LIEVENSE consultant who is working on government projects yesterday where it is expected that the project for Cay Bay would be presented. Until then the environmental foundations would not be able to comment.
Another group that attended the meeting yesterday informed SMN News that even though the project, which is considered one of the largest, was presented to them they were asked for their input and it was made clear that the environmental foundations would be providing advice an environmental recommendations, to the island government, but by no means they will endorse nor approve the project as this project would have tremendous impact to the marine environment.
Some of the concerns for the foundations are the mitigations plans on the part of GEBE so that sand does not enter GEBE pipes when dredging is taking place.
The first Airbus plane assembled outside Europe made a successful four-hour maiden flight in China on Monday, EADS said.
Airbus began assembling some A320 jets in Tianjin near Beijing in September from fuselage parts shipped from Europe, increasing its presence in the world's fastest growing markets for large aircraft.
"This A320 assembled in China unquestionably demonstrated the same quality and performance as those assembled and delivered in Hamburg or Toulouse," Fernando Alonso, senior vice president at Airbus, said in a statement.
Airbus aims to reach output of four A320s a month in China by the end of 2011. Airbus has estimated that China would need more than 3,000 large aircrafts between 2006 and 2025, including 180 super jumbo passenger planes. The first aircraft will be delivered to Dragon Aviation Leasing in June and be operated by China's Sichuan Airlines.
Chinese firms have ordered more than 700 aircraft from Airbus, the majority of which are from the A320 family of planes, it said. Airbus and US rival Boeing have been turning to Asian markets, led by China, for growth as demand weakens at home. However, Airbus faces criticism from European unions who say the move adds to outsourcing fears amid the recession and could result in the loss of European technology to a potential jet-making rival.
Beijing may need an estimated USD$30 billion to realise an ambitious goal to manufacture passenger jets with more than 150 seats and freighters capable of handling more than 100 tonnes of cargo to take on Boeing and Airbus by 2014.
(Reuters)
Philipsburg:---- The public prosecutor's office is trying their best to have Lisa Brown Mackay settle the case she has against Today Newspaper editor Hilbert Haar. Brown was called in by Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein early last week where she was asked to talk the matter over in Stein's office with Haar and the two should shake hands and put the recent assault behind their backs.
Brown was given one week to think about settling the matter amicably. She is expected to meet with Stein sometime this week to say whether she intend to take his advice and to move on.
However, Mackay Brown and her husband do not intend to allow Haar to escape with his abusive attitude. Brown in a statement to SMN News said she would not allow this matter to escape in no shape or form. She said someone has to stand up against Haar and let him understand that he would not get away from the justice system after abusing women.
Brown said she already sought legal advice on the case but would not elaborate on the actions she intends to take against the editor of the Today Newspaper.
Hilbert Haar was arrested on Tuesday May 12 after he allegedly slapped Brown Mackay as well as punching her behind the head when she went to the newspaper office to retrieve her camera from another colleague. Haar spent two nights behind bars before being released. So far, the newspaper editor has refused to apologize for his actions. This is the second time Haar has physically assaulted Brown, on the first occasion he was warned by police says Brown.
In the meantime, several persons within the community expressed outrage at Haar whom they consider a racist. According to several letters sent to this website it is said that Haar uses the newspaper for which he worked to criticize as well as mock the local indigenous St. Maarteners. Haar would also attack several other media representatives by writing all sorts of negative opinions about them that is printed in the Today. On Monday, Haar wrote another opinion of his about the two websites on St. Maarten that publishes the names of suspects. He suggested that suspects should sue these websites since according to him this would hinder the person's future. The latest opinion of Hilbert Haar only came after SMN News published the letters that were sent to us criticizing his behavior.
Philipsburg:--- Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson reported that police were called to Wegelegen Drive Cay Hill on Monday night after residents in the area called for assistance. Henson said on the scene several persons were interviewed by police and they said on their arrival home they were attacked by three armed men that wore masks. The suspects were armed with a handgun and knives.
During the robbery, several of the victims sustained injuries from the weapons the suspects were carrying. Also stolen during the robbery were the wallets and cellular phones from the victims, a DVD-player, a plasma TV. and a private vehicle with license plate M-3876. The victims that were injured were all taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment. The investigation into this case is ongoing.

Philipsburg:--- All stores on Front and Back Street yesterday closed their doors for one hour as they protest the killing of Haresh Dayal Dayalani aka Danny who was shot to death at his home on Tuesday evening.
The IMA has decided to begin a joint two day protest action, all stores on both sides of the island will be closed today and tomorrow. Delegation is scheduled to meet with the Lt. Governor at 10am this morning.
President of the Indian Merchants Association Damu Ratawani said that this should not be viewed as movement by the Indian community instead; it should be everybody's business. Ratawani is calling on the entire community to unite since something has to be done to fight the high crime rate. People need to come together and look out for their own safety.
Yesterday's action is a message to the island government and the police since they need to know that crime is not acceptable any longer and they needed to get organized and ask for assistance. Ratawani said if the Central government cannot provide the assistance then a request must be sent to the Kingdom government since St. Maarten is still part of the Kingdom.
Ratwani is also calling on everyone in authority including government to ask for the help that is needed to fight crime. He said justice falls under the federal government but if the local government does not seek help from those that are responsible for safety and security then they are going to be blamed.

Ratawani said something is desperately wrong and action is needed since on Tuesday night there were at least four incidents of attempted robbery. Two attempts on Indians while another businessman was stabbed in Cole Bay.
He said while everyone might say that the victim is an Indian he wants to make clear that Dayalani is a Dutch national who has lived on St. Maarten for more than 35 years. Furthermore, if the island cannot provide safety and security for its residents why should visitors come here?

The Indian Merchants Association also met with Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran yesterday afternoon where the grievances of the community were highly discussed.
Ratwani said the discussion with Doran was fruitful and that the assistant chief promised them to take actions very soon.
The businessman said that they already received empty promises from law enforcement in the past and they intend to intensify their actions if nothing is done this time around.
Ratwani said they are aware that the police are short staffed and that the help St. Maarten got from Curacao has already left.
He said the IMA is willing to chip in and help the local law enforcement; however, the police will have to say what it is they need. Ratwani said the business community is looking for permanent solutions and they are willing to do what is necessary to assist the police on St. Maarten. He said that right now the people are willing to come forward and cooperate with the police since prevention is the best cure for any type of problem. He further explained that the IMA is making themselves available to give whatever assistance is needed for the sake of safety and security. He said even though manpower is needed and is necessary he believed the police and those involved must be able to use more technology if they are to combat crime. He suggested the use of surveillance cameras all over the island.
Ratwani said he does not know long they are willing to wait on the police to take action but the business community is the one that would make a decision at another meeting. That meeting was held last night at the Philipsburg community center.

Assistant chief commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said that he intends to bring the concerns of the IMA to the tripartite community to see what can be done. He said the police have to analyze their data regarding armed robberies before action can be taken. Doran said that after the analysis they would determine what type of action has to be taken. Doran said they are planning to place more patrols in certain area to monitor the movement of people, while he would be seeking more manpower from Curacao.
Presently the Zero Tolerance team is no longer operational since according to Doran, the men on that team have been working long hours, and they need some rest. Asked if the team has been, dismantled Doran said the men on that team were not removed but some of them are not availableat the moment. "some of them are on vacation while one is out with an injury. However, the police department would continue with the team to combat the rising crime. Doran said right now they needed to reorganize the team so that the men working on Zero Tolerance can also get some time off.
Asked if police determined how Dayalani was killed and if robbery was ruled out, Doran said the detectives still do not know what happened and why the businessman was killed. He said the detectives went back to the scene to gather more information so that they can piece the puzzle together.
On Tuesday evening, Dayalani was shot to death in front of his Cole Bay home. His wife who witnessed the brutal killing of her husband remains a patient at the St. Maarten Medical Center.
Relatives of the late Dayalani as well as merchants on the French side gathered at his home as they mourn his sudden loss. An uncle of the deceased man told this reporter that Dayal did not get an opportunity to enter his home; he said at least two persons were outside of the home when the couple arrived and one of them shot the businessman before stealing his car in a bid to escape.
Philipsburg- the Island is Disaster Emergency Management Organization, is appealing to members of the community as well as new residents to prepare a Family Disaster Plan and create a Disaster Supply Kit in preparation for the 2009 hurricane season less than five days away.
The Family Plan should be based on your vulnerability to Hurricane hazards that could affect your family such as storm surge or flooding. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
Every home should have a Disaster Supply Kit which would contain certain items you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane.
Securing your home should also be a top priority. There are things that you can do to make your home more secure and able to withstand stronger storms.
Preventing the loss of life and minimizing the damage to property from hurricanes are responsibilities that are shared by all.
Family Disaster Plan.
Locate a safe room or the safest area in your home for each hurricane hazard; Determine escape routes from your home as certain areas could be inundated by flooding and storm surge in low lying areas; Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate; Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call; Check your insurance coverage; Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
Disaster Supply Kit.
Water, at least one gallon daily per person for three to seven days; Food, at least enough for three to seven days, non-perishable packaged or canned/juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric opener, cooking tools/fuel, paper plates/plastic utensils; Blankets/Pillows; Clothing (rain coat, sturdy shoes); First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs; Special items for babies and the elderly; Toiletries/Hygiene items/Moisture wipes; Flashlight and batteries; Battery operated radio; Fully charged cell phone with an extra battery; Cash/Credit Cards; Toys/Books/Games; Important documents should be put in a waterproof container; Tools; Vehicle fuel tanks should be filled a few days before a hurricane strike; Pet care items (medication, ample supply of food and water, a carrier or cage, a muzzle and leash).
Securing Your Home.
The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. It is important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing these five critical areas: roof, straps, shutters, doors and garage doors.
Be sure to ask other family members, friends and neighbors if they are hurricane aware, be prepared and ready.
The 2009 hurricane season officially starts on June 1 through November 30.

Philipsburg: --- Several hundreds of business people from both sides of the community turned out this morning (Friday) to march against the killing of French and Dutch businessman Haresh Daylal Dayalani aka Danny. Dayalani was brutally murdered at his Cole Bay home on Tuesday evening sending the entire community into a shock.
The crowd gathered in front of the COM shortly before the 10 am. Prior to starting the march President of the COM Frantz Gumbs met with representatives from both sides business community before addressing the gathering.
Gumbs said when such a crime is perpetrated on one side of the island the entire island suffers, and when such an honorable merchant such as Danny is killed, the entire population is affected.

The president said when the mourning period passes the questions that still has to be answered is what would the COM and police do about crime, or what would the gendarmes and other security forces do and how would the judicial forces better condemn these criminals.
He said the COM takes its share as far as competence and prevention is concerned. He said there would be more patrols and street lighting throughout Marigot.
Gumbs said the COM already took measures to control some of the social issues and delinquencies affecting the island.
He said in spite of the efforts taken by the COM the businessman was still assassinated, which shows that more must be done however, it must be clear that the criminals act faster than the elected or law enforcement and time is definitely working against them. Gumbs said they plan to start a vocational training in September, which would eliminate at least 200 idle persons from the streets. The COM he said intends to install a video surveillance system by December 2009.

The COM president said he is sure both side authorities would do whatever is necessary to combat crime and he is willing to do his share in a coordinated effort. He said he is convinced that the fight against crime and insecurity must become a concern for each citizen and the necessary precautions must be taken.
The president also urged the community to call the gendarmes or police and provide the necessary information so that they can work efficiently to fight against crime. For those who are in fear of coming forward because of revenge can do so in an anonymous way.
In addition, expressing concern is president of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs who said even though he has called on the community and elected officials to do more with the youths and to try to prevent crime nothing he said has been done so far.
Gumbs said it is a shame to see that it had to take the life of Dayalani before the business community and the nation to come together to fight insecurity and crime.
Gumbs said he believed if this action was taken before Danny might still be alive today. He also condemned the business community for the way they acted in the past. He said on many occasions he approached them to close their doors to protest against injustice and crime and the business people would ask him if he was willing to cover their expenses. The MOCSAM president said he wants to know who would be covering the expenses of the businesses for the two days they have closed.
Gumbs said its time that people realize that the issues facing St. Maarten is not that of locals, Indians, Chinese or European instead it is all about the community and everyone must join their forces together if they are to fight crime and injustice.
After the speech, the marchers walked through the streets of Marigot silently. The brother of the slain businessman Lalit Dayalani holding his brother's photograph while two other family members carried the floral wreath which was laid in front of Dayalani's store. Lalit in a short speech to the crowd that gathered in front of the store said that he hoped that the people of St. Maarten would come together to fight against all crime and injustice so that no other family would have to loose their precious gem like they did. At that location, a minute of silence was held in memory of the late Dayalani and well-known businessman on the French side of the island.

Among the marchers were first vice president Daniel Gibbs who is also in charge of economic affairs, leader of the RRR Alain Richardson and territorial councilor Guillaume Arnell.
The marchers then continued the march through the streets of Marigot and back to the COM where the IMA and Merchants association thanked those who came out in support of the march.
At the COM, some of the relatives of the slain businessman expressed their emotions by asking what is going to be done about crime and where are we going from here. However, a heavy down pour of rain stopped the emotions from flowing, as the protesters had to look for cover. So far relatives of the late Dayalani and the IMA on Ducth St. Maarten has offered a $5000,00 reward for infomation that would lead to the capture of the culprits who assasinated the well known businessman.
Dayalani's Legal Battle.
Haresh Dayalal Dayalani aka Danny was a well-known, smiling businessman who has always been friendly. He was one of those persons who would go the extra mile to meet his client's needs. Sometimes, Danny would make sure he satisfied his clients even when they did not have all the monies to buy what they needed.
However, outside of that, the businessman had his share of legal problems, almost two years ago, labor inspectors raided Dayalani's business place and they found several persons working for him illegally. The businessman had several Indians and other persons working in his stores and he never registered or declared them according to French laws. The French administration started a court case against the businessman who had to make sure he presents himself at least twice a week to the Police aux Frontiers since he was on judicial control. So far, the case against the late Haresh Dayalani has not been heard.
According to police and the prosecutor's office, the killing of Haresh Dayalani in their opinion is that of a robbery that went bad. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said they are still in the early stages of the investigation. He said so far the indication they have is that Dayalani was killed because an armed robbery went bad. Stein said the autopsy is yet to be conducted and they do not have information that would lead otherwise. The island chief prosecutor said they are not at liberty to release any other information on the investigation.
Governor's Address to the Nation--- Beginning of 2009 Hurricane Season.
Allow me this opportunity to address you, once more, on our need to be prepared for the 2009 hurricane season.
The season will officially start on June 1 and end on November 30. These dates traditionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. However, should a tropical or subtropical cyclone form during the year 2009 before June 1 or after November 30, it would count as part of the 2009 season.
On St. Maarten, as is usually the case, all island government ESF groups are taking the hurricane season seriously and so should you.
Now is the time for you, the resident or visitor to St. Maarten, to lay out your respective courses of action in the event of a hurricane.
By now, you should also be thinking about and executing a hurricane preparedness plan for yourself, your family, your place of business and your employees. Do this before the peak period of the hurricane season.
We don't know what the 2009 hurricane season holds for those of us living in this vulnerable region, so it is best to prepare a plan now.
History teaches us that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your susceptibility and what actions to take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
I therefore implore you to be informed about the hurricane hazards and acquire knowledge, which can be used to take ACTION. This may in turn be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water.
Preventing the loss of life and minimizing the damage to property from hurricanes are responsibilities that are shared by all.
So stay alert and remain prepared. The 2009 hurricane season is here!

Philipsburg: ----- Several police officers attended a meeting at the Philipsburg Community Centre yesterday as they sought answers from Richard Gibson who is dealing with justice related matters in the constitutional process.
NAPB union member Norwin Villarreal in an interview with SMN News said that police officers had several questions pertaining to the structure of the police organization when St. Maarten achieves it country status. Villarreal said when the police met last week they made up a list of questions, some for the Minister of Justice David Dick who is expected here today, the Acting Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran as well as Gibson.
The union representative said that Gibson is the first of the three men who made himself available to answer questions that the officers have.
One of those questions Villarreal said is the officers wants to know if when St. Maarten takes over the competencies of the Central Government if they would eliminate their rent allowances. He said the officers needed to know exactly what are the plans when St. Maarten becomes country. Villarreal said it is only natural for the officers to have some fear and ask what they needed to know.
He said Gibson said in his opinion he does not believe these allowances would be taken away just like that since police officers were receiving these allowances for years now. However, "Country St. Maarten" is the one who would have to make clarity on this matter.
Villarreal said yesterday's meeting was more like a dialogue and of course Gibson has his own ideas on how he believes the police organization can be improved. Villarreal said the Dutch has in mind to add a special department in the police force called the HVP. He said this is like having a police department on top of the present department which eventually was taken off the table. He said they still have something that would be similar and this department would investigate specific cases.
The officers also want to know exactly how the structure of the police force will be in the future. They also made clear that when the force is being upgraded they too want to part of it since they believe local police officers must get an opportunity to upgrade themselves so that they can function better. These officers he said wants to be able to give proper service to the community as represent the organization.
Villarreal said he believes that his membership is somewhat more satisfied. He said he believes that more of these meetings must be held so that the officers can at least be part of the process.
Villarreal said they are seeking to have a meeting with the Minister of Justice when he comes to St. Maarten since they do need answers to their concerns.
Reshuffling of Officers.
The NAPB member said they also need to meet with the police management where they would be posing some direct questions to Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran. Villarreal said right now there are a lot of rumours concerning the reshuffling of several officers but none of this has been discussed with the Union. He said the Union is hoping to ask Doran these questions in their very next meeting so that they can be on the same page as the police management.
Villarreal said he could not confirm neither deny if there would be any reshuffling but he too like everyone else is hearing the same thing and this he said has to be discussed. He said as a union they are very concerned about these developments and they intend to quiz Doran and other members of the police management on the matter.
One of the persons that are on the list that might be reshuffled SMN News understands is Head of Immigration at the Princess Juliana International Airport. Sources within the department said that Juliet and Doran has been in discussions since the Assistant Chief wants to remove him from the airport based on rumours. This matter it is said was discussed with the Island's Chief of Police.

PHILIPSBURG--Throughout this week St. Maarten PRIDE Foundation will be recognizing World Environment Day and World Ocean Day.
World Environment Day is observed on June 5 and has been recognized by the United Nations since 1972 to stimulate worldwide awareness on environmental issues and encourages political action.
The United Nations as of this year will officially observe World Ocean Day on June 8. For years several countries around the world have been recognizing this day unofficially, while lobbying the United Nations to adopt World Oceans Day.
St. Maarten PRIDE foundation will be highlighting both of these important days by carrying out activities in the community. A poster contest has been organized in partnership with the Kid's Herald.
Learning Unlimited fifth graders will be boarding the Freedom of the Seas this week to learn about recycling aboard the cruise liner. The grand event for the public will take place at the Philipsburg Theatres this Saturday, June 6.
The event scheduled for the afternoon hours starting at 4:00pm will feature guest speakers Jessica Koelsch who is the Florida Marine Wildlife Project Manager employed with the Ocean Conservancy and St. Maarten born Tadzio Bervoets currently the Marine Park Manager in St. Eustatius.
Koelsch's position entails science-based advocacy for marine wildlife including manatees, sea turtles, right whales, and other marine mammals. One of her goals is to reduce marine wildlife entanglement in trash.
In Florida, she organizes, coordinates, and conducts underwater fishing-line clean-ups and line recycling programmes, removes derelict crab traps, has developed a Pier Walker programme using volunteers to do angler outreach and is Chairperson of a multi-agency Entanglement Working Group.
Prior to joining The Ocean Conservancy in 2000, Koelsch worked at Mote Marine Laboratory (MML) from May 1991 through August 2001, serving as a Senior Biologist/Manatee Research Programme Manager in the Marine Mammal Programme.
Her manatee research projects included aerial surveys, behavioural studies, photographic identification, habitat investigations, and telemetric tracking of radio-tagged manatees. Koelsch has her Master's of Science in Zoology from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor's of Science in Marine Biology from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Both speakers Koelsch and Bervoets will enlighten the audience on the importance of marine and conservation issues, pointing out how we can manage the challenges with marine entanglement and marine trash as well as how we should change our behaviour towards the environment in general.
This event is open to the public. There will be no entrance fee. Organizers said the Coast Guard and local fishermen along with dive shops are especially welcome as they will find the presentations interesting.
The highly acclaimed movie "Shark Water" will be shown as well. Koelsch will be paying a visit to the Learning Unlimited School to give a presentation to middle and high school students for World Ocean Day on Monday, June 8.

PHILIPSBURG-GEBE has combined the electricity and water bills onto one sheet of paper to reduce the company's environmental impact, thereby reducing the amount of paper used per customer. Customers with both electricity and water accounts will now receive their bills and customer newsletter in one envelope. The electricity bill is printed on one side and the water is on the other.
The change coincides with World Environment Day on June 5, 2009. "The underlying theme for World Environment Day is to use less and plant a tree. Trees produce oxygen and absorb up to 1000 pounds of carbon emissions in their lifetime. GEBE is contributing by using less paper and in so doing saving trees," explained Giselle Dirckx Williams, GEBE Corporate Communication Officer.
GEBE moved away from the previous self-enveloping system over to a new maxi-mail system for billing in January 2009. The new envelope system is more efficient and has less down time. The client benefits from more privacy. In addition, GEBE inserts a monthly newsletter with updates on the company, new programs and services, energy saving tips and lots more.
Until recently, the main drawback was the duplication of electricity and water bills that resulted in an increased use of paper and envelopes.
A solution was found by the GEBE Meter Readers who saw their bill delivery stacks increase significantly in size and weight. They suggested sending both bills in one envelope. And by printing the bills double-sided, the amount of paper per customer would be reduced even more. Initial testing by GEBE's ICT Department has indicated a reduction of close to 40% of paper, which is roughly 40,000 sheets of paper per month. "GEBE bills close to 20,000 clients on a monthly basis so the reduced impact on the environment is significant. Clients with multiple contract accounts will receive each account in a separate envelope."
Environmentally conscious customers are encouraged to sign up for E-billing instead. "Already 15% of our customers receive paperless bills via e-mail and together we have saved 60,000 sheets of paper, 120,000 prints, 1,613 kWh of electricity and 8,943 pounds of CO2 emissions in 2008. The goal is to sign up 25% of our customers for E-Billing by the end of 2009"
GEBE will also be introducing electronic receipts later this month for its many E-billing customers that pay their bills online, via automatic transfer or via the check drop box. "Soon your receipts will be emailed to you as well to make it even easier for our customers to verify payment, file their statements digitally and reduce paper use even more."
"We would like to thank all of our customers and employees who contributed ideas and solutions to improve the new billing system. We were impressed and encouraged by the level of environmental awareness displayed by our customers and employees."

COLE BAY: ---- Activist former school teacher and writer Leopold James at a press conference at his Cole Bay home on Friday told reporters that he wants to initiate a process in the community where the people can regain trust.
James said he requested a meeting with the Island Lt. Governor where he would discuss some pertinent issues. James is also looking to meet with the President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Frantz Gumbs where he would be sharing his concerns which includes hatred, resentment and mostly importantly on how to fight crime.
In the letter published both on this website and one of the daily newspapers James indicated that the he has been receiving worrying information and even threats from the native population and other ethnic groups including the Chinese who are very much concerned with the state of affairs of the island. He said in his letter which was sent to the governor yesterday that there is a potential for escalation. James said he is the opinion that the people would begin to react by taking the law in their own hands which he fears would cause a social and economic melt down.
James said the reason he requested the meeting with the island's Chief of Police and Lt. Governor is because he wants to start a process which would actually heal the hurting population.
Leopold James said already they have noticed a widening gap between the natives and other nationalities and cultures and ethic groups. Based on this he firmly believes that certain mediators in society need to get involved to try and bring about some sort of calmness and to most importantly to bridge the widening gap.
James said on several occasions persons from within the community including Damu Ratawani and representatives of the Dutch Kingdom has called on him to intervene in matters that relates to the community. He said the reasons for these invitations are because these persons believe he can bring about unity.
James said unless the population plays their rightful role in this community then there would be no stability in society which would affect everyone especially investors.
He said after meeting with these officials he expects to receive appreciation for their efforts and concerns since while many may be concerned they are the only ones who are stepping up to the plate and to do something about it.
He said he took note of the platform the Indian Merchants Association used when they shut down the island last week. The IMA called for unity in an effort to bring the community together to fight against crime after the businessman Haresh Dayalani was killed. James said while it maybe nice to use the word unity one has to know that unity is an end result. "No one starts off with unity, and why should anyone unite when there is no trust, so we have to start on building back trust in this community and work towards unity is a contribution I want to make" James said.
He said while Dayalani has died a tragic death and the Indian community has clearly expressed their pain by saying enough is enough the locals he said is showing a "don't care' attitude something he considers to be dangerous because the community is dealing with the loss of someone's life. "We are aware of this situation and the impact it has caused on our community and we hope to achieve something fruitful." James explained.
James said in the future they plan to invite other stakeholders and associations to join with them in the hope to lead to unity and move to the next level.
He said one of the things he is hoping to get from the governor is all registered association and NGO's so that they can begin the process.
Philipsburg:---Fire Chief Winston Salomon would like to inform the general public the offices of the fire department, located at Backstreet 56, are moving into the new fire station at Jackal Road 5, Cay Hill (behind the hospital). The office in Backstreet will be closed as of Monday June 8, 2009. The new office will be open to the public as of Monday June 15, 2009. The public is informed that during the week of June 8 - 12 the department will not be able to serve the public as usual, which is unfortunately unavoidable during the moving process.
The public is informed emergency calls to the fire department should always be directed to emergency number 919. The regular office telephone numbers will be moved to the new building during the week of June 8 - 12. During the move the department can be reached for urgent matters on telephone numbers 543-1316 and 543-1318.
Future visitors of the new building in Cay Hill should take note the public entrance is located in the back of the new facility (on the hillside). The area beyond the gate is off limits for non staff members. Public parking is available in front of the property and one can proceed via a concrete walkway to the public entrance. Directional signs will be placed in the near future.
The fire department regrets the unavoidable interruption of the regular service, but is looking forward to serving the public from its new facility.

Philipsburg: --- A packed A. C Wathey Legislative Hall and members of the general public heard from the horse's mouth when independent island council member Louie Laveist at Monday's Island Council meeting spoke about the conspiracy he faced in the Democratic Party.
During his five minutes speech tears flowed from almost every eye in the hall as Laveist explained what he went through with his colleagues in the former executive council that was led by Sarah Wescot Williams.
Laveist cautioned the new executive council that was elected on Monday that they probably do not know the journey he was on when he was elected. He said it took a lot for him to get from where he was to where he is now. He said those hardballs will not stop and the new members should beware.
Laveist said from the very day he was elected six years ago and he left the A C Wathey Hall and went to his office. "Before I sat on my seat in my office, on my desk there was a letter from one my own colleagues stating they wanted this and that and that."
Laveist said he personally went through a political terrorism from that day to his eventual demise.
The former commissioner said he is a very emotional person but he is also a very honest man, he said he may have made some administrative errors but crime is not something would have ever gotten himself involved with. Laveist said he was not brought up that way and a criminal is not him. He further explained that he simply could not be involved in crime even if he wanted to do so.
"When your own colleague could conspire your own demise and take every document they think you probably made some sort of error on to the prosecutor, and if you expect that kind of behaviour would survive this executive council it would not happen." "When your own colleague would take their campaign manager who happens to be the head of a department and terrorize you from the very first day. I was hurt that I wept when I could not get from the department of labor the renewal of my mother's onderstand and doctor card." Laveist obviously emotional and hurt as he poured out what he went through grab everyone's attention that was present. Laviest said he would prefer to do a root canal everyday of the week rather than to endure that which he did endure while in the DP executive council. "To Maria Buncamper Molanus my former colleague I want you to know that I am down but not out. But by the Grace of God and I will say this to you No Weapons Formed Against Me Shall Prosper" Members of the public who was in the hall at the time repeated the same words after Laveist as he said it. Several persons came to Laveist and congratulated him for speaking out against the injustice he went through.
The statement caused several persons in the tribune to moan in sympathy with Laveist, some said the members of the DP party were plainly wicked.
Laveist said to his colleagues who were present in the island council namely Sarah Wescot Williams, Roy Marlin, Commissioner Theo Heyliger that they are not the responsible for what is happening. He also made clear it is also not Island Councilman Leroy De Weever. He said there is cancer in the DP party that is eating it from the inside out.
Laveist said to Wescot Williams that despite cutting branches and pruning trees, they would have to cut the cancer from the root in the Democratic Party. Laveist then addressed DP member and former commissioner Michael Ferrier by telling him that both him and Marcel Gumbs know of that cancer. "I need all of you to know that I will focus on my defense and by God's Grace I would get out of this".
Laveist then took a punch at one of the daily newspapers that tries to bring him down on a daily basis in an effort to destroy him. "What you see happening here is exactly the way I wanted it, in the new government. I do not want any position or anything for the formation of the new government. I wanted nada nothing so please don't write in your paper this and that and thank goodness I am not a part of the new government." Laveist concluded by saying he is a God fearing man and God does not give anyone more than they can bear." He ended by saying Maria Buncamper Molanus and your "three headed imps" I am down but I am not out and promised to rise again.
Also very emotional is the incoming commissioner of Labour Hyacinth Richardson who told Laveist publicly that he has been praying for him from the day he was arrested in October last year. Richardson said when Laviest spoke he could not help but weep. The new commissioner went on to thank his relatives and supporters.
Richardson said he always told his parents that one day he would become commissioner and finally the day arrived however, he said he wished that it had happened last year when his father was alive, prior to concluding his statements Richardson had to leave the podium since he could no longer keep his composure.
Philipsburg: --- The island government of St. Maarten would have to put more focus on the completion of the new administration building said leader of government William Marlin at Wednesday's press briefing. Marlin said if one look at the building from the outside they would get the impression that government can occupy the building. He said the building does not have any interior partition; neither does it have fittings for telephone and IT.
The new leader of government said they would need at least ten to fourteen million guilders to complete the building before the civil service can actually move in to the new building. He said everyone knows that when the island takes up its country status the civil service will grow. Even though there is room for the added staff he said it is would not be enough. Marlin further explained that they would definitely have to move ahead with block D. He said the piles for the block were driven but the actual building is yet to be constructed.
Another focus the new government would have to take on is a building for the parliament since the island is looking to take up its country status. He said the present government administration building in its present form will not be able to accommodate parliament. He said even if they maintain the space and do some remodeling there would be no public tribune which he said he said would be difficult.
Education Portfolio.
The education portfolio also falls under the new leader of government William Marlin. He said already he is receiving a number of invitations for a number of graduations. The first is for Saturday at USM. Marlin said presently they have to focus on the scholarships for those students who would be leaving the island to continue their education.
While students that were approved for scholarship would not have any problems those that were turned down and is now in appeal will be affected Marlin explained.
He said they are looking to make sure there is a smooth transition especially for students travelling to the Netherlands. Marlin said so far he has not spoken to no one in the education and scholarship division to see how many students are set to leave.
Marlin said he was already approached by the president of the Teachers Union WITU Claire Elshot as well as some individual teachers expressing the amount of problems they are encountering in public education. The education commissioner said the WITU president and the teachers are very much concerned about the new set up of the school board for public education. He outlined some of the concerns are the placement of teachers, the appointment of school managers and supposedly the demotion of persons who were acting principals for over 10 to 15 years. Some of these persons may have to go back as being classroom teachers while others are moving up the ladder. He said right now this matter has to be reviewed while they would have to also deal with court cases that were also filed in court. He said these areas will have his attention in the next few days.
Blackman to handle Personnel and Finance.
Newly appointed commissioner Xavier Blackman would be responsible for personnel affairs and finance. Blackman made the disclosure at Wednesday's press briefing. The new commissioner said he did not have any exciting news to share with the media since only two days ago they took office.
He said the new executive council has a gigantic amount of work ahead of them and the only thing they need to focus on is to deliver.
He said for them to do so they would need to do rootless execution without wavering and looking back with hesitation. The executive council would have to do everything jointly. He said in the new setting the human resources will play a major role and for this reason he has been saying that there would need to be open and good communication and dialogue for proper execution to take place for the transition date.
Frans plans to Revamp Sports-Says Now he is in Driver Seat.
Commissioner Frans Richardson said he is responsible for Economic Affairs, Tourism and Sports. He said he know that the task ahead of him is huge especially pertaining to the island's economy. He said during his first press briefing on Wednesday that the executive council as a collective body is ready to take on the new challenges that lie ahead of them. Richardson said they are also looking forward to working with the other stakeholders.
The Economic affairs commissioner said they are eagerly awaiting the report on the economic summit that was held over two months ago so the government can seek solutions to regenerate and revitalize the economy of St. Maarten.
Also on the economic front Richardson said he being a young businessman has some ideas on what needs to be done in the issuance of licenses. He stressed with the present economic down turn everyone needs to become proactive in finding solutions.
With regards to sports Richardson said this is something that has always been dear to him. Most importantly he said he has heard of the sport policies of the former government and now he is looking into seeing that document to see where they were heading. His intentions he said is to merge his goals and intentions into that policy for sports.
He said he already has an idea on what needs to be done but it is in his opinion to see this handled jointly with government and the business community. Richardson said he believes a lot of issues relating to the youths that has little or nothing to do after school can be solved.
He said he believes the two major stakeholders, businesses and government should get off running on this issue.
Richardson said on more than one occasion he went to the media complaining about the lack of concentration on sports. "At that time I was not in the driver seat, now that I am sitting in that seat I intend to drive"
Richardson said the new executive council does have experience with them and he vowed that they would get off the ground running after they get their staff and office in order. He called on the media to give them some time for them to properly install. As for the airport he said he knows of the plans since he worked at the PJIAE for ten years. "What is happening at PJIAE, I know of it because I had seen the design and I know what the company's vision was".
Richardson said he knows that some tweaking needs to take place within that government owned company but he felt with the good relationship he had with his former boss he believes they will be able to identify the things that needs to be regulated.
MARIGOT-The gendarmerie has received and some 73 new gendarmes who arrived from France on Wednesday. Prefet Delegue Dominque Lacroix had asked the State for additional manpower to curb the escalation of crime mainly armed robberies on the French side of the island.
While 73 new gendarmes have arrived almost 30 of them are replacements for the mobile brigade whose term has ended. They are also working closely with the immigration department (PAF) the territorial police and customs.
The extra law men are being kept at La Savane, Marigot and in Oyster Pond.
Philipsburg: --- The United Telecommunications Services (cooperate) has netted 8.1 million guilders in profit for the year 2008. Making the disclosure to the media on Monday was Managing Director of UTS St. Maarten Glen Carty. Carty said this is the third straight year UTS has been making a good profit. He said beginning 2006, 2007 as well as 2008 the company has earned themselves a profit. Carty said the company whose head offices are in Curacao managed to close their books in a timely fashion as laid down by the laws for government owned companies.
While Carty could not provide the exact figures as to how much St. Maarten has contributed to the profits for the year 2008 he did say he is certain the island contributed to at least one third of the figure. UTS are providing its services throughout the Netherlands Antilles, (St. Maarten, Saba, Statia, and Curacao) as well as St. Kitts, Suriname and Holland.
Carty said the company is showing signs of progress in St. Kitts this last year as they are now adapting to the marketing of that island while in Suriname the market is fairly new but they have recorded losses this year.
Carty said UTS St. Maarten has been doing extremely well since the launch of Chippie where they have over 30,000 in prepaid clients. He could not provide the figures of the post paid customers which he said is growing by the day due to demands and sales of the Blackberry.
Carty said one of the best decisions the company made in 2008 was the purchase of Caribserve internet provider company which now forms part of the UTS cooperate. One of the main focuses of the company Carty said is customer care and the services they provide to their customers, which includes the new stores that was recently opened up.
Carty said to date the Chippie services are still growing while the Blackberry the newest kid on the market is a fantastic component to the chippie family. Carty further explains that in the beginning the Blackberry was not doing as they had expected since there was no roaming services available. Roaming is now available in the United States, the Netherlands and all of the islands where cable and wireless are available. Carty said they are still in the process of signing roaming agreements for the Blackberry services in other parts of the world including Europe. The managing director said it is incredible to see the role that the Blackberry is playing since it was used in the formation of the new government. UTS will soon be providing GSM services in St. Barths as well.
UTS are now working on their website which would be used to provide much needed information to their customers. He said in the near future clients of UTS would be able to pay their bills online. The company he said is also working on their call center help desk since they have been receiving complaints from customers who are not able to make contact with UTS via phone easily. When this service is activated Carty said customers from the neighboring Saba, Statia and St. Kitts would be able to call in free of charge to gather information on the services they provide as well as billing.
Another vision the company has is to try and call each and everyone of their post paid customers to inform them about their due date to avoid disconnections. Carty said even though he knows that would be burdensome and risky to call everyone in their post paid database the company he said is willing to try and provide that personal touch with their customers.
Another priority for UTS this year is focus more on the French side of the island said Carty. He said the only reason they did not place enormous focus on the French side of the island was because they were busy fixing the glitches and upgrading the Dutch side market.
Carty said the company now has someone with French background on the management team this person he said would be working on getting UTS on board the French islands since the packages do have some differences. Carty said the French side did help them develop their sales on the Dutch side and now the time has come for them to increase their sales on that side of the island.
Another focus he said would be implementing of the UMTS -3 G. Carty said UTS would be the first cellular and internet provider to launch the 3-G on the islands St. Maarten, Saba and Statia. When this new service is launched Carty said Saba will go down in history for being the smallest island with such capabilities. The testing for the 3-G UMTS will begin at the end of July. A service that would provide mobile internet, this service will soon be able on the French side of the island also.
Carty said the company invested millions to improve their services throughout the islands such as providing services to their clients at the Princess Juliana International Airport, something they have been working on for sometime.
The company has managed to increase their coverage in several areas of the island by adding more cell sites and has already installed the necessary features for the launching of the 3-G. The company is also focusing on training their employees so that they can be fully acquainted with the services they provide.
Some of the other plans and projects in the pipeline are the securing the grounding of their facilities since the islands are in the hurricane belt. The company already constructed the cell sites in Saba since there are no fiber optic cables to those two islands. The company also invested 3.1 million guilders in upgrading their technology for the islands and USD $10 million dollars for their billing system an effort they are making to pave the road for other services in the pipeline such as being the best in customer care.
Roy Richardson from Caribserve who was also present at the press conference said that Caribserve who is part of the UTS family said they are largest broad band service provider on the island and they are continuing to increase their subscriber base with continuous growth. He said the company has been making major investments o consolidated the internet services that was provided by UTS prior to their merging.
Caribserve he said has 17 tower sites all of which had their capacity increased. Caribserve he said will soon be introducing the WI-Max to compliment the WIFI. This new service he said will be implemented by the end of the year. Richardson said since Caribserve is continuing to conduct research they feel WI-Max would be an asset to users on St. Maarten. He said UMTS would be seamless roaming WI-Max will the service for the next generation.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—On Wednesday, the Department of Permits & Licenses, Public Vending & Economic Control (V.O.S.E.C.) and Control, Inspection, and Security (C.I.B.), paid a visit to a lottery company to conduct a regular control. During the control the inspectors weighed the individual balls that are being used in the number games, bingo and other types of games.
These controls are done, according to Mr. Franklyn Cuffy, Section Head, VOSEC, so that the costumers can see that controls are being carried out and to determine that there is no cheating in the games of the lottery companies.
Also assisting in the control is Mr. Ronnie Cornelius, Section Head of the Weight & Measures, on the island of Curacao. The two Island Government Departments joined forces in this instance to carry out a more effective execution of control of the establishments.
“The controls are meant to see if the lottery houses are in accordance with the ruling body for the number game on the Island of St. Maarten,” Mr. Cuffy said. “We are checking if the balls that are used have the same weight or the tolerance that is accepted. The drawing balls should have the same weight because you pay (the consumer) for the game and it has to be fair.”
The policy states that the control exercise is carried out every six months, and to check only for the weight of the ball, if they comply. Mr. Cuffy said that no balls were found with any deficiencies.
PHILIPSBURG—GEBE management, supervisor and department heads completed the final round of trainings in the Management Executive Program conducted by Dr. Charles Cambridge and Mrs. Miriam Martinez of Productivity Managements Associates Inc. A total of 74 employees completed the training program that was held at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort from June 1 to June 12, 2009.
GEBE Managing Director, William Brooks, commended the employees for their commitment in completing the Management Executive Program. “We are proud to round off this fundamental phase of management training for all levels of supervisors. Expanding the management skills of our staff is a critical component in preparing the company for a High Performance Workplace. ”
The fifth and final module of the Management Executive Program consisted of case studies, in basket exercises and role play where participants demonstrated their learned skills under time pressure. Time management, decision making and negotiation tactics were all part of the assessments. The participants were observed by the program facilitators who reviewed their performances and will receive feedback based on their strengths and improvement points. Each employee also completed an individual management style profile that will help them evaluate their approach to supervision, coaching and leading their team members.
The Management Executive Program consisted of five training modules that spanned over a period of one year including Human Resource Fundamentals, Operational Skills, Integrative Skills, Improving Efficiency & Effectiveness,Change Management and concluded with the assessment sessions. The total program consisted of approximately 75 training hours per person, totaling over 5400 training hours, invested in upgrading the supervising and management skills of the GEBE personnel.
The Management Executive Program is one element of the foundation being laid on which the change management in GEBE will take place. This foundation includes the Work Attitude Survey, High Performance Workplace Awareness training, and Management Team Retreat to ensure that each and every employee in GEBE has the skills to manage and implement change in their departments. Between 2007 and 2009, all 235 GEBE employees have attended the different trainings as part of the preparations for a complete company transformation into a High Performance Workplace.
In addition to the training, individual interviews were held to discuss proposed action plans for the different departments that can better achieve GEBE’s organizational goals and vision. These action plans will be collated and discussed at the highest levels during a Strategic Planning and Envisioning Summit which will be attended by all stakeholders later this year. The outcome will be a roadmap for the transitions that need to take place in GEBE in order for the company to achieve its vision. Once this roadmap is established, a number of transformation taskforces will be formed to work on implementing proposed changes in priority areas.
The Management Executive Program was coordinated by the GEBE HR Department, drs. Richard Hodge and his team. Hodge emphasized that “training continues to be a high priority for GEBE. Only by continually investing in our team, can we continue to meet the development and challenges in the utility industry today and tomorrow.”
The University of St. Martin (USM) Ambassadors recently ended the year with a breakfast party at the Sonesta Great Bay Hotel. President Magdalene Bary and Director of Admissions Angelique Hazel expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the students. Outgoing Ambassadors which include Lenworth Wilson, Shirmel Dickenson, Natasha Carriere, Mery Ann Wilks, Maggie Gumbs, Sjadira Gaari, and Kevin Spence each received a token of appreciation for their service to the University.
Philipsburg:--- The Department of ROB and VROM was found to be changing the figures and calculation methods for certain projects. This was discovered during the three months investigation carried out by the SOAB. In their preliminary report they found that the legal charges for building permits is based on the figure submitted by the applicant and the calculated business value from VROM.
The inspectors found in their investigation that the legal charges are based on the lowest amount mentioned. There were cases where the legal charges were based on the highest amount but eventually was changed to the lowest business value.
After checking and making their own calculations the inspectors of SOAB believes the civil servants working in the two departments were changing the figures intentionally. The calculations is supposed to be done from a set formula however, there are evidence to show that the figures were intentionally changed so that the legal charges would be higher than it was supposed to be.
According to the SOAB report when they questioned the director of ROB he stated that the requests for permits for one building are done in stages so that the applicant would pay less legal charges. Based on test calculations conducted by the investigators they discovered that by splitting up the larger projects into small projects yielded much higher legal fees.
The SOAB believes that this is only logical since the calculation method is digressive.
Upon further investigations the SOAB discovered another reason for splitting up of the bigger projects is that the smaller project on the same building would always be under the Naf. 500.000 which means the Director of ROB would be the one signing off on the permits instead of the executive council.
Philipsburg: --- Reacting to statements made over two weeks ago by Minister of Constitutional Affairs Roland Duncan regarding the police on St. Maarten. NAPD representative Norwin Villarreal said Duncan is acting rather childish with his statements. Villarreal said the police are entitled to have their house rent allowances and it is only normal for them to inquire about these benefits now that St. Maarten is seeking its separate status.
The union representative said they do not want to have to deal with the situation Aruba had to deal with when they gained their status apart. He said back then several police officers were asked to leave, so in the case of St. Maarten these officers are saying that if their benefits cannot be assured they are ready to leave the island. Duncan had said St. Maarten has 120+ officers and crime is on the rise, the minister felt St. Maarten police should do more to further combat crime. In response to that Villarreal said that Duncan is part of the central government and they are responsible for putting a plan in place which the police would execute. He said Duncan should at least take responsibility for being part of a government who is not doing enough to enhance the police departments. Villarreal said the police on St. Maarten are not against anybody instead they are willing and ready to work with everyone. He said if the Marechaussees are coming to St. Maarten the only thing the local police want is for them to get into the blue uniform and hit the streets like the local police whom he said is on the road daily solving crime.
Reacting to statements published in one of the daily newspapers that said it is only the RST that is solving crime, Villarreal said the St. Maarten Police Force is highly understaffed and in many cases there is one detective working on 20 cases while in the department of the RST there are 20 officers working on one case. He said one cannot expect them to compete with the RST who has more manpower. The NAPD representative said when the RST solves a case they did not work on it alone instead the local police and Curacao police would assist with the case before it reaches the RST. He further explained that he spoke to the prosecutor whom it was reported made the statements and the prosecutor he said clarified what he said compared to what the journalist wrote.
Additionally Villarreal said Duncan should find out the reasons why the Voluntary Korps and Soualiga Police were recruited before making statements. He said these people were recruited by the police to patrol on the boardwalk and other parts of Philipsburg. Villarreal said Duncan made some rather childish statements when he said the police officers only had big bellies. “As far as I am concerned Duncan is childish and he needs to act more responsibly.” Villarreal said.
MARIGOT—The gendarmes have arrested two teenagers as suspects in two separate cases of armed robbery. The arrests were made on Tuesday.
An 18 year old young man has been summoned to court for the robbery at a grocery store in Marigot. According to a press release from the gendarmerie two men held up a staff at the grocer in November 2008. The suspect in question held the woman at gun point while his accomplice made off with the days earnings. The suspect has to appear in the juvenile court sometime in October 2009.
The gendarmes also detained a 17 year old lad who is suspected of holding a woman at gunpoint in her Marigot home. The victim was forced to hand over her monies and jewelry to the two intruders. The 17 year old has to appear in court in September 2009.
Willemstad/Philipsburg: --- Minister of Justice David Dick is seriously looking into implementing the Brooks Tower Accord which was signed on March 2nd 2007 by the five Lt. Governors of the Netherlands Antilles and the Minister of Justice.
The accord was debated throughout the year 2006 and was finally signed in 2007.
In a telephone interview the Minister said it if was up to him that accord would have been implemented since it was signed but St. Maarten he said was not doing what was necessary claiming that the proper infrastructures were not in place.
The Minister said as soon as the Police Affairs move over to their new office space which is presently under construction then the policy will be implemented fully. While there were plans to have the policy implemented by July 1 the Minister said it would not happen before the new office spaces are ready. He said he does not want anyone to fail from executing the rules and regulation laid down in the accord for lack of infrastructures.
While not giving out all the guidelines of the accord he said the intention is fix all loopholes that existed during the grace period. “Right now both Curacao and St. Maarten are having some serious immigration problems and something has to be done to regulate it.”
Even though this policy is not published neither implemented fully it was being used in the revised labor policy which became effective on January 12.
At least two lawyers on St. Maarten already filed some court cases against the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten for using the Brooks Accord to his benefit and not to the benefit of those applying for legal documents to reside on the island.
Persons residing on St. Maarten before December 2001 as well as their dependants could apply for residency under at least eight conditions. The applicants must have an arrival stamp on their passport and make it acceptable to show that they have never left the
Netherlands Antilles since their arrival, they would also need to provide at least one or two residency permit or a copy of their petition that they have filed for residency. A request from the census office, and proof that they have been working continuously on the island as well as paying their social charges including income tax. Also acceptable is any other form of proof that the person has been on the island before the stipulated date of December 2001.
Philipsburg: --- Opposition leader of the island council Sarah Wescot Williams at a lengthy press conference on Monday told reporters that it is now 21 days since the National Alliance, Theo Heyliger and Laviest political agreement has been signed and still there is no governing accord.
The former leader of government said she had anticipated seeing the governing program of the new executive council published by Monday since the signatories to the NA/ Heyliger agreement said it would have been ready in 21 days time.
In related matters Wescot Williams said she wants to know if the new executive council would bring on board the draft integrity policy on commissioners which was submitted by the island Lt. Governor in the year 2002. She said this document already passed through the central committee and the only thing that is left to be done is to bring it to the floor of the island council. The opposition leader said this can be done immediately since the new leader of government had raised his concerns on the integrity policy on a number of occasions. “I believe this can come to the floor of the island council before the recess”.
Wescot Williams said that Marlin had said that the Dutch were concerned about the lack of integrity in government on St. Maarten. She made reference to statements made by Minister of Constitutional Affairs Roland Duncan who said the current government would do the things the former government neglected to do, such as the gaming control board, an ombudsman, and the execution of law of cooperate governance.
Wescot Williams said the former government had begun working on a plan regarding integrity in government both for commissioners and civil servant. Civil servants she said had to undergo some training for so –call back uppers for every department and sectors.
She part of the plan was the awareness campaign and two codes of conduct.
One of the codes of conduct she said were for politicians especially members of the executive council and the other for civil servants. Wescot Williams said her government was following a program but there is nothing wrong with pulling out the one of the Lt. Governor and the other draft for civil servants. She said she already warned prior to leaving office that if the new executive council does not plan to bring out these policies then she would make sure it happens as an opposition leader, in an effort to assist the current leader of Government William Marlin.
Good Governance
With regards to cooperate governance the former leader of government said the Democratic Party led government for years had been adjusting the articles of incorporation of government owned companies in compliance with the resolution of financial supervision.
The documents she said was presented to the State Secretary of Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveldt to which the State Secretary had responded on May 20th with four remarks. Those remarks was highlighted were to be adjusted. Wescot Williams said after the adjustments were made which she described as technical then the ordinance on cooperate governance and policies were going to receive the stamp of approval required for the resolution on financial supervision based on article 32.
Regarding the Gaming Control Board the Wescot Williams said in 2006 the DP executive council had submitted a request for financing which was rejected by the Minister of Justice (Riberio). She said the executive council had objected to the rejection and when the current Minister of Justice David Dick took office the matter was again tabled.
Minister of Justice David Dick had asked some questions to which answers were submitted in August 2005 as well as a request which was sent to USONA for financing.
Wescot Williams in 2007 the executive council was notified that the notary was to make the statues for the Gaming Control Board. However it was later learnt that the Minister only gave the notary his request in April last year. Wescot Williams said she cannot say what caused the delay which is over one year.
Ombudsman
Wescot Williams also gave an outline on the setbacks regarding the installation of an ombudsman on St. Maarten. She said putting an ombudsman in place would call for an office space as well as four to five persons to work in said office. She said this matter was vetted on December 15 2008, since the law for the ombudsman for country St. Martin was made and submitted to the Netherlands in April 2009.
Wescot Williams said several other proposals were made with respect to the ombudsman. One of the questions pertaining to the function of the ombudsman was to see if that person or office can act on the infringements committed by government owned companies and other agencies. While the former government was also considering if reports could have been made at the office of the ombudsman when there are integrity infringements. Wescot Williams said she is curious to what would be the reaction of the new executive council pertaining to these two proposals which is already there.
Labour Policy Concerns
Former Labour commissioner Sarah Wescot Williams said she already expressed her concerns when she learnt that the current executive council has decided to shelf the policy. She said the present government had said their intention is not to change the policy of the previous government but instead make them work better for the people while complementing them with their own initiatives and improvements.
She went on to read quotes such as “working feverishly to continue the work of the previous executive council and employ whatever possible from the previous administration in its own criteria of governing.”
The former labour commissioner said the executive council has decided to shelf the revised policy and revert to the old one of 2003. She said she already voiced her concerns about the actions of government since they did not allow themselves to become familiar with what was taking place in government. Wescot Williams said if the media reports are true regarding statements made by the current labour commissioner. She said she is also concerned about the statements made on one of the talk shows which suggested that government is committed to carry out what their campaign financiers feel is important.
She agreed that certain issues in the policy had to be worked out and adjusted. She said the only reason the changes were not made is that the tripartite committee had to sanction the changes that were made. Those changes included the age limits, housing, moratorium, and other issues.
Wescot Williams further explained that the need to revise the old policy arose in 2006 and a first report was submitted in January 2008 while the policy itself was approved by the governor general in October 2008. The revised policy was implemented on January 12 and was in its trail phase. It was scheduled to be discussed in August.
Philipsburg: --- Police has detained a woman from the French side of the island. The woman has been identified as C.B. and she was involved in a fight with another woman identified as S.C. also from the French side of the island. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the two women were fighting in Philipsburg leaving behind some damaged properties. Leonard said both women were brought in by police but after interrogation C.B was placed in custody. Police also interviewed a number of eye witnesses Leonard said.
According to police reports the two women has some sort of problem which has been ongoing for a long time. “These two women fought already on the Dutch side as well as on the French side and each time they are being arrested” Leonard said the two women has some kind of feud which started at their work place, but even though time has passed they refused to get pass the problem and they would fight. The police spokesman said they begin involving other members of their families in their ongoing dispute.
French Quarter/ Philipsburg:-- The team of divers who have been searching for the remains of the Leta Lynn Cordes over the past few days have decided to resume the search in another area close to the Etang de Poisson (Fish Pond). Prosecutor Rienk Mud in a press release said the team comprised of 15 divers from the Netherlands, France and America have been searching for the bodily remains of Leta Lynn Cordes, who went missing in January 2008. Mud said extensive searches were conducted on the French side of the island of St Maarten in an area known as ‘ Etang de Poisson’, including the mangrove area’s surrounding the water. The whole area was divided in to sectors and thoroughly searched. In some cases waters were very shallow and could be searched on foot.
Based on information gathered during these searches, it was decided to execute another search attempt in the vicinity of Etang de Poisson.
Sources close to the investigators said the search team would be conducting the other search at the end of Le Galleon Beach. Part of the beach has been closed off by the Natural Reserve and that area was not thoroughly searched in the past the source said.
Philipsburg: --- The National Alliance/ Heyliger Executive Council has taken yet another major decision regarding labour permits as they have decided to take away the mandate from head of Island Labour Rafi Boasman.
Reliable sources have informed SMN News that the executive council took a decision on Boasman some two weeks ago but kept the information under wraps. The council
already sent a request to the Lt. Governor requesting that he take away the signing of work permits from Boasman since there are a number of allegations against Boasman.
It is not clear who would be taking over the signing of labour permits if the governor goes along with the request of the executive council and if Boasman would be re-assigned. The source said that since the new executive council has not been getting the cooperation from that department and no work is moving forward at Island labour department.
Mostly importantly Boasman was questioned on numerous occasions by SOAB for alleged wrong doings but so far no action is taken. It is not clear if the SOAB submitted a report to the former executive council and if they failed to act.
The source further said the SOAB began investigating the labour department about a week ago. It is understood that the SOAB is looking into the procedures that are being used to process working permits. It is said the SOAB will be investigating all departments that deals with handling and processing of working permits. One of the major concerns for SOAB is the fact that MICHMAR Agency is operated by the sister of Rafi Boasman. It is further said that Boasman never turned down a request for a working permit that is processed by MICHMAR Agency, something that has a clear conflict of interest.
Should Boasman be removed then he too would have to go back to the department he came from which is the island secretariat. Already Gracita Arrindell is waiting to be placed since she won several court cases against the island government.
Already former commissioner of labour Louie Laveist has openly expressed his concerns about the department head. Laveist had also said he had a deal with the former executive council to remove Boasman but the DP led executive council did not live up to the so-call deal during the saga of Maria Buncamper Molanus.
Laveist had said on several occasions that this was one reason he left the Democratic Party and went independent. The Island Council man gave a very emotional speech during the swearing in of the NA/Heyliger government saying that he could not even get his mother doctor card and onderstand renewed. All of which he said was blocked by Boasman.
Louie Laveist also gave his support to the National Alliance/Heyliger government when he withdrew his support from the Democratic Party.
Marigot: --- An accident between a motor car and a scooter has left one person dead. The accident occurred at around 8 am on Sunday morning on the Cul de Sac main road. According to information reaching SMN News the victim who is known in the Grand Case community as Stephanne Movaise (25) was pronounced dead at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital.
Eyewitnesses say the first set of persons to arrive on the scene were the fire fighters who went to give assistance. It is said the firefighters performed first aid until the SMUR arrived where the victim was given further medical assistance before being transferred to the L.C. Fleming Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
His cousin Alfred Benjamin said Stephanne an employee of the “Decharge” waste landfill in Cul de Sac was on his way back from work and it appeared that he lost control of his scooter on the road which was wet due to rainfall. Benjamin said according to the information given to the family is that when the victim lost control of his scooter he ended up under the un-coming car. Investigation so far indicate the death of Stephanne was caused by an accident, his cousin explained.
At his Grand Case home last night was his mother Daphne Richardson and four siblings along with other relatives. Benjamin said Stephanne is certified to work at waste processing since he worked and trained in Guadeloupe.
Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of Economic Affairs Frans Richardson signed off three proposals with the St. Maarten Small Business Development Foundation. (SBDF) on Monday. Head of Economic Affairs Lucy Gibbes said SBDF is a vital organization for the development of small and medium enterprises on island. She said especially during this economic times the organization’s role is even more vital. The three projects are the SBDF support which will focus on capacity building, the consumer protection act, be your own boss program.
Commissioner of Economic Affairs Frans Richardson in his remarks said that St. Maarten’s does not have a very diverse economic activity. He said this mostly happens in the tourism sector but by strengthening the Small Business Development Foundation (SBDF) and stimulating a more diverse section of the business sector should improve the economy. ‘This would make the economy less prone to external shocks that affect the tourist industry.” Richardson said doing so would also create more jobs which would accommodate the labor market.
He said an economic diversification study was carried out and that indicated the kind of economic activities that are more feasible for St. Maarten.
Those activities are the Marie (i.e. those providing services for yachts and yacht owners.)
Logistics and distribution (becoming a logistical hub for the region) hydro- farming and agro-processing which is to foster small scale and local entrepreneurship.
Higher education (attracting foreign students by becoming an attractive and host for foreign educational institutions (An option would be to attract higher education in the fields of tourism.

The objective of the policy is to create a more sustainable economy through economic diversification. Create alternative jobs outside of the tourism sector as well as to diversify the tourism product.
The three projects that were signed have one objective in common which is to create jobs outside of the tourism sector. Many young people on St. Maarten live in the reality of a social exclusion. In addition to unemployment. Poverty and restricted access to vocational education and recreation. However many are exposed to crime and violence.
Richardson said because of the amount of un-employed youths the SBDF in collaboration with the private sector intends to start job training programs for the youth in depressed communities. Training will be provided for a period of one year in building trades, maritime, sectors as well as masseuse. This program would continue for three consecutive years,
The “Be your Own Boss Project submitted to the island government stands at NAF. 859.950, 00. This amount represents three programs for a period of three months.
The policy measure in this project entails the development of the educational and the poverty alleviation process.
It is also geared towards the new economic activities within the present educational and infrastructure. The objective of the program is to combat the unemployment rate by offering entrepreneurship in general while combating youth delinquency.
The target group for the projects ranges from 18- to 26 years old or school dropouts, delinquents, ex convicts, and the unemployed youths. The duration of the projects would last 36 months where the sum of NAF. 859.950, 00. is committed.
The SBDF support capacity would last four months and amount s to Naf. 250.000.
The goal of this project is to upgrade the organization which would enable them to cater to more clients.
The third and most important project is the consume protection act which would last a duration of four months which would cost Naf. 50.000 part of which would be coming from the Social Economic Funds.
The goals of this project are to maintain the reputation of St. Maarten as the shopping Mecca of the Caribbean.
The objective of the project is to draft the legislation and enforcing the law on consumer protection.
AIRPORT -- PJIAE is making good on its reputation of being the Catalyst of Activity in the Simpson Bay area. In a move that should entice people to come and experience the uniqueness of its Food Court, the airport company is launching a Sizzlin’ Summer Special with attractive deals for customers.
“It’s a scorching 30 degrees out there this summer, and here we have a comfortably air-conditioned building with unique food establishments that many locals do not really know much about. We hope to be able to take advantage of the slow months ahead of us to change this,” said Mrs. Lucrecia Lynch-Matinburgh, PJIAE’s Marketing and Communications Manager.
While the Sizzlin’ Summer campaign was initially designed to draw traffic to the airport, PJIAE and the companies that operate inside the Food Court intend to use the opportunity to express gratitude to the St. Maarten community for its continued patronage. “We know a lot of families will not travel abroad this summer, so we are pleased to offer them an alternative,” said PJIAE President, drs Holiday.
JOINT EFFORT
The campaign will feature a weekly Friday evening party dubbed the Friday Summer Cool Down, a coloring contest for children under 12, and a weekly raffle among Food Court patrons which will peak at the end of September with the drawing of a monetary contribution toward a child’s school-fees. This prize -NAf 1,100- is a joint effort by PJIAE and the concessionaires, as a combined show of commitment toward education.
To win, customers must purchase from at least three of the Food Court units during the campaign, collect stamps from them, with which they enter not only for the weekly raffle, but for the grand drawing as well.
The businesses are also offering other special treats. “This is a wonderful idea from PJIAE Management to increase traffic into our establishments,” said one of the business owners.
All agreed that for the duration of the summer campaign -which begins next week and runs till September 30-, each child accompanied by an adult will eat for free at any food establishment on the ground floor of the airport building. “One of the units on the ground floor will be fitted with a bouncer and there will be other daily games, and snacks and ice cream at discount prices in the Food court,” said Mrs. Lynch.
SO MUCH MORE
The Sizzlin’s Summer Campaign fits well into the airport’s efforts to further institutionalizing its So Much More retail brand that was launched a few months ago.
The catalyst of development in St. Maarten, PJIA now has a diverse offering of services in its terminal building, ranging from parking, to taxis and limos, to tour busses and beauty salon, banking and Wi-Fi, as well as conference rooms, to food and beverage and shopping. “Name it and you can most likely find it; if not, we are working on it,” PJIAE President drs. Eugene Holiday said. “Every business that is represented at our AeroCity was carefully selected. Everyone living in St. Maarten should come down to PJIA, whether you’re traveling or not- and experience St. Maarten’s AeroCity. An experience that undoubtedly lead you to conclude that PJIA is “So Much More.”
Cole Bay:--The midyear conference of the Democratic Party gets underway on July 11th, 2009, starting at 9 a.m at the Rock House Restaurant at Port de Plaisance. The conference starts out with election of the Board of the Party, which board will serve for the period 2009-2011.
According to the Party’s constitution, voting for board members takes place by the registered district delegates.
All 10 positions on the board are up for election; these include President, Vice President, Secretary-General, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Deputy Secretary-General and 4 posts of Commissioner (Member) of the Board.
Several persons have already postulated themselves for a position on the new board, and any registered member of the Party can do so as well by contacting any board member or Mrs. S. Kadowski at tel. 542-0154.
The conference continues in the afternoon with presentations by several speakers in the areas of Education, Constitutional Matters, Economy, Justice, Health and Government.
District delegates are reminded to be on time and the general membership is reminded of the afternoon session, which includes the presentations on topics mentioned above.
La Savane: --- It’s already three years since he has been serving on St. Martin and the time to leave the island known as the Friendly Island is already here. Captain Loic Barras told reporters on Thursday that his last day of work would be on July 15th while his successor would be taking office as of August 1 2009.
Asked if he would regret leaving the island Baras said he is ready to go since he believes serving on the island for three years is enough. He said he would be taking up a new position in the gendarmerie school as a professor. Baras said he may be holding that position for a maximum period of two years.
A cocktail party is planned for 13 July at Beach Plaza Hotel at 11am.
Marigot: --- St. Martin has attained his status change some two years ago but at no time did the elected officials on the island tell its residents that they were leaving the State and going independent. According to what we know is that St. Martin is now governed under the article 74 of the French constitution. The State according to what the politicians said still has the obligation to give St. Martin all its financial benefits. If that is the case is yet to be seen even though the funds actroi de mer has already disappeared. However, the obligation and the duty of the island are to give respect if they are to be respected.
Over the years all overseas islands including St. Martin has celebrated the fete de la Bastille (July 14) our children look forward to the days activities and the fireworks at night as this marks their culture and tradition as a French nation. However, this year the Collectivity of St. Martin allowed the organizers of the Caribbean Festival to have carnival celebrations on July 14.
Sources tell us that even the monies for July 14 were used up for the Caribbean Festival. This they said caused some confusion in the COM since those organizing the fete de la Bastille were not happy with the organizers of the Caribbean Festival.
The COM has decided to conduct the protocol of July 14 during the morning hours where they would have the traditional church services and the wreath laying in the garden of the COM or what we know as the veteran’s monument. Strangely while residents of Grand Case will be preparing for their boat show and other activities several persons and troops would be parading through the streets of Marigot. It is still not clear if the traditional concert and other activities would be held on the night of July 14. What we are told is that there would be some sort of mini fireworks.
Philipsburg: --- Head of new projects Kurt Ruan and Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said traffic towards the Midas roundabout will be rerouted as Saturday. Ruan said some changes had to be made to better accommodate the traffic situation in that area. Ruan said the situation these past weeks has been somewhat complicated for heavy equipment operators as well as other road users. Ruan said traffic coming; the direction of KFC on Welfare Road going toward AJC Browers Road would have to make a right turn to go over the hill while traffic going towards Union Road would proceed around the round about and take the lane towards Union road.
Traffic he said coming from Welfare Road as well as traffic coming down the Cole Bay Hill going towards Marigot would be using the same direction. This new measures is adverse compared to what was being used over recent weeks. Ruan said the construction of the Midas Roundabout is done in three phases, phase one the circle which consisted of the re-routing of the traffic and the construction of a part of the round about which is where the Midas building was located was done without hindrances. Ruan said the workers are presently working on the second phase while the third phase would be the completion of the round about.
Ruan said they notice traffic going down Orange Grove road comes to a standstill on Wellington Road. Ruan said reason for this is because part of that road still had two way traffic and as of Saturday that too would change. Wellington Road will have two lanes going into the same direction so that traffic would flow better.
Head of Traffic Hildo Martina further asked road users to pay close attention to the new sign boards to avoid congestions.
Traffic Officers as well as the contractors were seen on the locations on Thursday where the necessary planning took place.
Marigot: --- It is the first time in St. Martin’s history and the celebration of Bastille Day that the celebration was based on the formalities and not the true meaning of celebrating July 14th. Besides the dignitaries and those that organized or participated in the day’s event there was hardly anyone witnessing the ceremony. A traditional church service was held at the Marigot Catholic Church after which the wreath laying ceremony at the monument for the war veterans. During the wreath laying ceremony attentions had to be shifted after an elderly man accompanying the veterans fell due to the intense heat.
Dignitaries from both side of the island as well as Anguilla and Guadeloupe had to braze the hot sun with its intense heat over to the market place to look at three costume parade which was terribly organized.
Dignitaries were overheard asking if they can at least get some cold water as they wait for the parade to begin. Some wondering when the parade would start as they were seeking shelter at the individual stands. The gendarmes and the military were the first to begin the parade then a long pause before the other two troops got close. Shortly after the dignitaries who seemed disappointed walked back over to the Collectivity where the official speeches were given. Sources say the troops did not come out since most of the monies for the Bastille Day Celebration were given to the organizers of the Caribbean Festival who held their final parade on July 14th.
President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs based his speech on its theme “Protecting and Preserving the Environment”. Gumbs said he had said when he was appointed that focus has to be placed on the environment which needs to be cleaned up. He spoke of the amount of car wrecks that were removed from the streets of St. Martin which he believed would assist in decreasing delinquency.
Senator Louis Constant Fleming in his speech had more of message for the State, Fleming said St. Martin already has its new status, and there should be no discussion on which article of the French constitution should govern the island. He said the organic law has to be upgraded with changes. He said the government would present a new draft of the organic law in October where some of the changes would be realized. Fleming said he wants the State to know that some of the laws they are seeking to implement on St. Martin would be detrimental to the island and it would not be possible for those laws to take effect locally if the people are not consulted. The senator said St. Martin has to remain vigilant. He called on the population to act more responsibly when speaking on behalf of the island. He cautioned that bringing down the island would not help it.
While the Deputy of the Region Victorin Laurell obviously attended the ceremony to begin his political campaign as he is sure looking for a third term in office. Laurell said that while the two islands St. Martin and St. Barths are seeking to have their own deputies, that to him is not necessary however, that has to be decided by the men and women of the islands. Laurel said the next election for the deputy seat would bring about some frustration however, his hope is that the text on these elections will be respected. Laurell also called on the island to capitalize on their riches of being multilingual.
The deputy said right now they are trying to make sure all Lycees in Guadeloupe engage in exchange programs so that students can become bilingual before leaving high school. Something that can happen on St. Martin also. Laurel said Guadeloupe is looking in opening a school for political science since they already have agreements with several of the Caribbean islands. While this maybe a school of political science the deputy said this should be viewed as a business opportunity. He felt that it is necessary to give students on St. Martin and Guadeloupe the opportunity to study abroad just as is done in Dominica and Libya. Laurel said the Regional Council already put the monies to the disposal of schools in Guadeloupe to introduce a system of inviting English speaking schools to their Lycees in Basseterre. Laurell feels all of this would contribute to sustainable development. He also felt that more can be done to further develop the cultures of the three islands.
Marigot: --- Several persons within the community are questioning how the 350,000 Euros was spent on organizing the Caribbean Festival since several persons were not paid for the services granted.
Reliable sources have informed SMN News that even the boat that brought in the troops from Guadeloupe had to create confusion for their monies, while the person who made the costumes for the local troops threatened not to deliver the costume for lack of payments. The source said the local organizers who signed the contract to organize the event are even more disappointed when they saw what the overseas promoter delivered for the three days of activities. It is further understood that the organizers wanted 500,000 Euros from the Collectivity including permission for ten days of Carnival but that was denied by the President of the COM.
One local promoter on the French side of the island said that he could not believe the elected officials allowed such a thing to happen especially now that St. Martin is affected by the economic gloom. He said he promoted several shows both on the Dutch and the French side and almost every night they are sold while the Caribbean Festival was a complete lost. “One would expect when someone invests that amount of money they would at least make back the money.”
The local promoter said the artists that were chosen for the three nights are mostly for older people and not today’s generation. “The youths today do not know anything about Steel Pulse, when organizing events like these the organizers have to know what crowd they are catering for.” Furthermore, most of the people that attended the shows had free passes, and by the last two nights the entrance fee had to be removed.
The set up of the entire Alberic Richards Stadium was horrible. An example was given on how the booths were the set up. The booths were far away from the stage. It is understood that the booth holders did not make any money either because of how far away they were and mostly because the booths were actually backing the stage. Preparing and dealing with the organizers was a disaster since they were not willing to listen to anyone another participant who is still waiting for his payment said.
There are also locals who make beautiful costumes on the French side and they were not contracted. The Collectivity it is said contributed some 155,000 Euros while other entities such as the Tourist Office and Semsamar came up with the rest of the monies. “None of this money stayed on St. Martin and all we know the man that came in to organize does not have a good reputation in Martinique and Guadeloupe yet he was brought in to organize the three day activities. This promoter it is understood is going home with over 60,000 Euros in his pockets” Another local artist said that while several troops on St. Martin participates in the annual Carnival they never got 10,000 prize money.
The first failure they said was to have the organizers hold the event during the July 14 activities. The organizers promised to have fifteen troops on July 14th but at the end of the day they only had seven.
Philipsburg: --- The executive council will be respecting the court decision in relation to the case of former island council lady Gracita Arrindell. Leader of Government William Marlin said they are busy working on a proposal for Arrindell which would soon be offered the new position based on the court judgment.
Arrindell took the island government to court on at least three occasions after they refused to grant her back her position in the island secretariat. Arrindell left her position after she was elected to office as an Island Council member. She tried returning back to her position when she lost her seat in the 2007 elections.
Willemstad/St. Maarten– Following the improved border control on the Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten will, by order of the Minister of Justice David Dick, receive an accommodation centre for foreign nationals who do not have the required residence documents. The holding centre will be situated next to the police station in Simpson Bay.
The building will consist of three wards, including one for women. It will have day-and night accommodations and on each floor, there will be an open air space. All of the wards will have several toilets and showers, and a separate room with a bathroom for a family. The day centre will be equipped with a television, books, and games to pass the time.
The building compound is designed to take in a maximum of 64 undocumented persons. “They are not meant to be detained for a long period of time,” says the Minister. “In general two days is the time needed to deport people from the Antilles? When someone does not have a passport, is not willing to talk or not willing to cooperate, it will take longer.” The holding centre has a room reserved for lawyers, where the detained clients can converse with their attorney. Those who are deported will be denied entry to the country for a period of three years. This will be checked through the database of the holding centre, which is linked to the border control system at the airport.
“St.Maarten has had plans for a holding centre for more than ten years already,” says Ivan Fraites, project leader Building and Housing for Plan Veiligheid Nederlandse Antillen, the program whereby the new building will be financed. “The island has waited a long time for it, but this multifunctional building meets all expectations.”
It entails a new building based on the design of Indepent Consulting Engineers, which also designed the Simpson Bay police station. A two-story building will be built on the parking lot next to the police station, whereby the entire ground floor will be reserved for cars.
The architectural design fits the style of the surrounding buildings, and in addition completely adheres to the requirements imposed by the justice department. The design of the building compound takes the safety regulations, privacy of the undocumented persons and the physical situation such as sufficient lighting and ventilation into consideration. The holding centre meets the requirements of the CPT, the European Committee regarding torture and other cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment.
Five local construction companies have shown an interest in the execution of the project. These five applications are being evaluated at the moment. The selected contractors will receive an invitation for participation in the application for the execution of the project in the near future. The call for tenders’ period will take about eight weeks, after which the project can be assigned. The expectation is to start the construction in October.
Madame Estate: --- The detectives as well as prosecutor Rienk Mud conducted a house search at a home in Martinique Drive Mount Willem Hill Madame Estate. The search was conducted around 2:30 pm on Thursday.
The detectives also arrested a 21-year-old man who was born on St. Maarten. The suspect has been identified as X.W. Law enforcement also confiscated some items that were in the home. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard confirmed that a house was searched in the Madame Estate area and X.W 21 years old was arrested. Leonard said X.W is allegedly involved in using force in robbery cases.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed that he was on the scene and the house located in Madame Estate was indeed searched. Mud also confirmed the arrest of X.W. The public prosecutor declined to give further information on the ongoing investigation.
On Tuesday June 2, 2009, the gendarmes arrested X.W along with three other persons, two male and a female in a stolen truck on the French side of the island. X.W and one of the other suspects identified as V.S were released by the French authorities and were to return to court later this year.
Two of the four suspects were transported to the Dutch side as they were suspected of being involved in robberies on that side of the island.
Shortly after the officers of conducted a house search at the home of one of the suspects identified as M.H and found a number of stolen items, some of which (specifically a cellular phone) belonged to one of the victims of the Bijlani attacks in Bel Air.
Police as well as the prosecutor’s office has remained tightlipped about the ongoing investigation. So far, it is not clear how many robberies the suspects are involved in and when the cases will be taken to court.
GREAT BAY,– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with yet, another group of stakeholders, this time, small hoteliers. Represented at the meeting were operators of L' Esperance Hotel, Turquoise Shell Inn, Mary’s Boon hotel, Carl & Sons Guesthouse and Joshua Rose Guesthouse.
The group informed Commissioner Richardson regarding their views on the current economic developments and outlook.
The commissioner was informed that, across the board, small hotels are seeing an average of between 20 and 50 percent decline in business.
The small hotel operators noted that it is difficult to compete for guests, since larger hotels are now offering lower rates for accommodation. In many cases, the rates are the same as offered by smaller hotels.
Commissioner Richardson was informed that smaller hotels, in many instances, depend on the regional market, a development attributed to immigration policy changes that require some Caribbean guests to have at least 800 U.S. dollars in cash on their person, upon arrival.
As a result, prospective visitors are no longer visiting St. Maarten, the commissioner was informed.
There are several current and future initiatives to mitigate the current impact of the economic decline.
Small hoteliers are now conducting their own marketing strategies as opposed to depending on the S.H.T.A.
The meeting addressed the topic of promoting sports tourism targeting the region, as a way to attract guests in the off-season.
Small hoteliers discussed the implementing of more focused marketing through more accurate collection of data (ASIC).
Commissioner Richardson was further informed of their opinion that there are insufficient “come to St Maarten” advertisements.
Suggestions for structural short-term solutions to be implemented, in collaboration with government include allotting a portion of the marketing stimulus plan to the promotion of small hotels and guest house.
Great Bay: ---A group of 12 travel agents recently visited the island on a familiarization trip organized by All Ways Tours, a Valencia-based tour operator in Venezuela in collaboration with Insel Air. The group was hosted by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.
The group arrived Saturday, July 11 aboard Insel Air flight 7I 531 from Valencia, Venezuela, via Curacao, and immediately proceeded with site inspections at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Sonesta Great Bay Resort and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort before checking in at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort, Spa and Casino, where they stayed until their departure on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
In total, the Venezuelan travel agents conducted about eight site inspections and managed to find time for some recreational activities, especially on Sunday, when they were able to take a snorkeling tour of the island.
“We had a wonderful time and hope to return with a lot of clients to enjoy the pleasures and live the unforgettable experience of your fantastic island,” commented leader of the group, Linda Labastidas of All Ways Tours.
“St. Maarten is very unique and has lots of beautiful attractions that will make it easy to sell to Venezuelan travelers,” added Brenda Aguilar, one of the travel agents on the familiarization trip.
Several of them promised to return on private visits for R & R later in the year, with a few already setting dates for their vacation here.
“It’s my first time here and I am surely coming back,” said Noliber Sulbaran.
Another member of the group, Jose Manuel de Ascencao described St. Maarten as “a hidden paradise.”
“Well, no more,” he said. “The whole of Venezuela will hear about this treasure in the Caribbean.”
The group was ecstatic as they were featured by surprise on the popular Spanish-language radio program, “Fiesta Caribe,” whose host, Ricardo Rey, welcomed them to the island live on air Monday on 105.5 FM of the Laser radio network.
“I was so stunned that I was almost speechless,” said Jualy Lopez, who was interviewed live on the program via cell phone connection while returning from a site inspection.
She said the group was very impressed with the island and had a marvelous time. “This is a dream experience; simply fantastic,” she added.
The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau has been actively nurturing the Venezuelan market, which it sees as a potential growth market that will allow further penetration of the Latin American market.
GREAT BAY (GIS)—School bus drivers are reminded of the upcoming school bus inspection, July 21-23, which will take place at the Jose Lake Sr. Ball Park, from 8:30 am -12 noon, and 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm.
All school busses will be inspected. Any bus not meeting the safety standards of the traffic ordinances will not be granted permission or compensation to transport schoolchildren in the further.
Please contact the Control, Inspection, and Security Department to schedule your inspection appointment as soon as possible.
CIB/CIS Control, Inspection, and Security will be in charge of the inspection, and the inspectors will be looking at safety and comfort factors.
The Section Head Ms. M. Thewet and the inspectors have a checklist of factors to examine, from the brakes to the lights to the seating, plus making sure that the school bus drivers have valid drivers license and valid insurances.
Public busses are also subject to inspection but at this time CIB will be focusing on school busses.
For more information or to register, please contact: Ms. M. Thewet, CIB Tel: 542-4511, fax 542-3800.
Philipsburg: --- The Chamber of Labour Unions is calling on the cabinet of the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten as well as the Minister of Justice David Dick to publish the “Brooks Tower Accord” which was signed on March 2 2007 by the Minister of Justice and all the Lt. Governors of the each island territory of the Netherlands Antilles.
At a press conference on Wednesday members of the Chamber Claire Elshot and Theophilus Thompson said that since the revised labour policy, which was implemented in January 2009, is creating confusion they believe that implementing the Brooks Tower Accord with regulate the loop holes relating to foreign labour. Elshot said the island government (former executive council) has referred to the Brooks Tower Accord in several of the articles even though the policy has never been published. Elshot said while the policy was drafted a tripartite setting it was not totally finalized when the former government implemented it.
Elshot said the unions on St. Maarten who is falling under these policies (Brooks Tower, and revised labour policy) on a daily basis; she said that with the present situation it is adding more confusion to their member’s brain.
Elshot said it in the opinion of the unions that the two policies should have been implemented together since the objective of the Brooks Tower Accord is to structure the foreign labour force on St. Maarten. Elshot said that several persons who gained their residency during the grace period is now living on the island illegally since their working and residency permits have expired. She said the Brooks Tower has three approaches to which foreign workers can gain their residency.
One of the procedures in this accord would deal with persons who have been living and working on St. Maarten up December 31 2001, the second category would deal with those persons who have been living and working here since January 1 2002 to December 31 2005 while the third category deals with persons living on St. Maarten from January 1 2006 to present. Elshot further explained that because neither the Lt. Governor nor the Minister has published this accord, which is referred to in the new and revised policy has left everyone in a limbo.
The unionist said that instead of revising the revised policy in August the island government should see to it that the Brooks Tower Accord be published for the sake of clarity and that of the workers. The chamber feels that if the Minister of Justice was interested in changing the situation regarding labour/ immigration and education to change then he would have to honor and implement the accord, which was signed off by all islands. Elshot said if this is not done then St. Maarten would forever have a chaotic situation when it comes to immigration and labour.
The chamber feels that this is perfect timing for the Minister to publish the document now that there are so many controversies regarding the new revised labour policy.
Elshot a teacher by profession said the policies in place makes it almost impossible for school boards to get teachers to fill critical vacancies. She is said it is practically impossible for these school boards to have teachers they badly in need of to wait outside of the island as the work and residency permits are processed. Elshot said if the two policies are brought together then the unions is of the opinion that the shortage of teachers and certain other workers would be regulated since workers would know how to register and how to demand their rights.
Theophlius Thompson who is a member of the tripartite committee said the unions have taken the decision to call on parties to have the policies implemented since according to him two wrongs can never make a right. Thompson said the former executive council implemented the policy prematurely and they had contested the implementation. Thompson said even though the tripartite worked on drafting the policy they never saw the final document before it was implemented. He said after that the had a consensus to meet in August to further debate the policy but now that the National Alliance/ Heyliger executive council has decided to withdraw the revised policy it creates more confusion. Thompson said they already met with the labour commissioner once and they discussed the policy but were also scheduled to meet with the commissioner on Thursday but that meeting was cancelled due an emergency island council meeting. In an invited comment, Minister of Justice David Dick said that the people in the labour department should begin doing their jobs and stop blaming others for their failures. Dick said he would not be making the same mistake as others and the policy would be implemented when police affairs and immigration affairs are housed in the same building. He made clear that there is no backlog in immigration and once the labour department grants a working permit then a residence permit is also granted.
MARIGOT—The Sous Prefecture in a press release is inviting members of the public to install security systems at their private pools especially for summer vacations. The prefecture said swimming pool owners must abide by the regulations that correspond to the law of January 3 2003.
This law they said is to prevent drowning incidents particularly for young children and persons who cannot swim.
The reminder came after a case of drowning in France where a pair of twins drowned in a pool on July 4th.
The prefecture said as of January 1 2004 a law was implemented for private swimming pools. The law states that all pools constructed before January 2004 must have security reinforcement in place to prevent drowning. Persons who do not respect articles R 128-1 to R.128-4 can be fined up to Euros 45,000.
Philipsburg: --- Several onlookers gathered in front of the government administrative building yesterday to witness the show of colors from the Democratic Party and that of new party of Commissioner Theo Heyliger as they gatheredto honor the late Dr. Claude Wathey on his 83rd birthday.
Prior to the laying of the wreaths Valerie Gitterson Pantophlet told the gathering that it is a distinct honor for them to honor the late Wathey at their annual wreath laying ceremony.
She called on those that gathered their to give their respect and honor the great political leader. She said the gathering on Friday is not the same as the last nine years since the late Clem Labega is no longer among them. A minute of silence was held in honor of the late Labega who passed away two months ago prior to the wreath laying ceremony.
The first wreath was laid on behalf of the Democratic Party by leader and deputy leader of the DP, Wescot Williams, and Erno Labega.
The second wreath was laid by the grandson of the late Claude Wathey, Theo Heyliger on behalf of the executive council. Third wreath was laid by the Director of the University of St. Maarten Mrs. Josianne Fleming Artsen, the fourth wreath by the Chapter of the young professionals, while the fifth by the Foundation of the Dr. AC Wathey for Political Awareness, and the final wreath was laid by the relatives of the late Wathey.
After the official wreath, laying ceremony the two political parties took the time to pose with their individual groups and supporters around the statue representing the late Dr. Claude Wathey.
Airport:---Windward Islands Airways has announced that effective August 1, 2009.They will be closing their ticket sales located at their headquarters on Saturday’s and Sundays.
This, the company said through its Managing Director, Edwin Hodge as a direct means of cost cutting measure. Hodge pointed out that in an effort to save the company monies they have taken this decision with the view of maintaining workers jobs. Keeping the office open would mean increasing staff, which at present the company cannot accommodate
“We recognize that our employees are our primary responsibilities and in an effort to ensure that we continue to deliver the level and quality of service that is of significant standard we have sought to find means and measures in cutting cost,” Buncamper said.
He added, as companies around the world continues to feel the effects of the global financial crisis it is only imperative that appropriate band creative decisions are made so as to safe guard employees jobs while reducing operational costs.”
He noted that closing the office on these two days would enable Winair to save needed monies thus helping in moving the company forward. He also noted that bookings can be made at our Handlers Halley Aviations Services at PJIAE or can be made on-line 24 / 7 thus he has urged the public to continue making maximum use of the company’s relooked website, www.fly-winair.com
Marigot: --- Leader of the Union Pour le Progres and Senator of St. Martin Louis Constant Fleming made his position clear regarding the French Tourist Office. Fleming in an interview with SMN News said he is rather concerned with how the Tourist Office is spending the people’s money and who are being hired to promote tourism on St. Martin.
Fleming said just last week he called in the President of the EPIC Ida Zin Ka Ieu where he had a serious discussion with her pertaining to the Tourist Office, the UPP leader said he does not believe the tourist office is doing a good job marketing the island. “Right now they are acting more like a committee de fete rather than promoting the island overseas.” Fleming explained that there is no need for the tourist office to organise promotional activities on the island instead, they should be working closer with the Dutch side to promote the island overseas.
Another concern for the UPP leader who was given the mandate of the people to govern St. Martin is the amount of foreign workers that are being hired by different sectors of the COM. He said he personally gave Zin Ka Ieu the resume of a very brilliant St. Martiner who could have rejuvenate the working relationship with the Dutch side but the EPIC president did not heed his advise. “I personally advised the EPIC president to call in this person and see what they can offer to St. Martin because the French looks at tourism differently from the Dutch.”
“How can you take on someone that has a handicap in communication with their counterparts as a director and most importantly why St. Martin should hire these young foreigners? He said he is not questioning anyone’s qualification but if that person has a language or cultural barrier then they are no use to the Tourist Office. My objective is to see the see the Office du Tourisme function as a tourist office and not as a committee du fete”.
Fleming said while there are a number of studies made on tourism the monies spent by the tourist office brings back no returns to the island. He admitted that very soon an audit would have to be conducted to see where the two to three million Euros are being spent. He made clear that while there are people who have political responsibilities also have criminal responsibilities. If there is an investigation done they would have to answer to the authorities like everyone else if there is misappropriation of funds.
Fleming said they have agreed that tourism is the common denomination of the two sides and it is imperative for them to work together. He said he particularly told the EPIC president that she cannot fight or cause war with the Dutch side instead the French side has to be humble and admit that the Dutch side has progressed more than the French side of the island. The senator said he is not in a position to judge what took place at the tourist office over the last 20-years but he does know that the island has to move forward.
The senator said it is clear that the Dutch side is ahead of the French side because of their investments while the French side is yet to catch up. He said prior to having major cooperation the two-tourist office must begin to work together on a closer level.
Fleming said that unless the two entities work together the island would not move forward. “It cannot be that the Dutch side is marketing in the US and South America and the French in Europe. It is evident that flights from the US and South America is the easiest to get to the island while the US has more potential for tourism.”
Asked about the amount of monies spent to organize the Caribbean Festival the president said the CTC would have to answer to this also because he himself cannot understand who would organize such an event in July and charge 30 Euros for patrons to attend shows during a recession. Fleming said he has been listening to the radio programs like everyone else and he heard the stories of how many people were not paid also. This he said has to be clarified by the CTC and the Collectivity.
The senator said he already had an experience with the CTC in 2008 when they built a number of booths for the carnival village and gave the COM a bill of Euros 100,000 which had to be paid by the SEMSAMAR. Fleming said right now St. Martin needs money for training of its civil servants and he does not know how to approach the State for this money when the island spent Euros 400,000 on a fete. Another concern for the senator is the promoter that was brought in from Guadeloupe to organise the event. The UPP leader and senator said he is expected to invite all his councillors (majority) to a meeting including the President where they would have to establish their achievements over the last two years. He said election would be in two years and his party would have to show him what they achieved. “When we elected the executive council there were four vice presidents, each of them has responsibilities and they would have to show what they accomplished over the last two years.”
Philipsburg: --- Residents of St. Maarten would be loosing one of their movie theatres as of this Saturday confirmed Jasper Virckx. Virckx said that management decided to close their doors due to the economic recession facing the island and other parts of the world.
Virckx said over the past weeks they noticed a huge decline in their patronage and realised that the economic situation would not get better anytime soon. He said for this reason they have decided to call it quits.
An email was sent out to all patrons of the theatres informing them of the decision taken by management and they made an offer to sell one of the lounge seats to anyone wishing to make the purchase.
Philipsburg: -- Police arrested a fourth suspect on Sunday at the Princess Juliana International Airport as a suspect in Saturday’s armed robbery in Maho.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard identified the 28-year old man from Curacao as J.I.L. Leonard said J.I.L was arrested around the midday hours at the Princess Juliana International Airport as he was about to board a flight bound for the United States.
Those arrested on Saturday has been identified as G.H (41) from Curacao, G.H Leonard said is the oldest of all the suspects, and he was the driver of the get away car. The suspect that locked himself up in the bathroom has been identified as S.P.B 21 years old and he is from St. Lucia, while the third suspect has been identified as C.L 32 from St. Maarten.
Police is also on the hunt for at least two more suspects the police spokesman said. Asked if any of the suspects are connected to the robbery that took place last week at Goldfinger store at Marina Royale. The police spokesman said they are also investigating to see if the alleged suspects in custody were involved the robberies committed on the French side of the island as well as other robberies that took place at other locations on the Dutch side of the island.
Philipsburg: -- The police have arrested a fifth suspect who is suspected of being part of Saturday’s armed robbery in Maho. Several police cars including the military helicopter was involved in a high speed chase in the Belair area.
Sources told this media house that police were tipped off that the suspects were hiding in the bushes next to Learning Unlimited School. Police arrested an 18-year-old young man identified as K.I from St. Lucia.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said the police are busy rounding up the rest of the suspects who committed the daring armed robbery on Saturday in Maho.
Several armed bandits entered the Gold Creation Store where they held the employees up at gunpoint before hammering the glass case and stole an undisclosed amount of jewelry. The bandits were intercepted by a lone police officer. Officer Isel Doran was flagged down by a tourist who saw the robbery in process. The alerted cop turned around and as he approached the store, the bandits fired at least two shots at him. Swift acting police officers who were informed of the robbery in progress arrived on the scene minutes later. They managed to capture three of the suspects shortly after while a fourth was arrested on Sunday midday while trying to board a plane bound for the United States.
Port of Spain, Trinidad:--- -Minister of Constitutional and Home Affairs Roland Duncan arrived in Trinidad and Tobago over the weekend from Curacao and was welcomed by the Prime Minister of the twin republic the Honorable Patrick Manning during an introductory meeting in Port of Spain.
The purpose of the visit was to give the Caribbean islands insight on the constitutional changes the Netherlands Antilles are presently undertaking and to explore and strengthen ties in the region. Membership in CARICOM and OECS was also discussed.
The Prime Minister of Trinidad was very interested in the process currently occurring in the Netherlands Antilles and stressed the importance of maintaining contact between the islands. Minister Duncan also indicated that he hoped that Prime Minister Manning would accept the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles for a courtesy visit in the near future.
Later in the day, Minister Duncan met with his counterpart Hazel Manning, Minister of Local Government, at which time Minister Manning’s technical staff made a presentation on local government in Trinidad. Minister Duncan was accompanied by the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Horbach, the representative of the Netherlands Antilles in Trinidad, Mrs. Louise de Bode-Olton and the acting director of Administrative and Constitutional Affairs Ms. Ivy Lo Tam Soen.
For more information please contact Ms. Ari Sutton at the Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs at Brooks Towers, Phone 542-9081.
Willemstad:--– After a thorough analysis together with advisors, Minister of Justice David Dick concluded that information should be given out as to possible solutions for the problem concerning undocumented persons in the Antilles.
This decision was discussed with the future Minister of Justice this week. It was not possible to publish the information earlier seeing as the basic conditions for The Admissions organization had not yet been met. The condition is that the regular service sector is guaranteed before the problem of undocumented persons can be solved. To realize this, a basic provision is needed, consisting of a sound infrastructure with adequate housing, sufficient qualified personnel, and customized ICT.
On Bonaire, the Foreigner Management System (FMS) is already operational. The employees are busy removing pediatric illnesses from the system. Following Bonaire and Curacao, St. Maarten now also has an adequate furnished location on Illidge Road in order to be able to offer regular services, be it within a new organizational structure, the New Admissions organization.
In the meantime, an interim-chief (Robert Barby) has been appointed on St.Maarten. The move to Illidge Road will take place at the end of August, after which the location at Sun Color Building will be furnished so that the project ‘registration and handling undocumented aliens can commence.
In order to also start the project on Curaçao, a suitable location is being looked for in consultation with the Department of Labour Affairs. The offices at the Waaigat will still be used to offer regular services. The negotiations for a new location are in full swing.
It is expected that all infrastructural renovations on all islands will be implemented by mid September, after which the handling of undocumented persons on all of the islands will take place in phases and in an orderly manner. The fact that an alien is considered undocumented as long as he has no legal status, is expressly pointed out.
In the Brooks Tower agreement, which was signed on the 2nd of March 2007 on St.Maarten by the Minister of Justice and the deputies of the five islands, it is described how the problem of the undocumented persons will be dealt with. The aliens are divided into three categories according to the date of arrival. In due time, the Minister of Justice will implement the Brooks Tower agreement in phases. The categories are:
1. Persons who entered the Antilles before the 31st of December 2001;
2. Persons who entered the Antilles between the 1st of January 2002 and the 1st of January 2006.
3. Persons who entered the Antilles after 1st of January 2006.
Persons from group 1 can apply for a permit on their own merits, while the persons from group 2 need their employer to apply for them. Persons from group 3 will be treated humanely, but for them there is no possibility of legalizing their status and they are requested to leave the country. If necessary, they can apply from abroad and await the process of the application in their own country.
The conditions will be published in the media soon and will be available at various embassies and consuls, at the Admissions organizations and the Department of Labour Affairs. The implementation of the project registration and handling of undocumented aliens will be evaluated along the way. In practice, situations will be revealed which were not held into consideration during the development of the policy. If such is the case, then the policy will be adapted. The new project will commence between the 15th and the 20th of September 2009.
Great Bay– Filming will begin in earnest this Friday for a new promotional video for St. Maarten, which will replace the current one in use mainly in the United States market.
The Florida-based production company, Tambourine, has already carried out preliminary preparatory and scouting work, looked at various locations, and auditioned some St. Maarten models who will be featured in the video and photo shoot, along with professional models from abroad.
The 10-man film crew will fly in Friday, and immediately go to work at Tantra where it will capture the thrilling nightlife at this premier entertainment center. Creative Director, Rafael Cardozo, is very excited about the video and photo shoot.
“St. Maarten sells itself. Its breath-taking beauty, its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, the completely duty free shopping, exhilarating night life, and the numerous activities ranging from water sports to windsurfing… all of these features make the island very unique,” Cardozo said.
“We are bent on making this the best promotional video the island has ever had, and we are sure we are moving in the right direction with the full cooperation of the Commissioner of Tourism, Mr. Frans Richardson, who has expressed personal interest in this video and photo shoot, as well as the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau,” Cardozo added.
“They are sparing no effort in ensuring that we have everything we need to produce a first-class promotional video.”
Commissioner Frans Richardson said the new promotional video and photos is part of his efforts to re-brand the island, and launch a more aggressive advertising and promotional initiative particularly in our main source market, the United States, as well as in other markets.
“This is very necessary especially in these times that we are going through, with the figures showing a huge decrease in the number of tourists we’re receiving at this time of the year,” Commissioner Frans Richardson said.
“The whole world is experiencing a major downturn in tourism performance with the global economic crisis we’re all facing and we cannot afford to fold our arms and do nothing, but be creative and come up with new and appealing ways to market the island,” the Commissioner added.
Director of Tourism, Ms. Regina Labega, in agreeing with the commissioner, added that Tambourine would produce not only a new promotional video for the island, but also new stock photography that can be used in print advertising, etc.
The video and photo shoot will conclude on the island on August 14th while the final product is expected to be ready in time to make a significant impact on the coming high season.
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Philipsburg: -- The police have arrested a Jamaican national who attempted to rob a bar at gunpoint early Sunday morning. During the incident, one person was shot and has to undergo surgery to remove the bullet, which is logged in his shoulder. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said on Sunday August 9 at approximately 12.15 a.m. the Special Robbery Unit and Forensic Department were sent to "El Pollito Bar" located in Sucker garden for and attempted armed robbery.
On the scene detectives learnt from the owner of the bar identified as R.M. that around midnight two suspicious looking men came into the bar ordered two beers and shortly after, after paying for their drinks, walked out of the bar. Approximately 10 minutes after these same two men walked back into the bar, one of the men had a gun in his hand, walked straight to one the clients in the establishment, aimed the gun at him, and demanded he that he handed over his wallet.
The second robber in the meantime stayed at the door on the "lookout.” R.M. saw what was going on and attacked the robber in the attempt to disarm him. A struggle started between him and the armed robber. A client in the bar assisted R.M. in disarming the robber.
When the robber on the "lookout saw what was going on he took off running. At the same time, the robber fired a shot from the gun hitting a client with initials F.L. in his right shoulder. R.M. and F.L. succeeded in disarming the robber and holding him until the police arrived.
The suspect has been identified as D.A.B. from Jamaica was arrested on the spot and taken into custody. The weapon was confiscated for further investigation. The victim was taken to the St Maarten Medical where he would undergo an operation to remove the bullet, which remained logged in his shoulder and is not life threatening. The suspect is not cooperating in the investigation and the police department is asking anyone who may have any information in connection with this case to call the police and give the info that would assist them in solving the case.
Philipsburg: --- Prosecutor Rienk Mud demanded a total of 30 years for 29-year-old Devon Otto who was charged with multiple crimes including murder. Otto appeared in court on Wednesday to answer charges on the murder of Stanley Orlando Gumbs who was killed on March 31 2008.
He was also charged with a number of other heinous crimes. Among some of the crimes committed is the armed robbery of three American tourists near the Bada Bing Night Club in Simpsonbay. Otto fired gunshots at his victims and even hit them in the head with the butt of his gun. He was also involved in another violent exchange during traffic congestion. The Abu Ghazi Shwarma was also a victim of Otto during an armed robbery, he also attempted to kill a police and VKS officer. The judge will issue his verdict in the next three weeks.
Airport: --- An early morning accident on the airport boulevard has left one man severely injured. The victim W.R.G is now nursing severe injuries in the intensive care unit of the St. Maarten Medical Center. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the man is supposed to undergo surgery but because of other complications that could not take place on Thursday.
According to reports reaching SMN News two SUVs has had a head on collision in the vicinity of Budget Car Rental, which Leonard confirmed. The police spokesman said the driver of M 6330 was heading towards the road to go to Philipsburg when the driver of P 225 R.G hit him as he was overtaking other vehicles. W.G.R Leonard said suffered several types of injuries including broken ribs, and knee which requires surgery. The traffic department Leonard said is still busy investigating the case.
GREAT BAY:---– The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) would hereby like to inform the community that St. Maarten remains under a Tropical Storm Watch according to the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service, as Tropical Storm Ana makes its way towards the Eastern Caribbean island chain.
Tropical Storm Ana on Sunday at 8.00 am was located approximately 470 miles East-Southeast of the islands. Maximum wind speeds are near 40 miles per hour. Ana is rapidly moving Westward at 20 miles per hour.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that there is a possible threat of tropical storm conditions within the next 36 hours while a Tropical Storm Warning is an indication that storm conditions can be expected within 24 hours.
Residents should use Sunday to prepare for tropical storm conditions, which are expected early Monday when weather conditions are expected to deteriorate.
Additional information will be issued by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Sunday afternoon after an emergency meeting of key disaster management entities, which is scheduled at 1.00pm.
This information will entail the national state of preparedness of disaster management entities; whether schools will open for the first day of the 2009-2010 school years; and the status of business openings for Monday.
Tropical Storm Bill as of 5.00am this morning has strengthened a little and is located about 1640 miles East of the island chain and has maximum wind speeds of 45 miles per hour. This system does not form any threat to the island at this point in time. Bill is moving Westward at 13 miles per hour and is expected to make a gradual turn toward the West North West in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Residents are strongly advised to continue to monitor radio and TV reports throughout Sunday, as more advisories will be issued by the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness with respect to the progress of Tropical Storm Ana and Tropical Storm Bill.
EOC meeting decides Schools Closed on Monday as precautionary measure; Tropical storm conditions anticipated from Tropical Storm Ana; St. Maarten remains under Tropical Storm Watch.
Philipsburg: --- Armed robbery suspect Louis Albert Alexis RICHARDSON a.k.a 'STICKY" from St Maarten, was arrested late Saturday night as he attempted to leave the island by boat to Dominica. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in his police report said at approximately 09:45 pm the wanted man was arrested during a joint operation involving members of the RST and Coast Guard and the local police Arrest Team on board a cargo vessel, “East Pac” which had just left the Philipsburg Harbour.
The vessel was intercepted by the Coast Guard while still in the territorial waters of St Maarten and boarded in the dark of night by members of the Coast Guard and Arrest team during an undetected surprise approach.
The suspect during his arrest resisted heavily, however he was overpowered by members of the Arrest-Team.
A bulletin was issued for the wanted man on Friday by the prosecutor’s office where a Naf. 3000. reward was offered.
"STICKY" is been sought for, as a suspect in several armed robberies and is the main suspect in the armed robbery at Gold Creation in Maho Reef. He is suspected to be the one that fired at least two shots at the police vehicle during his escape.
Reliable information reaching SMN News suggested that Richardson aka Sticky is one of the possible suspects involved in the shooting death of Haresh Dayalani. Asked about that chief prosecutor Taco Stein said he could not confirm the suspect’s involvement in the brutal killing of the businessman but said it has not been ruled out. Sources close to the investigation has informed this media house that this is the second suspect that maybe have been involved in the businessman’s killing and is now in police custody. However, both the police and the prosecutor’s office have remained mum on the investigation.
GREAT BAY:--– The Emergency Radio Broadcast System will be tested on Tuesday, August 18 at 7.15am. Residents can tune in to 107.9 FM.
Radio listeners will first hear a tone followed by a voice message and ending with a tone.
The emergency radio broadcast system is part of the Island Government’s back-up communication system to be used in times of disaster.
The system would be used to communicate with the community after a hurricane strike. Emergency management officials including the Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Governor Franklyn Richards, would be able to address the nation with respect to issues related to pre and post storm and hurricane strikes.
The emergency test is also being simulcast via the other participating radio stations.
Philipsburg: --- Armed robbery suspect Louis Albert Alexis Richardson aka “Sticky” was shipped out to Curacao on Sunday to avoid him from mingling with his co-conspirators confirmed Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. Stein said the investigation into the crimes Sticky is suspected of committing is ongoing. The Chief Prosecutor of the Windward Islands refused to divulge any information into the ongoing investigation, which he said, are conducted jointly with the local police and RST.
Stein said Sticky was involved in the robbery two Saturday’s ago in Maho (Gold Creations), while he is also suspected of other robberies. Asked if the suspect is also involved in the shooting death of Marigot businessman Haresh Dayalani, Stein said he would not comment on that since he would not want to jeopardize the ongoing investigation.
Stein thanked the media for their assistance on Saturday that led police to the wanted man who was captured the same night his photograph was published.
As for the arrest, Stein said it was made at sea in a joint operation, which involved the Police Force of St Maarten, the Kingdom detectives (RST), the Coast Guard, and the Royal Dutch Navy.
Louis Albert ALEXIS aka “Sticky” was apprehended around 09:40 pm on Saturday August 14. Richardson is suspected to be involved in a number of armed robberies, and was attempting to escape from St Maarten on a cargo boat.
After intensive detective work by the police the escape was prevented, the Coast Guard and the Royal Navy played an important role in capturing the suspect Stein said.
Stein said Her Majesty’s “Amsterdam,” operating for the Coast Guard lay in ambush in a state of total blackout 6 miles off the Philipsburg harbor. When the radar indicated that the suspected vessel was leaving the harbor, a ‘super-RIHB’ was launched with members of the Coast Guard and of the Arrest Team (A-team) of the local Police. The LYNNX helicopter of the Navy gave air support with search light. When the barge was intercepted, the wanted man was found amongst the five-crew members. He was arrested and brought to land for further investigation.
Philipsburg:--- While reports were published in one of the Daily Newspapers indicating that the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laviest Government plans to have their party supporter Roland Tuitt installed as the Acting Lt. Governor. Leader of the National Alliance and leader of government William Marlin denounced the story saying it is false. Marlin said his party members of the executive council never had any discussions on neither replacing nor even adding another assistant to the Lt. Governor cabinet. Marlin said there are reporters on St. Maarten that lack ethics and they are writing stories for their own personal agenda or the agendas of their political supporters.
In an invited comment Tuitt refused to comment on the article in question saying when he is ready to speak out he would. The former commissioner under the SPA led government said he has nothing to say on the article and that questions should be directed to the reporter who chose to write the story.
Some two weeks ago, Marlin told the acting Lt. Governor Millicent de Weever she needed to call the opposition to order as they were abusing the rules of order during an island council meeting. His public statements to the acting Lt. Governor prompted the chairman of the island council and Lt. Governor of the Island Territory Franklyn Richards to call the council to order last week Monday. At a press conference afterwards, Marlin said he had indicated to Richards that de Weever did not seem to know the rules of order and he needed to speak with the opposition about respecting the rules of order. Since then Marlin did not comment on the issue. The leader of government said on Wednesday that the people of St. Maarten would soon realize that the newspaper and the reporter in question are misleading the public with some of the articles that are being published.
SMN News has learnt that Lt- Governor Franklyn Richards has submitted a request for a second acting Lt. Governor since other islands has two acting Lt. Governors. Reliable sources say that over the years Richards was not able to take his vacation or leave the island for extended periods since his acting on several occasions was not available. According to the island regulations, any person that is to be appointed from the private sector as acting Lt. Governor of any island territory has to be approved by the Governor General prior to it being sent to the executive council for approval.
In the meantime, the Democratic Party faction has sent a letter to the executive council posing several questions pertaining to the replacement of the acting Lt. Governor Millicent de Weever.
The letter from the DP faction was submitted on Wednesday and they want to know if the media reports pertaining to this story is true and if so when did the executive council proposed the replacement. The DP faction also wants to know what reasons were given to the central government to have the acting Lt. Governor replaced and how many candidates were submitted. The opposition also wants the names of all the candidates that were submitted and what is the response of the Central Government.
SMN News understands that the opposition faction held a meeting at the faction office on Wednesday morning prior to sending the letter to the executive council.
GREAT BAY:--- – Governor Franklyn Richards chaired an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting on Wednesday afternoon to review national preparations with respect to the passing of Hurricane Bill.
Bill is forecasted to pass well north of the island during the course of Wednesday night and into Thursday.
The meeting included core members of the EOC who determined that since Hurricane Bill does not pose a direct threat to the island, Thursday, August 20 will be a normal school and business day.
The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service has issued two advisories namely a, small craft advisory and a high surf warning, both to be in effect until further notice.
Weather conditions expected from Bill in addition to the above are, the development of more clouds and scattered shower activity and possible thunderstorms; sea conditions to gradually become rough along the coasts up to 10 to 12 feet.
Residents living along coastal areas should be vigilant as hazardous conditions are possible along North and East facing shores due to large breaking waves. Areas that may be subjected to high seas are Oyster Pond, Guana Bay, Point Blanche, Beacon Hill/Airport area, Simpson Bay area, and the Philipsburg/Great Bay Beach Promenade. Coastal roads may become impassable due to the sea washing sand on the road, motorists should therefore exercise caution.
The electricity production company GEBE has taken precautions and have plans in place to make sure that electricity production continues uninhibited during the high seas that are expected from the passing of Bill.
Conditions won’t be feasible for recreational swimming and persons are urged to stay onshore to avoid personal injury or death. Some coastal flooding is also possible according to the Antillean & Aruban Weather Service and owners of coastal facilities should protect their possessions against possible destructive waves.
Should coastal roadways become impassable, the Public Works Department will have crews available to re-open the aforementioned roads and any other that would be partially blocked or made impassable.
Low-lying areas could be exposed to flash flooding due to expected locally heavy showers. Expected rainfall is around 10mm to 25mm mainly from Bills feeder bands.
Residents should make sure that their garbage containers are secure so that they don’t fall over and garbage is washed into gutters and culverts thereby clogging up the drainage system and waterways.
Bill is now moving North West according to the National Hurricane Center, which would continue to keep it well away from the island as it continues on that forecasted direction at 20 miles per hour.
Hurricane Bill at 5.00pm on Wednesday had wind speeds of 135 miles per hour making it a Category 4 hurricane. Bill is the first major hurricane for the 2009 hurricane season.
“Remember ‘It Only Takes One.’ That is the theme of the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness, and all residents should take heed and make sure that they are prepared this hurricane season. Tropical Storm Ana and Hurricane Bill are indicators that you should have everything in place to protect life and property. If you still have not done so already for the season, please make the effort to protect your property and family as it only takes one,” Governor Richards Chairman of the EOC told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday.
The core members present at the EOC meeting on Wednesday were: Public Works Department, Fire Department/Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness, Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service, Government Information Service (GIS), and Cabinet of the Governor.
Marigot: -- The gendarmes arrested two persons, for being in possession of hard drugs. According to a press, release the 2 mules, a 21 year old, and a 17 year old were caught in a car during a regular control on rue de St. James. The two were found to have in their possession 10 rocks of crack cocaine and one gram of cocaine.
They were immediately placed in custody. The 21 old is scheduled to appear in courts while the minor would appear in November
The gendarmes also reported that an accident occurred on Wednesday in the Baie Nettle area. It is reported that a pedestrian was overthrown by a vehicle. The victim is this case was not seriously injured. The gendarmes are investigating.
French Quarter: --- The second highest award known in the French Republic “Remise de L’ Ensigne De Chavalier de L’ Ordre National Du Merite” was bestowed upon Vera Arnell on Saturday. Attending the event was several dignitaries from both French and Dutch side. Arnell was awarded for her contributions and commitment to the community especially French Quarter where she lived.
She is known as the retired nurse who dedicated her life to her family and education, and has been used as a living example. Among the dignitaries who always reflected on the life of Vera was Senator Louis Constant Fleming, who told the gathering that he on several occasions used Arnell as an example to others. He said Vera was dedicated and not only that but used education as a tool to place her children in every sector of the community. The senator called on everyone present to use Vera’s achievement and dedication as an example in their own lives.
Another recipient of a similar award was Rose Nicolas who was recognized last year, she said she could clearly remember the strict upbringing Vera had as a child and thus she contributed to the community as a nurse. Other invited guests did not fail to mention that even though strict there was that warmth and love that always precedes Arnell. It is said that Vera’s first priority was education and she was an instrument in providing books to the children of French Quarter. Arnell was also readily available to assist the children in the community with their schoolwork so that they could excel in education.
Arnell instilled moral values in those she met and empowered many pursue their careers. The award was pinned on by Katie Karam.
French- Quarter: -- The man suspected of shooting a 30-year-old man identified as B.R has surrendered to Gendarmes on Thursday. SMN News understands that the suspect identified as D. surrendered just after midday. About 4:30pm, several gendarmes including the suspect returned to the scene where the shooting took place, at Fleming’s Carpet in search of the shotgun that was used.
The gendarmes were seen chopping bushes in the area as the suspect; it is understood throw the weapon in the bushes prior to escaping. The victim is still nursing his wounds at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital.
Philipsburg: --- A 13-year-old boy who is not capable of reading and writing has been in police custody for the past three days. The youth is known for running away from home.
In an interview with SMN News, his mother Myrtle Nicolas said police told her, that her son Marwin Vallet was with some other boys at the Atlantis Casino picking up donations under false pretence.
She said police did not share much information with her but they said the young man committed fraud since he was picking donation for a basketball foundation. Nicolas said police said her son and some other boys who managed to flee from police collected donations from several places and were caught at the Atlantis Casino where they allegedly ran away with a computer and a phone.
The single parent said she has been facing several challenges with her son whom she described a slow learner and one who cannot even read or write properly. Nicolas said she tried seeking psychological help for the youth but that too is a challenge. The woman said she left her son at home, by locking him inside the house and he took his sister keys out of her bag and left. She said she did not file a missing person report because she had to wait until 24 hours elapsed but before that police contacted her saying, she should bring clothes and a towel for him.
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said the young man was held for some sort of theft, he was in a car with some other boys who managed to run away, however, police is holding him as long as necessary to conduct their investigations. Mos confirmed the young man was taken to court for an extension of time.
Asked if it is practical to have a 13 year old locked up in an adult prison and if it is normal that he be shackled to an adult, Mos said police is allowed to arrest anyone over the age of 12 years. While those 12 and under is not punishable by law, a 13 year old can be held like any other person. He said while it is not correct to hold juveniles with adults, there is nothing else the police can do since there are no separate cells for juvenile at the police station or at the Pointe Blanche Prison.
GREAT BAY:--- On Thursday at 11.00am a presentation will be made about the Multi Annual Monument Policy Plan 2009 to Herman George, Director of the Curacao Monument Fund, who will also be meeting with members of the Executive Council.
The Multi Annual Monument Policy Plan 2009, which was approved by the Executive Council August 4. The content of the plan will also be shared with monument owners, stakeholders, and civil servants who have been invited to attend a presentation about the policy plan to be given by the Directorate of Programs & Projects scheduled for Thursday at 3.00pm to 4.30pm in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall in the Government Administration Building.
Herman George will be discussing with the Executive Council a number of matters related to Monument Preservation and the funding of a Monument Fund for St. Maarten that will give soft loans and subsidies to monument property owners on behalf of the St. Maarten Government.
The Executive Council has already designated 22 official monuments, which have been entered into the Monument Registry.
Another 23 potential monuments out of a list of 82 will soon be submitted by the VROM Department to the Executive Council for consideration and designation.
GREAT BAY,– St. Maarten as of 5.00pm has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch as Tropical Storm Erika has formed East of the Leeward Islands. Residents are therefore advised to continue to monitor weather reports this evening and throughout tomorrow.
Additional information will be made available on Wednesday with respect to possible actions that need to be taken.
Erika is expected to remain to the Northeast of the Leeward Islands. At 5.00pm, Erika was located 390 miles East of the Northern Leeward Islands.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that there is a possible threat of tropical storm conditions within the next 36 hours while a Tropical Storm Warning is an indication that storm conditions can be expected within 24 hours.
The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) will continue to closely monitor Tropical Storm Erika.
Tropical Storm Erika on Tuesday at 5.00pm had sustained wind speeds of 50 miles per hour with higher gusts; is moving West-Northwest at 9 miles per hour. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center of the system.
GREAT BAY,– Due to the passing of Tropical Storm Erika, the planned presentation on Thursday at 3.00pm of the Multi Annual Monument Policy Plan 2009 given by the Directorate of Programs & Projects in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall at the Government Administration Building has been postponed until further notice.
Philipsburg: --- Well-known photojournalist and former bailiff of the prosecutor’s office of St. Maarten Gromyko Wilson has reacted to the comments made prosecutor Rienk Mud who said there is no bailiff for criminal cases on St. Maarten.
In a letter to this website, Wilson explained how and when he was appointed bailiff on St. Maarten and the procedures used by a certain judge to get rid of him.
Wilson in his letter said the same comments prosecutor Mud is making today he as well as his lawyer tried convincing the court of the consequences this would cause to no avail.
He said that in 1996 the acting attorney general sent an advice to the government of the Netherlands Antilles indicating that there was no bailiff for criminal cases on St. Maarten. Wilson said he was employed in 1996 to work as bailiff, he took up office here as of August that same year.
Wilson provided detail information on how he was hired and what transpired before the prosecutor’s office managed to get rid of him by making his position obsolete. The entire content of the statement can be found in our letters section.
Philipsburg: -- Immigration officers raided the Today Newspaper on Friday after they were tipped off by a disgruntled employee that the management of Today had at least two persons working illegally for the company.
SMN News learnt that a well-known local reporter has been having problems with the management of Today who suspended her.
It is further understood that the Today Management has decided to remove the person as a reporter and assigned her as their translator. This however, did not sit well with the reporter so she contacted immigration on more than one occasion informing them that the Today has hired two persons illegally. One of the reporters who was targeted is Sophia Jordan from Guyana.
SMN News further understands that the managing editor of the Today Hilbert Haar visited the immigration department on Thursday hoping to resolve the matter, but even though he was promised that the immigration would not visit the Newspaper’s office however, the contrary took place on Friday. SMN News also understands that Haar was invited to the Philipsburg Police Station on Friday where he was questioned about the illegal worker. It is said immigration officers told Haar he would be charged with human smuggling. In an invited comment, Prosecutor Rienk Mud said his office was aware of the situation. Mud said the case is under investigation and if it is proven that, the Today indeed hired an illegal they would be issued with a fine.
Philipsburg:--- Pastor Wycliffe Smith of the New Testament Baptist Church flew to Africa in August to meet with the Achacha family in Kenya that he had adopted and had been supporting for several years. While in Kenya, he also had the opportunity to visit President Barack Obama’s grandmother. The Achacha family belongs to the Luo tribe, which is the same tribe that President Obama’s father belongs to. By taxi, it took approximately two hours to reach the little village of Kogelo near Lake Victoria where granny Sarah Obama lives. When I got to the high Iron Gate at the entrance of granny Sarah’s homestead, I wondered if the security guard would allow me in to greet her. The guard greeted us with a smile and assured me that I would be allowed to meet granny Sarah. After signing the register, I walked up the path to Granny Sarah’s house. Several chairs were placed under the mango trees just in front of her house where she received visitors. Next to us were the tombs of President Obama’s father and grandfather. As granny Sarah does not speak English my host, Wycliffe Achacha, translated our conversation. I told Granny where I was from and that in Sint Maarten we were all very proud of her grandson. Granny said that she was pleased that I had made such a long trip to visit her. Realizing that she received visitors daily from all over the world, I asked her how she coped with such fame which also brought with it the necessary security measures such as body guards and a recently established police station near her home. “Even though all the publicity may be inconvenient at times I do not consider it a burden,” granny Sarah replied. “I see it as a gift from God. It is not a burden at all.” Granny also shared with us that she was offered a new house. However, she prefers to live out the remaining years of her life in the house that God had given her. My host Wycliffe told granny Sarah that his own grandmother is an avid fan of president Obama and that she would love to meet her. Therefore, granny Sarah invited us to bring granny Achacha the next time we came. “And by the way” she said. “Ask your granny to bring me some potato slips when she comes.” As we bade goodbye to return to Kisumu, the largest city along Lake Victoria, granny Sarah asked us if we could give her daughter-in law a ride to the city. The following day we took 89 year old Granny Achacha to see the president’s grandma. Of course, we also brought her the requested potato slips. It turned out that the families of two grannies originated from the same village so they both exchanged information about families, acquaintances, and landmarks. Granny Sarah also invited us into her humble abode where her daughter, Obama’s auntie, served us juice and cookies and made us feel at home.” I was a wonderful experience… one that I’ll never forget,” says Pastor Smith.
GREAT BAY– There is various misinterpretations that need to be clarified concerning the Corporate Governance Council, its composition and its function.
It must be emphasized that the members of the Council are not appointed for life.
The function of the Corporate Governance Council is to advise the Island Territory of Sint Maarten on issues concerning government owned enterprises in general and corporate governance in particular.
The Council will be composed in such a way that expertise, objectivity, independency and integrity are guaranteed.
The Council is a permanent advisory body for the benefit of St Maarten. It consists of a minimum of three and a maximum of five members. Its members will be appointed for a period of four years based on profiles determined by the Executive Council.
Moreover, the functioning of the Council and its members will be evaluated by external experts three (3) years after the Council has been established. The Council will come into effect when the first three members are appointed.
It is important to emphasize that the Corporate Governance Code, the Island Ordinance Corporate Governance and the Corporate Governance Council were agreed on by a unanimous decision of the Island Council of May 11th 2009.
It is nowadays widely supported that enterprises should conduct business with integrity and transparency. Checks and balances within the corporation and adequate supervision thereon are essential conditions for creating trust.
When applying integrity and transparency in government owned enterprises it is of importance to observe a healthy distance between the enterprises themselves and Government.
It is the intention of Government to professionalize the government owned enterprises in order to make them more beneficial for the community of St Maarten and in keeping with international standards of business operation and practice.
To achieve these goals the Government of St Maarten has developed a Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) and an Island Ordinance Corporate Governance (the Ordinance”). To supervise the implementation of the Code and the Ordinance in the government owned enterprises Government has established the Corporate Governance Council.
French Quarter:---Authorities on both sides of the island is busy investigating an early morning robbery, which took place at the Arnell’s estate in French Quarter on Tuesday. Thierry Arnell said his father was held up by several gunmen who blocked him as he was leaving his estate. The younger Arnell said the bandits who were armed blocked the elder Arnell who was driving his burgundy ford explorer with license plate 298 ZBC 971 as he was coming out of the estate.
The culprits he said held his father to the ground at gunpoint before robbing him of an undisclosed amount of monies. Arnell said his father was on his way to the bank to make a deposit when the incident occurred. After committing the act, the robbers sped away with Arnell’s vehicle as well as the one they came with.
The stolen vehicle was found abandoned at the Lucian Bar at the border in Oyster Pond. The vehicle has since been recovered and confiscated as the investigations continue. Residents on both sides of the island are asked to call the police at the Philipsburg Police station as well as the gendarmes if they have information on the suspects.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten: Diabetes testing does have its benefits, as Mr. Neville Lake and Mrs. Annette Robin found out on Friday 4th September 2009 on receiving their raffle prize from NAGICO Insurances. Mr. Lake and Mrs. Robin were just two (2) of the seven (7) persons randomly chosen to receive a prize from those who participated in diabetes testing at NAGICO Insurances a week earlier. The prize, a book entitled “A Practical Guide To Health - Diabetes, Scientific, and Natural Treatments,” provides information on identifying, preventing, and controlling diabetes through scientific and natural treatments. Mr. Lake stated, “I am very pleased to have received this book. My wife and several other people that I know have diabetes. I can learn a lot that will help us in the never ending quest to deal with this potentially deadly sickness.”
The joint effort between NAGICO Insurances and the St. Maarten Diabetes Foundation on Friday August 28th, 2009 started slightly before 10 AM and lasted until 2 PM, resulting in 110 persons being tested for free. The aim of this health-focused event was to spread the word about Diabetes and the steps, which should be taken towards reducing health risks and increasing health awareness in the community.
The NAGICO staff also greatly benefited from the diabetes testing that was done at the NAGICO head office. NAGICO Accounts clerk Mrs. Robin who also received a book said, “Sometimes you might not have the time to visit the hospital or your physician, what NAGICO has offered is convenience. I believe that the entire staff probably got tested, because of the convenience. It really shows that NAGICO management is looking out for the well being of its staff and the community by allowing the testing to take place here.”
The other winners of the “A practical guide to health - Diabetes, Scientific and Natural Treatments.” Books were Claudine Brooks, Collin Hylton, Daveline Barry, Julian Vincent and Elle Patrick Mathew.
GREAT BAY,– The dengue fever outbreak last year started in August 2008 and for the month of September there were 48 confirmed cases. Residents are urged to take proper control measures around their homes to reduce breeding of the Ades aegypti mosquito which has the potential to transmit dengue fever.
Public action is necessary to keep the mosquito population in check, and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The recent rains open up the possibility of stagnant water being found in items around the home.
The Ades aegypti mosquito breeds mostly in domestic environments as a result of human activity. Residents therefore have a major role to play in eliminating the aforementioned mosquito and reducing the possibility of another dengue fever outbreak.
The Preventive Health Department is calling on households and businesses to start tidying up around their yards and premises.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death.
Preventive actions that every household should take are: Debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in yards are the main source and breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These areas should be immediately eliminated.
Immediately check for clear/clean standing water in roof spouts, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, saucers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around your homes and businesses. Where clear/clean standing water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene, just to cover the surface as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding or just get rid of the container.
In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these properly covered and check every three days to make sure that mosquito’s haven’t laid any eggs. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitos from breeding in the water.
Philipsburg: ---- Reliable information reaching SMN News indicates that the former Minister of Justice David Dick has misled the council of ministers when he arranged to have at least two senior officers of the police force upgraded to scales that were not vacant. The source said that Dick arranged for the now Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran to move up from scale 15 to 16 retroactive to 2007.
According to research conducted by SMN News it is said the former Chief Commissioner of Police Derrick Holiday was scale 17 and his assistant chief commissioner Richard Paneflek was scale 16. It is understood that for this to happen Dick had to upgrade Panneflek so that the scale 16 can become vacant.
SMN News understands that if Dick upgraded Doran illegally he can be held responsible for committing a criminal act based on the penal code. It is also understood that the former Minister also see to it that Daphne Francissca was also upgraded from scale 12 to 14, retroactive to 2007, a position that is held only by commissioners of police who have to hold their positions for at least five years. These upgrades the source said took place prior to the Minister leaving his office.
While the above was done for two members of the management team, the source said Dick did not do the same for Hildo Martina who is now part of management. It is understood that Martina was only upgraded from June this year. Another issue raised is the amount of monies that is paid to the coach Ronald Dongor whom they said is paid to do nothing.
SMN News understands that several officers within the police force have expressed their concerns with the fact that the coach was given a brand new vehicle, which his spouse is using as her personal vehicle. This they said is against the law and should be investigated since several of the officers are quite unhappy with the current management team.
Just last week detective Carlton Phillips wrote a letter expressing his concerns with the irregularities within the management team of the police force. Phillips has called for an investigation into the alleged wrong doings that are committed by these senior cops. He said members of the management team have been enriching themselves and an audit should be conducted on the police finances. It is also understood that the police union in Curacao is in cahoots with the Justice Ministry. SMN News learnt that the board of the NABP met with the new minister of justice on Friday to discuss matters but police on St. Maarten is not aware of the agenda points. The source said the members on St. Maarten have been trying to reach the union and to up press time they were unsuccessful. SMN News also understands that Phillips had sent his concerns to the Union whom they said failed to back him in his fight against injustices.
Addressing the publication of the letter on Monday Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said the management team of KPSSS has taken note of the letter, which was published, in the newspapers and on internet sites. He said management believes that matter is of a personal and internal nature. Due to that, they would not comment on the issue. Doran said the accusations that were launched would be investigated. However, he did not say if this investigation would be handled by Federal Detectives. The Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police said that generally they work hard to constantly improve the quality of KPSSS. It is the ambitions of the management team to always appoint the most suitable candidate within the corps when a vacancy is available.
Further, a candidate that is not appointed may object to the rejection of his candidacy. This internal procedure is finally decided upon by the Court that deals with cases for civil servants. In this particular case, the colleague did not file an internal appeal. Doran did not address the issue of the allegations made against Phillips and when that would be investigated and by whom.
In an invited comment, Prosecutor Rienk Mud said Phillips has requested an investigation to clear his name. He said that while the matter has been forwarded to the Federal Detectives, the investigation did not start due to the lack of detectives in that department.
MARIGOT— The prefecture on St. Martin has taken the decision to close two classes at the College Mont des Accords for one week due to reports of suspected Swine Flu (H1N1) virus. The classes closed are the 6th/2 and the 6th/5, which was ordered, closed from Thursday September 17 to September 24.
According to a press release from the Prefecture, there are new cases of suspected H1N1, which are in several schools. The Prefet Jacques Simmonet has decided to close the establishments where there are suspected or confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus. Closing the schools he said is in accordance with the government protocol.
Earlier this week the Prefet had ordered two other classes closed at the Kindergarten and Primary School in French Cul de Sac after a number of students and two assistants at the school were showing signs of the H1N1 virus. The two classes are expected to re-open on September 21 after all sanitary measures are taken to contain the spread of the virus.
Marigot: ---The Collectivity of St. Martin it is understood is already in the red when it comes to its financial obligations. SMN News has learnt that several persons who are working on contracts for the COM have not been paid for a period of two months. It is further understood that even the salaries for the 700+ employees are not guaranteed. SMN News understands that one of the burdens faced by the COM is the amount of foreign personnel that was hired and has huge salaries and other overhead expenses that has to be carried by the COM.
The COM it is said has to also meet these workers house rent and other expenses while they are on St. Martin. Outside of that, the Collectivity has been paying out large amount of monies for the vehicles that are being leased for the elected officials. Based on this the COM does not have any types of monies for projects and other investments.
Sources close to the finance department said that the elected officials based their budget on their assessment rather than the actual income of the COM. It is said the elected officials under the UPP umbrella did not take into consideration the lost of the Octroi de Mer funds, which amounts to over 10 million Euros and the taxes, which is not always collectable. Another hindrance the taxes is collected on an annual basis and not a monthly basis. According to sources, the COM already used up the (dotation generale de functionment) general expenses and now they are not able to make their monthly payments.
Another point of concern is that the COM when making their budget did not make provisions for the loss of income due to the economic crisis.
SMN News has learnt that senator Louis Constant Fleming travelled to Paris last week where he managed to get some monies to assist the COM. Fleming could not be reached by phone up to press time to confirm if in fact the matter has been solved. SMN News will bring you an update on this matter when the information becomes available.
Airport: --- Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs William Marlin who attended a two-day meeting in Curacao told reporters that all parties are looking forward to the September 30 meeting with State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Ms Ank Bijleveld-Schouten where they intend to set a definite date on achieving country status for St. Maarten and Curacao. Marlin said both island are looking at the (10/10/10) which is October 10, 2010.
Marlin said while that is the intention of the two islands they are going to make clear to the State Secretary that the agreements that are in place must be respected even though parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in January 2010.
As for the meetings in Curacao, he said is another step in the journey forward for constitutional change, which they hope, will culminate by October 2010 when St. Maarten would attain its country status.
Marlin said two presentations were made to those who attended the meetings and no decisions had to be taken at this time. One of the presentations he said relates to the possible continuation on the postal services (Poste NV) as one entity. He said an outline was given on what would happen if each country Curacao and St. Maarten were to have its own postal service independently. He said the challenges that would be experienced was outlined. Marlin said the second presentation was given by the Minister of Constitutional Affairs on the national archives of the Netherlands Antilles. Marlin said the islands also have the opportunity to have their materials stored elsewhere and St. Maarten would have to take a decision both issues. The commissioner dismissed reports that suggested that the islands had to take a decision now.
He said at the conclusion of the September meetings both islands would have a clear picture as to what would happen if the island is not ready in a particular area. He said even though both islands has been giving several scenarios it is still not clear what position the Dutch is going to take. Marlin said those are the biggest hurdles they are hoping to cross on September 30 and their sticking point would be the process must continue.
French Quarter : --- SMN News is oldest news website on St. Maarten. Even though the Daily Herald, and other news agencies have their websites, we are the only news agency who chose to operate solely on the internet. While we do have solid reasons that we remain solely online, we also know that technology is moving fast and sooner rather than later newspapers around the globe would be wiped out of business.
Over the past months we at SMN News are faced with a situation where a reporter and editor from the Today Newspaper have been stealing our contents without giving credit to his source. We managed to find out that the managing editor of the Today does not value our work and has on a number of occasions warned his staff not to use our content. However, the newly appointed editor of the Today Alex Holder believes he is more cunning than his boss Hilbert Haar. Holder has decided that he would continue to steal our content and instead of giving credit he would say the information was contributed. One example, is the photograph taken exclusively by SMN News on Tuesday when detecive Carlton Philips met with leader of the Democratic Party. The photograph was published in our Wednesday’s online news edition and appeared in Thursday’s edition of the Today.
When we contacted the newspaper we were told by the editor Mr. Holder that someone emailed the photograph to the newspaper. Even the content of the story was also published as a contributer to the Today. We asked Mr. Holder to provide the email and the name of the person who sent him the information. It was then we are told that our content is online for everyone. On Friday another article published exclusively by SMN News regarding the financial status of the Collectivity of St. Martin appeared in the Today Newspaper.
While SMN News are taking legal steps to have Mr. Alex Holder and the Today Newspaper respect our work, we believe it is important to teach this young man what is plagiarism.
Taken off the internet at www.plagiarism.org it states the following about plagiarism.
What is Plagiarism?
Many people think of plagiarism as copying another's work, or borrowing someone else's original ideas. But terms like "copying" and "borrowing" can disguise the seriousness of the offense:
According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means
• to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own
• to use (another's production) without crediting the source
• to commit literary theft
• to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.
In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward.
But can words and ideas really be stolen?
According to U.S. law, the answer is yes. The expression of original ideas is considered intellectual property, and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions. Almost all forms of expression fall under copyright protection as long as they are recorded in some way (such as a book or a computer file).
All of the following are considered plagiarism:
• turning in someone else's work as your own
• copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit
• failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
• giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation
• changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit
• copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not (see our section on "fair use" rules)
Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed, and providing your audience with the information necessary to find that source, is usually enough to prevent plagiarism.
While we know that the Today Newspaper is understaffed, we have never refused to assist the Today Newspaper. On the contrary we told the editor if needed anything he can contact us and if we can assist we would. The editor did contact us for recordings and we sent it to him but it seems as if the editor does not want to write the news, he preferes to steal it.
Sometime ago the managing editor of the Today Newspaper Hilbert Haar wrote a number of articles on the publisher of Enviro News Stephane dje Robert who copied information from the internet and published it in his magazine. The Today Newspaper made sure they published a number of articles on Dje Robert exposing his wrong doing. However, it is clear that while Haar condemned Dje Robert his staff is guilty of the same crime and so far he has not taken actions to stop the theft.
Philipsburg:--From the 19 electricity companies reviewed in the Caribbean Association of Electrical Companies (CARILEC) benchmarking study, GEBE ranked 10th when comparing the cost of electricity to the consumer.
The CARILEC annual benchmarking study compared Caribbean electrical utilities in areas such as maximum electrical demand, number of client connections, and number of employees and electricity prices of residential, commercial, and industrial clients. The study, which was executed by the internationally renowned consultant group KEMA, compared various aspects of electricity production and distribution throughout the Caribbean.
The 2008 Benchmark Report found the price per kilowatt-hour on St. Maarten to be average among the member utilities, ranking #10 out of 19 participants on a scale of high to low.
Benchmarking is important for utilities to be able to measure themselves against companies of similar size and scope in the region. “The value of comparing the electricity prices in Europe or the USA with those of GEBE is limited because of differences in fuels used to generate electricity, technologies applied and economies of scale” explained GEBE’s Commercial Manager Steve Duzanson, “we have to compare our performance with small islands states of similar size and circumstances to accurately measure our progress.”
When comparing the total costs of electricity (including fuel surcharges) to the “average” domestic consumer (400 kWh/month) it was found that GEBE’s prices are average. The lowest prices could be found in Trinidad & Tobago, while the highest price for the same group of consumers was recorded in Montserrat. Trinidad & Tobago, with its oil reserves, were found to have the cheapest electricity prices of the entire Caribbean basin followed by EDF, which is subsidized by the EDF operations in France, while the highest prices could be found in Dominica and Montserrat.
Notable in the 2008 study was also the wide range of fuel surcharges invoiced to clients. While most utility companies use a fuel surcharge to compensate for fluctuating oil prices, the fuel clause of the islands surveyed ranged from 0 in Trinidad & Tobago to US$0.42/kwh in Jamaica. Here again GEBE was found to be somewhere in the middle. The disparity in the fuel clauses between the different islands is attributed to the type of fuels used, the production process and the rate structure. In St. Maarten, GEBE produces electricity using mainly heavy fuel oil.
Contrary to what has been stated in the press, GEBE calculates the fuel clause using only the price of heavy fuel oil. The price for the use of light fuel oil for its operations in Saba and Statia as well as with some of the older and back up engines is absorbed by the company and does not affect the consumer’s price.
The price of heavy fuel oil fluctuates with the price of crude oil on the world market. The latter has increased by more than 75% compared to February of this year. It currently stands at approximately $70 per barrel. Consequently, consumers on St. Maarten have seen their electricity bills increased accordingly.
GEBE commissioned a tariff study to review the rate structure of electricity, as well as the calculation of the fuel clause in 2008 during the period of the soaring oil prices that were affecting the community. The study was completed and presented to the GEBE Supervisory Board in 2009.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Commissioner of Tourism, Economic and Aviation Affairs Frans Richardson at a press conference on Wednesday said that elected officials as well as the tourism bureau has to market the island aggressively so that the island does not lose out on anything during the global economic crisis.
Richardson condemned the statements made by former tourism commissioner Roy Marlin who said that the commissioner was wasting taxpayer’s money when he went to China last week. Richardson also called on Marlin to share any information he may have for St. Maarten to gain its revenues. He said the island only knows tourism and maybe the former tourism commissioner may have another idea on how the island can make money. He said several other islands and countries that were strong in other areas such as agriculture has almost abandoned that source of income and has turned to tourism.
Richardson made clear that he would continue to do all in his power to market the island more aggressively and to make sure that St. Maarten does not lose its visitors to any other destination who is also marketing their island.
Richardson said while in China he managed to gather crucial information, which is vital for St. Maarten especially regarding several airlines. Richardson explained that right now Jet Blue is planning to add another flight to St. Maarten on weekends if the island can work out a better landing schedule. He further explained that he would be seeking to get Lufthansa back to St. Maarten while some focus will be placed on the European Market, German and British markets.
Richardson further explained that St. Maarten has already lost over 20% of its arrivals and businesses on the island are doing badly. He said there is much work to be done to make sure St. Maarten stays on its feet.
Richardson said a number of carriers including Air Transat, Virgin Atlantic, Southwest, Jet Blue is interested in the Caribbean.
Staff of the Windward Islands Bank this week attended an HIV/AIDS workplace policy session facilitated by Assistant HIV/AIDS Programme Manager Cornelius de Weever at the Philipsburg Cultural & Community Center. Staff was treated to drinks and popcorn while they watched a short movie about how a company can embark on the process of the development of HIV/AIDS workplace policy. As part of the [RED] Campaign this year, the [RED] businesses are to start thinking about developing an HIV/AIDS workplace policy for their employees, as a means of ensuring a workplace environment that is non-discriminatory and supportive of educating the workforce.
Marigot: ---- A well-known talk show host on MSR cable Jean Mark Sharpless (host of the Markavelli Show) which airs on MSR cable was arrested early Sunday morning at his Cripple Gate home for the fatal shooting of Rigobert Bertin Maurice (20).
Maurice was shot while he was in his car which was parked in front of the Collectivity somewhere just after 10 pm on Thursday night. A female who was in the car at the time of the shooting has escaped unhurt. However, she was questioned by law enforcement on several occasions leading up to the arrest of Sharpless.
Maurice was hired some two days ago by the Collectivity and was working in service technique says his aunt Rollena Bertin-Maurice, a senior employee of the tourist office.
According to information reaching SMN News, the suspect who fired several shots at Rigobert Bertin Maurice fits the description of the talk show host who is tall and slim. He was said to be wearing a mask and was dressed in black when the shooting took place said several eyewitnesses. SMN News also learnt that Bertin Maurice received the first gunshot while sitting in his car but he tried running away from his assailant who continued to shoot at him as he ran. According to reports, Bertin Maurice fell on the vehicle of another well-known talk show host Billy D where he passed away.
On Thursday, Jean Mark Sharpless (Markavelli) parked in the victim’s parking space, which caused an altercation.
On Saturday, Sharpless spoke to SMN News after we contacted him for a statement. Sharpless said because of the altercation that occurred while he was at the COM working everyone in the community suspected he killed Bertin- Maurice. The young camera operator and talk show host said several persons in the community have called him suspecting that he might be the one responsible for the shooting. However, he was amazed that the gendarmes had not contacted him and they were in possession of his telephone numbers. . Explaining what took place on Thursday Sharpless said he parked his vehicle in the vicinity of the Collectivity as he and his colleagues went to install their equipments to air the council meeting live on MSR Cable Network.
He said at one point a territorial police told him he could not park next the COM since the parking around the COM have to be reserved for the elected officials. Sharpless said before he removed his vehicle another officer came and instructed his colleague to leave Sharpless, park in the vicinity of the COM since he was working there at the time.
Sharpless said at that point the officer removed a barricade and instructed him where to park but the victim who was on the block told him if he parked his vehicle there, he would damage it. Sharpless further explained that he ignored the young man because they had prior altercations, he said he went back inside the Collectivity to continue his work. Sharpless said that even though he had problems in the past with the victim they had settled their dispute.
Sharpless said at one point he even left the COM to interview and elderly man who was also leaving the island. He said when he returned to the COM and was inside a territorial police came inside the Collectivity and told him that the young man with whom he had the argument was releasing the air from his car tires, which was still parked in the allotted parking space.
Sharpless said when he saw what the young man was doing he took out his cellular phone and took a picture of the young man who was at the time releasing the air from his tires and he went back inside. He said there were territorial police as well the chief of the territorial police Flavien Bazile whom he said witnessed what Maurice was doing but no one intervened.
The talk show host said shortly after that the now dead man entered the COM and started an argument with him, wanting to know why he took a picture of him. Sharpless said the youth even wanted his phone. Asked by this reporter to provide the phone and the photograph that he took, Sharpless said the phone got damaged. However, he claimed he still had the phone at home.
Jean Mark Sharpless well known as Markavelli said he worked until the council meeting ended that night which was shortly after 8pm. Sharpless said he did not know of the killing until the following morning when the same territorial police who saw what Bertin-Maurice was doing called him to inform him the young man’s death. Sharpless said while everyone in the community was talking about the killing and have already accused him of the killing the gendarmes had not contacted him even though they had his telephone numbers.
Sharpless said that he also understood that Bertin-Maurice also had some other confrontation that day but he did not know with whom. “While several persons saw what went on Thursday, they believe I am the one that killed the young man. Some of them even called offering support while others were saying they were willing to give statements of the incident,” he said.
This media house has been reliably informed that the gendarmes were fully aware of the incident with Sharpless and the victim from the time they began the investigation but were making sure they were on to the right man. In a press release, issued on September 24, the gendarmes said Maurice died around 10:20 pm from multiple gunshot wounds.
Media Houses chided for Printing false Information.
Relatives of the murder victim Rigobert Bertin-Maurice has chided the Daily Herald and the Pelican for printing false information on the front page of the Daily Herald on Saturday regarding victim who was shot. In the Saturday’ edition of the Daily Herald it states he wrong name under the photograph that was provided by the family for a death announcement adverstisement.
Most importantly the newspaper stated that the victim had several run ins with the law, and was well known to the justice system. According to two of the victim’s aunts Rollena Bertin- Maurice and Rosemurie Hodge said their nephew had a clean police record. They said the young man not long ago came back from the French army.
The elder Bertin-Maurice said her relatives plan to take action against both media houses who chose to smear the now dead man as they are mourning his sudden lost. “We will be demanding from the The Daily Herald to print a retraction on their front page and not in the back. We will not take this lightly, how can a newspaper get away with printing false information about people they asked. Furthermore, the family said the Daily Herald used a photograph of Bertin-Maurice which they provided for a death announcement. “They used the photpgraph my brother (victim’s father) took to the newspapwer without his permission on the Front Page of the newspaper. The family said they would be taking action against the newspaper for using the photograph for the wrong purpose.
Rollena Bertin-Maurice said she would be a guest on Talking Point, hosted by Billy D on Monday morning to clear the air regarding her late nephew. The woman said while the Pelican did not print the story on Saturday they would have to explain why they passed on false information to another newspaper.
Marigot/ Basseterre:-- Talk Show Host Jean Mark Sharpless (29) (Markavelli) has confessed to shooting to death Rigobert Maurice on Thursday night. Prosecutor Jacques Louvier said Sharpless confessed to the crime during his interrogation with the gendarmes.Sharpless was arrested on Sunday at his Cripple Gate home and was transferred to Guadeloupe on Tuesday where he would await his trial. Asked how long it would take for the case to go to court now that Sharpless has confessed Louvier said there are a lot of cases in front of Sharpless and the process would take as long as 18 months to two years.
SMN News has learnt that a Sharpless already met with a lawyer when he arrived in Guadeloupe on Tuesday midday.
So far the gendarmes still have not found the murder weapon and the person who provided that weapon to Sharpless, as such the investigation is continuing. Louvier did not say if there are other persons involved in the killing of Bertin-Maurice.
Asked if the justice system would now conduct an investigation to see if the Chief of the Territorial Police Flavien Bazile and his officers are guilty of “Negligence dans l’exercise de la fonction or Manquement au devoir” (derliction of duty) Louvier said he does not have all the details on the investigation. He said he is presently off island and when he returns to St. Martin he would see if such an investigation would have to be conducted.
Several persons who witnessed the incident on Thursday at the Collectivity said Bertin-Maurice was armed with a silver weapon, one eyewithness said they still do not know why Bazile did not contact the gendarmes that day if he does not have the power to arrest people. Had Bazile called the gendarmes this young man they said would have been behind bars and not dead.
Residents of St. Martin are now asking what is the purpose of the Territorial Police and if they are able to reduce crime without power. Residents have expressed their disgust with the elected officials who brought Bazile to St. Martin to reorganise the Territorial Police.
Jean Mark Sharpless (host of the Markavelli Show) on MSR Cable had an altercation with Bertin-Maurice when he parked his vehicle in a parking space that supposedly belongs to the tennants living across from the Collectivity of St. Martin.
Sharpless in an interview with SMN News prior to his arrest said he was instructed to park in the space by a territorial police. He said when he parked his vehicle in that space the victim threatened to damage the vehicle. Threats which he said he ignored. Sharpless said later that day the same territorial police who instructed him where to park alerted him of the damage Bertin-Maurice inflicted to the vehicle. He said at that point he took out his cellualar phone and took a photgraph of Bertin-Maurice as he was releasing the air from his car. He said that ignited the argument because the now dead man went inside of the Collectivity demanding to know why he took a photograph of him. Sharpless had said that his phone even got damaged in the altercation.
It is clear that Sharpless did not totally ignore Bertin-Maurice since he came back that night and shot the 20 year old man to death.
SMN News received numerous emails from our readers expressing shock at the news of Sharpless arrest. Many has doubted that the well known television personality had anything to do with the slaying of Bertin Maurice. Markavelli as he is always called will be missed by a large audience on the French side of the island on Monday nights. Markavelli was well known for highlighting the ills of this community. He was one reporter who did not mingle with words when he believed the youths of St. Marten are being neglected.
Marigot/La Savanne:--- There has been no arrest in the murder of Jean-Dany Theodore Richardson who was shot to death on Sunday night. According to information reaching SMN News the gendarmes are still busy looking for the suspicious jeep that was seen in close proximity of the killing. Jean-Dany Richardson (20) was shot to death on Sunday night not far away from his home. He is the second young man to be killed in recent days. So far the gendarmes have remained tightlipped about the killing.
The students TKL 4 of Milton Peters College attended a day workshop to motivate them to get their diploma at the end of this school year. In order for students to succeed, they need the help of their teachers. The workshops were both educational and inspiring. We were welcomed with a breakfast by our coordinator Mr. Aventurin. The workshops were given by Ms. Berkel and Ms. Berendsen. Our mentors, Ms. Franka and Ms. Fransesca accompanied us. We had a guest speaker, Mr. Rolando Tobias who encouraged us to be like coffee beans, which means when a challenge comes along you can change it. We also learned that it is very important to plan ahead. And we learned how to deal with stress.
I am very proud to say that it takes two hands to clap; one hand belongs to the students and the other to the teachers.
MARIGOT— The gendarmes managed to capture a notorious thief, the 21 year old man with no fixed address is accused of twenty eight thefts from homes, and thirty three thefts from cars most of which occurred on the French side. The culprit was caught last Thursday and has been transferred to Guadeloupe.
The gendarmes also arrested two other suspects on October 2, they are 21 and 22 years old and suspected of committing burglary. The two would appear in court on December 17.
Philipsburg: ---As was promised on Wednesday September 30 2009, that the police department would continue their controls and searches on school buses and students traveling on these buses heading for the school districts of South Reward and Sint Peters. In regards to the carrying of weapons and or drugs to the schools, another control was held on Friday morning at the John Cooper-Jose Lake Senior Ball Park. This joint control held by members of the 0-Tolerance team, members of the VKS and members of the Control Unit started at 06.00 a.m. and ended at 08.00 a.m. The control was held in connection with the upcoming mid-term school vacation and information coming into the police department of possible fights that may take place prior to the vacation. This is the second safety control within a three-day period. Hoping that the first control would discourage the youngster from bringing weapons to school turned out not to be that way. A total of 52 school buses were checked and surprisingly one machete, two large butchers knives, a steak knife, one switchblade, one half of a pointy scissors (perfect for stabbing), a length of chain tied with a black string which can be used and a weapon for striking (or a brass knuckle), 26 pairs of scissors and other items that can be used as weapons were found and confiscated. No one was arrested; however, these items were taken of circulation and cannot be used for the purpose they were taken to school.
The police department is once again making a serious plea to the parents of these children, to get involved in their children lives, by keeping a closer eye on what their children are doing, which they have as friends, what they are taking to school.
The parents should contact the school their children attend to and find out what is going on with their children.
The problem that we are facing here is much more serious than we think it is. If this problem is not addressed in due time, it can spiral out of control and many young persons might get hurt.
This is not only a police problem, it is a community problem. Every-one in this community has to give a helping hand. The police department is ready to work with any other organization to come with solutions to combat this problem. It is so much the police with its limited resources can do. There are many other important issues that also needs police attention, but cannot be attended to because of the present issue the police are dealing with. The controls will continue after the vacation and the schools are in operation.
Sint Maarten Academy PSVE controlled by police
Also as part of the controls and on request of the management from the Sint Maarten Academy PSVE a control was held in that school. The students were asked to open their school bags and the contents were checked-out by the police officers.
No weapons or drugs were found during this search. One knife was found hidden under a large rock during a search of the premises. After the search words of caution and encouragement were given by the Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Ricardo Henson to the students of that school, who were gathered by teachers in front of the head office of that school.
Philipsburg:--- Justice Minister Magali Jacoba is on St. Maarten on a working visit. The Minister arrived on St. Maarten on Monday where she met with individual members of the management team. Jacoba would also be meeting with the unions representing the police before holding a general meeting with the police management team. That meeting is scheduled to be held on Thursday.
It is not clear if the Minister’s visit pertains to the issues regarding the police management which came to light after detective Carlton Philips wrote an open letter exposing some of the concerns in the police management.
Just last week the attorney representing Philips indicated to the management team, and the Minister of Justice by letter that they are hoping that an independent investigation be conducted within the police management.
Efforts made to contact the Minister for a statement proved futile up to press time.
Philipsburg/ Marigot: --- Cooperation is just a myth when it comes to marketing St. Maarten and St. Martin overseas. Ever since the French side obtained its status change and the Union Pour le Progres took office on July 15 2007, cooperation between the two sides almost seized to exist mainly with the two tourist offices. SMN News reported that in 2007 that first vice president Daniel Gibbs had stopped the joint marketing that same year when he refused to renew the rent contract for the New York Office. Gibbs had said back then that the only reason the contract was not renewed is that he had to wait on the COM’s budget. Gibbs had explained that it was costing the French side too much money to advertise in the United States with the Dutch side. The first vice president in his defense said the French side was paying half of the expenses for that office, which was over $300,000. Even though he had considered the joint marketing too expensive at no time did Gibbs say they would discontinue their joint marketing program.
When first vice president Daniel Gibbs vacated his position as president of the tourist office and Ida Zin-Ka Ieu took office she vowed that cooperation between the two sides would continue. Zin Ka Ieu had said she did not have any problem with the Dutch side and they were working together since she recognizes the need to do so. At the launching of the SMART, Zin Ka Ieu made remarks about the good relationship she had with the director of the Dutch side Tourist Office Regina Labega reasons why they would continue working together.
However, SMN News learnt that despite all the talks, smiles, and shake hands the French side is no longer working along with the Dutch side. The source said the French side on September 17 signed an agreement with Atout France (Tourism Development Agency Office) also known as Maison de la France that has an office in New York. This agency it is said is doing all marketing for the French side in the US market. However, Zin Ka Ieu is yet to officially notify her Dutch counterpart about the new arrangements the French side has. The EPIC President neither did first vice president Daniel Gibbs see it fit to discuss this with the commissioner of tourism from the Dutch side Frans Richardson, or tourism director Regina Labega.
During the signing it is said St. Martin would be paying Atout France some $395, 000 for marketing the island in the United States. Additionally St. Martin would be occupying an office at Atout France and would be paying $1000.00 monthly rent. The agreement that was signed mid September has to be renewed annually.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the French side did not pay their rents for the New York Tourist Office for almost eight months. It is also understood that the French side has removed their agent from the New York office. Several politicians and those in the tourism industry have said that both sides are now advertising St. Maarten/St. Martin independently and the French side would have to now increase their marketing budget since they are working on their own. There are questions as to how St. Martin plans to market itself as a Caribbean destination in a European Tourist Office.
One concerned resident, politician, and businessman said he wants to know if this is what article 74 means for the island, since the island is more divided than ever, the businessman is calling on Senator Louis Constant Fleming to say whether or not the status has anything to do with this or if it is a mission of the EPIC president.
Philipsburg: --- The prosecutor’s office on St. Maarten has filed for the extradition of two citizens of the Netherlands Antilles. The couple Raymond Registe and Madline Registe-Val is wanted in connection with their involvement with human smuggling.
The couple was arrested by Boca Raton police after they were caught shoplifting two Levi jeans in Macy’s department store. The couple is also wanted in the US Virgin Islands for a prior case of human trafficking and manslaughter.
In April this year a vessel, carrying some 25 people capsized killing about a dozen of them. Most of the victims were of Haitian and Sri Lankan decent. The boat had left St. Maarten (Simpson Bay) heading for the US Virgin Islands. Bodies of the victims were found on a reef in the British Virgin Island as the boat (Ajada) capsized after hitting a reef on January 20. A passing fishing boat had rescued 13 of the migrants that were on the fatal boat.
Prosecutor Jan Bart Daveling confirmed that the prosecutor’s office on St. Maarten has requested the extradition of the Antillean couple.
Human trafficking husband and wife fugitives nabbed in Boca Raton.
(Sun Sentinel)
BOCA RATON - A husband and wife pair of fugitives from the Netherlands Antilles who were said to be involved in a deadly human smuggling operation were arrested by Boca Raton police and appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Wednesday, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Raymond Registe and Medeline Registe-Val, who were both held without bond, were charged with shoplifting/retail theft Saturday after stealing two pairs of blue Levi's jeans from Macy's at Town Center Mall. The goods were valued at about $120.
The Registes were being sought by the U.S. Marshals in the U.S. Virgin Islands for a prior human smuggling case in which they were charged with criminal conspiracy, human trafficking, and manslaughter.
The two had organized the smuggling of 25 migrants from the Antilles to the U.S. Virgin Islands. A dozen of them died when the vessel hit a reef and capsized in the incident less than a year ago.
Members of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten visited Milton Peters College on Wednesday last for an introductory meeting for the establishment of an Interact Club. About 80 students gathered in the teachers’ lounge where President Pierre DeCelles explained briefly what Interact is all about.
Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting.
Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, “Interactors” develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of
• Developing leadership skills and personal integrity
• Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others
• Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work
• Advancing international understanding and goodwill
As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.
Vocation Committee chairperson Bonita Hart together with other committee members Robert Dubourq, Kenny Idniani and Maria Buncamper-Molanus were on hand to assist with this initial introductory meeting. Director of the HAVO/VWO department Mark Soree coordinated the meeting and will function as the faculty advisor.
St. Maarten has Interact clubs at St. Dominique High, Learning Unlimited and St. Maarten Academy.
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten is appreciative of councilors and teachers Maricia Ellis, N. Richardson and Mark Soree who responded very positively, early September, to the club’s requests to explore the possibilities of getting the MPC students involved in this youth club. “We are looking forward to sponsoring the MPC Interact Club” says president Pierre DeCelles. “We encourage young people to participate and the community at large to support our young people in their efforts to serve.”
Marigot: --- Senator Louis Constant Fleming on Friday reacted to statements made by opposition leader Alain Richardson who called him a dictator for not consulting with the territorial council prior to making the amendments. Fleming said that he did not have to consult with the territorial council on the draft law. He explained that after submitting the law he gave a copy of law to each territorial counselor on October 3.
Fleming said the council would be called upon to give an advice (avis) on the proposed amendments.
The amendments to the organic law are supposed to come up on November 18, said Fleming. He further explained that the power of the executive council will not be reduced instead the amendment will stipulate who is the Chief Executive Officer of the council which would be the president. He said the vice presidents have an obligation to notify the president when they are leaving the island since the president can be held responsible for them in a court of law. Furthermore, the president he said needs to know when and where his vice presidents are going. Fleming explained the president also has to know what his vice presidents are doing for the island and how they are spending government monies. Fleming made clear that he is not a member of the territorial council and for Richardson to call him is a dictator is besides the point.
He said when he held the position of president of the COM he had written a letter to each vice presidents explaining to them that they would need to notify him when they are travelling especially knowing that their tickets are paid for by the COM.
Already he was advised by the reporter that the law on the building permits could not be changed since the law that is applicable on St. Martin is applicable in all the other Collectivities. Fleming said that he would remove that amendment as was advised. As for the reducing of power from the vice presidents, Fleming said the idea was not to reduce or take away any power from the executive council. He said in the past it was the mayor who was signing the building permits, and he did it for one year while sitting as president of the COM. He said right now the vice presidents do not seem to be respecting the laws. He said just recently he was called in by the Prefet who told him that all the elected officials are busy writing letters and sending it to the State and these elected officials are not following basic procedures. Fleming said right now everyone is doing as they please, and there seems to be several chiefs and no Indians, thus they have to clarify this in the organic law.
The senator said it is only recently he was advised by the president’s cabinet that some adjustments are needed in the organic law regarding building permits. He said even though the executive council would review or look over the advice of the building permits and they would vote in favor or against the issuance of the building permit, it is the president that would sign off on the documents on behalf of the executive council. Fleming said one of the reasons he agreed that this should go directly to the president’s office and not to the executive council is to reduce the processing time. Fleming said each time a request is made for a building permit the applicant has to wait until an executive council meeting is called for it to be handled. He lamented that the fine-tuning and the work on granting building permits are done by the service urbanism and the State is always there to monitor the process and to see if the law has been maintained. “When building permits come to the council all they have to do is look at it and agree or disagree on the advice submitted by service urbanism.” He dispelled the insinuation that the amendment would encourage corruption or bribery. Fleming said he is not saying that bribery cannot take place, but surely, it would not be done in the president’s office, instead it may take place in the department that handles and prepare the advice for the executive council. He further explained that if the Collectivity sits on any dossier regarding a building permit then that permit is granted automatically.
Another change to the organic law he said is the five-year grace period for property owners who are not living on St. Martin. He said he knew from the very inception that this law had to be amended and St. Barths is also in the process of amending the same article because it means the Collectivities are loosing a great deal of monies during the five year period.
The senator said while he contacted a deputy from Martinique to intervene in the situation the opposition felt it was good for St. Martin since it would keep the Metropolitans from coming to St. Martin. Fleming said this law is exposing people to corruption since the Metropolitans or non-residents can find people to front for them. While the ministry of finance felt the elected on St. Martin want to create a fiscal paradise or (off shore center) which would permit people not to pay taxes.
Fleming said while it might be a good idea to create an offshore center on St. Martin it takes as long as 25 years for this center to become credible. He asked which responsible elected official would put its people through such a long waiting period.
The senator made clear that he intends to speak out against the accusations made against him on the radio stations as early as Monday.

Philipsburg:---Based on information that came in to the Police Department, about the dealing of drugs and buying of stolen items A search was conducted at an apartment building on the Well road in Cole Bay. This search was carried out by the Zero Tolerance team assisted by members of the VKS and took place on Saturday October 17th at approximately 06.00 p.m. At the arrival of the officers, the tenant of that apartment was not at home. During the search a considerable amount of cocaine (5 small plastic bags), 18 cellular phones, several mens wristwatches, and several mens bracelets were found and confiscated. No arrests were made.
Philipsburg:---On Saturday October 17th three students attending the American Medical University of the Caribbean located in Cupe Coy with the initials S.P., L.A. and A.C. filed an official report with the Special Robbery Unit and stated that on that same day at approximately 12.30 p.m. while walking towards the Mullet Bay Beach, they were suddenly approached by a brown colored car. Two unknown men of dark complexion stepped out of the car and walked towards them. Both men were armed with handguns and threatened to use them if they did not hand over their belongings. Fearing for their safety the victims handed over their belongings which were bath towels, a digital camera, several credit cards and a small amount of cash. After committing the robbery the robbers took-off in the direction of Atlantis Casino. The Special Robbery Unit is investigating this robbery.
Philipsburg:--Two men from Sri Lanka have been sent back to their country after spending more than 6 months on the floor of the holding cells at the local police station in Philipsburg. The two gentlemen were apprehended by RST officers around the 17 of April of this year. It was discovered that the men had no criminal intentions, instead they had planned to travel to Canada, via France and St.Maarten, to file for asylum. (Young Tamil men are subject to serious scrutiny or worse since the Sinhalese Government of Sri Lanka won the war against the Tamil Tigers. A war that lasted for several decades and left many Sri Lankan dead or mutilated)
Instead of releasing the two men or handing them over to immigration, they were left in the holding cells without any legal reason to hold them. It was only after a month in the cells that they were handed over to immigration. That did not mean they were going anywhere. They remained in the same cells. Several months they remained there in the dark of their cells until by sheer coincidence, a local reporter was arrested and had to spend a couple of days in the same cells.
The reporter met a variety of individuals that seemed to be forgotten by authorities among them Tamils, Indians and even a Canadian and US citizen. All were sleeping, together with criminal suspects, on the floor or dirty mattresses for many months. Again stories of rodents and other creeping animals were heard. No sunlight or fresh air for weeks in a row!
After some months the Canadian was set free, as was the American. However the Tamils stayed, nobody came to their rescue. What’s more few people were even aware they were there. The hardworking civil servants at the immigration department were not happy neither with this enduring and increasingly disturbing situation. But the instruction to set them free or repatriate them never seemed to come.
Ironically, shortly before the arrest of the two men, St.Maarten and other islands in the Dutch Caribbean, (that are part of the so called Political Steering Group for Constitutional Change) made an agreement with the Netherlands to intensify their cooperation in the fight against illegal immigration, human smuggling and human trade. The Dutch or the French (for they came from Paris) were never involved however.
When Attorneys Remco M. Stomp and Denicio Brison were notified about the disturbing situation, they took immediate action and filed an appeal at the local courthouse to try to put an end to the inhumane situation.
The appeal was handled on Friday October 19, 2009 at the local courthouse. The judge had the chance to hear the story first hand from the two men and set the date for his verdict for Monday October 26, 2009. In the verdict the judge instructed the authorities to provide him with additional information with regards to the legal motivation to keep the men locked up for so long and set a date for an additional hearing for Friday October 30, 2009. The authorities apparently did not wanted to wait for the judge’s decision and arranged two tickets on the KLM flight to Sri Lanka (via Amsterdam) on Tuesday October 27, 2009.
(Attorney Remko Stomp)
Philipsburg: --- Reliable information reaching SMN News indicated that at least two members of the management team of ROB (Public Works) were given the concept report from SOAB. It is understood that the two members who were highlighted in the preliminary report is asked to comment on the findings of the SOAB investigators. The source said the two members of the management team are required to answer questions pertaining to the alleged wrong doings committed by them with the issuance of building permits.
SMN News has learnt that the concept report was given last week and was scheduled to return within one week’s time, but the two members of the management team it is understood requested extra time to fully answer the questions.
In the preliminary report, the SOAB advised the island government to hire an interim manager since the present director and his subordinate is not considered to be fit for the proper management of ROB. So far, the commissioner responsible for Public Works has not taken any action pertaining to the advice and preliminary findings of SOAB.
GREAT BAY, (GIS) – Preparations are in full swing for the 4th Annual Performance on the Arts, this year a pre-St. Maarten’s Day 50th Anniversary Event, to be carried out by approximately 50 students from six primary schools.
The public will be amused by the talents of the nation’s young people. The project aim is to stimulate national pride amongst the nation’s youth on our quest to becoming a country within the Dutch Kingdom.
The theme for this year’s project is “The Good Ole Days.” Students will enact scenes and events of the ole days. They will be celebrating the life of our forefathers and will bring to the forefront the traditional languages used, the way of life, medicines used for ailments, story-telling, songs and dance.
Entertainment will be provided by the well known Tanny & the Boys. Master of Ceremonies will be Pa Ben and Dorothy Richardson as Ms. Rosa.
The children’s event has been bid the family event of the year. For those who would like to learn about the traditional way of life, the performance on the arts is something that should not be missed. It’s an event for all ages.
The event will take place at the ultra-modern Festival Village on Sunday, November 8, 2009 starting at 5.00pm. Games and food will be on sale.
Participating schools are Leonard Connor School, Rev. John A. Gumbs, Seven Day Adventist School, Ruby Labega, Martin Luther King Jr. School, and the Genevieve de Weever.
This year the schools will be judged and prizes distributed.
Philipsburg: ---- Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba has issued a call to all employers who have undocumented workers working for them to assist those workers so that they can comply with the requirements of the Brooks Tower Accord. Minister Jacoba told members of the media on Saturday that so far the team handling the documents for the Brooks Tower permit only saw about two employers who came forward to assist their workers in getting legalized.
The Minister reminded the employers that they would not face any type of sanctions by having undocumented workers during this period, she said this process is a means of helping those people who contributed to society to become legal. Jacoba said even the employers would get up to one year to straighten their paperwork. She said while everyone is saying that they should not deport all the undocumented workers because of the economic crisis, these undocumented people she said must come forward and assist them to legalize their status. “I am urging the employers to assist their illegal workers, assist them by filling out the application forms” said Jacoba.
Minister Jacoba also made clear that while she is hearing that the implementation of the Brooks Tower Accord is a hoax, she said that is far from the case and persons may be able to pick up their BT permit as soon as next week. “Right now I have ordered the Lt. Governors of all the islands to stop all organized controls so that the undocumented can go to the Immigration and Naturalization service and register.” The office she said would not open its doors on November 11 since it is a public holiday but work would continue as normal until December 15th, which is the last day to submit applications for the BT permit.
Minister Jacoba said while this process is not intended for persons who had permits before and was recently turned down, she said she is willing to intervene in these cases, even though these people can appeal the decision. Applicants whose applications were turned down or rejected via the normal procedure can send a petition to the Minister who would then look into their cases. That petition must also be submitted to the office that is handling the BT permits on AT Illidge Road.
Minister Jacoba said she also called on all undocumented workers living on St. Maarten to come out an register for the BT permit, she said this is an opportunity for them to become legal.
Jacoba said on November 3 there were about 400 to 500 persons who showed up at the Immigration and Naturalization office to register. “Most of those people just came to get information, since many of them did not fully understand what they needed to do. Since then some changes were made to the process and the team handling the BT saw about 150 to 170 persons per day.” Even though the process is working smoothly many of the persons, seeking to register did not have all that is required to register for the BT permit. Minister Jacoba said while they received 495 persons last week only 134 of them had a complete dossier to request for the BT permit. She said the number are far below their expectations and is urging the undocumented to capitalize on this opportunity now.
Jacoba said because of this they enlisted the help of the various consulates whom they are asking to inform their compatriots they need to have all of the requirements before they can register. On Monday persons, speaking Creole or Patwa would have the opportunity to get speedy assistance since there would be booklets and forms in that language said the Minister. She explained that the lack of the Creole translators has been one of their major hindrances during this past week on all the islands.
The Minister is urging all undocumented persons going to register for the BT permit to make sure they fill out the application forms and to take along all that is required for them to have the BT permits. She said there are no conditions on the BT permit and working permits. Persons that apply for the BT permit can have that permit without the working permit.
Applicants who did not meet the requirements she said are given the opportunity to return with all that is needed. Jacoba said that right now the pre-screening is done at AT Illidge Road while the actual processing of the permits is done at the back office of the Philipsburg Police Station. Jacoba said she promised to assist the undocumented workers since everyone in someway used these people. “Right now I am hearing that people are charging as much as $20 to fill out the forms. This is clear that we are using the undocumented and we have to do things correctly from now by legalizing them.” The Minister said persons who have internet services can also register through the website www.withyourpermission.an that has the forms in four languages.
Junior Minister Ernie Simmons said while they are working hard on getting this registration done they are also revising the procedure on a daily basis based on their daily experiences. He said the motive is to make sure they offer the necessary services to the undocumented workers who are trying to legalize themselves.
Another opportunity the Minister said would be given to the recipients of the BT can also travel to their country to get all necessary documents so they can apply for their regular permits. “When these people get all the documents they need to apply normally they could apply for their permits immediately and not when the permit expired.” Jacoba explained.
Also at the press conference was Senator Rudolph Samuel who also called on the employers and the undocumented to register for the BT permit. Samuel said there is constant talk of having a new status but he when governing they need to know who they are representing. Samuel said no one can govern properly if they do not know where and who are the people and the amount of the population. He said there is also constant talk about legalizing the undocumented, and he felt this is the opportunity and the people need to make use of it. As for those media outlets that are, telling people not to register is rather unfair. He said telling the people not to register is not giving these undocumented a fair chance. Samuel also encouraged the employers to assist their workers to register since being illegal hinders several aspects of the community such as health care, social and education issues.
MARIGOT— Bandits invaded an electronic store in Bellevue early Saturday morning. The gendarmes reported that thieves entered the store by using force and stole a number hi-fi equipments. The gendarmes have launched an investigation into the robbery.
Leader of Government, Commissioner William Marlin, said he was pleased with the outcome of a meeting he had with Ambassador Hushang Ansary during his recent visit to the island. We discussed a wide range of issues relevant to St. Maarten, the Commissioner said.
The first issue we discussed was the University of St. Martin, that has always been close to the Ambassador’s heart, as one of its founding fathers and patrons over the past 20 years. We discussed the current state of the financial situation of the University and the critical importance of its future role in the development of St. Maarten. For the University of St. Martin to survive, the assistance of the Ambassador was needed now more than ever, the Commissioner of Education said.
Of course the situation of the Mullet Bay was discussed, Commissioner Marlin said further. Marlin said that he told the Ambassador that the Executive Council will be sending a formal letter to Sun Resorts N.V. requesting for the remaining structures on the Mullet Bay property to be demolished as the Government feels that it is not necessary to defer this action until a decision is taken about the future development of the property.
Commissioner Marlin said he hopes this step will be taken before the end of the year.
Among some of the other issues discussed, was the need for housing on the island and the possibilities of participation by the business community in such a project. The leader of Government, who is also responsible for the portfolio of Housing, said he discussed several planned housing projects with the Ambassador, particularly the need for affordable financing. Together we looked at ways and means that private initiative could be helpful, and the Ambassador showed keen interest and desire to be helpful. He expressed the hope that other leaders of the business community will do the same.
Simpson Bay: --- Police were called to a home in Simpson bay on Tuesday November 10 where they discovered a man identified as Sylvere Ries (37) had committed suicide.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in his police report said the victim used a sheet to hang himself. According to the man’s girlfriend, he was depressed and was receiving treatment from a medical doctor. Henson said when police reached the scene they encountered the body on the back porch and he was lying on his back covered with a sheet.
The sheet the victim used to hang himself with was still hanging from the railing on the second floor. On the scene, the detectives spoke to the girlfriend of the victim with initials M.C.D. who stated that the victim was suffering from depression. She further stated that on that day she saw the victim at around 04.30 p.m. at her business in Marigot. The victim left the business to go home. At around 09.30 p.m. when the girlfriend arrived home she found him hanging by his neck that was tied with a sheet. The woman told police she cut the sheet with a scissors to free the victim and laid him on the floor. He was not showing any signs of life. The Forensic Department did their investigation and determined that there were no criminal acts involved.
Paris/Marigot:--- The amendments of the Loi Organic that was presented by Senator Louis Constant Fleming on Monday in the Senate has been adopted. Information from the senate website reads as follows. SMN News was unable to retrieve the text and the amendments that was adopted by the Senate on Monday.
sur l'ensemble de la proposition de loi organique modifiant le livre III de la sixième partie du code général des collectivités territoriales relatif à Saint-Martin
Résultat du scrutin
Nombre de votants : 338
Suffrages exprimés : 210
Majorité des suffrages exprimés : 106
Pour : 188
Contre : 22
Le Sénat a adopté (les résultats ci-dessus ont fait l'objet d'une mise au point en séance publique)
Groupe Communiste, Républicain, Citoyen et des Sénateurs du Parti de Gauche (24)
Contre : 22
N'ont pas pris part au vote : 2 - M. Guy Fischer, Président de séance, M. Jean-Luc Mélenchon
Groupe du Rassemblement Démocratique et Social Européen (17)
Pour : 3 - MM. Gilbert Barbier, Daniel Marsin, Aymeri de Montesquiou
Abstentions : 14
Groupe Socialiste (115)
Pour : 1 - M. Jacques Gillot
Abstentions : 114
Groupe Union centriste (29)
Pour : 28
N'a pas pris part au vote : 1 - Mme Nathalie Goulet
Groupe Union pour un Mouvement Populaire (151)
Pour : 150
N'a pas pris part au vote : 1 - M. Gérard Larcher, Président du Sénat
Sénateurs ne figurant sur la liste d'aucun groupe (7)
Pour : 6
N'a pas pris part au vote : 1 - M. Gaston Flosse
Banco Di Caribe was Thinking [RED], Doing Safe for the month of October, and so were their counter parts on Curacao. In photo one can see the management team of Banco Di Caribe-Curacao in their Think [RED], Do Safe red polo shirts, as a means of showing solidarity to their colleagues here on St. Maarten as they brought awareness about HIV/AIDS.
French Quarter: --- On this Tuesday morning, rain began falling in most areas of St. Martin. French Quarter was also blessed with heavy rain. When that happens our camera lens managed to catch what Impasse Adams Alexandre looks like when rain falls. SMN News was told over two years ago that this road is scheduled to be fixed and that the arrangements were in place over two years ago.
Earlier this year, letters were placed in every letter box on Impasse Adams Alexandre notifying the residents that repairs would begin on this road. The letter came from S.S.M.B.T.P. (Societe Saint Martinoise de Batiment et Travaux Publics).
According to the letter stated that they were going to begin building a concrete road on Impasse Adams Alexandre and Rue des Arrindells as of June 25 which would take a maximum of two months.
In fact workers graded the road very low that as soon as rainfall there is extreme flooding. According to one of the employees that graded the road is that they had to grade the road so that they can put in the necessary materials before building the concrete road. About three days after the grading of the road all work on Impasse Adams Alexandre stopped for unknown reason.
SMN News contacted the company as well as the community council of French Quarter expressing our concerns and the danger residents of this street faces during heavy rain. One of those residents happens to be a young man that is handicapped.
Today we have decided to pose some more questions on this website so that those who have the answers as why the work on Impasse Adams Alexandre was stopped can post them here.
One, information we want to share with you is that President Frantz Gumbs visited SMN News reporter at her home prior to him being elected president in 2008 and he said back then that this road was going to be his priority. We are also inviting the president to tell us if Impasse Adams Alexandre remains his priority or if that has changed.
Unfortunately SMN News is blacklisted from the Collectivity of Saint Martin, so we are not able to ask the President these questions.

Please readers if you have answers to the following questions please post them. (Please keep the comments clean and constructive).
1. Did someone stop the work that was being carried out on Impasse Alexandre, if so who and why?
2. Would there be proper drainage when and if this road is ever fixed?
3. Would water pipes be installed so that the residents living on Impasse Adams Alexandre can finally get city water?
4. Do you know if the residents of Impasse Adams Alexandre are taxpayers and do they pay their taxes?
5. Do the residents of Impasse Adams Alexandre benefit from the suppression of the tax de la fortune or are they middle class people that are burdened with tax that is not benefitting them?
Philipsburg: ---- Police Inspectors Carlton Phillips and Carlyle Rogers receive their charter for serving the police force of the Netherlands Antilles for 35 years and 25 years respectfully. The ceremony took place in the conference room at the Philipsburg Police Station and carried out by the Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba. During her speech at the ceremony the minister expressed her gratitude to the officers for their hard work and dedication they have demonstrated during the many years of service.
She also wished them much success as they continue their carrier in the police force and encouraged them to continue being inspiring role models. Also at this ceremony were the State Secretary Ernie Simmons, Lt. Goveror Franklin Richards, leader of Government William Marlin, Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Ademar Doran,Human Resource Manager Lourdes Lake, representatives of the N.A.P.B. (Police Union) and A.B.V.O. along with other members of the local police force.
Chief Inspector Hildo Martina who has celebrated 40 years of service and Sergeant F. Pinto who has also celebrated 25 years of service were not on hand to receive their charter.
French Quarter:--- After posting an article with photographs and questions surrounding the road repairs on Adams Alexandre, SMN News managed to get some answers to most of the questions we asked from the Director of S.S.M.B.T.P. (Societe Saint Martinoise de Batiment et Travaux Publics) Guy Regent.
On the scene on Wednesday, Regent said the Collectivity of Saint Martin stopped the road works, which began on June 25 on Rue des Arrindell and Impasse Adams Alexandre. Regent explained when they began working on these roads earlier this year they noticed that on Rue Arrindell and Impasse Adams Alexandre there was no drainage, no telephone lines, no portable water lines, neither was there any sewage lines on these roads. Regent said he immediately notified the COM of his findings so that they can take a decision on how they should proceed. “We submitted a dossier to add these lines prior to building the road, but only now we got a response from the COM” Regent explained.
Regent further explained that only recently the COM gave S.S.M.B.T.P instructions on how to continue the road works. He said they were ordered to put in drainage on Rue Arrindell since the rainwater would run into people’s yard when it rain and several homes in the immediate neighborhood would flood out. “Because of the flooding and water going on other people’s property the COM made drainage a priority on that road”.
Rue Arrindell would not get telephone, water, and sewage lines since the COM is saying this was not on their budget and they are facing financial constraints. As for Impasse Adams Alexandre the company was ordered to put in telephone lines and to build the road in such a way that excess water would run down to the main road where a basin would be installed. Asked if this technique would work Regent said they would try to build the road with a “V” shape so the water would run down the middle. He further explained that their intention was to build a flat road with drainage and irrigation to the side but the COM scrapped that plan.
“I am shocked with the decisions taken by the Collectivity because they could have profited and put in water lines which would bring in much more revenues than phone lines. Nowadays everybody has a cellular phone and there is phone lines in this area but no water line.” Says Regent.
He said the COM told them they would find another solution for water lines in the future, for these roads but no mention was made about how the COM intends to deal with the sewage situation. Regent could not say if they would have to break these roads in the future to install the water lines when the monies become available.
The Rotary Club of St.Maarten co-ordinated the second annual food distribution to project for those who less fortunate in our community. As a result of the overwhelming
response the club decided to make this an annual event and to schedule delivery on 11 November, St. Maarten's Day.
There were a total of 120 food hampers prepared this year. The hampers included non perishable food items such as rice, flour, milk, sugar,
mixed vegetables, sausage, beans and mac and cheese. There are children and families who continually deal with food insecurity and
the Bishop Ellis Foundation has made a significant difference in their lives. As such, they were given 50 food hampers. The balance, 70
hampers were distributed between the Helping Hands Foundation, the White & Yellow Cross, and the Haitian Church Community.
Philipsburg: ---Employees of Bobby’s Marina completed on Friday November 20 a three-hour workshop on productivity in the workplace. The workshop, which was held at the WICSU/PSU headquarters, attracted twenty-one employees from every department of the marina/boatyard, which has branches in Philipsburg and in Simpsonbay.
The workshop had the dual purpose of identifying the factors that contribute to low productivity at Bobby’s Marina and suggesting ways of reducing them, and to impart techniques of good work ethics.
In addition to pointing out pitfalls and attitudes that could result in low productivity, workshop facilitator Ms Joy Arnell of the Department of Social Welfare skillfully led the workers in role-plays of various scenarios, evaluations of situations and in offering possible solutions.
The workshop was organized by WICSU/PSU in keeping with its aim of doing all it can in helping its members to constantly improve and make themselves more marketable. Financing for the workshop was provided by Bobby’s Marina.
At the start of the workshop, WICSU/PSU President William Reed commended the workers of Bobby’s Marina for making use of the opportunity of equipping themselves to be better employees. He also expressed gratitude and commendations to Ms Arnell for facilitating the training, and the Management of Bobby’s Marina for continuing to support the union’s education fund.
GREAT BAY– The family physician clinic of Dr. Spencer is available Wednesday to administer pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine to risk groups associated with that clinic from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
The process of administering the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine started on Monday, November 23 for high-risk groups.
Persons who fall under the identified risk groups are asked to visit their family physicians at the following clinics as of the specified days and times:
- Dr. Mercuur Clinic (Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 1.00pm);
- Bush Road Clinic (Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 2.00pm);
- Dr. Deketh Clinic (Monday to Friday, 2.00pm to 3.00pm)
- Dr. Ruth Douglas (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 7.30am to 9.30am)
- Union Road Clinic of Dr. Van Osch (Wednesday, Thursday 2.00pm to 5.00pm)
- Simpson Bay Medical Clinic of Dr. Tjaden and Dr. Datema (Wednesday and Thursday, 2.00pm to 5.00pm)
- Dr. Spencer Clinic (Wednesday, 2.00pm to 4.00pm).
Persons who should visit the aforementioned physicians are those who fall under the high-risk group and who are clients of the aforementioned clinics. Other family physicians will be added to the list and this information will be announced once it has been compiled.
According to guidelines from the Netherlands Antilles Influenza A (H1N1) Protocol, all pregnant women who are in the last six months of pregnancy or second trimester – from their fourth month onwards – will be vaccinated.
Other persons who form part of the risk group that should get vaccinated are:
• Persons with chronic conditions e.g. with pulmonary disease; with cardiac disease; with diabetes mellitus, even if not on medication; with chronic kidney disease/failure; after a recent bone marrow transplant; with HIV-infection.
• Persons with a diminished resistance to infections: livercirrosis, (functional) asplenia, auto-immune illnesses, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medication;
• 60 years and older.
Health care workers who may be in contact with patients pertaining to the medical risk groups mentioned above (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics, and general practitioner/specialist practices) should also get vaccinated.
Home caregivers of people with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality due to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) should also be vaccinated.
For persons who do not fall within the identified risk groups, you are advised to continue with implementing preventive measures (maintain high standards of hygiene), staying healthy and keeping a safe distance from persons with a flu-like illness.
Marigot: --- An anonymous letter was sent to Senator Louis Constant Fleming and President Frantz Gumbs last week by someone who calls themselves St. Martin Angel of Death.
In the letters, both the Senator and President were told that they did not attend the funeral of Rigobert Bertrand Maurice (20), who was slain on the night of September 24 2009 in the vicinity of the Collectivity of St. Martin.
According to well-placed sources, the writer of the letters wants the Collectivity of Saint Martin to pay some Euros 150,000 as compensation to the family of Rigobert Bertrand Maurice, while the president must clean up around the COM.
The writer states in the two-page letter that there is no type of loitering or drug smoking around the Government Administration Building on the Dutch side and as such, the President of the COM must clean up around the Collectivity, Sandy-Ground and Low Town St. James. The letter writer is demanding that all scooters be taken off the streets of St. Martin. He gave the president a deadline, which ended on November 13. The writer made clear that they once lived next to the COM and they know what takes place there, the letter continued to state that the writer has nothing to lose and they would shoot a lot of people before committing suicide.
A second letter was sent to the COM on Wednesday this time in a pizza box SMN News learnt the contents remain the same, which includes the photograph of a high-powered rifle with the words “this is the baby that would do the job.”
It is understood that the writers of these letters also included two articles that was published on this website regarding the killing of Rigobert Bertrand Maurice.
On both occasion copies of the letters were sent to Vice Prosecutor Jacques Louvier and the Captain of the Gendarmerie.
SMN News also learnt that President Frantz Gumbs and Senator Fleming have filed an official complaint with the gendarmerie on Wednesday. Sources say the gendarmes also questioned Senator Louis Constant Fleming on Wednesday since he too has been threatened.
In an invited comment, Senator Fleming confirmed receipt of the letters, which he said, contained some serious death threats. He also confirmed that the person who is behind the letter said they are going to shoot a number of people before committing suicide. Fleming said the writer of the letter wants the compensation to be paid to relatives of the late Rigobert Bertrand Maurice.
About a year ago SMN News received an email from the St. Martin Angel of Death who said they were an association formed in French Quarter. In that, email threats were made against the prosecutor, the gendarmes and those elected.
Philipsburg:--- The Special Robbery Unit has reported that they are making progress with regards to the ongoing armed robbery investigations. The recently arrested suspects have been cooperating and have admitted to committing numerous other armed robberies. The investigations into the cases are continuing.
The Special Robbery unit has also reported that a third suspect in the armed robberies at the St Dominic School and Ruby Labega School has been arrested. The suspect will remain custody for further investigation.
SIMPSON BAY – Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation Managing Director Russell Voges says that the beautification and upgrading works around the Simpson Bay Bridge are progressing according to schedule.
Works currently being carried out are the installation of new guard rails and the trenching for street light cables. Ground works also include the installation of curbs enclosing the road and walkways.
The walkways for pedestrians will be constructed from red paving stones and this is scheduled to start in the week of November 30.
The milling and asphalt works are also scheduled for the week of November 30 and these activities will take place during the evening hours when there is less vehicular traffic.
The civil works are on schedule to be completed by December 11 just in time for the start of the 2009/10 tourism season. Beautification lights won’t be ready for installation by this date and are scheduled to be installed in January 2010.
The civil activities are being executed by Windward Roads Infrastructure while supervision is being carried out by Independent Consulting Engineers (ICE). The Public Works Department is in charge of quality assurance while HISMAR NV coordinates the civil works project for the Lagoon Authority.
Motorists and pedestrians are advised to pay extra attention while crossing the bridge during these construction activities.
Drivers are requested to slow down and observe the traffic signs in the construction area.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority would like to thank the public and mariners for their cooperation to date and apologizes for any inconvenience caused by these improvement works and activities.
Philipsburg:--- While the executive council continues to drag its feet with dealing with the final report submitted by the SOAB on the ROB department the island council of St. Maarten still has to address some of the key recommendations given in the report. So far, members of the island council have not requested the report SMN News learnt, while the people of St. Maarten have the right to know what is in the report, it remains concealed thus far. The people of this island ought to know what would be some of the consequences the report would have on their island.
SMN News has learnt that Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards has reserved his rights to send the report over to the prosecutor’s office sometime this week. It is further understood that Richards made clear during the executive council meeting last week Tuesday that members of the executive council should deal with the report if not someone else would deal with it for St. Maarten.
The source said that the Governor informed members of the executive council that this report would affect the obtaining of country status if it is not dealt with. In an invited comment, Prosecutor Rienk Mud said Richards has promised to send to the report to them but they have not received it yet.
The investigators outlined several aspects of wrong doings in this report mainly with the issuance of building permits. In the preliminary report, which was submitted some months ago, they suggested that the executive council hire an interim manager to replace head of the department Joseph Dollison, but so far, the commissioner of ROB (Public Works) Theo Heyliger has not followed any of the advice given by SOAB.
Sources say Heyliger was waiting on the final report to avoid being taken to court by the employees at ROB but recently the commissioner is saying that the investigators focused on certain buildings that were discussed in the island council and they also concluded that there are not sufficient people working for the department. SMN News learnt that the if the rules are strengthened based on the recommendations given by SOAB then every applicant of building permits would be affected.
The SOAB had suggested that there be re-organization in the department. SOAB specifically said the executive council should hire an interim manager who never worked at ROB, this person was supposed to put order in the house.
The SOAB suggested that an inquiry be done on domain affairs to determine how domain land are being distributed, so far that inquiry has not taken place. They also suggest that some internal control be done at the department, which would guarantee that procedures are followed. SOAB also suggest that the executive council should outline all its rules and regulations so that there should be no room for managerial interpretations, while the executive council should make sure that their rules and regulations are followed without exceptions.
SMN News learnt that leader of Government William Marlin met with Commissioner Theo Heyliger on Thursday where he spoke frankly regarding the SOAB report. The source said Marlin already indicated to Heyliger that he has no problem being in opposition and that he Heyliger should deal with the report immediately, SMN News learnt that an extraordinary executive council meeting was also called on Thursday to deal with the SOAB report as well as with the budget.
SMN News was reliably informed that the only person who stands to lose at Public Works is the Director Joseph Dollison. It is further understood that Dollison has already cleaned up his desk as he is planning to go on early retirement but procedures still has to be followed.
Orient Beach: ----- A former employee and owner of a small boat is now nursing gunshot wounds. The victim has been identified as Fabrice a French national who was shot while on a motor bike that was being ridden by one of his friends.
According to eyewitnesses, the man was walking towards Club Orient with his girlfriend when another man identified as Philippe picked him up on his motor bike leaving the girlfriend on the roadside. The eyewitnesses said shortly after four men all on scooters began following the motorbike that picked up Fabrice. They said at the entrance of Club Orient a fight broke out, and the security guard that was working tried to intervene, but when his efforts were not sufficient he decided to call the gendarmes. “It was during this time one of the four attackers shot Fabrice. But what is strange about all of this is when Fabrice girlfriend saw the four scooters approaching her boyfriend and Philippe she took off running towards the pond.” One eyewitness said it seems as though the girlfriend knows the attackers. The victim also has a green boat that is currently docked on Orient Beach.
In an invited comment, Managing Director of Club Orient Stephen Paynes said that crime is all over the world and it happens frequently in tourist areas.
Paynes said there are cameras all over Club Orient and the shooting is on tape. He said he already turned over the DVR hard-drive to the investigators. Paynes said he is not sure if there were two or three shots that were fired but the victim he said was hurt somewhere in the chest area. He said when he saw the victim on the ground he took a towel from the resort and begin to apply pressure until the ambulance arrived on the scene. “It was clear that the victim was in pain but it appeared as if his injuries are not fatal.” Paynes said the bullet looks like a 9mm but he is not an expert on guns and bullets.
Paynes said it appeared as though the attackers were going after the motor bike but he is not sure what could have caused the broad daylight shooting. Paynes also confirmed that the victim worked at Club Orient years ago and he owns a boat. The victim he said speaks Spanish fluently.
Violence and Crime is a fact of Life—says Paynes.
Paynes said violence and crime is a fact of life and it happens everywhere especially in tourist destinations but when incidents such as these take place the economy is affected. “The hotel is 70% full and we are up 10% from last year and I am sure this would affect our business.” The businessman said he worked in several countries for example Indonesia and crime is far worst there. Paynes recounted an incident that took place in Tacoma where four policemen were shot on Sunday. While none of this is an excuse for crime, he said people have to know that crime happens everywhere and St. Martin is no exception. He said crime is definitely affecting the economy but felt that there needs to be more community policing if St. Martin is to be more effective in handling crime.
Police he said has to be an integral part of the community if they are to fight and reduce crime. The businessman felt there is need to have police (Gendarmes) stay longer on St. Martin so they can get to know the people here. He further explained that when a community is small the pain of crime is more severe. This is said would definitely affect the tourism trade and more has to be done to protect it. Paynes said he had a cocktail party scheduled to take place at 5pm on Monday for his guest but due to the shooting, his guests could not even check in on time.




The Bahamas Union of Teachers is proud and honored to host the fifty delegates attending the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) Executive Committee Meeting 4th – 5th December 2009 at Walkers Hall, Bethel Avenue. The delegates will arrive on Thursday 3rd December from twenty one Caribbean nations stretching from Bermuda in the North to Suriname in the South. They will include Mr. Roustan Job, President (Trinidad & Tobago), Dr. Adolph Cameron, Secretary General (Jamaica), other officers of the CUT, and Mrs. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, Education International (EI) Regional Coordinator for North America and the Caribbean (St. Lucia). The CUT rotates the venue of its Executive Committee Meetings between the member countries. This is the second time that the BUT is hosting this prestigious meeting in ten years. The items on the agenda include:
• Disaster Preparedness & Mitigation Workshop
• Collective Bargaining and ICT Workshops
• Assistance to Haiti
• Les Harris Cricket Competition
• Reports: Secretary General, Financial, Vice Presidents, Units, EI Regional Report, and Status of Women's Committee Reports.
The Caribbean Union of Teachers is a member of EI and it is the regional trade union body for teachers' unions in the Caribbean. The BUT is a member of EI through its membership in the CUT. The CUT Secretariat is located at the Jamaica Teachers Association headquarters, Kingston, Jamaica, and its motto is "Each for All - All for Each." The BUT has a history with the CUT dating back to the days of Bro. A. Leonard Archer, Past President. The 15th President of the BUT, Mr. Kingsley Black was First Vice President of the CUT (2003-2005), and the 32nd biennial Conference of the CUT was hosted by him in August 2005.
At the CUT 34th Biennial Conference which was held in Grenada in August, 2009, Sis Adeltis Bain-Stubbs was re-elected to serve as a member of the CUT Status of Women's Committee, a position she has held for more than six years. Sis Belinda Wilson, BUT President, was appointed to the Sporting Committee, and Bro. Stephen Mcphee, Secretary General, BUT, was appointed to the Finance and Public Relations Committees. Sis. Helena Cartwright, Past Secretary General, was also awarded for her service to the CUT Status of Women's Committee at the CUT 34th Biennial Conference. She was a long standing member of the Status of Women's Committee.
The Bahamas Union of Teachers has planned and prepared to treat our special guests to a great Bahamian experience before they leave on Sunday, 6th December. Their itinerary includes:
• Friday, 4th December, 2009 – Bahamian Breakfast (8a.m.,), Opening Ceremony (9:30a.m.), Business Sessions, Christmas Concert, H.O. Nash Jr. High (7p.m.), BUT New Providence District Social (8:30p.m.)
• Saturday, 5th December – Bahamian Breakfast, Business Sessions, Visit to Junkanoo Shack, Tour of Historical Sites, Tour of Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamian 'Lime' – visit to local entertainment night spot.
Again, the BUT is proud and honoured to host the Caribbean Union of Teachers Executive Committee Meeting in Nassau, the capital of the most beautiful country on the planet for the second time in ten years. We'll do our best to demonstrate to our brothers and sisters from "Yard", Barbados, Trinidad and rest of the Caribbean why "It's better in The Bahamas." "Unite and Build!"

Spring French Quarter: --- Three Chinese nationals are now nursing severe head injuries at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on Monday night. According to information, reaching SMN News some youngsters on scooters went to the Hang Cheong Supermarket located behind the Gendarmerie in Spring French Quarter and attacked all three of the attendants that were in the supermarket working.
The attack it is understood, took place around 7:30pm. Eyewitnesses to the crime said the robbers who were armed fired gunshots while carrying out the robbery. One bystander said two of the victims received gun butts on the head while another was stabbed in his head. "All three of the victims had head injuries and they were taken to the hospital by the ambulances." The attackers stole the monies that were in the cash register but the amount was not known.
In an invited comment proprietor of Hang Cheong said he does not know how badly his employees were injured. The man said he was at Grand Case in another Supermarket when he received a phone call telling him about the robbery. "When I reached the scene the doctor was already here and they had them in the ambulance, so I cannot say how badly they are injured." The proprietor said even though his supermarket is not far away from the gendarmerie in French Quarter he was robbed on several occasions. He said he is tired of changing cash registers and nothing ever came out of the investigations. The man who did not want to give his name to this reporter urged us to check and see how big is his robbery files at the Gendarmerie. SMN News could not reach the commandant for a comment at press time. Efforts made to contact the Vice Prosecutor were also futile.
About two hours after the robbery several gendarmes were seen on next to the ball field conducting a control. Several youngsters as well as grown men were being controlled since they were hanging outside another supermarket on Rue Lamegeot.

Winter's Words, a dinner and spoken word evening organized by Lysanne Charles and friends will take place at Top Carrot Restaurant in Simpson Bay on Monday, December 14th at 7:30pm sharp.
The format of Winter's Words follows that of the popular Summer Speaks series which ran on Monday nights throughout the month of July.
Attendees will first have a delicious dinner prepared by Top Carrot's owner Peter and Lydia Bonev and their staff. Dinner will be served with the choice of a wine or juice. After dinner dessert and bush tea will be served, before guests retire to the poetry corner for about an hour to hear some of the island's freshest poets.
Charles said that the line-up for the program was strong, with a diverse cast of performers including Roberto Arrindell, Peter Lake, Lenworth Wilson, Rene Violenus, Lorenzo 'Sigma' Gomez, Laurent 'Trilogy' Ulysse, Rochelle Ward and herself. This time around poets will be able to read about any topic they choose to, so she expects that the flow and content of the poems will differ widely from poet to poet, highlighting the variety of lived experiences on the island.
"I heard almost all of these poets read and they are amazing. For myself, I just try my best to deliver a quality poem, which audiences can enjoy. Summer Speaks was an amazing experience and that is why I wanted to replicate it only this time celebrating the winter solstice. Initially the date was scheduled for December 21st, officially the longest day of the year, but scheduling did not permit for it, so I shifted it ahead a week. But still this evening is all about celebrating poetry and spoken word and I encourage people to come out and support us in this effort," Charles said.
She explained that tickets for the events must be purchased in advance and said that reservations and payments could be made at Top Carrot Restaurant between now and Monday 12pm. The event caters to a maximum of 30 people and so interested person should contact the restaurant as soon as possible.
"We look forward to performing for everyone and having a great time. Winter's Words will be another poetic experience spoken word lovers on the island would not want to miss," Charles said.
Windward Islands Airways is responding to serious, malicious, damaging and deliberately orchestrated rumors geared at discrediting the airline. The airline through its Managing Director, Edwin Hodge pointed out that the public should be aware of false rumors which have been stating that the airline will be pulling out of Antigua and Barbuda at the end of March next year.
"I would like to assure and reiterate to our customers out there that Winair has no plans to cease operation next year in Antigua and Barbuda and even Montserrat as we recognize the level of service that we provide which we know are urgently needed . Therefore, any attempts to instill the belief that Winair will be ceasing to operate after March 2010 should be deemed as malicious and deliberate attempt at creating confusion," Hodge said.
He noted that the rumors are being peddled by individuals who are bent on distracting customers and the public to the enormous achievements and growth of the airline while noting that it is a means t reducing Winiar's rapidly growing revenues in Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat. "We will not be distracted by the actions of a few as we are confident that the general public is fully aware of the enormous work being done," Hodge said.
The Winair MD stressed that his company remains committed and dedicated to the people and governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat noting that su8nintersupted services will continue as long as thee is a need for the airline.
"We intend to continue operating here (Antigua and Barbuda) and in Montserrat until our services are no longer needed for the essential services by the Antigua and Montserrat Government. Therefore, please be advised that anything contrary to this should be seen as a deliberate attempt to create undue fear and confusion," he declared.
Hodge added that those involve in peddling the baseless allegations and rumors should immediately desist from doing so noting that Winair will continue to remain a string and vibrant airline. He further added that a number of new and exciting initiatives are being debated currently by management with a view of continuing to lift the service and quality of the airline to its various destinations for 2010.
"Winair has been around for some 48 years and therefore we want to assure the public of my company's continue trust and commitment in continuing tom prove safe and reliable air transport thus I warn those detractors to seize their baseless mission of attempting to ruin the impeccable record and image of Winair as it will not work," Hodge declared.
Great Bay, St. Martin-Last weekend, Deejblaze hosted a [RED] Party in observance of World AIDS Day at the Secret Nightclub & Lounge. It was reported in the "Today" newspaper of Monday, December 7, that there was a fight at the [RED] Party, which proved to be incorrect.
The HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team and Deejblaze would like to clarify exactly what took place at the club. Deejblaze stated that to his knowledge there was no fight in the night club and the parking lot.
"I know there was an argument in the club after Macka Diamond's performance, and I stopped the party 30 minutes prior to closing time, which is 4AM," said Deejblaze.
He further mentioned that the police was on location and arrested a drunken man who wanted to cause problems outside. "Other than that, the event was a success," said Deejblaze.
Philipsburg:---- Police arrested three Guyanese nationals a male and two female who are part of the shoplifter's gang on the island. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said police managed to get information from members of the public regarding the three culprits. Henson said members of the public called the "tip line" 9300 and alerted police as to where the Guyanese nationals were staying. Henson said when the arrest was made on Friday several items were found on them and they were not able to provide police with where they got the items from. Henson said police also searched the place where the trio was staying and found several bags of new clothing and no explanation can be given as to where it was bought. The police spokesman said the items mostly clothing has been confiscated as the investigation continues.
Henson said the police already received information about several groups of persons that are operating in the three's and four's shoplifting around the island. The police spokesman has also issued a warning for all shop owners to pay keen attention as to what is taking place at their place of business. The police spokesman also asked that the businesses take the necessary precaution to safeguard their businesses.
Philipsburg:---The court of first instance has ordered, on November 23 of this year, the Netherlands Antilles to pay a total sum of 10.000 Naf to the two men from Sri Lanka, that were recently sent back to their country after spending more than 6 months on the floor of the holding cells at the local police station in Philipsburg, an additional 3800 NAF has to be paid by the authorities for legal fees and court costs
The judge stated that that their custody was unlawful. The authorities claimed that it was not possible to repatriate them any sooner. The judge found that hard to believe with the many flights per week from St.Maarten to the major airports(hubs) in Europe and beyond.
The two gentlemen were apprehended by RST officers around the 17 of April of this year. It was discovered that the men had no criminal intentions, instead they had planned to travel to Canada, via France and St.Maarten, to file for asylum. (Young Tamil men are subject to serious scrutiny or worse since the Sinhalese Government of Sri Lanka won the war against the Tamil Tigers. A war that lasted for several decades and left many Sri Lankan dead or mutilated.
Instead of releasing the two men or handing them over to immigration, they were left in the holding cells without any legal reason to hold them. It was only after a month in the cells that they were handed over to immigration. That did not mean they were going anywhere. They remained in the same cells. Several months they remained there in the dark of their cells until by sheer coincidence, a local reporter was arrested and had to spend a couple of days in the same cells.
The reporter met a variety of individuals that seemed to be forgotten by authorities among them Tamils, Indians and even a Canadian and US citizen. All were sleeping, together with criminal suspects, on the floor or dirty mattresses for many months. Again, stories of rodents and other creeping animals were heard. No sunlight or fresh air for weeks in a row!
After some months, the Canadian was set free, as was the American. However, the Tamils stayed, nobody came to their rescue. What 's more, few people were even aware they were there. The hardworking civil servants at the immigration department were not happy neither with this enduring and increasingly disturbing situation. However, the instruction to set them free or repatriate them never seemed to come.
Ironically, shortly before the arrest of the two men, St.Maarten and other islands in the Dutch Caribbean, (that are part of the so called Political Steering Group for Constitutional Change) made an agreement with the Netherlands to intensify their cooperation in the fight against illegal immigration, human smuggling and human trade. The Dutch or the French (for they came from Paris) were never involved however.
When Attorneys Remco M. Stomp and Denicio Brison were notified about the disturbing situation, they took immediate action and filed an appeal at the local courthouse to try to put an end to the inhumane situation.
The appeal was handled on Friday October 19, 2009 at the local courthouse. The judge had the chance to hear the story first hand from the two men and set the date for his verdict for Monday October 26, 2009. In the verdict, the judge instructed the authorities to provide him with additional information with regards to the legal motivation to keep the men locked up for so long and set a date for an additional hearing for Friday October 30, 2009. The authorities apparently did not wanted to wait for the judge's decision and arranged two tickets on the KLM flight to Sri Lanka (via Amsterdam) on Tuesday October 27, 2009.
The judge decided, on November 23 and as expected, that the treatment of the two men was unacceptable and therefore un-lawful.

Philipsburg:--- Police had a rough day on Friday as they were called to several crime scenes. However, they were surprised when they were called to intervene in a fight between two grown men. On the scene, police encountered both men identified as E.D and C.W in blood.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release said the incident took place in the vicinity of the Coliseum Casino and that one of the victims took a knife and cut off the other victim's finger. Henson said both men were transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment.

He said when police interviewed the two men they learnt that the fight started due to the smoking of marijuana in the area of the casino. Henson said C.W used a knife and a piece of wood as weapons to cut off E.D finger. He said doctors at the St. Maarten Medical Center operated on the victim in order to replace the severed ring finger on his right hand. The detective department is still busy investigating this case.
In an unrelated case police was directed to Back Street where they found a man identified as E.V.H with severe wounds to his face. E.V.H was found in the vicinity of the cadastre office lying on the ground. He told police that on his way home to Sucker Garden he was attacked by two unknown men who had beaten him with some sort of weapons. E.V.H said his attackers robbed him of his monies. He was treated for his injuries while police are busy investigating the case.

Marigot: --- Several Dutch police vehicles were seen on Monday midday racing over the border in Bellevue in a high-speed chase. Eyewitnesses say they saw at least five police cars raced through St. James and Low Town. One eyewitness said that the police were chasing an alleged robber who was on a motorcycle who eventually crashed his bike and fell but police did not manage to stop the thief as he still managed to escape. It is further understood that the gendarmes took at least half an hour after the accident to arrive on the scene.
According to information reaching SMN News the Dutch side police does not have any authority to cross over to the French side and vise versa. In an invited comment, Christophe Coelho from the Prefecture of St. Martin said the agreement discussions between the Dutch and French is still ongoing. He said while there are certain levels of cooperation between the two sides the police and gendarmes are not permitted to cross over the border even if it is a high-speed chase.

The gendarmes and the police do have a verbal agreement pertaining to high-speed chase. Some years ago, a radio and telephone system was put into service for the two sides to contact each other in the event of an emergency, such as high-speed chases or the capturing of criminals who are trying to escape law enforcement on either side.
In a press release, Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said while they were in Dutch Quarter conducting an investigation they identified a suspect for whom a warrant is out. Henson said they have been looking for this suspect for quite sometime and when the detectives attempted to approach him, he took off on a motor cycle trying to avoid being captured. Henson said the detectives immediately contacted the central dispatch who also contacted the gendarmes and they promised to get to the scene immediately. The police spokesman said the Dutch police also notified the gendarmes that they were going to go across the border hoping that they would capture the wanted man. Henson said the chase continued on to St. James and the biker fell but he got up unhurt and began running through the residential area. Henson said police conducted a foot chase but the culprit still managed to escape through the buildings. He said the gendarmes have since taken over the investigation.

Philipsburg: --- The island receiver's office has placed a lien on the Westin Resort for unpaid room taxes. SMN News learnt that the lien was placed on the resort some two months ago and to date the resort has not attempted to turn over the room taxes dating back to 2004.
According to reliably sources Westin did not turn over their room taxes from 2004 to 2009 simply because the former executive council led by the Democratic Party had issued them a letter of intent promising to waiver the room taxes if they were going to use those funds to further invest on the island.
Westin was supposed to invest in the training of locals and other infrastructure that would have boosted the tourism industry. The former executive council had promised to grant the waiver for at least five years whenever they changed the legislation. However, to date no changes were made to the legislation and Westin did not pay any of its room taxes which were to be turned over to the island receiver the 15th day of each month. It is not clear if the Island Receivers office ever sent them an assessment on how much must they owed government on a monthly basis.
SMN News learnt that the island receivers have decided to place a lien on the resort to make sure they comply with the current tax laws and the statues of limitation. It is also understood that all resorts and or guesthouses must turn over all room taxes by the 15th of each month and they are not to wait for an assessment.
The source said the Westin has sent a letter to the island government telling them they intend to launch a court action against government based on the letter of intent they received from the former executive council in 2004. The source said Westin letter came clean after they received a letter from the island receiver notifying them that they would be placing a lien on the resort for the 2004 room tax.
According to Westin's claim, they are claiming the island government had raised their intention by issuing a letter where they clearly stated that the legislation was to be changed. Westin is also claiming that Curacao did the same thing some years ago for the Sonesta Resort; however, they failed to mention that Curacao had to revoke their own legislation after several resorts and guest houses protested citing discrimination.
SMN News learnt that the advisors for commissioner of finance held meetings with the head of finance Bas Roorda and the island receiver to determine what course of action would be taken in this case.
The source said the island government would make sure they inform Westin that they would have to make their payments since the current executive council would not honor the letter given to them by the former executive council. Secondly, the island government is not authorized to waiver taxes for anyone unless the law is changed; besides that changing, the legislation for them would be discriminatory. Referring to Curacao the island government it is said would inform Westin that Curacao revoked that legislation after it was determined that the legislation made for Sonesta was discriminatory. Furthermore, unless a new law is passed Westin is bound by the old laws and they must turn over monies they are holding for the island government.
SMN News has also learnt that several other resorts have the same type of letter of intent from the former executive council and the island receiver is currently busy with the procedures against those resorts.

Philipsburg: --- Some 46 persons mostly children were given their decree of the Dutch nationality on Tuesday at the 5th naturalization ceremony held this year. Presenting the decrees was Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards who urged the new Dutch citizens to join the other Dutch citizens in building country St. Maarten.
The 46 persons who received their Dutch nationality on Kingdom Day came from 11 different countries, namely the Dominican Republic, Haiti, China, Guyana, Dominica, St. Kitts, Jamaica, India, Suriname, Venezuela, and the United States of America.
Of the 46 persons, three of them opted to use the declaration of solidarity process.
Richards said 26 of the recipients were born on St. Maarten and are under the age of 10-years.
Richards in his address to the recipients said that since last year it became mandatory procedure before anyone can obtain the Dutch Nationality. He said that as of December 2008 some 249 persons obtained their Dutch nationality during the naturalization ceremonies held on St. Maarten. Richards said the naturalization process and the laws have been amended to make the naturalization ceremony mandatory.
Philipsburg:---The Police Department, as like the previous years, have started its "end of the year controls." To conduct these controls the police department has brought all its resources together. The controls started on Monday December 14 2009 and will end in January 2010.
This project will consist of many different types of controls and will cover the entire Dutch Side of the island. The focus will be mainly to suppress and minimize the amount of armed robberies and other criminal activities.
Controlling of traffic violators, strict maintaining of public order, increasing the visibility of the police on the streets especially in those areas where tourists would likely visit. Most of all to provide help for those who need it. The Police department is also asking the public for their total cooperation.
That at all times they should carry proper identification on them in case they are stopped by a police officer. If so, they will immediately be able to identify themselves and avoid any unnecessary inconvenience. Make use of the "police tip line" to inform them of any criminal activity. The public should also take all necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of any sort during this busy holiday season.
The faction of the Democratic Party in the Island Council has called on the Executive Council to convene a meeting of the Permanent Committee for Constitutional Affairs (PCCA). This call came as the Island Council on December 26 ratified the decision list of this Council of October 27 2009 among others. In the meeting of October 27, it was decided to refer all documentation of the Kingdom Political Steering Group meeting of September 30 to a PCCA meeting.
No such meeting has been convened up to this date. One would recall all the commotion surrounding the transfer of the chairmanship of the PCCA from the former Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams to the current Commissioner. To date however, no meeting of the PCCA under chairmanship of Commissioner W. Marlin has been convened.
The constitutional process remains one that all members of island should be not only interested in, but involved as well. This involvement can take place in a meeting of the PCCA. Not all island council members are privy to discussions on the level of the Kingdom Political Steering Group, so this information must not only be shared, but deliberated upon and all island council factions are called to represent the people and let their voices be heard on this matter of constitutional change.
(Sarah Wescot Williams)

Dutch Quarter: --- The manager and cashier of the Food Club Supermarket (Afoo Group) was shot dead on Wednesday evening. According to eyewitnesses some men dressed in dark clothing entered the supermarket with shotguns and opened fire. The manager who is well known in the community as Eric was pronounced dead on the scene by the police doctor. SMN News learnt that at least three persons were shot during the shootout.
On the scene were several police officers from the Armed Robbery Unit as well as Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos and Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Daphne Francesca.
On the main road and alongside alley next to the supermarket several bystanders and friends of the deceased man gathered outside as the investigators gathered their evidence. Most of the onlookers were in complete disbelief as the victim is well known and extremely friendly to his customers. His long time partner also collapsed on the scene as the undertakers removed the body of the slain businessman. Eric it is understood celebrated his birthday on Tuesday.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the police central received a phone call around 7:50 pm informing them that a robbery was taking place at the Food Club and gunshots were heard.
Henson said based on preliminary information at least four men entered the supermarket all of them armed with shotguns. The police spokesman said that as the robbers entered the supermarket and they began firing shots, he said they then proceeded to the office where they found the manager where he was robbed of an undisclosed amount of monies. Henson said it is understood that after the monies were taken the bandits turned around and shot the businessman, he said at least five gunshots were fired during the robbery. Henson based on how the incident took place police is now trying to piece together why the bandits shot Eric since they had already robbed him. Also shot was a female who was shot somewhere in the leg area while a bullet grazed another person, the victim he said was shot to the chest by a shotgun which resulted in his death. A spent shell belonging to a shotgun was also found in the parking lot. Police believed the robbers escaped by foot.
In the meantime, police department is calling on all eyewitnesses who saw what took place to call the police tip-line 9300 with whatever information they may have. Henson said police need the assistance of the general public and as such he urged anyone who might have seen what took place to contact them.


Dear Citizens and Friends of Sint Maarten,
Happy New Year 2010!
As we start a new decade for the 21st Century, I am happy and great full to be able to welcome a new year by the Grace of God. What a 'testing' year 2009 has been. Whatever this new year, this new decade, has in store for us as individuals or collectively as citizens of Sint Maarten, will depend a great deal on your own resolve, your own healthy ambition, your own passion, your own commitment to see these goals become reality.
Personally, whenever I'm asked to write my thoughts and share these with you, I count my Blessings that I am able and willing to do so. I looked back at my message of last year and compared that to what we as a people and visitors experienced over the past 12 months. I realized that our faith and trust has indeed been severely tested including as I stated last December; 'our faith and trust in the institutions that are supposed to protect our citizens and their hard earned savings.'
I care deeply and believe firmly in the ability of this beautiful island Sint Maarten. But we must not take it for granted. The constitutional changes that will affect our lives in the next few years, including the outcome of the parliamentary elections of January 22nd must be carried out with resolve, openness, honesty and in frank dialogue with our people. It is a fact that this new year, our resolve will be tested more than ever, with limited human and financial resources and increased responsibilities. Good governance, accountability and transparency in decision making will no longer be just words. We will have to walk, the talk.
Ladies, and gentlemen, Do you want to give up on having a better quality of life, a better and safe neighborhood, a great educational system, less crime, cleaner environment, a traffic system that works, better regulated building codes and yes, more help for our people?
I don't think so. We can never give up and never give in. All of us including yourself, can make Sint Maarten a greater state. This year, my desire is to do more than just write and hope for the best.
This year I want to help bring much needed 'Enthusiasm' back into our lives. I ask you to join me in making this resolution a reality for 2010.
As Abraham Lincoln once said; "People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
I thank you for this opportunity to address you. Have a safe, healthy and Happy New Year.
God bless and protect Sint Maarten and its people.
Obo the Peoples Progressive Alliance,
Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell.
In its continuing effort to provide assistance and support to the communities that it serves, Windward Islands (WINAIR) once again came to the rescue of some deserving recipients.
Despite the ongoing financial challenges that is being faced by a number of countries around the world the community base airline company came to the rescues of some children. According to confirm reports the airline immediately agreed after being approached by a non-governmental organization to lend airline support assistance to some thirty eight children and two adults.
The request was made on behalf of the underprivileged children who were seeking medical attention off island and thus needed the urgent assistance so as to fulfill their appointment. The NGO, I Can Foundation were taking some underprivileged children to the island of Statia. According to a senior official within the organization the children was originally slated to go by boat however for unforeseen reasons this approach had to be aborted thus the request for Winair's assistance.
The assistance was made possible after Managing Director of Winair Edwin Hodge was contacted by the Foundation’s board members for air support. Hodge when contacted said that Winair remains committed to helping and assisting the communities that it serves. “While we are like every other country affected by the global finances we couldn’t say no to the request as the children of today are our leaders of tomorrow and therefore, we wanted to play a meaningful role thus we consented to the request,” Hodge said.
He noted that while numerous other companies have put a hold on sponsorship and other requests his company continues giving as he stressed that in challenging times its when communities, stakeholders and the business community needs to forge a more unified relationship. “We have been giving despite the financial challenges as we recognize that there are some requests that are of great importance and urgency thus we have been saying yes to those requests,” he said.
An official within the organization in expressing gratitude and thanks to Winair stating that his organization has benefited significantly from the airline. He has urged the airline company to continue what he has dubbed as its Good Samaritan approach urging the public to continue its unwavering support to the airline. “We are very thankful for the assistance of Winair and we urge the public to continue lending support so as to ensure that Winiar continues on its community development path,” the official said.
The I Can Foundation is a NGO that has been accessing subsidy so as to help in the execution of its mandate and objectives through the assistance of companies, government and other agencies. It was also noted that the I Can Foundation also does fundraising activities so as to enhance their revenue thus being able to assist in the successful execution of their programs and projects.
The delegation of children and adults which departed on July 22nd returned to St Maarten on Sunday July 26th.
Marigot: --- The people of St. Martin must become more vigilant and if necessary they must be prepared to take action says senator Louis Constant Fleming. Fleming made a public address to the people on Friday morning on radio St. Martin he subsequently told reporters that he is concerned about the direction in which the island is going. Fleming said should there be the need for some sort of demonstration against the injustices he would be the one leading that demonstration. Just this week the one-year sanction placed on Fleming expired giving him the rights to speak out.
The senator said he already addressed his concerns to the Prefet delegue who recently returned to France and he intends to meet with the incoming Prefet where he would again lay his cards on the table. “There would come a time when our people would have to say enough is enough and take actions” Fleming said St. Martin is not a garbage dump and daily there are more beggars arriving to the island. “Right now the Red Cross and the Manteau de Saint Martin is only catering to these refugees from France instead providing emergency services.
Fleming said while there is no problem with the local government and the state government there seems to be problems with the French administration and the people of St. Martin. He said he wants clarification on the relationship with the government of France and St. Martin.
Fleming said the UMP led government supports St. Martin and they do have access to that government however, he needs to know what relationship the French administration has with St. Martin. Senator Fleming said over the past two years the French administration has been boosted on St. Martin, which is now creating problems. He said that right now the impression given is that St. Martin has become a police state and everyone is being scrutinized and being investigated. The senator said the personnel of the French administration are simple civil servants who do not own anything in their country and the minute they arrive here, they believe everyone is involved in criminal activities. “I am of the opinion that when they see St. Martiners are home owners they become jealous and are treating the islanders as criminals”.
“Recently we have learnt that a number of prominent people are being investigated by the French administration some of whom were placed in garde de vue as they are being interrogated.” According to Fleming, he is of opinion that there is some sort of jealousy existing within the administration.
Senator Fleming said several persons approached him and expressed their experience with law enforcement on the island. He said just recently homes in Lowlands were searched and the people who have a good standing on both St. Martin and the United States were highly intimidated simply because they brought in personnel that is working for them in the United States to work for them on St. Martin. “These people have invested millions on the island and they needed to be treated with respect. Most importantly the agents do not even speak English.”
The senator said while he is not against the law, he felt that homeowners must be notified of the laws that have to be respected. Fleming further explained that that he read some of the declarations, which left him shocked, some of the victims who signed declarations had to go back and sign counter declaration and there is gross abuse of power.
Fleming said the police presence on the French side is presently chasing away tourist from the French side because of the policing which involves the on the spot alcohol testing. He said he wants to know how many people have lost their lives on St. Martin roads because of drunk drivers. He felt law enforcement could be more constructive in solving crimes rather than harassing people on the road.
Senator Fleming said the people should not remain passive and allow this sort of treatment from the State because very soon they might even come in and take over the Collectivity.
Simpson Bay:--- Police was called yesterday morning at approximately 10.30 a.m. the Central Police dispatch received a telephone call, informing them of a possible armed robbery was taking place at the Windward Island Bank ( Simpson-bay Branch). The central dispatch immediately dispatched several police patrols and detectives from various departments were directed into that direction in order to investigate the matter and apprehend the possible suspect or suspects.
However on the scene detectives learnt from the bank management, that this was not a case of an armed robbery. Management stated that for approximately a little more than week, they been keeping a close eye on a group of at least three men, who have been frequenting this branch of the bank. These men possibly of South American decent would come into the bank, walk around, look around and monitor various clients in the bank. They themselves would not conduct any business in the bank. Because of their very suspicious behavior which took place this morning again and management not trusting the situation, the police department was notified.
On arrival at the bank the three men were arrested after being identified as the suspects. One man is from Colombia, one from Bolivia and the other from the Dominican Republic. All three suspects were arrested and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station for further investigation. No money from the bank was stolen or any clients of the bank were robbed. No weapons of any sort were found. The investigation is still in its preliminary stage and as soon as more information becomes available it will be made known says Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson.
Philipsburg:--- Focus should be placed on fixing the existing problems at the Princess Juliana International Aiport (PJIAE) before trying to regulate the issues surrounding labour said President of the Windward Island Civil Servant Union William Reed. Reed said unless these problems are being addressed the situation regarding illegal immigrants on St. Maarten would not change. He said that only last week he met with membership at the Immigration department where these issues were discussed. Reed said the immigration workers are being imposed with a lot of regulations including those that are mandated. The unionist said politics played a very important role in the situation regarding labour since voters are constantly expecting politicians to turn their heads aside in exchange for their votes.
Reed said he intends to put down his foot down so that the central government respects the laws and carriesout the necessary controls regarding immigration if they are to deal with the current situation plaguing St. Maarten. Asked if he felt the Franco Dutch Treaty should be implemented which would assist in controlling the undocumented. Reed said it is the politicians who have refused to have the treaty implemented for their own political gain. The unionists said because of this several policies are being shelved.
Responding to questions posed to him regarding the current vision of expanding the tripartite committee that is currently discussing the revised labour policy and its amendments. Reed said he believes in transparency and said he is the one that recruited advisor of the United Federation Union Willy Haize to be on that committee. Asked if the WICSU/ PSU have a problem having the Comprehensive Business Association (CBA) on the committee. Reed said he would want to know who the CBA is and who they are representing. Reed said Rosario should not represent both businesses and workers in any setting.
CBA Left Out of Negotiations—yet to meet with the Executive Council
President of the Comprehensive Business Association Elco Rosario in an interview with SMN News said to date he has never been invited to discuss the amendments of the revised labour policy. Rosario said he requested to meet with the executive council prior to the island council meeting held last week and to date that meeting was not granted. He said the executive council has chosen to meet with everyone else except the CBA who have given a list of items that has to be amended. He said he has called on the island government to withdraw the policy completely and to make sure the old policy is respected by having constant controls. Rosario said the reason given to the CBA is the lack of a constitution, he said the CBA is a registered association and felt that those rejecting their involvement are total nonsense.
Rosario said the CBA has been representing both businesses and employees, and he shared his information with the labour department. One of the objectives of CBA representation is currently avoiding court cases and undue expenses to both parties.
Rosario said he is amazed with the way the former leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams is speaking. He said when the former leader of government and labour commissioner implemented the revised labour policy she was not saying the same things.
The CBA has made their position clear from day one when it comes to the labour policy, which is they are representing the businesses. He said right now there is much discussion on the labour policy but somehow everyone forgets that the initiative was taken by the CBA.
Asked if the CBA is in favour of the amendments proposed by the executive council. Rosario said he is not totally in favour of the proposed amendments since certain articles in the policy were not touched. One such article he said is article six which he felt must be deleted. He said that article is hurting the already poor economy and it is bent on destroying the island. Rosario said he personally believes that government should stand their ground and withdraw the policy since there are several articles that contradict the civil code. The CBA president said he shared this with everyone including the leader of government prior to the change of government and no one disagrees with him. He said should this article remain effective persons residing on the island especially business owners could file court cases against the island government.
Rosario said revised policy has created confusion and he is ready to debate the issue with anyone including the advisor of the United Federation Union Willy Haize. He agreed that their has been abuse to the old labour policy.
Brooks Tower Accord not Addressing all Issues.
Rosario said while the Brooks Tower Accord, which is to be implemented, next month would address some of the issues surrounding labour and immigration one should not mix up the policies.
The CBA president said more explanation has to be given on the Brooks Tower; he said he wants to know what type of permits those persons who falls on category one will get. Those that are here before 2001 can now sign for themselves but is there a guarantee that the governor is going to grant the applicants a residency permit and if he does what type of permit are they going to get. Is it indefinite, one year, or independent Rosario asked? He felt if the Minister of Justice has to now explain what this policy entails. He said the devil is in the details and that is what needs to be worked out.
Philipsburg: --- The Special Armed Robbery Unit is busy investigating another case of armed robbery which left a man with a gunshot wound to his neck.
The incident occurred on January 3 2009 in Zozo Moran Drive Cole Bay.
During the robbery the victim with initials J.C.F. was shot in his neck by the robber said Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson. The victim stated to detectives that he had just arrived home from work. He said he had just parked his car and turned the engine off, when he saw an unknown man approaching him.
The victim opened the door of his car and asked the suspect what he wanted. The suspect told him to give up his chain and at the same time the suspect grabbed the chain and pulled it from his neck. After doing that the suspect pulled a gun, aimed at the victim and fired shot hitting the victim in the right side of his neck. The robber then jumped into a waiting car driven by another unknown man and drove off. The victim was treated at the hospital for his wound prior to being sent home.
Henson said at least three cases of armed robberies were reported armed thus far which are being investigated.
The Desmond Herbert line of businesses was recently expanded with the opening of yet another business. Honey Crunch Bakery and Deli opened its doors to shoppers and passers by of the Newtown Bay Road area. The latest opening is the fifth in the line of businesses owned and operated by young entrepreneur Desmond Herbert 11 who recently concluded talks in Guyana with the view of establishing a number of other businesses among them being an ice cream parlour and a juice manufacturing plant.
Herbert noted that his latest business is part of a plan by the company to provide a high- quality service to shoppers across the federation of St Kitts and Nevis.
Herbert explained that while limits on the company's management capacity precluded the continual expansion of its business chain, Quality Trading would, nonetheless, be seeking to supply its various businesses with "the range of our high-quality goods and service in order to enhance the quality of food available on the market."
Herbert pointed out that Honey Crunch Bakery and Deli will facilitate shoppers and customers with an opportunity whereby they can purchase both breakfast and lunches while maintaining snacks and baked products at very affordable prices in a very convenient and healthy environment.
Commenting on his bread prices which despite other bakers increasing the prices of bread in 2008 Hebert reiterated that he will continue to maintain the $1.25 and $3.00 bread noting that as many persons attempts to adjust to the rapidly increasing economic cost of ;living they intend to assist through maintaining bread at an affordable price.
He noted that added to very low bread prices shoppers visiting the supermarket and wholesale department can ensure similar opportunities with low prices there also. "We have deliberately kept our cost-of-living intervention in place for several months so that
our shoppers can benefit from the special prices which we charge for essential items. We have every intention of retaining those prices in the immediate future," he added.
The Managing Director stressed that he foresees the new bakery and deli in the Newton area will assist greatly in impacting on the surrounding communities. "Essentially what we intend to do is to change the culture of shopping in those communities. Rather than simply call for an item and pay for it over the counter, shoppers at Honey Crunch Bakery and Deli can enjoy their meals or baked products in a comforting family oriented environment which has been strategically and deliberately conceptualized to enhance an eating environment in a relaxed environment and to examine what the new business has to offer thus being able to make added choices. "We understand that it takes time for people to make the adjustment and we believe that we are getting there," Herbert said.
The advent of the latest bakery and deli to open its doors in St Kitts now means that there are more than half a dozen bakeries in St Kitts and its environs, Asked whether the extent of the competition does not now make further expansion of the sector untenable Herbert said that he believed that the key to success in the sector was "working hard to secure and maintain customer loyalty. There is apiece of the pie for everyone we just have to be able to deliver quality and good prices so as to enhance the piece of pie that we seek and that is why we at Quality Trading believes that Quality is our prime responsibility".
Marigot: --- Former Deputy Mayor Raymond Bryan in an exclusive interview with SMN News said he has just a few words for the politicians on St. Martin. "Those of you who are complaining about the lost Octroi de Mer funds should not cry wolf now. Each of you namely; Senator Louis Constant Fleming, Guillaume Arnell, Alain Richardson, Louis Mussington and former Mayor Albert Fleming knew exactly what was ahead of the island in the new setting. The hurtful thing is that these politicians who all had their own agendas did not tell the people of St. Martin what is ahead of them with article 74." Bryan said while many think he was against a new status that was far from the case. "I was and still is against article 74 and what it would continue to do to the people of St. Martin." The people of St. Martin were not adequately prepared and the politicians withheld the truth for their own personal gain.
He further explained that all local politicians know from past experience that the State does not live up to its commitments. They would promise one thing and do something else. Bryan said he warned the people against this status but they did not pay attention. He explained that he was the former vice president of the financial council in the Region and he knew exactly what the island was getting, thus was the reason for the open warning.
The former deputy mayor said what is taking place on the French side is bigger than the elected officials that is now in office. He felt the President of the COM Frantz Gumbs and his team has fallen victims based on bad choices made by other politicians.
Bryan said authorities on the French side may have to implement custom control at the border if they are to regain the Octroi de Mer funds. However, he made it clear that the island and its people simply cannot afford such in its present economic crisis.
He said St. Martin did not pay into this fund over the years because it was not possible to do such with the Concordia Treaty. "While the people of Guadeloupe were paying import duties and were giving St. Martin its share. It was made clear from the beginning that the island would not benefit from the funds in the new setting (article 74) something the politicians knew but did not tell the people.
Bryan said politicians on St. Martin did not fully analyze the situation prior to encouraging the people to get out. They never did look at the budget and what the island was getting as a commune and what it would get under 74.
He further explained that St. Martin stands to loose much more monies and the politicians are still not coming clean. Bryan said in the past St. Martin had no responsibility on the collecting of taxes yet it was receiving from the State whatever it budgeted. "If we budget for 100 million it was given to us even if that amount was not collected on St. Martin. While today the island has to be content with whatever tax revenues it collects locally." He felt that the island and its people are being used as ‘lab rats' with article 74 an unfair position for a developing society. In conclusion Bryan warned that the people of St. Martin should brace themselves for harder times which are ahead of them.
The Census Office would like to remind persons who have relatives that were registered at Census Office St Maarten but have passed away off island to come in and declare the deaths at the Department. Please ensure that the death certificates are properly legalized. The department is currently in the process of updating its files.
For further information you can call 542-2457 or 542-5375.

PHILIPSBURG: ----Responding to questions surrounding the implementation of the bicycle patrol that was launched in December to help combat crime. Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus said that she believes that there was some sort of breakdown in communication with regards to informing the police on the project. She said however, that when the executive council received the advice from the traffic and controls department it was their opinion that department had conducted the necessary discussions with all parties prior to submitting the advice, she said based on the advice they received that is what was reflected.
The commissioner said she felt if the security officers were residing and working on the island illegally then the immigration department would have executed their duty by having the men picked up and deported. SMN News learnt that the working permits for the officers of the bicycle patrol were processed within a few hours after this media house broke the story.
The commissioner said she has been trying to secure a meeting with the Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflek and police coach Ronald Dongor which to date cannot take place. She said she felt the island government did the honorable thing when they approved the advice given to them on the bicycle patrol since the police department has been constantly complaining that they are short of staff.
Buncamper Molanus said that she believes the additional security was warranted in the Philipsburg area due to the increase in violent crimes which has been plaguing the economic development on St. Maarten.
She said she felt the police would have felt that they got some sort of relief and they would use their men in other locations where it is much needed. She felt that was the spirit in which the project was embraced and felt everyone should embrace matters of security on same level. She said what transpired has to be some sort of miscommunication with the police which to her it was not intentional.
Asked if she or her husband is shareholders of the Sheriff Security company, the commissioner who obviously became aggravated said that if anyone can show her some sort of proof to that then would claim her dividends from the company if it is making profits. She said it is ridiculous for her to have to answer questions each time she is accused of conflict of interest just because the opposition the National Alliance tried to break the present DP led government but failed.

Philipsburg: --- Tension raised last night at the Cultural Center when Imran Macsood CEO of Nagico insurances shared his view on the new labour policy which is to be implemented on Monday January 12 2009.
Macsood said no one should cast the blame totally on the island government for such a stringent policy, instead the tripartite committee are the ones who are to be held responsible for not sharing the content of the policy they discussed for two years prior to its formulation and implementation. He asked if the unions who were involved, the SHTA and Chamber of Commerce are not representing foreigners because he cannot comprehend why the tripartite committee withheld this information from the general public who will be affected. He said while the intension of these persons maybe good the perception and reality of what is now on paper is definitely not the same. Macsood said while Damu and James the two other panelist gave some valuable insights in the matter he felt there is urgent need to follow through on the ideas that was given by James which is to join forces with the Nation Building Foundation to bring about a solution which will benefit everyone involved. He said SNBF has the marshal plan which not only represents the natives of St. Maarten but also immigrants whom the foundation recognizes are an asset to St. Maarten. Macsood said that foreigners should recognize that the island natives are friendly and charming people who treated people well. Furthermore he do believes that the forefathers and the natives of the island should be given priority not only on St. Maarten but everywhere. He urged those living here, should learn to integrate into the local society. "Those of you who chose to get naturalized you have to know that you cannot be a Dutch citizen and a Guyanese at the same time. Those of you who do not feel that way then you need to analyze your thinking since you made a conscious choice to become a Dutch citizen." Macsood said.
He said even though this policy will affect everyone on St. Maarten there is still hope as people are willing to discuss and dialogue to bring about a solution since that is of immense value. He gave an example on what President Elect Obama did which was to bring people together to bring change. He warned that the people of St. Maarten should take warning as to what is happening in the United States of America since the economic crisis there would definitely affect us here locally.

The panelist includes Damu of Penny's Department Store, Imran Macsood, Leopold James and President of the Jamaica Association Marsha Thomas with moderator Elco Rosario founder of the CBA. Rosario said the new labor policy as it stands already contradicted the island resolutions who said a Managing Director of any company cannot be considered an employee. He also condemned the reasons the island government gave for introducing the new policy, claiming that foreigners are responsible for crime and other social ills in the community. Rosario said the policy has to be contested simply because there are people in the community who are already making deals with government to get the necessary working documents.
Elridge Van Putten in his passionate plea said he applauded the policy because government finally realized that they need to bring about order in the house. He said far too long things have been out of order because locals are not able to get jobs locally. Van Putten further said that the island government had to create this policy because the bigger businesses on St. Maarten were forming mock companies to get work permits. He felt that the policy is not against foreigners instead it is to regulate foreigners since there is a great imbalance which to him is not unfair instead their need to be some sort of social balance.
The CBA also handed out a petition which they intend to submit to the island government mainly the Lt. Governor to see if the island government would postpone the implementation date until the policy is further dialogued.
Philipsburg:---- Simpson Bay police patrol was sent to South Reward in the vicinity of the Milton Peters College for a fight that was going on between two separate group of young men and where weapons were used reported police spokesman Ricardo Henson.
On the scene the patrol spoke to two young men who were involved in this fight, they have been identified with initials S.L. and E.L. They stated to police, that while sitting at the Chinese mini market next to the M.P.C they were suddenly attacked by a group of men, with whom they had problems in the past.
One of the men who had a fire-arm in his possession aimed it at S.L. and tried to fire a shot, but the gun seemed to have jammed. That suspect tried to arm and fire the weapon several times but without success. When S.L. and E.L. noticed that the weapon did not fire, they took-off running towards the entrance of the M.P.C. where the victim S.L. fell to the ground and one of other men started beating him with a piece of wood. The victim E.L. who had a knife in his possession tried to use it against his aggressors to protect his brother S.L. Both victims were let onto the premises of the M.P.C. to avoid the situation getting worse. The police were informed the incident. Both victims were taken to the police station in Philipsburg and handed over to the Detective department who would take care of the investigation. All details concerning the suspects have not yet been released.
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Philipsburg: --- The island council of St. Maarten had one of its newest members took his oat yesterday (Monday) morning prior to convening its regular meetings. Illidge has replaced the vacant position left by Island Councilman George Pantophlet who resigned to take up his new position as State Secretary for Health for the Netherlands Antilles. Present to witness the oat taking were several members of the Illidge family including his parents, wife and two children. In his opening remarks he promised to work in the best interest of St. Maarten who is presently going through a status change. He said he heard the cries of the island youths, those that cannot find work and those that are not able to meeting their monthly bills with minimum wage.
Illidge was given the rules of order and other important documents relating to the island council moments after he took the oat. He was even guided by other members of the council how to sign in for his first island council meeting.

Philipsburg: --- Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams has confirmed that the new labour policy introduced late last year went into effect yesterday. The revised policy will be monitored for the next six months by members of the tripartite committee who would then seek to amend the policies if needed.
The CBA has been holding several meetings with the aim of sending to the executive council a petition requesting them to postpone the implementation.
Founder and president of the CBA Elco Rosario said there are articles in the new policy that are in contradiction of the island laws. He said anyone who decides to take the island government to court would win the case based on the errors made in the policy.

Le Galleon: --- A small group of people gathered at the Le Galleon Beach yesterday afternoon giving support to a fisherman and his son who said a set of gendarmes attacked them and flung racial slurs at them.
Albert Cocks said that he and his son was outside of the Reserve catching fish to be used as baits when a few white men dressed in bathing suit in two canoes approached them and pulled their nets with their feet and placed the canoes inside of the nets. Cocks said his son told the men who turned out to be gendarmes from the brigade nautique that they have authorization from the Natural Reserve to fish.
He said the men refused to make contact with the reserve and his son had to push their canoe out of their nets which caused an argument. Cocks said the gendarme called his son a "black sheep" while another on tried to hit his son, but another fisherman intervened and told the men if they hit the young man then they would have to hit him too.
Cocks said they are the ones who called Nicolas Malash who told the gendarmes that those men are authorized to fish since they are from the Association Pecher"s de Quartier".
Cocks said he felt the gendarmes have no respect for the local people and they acted rather rude. He said they plan to take the matter further with the realm of the law.
In the meantime, Ferdinand Glascow who went out in support of the villagers said the gendarmes need to concentrate on catching the criminals who are creating havoc on St. Martin. He said only yesterday the CADISCO gas station was robbed and the gendarmes allowed the thieves to run away, while they are busy harassing honest people who are trying to make a living.

Philipsburg- The top management of Insel Air wanted to met with the Commissioner of Aviation, Sarah Wescot-Williams on their latest developments and future intentions of the airline and what the possibilities were of a mutually beneficial relationship.
Albert Kluyver, Chief Executive Officer, Jurgen Lippinkhof, Chief Commercial Officer, and Edward Heekenveen, International Affairs-all of Insel Air laid out their plans to the commissioner. Also present at the meeting was Regina La Bega, Head of the Tourism Department.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams said that we have met in the past and have taken note of your activities. Today, we are here to discuss present and future developments of Insel Air.
Currently, Insel Air airline is expanding their operations in the region and working on alliances, CEO Kluyver said. We are initiating new flights to Puerto Rico and we already have interline connections with Winair, making the destinations we serve close to 20. Insel Air is making strides, Kluyver said.
Not only are Insel Air looking towards South America with destinations being Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela, but also trying to expand to the North American Market, in particular Miami, with St. Maarten being an important hub, according to Kluyver.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams was pleased to hear of these developments-all of which could be beneficial to the destination St. Maaten. There needs to be the further development and finalization of certain aspects of the operations, but everything seems to be on line, and the future plans of the airline looks promising.
I look forward to future developments of Insel Air, Commissioner Wescot-Williams said. What needs to be done now is for a formal proposal to be submitted to the Executive Council, and from there we could deal with the issue and the document.
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PHILIPSBURG:---Medical providers are urged to attend the health care conference on Case Management at Great Bay Beach Resort and Casino next week. "It is important that all who work in the medical sector get a better understanding of the benefits of a better coordinated care system, so we urge all stakeholders to attend," said Public Health Commissioner Mrs. Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
Themed ‘As strong as the weakest link', the health care conference will be held on Friday the 23rd and Saturday 24th of January, aimed at sensitizing all stakeholders on the establishment of better arrangements between caregivers about the content and the organization of the care. The ultimate aim is to establish Case Management in St. Maarten and define realistic goals for 2009.
Officially opened by Commissioner Maria Buncamper - Molanus, the conference will feature several presentations on Case Management by local providers from the perspective of the Specialists, the General practitioners and the Physiotherapists. Keynote speaker dr. Kliphuis will talk about the experiences in the Dutch health care system and Asin will make a presentation on the Diabetes Mellitus Disease Management (DMDM) program, themed "One step back, two steps forward". "Both are well respected experts in their field," said Commissioner Buncamper Molanus.
Kliphuis, director of the Dutch Association for Primary Health Care made his career at the Ministry of Health in the Netherlands, where he was responsible for the national policy on emergency care, primary health care and public health. He also served as department director for the municipal public health department of the City of Utrecht. He has a lot of expertise (both international and national) in the development and implementation of policies on emergency care, primary health care and public health. He is also a (non-communicable diseases) consultant for the World Health Organization Europe.
Asin, Founder and Director Healthcare strategies & solutions ACSION bv, which operates in the Netherlands and Netherland Antilles, actually worked as Emergency Physician at the St. Marten Medical Center in the mid nineties, early on in his career. Subsequently he worked as Resident Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Academic Hospital in Maastricht, The Netherlands, as Management consultant for the The Boston Consulting Group in Baarn, The Netherlands and as Medical advisor for Pfizer bv in the Netherlands.
The conference is organized on behalf of the Sector Health Care Affairs by consultancy firm For A Change Unlimited. Rolando Tobias will act as moderator. drs. Pyt Lucas, Principal of For A Change, said preparations are well underway. "We expect good attendance. All invitations have already been sent out, but anyone who hasn't received one and is interested in attending can contact our office via email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.," said Lucas.
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Philipsburg:-If there is one thing that is proven with Operation Trust 2 who began an intense control on the island of St. Maarten is that the St. Maarten Police Force is a failure that is ill-prepared and are not ready to take on the challenge of country St. Maarten. Right now there are three separate groups within the police force, the right, left and center. Something that is affecting the effectiveness and management of the force.
While this statement would create confusion since the local police force has been saying they are neglected by the Minister of Justice the truth is the management of the Police Force did not do what was vital by making sure a proper request for their needs is submitted to the Minister or Central Government.
While the Chief of Police did make a request for financing for Safety St. Maarten Dick said that is not a request from the Police Management who are given a task.
Minister of Justice David Dick confirmed that he never received an official request from St. Maarten stating their need instead he has been reading this in the media while local politicians are playing politics with the issue at hand.
Dick said each and every time he is told St. Maarten needs more human resource which he agreed to but he said nothing was done with recruitment even when Chief Police Commissioner Derrick Holiday was in office. "How can you get more manpower if there is no focus on recruitment" he asked.
The former Police Commissioner had taken away recruitment from the recruitment team and gave it Police Commissioner Ademar Doran who did absolutely nothing since 2005 to attract new police officers to the police force. Prior to Doran handling recruitment the team that was in charge for this was visiting high schools as well as career fairs to encourage youngsters to become police officers.
Presently Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran, who is considered to be one of St. Maarten's young, bright and vibrant officers, has hundreds of immigration documents sitting on his desk waiting for his signature but this for some reason is not done. This media house understands that this backlog is creating a set back on the processing of documents for the working class.
Minister of Justice David Dick admitted there is a backlog of about two hundred which he claimed came about due to Doran's constant vacations. However, this media house understands Doran has documents for more than two years on his desk claiming he is waiting on Interpol to check these applicants' criminal records abroad. The Minister however, gave credit to Doran for assisting in sweeping out the corruption within the police force. Dick said it was only since Doran became head of immigration the corruption that was taking place in that department came to light. He also gave the police commissioner credit for making sure St. Maarten receives adequate help for the Operation Trust 2, he said Doran took the initiative to extend their time on St. Maarten since he saw the need to clean up the island. While it is true the island needs to be cleaned up it was stated that the officers that were coming from Curacao was coming to help solve the many crimes that are not being solved by the local police force. One of those is the eight unsolved murders for last year none of which has been solved since the Curacao officers are here. Hopefully this would happen during the extension since Doran is head of the Detective Department and he has first hand knowledge on the murder files.
While it is no old news that Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflek is leaving as early as Monday even though he has no "Lands Besluit" Minister of Justice David Dick said he does not have to issue such a document for Panneflek to officially leave the force since the two of them has a signed agreement along with confirmation from the Island Government of St. Maarten. Dick said Doran will be the person in charge with the assistance of Police Coach Ronald Dongor who took office over 8 months now.
The Minister said he is confident that the police force will move in the right direction under the leadership of Doran even though he acknowledged the police commissioner would be having a lot on his plate as well as a lot of unfinished business.
Dick who was obviously angered when these questions were posed to him said when Holiday was removed from office the two local police commissioners did nothing to better the police force. He said these men especially Panneflek spent their time on seeing whom he would be appointing to replace Holiday. Dick said these officers only created more damage to the local police force rather than good and he felt it is more than time to get rid of the "trouble makers" whom he did not identify so that the force can advance. However, the officers who are not speaking out loud said the local police force they worked so hard to build is going backwards and there is a downfall ahead. Several of senior officers are disgusted and are almost ready to call it quits with the force this media house understands.
The Minister felt that the police should work diligently on solving their internal problems since that is the only way they would move forward. He said Operation Trust 2 showed the St. Maarten Police Force is incapable of maintaining law and order and they would indeed need outside help and the only person within the force he said saw this need is police commissioner Ademar Doran.
SMN News was not able to secure an interview with Doran since he was in meetings most of the day yesterday. Hopefully the new top cop will give some explanations on the reason he has such a backlog on his immigration desk.

Philipsburg: ---Tension continues to rise within the police force of St. Maarten since they are not sure in what direction the force is going. Already more than 50 officers have left the force over recent years and none of them has been replaced, something which caused a huge vacuum in the force. The latest officer to leave the force is Assistant Police Commissioner Richard Panneflek who so far has remained mum on his departure. It is understood that the Minister of Justice David Dick did not grant Panneflek an official Lands Besuilt which is a decree on his departure. However, Panneflek is said to be working closely with the island government to form a security company which would grant more security to St. Maarten.
Minister of Justice David Dick confirmed that assistant chief commissioner of police Richard Panneflek has been transferred. Dick said that Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran is now fully in charged of the force while police coach Ronald Dongor will be the one to implement the changes that is necessary for the force to function better. Several senior officers are now talking about leaving the force since according to the negligence is running the force a-ground. Already there is indication that the force is ill-prepared and is not ready to take on the challenges of country St. Maarten.
While opinion varies among the officers it is clear the officers are fully divided into three groups which is grossly affecting the efficiency of good policing.
Presently Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran, who is considered to be one of St. Maarten's young, bright and vibrant officers now, has to carry the burden of managing the force and there is strong indication that Doran would not receive full cooperation from his colleagues. It is understood that Doran has more than 600 immigration documents to process which he has so far refused to deal with. The police commissioner is also head of detectives.
Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams said during yesterday's press briefing that as leader of government she saw a letter concerning Panneflek's transfer but the island government has no update as to who would be in charge and there is no correspondence on the actual transfer.
Marigot: --- The investigation surrounding the death of 21 year old Christopher Williams revealed that one of the suspects was involved in several robberies on the French side of the island. The gendarmes reported that on Wednesday they transferred an 18 year old to Guadeloupe.
This suspect was involved in a robbery in Lowlands on January 24th. The suspect was found in possession of foreign cash, jewelry and a digital camera which was missing from the home in Lowlands. The investigation further revealed that then suspect was responsible for other robberies including a business establishment in April 2007, while items from a robbery which was conducted on a boat in September 2008 as well as a robbery in a medical office in November 2008.
Marigot: --- The Collectivity of Saint Martin just invested 40,000 Euros for a new logo that has no symbolic values to Saint Martin except for the color of Union Pour les Progres.
Pundits are saying that while the island is pressured with a financial crisis and a worldwide recession the monies spent on the logo is a complete waste of funds since the COM also lost over 21 million Euros from the Octroi de mer funds. They said the COM is using scare tactics to get the population to pay the road tax for last year and has began calling on vehicle owners to pay the 2009 road tax less than nine months after they paid the first vehicular tax. Residents already indicated that they would not be paying these additional taxes since the elected officials at the COM are not using tax payer's monies to the benefit of the people.
SMN News understands that President Frantz Gumbs hosted his birthday party at the La Samana Hotel in December where he invited some 40 persons. The bill for this party was paid for by the COM while just last week another birthday bash was held at the COM for a newly employed DGA.
Another concern for many St. Martiners is that just last week the President of the Collectivity of Saint Martin recently notified the local union that he would not be respecting the protocol signed by former President of the COM Louis Constant Fleming which states that the employees would be receiving an increase in their salaries. This information SMN News understands was disclosed to the union during a meeting on Friday.
Sources close to the party said that there is a high rift between the former president and now senator Louis Constant Fleming and the present president Frantz Gumbs whom he appointed when he was sanctioned last July. It is understood that Senator Fleming is highly disappointed and even feels guilty at the way the country is being run since Gumbs was his selection for the post.
It is said that Fleming is constantly dealing with party problems each time he returns to the island while valuable information on the management of the COM is withheld from him.
The well placed source said that the party leader is looking into taking drastic measures since there is a huge division within the ruling party. One such division is the lack of support given to Territorial Councilor Ida Zin Ka Ieu who is also president of the Tourist Office who has not yet gotten her yearly indemnity. It is said that Zin Ka Ieu is having severe problems with her colleagues which would soon escalate.
SMN News was reliably informed that Fleming saw the true colors of his pal Frantz Gumbs last Wednesday night when he invited them to a UMP meeting at his Bellevue office. Sources say that one of the VP's walked out of the meeting and slammed the door behind him saying he is not going to continue taking anymore "BS".
The source said that Fleming is now working on ways to take measures against the people who were elected under him.
Pointe Blanche:--- The Russian inmate identified as S who is kept at the Pointe Blanche prison suspected of money laundering is now in a hospital in Curacao after he was beaten by a another prisoner. S. suffered a broken jaw during the ordeal.
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed the incident took place last week end.
Stein said the prisoner and victim already filed an official complain against his attacker and criminal proceedings will now begin.
SMN News has been reliably informed that S' attacker is well known convict Flamingo who once escaped from the prison.
SMN News also understands two teenage girls were arrested at the prison when they attempted to smuggle drugs into the institution. So far police have not issued any reports on either of the cases.
Managing Director of Fancy Loaf Bakery and Honey Crunch Bakery, Desmond Herbert 11 confirmed that contrary to the impression created by the recent increase in bread prices announced by several bakers there has, in fact, been no increase in the price of both his $1.25 and $3.00 bread products. He however admitted that there has been an increase in other baked products noting that bread is a necessity thus he though it fit to maintain the price that customers can afford.
In an interview with Herbert he pointed out that despite his bakery, Fancy Loaf which at the time of negotiations with the Government of St Kitts and Nevis being represented he saw it fit to keep the bread prices down. He pointed out that his latest bakery, Honey Crunch recently opened its door and felt that while bakers are no longer enjoying concessions on certain products he strongly believes that arising the price of bread at this time would be unrealistic.
He said that while the bakers are faced with challenges he feels strongly that they could have given the general public another six to nine months of at the same price before instituting an increase in the bread prices. "I strongly believe that the other products should be sold at whatever price the bakers wants to sell at because if your product is good then the public would purchase it regardless of the cause however with bread its different as we all need bread whether we are poor or rich so increasing the price for bread didn't make sense at the time," Herbert stressed.
He feels that keeping his prices at the same despite the increase was "a timely intervention" thus resulting in his bakery having to absorb the full amount of the price increase in a number of items through other areas such as the other baked products.
According to Herbert who is also the Managing Director for Quality Trading Supplies Supermarket and Quality Trading Wholesale that prior to the official increase the company had given a commitment to government and its customers that they were not going to increase the bread prices. "I had even telephone them (Government) when certain bakers sought to unilaterally increase the bread prices indicating that while it was a challenge to us we were prepared to ‘help out' and not increase," he said.
According to Herbert the decision to keep to=he bread prices down was done so "in good faith" and despite the fact that concessions enjoyed by bakers in the past are no longer available thus resulting in bakers having to incur additional costs to run their bakeries he sought to keep his commitment.
He said that with 2009 already here local consumers were fortunate to still be able to continue benefiting from "the cheapest bread in the Caribbean and even further a field" and that towards the end of this year while he may be forced to increase prices there would be other avenues that his two bakeries will seek to provide avenues for local consumers to garner reduction and other benefits owing to the ongoing financial crisis that the world is faced with.
Herbert admitted that the smaller bakers are facing the squeeze more noting that while the larger bakers are willing and ready to ‘eat out' the smaller bakers emphases has to be place on ensuring that the smaller bakeries scan remain in the market. "there area few big bakers who wants to control the market to themselves forgetting that while it might be nice to them to clean out the smaller bakers a bigger problem will arise in increase in unemployment," he suggested.
Herbert admitted that while some of his competing bakeries are understandably upset with him for not increasing his bread prices he is determined to engage them and other relevant stakeholders in an atmosphere of cordiality in an effort to settle any issue while addressing their concern.
Herbert added that he believes strongly that as a businessman it is his responsibility to lend a helping hand to assist the government as they attempt to address economic issues facing its population. "At the end of the day whatever I do to help is going to benefit everyone and more in particular the poor as regardless of one's political and social affiliation, we are all affected in some way," he declared.

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of Finance and Tourism Affairs Roy Marlin said that the executive council has decided to pool its finances to able to fight the effects of economic downturns that are already affecting several parts of the world. Marlin said simply by following international news on the economic downturn has created a sense of worry for St. Maarten. "Already we see people in the United States of America have been losing their jobs as well as the banking situation in that country is enough for us to worry since the USA is our primary source market" Marlin said.
The commissioner said there are a number of issues that are being dealt with which can negatively affect tourism. Those issues are the rising crime, and the passport scanning system at the airport. He said already the major stakeholders at the airport had submitted a letter on their concerns of the scanning system to the executive council. He said the executive council is looking at getting a meeting with the Minister of Justice and the police department to address this matter since it is having a ripple effect on tourism.
The finance commissioner said he also took note of the statements made by the SHTA on their need for additional funds to further market tourism during this downturn. He said as the commissioner of finance he is in constant meetings with the St. Housing and Trade Association (SHTA) on the economic recovery fund (ERF) where they discuss the management of the ERF funds that is provided by government. He said he fully supports the economic stimulus for the marketing and promoting of tourism. However, he made clear that this not the sole initiative of the stakeholders on the Economic stimulus but they have been preparing this jointly since they know it is needed and must be done.
Marlin said the executive council is seeking ways and means to allocate funding for the stimulus by taking the monies that is allocated in the 2009 budget for tourism marketing and promotion. Government he said has opportunities in the law governing financial supervision where they can approach the chairman of the Kingdom Council of Ministers to work outside the norms in cases of calamities.
He said in the SEI they can match funding for social and economic programs.
There are programs which have take effect in 2009 to 2011. He said the executive council in its meeting yesterday has decided to re-prioritize the SEI programs. Marlin said the idea is to make sure there are at least six to seven million guilders for the stimulus. The commissioner said however, there is a process that has to be followed before the monies is available. Parts of these monies he said will be coming from the local government while the other part from the USONA. He said right now they are looking into shifting the monies that is allocated in the SEI for this stimulus. He said some four million guilders would be coming from the tourism marketing programs and the other two or three million from matching programs in the SEI. Marlin said government has given this matter high priority since they know of the urgency.
Leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams in backing up the process said the kind of monies that would be needed for the additional marketing in this global condition is money that St. Maarten does not have which would make the kind of impact they would need to make. She stressed that whatever available funding the island government manages to put together then it is crucial that they determine how exactly that money is going to be spent. She said even though people love and would want to travel they simply would not be able to do so in this global economic downturn. She said that it is critical for the government as well as the private sector on St. Maarten to do their best and keep people working so that they can overcome the challenges. She emphasized that when people are working then they would be able to spend and that in itself would keep the economic engine running. When people are working they would be able to pay the banks and buy things outside of their basic needs the commissioner said.

Philipsburg:----- On Monday February 9th in the evening hours, during a traffic control held by members of Operation Trust II a rider of a scooter was stopped. During this traffic stop the rider of the scooter could not show the documents for the scooter in question. The young man was allowed to go to his home a get the papers for the scooter. However he took very long and the scooter had to be towed.
The father of the youngster came on the scene reprimanded his son for getting involved with the police. Later in the evening, the central police dispatch received another call informing them, that the same young man had blocked the driver of the towing truck and started a fight with him for towing his scooter. The father of the young man came to the scene again and physically reprimanded his son for his conduct. The situation seemed to be under control, however later in the evening the patrols were sent to the Emergency houses in Union Farm for a big fight. On the arrival of the patrol on the scene the police car was stoned, with result, that the rear windshield of the police car was destroyed. Who threw the stone is still been investigated but the police have learnt, that this act was committed because the young man scooter was towed.
The police Department want the general public to know that their task is mainly to protect and serve the community. This type of senseless unlawful and irresponsible acts, under no circumstances whatsoever will be tolerated by the police. An investigation will be done to find out who is responsible for this act but most of all these controls will continue.
Philipsburg:--- Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation and St. Maarten Pride will not support any development of the Emilio Wilson Estate. As far as the Foundations are concerned the entire Emilio Wilson Estate is a National Monument and is well on its way to being entirely protected and zoned for conservation purposes. EWEF and SXM-Pride are confident Government will not betray the people's confidence by considering the new plans presented to the Central Committee of the Island Council by Mr. Henri Brookson on Monday February 16th, 2009.
Three years and 6 months have past since St. Maarten's Environmental, Natural and Cultural Heritage Foundations first learnt of and filed objections against the proposed plans to develop the Emilio Wilson Estate.
Between September 2005 and February 2009 both the Executive Council and the Island Council have made commitments to the people of St. Maarten, in several Island Resolutions and Executive Council decisions, by denying the B.V.'s planning permit request and by resolving to protect the entire Emilio Wilson Estate based on its Cultural, Historical, Ecological, and Environmental Values.
The Island Council passed an Island Resolution on September 20th 2005 in which the Council resolved:
1. "To declare that the Island Territory is in favor of placing the estates the industry and the Goldenrock on the list of monuments of St. Maarten because of their historical and cultural value to the people of St. Maarten".
2. To charge the Executive Council of St. Maarten to present within sixty (60) days the following options and their consequences/implications- separately or in combination with one and another for:
a. Placing the Industry and the Goldenrock on the list of monuments of St. Maarten
b. The purchase of the property The Industry and the Goldenrock commonly known as the Emilio Wilson Estate.
On June 23rd, 2006 Government rejected/ denied the planning permit request submitted by the "Emilio Wilson Estate B.V." on the grounds that:
• The Emilio Wilson Estate B.V. was not formally established nor did it own the Emilio Wilson Estate property (or have a power of attorney to act as such) at the time of submitting the planning permit request/ proposal.
• The Emilio Wilson Estate is of Cultural and Historical value as described by Archaeologist Dr. Jay Haviser.
• The Emilio Wilson Estate is of Ecological Value as described in several reports.
• The area's water retention capacity and its role in preventing floods.
On July 10th, 2007 the Island Council unanimously passed an Island Resolution in which they:
• Reaffirmed the Council's aforementioned decision of June 23rd 2006.
• Decided to place both the entire Industry and the entire Goldenrock estates, commonly known as the "Emilio Wilson Estate", on the monument list.
Most recently, on July 1st, 2008 the Executive Council resolved to have the entire Emilio Wilson Estate designated as a protected monument and to zone it for conservation purposes. In addition to the aforementioned Executive Council decision, the VROM department of Sector ROB recently compiled a "draft preparatory resolution Conservation Areas" which is in essence the first step towards a comprehensive conservation zoning plan for the entire Emilio Wilson Estate.
Mr. Henri Brookson and his partners the Paas Family only managed to "obtain" the estate through a deal with the heirs of the late Mr. Emilio Wilson's brother the late Mr. Granville Wilson in early 2008. This arrangement, which requires Brookson and associates to make additional payments to the heirs of Mr. G. Wilson upon obtaining a planning permit, was made over 2 years and 5 months after Government first indicated and motivated its intention to protect the entire Emilio Wilson Estate. Brookson was therefore fully aware of Government's intention to have the estate protected and zoned for conservation purposes when he pursued and secured a deal with the heirs of Mr. G. Wilson.
Brookson's statements that he is the sole and outright owner of the Emilio Wilson Estate as well as his recently submitted "new plans for the Emilio Wilson Estate" are therefore just another unashamed attempt at misleading the general public and at depriving St. Maarten's residents of their patrimony for the sole purpose of personal financial gain.
EWEF and St. Maarten Pride Foundation reassure the numerous people that called the foundation's board members to express concern during the course of Tuesday February 17th, 2009 and all St. Maarten's residents that the Foundations have and will continue to be vigilant in their mission to have the entire Emilio Wilson Estate protected for future generations of residents and visitors to enjoy.
The Foundations commend both the Island and the Executive Council as well as supporting department staff on taking the necessary measures to secure the protection of the entire Emilio Wilson Estate and encourages government to continue providing for the protection of what will soon be St. Maarten's first National Park.
Basse Terre, Feb 19 (Prensa Latina) The detention of 33 people in the last few hours and the arrival from France of more police forces are testimony Thursday of the complex situation gripping this Caribbean island, on general strike for a month.
One union leader dead, six policemen injured, several fires and sacked stores define the five-week uprising, while the Paris government tries to find solutions.
Neighboring territories from Martinique and French Guiana are also stage for popular protests, although with less intensity.
Originated from the extreme poverty, they are against the economic policies French authorities have maintained.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy expects to meet today with parliamentarians and top leaders of the regional government from those islands and Guyana, as well as other representatives from overseas departments, to find a solution.
Among the main demands is an increase in 200 Euros of the lowest salaries and the reduction of prices in basic products, as an expression of the unrest due to the high cost of living.
According to reports, the French executive is evaluating the possibility of increasing the lower salaries as workers demand, which will be approved by owners and unions, with the aim of ending mass protests.

Commissioner of Sports Maria Buncamper-Molanus and Executive Assistant Veronica Jansen met with officials from the sports executing agency on Curacao SEDREKO on Thursday. Director Philip S. Elhage and Financial Controller Vergilly Winklar provided the Commissioner with an overview of the process was executed when the executing arm of the island government's sports department on Curacao was separated from the government department and placed in a foundation. The Commissioner has embarked on similar plans in St. Maarten which are now in the final stages of developing the policy and holding discussions with stakeholders outside of Government. Much information and documentation was shared and support offered. She explained that SEDREKO has been very helpful to her office for some time and was instrumental in providing information which got the process started."With the establishment of the executing agency on St. Maarten, all the assistance we can get will be appreciated," the Commissioner said.
Philipsburg:----On February 23, State Secretary of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Mrs. Ank Bijleveld Schouten, will be paying a working visit to St. Maarten. She will be informed in the morning at the airport on the deployment of Dutch military policemen and technical assistants in, notably, the security chain. Furthermore, she will speak with representatives of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) on the consequences of the financial crisis for tourism in St. Maarten.
In the afternoon, State Secretary, Mrs. Bijleveld, will visit the No Kidding with Our Kids Foundation. The foundation provides a successful after-school care program in the district of Sucker Garden. Approximately 150 children who are kept busy with, among other things, homework counseling, sports, handicraft and social skills are participating in this program. They also get a hot lunch every day.
While on the 24 and 25, State Secretary of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Mrs. Ank Bijleveld Schouten, will be visiting St. Eustatius. She will be accompanied by BES Commissioner Henk Kamp. The theme of the State Secretary's visit is the cooperation programs that the Netherlands has with the BES Islands. In this framework, there will be progress consultations with the Island Government.
Subsequently, Mrs. Bijleveld will visit a number of projects, including the Youth Care Foundation (financed by AMFO), whose objective is improving the social, mental and physical development of the youth. Furthermore, attention will be paid to recollecting and processing waste in St. Eustatius.
At the beginning of the evening, there will be an information meeting on what will change and what the consequences will be when St. Eustatius becomes a special municipality of the Netherlands. On Wednesday morning, February 25, the State Secretary's visit to the Windward Islands will end and she will leave for Bonaire.
At the end of the afternoon, the State Secretary will travel on to Saba.
On Monday afternoon, February 23, State Secretary of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Mrs. Ank Bijleveld Schouten, will address the people of Saba from 17.30 till 17.30 during a special information meeting at the Eugenius Center in Windwardside. The theme of the visit is the cooperation programs that the Netherlands has with the BES Islands. During her visit to the BES Islands, State Secretary, Mrs. Bijleveld, will be accompanied by BES Commissioner Henk Kamp. During this second round (the first information meeting was in July 2008) the State Secretary will give more detailed information on what will change and what the consequences will be when the islands become a special municipality of the Netherlands.
On Tuesday, February 24, the State Secretary will deliberate with the Island Government and she will pay a visit to a number projects financed by AMFO, including the Aids Foundation. In the battle against AIDS, this foundation has set up a long-range program, in which several aspects are considered, such as sexuality and discrimination. By means of various activities, the Saban foundation is trying to to increase the knowledge concerning HIV/AIDS. State Secretary, Mrs. Bijleveld, will also visit the Old Age Home, where the Saba Benevolent Foundation will soon initiate a training program for nurses working there. Around noon, the State Secretary will leave the island and fly on to St. Eustatius.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, says discussions with educational officials during her working visit to the Capital City of Florida, Tallahassee, have been successful.
On Thursday Commissioner Wescot-Williams and Head of Study Financing Calvin Mardenborough, met with Joe Nosari, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs and Robert Reinhardt of the Florida State University (FSU) Registrars Office, where the latter reassured their commitment to doing everything necessary for St. Maarten students to continue to study there under the instate tuition program.
Admission to FSU will become even more competitive as a result of budget cuts affecting all universities and colleges in the United States, but Reinhardt and Nosari assured that they will continue to do all in their power to live up to their commitments of admitting St. Maarten students under the Sister City agreement.
Where the University of St. Martin (USM) is concerned, a renewed effort is to be made of FSU accepting credits of students from USM and the possibility of student and faculty exchange programs.
It was also decided that the Memorandum of Understanding signed 10-years ago would be reviewed to see if any adjustments would be necessary in light of St. Maarten's country status.
At the end of the meeting Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams thanked Robert Reinhardt for FSUs cooperation that has been given to Calvin Mardenborough throughout the years with regards to study financing recipients seeking admissions to FSU.
Also on Thursday St. Maarten's Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams along with Mardenborough attended the monthly breakfast meeting organized by the Tallahassee City's Economic Department.
The delegation was also given a tour of the largest Senior Citizens Center in Tallahassee.

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of Public Works (ROB) Theo Heyliger requested at least two hours so that he can try to provide answers concerning the issuance of building permits which was discussed at yesterday's island council meeting. The topic which was requested by the National Alliance which was to be discussed since last Wednesday. During the first round of the island council meeting leader of the National Alliance William Marlin did not mingle with words when he posed several questions concerning the issuance of building permits. Marlin wants to know what the government policy on issuing those permits is and who are responsible for issuing exemptions. He said there are rumors in the public domain which states that several huge buildings are being built on the island without the necessary permits.
The Island Council man also wants to know what happened to the development plan for Low Lands and if government has abandoned this plan to please certain developers namely the Blue Mall owned by Luis Goya. Goya is the businessman who taped head of VROM Delano Richardson which prompted government to fire him on the spot. Marlin wants to know how many exemptions Goya received for Blue Mall and how many floors he received a permit to build from the inception as well as how many exemptions he received and who granted those exemptions. Most importantly he wants to know if members of the island council were in cahoots or in a sting operation to tape Richardson so that he can be fired on the spot.
Marlin also requested information as to who signs off on permits which has a maximum value of Naf.500.000, and what happens when a permit is denied and if the developer has to the right to appeal. He also wants to know what type of actions is taken against developers who build without a building permit.
The island council man also wants to know if there is some type of loop holes in the policy that is being circumvented by the developers and if these loop holes cannot be fixed.
Most importantly Marlin wants a list of all the permits that were issued during the years 2006 to 2009 and if those that were granted had enough parking space and other amenities to reach government requirement.
Marlin said he believes government should make their policy known so that the people would know the guideline and serve as a watchdog for the community. Furthermore, he wants to know if the island government deals with these issues on an adhoc manner depending on who the developer might be.
He raised questions about the building that is located on Blyden Drive that houses a furniture store. He requested information concerning the Cupe Coy Marina and if a building permit was issued for this project. If not he wants to know why not and what government is doing about it. Second to that the councilman wants to know if any building stops were issued to these developers whom he said is abusing the system. If that was done he wants to know how many of these stops were issued and to whom over the years. Marlin then moved to the Travel Inn building another controversial project on Billy Folley Road, he wants to know if the developer is this case received an exemption to turn his parking lot spaces into condos that he did not have permits for. How many floors does Travel Inns have and how many rooms are there and what parking space is provided are only some of the questions surrounding this property.
Marlin then moved to the Rainbow Beach Club and wanted to know if there is an ongoing court case with the island government and the developer.
He then moved to the Las Arinas that is also developed by Luis Goya . This building he said was built even though the VROM the FAA and the PJIAE gave a negative advice on the height of the building. He questioned which commissioner lobbied for the developer which ultimately led to an exemption which was not published.
He tied in the Blue Mall again by asking about the development plan of 2003 -2005 that is supposed to be used as the guideline or bible of the area in question. He wants to know what was the maximum amount of floors granted to Blue Mall from the beginning and how many exemptions this project received. Reasons why he believed government got the developer involved in a sting operation to fire Head of VROM Delano Richardson who did not always agreed with Goya. He asked why Richardson was not heard prior to being fired.
People Being Fooled-Who Owns land in Simpson Bay--- Frans Richardson.
Sending the point across island councilman Frans Richardson said the people of St. Maarten are being fooled or misled by these developers especially those at Coral Shores, and the Pelican Resort. Richardson then requested information on the ownership of the parcel of land that is located next to former BBW bagging plant in Simpson Bay. He said this land affair will be sending people to jail if they do not come clean with the project. Richardson said he heard the so called tape of Richardson and Goya which related to a project on that parcel of land. The council man said greed has destroyed the economy of St. Maarten since the investors fooled the people of the island while government sat by doing nothing. Richardson gave his own personal experience when he was building the Sunset Theaters and the guidelines he had to follow since locals were only allowed to build two floors building. He said it seems as if locals are being given a hard time to build dwelling homes while huge investors are getting the carte blanche in their scheme to shorten the government coffers.
He wants to know if government changed these policies to accommodate foreigners whom he said he building seven to eleven floors across from him.
Richardson said the same story goes for the beaches especially in Dawn Beach where people have no access to their beach due to one commissioner who is known to be flying on private jets with these developers.
Richardson said due to government silence on these crucial issues they are killing the goose that once laid the golden eggs on St. Maarten.
He then issued a strong call to Commissioner Heyliger to take a hard look at the erosion of Cole Bay Hill on the Bells Property. Something he said was caused by a developer. He asked the commissioner to do what he does best and plant back the trees that the developer claimed to have for the area. While he admitted he is no engineer he said he has the eyes of binoculars and are seeing what is happening to the hillside erosion.
Richardson then fired questions about the new government administration building that is sitting and being used as pigeon house. He wants to know if its monies that the island government had to waste to have an isolated building sitting on the Pond side.
While Island Councilman Rodulphe Samuel topped off the questions by asking the chairman of the island council if he had someone from his cabinet working or overseeing what is taking place at the VROM office. Samuel said he wants to know if the governor is aware of the happenings at ROB and if he personally ever sent up a permit for annulment.
Samuel said he is not prepared to hear excuses that other commissioners of government made a mistake in the past for this trend to continue instead he wants to see the commissioners taking responsibilities for the departments that is under them. He fired questions to Commissioner Theo Heyliger who took one of best assistants and sent him to ROB to overlook what is happening there. Samuel said the fact Heyliger did that he is personally aware of the illegalities that are taking place in that department and he should be open about it. Samuel also wants to know of the locals are given added bureaucracy to build homes on succession land while developers who have monies are given an easier ride. He asked that he be provided with the policies on the granting of these permits for both local homeowners and developers.
He also lambasted the commissioner of private jets and who boasted on numerous occasions that he is not using government credit card, since that commissioner is partly responsible for the alleged illegalities taking place at the VROM.
Government Admits there are Problems at ROB--- Measures are being taken--- Heyliger.
Requesting another half an hour to provide answers to the Island Council on the irregularities that are taken place at the Sector ROB only helped Commissioner Theo Heyliger to put together the number of things that are going wrong at the department. He said the executive council is not playing astringes and are not admitting that there are problems. However, he made clear that the matter is not something that can be dealt with easily since the private sector operates differently from government who in most cases has to be able to prove their cases and not just cast blame on people. He said just recently the executive council made a request to SOAB to conduct an investigation into all the departments where they are suspected wrongdoing. Heyliger said while politicians are often being blamed and or accused of being part of corruption that is far from the case. Heyliger said those very persons who wrote the policies are the ones that are abusing them and he has no intention to lie or cover up for anyone. "I will not stand here and deny that we have serious problems in the department, but one must consider that it is not easy to find people to work in government departments for salaries that are less than what garbage collectors are paid.
The ROB commissioner admitted on more than one occasion yesterday that business is not as usual at ROB and measures are being taken slowly. Reasons why the head of VROM was fired when he was actually caught wheeling and dealing. "While we have acted when the proof was provided in that case the executive council would take the same actions in other cases when it surfaces." Heyliger said.
Heyliger admitted that the sector director of ROB is the one who signs off on building permits which is to the value of Naf. 500, 000 which has been mandated by the executive council. He said the present policy that is being used is that of 1935. While permits which exceeds the 500, 000 mark has to be approved by the executive council and scrutinized by the governor's cabinet.
While persons whose permits have been denied does have the right to appeal and make the necessary amendments based on the guidelines given to them. The appeal process he said is in conformity of the LAR. PBA 2001 number 79. Persons applying for building permits have to pay an administrative fee of Naf. 200.
On the question on how many building permits were issued in the following years the commissioner in his break down said in the year 2006 320 permits were issued, 2007 302, 2008 148 while there is no figure for the year 2009. He said the island government collected Naf. 2.577.820 for the year 2006. Naf. 2.982.665,42 for 2007 and Naf. 1.395.276,71 for 2008.
Providing answers as to what government was aware of with regards to the large buildings that have been built the commissioner said in the beginning government was not fully aware due to the lack of personnel at the department of ROB. These personnel he said are charged with carrying out inspections and since they are undermanned they were not able to inspect the entire island. However, when government became fully aware the sector was instructed to take measures by issuing building stops. As for exemptions that were granted the commissioner said that based on the law that is not possible but admitted Blue Mall and other developers did receive exemptions since they circumvented the law, by applying for floors rather than buildings in many cases.
Heyliger then explained that he did received complaints on the heights of the building on Blijden's Drive but the sector did grant the permit.
The commissioner also acknowledged that the building across from Builders Paradise only got a permit for one floor. While there are several permits for the Marina at Cupecoy there is no permit for the marina and a building stop was issued. The construction of this project he said began in 2006 since the necessary permits were in place. Heyliger said the sector issued some 132 building stops in 2006, 147 in 2007 and 103 in 2008. As for the signing off of extra floors he said it had reached a fever pitch with the construction at the building on Billy Folley Road who was given a permit for the first five floors in 2007 while they received approval for two other floors by Delano Richardson former head of VROM. Heyliger said that developer got his permits while in construction while additional floors are seen as separate building permits which are handled as such by the department.
Heyliger also admitted that Civil Aviation and the PJIAE objected to the height of the Las Arenas building which exceeds the slope and the executive council did disregard these advises and issued an exemption.
As for Blue Mall he said they could have built up to 10 meters high based on the current development plan excluding the roof, and foundation. He said Blue Mall was authorized to build two parking floors in the basement in 2006 under the road level, two commercial floors and two residential floors. The developer he said requested an exemption in 2007 and it was granted for two additional floors in April 2008, while a building permit was requested for phase two of the project in June 2008 and it was granted in December the same year.
Heyliger vehemently denied that members of the island government were involved in a sting operation to trap the head of VROM Delano Richardson. He said the developer in this case sent a letter of complaint to the Lt. Governor where he supplied a tape claiming the civil servant wanted to extort monies from him in exchange for the building permit of phase 2 of the project which was granted in December 2008.
MARLIN REBUTS.
The commissioner and members of the executive council was highly criticized in the second round by leader of the National Alliance William Marlin who said that he wanted clarity on if any other commissioners gave developers verbal permission to build without a permit. Heyliger had said he personally he did not give such permissions to do so, thus prompting Marlin to ask if they are to conclude that other commissioners did just that.
The National Alliance leader said the answers that were provided in a very calm and cool atmosphere is quite revealing. He said these answers only leave one to wonder if all of this was happening and government did absolutely nothing to correct its problems. He asked where was government all this time and if they waited to see when a meeting was called on this matter, did not provide a quorum and now is trying to do damage control by saying they are taking corrective measures.
Marlin said while some of the answers were provided he wants to know who is building the next burial coops in Cay Hill in the form of a warehouse and who gave the permission to build this concrete jungle that hits people in the face as they come over the hill.
He said when listening to the answers given the executive council has admitted that the law is being circumvented and government is loosing monies through the loop holes that are being created by government. Marlin said the executive council is the one to be blamed since they are the ones who provided the gun for the corruption that is existing on the island.
He said government went to the extent and admitted that persons working for government abused their power in the ROB department and to date they have done nothing to correct these problems. Marlin said person or persons working at ROB created their own building permit policies within the existing permit to make business for themselves. He said the executive council created a fertile ground for corruption where one can request a building permit for one floor and make sure it is estimated to be under the Naf. 500, 000 so that the executive council does not see the request.
This process he said has repeated itself and today the government is saying the National Alliance are not the only ones that noticed the problem but they too did while refusing to accept responsibility and is blaming someone at sector ROB. He said the way government has answered the questions it appeared to him as if government still does not know who have granted these permissions since they have refused to name the culprits. He said about a year ago government took a decision when they realized there are problems in the sector with the department heads and they placed the power in the hands of one person who provides the signatures. He said while VROM was not in agreement with several of the exemption and building permits it was granted anyway despite the fact it is not in keeping with the building codes. He said instead of government dealing with the problems of the department heads they gave the sector director a mandate to sign off on any and everything.
He said when one reviews the answers given by government it behooves him to wonder if questions are not being asked when they see the permits are not being respected. He said something like this should have only happened once because when they saw a sector director is circumventing the law measures should be taken against the boys club at the ROB. He said he is extremely amused at the "Mickey mouse" game that the executive council is playing with the island council and the public of St. Maarten.
While island council man Frans Richardson shared the same opinion and made a second request for names to be called. He said ROB is a big department with several heads and he believes that the names of the persons who have been abusing their power should be exposed while measures should be taken just as it is taken against VROM head Delano Richardson.
Reuters) - Thousands of Opel workers from around Germany took part in a mass rally on Thursday demanding parent General Motors (GM.N) scrap plans for plant closures in Europe.
The global financial and economic crisis has sparked many protests in parts of Europe. Here are some details:
* BOSNIA -- Workers of Bosnia's only alumina producer Birac protested on Feb. 9 in Banja Luka, demanding salary payments and government support to offset falling metal prices.
* BRITAIN -- British workers held a series of protests at power plants, demonstrating against the employment of foreign contractors to work on critical energy sites.
-- The protests follow a week-long dispute at the Total-owned Lindsey oil refinery in Lincolnshire, which resulted in Total agreeing to hire more British workers on the project. Workers voted to end the unofficial strike on Feb. 5.
* BULGARIA -- Police officers, banned by law from striking, have held three "silent" protests since December to demand a 50 percent pay hike and better working conditions. Bulgaria, the poorest EU nation, has been hit by protests demanding the government take measures to shore up the economy.
-- Farmers blocked the only Danube bridge link with Romania and rallied across Bulgaria on Feb. 4 demanding the government set a minimum protective price for milk and stop imports of cheap substitutes.
* FRANCE -- President Nicolas Sarkozy faced criticism from both unions and bosses on Feb. 19 over new measures to tackle the economic crisis. Sarkozy offered an additional 2.65 billion euros ($3.4 billion) of social spending in an effort to quell labour unrest over a previous stimulus package that targeted investment rather than consumers. France's eight union federations called for a day of action on March 19.
-- Up to 2.5 million protesters took to the streets of France on Jan. 29 in a day of strikes and rallies to denounce the economic crisis but the strike failed to paralyse the country and support from private sector workers was limited.
-- A union representative was killed last week and several policemen wounded by protesters on the French Caribbean island in violence over the cost of living. Guadeloupe, a region of France and part of the EU, has been brought to a standstill in February by a general strike over high prices for food.
* GERMANY -- Thousands of Opel workers from around Germany took part in a mass rally at the company's headquarters, demanding on Thursday that parent General Motors scrap plans for plant closures in Europe. Vice Chancellor Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the rally, added, "This is about more than just Opel. It's about the future of the car industry in Germany." * GREECE -- Greek farmers protesting low product prices ended a two week blockade of a border crossing with Bulgaria on Feb. 7 when their demands for compensation were met. Greece had endured days of travel chaos with thousands of angry farmers setting roadblocks across the country, but most have ended after the government pledged 500 million euros ($640 million) in subsidies on products such as olive oil and wheat. -- High youth unemployment was a main driver for rioting in Greece in December, initially sparked by the police shooting of a youth in an Athens neighbourhood. The protests forced a government reshuffle.
* ICELAND -- Prime Minister Geir Haarde resigned on Jan. 26 after protests. The first leader in the world to fall as a direct result of the financial crisis, he was replaced by Johanna Sigurdardottir, who heads a new centre-left coalition.
* IRELAND -- Nearly 100,000 people marched through Dublin on Feb. 21 to protest at government cutbacks in the face of a deepening recession and bailouts for the banks.
* LATVIA -- A new Latvian prime minister was appointed on Thursday after the four-party ruling coalition collapsed on Feb. 20 and the president called for talks to forge a new government to tackle a deepening economic crisis. The government was the second to succumb to the financial crisis.
-- Latvia's agriculture minister had already gone on Feb. 3 amid protests by farmers over falling incomes. A 10,000-strong protest on Jan. 13 descended into a riot. Government steps to cut wages, as part of an austerity plan to win international aid, have angered people.
* LITHUANIA -- Police fired teargas lon Jan. 16 to disperse demonstrators who pelted parliament with stones in protest at cuts in social spending. Police said 80 people were detained and 20 injured. Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius said the violence would not stop an austerity plan.
* MONTENEGRO -- In Podgorica, aluminium workers demanded on Feb. 9 to be paid their salaries and an immediate restart of suspended production at the Kombinat Aluminijuma Podgorica (KAP), a Russian-owned plant.
* RUSSIA -- Hundreds of angry communists rallied in Moscow on Feb. 23 in protest at the Kremlin's handling of the crisis that has rocked the Russian economy, the latest in a series of demonstrations held across Russia as the economic crisis bites.
-- The opposition rallied about 350 people in central Moscow two days earlier to demand early presidential elections.
-- On Jan. 31, thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Moscow and the port of Vladivostok over hardships caused by the financial crisis. The next day hundreds of Moscow demonstrators called for Russia's leaders to resign.
* UKRAINE - Hundreds of Ukrainians protested at separate demonstrations on Feb. 23, with some urging President Viktor Yushchenko to quit while others demanded their money back from banks hit by the financial crisis.
Philipsburg- Commissioner responsible for Aviation Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, says that getting the airport road project off the ground at this time will give an impulse to the local economy. Another project will also be put on bid in the coming months that will once again contribute positively to the island economy, namely the FESA project.
The presentation of bids by contractors for the airport re-direction road project brings the project one step closer to realization.
"Although many persons have expressed concerns with regards to the pedestrian crossing in front of the terminal building, fortunately no major incidents have occurred as a result of the current crossing.
"However, cognizant of the safety aspect, as well as the inconvenience to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, airport management reviewed options for a re-routing of traffic in the area. This upgrade also includes the parking lot.
"I can fully concur with the Airport Director's Drs. Eugene Holiday remarks that this project will give an impulse to the economy. Same can be said for another airport related project, the so-called RESA project at the Southern end of the runway, which will also include a road re-routing, runway area extension and a dock for local fishermen.
"The intention is put this project on bid in the coming months, in order to comply with international airport safety requirements and again providing an economic impulse even larger than that of the road redirection, for which the bids were recently presented and made public," Commissioner of Aviation Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday.

AIRPORT: In 2008 developments in traffic at PJIA were mixed. Passenger movements amounted to 1,714,987 in 2008; that is an increase of 3.8% compared to 2007. In contrast the number of aircraft handled declined by 3.8% to 71,936 compared to 2007. As a result we at PJIAE are relatively pleased with the realized results in 2008. The development in traffic is illustrated in the graph below.
The divergent traffic data can be ascribed to the timing of the impact of the different global economic events. The decline in airline movements can be explained by the effects of the surge in oil prices as of 2005 which peaked at about $140 per barrel in 2008. This caused airlines to increase fares and fees to offset the increase in operating costs and cut capacity in an attempt to streamline operations. These developments coupled with the global economy slipping into recession, have forced airlines to rationalize their business to ensure more cost efficient operations. In 2008 the airport handled 71,936 aircraft movements, down from 74,769 in the previous year. Passenger movements on the other hand continued to grow throughout the first three quarters of 2008 (5.6%), but declined by 2.5% in the last quarter, thus starting to show the effects of the global financial and economic crisis on global passenger demand.
With the current global economic recession deepening, the outlook for 2009 remains uncertain. Current forecasts point to a decline in traffic of 5% to 12%. We at PJIAE have therefore taken and will continue taking steps to further streamline our operational expenses and to position ourselves to offset the expected fall out in business activity with the objective to successfully navigate through the difficult times ahead. Furthermore, in this period of declining demand, we consider it from a strategic perspective essential that St. Maarten and PJIAE do all that is necessary to stand out positively and maximize returns from the limited business opportunities. In particular PJIAE will continue to focus on ensuring safe and secure operations, on the one hand, and on the provision of efficient and quality services, on the other hand, with the aim of improving our competitive position.

Marigot: --- Union members and president of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs at a press conference yesterday said they plan to remain vigilante as they have heard the cries of the people. Gumbs said if they are to be successful the people would have to come out and support them in masses because some of the things they are fighting for can only be achieved when action is taken.
He explained while the US Imports and Royal Food Club has agreed to lower their prices by 8 to 10% for the next six months Match he said is not able to fully comply since that food chain has lost substantial amount of monies due to the strike actions in Guadeloupe and Martinique. The MOCSAM president further explained that the initiatives taken by these supermarkets are completely voluntary since there is no law to force them to do such. He further explained that St. Martin does not even have a price control system in place since there have never been any laws to regulate such in the past. Gumbs said while they are now trying to install such it would take at least six to eight months before this can be fully achieved as they would have to get a database and other technologies in place to work with.
Another suggestion from the MOCSAM is to have the smaller groceries have their prices in the US dollars since these merchants shop on the Dutch side of the island. Gumbs said already the Prefet is not in favor since the legal currency on the French side of the island is Euros. He explained that these smaller groceries already are accepting one euro to one dollar and if they are allowed to have their prices in dollars that would give the consumer more buying power since the euros is already higher than the dollar. The MOCSAM president said that St. Martin is a specific island and if there needs to be changes in the legislation then so be it and those that are elected should get it done so that the people on the French side can have more buying power.
Gumbs further explained that they intend to drop off their first response to the Collectivity sometime today which would highlight their grievances and analysis of the proposals given to them on February 16th. He said while the COM did not answer many of their questions the intention is that they will remain vigilante.
In the meantime the teachers union of the Lycee and other schools Dominique Lousy said that the Collectivity did not fully live up to the calendar given to them on February 16. She said several repairs that were scheduled to be conducted did not take place and as such they intend to meet with the COM to make clear the conditions at the Lycee is unacceptable. Louisy said shortly after the protest march on February 13 several persons visited the schools but now that things have calmed down they are slipping back to the normal attitude of neglect. Louisy said they met with the secretary general from the Rectorat and several of their questions were left unanswered. The regional representative she said promised to regulate the salaries of those teachers who were not paid since November last year.
But questions surrounding the departure of several teachers who would leave for other French territories leaving St. Martin students without teachers for at least half of the school year cannot go unnoticed. The unionist and teacher said that the education system on St. Martin has been neglected over the years and those elected has to take the responsibility to make sure this re ameliorated. She said teachers on the French side have to be able to cope with students that are multilingual and courses and other trainings would have to be provided. Louisy said it is unacceptable for the COM to place the blame on others doorstep since this is not what article 74 is about. She insisted that the people of St. Martin especially the Parent Teachers Association needs to come together and support the teachers in their fight for proper education.
While the union representing the hospital in the person of Julienne Fredon said that there will come a day when doctors and nurses would have to take to the streets since they are working and are not being properly compensated. Fredon said while Medicare is a must there are serious problems facing the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital which has to be addressed. However, the staff of the LC Fleming hospital is still not able to get a meeting with the ARH (Agence Regionale d' Hospitalization" since the strike in Guadeloupe does not make it any easier for them.
She said the French side Hospital was approached to provide maternity services for the St. Maarten Medical Center since that hospital are having problems with gynecologists. Fredon said according to what they are being told is that one of the gynecologists at the St. Maarten Medical Center is due to go on retirement and that hospital seems not to be able to find replacements doctors. Fredon said if the LC Fleming is to provide maternity services for the Dutch side then the LCF would definitely need more beds and other facilities to accommodate the extra work and someone would have to say how they would be compensated. She said while this s difficult task for the French hospital negotiation is presently taking place to determine how the request from the Dutch side will be handled.

Former general Manager of the Nevis operation of the St Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank, Andy Liburd has issued a strong appeal for more responsible action as the federation faces the impact of the global financial crisis. Liburd noted that responsible action by all stakeholders is critically important as St Kitts and Nevis experiences the inevitable consequences of the financial crisis currently gripping the global economy.
In an interview with this reporter, Liburd said that the reality facing the twin island federation is that they will not be spared the effects of the crisis. He added that it is essential that all stakeholders work together to withstand the current external-related shocks.
Commenting on the recent developments in the financial sector within the region, Liburd who is the Managing Director of Nevis Multi Line Services (NEMUS), pointed out "with serious concern" the developments in the Clico and Stanford Group of Companies.
He commended the relevant authorities for moving very quickly and swiftly in addressing several concerns and queries that Government had noting that the effects of these statements has untold impact that they might have for financial institutions in St Kitts and Nevis.
As a former banker and now a businessman I must say that I am pleased thus far by the relevant stakeholders including Government's approach and reaction as they seek to protect the interest of policyholders in Clico (St Kitts and Nevis).
The NEMUS MD said that the respective island governments (Nevis and St Kitts) should be commended for the significant assurances that have been given thus far and also for the several steps that will be taken to protect the pensions of those who saved and invested in institutions affected by the recent events.
Liburd also warmed what he said can be "reckless and irresponsible" statements made by the media and those holding influential positions within society. He issued a passionate appeal especially to those within the media to be careful in making pronouncements and comments regarding the strength of the federation's financial system noting that it can have either positive or negative impact.
"Too many times we see the media making statements that are baseless, inaccurate and have a significantly high sensationalized tone. however, like these financial institutions the media has an important role to play in ensuring that their comments are factual as the public on many occasions base their decisions on what the media says," he stressed.
The Former top SKNANB official warned those within society to be very careful about making and propagating what can be described as "false, inaccurate and irresponsible" comments on the status and strength of the federation's financial system.
According to Liburd, the current developments are known by all objective persons to be the direct result of global and regional events and throughout the Caribbean, Finance Ministries, Central Banks and other financial sector regulators are all grappling with the situation caused by CLICO and Stanford.
He went on to note that in Trinidad and The Bahamas, intervention and court action in relation to CLICO have become necessary while in Antigua, government intervention in the Stanford Group has also been needed.
Further, Liburd said that he welcomes the significant assurances given on the strength of St Kits and Nevis's financial system by the Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr Denzil Douglas and reaffirmed the call of all Kittitians and Nevisians to immediately come together so as to ensure that they protect and safeguard this strength.

Pointe Blanche: --- A Dutch Taxi Driver Perla Rombley driver of taxi 172 at a sudden press conference told members of the media that she is being harassed by one of the Dutch Taxi Driver Association (DSTA) board member. Rombley identified the board member and colleague as Mathew (Taxi 118). She said on Wednesday when she showed up for work the man practically squeezed her out of the line and allowed another driver to get in front of her. She said after she was squeezed out of the line she went to the back of the line and Mathew called her and told her to come back for her space since he does not play games.
Rombley said at that point the DSTA president asked her if she was late again. She said she explained the president that the last time she was late it was because she had a sick child in the hospital. The woman said her son is still very ill and all she needed is one job a day after which she would return home to care for her child.
Rombley said she took her grievances to the President of the DSTA Mr. Scotty Priest who was on the beach and he told her he was going to call a meeting with her and the board member in question the next day. She said Priest did not give her a time for the meeting and since she had a big number she went to the A. C Wathey Cruise facility at 9 am hoping to be part of the meeting. Rombley said when she reached the pier no one convened any meeting including Priest who was there at the time. She said he joined the line and proceeded to look for a job and when it was her turn Priest approached her and said he cannot work there since the board took a decision to suspend her. The woman said when Priest told her she was suspended she told him that she is entitled to work since she pays her dues every month. She said she even told the president that she felt she was being treated unfairly.
The woman said she believes that there is some level of discrimination going on, asked what type of discrimination she said he hoped it was not against her nationality but felt it was gender discrimination. She further explained that the ‘men' on the DSTA board held a meeting and decided to suspend her without her being present is already discrimination. However, she said she is not aware of other discrimination since she does not mingle with anyone. However, she said on Wednesday morning when she told Priest she was having a problem with taxi driver 118, she said Priest laughed and told her maybe the man likes her. She said Priest did not take her serious enough to take her complaint but whatever, was said during the ‘boys" meeting was serious enough to suspend her.
The woman said she did not get any letter and she does not know why she was suspended and for how long she is suspended. She said the board and taxi dispatchers at the pier refused to give her a job even though she is a Dutch citizen by birth, and member of the DSTA who pays her dues. The woman said even the managing director of the AC Wathey Cruise Facility Mr. Keith Franca told her she cannot create confusion and should move her vehicle. It was then she told Franca she would not leave the pier unless she speaks to the media. Furthermore Rombley said she intends to see a lawyer and would be taking legal actions against the DSTA board. The woman said she could not work for the day while the person she had the problem with was allowed to work as well as the president.
When this reporter contacted Priest he said he does not know what the driver in question said and could not comment. Furthermore, he said if the driver felt she was treated unjustifiably then she has the right to speak out. He further explained that everyone has rules and regulation at their homes, jobs and even in their cars and so does the DSTA. The president said when he sees what is written and felt that he needed to react he would, until then he has nothing to say to the media.
This media house also contacted taxi 118 "Mathew" and he too refused to meet members of the media who was at the pier while he was there. Mathew said he does not know what is the problem and he did nothing wrong to anyone and does not think he needed to speak to the media.
The media representative was also barred from approaching taxi 118. The security at the pier said he was given instructions from the head of security to keep the media in the parking area by the gate.
Philipsburg: --- Workers of GEBE are very unhappy with its new boss says one source and angry worker. Speaking to SMN News unanimously an employee said the workers at GEBE is now beginning to grumble since the company's managing director William Brooks did not live up to the Collective Labor Agreement which says they are to receive a 10% increase in salary plus 2% cost of living adjustment.
Management of GEBE had to come with an appraisal based on work performance which had to be conducted at the end each year which would be basis for the increase, however management has failed to live up to its responsibility since 2006. According to the well placed source GEBE had to compensate its workers with a 5% increase on their salary at the end of 2006 since they failed to meet the obligations of the CLA drafted by the United Federation Union.
The source said in 2007 management of GEBE tried to prepare an appraisal but failed to include the appeals committee which is obligatory and the salary scales structure. The latter was not even presented to the Union. It is said the reason why management of GEBE is withholding the document is simply because they have not lived up the 5% penalty the previous year.
This appraisal did not finish on time which caused the company to be in default and liable by 5% to all its employees for a second year. It is said that without the salary scale the union is not able to make comparisons neither can it monitor the growth of its members. The source said since the appraisal was incomplete the workers of GEBE refused to sign the proposed half finish document.
The employee said that they are peeved because it has been three years now and to date management of GEBE is not making an effort to live up to the CLA and this affects the employees pension funds which is adjusted during the first month of each year. Even if the increases are paid later in the year the workers still stand to loose in their pension for one whole year, however this has been happening for the past three years and there is nowhere to know when management would live up to its obligations.
The source said the last time workers of GEBE got their cost of living adjustment was in 2005 and so far management is not addressing the issue.
It is understood that the Staff Union the ASWI has begun a signature drive where they got over 80% of their membership to endorse the union since management refused to meet with them saying they are not representing the majority of the workers. To do so the union needs to have 51% of the workers as their members.
It is also said that the ASWI was forced to call in the Federal labor mediator since management has failed to meet with them on a number of occasions to sign a collective labor agreement. The source said management is stonewalling the ASWI since they still cannot meet the demands of UFA. Another concern for the workers is that they need to know which of the employees fall under the UFA and which ones fall under ASWI. It is understood that workers position on the job and or his salary is what decides which union he or she falls under and since they are denied the salary scale and structure they are not able to say who their members are.
SMN News understands that the employees who have been patient over the years are now planning to take action since they learnt that the management team received an increase of Naf. 2,500 guilders monthly and other benefits. Efforts made to contact the unions and management up to press time proved futile.
Willemstad: -- Some six prisoners have escaped from the Bon Futuro Prison yesterday around midday. The prisoners took two prison guards hostage in block 7 of the facility. Police managed to arrest two of the escapees shortly after the break out. It is said that
block seven is part that was constructed recently.
Up to press time the names of the escapees was not released. It is said the prisoners managed to escape through a hole in a fence and they used rope to get over the prison walls. Sources say that it seems more than likely that the prisoners had assistance either from outside or inside the facility. police also organized a massive manhunt which included foot patrol, cars and the helicopter from the coast guard.
just over a week ago a prisoner who has been identified as Englelbert Koeiman escaped while working outside. Koieman is still on the run.
Minister of justice David Dick said he was still waiting information from them police last night when contacted by this media house.

Marigot: --- According to information circulating within the community and the Collectivity of St. Martin would indeed be making history since the State Council would be issuing a ruling that may reinstate former first vice President Marthe Ogoundele- Tessi to her position as first vice president. It is understood that the report of the commissaire d'Gouvernment was not in favor of Gumbs being elected to the presidential seat and the procedures of the election was also incorrect. The commissaire it is understood did not give a favorable advice to the council who would be issuing its final ruling in their next sitting.
It is said that a hearing was held in the Conseil d' Etat last week and the COM was already informed that a decision will be forthcoming. Sources told this media house that the COM has already been notified that the election of President Frantz Gumbs was illegal and the only position that had to be filled is the seat of the President and not the vice presidents. It said that the Territorial Council would have elect a new president. It is still not clear if Gumbs will be barred from running or what type of disciplinary measures will be issued in the final ruling.
This media house also understands that the UPP has had several meetings concerning the issue, including an emergency meeting that was held yesterday. It said the Territorial Council held a meeting on Tuesday night to discuss the arrival of the State Secretary of Yves Jego but the President did not make mention of the pending decision.
SMN News contacted leader of the RRR party Alain Richardson for a comment since Richardson is one of the persons who filed a complaint against the election with the Conseil d'Etat. Richardson said so far he did not receive any official information from them State Council and neither his lawyers. Also contacted was Marthe Ogoudele-Tessi, the former first vice president who also filed a complaint against the election procedures. Ogoundele-Tessi said she has been hearing rumors but so far she did not receive any official information. The ousted vice president said she already contacted her lawyers but they did not get back to her as yet.
President Frantz Gumbs was elected President on August 7th 2008 after the State Council condemned the former President Louis Constant Fleming on July 25th for not abiding by the French electoral laws. Fleming was sanctioned because he did not open a separate bank account of the 2007 Presidential election, something he said he did not purpose since according to him it was the only way to remain transparent.

Philipsburg- The slogan describing St. Maarten as "The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean" is obviously more than a mere marketing ploy. It has obviously attracted the attention of Catando y Picando, a popular TV program in Puerto Rico, with a target audience of viewers between the ages of 25 and 54 who are "interested in good style living, fine food and fine table."
A film crew of Catando y Picando were on the island last week to tape a full half-hour program dedicated to the gastronomy of St. Maarten which will be aired during prime time on Channel 30 Mega TV.
The crew was hosted by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau as part of government's ongoing efforts to take full advantage of opportunities to promote the island in the various source markets, especially at a time of global financial and economic crisis which is forcing travelers to be more selective and seek value and a lasting vacation experience.
The episode of Catando y Picando featuring St. Maarten will focus also on "most visited places for fine food, good wine and hot places in town," according to the producers.
"We are thrilled that this popular TV program in Puerto Rico will dedicate a whole half-hour program to St. Maarten," remarked Commissioner of Tourism, Roy Marlin. "In times of economic meltdown like the one the whole world is facing, people tend to travel nearer to their homes. Puerto Rico is less than an hour away from St. Maarten by air. Programs like this will enhance our visibility in that market and hopefully result in more Puerto Ricans deciding to vacation on our island," he added.
According to Director of Tourism, Regina LaBega, Puerto Ricans "love fine dining", hence Catando y Picando is "an appropriate medium to reach that niche market." She notes that the program has enjoyed a huge success in Puerto Rico over the past decade on radio, at hotel events and currently on Mega TV Channel 30.
LaBega added that the crew was very impressed with the variety and quality of the gastronomic offerings of the island, pointing out that it is no fluke that St. Maarten won the CTO Culinary Team of the Year in 2007.
No date has been set yet for the broadcast of the episode taped on St. Maarten, however, this would be announced as soon as it is known.

Cole Bay: -- Focus will be placed on obesity and delinquency during the three days tripartite parliamentary meeting which began yesterday says President of the Antillean Parliament Pedro Attacho during his opening statements. Attacho said since the meetings held here is part of the contact plan of Suriname, Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles it is of great importance that obesity be discussed on a broad base since a study in 2001 showed that at least 63% of the population in Curacao suffered from obesity. Attacho further explained this phenomenon has already begun grave dimensions in other countries. He said the Dutch cabinet has already expressed favor of an integrated approach and has therefore released the funding for it. Reasons given for this approach he said are to combat the social consequences including decreased productivity and cancellation of services as well as absenteeism.
Attacho said it is necessary for them to send a clear signal to the Dutch cabinet their concerns on obesity. He said whatever message is sent must is a "wake up" call for Caribbean islands. Expounding on the consequences of obesity he said puts enormous pressure on the health care system which also reduces the life expectancy of the citizens
Attacho indicated that already the Aruban and Netherlands Antilles conducted debates on the topic the results of the bi-partite meetings would be sent to the respective ministries.
He indicated that the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles has noticed that the Minister of Public Health is already on the matter since she has included in her policy the intention of public awareness however, he felt that it would be useful if Aruba, Suriname and the Antilles can work on the issue together.
Also on the agenda for discussions is youth delinquency since the three partners are already working together on judicial affairs. Attacho said he felt there is need for the tripartite to work towards the prevention of youth delinquency which would further shape the judicial chain.
Attacho said while on the island they would take the opportunity to meet with the President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs. The intention he said is create more acquaintance on the administrative structure and the political development on that side of the island.
President of the Aruba Mervin Wyatt Ras in her opening remarks said she felt since Suriname has enjoyed more than 30 years of Independence can give the necessary support to both Aruba who has 23 years of autonomy and the Netherlands Antilles who is presently undergoing its dismantling process. She said already Aruba is serving as an example with its separate status in the Kingdom. Wyatt Ras said having status apart has brought and is continuing to bring many benefits to the people of Aruba. She explained that they have developed tourism to an extent that 70% of their income derives from that economic pillar. While they also live from their oil refineries and much focus is now being placed on alternative forms of energy since they have invested in the Wind park and they are still looking into possibilities that are more environmentally friendly.
Wyatt Ras said that even though the economy in Aruba is stable they can be affected with the world economic crisis. She felt that is important for them to continue their investing in the tourism industry and other socio- economic projects that would guarantee sustainable growth. Wyatt Ras said they would need to further focus on the world financial recession and they should all prepare for a depression since the banks have made it extremely hard for everyone to access credit.
She said it is not easy to comprehend the mentality of the Dutch politicians as partners in the Kingdom especially those who make public remarks against public officials and the people of the Antilles and Aruba. Wyatt Ras said they are concerned with the apparent expansionist aims of Venezuela however she hopes that continued cooperation with the neighboring countries would create more opportunities.
She said there is need to further explore agriculture since the forefathers of these islands have lived from such and with the economic times ahead the need to consider the benefits of local production would be vital.
Aruba representative Mr. Hellen van de Wal will be making a presentation on youth criminality and gangs, however the need to focus on its prevention would be key in the discussions. She said while many may think that the youths have big mouths or consider them to be bad, there is need for them to see the positive side of the youths and at least try to prevent gang related issues. Wyatt Ras said there would be the need for the tripartite to cooperate on the issue of delinquency.

Marigot: --- Members of the opposition in the territorial council plans to play a more proactive role in representing the people of St. Martin says five members of the group at a press conference yesterday.
Leader of the RRR party Alain Richardson said he had expected the media personalities on St. Martin would have dug deeper into the budget that was passed last Friday. Richardson said while the headlines reads there is a budget of 122 million the 2009 budget is much less than the budget of 2008. He said the management of the Collectivity has changed the method in preparing the budget and are booking the assessments that are sent out by the tax department annually to prepare their budget.
Richardson explained while the assessment is provided this year the actual payment will take place some two to three years after. He further said that while the expenditures of the Collectivity are real there is no money based on income to meet these expenses. He questioned how Collectivity would meet its obligation in paying its bill at the end of each month if the monies are not available in their coffers.
Richardson said the budget was prepared based on the assessment given by the preceptor and not on the monies that really exists. He said while the global figure stands at 122 million, 12.5 million (35%) of this amount is already lost from unpaid house and land taxes, while the other 65% would take more than four years before it is collected. This information he said was gathered from documents provided to them by those managing the COM.
The opposition leader said while the 2009 is the second year of budgeting in the new setting he felt the present majority would have provided the councilors with information on 2008 since they are already nearing the end of the first quarter of this year. He felt that the COM could have given out the figures on the taxes that were collected during 2008. "Had the councilors had this information they would have been able to vote base on factual information. I think its time that more respect be given to the councilors who are called to vote for these budgets".
Territorial Councilor Aline Hanson said there was no evaluation process done on the different poles to see what the expenditures are. She said in her opinion she does not believe the majority knows how they intend to manage the island. Hanson said should a hurricane hit the island the Social Affairs department would not have monies in place to provide for the island and its people. "There is no money for disaster management". Hanson said.
She felt the time has come for real good governance and they need to eliminate the favoritism in the present administration.
Guillaume Arnell said while the population may feel they are always critical of the present management. He said at this point they have no other choice since the time of political campaign is long over. Concerning the budget Arnell said they are several questionable areas such as the administrative accounts which accounts for the functioning of the COM. Arnell said it is a shame to see the lack of seriousness within the present administration when it comes to the different commissions who are asked to look into the projects.
Arnell said when the island people voted for a new status it was for them to take up their responsibilities and it is unacceptable for them to say each time that the State did not live up to its promises.
Respect must be given.
In the meantime, leader of the RRR confirmed that to date he did not get a response from Delegated Prefet Dominique LaCroix concerning a letter he sent to him indicating that he had requested a council meeting to deal with the economic crisis. Last November Richardson said he requested a council meeting be called to deal with the worldwide economic crisis and a possible stimulus plan, but President Gumbs he said in his response said he did not see the urgency for such a meeting thus refused to hold the session. Richardson said he immediately sent a letter to LaCroix informing him of the situation but to date he did not get a response from LaCroix. Asked if he intends to leave matters such as these go. Richardson said this is the reason they are going to be approaching the press more often since the people of St. Martin are questioning them on the present state of the island and the type of management it is receiving.
Arnell said he personally did not spoke out last year since he wanted to give President Gumbs a fair chance to see what he had in mind for the island. He said he expected Gumbs to implement the change he was talking about, but since that is not so the RRR has to come forward and deal with the issues facing the nation. Arnell said while he is aware politics is over and the other big election would be in 2012 he felt that they needed to give him that chance. Arnell said he personally have decided to begin doing politics the way it ought to be done which is to be friendly after the debates and not before.

Marigot: ---Workers from all post offices on the French side began an unlimited industrial action yesterday as they demand equality. The workers who stood outside the main post office in Marigot are asking that all postal workers on French St. Martin receive the €200 increase as their colleagues in Guadeloupe.
They are also asking that respect be given and that they be treated equally in receiving their lunch bonds, housing allowances and the necessary heavy equipments to process mails as well as more personnel to handle the huge amount of clients on a daily basis.
Speaking on behalf of the CFDT, CFTC, CGTC, FD, SUD and the PTT unions, Jean Louis Hunt said there are a number of grievances facing postal workers on St. Martin and these issues must be addressed. "Unless they address all of the issues we will not be going back to work". He declared.
Hunt said the post office receives a large amount of people on a daily basis, he said the lines in front of the Marigot Post Office would reach the court house each morning and there are not sufficient clerks to deal with the amount of people they are called to serve. "While we have booths there is no clerk in them so they stay empty, while the other workers have to over work themselves." Hunt further explained that they need heavy equipment to process mail and to date that machine is not given to them. He said while the postal workers have the possibility to receive lunch bonds in Guadeloupe those on St. Martin are deprived of it and that is not fair.
The union representative said one of their biggest grievances with management of the Post Office relates to one of their colleague Patricio Piper aka Patto. "Patto has been working for the post office since 1985 and he has been treated unfairly. Right now the Post Office wants to transfer Piper to Chronpost and doing so would allow them to escape jail or other punishment." Hunt said. He explained the post office was not paying the social charges for Piper for a number of years and they also owe him a lot of monies and instead of paying him they are looking into getting rid of him illegally. Hunt said when management asked Piper to sign the contract to go over to Chronopost and he refused they began treating him as if he is no one and has been flaring insults at him ever since. He said management went as far telling Piper if he did not want to go over to Chronopost which belongs to the private sector then he should leave. "Can you imagine they are telling him to leave without putting it in writing" Hunt asked.
Other concerns for the postal workers are the heavy work load in certain districts that has to be addressed. Hunt said all workers from the Post Offices are going to be meeting again today in front of the Marigot Post Office where the action continues.

PHILIPSBURG: ---"Despite the outcome of this case your honor I want the prosecutor to know that I know that he knows I am no criminal and St. Maarten know that too.
Yet an arrest team of seven people came to arrest me, as if I am a serial killer. All my good work went down the drain because somebody thinks that I collect money for work permits.
I cannot understand why I am in this courtroom and why I am charged with employing an illegal when I do not own a business" were the last words former Commissioner of Culture Louis Laveist said to the judge Smid and Prosecutor Martin Hemlaar at the conclusion of his trial yesterday. Laviest in his plea for an acquittal said he was not brought up to be a thief and if his ailing mother knows what he is going through would definitely send her to her grave. Laveist said his family had to make sure his mother does not get her hands on a newspaper neither can she listens to the radio and television
He further stated that he served two terms as a parliamentarian and wrote the law on human smuggling and under no circumstance he would break the laws on immigration.
The statements caused several members of the Laveist family who formed part of the packed courtroom to break down in tears. Outside the courtroom Laveist was seen counseling his sisters and reminding them they needed to have faith as they prepare to face the flashing cameras outside the courthouse.
The prosecution slapped a total of five charges on Laveist they are two counts of fraud, one count of forgery, one count of bribery and one count of breaking the labor law by employing "Sammy" the barber illegally.
Prosecutor Mr. Martin Hemelaar demanded a 24 months prison sentence against Laveist. Six months of the demand is suspended. Judge Smid will announce his sentence on Tuesday April 28.
During a taped phone conversation between Laveist and Sammy the barber it is said Laveist referred to the barber shop as his barber shop, He responded by saying he also would say his bank and his dentist as a way of speaking. Laveist said Sammy is his friend and several people would call him when they are picked up by immigration thinking he can assist them, but this is a total misconception since he never granted any favors to anyone. Laveist actually swore saying no one ever paid him for working documents even though he was the labor commissioner.
The prosecution claimed Laviest defraud AMFO Naf 22,750 which was transferred to the Culture Club Foundation that was to be used for the celebration of Flag Day. Prosecutor Martin Hemlaar said all of the monies were not used for the Flag Day celebration since some Naf5000 was transferred to Laveist personal credit card account. Monies were also used to pay Clara Reyes, Ruby Bute as well as Tanny and the Boys and the sculpture.
In answering the judge Laviest said on several occasions he had to use his own personal monies to pay off the creditors when these monies were not available to them. He said he even went as far as spending his tax returns on these events unknowing to his wife Betty Laveist. Laveist said they sometimes even use monies that are allocated for other projects and when the monies are available to them they would replace it including his personal monies. He said some of what he is accused of can be considered sloppy administration on his part since he is not really good at it.
On several occasions Laveist stumbled when answering questions posed to him by the judge, on occasions he seemed confused with the questioning but he also made clear to the judge that he could not remember every single detail pertaining to Culture Club meetings since it took place four years ago. He said while he signed a letter to vacate the position of president on that foundation the actual paper work never took place. Laveist told the judge while the necessary paper work was not completed at the Chamber of Commerce to show that he had vacated the position of President of the Culture Club board, he did sign a letter to that effect. He said he did that after a board meeting was held with all members of the Culture Club board including his wife Betty who is the vice president of the foundation. However, his wife in her statement to the police had said that she never attended any such meeting. Also surprising to Laveist is to learn Virgilo Brooks and Lydia Arnell in their statements said they did not give Laveist and his executive assistant Roberto Richardson the permission to include them as board members. They too said they never attended any board meetings contradicting that which is stated in the minutes, leaving the prosecution to believe that the commissioner and his executive assistant forged the minutes.
Asked by the judge why these two persons would deny attending the meetings. Laveist said he can clearly remember how they sat in the conference room where the meeting was held and he does not know why these persons said what they said.
The commissioner said he can be considered a "culture animal" since he worked on several projects including St. Maarten's Day celebration, the Help us Help you and the school identification and the erecting of statues at several key locations. All of which he said he was doing to promote his culture as well as his island. Laviest also indicated that while the cost to celebrate St. Maarten Day would be as much as $100,000 the island government would only provide Naf. 50,000 and he would have to secure the balance of the funding through donations from businesses. He reminded the judge that his foundation Culture Club was in place some 15 years ago, and not when he became a commissioner.
The prosecution charged that Laviest took some $6,000 from Bargains Unlimited to provide the company with working permits for their personnel since he was the labor commissioner. Laveist said that company sponsored his cultural radio program for one year. He said the company committed $500 monthly for the program and in return they got two advertising spots. The former labor commissioner asked why the prosecutor chose that company and not GEBE or the Harbor Holding Company who made the same monetary donations to the radio program and foundation.
Laveist was also accused of taking $13,000 from BEMAL Enterprises. The monies were used for Laveist and Richardson to travel to Canada where they went to see the type of furniture that is manufactured there. The prosecutor believes the only reason BEMAL enterprise gave this money to Laveist is because they were promised the contract to furnish the new government building. Laveist said he does not know anything about the $10,000 since he never received any monies from the company. He did admit that BEMAL provided the tickets for both him and Richardson to travel to Canada. He said BEMAL had also furnished his office when he was first elected to office. The commissioner said the only reason he went to Canada to seek out furniture is because he was responsible for the government building and since he did not have the knowledge on this he felt going to Canada was a fact finding mission.
Asked where he got monies to stay overseas, the commissioner said at the time he had the privilege to use his government credit card, asked if Richardson collected that money Laveist said he has no knowledge on that since he was never told that. He said the only time he learnt of the $10,000 was during the interrogation.
In arguing the case Attorney at law Remko Stomp said the Dutch is busy trying to use Laveist as a scapegoat as they try to further smear the Netherlands Antilles mainly St. Maarten that is seeking country status. He said he was surprised at the charges the prosecution came up with after having his client behind bars for nine days. One of the charges he said is a misdemeanor which is punishable by fine. Stomp said the case against Laveist can be considered hog wash since the prosecution could not come up with solid proof against Laveist. He said the prosecution fought their case purely circumstantial evidence. Stomp said even though he is confident that the judge would not buckle to pressure from the Dutch he is prepared to go all the way to prove his client innocence of all charges laid against him.
The case of Roberto Richardson was also called and had to be postponed to a later date since the defense intends to call at least two more witnesses which are Laveist and Virgillo Brooks. No date has been set for the continuation of Richardson case.
Richardson is charged jointly with Laveist for forging the Culture Club minutes in an effort to defraud AMFO. He is also charged with accepting of bribes from BEMAL.
Winair has come in for high praise after playing a key role in the rescuing of a lost fisherman whose boat had capsized early yesterday. The St Maarten based airline company was alerted of the disappearance of -------------------- from Statia who according to reports was fishing when his boat encountered difficult waters causing him to disappear.
Managing Director, Edwin Hodge speaking to the media said that he was alerted of ---disarrange sometime after 2 pm yesterday afternoon. Hodge said that he immediately implemented a search and rescue team to aid in finding the man.
"When I was contacted my immediate reaction was to find the individual as while situations like these are normal it is always a sad situation whenever someone is lost at sea," Hodge said. He noted that his team was very aggressive in their attempt to relocate the lost fisherman.
However after some three odd hours of search the airline called off the search die to the fact that no signs of -----was found. Hodge noted that late yesterday evening his crew, others and family members of -were relief to learnt that he was rescued by a boat who was traversing the waters at that time. According to reports after -----boat capsized he had drifted thus making his rescue problematic.
Hodge admitted that hearing the relief voice of -family and also seeing their happy faces was satisfying knowing that a family was spared of a possible tragic lost of a husband, father and brother. --------‘s family was in high praises for what they dubbed as "Winair's enormous and significant assistance "in trying to find him. "We are truly grateful and thankful for the very significant and impressive work that Mr. Hodge and his airline did for us today.
I want to publicly record our personal thanks and gratitude and would like to inform the general public of the generosity and charitable contributions that the airline company exercises in trying to relocate -----, we thank Winair and trust that the airline continues in this vein," a family member was quoted as saying.
It was learnt that ----was found safe and in good health. He was however taken to be medically examined as part of police procedures to ensure that he was okay. Hodge expressed satisfaction and congratulations to his crew for the enormous and significant efforts that they invested in the mission of finding ----------.
"While we are a commercially operated airline company we are also a humanitarian company that seeks to assist in times of sorrow and disasters as we are community oriented. I am pleased with the work of my pilots and I would like to reassure the people of St Maarten and by extension the other islands that we sere that Winair will willingly and readily get involve in missions like these as we believe strongly that as a corporate community we need to help wherever we can," Hodge declared.
He wished -----and his family Easter greetings noting that the readiness of his company to help in his safe return forms part of the Easter season of helping and sharing love and affection to each other. He said that he trust that --------family is relief and happy with his return urging -------to be a more careful in future adding that the airline wishes him speedy recovery from the trauma that he may have experienced after being lost.

Marigot: --- Ousted President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Frantz Gumbs announced on at least three radio Stations this morning (Tuesday) that the UPP party who holds the majority in the council would be re-electing him to his position as President in the next election. Gumbs officially announced that he would be a candidate in the upcoming territorial election.
Gumbs said the party has taken a decision to re-elect him since they have absolutely no problem with him, even though there was a problem with the election itself.
He acknowledged that the August 7th election was annulled by the State Council due to the pre-printed ballots that was used with his name on it instead of blank ballots.
Gumbs said the executive council would remain the same and that the only position that has to be filled is his position which will be done in the next 15-days maximum. Gumbs said he did not receive the official documents with the full decision of the State Council but he is obliged to respect the 12 days delay. He said the COM has at least one month to hold the new election but the leading party would not wait that long. He also said that even though the present administration is faced with this dilemma they are still doing the people's business and they do not intend to go anywhere. Gumbs said "I am the president and will always be no matter what you say!" while First Vice President Daniel Gibbs said the UPP is united thus they are supporting Gumbs for the seat in the next election.
In the meantime, former first vice president Marthe Ogoundele Tessi said she personally heard the statements made by the president and his present first vice president but she would not be commenting on the issue unless she gets the full context of the decision that was rendered by the State Council. Ogoundele Tessi said she does not intend to make wild statements and then have to re-tract them. She said her lawyer is in contact with the State Council as he seeks clarification on the decision in its entirety. The former first vice president said when she receives that decision then she would officially announce her intentions.
Gumbs in his rebuttal to the State Council through his lawyers had asked that he be compensated with damages should he win the case. The person he wanted to pay those damages was Ogoundele Tessi whom he said wrongfully took him to the highest courts.
These and all other matters relating to the case are still not known. It is not clear if Gumbs would have to pay damages if that was eliminated by the council.
SMN News also learnt that the RRR party was busy meeting on Tuesday as they discuss the present predicament facing the island.
New General Election.
In the meantime several bloggers, council members from the opposition as well as resident's of St. Martin are calling on the present administration to throw in the towel and call a new election. The bloggers has charged that the UPP party is incompetent and they are nothing but disaster to the island and its people. They said already St. Martin would be recording its fifth presidents in less than two years, something they consider to be a disgrace to the island.

Philipsburg:--- Officers from the Customs of St. Maarten, along the Coast guard of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba seized some 50 kilos of marijuana on a motor vessel the Togetherness.
During a routine search on the motor vessel "Togetherness" was in the harbor of Point Blanche St. Maarten, Customs in cooperation with the Coastguard seized 50 kilos of marijuana. The boat came to St. Maarten from St. Vincent after a stop in Dominica. One person was held in custody. The case is pending investigation. The customs and coastguard plans to intensify their controls during the Carnival season.
Philipsburg;---Police were called to attend a road traffic accident on Tuesday mid-day on the Cannegieter street, where a pedestrian resulted injured. At around 12.45 pm., a white Toyota, license plate M4825, driven J.R.D, (43) from Haiti, was heading on the Cannegieter-road in the direction of Kentucky Fried Chicken, at the entrance of the Private Parking lot of RBBT-Bank began to turn left while he was being overtaken by a scooter driven by A.M., Skb., (37). M 4825 hit into the scooter, the driver of the scooter lost control, while sliding along the road crashed into the pedestrian who was two steps away from reaching the other side of the road, the pedestrian went air-borne and fell on the asphalt road and hit his head. The pedestrian R.W., (22) received a cut the head and was transported to the Medical Center where he received stitches. The road was closed off for a while and the traffic was re-directed. The traffic department continues with this road traffic accident.
Early Sunday morning at around 03.20 am., a rental car, a Daihatsu Charade carrying French number plate 813ZBA971 crashed into the safety railing at the Prins Bernhard Bridge. The driver of rental AGM, (23), from St. Maarten, most likely was driving at high speed over the Nisbeth road in the direction of Bush road and for yet unknown reason ran off the road. Police believe the driver might have fallen asleep and banged into the rim of the side walk, the vehicle went air-borne and fell on the railing and ended up partly in the bushes (mangrove) in the Pond. The driver was not injured. It took the tow-truck at least 2 hours to get out the vehicle out of the bushes and pond. At least 5 meters of the railing was damaged in the crash. Police are busy making up a report of the road traffic accident for the competent authorities.
One person was injured after being attacked after leaving the "Dejavu Club" on the Cannegieter Street, early Monday morning. Between 01.00 - 02.00 am, two persons were leaving the Club when they were attacked by two (known) men, one of the men was armed with a chopping knife and injured one of his victim G.P. ((23) from St. Maarten on the hairy part of his head and his left hand that needed medical treatment. The two men were attacked by two suspects. The other attacker was not armed and the other victim was not injured in the fight. No motives were given for the attack. The investigation continues.
After receiving a letter via the post we have decided to explain our readers and writers to this website that only cowards who are unsure of themselves do not sign their names on letters they send to us. Letters, and or statements that are not signed will not be published by us.
The letter that was received today clearly came from someone in the majority of the Territorial Council who are obviously ashamed of their performance and is looking for someone else to blame for their inadequacies and in-competencies. Picking on the media is just another mistake made by those who are not able to deliver that which they have promised to the promise land.
Saying that it would take time to repair the damage that was created by the former administration for the past 50 years is no excuse for the shame and disgrace the island and its people are put to because of incompetent people.
Speaking about the Organic Law and saying the people no longer has a choice is yet another mistake because a nation can do great things that egoistic politicians cannot achieve.
Our message to the person that has written the letter that is meant for the talk show hosts and promoters including "Billy Dee, Air Supply" as well as all internet and newspaper reporters is that you need not be ashamed of who you are. If you truly want to send out a message to the people of this island then we urge you to face the heat and come forward boldly with your message.
Philipsburg: --- Independent Island Council member and non active commissioner Louie Laveist leave the court of first instance this morning (Tuesday) a sad and disappointed man after hearing the judge pronounce the verdict in his case which was tried on April 8th.
Accompanied by his wife Betty Laveist, his sisters and well known sports man Hamilton Richardson, Laveist and his lawyer Remko Stomp immediately appealed the verdict.
Judge Rick Smid found Laveist guilty on all charges which included forgery, fraud, bribery and the hiring of an illegal.
The court found proven that Laveist forged the minutes of the Culture Club Foundation to defraud AMFO of Naf. 22, 750. It also found proven that Laveist and his executive assistant Roberto Richardson accepted a bribe from BEMAL NV in the form of two plane tickets to Canada and $10, 000 as he had intended to use his influence as a commissioner to grant the company the contract to furnish the new government administration building.
Also found proven is Laviest accepted $6,000 from Bargains Unlimited to his foundation Culture Club, the judge found that Laveist again used his influence as the commissioner of labor who was responsible for the granting of working permits used his influence to grant the businessman a working permit while there was a moratorium in place. Laviest was also found guilty as an accomplice for a hiring Samuel Boney (Sammy) the barber to work illegally in a barber shop belonging to his sister.
He has been condemned to serve 18 months in prison, nine of which are conditional; less time spent behind bars during his pre-trial detention. Laveist must pay a fine of Naf.5, 000 or spend 55 days behind bars, with three years probation. The judge also banned Laviest from holding any position in the civil core or any public office even if elected or appointed for the next five years.
In the ruling the judge said the suspect did not give the impression that he cared about conflict of interest. It must be concluded that the suspect did not behave himself as a commissioner in a transparent nor with integrity. Judge Smid felt the suspect (Laveist) has misused the power granted to him for personal gain which made him guilty of corruption. "Corruption harms each ones lives or means of maintaining themselves and happiness whose livelihood is dependent on people who holds power and authority. Corruption by leaders such as the suspect can seriously damage a country and or government unit" the verdict reads.
The judge felt that Laveist did not give any indication that he had any insight into the objectable nature of his actions neither did he shows any type of remorse during his trial.
The only thing the judge found in Laveist favor was that he was never convicted of any crimes before.
The verdict granted by the courts came as a shock to several persons including lawyers since the prosecution had only requested 24 months imprisonment. Several persons felt that the verdict will now set a dangerous precedent on everyone. One legal mind said that the prosecutor office can now prosecute anyone if they feel like and those holding public office should begin to look out.
Attorney at law Remko Stomp said his client was looking for justice but that was not granted to him. Stomp said his client plans to take the case to the highest court where more than one judge would look at the evidence presented to them.
Stomp said the prosecution was looking for a conviction and even though they spoke of millions of dollars in off shore accounts they could not prove it.
Relatives and friends of Laveist were obviously nervous and angry as they leave the court house. One person with Laveist insulted reporters who were trying to get a statement from the embattled commissioner. This resulted in an argument between photo-journalist Gromyko Wilson who said that reporters should be allowed to carry out their duties. One member of the Laveist supporters reacted to statements made by Wilson which created a fracas close to Holland House where the family was meeting.

Cole bay: --- Independent island councilman Louie Laveist intends to make his position as commissioner to the disposal of the Democratic Party before the weekend is over. In an invited comment Laveist said he took the decision with members of his family over the carnival holidays and he intend to inform leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams during the weekend.
Laveist was convicted to 18 months imprisonment, nine of which are conditional, three years probation, a fine of NAf. 5000 and he is banned from the civil service for the next five years whether elected or appointed. Should Laveist not pay the Naf? 5000 he has to spend an additional 55 days behind bars. The embattled commissioner immediately appealed the decision of the Court of First Instance on Tuesday.
Laveist said he has no meeting planned with Wescot Williams but he intends to get to her before Monday morning where he would make known his decision. "I already indicated to my lawyer that he should send out a notice to the media informing the general public that I intend to make my seat in the executive council available to the Democratic Party while I would not be discussing my Island Council seat."
The commissioner said he intends to hold a press conference later this week where he would bring some clarity as to what he is going through these past months with the criminal trial and verdict.
Laveist said he also intend to fight his appeal vigorously since he believes there has been a lot of missing elements in the case. So far the embattled and convicted commissioner did not say what those elements are and why it was not brought to the forefront before.

MARIGOT The "Days of Literature" concluded here on Tuesday evening with a poetry reading and audience discussion involving three of the five invited poets Lasana M. Sekou (St. Martin), Luis Mizón (Chile), and Virgile Novarina (France). The soirée at the Sandyground Youth Center followed eight days of discussions between the authors and students from nine high schools and primary schools. The students had studied a selected book by each writer before the authors visited the schools. (The St. Martin book studied was The Salt Reaper - poems from the flats.) Authors Ernest Pepin and Gisèle Pineau of Guadeloupe also took part in the program. The literature program began on April 27 and included a panel debate on Pineau's novel Mes quatre femmes and a "Homage to Aimé Césaire" presentation by Pépin. According to organizer Robert Romney, the concluded program realized the first edition of Days of Literature (Programme des journées de la Littérature 1ère edition). Romney is based in Marigot as the representative of the Rector of the Academy of Guadeloupe for the Collectivity of St. Martin and for St. Barths. The "Days of Literature" was organized by Romney's office in collaboration with the DRAC, DAAC, and the government of the Collectivity.
Philipsburg:--- Members of the Democratic Party is scheduled to meet tonight (Friday may 8th 2009) at the Belair community center to discuss the present political turmoil within that party. A bulletin board notice was being distributed to members of the party during the day on Friday.
The bulletin reads:-- "In view of the recent political developments, an urgent meeting of the general membership of the Democratic Party is hereby scheduled for Friday May 8th 2009 at 7 pm at the Belair Community Center."
In the meantime, members of the National Alliance faction met at undisclosed location yesterday afternoon to also discuss the situation facing the island government of the island territory of St. Maarten.
It is understood that members of the DP and the NA met on Thursday to begin discussions on a broadbase government involving the two parties. This comes after island councilman Louie Laveist notified the chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards that he has withdrawn his support from the Democratic Party. Laviest also said that he is in support of a National Government which would include the two larger parties. The councilman also requested from Richards a faction office forthwith.
SMN News understands that the councilman Louie Laveist intends to send a letter to the leader of the National Alliance telling him that in case the two major parties are not able to pull off an agreement then they (NA) can count on his support to form a government. Laveist does not intend to hold any administrative office, the offer it is said is surely to make the NA have majority to be able to govern. In an invited comment Laveist said he would not be participating in any discussions with either of the political parties but he will not sit back and leave the island without a government.
Reliable sources has informed this media house that the island secretary has been working overtime to put in place a faction office for the embattled councilman. It is understood that Laveist well receive that location by early next week since he is legally entitled to as an elected official.
SMN News also understands that commissioner Theo Heyliger and Island Frans Richardson is also discussing the possibilities of forming another party. This however, could not be confirmed.
Sources say Commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus has already indicated to her staff that she may have to go home since the leader of the National Alliance as well as Heyliger is not willing to work with her. It is not clear if Buncamper Molanus began clearing her office or if she is waiting until the new government is formed.

The new mobile unit for the Youth Dental Program has arrived on St. Maarten. Commissioner of Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus inspected the fully-customized vehicle and was impressed by the fully functional mobile dental unit.
"I am please that the youth dental unit is here, but more importantly what we can do with the mobile dental unit for St. Maarten's youth", Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said.
Schools will be visited; children's teeth examined and treatment can be provided all in this custom made vehicle outfitted as good as any regular dental clinic. The dentist operating the clinic will be able to carryout a range of services from normal check-ups to x-rays of the teeth and mouth.
The Public Health department has facilitated oral dental hygiene educational programs in primary schools over the years, but it became evident that more significant effort was necessary.
"We will utilize the dental unit to its optimal capacity to ensure that the children can get quality care at the school's doorstep. For too long this project continued to be postponed, but I'm pleased that we have been able to get this far" Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said.
The cost of the Mobile dental unit is approximately $200,000.

Philipsburg: -- Minister of constitutional affairs Roland Duncan in an interview with SMN News said that the executive council of St. Maarten is yet to respond to his proposal of extending the executive council.
Duncan said he sent a letter to the executive council almost a month ago explaining to them that it can be clever for them to agree on extending the present executive council to seven. Duncan said that this would pave the way for St. Maarten being ready and prepared to handle the seven ministries in the new setting as country. "Right now there are five commissioners in the executive branch which means they are lacking two. Having seven commissioners would then make it easier to transfer a ministry to each of the commissioner.
The minister said that the possibility for Curacao to move up nine ministries are possible in the constitution, but for St. Maarten having only eleven island council members requires a change in the constitution. He said when studying the situation of St. Maarten and knowing that the politicians are looking to have a parliament that consists of 15 seats he believed the change was necessary to comply with the requirements of having 15 seats.
He said in his proposal he made clear that the two additional commissioners cannot be island council members but to date the DP led executive council has not responded to his letter. "I am surprised to see in one of the daily newspapers that they agree with my suggestion but I will not be working on or submitting any change in the law unless I get a written agreement from the executive council of St. Maarten." Duncan declared.
The Minister said that the newspaper that carried the article on the extension of the executive council did not properly explain the scenario he presented to the executive council and fully discussed with Commissioner Roy Marlin. Duncan said that if the present executive council were extended with non-island council members they would not be able to vote on anything. This way he said it would not disrupt the present structure of the island council.
The Minister also made clear that he did not made the suggestion as remedy for the present political crisis. He said right now it seems as some politicians are hoping for this to be the solution. He said should St. Maarten agree to change in the constitution then the process would begin.
However, it would take two to three months before the law could be made available since he would also have to consult with Holland since the Kingdom has to agree on the change.
The Minister said that at times he is amused by the present administration, because to date they have not responded to him yet he is hearing that this proposal will be used to negotiate the formation of a new government. "Bear in my mind I can fantazise with anything and I can make proposal but I cannot force this down the throats of the elected".

Cole Bay: --- The Child-fest foundation headed by first lady Angela Richards yesterday renewed the hope of several foundations that are dealing with children. Richards said the foundation rose just over $125,000 this year and they have decided to donate some $120,000 to several foundations that are in dire need of monies.
Even though they have not yet received all of the pledged funds and did not pay all their bills the foundation has decided to return most of the monies back to the community Richards said.
Katsiaryna Ozkan said that children are the future and she hopes that the recipients make good use of the monies that would be given to them. Ozkan said she hopes next year the organization would be able to raise much more monies that will be given out the same way.
Receiving a largest amount is Special Olympics and Help our Children Foundation who got a check of $40, 000 each.
Also receiving a donation was the Sundial School who received a check of $4,000, Crystal Home Foundation $8,000,I Can Foundation $8,000, UJIMA Foundation $10,000,
Motiance Dance School received $10,000, which is to be used for school fees and other projects for students that are less fortunate.
Richards said the committee chose foundations that have good programs that focus on the young people of St. Maarten that are under privileged. The committee she said also considered those children that are not so fortunate to participate in fun things and enjoy what other children have to enjoy.
WILLEMSTAD - Curacao is best served by a distinct victory of Yes or No. A near-win of one of the two options, as is expected, will not result in the ending of the discord on the island, according to a number of key figures approached by the Amigoe. However, all of them call upon everyone to respect the outcome, no matter what.
Sidney ‘Bicho' Justiana, Chairman of the Education Trade Union Sitek, supports the No-option. He has planned a peaceful day for today. After casting his vote in Boca Sami, he will head for the Sitek-office and afterwards hit the streets to take cognizance of the situation. He will learn about the outcome later on in the evening when he gets home. Justiana hopes that, whatever the outcome will be tonight, all parties will respect it.
"Although I am worried about today's turnout. There are only two options. There is no possibility of giving a blank ballot paper, contrary to normal elections. 46 Percent did not show up at the previous election. I hope that this percentage will not be surpassed." According to Justiana, the most important question is however, how will Curaçao continue after today. "We must start re-constructing this island. The losers must surmount their disappointment, whilst the winners must forget their euphoria. We must go on together."
Remco Gomez, member of the Island council for the PAR, is convinced that Yes will win. He will cast his vote at the Maris Stella school in Brakkeput in the morning. Afterwards he will accompany family members and friends to the polling stations. He will then spend most of the day with the PAR-sede. The PAR-member has no doubt whatsoever as to who is going to win. "I know for sure. ‘Yes' will come off best today. If you watch the people in the streets, you will notice that they distinctly demonstrate their preference for Yes. It is obvious to me. Yes will win. I hope that this day remains peaceful and that all will go well. I am not concerned, and have no fear."
Convinced of victory.
MAN-State-member Dwigno Puriel is seated in the coordination team of No. He has a busy day ahead of him. Early this morning he cast his vote at his polling station in Sta. Rosa, and then headed towards the FK-party building on the Rooseveltweg. This building is be used as sally base and coordination center for the No-camp. Puriel intends to visit many polling stations today to take cognizance of the progress of the voting process.
Puriel is very positive with respect to the chances for No today. "I am convinced of a victory. When I consider the run on T-shirts yesterday, the high attendance upon closure of the No-campaign yesterday at the PLKP-sede, then I think we stand a good chance.
I do not think that one of the options will win by two lengths, but I am counting on a victory of 60 percent for No. With a distinct victory, the discussion will be over and done with."
The MAN-member says he is not afraid of a violent outbreak later this evening. "I do not feel this and also do not see this happening. I think these are just stories spread by the opposition."
No longer ‘1969'.
Curtley ‘Gino' Valeriaan, is the spokesperson of Fundashon Kòrsou su Futuro, who labored for Yes with the referendum. He will cast his vote at the LTS in Saliña today. He also expects to be busy all day with the organization of the Yes-campaign. "I am stand-by the whole day and will support the organization where necessary."
Not for a second, does Valeriaan doubt the victory for Yes. "That discussion is over and done with. I consider an overwhelming victory with 70 to 60 percent for Yes. Why? Because of the package, we negotiated. You cannot always get the full 100%, but Yes is 100% better than what No has to offer. I saw how the community responded to our campaign during the last few weeks, and also our large margin in all surveys." We must not forget that this is not 1969. This community has developed since then."
Philipsburg: ---Convicted Independent Island council member Louie Laviest who is presently not reachable by phone seems to be the one dictating politics on St. Maarten. Sources within the inner circle of the Democratic Party has informed this media house that DP leader Sarah Wescot Williams are now in position of a letter from Laveist indicating that he would soon resign from his Island Council seat. Whether that would be the case is yet to be seen by Laveist, while it is understood some DP members held a meeting most of the day yesterday in the government administration building contemplating their next move.
The source said for this reason the DP leader along with the commissioners had used the tactic in post dating their resignation to June 8. It is said the DP strategic politicians are working hard on regaining the majority in the island council and when Laveist resigns, Erno Labega would be appointed to both his positions.
Presently several persons in the community including well-known politicians are questioning the legality of the postdated resignations. Some are saying it is unheard of in the Antilles while others believe it is legal and legitimate.
Since presenting his letter to the chairman of the Island and Executive Council, indicating that he has withdrawn his support from the DP led government Laveist cannot be reached for clarification on the above statements. Sources are claiming that the island councilman just decided to shut down to prevent persons from getting to him. Others say he is presently off island.
While Wescot Williams on more than one occasion said that she understood that the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin are also in position of a letter which states that if the NA and DP are not able to form a broad base government then Laveist would be giving his support to the National Alliance to form a National Alliance led government. Wescot Williams said on Monday she believed the NA would use this letter to form the next government and their true faces are soon to be seen.
During the course of the day yesterday, several supporters of the National Alliance are saying that the National Alliance is now planning to form the next government with Laveist as soon as next week. It is said that the NA would be requesting an island council meeting for early next week where a motion of non-confidence would be placed against the DP commissioners and the swearing in of the new executive council would take place. Up to late last night that request was not made SMN News understands.
These decisions it is said was taken during the course of the day yesterday when it was released in the media that the DP commissioner's resignation was not effective.
Reliable information so far states that the leader of the National Alliance is under severe pressure from one or more of his island council members who are not in favor of forming a National or broad based government with the Democratic Party. The source said these councilmen are not willing to give up their seat and possible opportunity to be the next commissioners to the DP while having the support of Laveist who would not be holding any public office due to his conviction and legal battles ahead.
The source said the reason given by some of the NA council members is that the justice department is still conducting several investigations against other commissioners as well as department heads. If this were so, forming government with them would create the same situation as is with Laveist and the DP.
In an invited comment, Chief Prosecutor of the Windward Islands Taco Stein did not confirm or deny if any investigation is currently taking place and if that is indeed the case, it is not under his command. Stein said.
Another hot topic on the political front is the investigation that is being done by SOAB at the Public Works department, which involved the signing of several documents in the absence of the sector head. Sources say if person or persons that are accused of signing those documents are arrested then it is over and under for another DP commissioner.
South Reward: - Long time resident and landowner Veronica Hodge is at her wits end yesterday as she called on members of the media and leader of the National Alliance William Marlin to find a solution to her situation.
Hodge told reporters yesterday that it has been some years now she had been trying to obtain a meet-brief for a piece of government land that was given to her, but the person who was responsible for measuring the land did not follow up causing her to fall in problems with the current government.
Hodge whose three story house is located at number 4 Pigeon Pea Road woke up to set of heavy equipments and an excavator that intended to cut a road next to her home taking with it her steps.
The woman said she only learnt that government had plans to cut the road when she went to pick up a document at Public Works to install her GEBE meter in 2008. "While I was in the office of Claudius Buncamper he told me that I need to move my step since the island government has to cut a road there." She said ever since then Buncamper refused to deal with the situation telling her he did not want to hear anything. Others including commissioner of Public Works Theo Heyliger did nothing until yesterday when he was called by NA leader William Marlin who requested information on what was taking place. Shortly after that, Hodge said the executive assistant to the island leader of government called her to say she instructed Joseph Dollison to stop operations.
She said ever since then she has been knocking on doors to regulate the problem but no one seems to know what is happening. Hodge said she even learnt that head of new projects Kurt Ruan and Mr. Andre Patrick from the Kadastre office has given government negative advice on the road since there is a huge gut next to her house.
The woman who has serious health problems said she has been doing all she can to save her home from flooding. "Even Joseph Dollison assisted me by giving me dirt to fill in the gut, so he knows the area is not safe to dredge. Hodge said on one occasion she called on Ruan for advice during the heavy rain, as she had feared her house being washed away.
She also said she has been living on the land since 1981 and she obtained the land and first home from the late Dr. Claude Wathey, but those responsible for the measuring of the land never told her where her boundary was. Even though in possession of the meet-brief the woman said she does know how much of the land she owns, she however admitted that a piece of the land that is closer to her step is not hers and it was given to her by two commissioners but even though having a letter the Kadastre never gave her a meet-brief for that part of the land.
"I am from here and I have nowhere else to call home, but if government so badly wants this piece of land to make an access road for other neighbors then they can pay me three million dollars and I would gladly leave". Hodge said.
Philipsburg:--- The Special Armed Robbery Unit has arrested a local man identified as J.C.P as a suspect in a string of robberies which took place in the vicinity of Le Petit Chateau and SVB.
Police is also calling on the victim that was attacked next to the Social Insurance Bank to come forward so that the case can be properly investigated.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the suspect had been using violence against the victims he robbed on the Soualiga Boulevard during late night hours. Henson said the investigations into these cases are underway and more information could not be given. The suspect he said was arrested on Monday May 25.

Philipsburg: --- The island of St. Maarten was thrown into mourning early this morning when the co-founder of the Democratic Party Mr. Clem Labega passed away at the St. Maarten Medical Center. Clem as he is fondly called was ill for sometime says his relatives. He was born on January 26 1926 and passed away on May 27 2009. He was 86 years of age.
Clem leaves to mourn his wife, Rosy and six children including Senator Erno Labega. Funeral arrangements for the late Clem Labega will be announced later this week.
Leader of the Democratic Party said at the executive press briefing this morning that the entire DP family is mourning the loss of Clem whom she said contributed tremendously to the island and its development. As such, the DP faction has decided to cancel their membership meeting that was scheduled for tonight (Wednesday) due to the passing of the party's co-founder.
Philipsburg: --- Should the other three commissioners maintain their position not to resign from the executive council by today when the island council meeting is held the National Alliance would have no other choice but to postpone the appointment of the new executive council. Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said that even if they vote a motion of non-confidence against the three commissioners namely Sarah Wescot Williams, Roy Marlin, and Maria Buncamper Molanus the process of removing them from office would take at least two weeks.
Marlin said it is his belief that these commissioners are holding on to their office to fix things up for their personal interest. He also mentioned the amount of years the island council requested that the island government pay the telephone bills for island council members but the present government led by the DP did nothing to make that happen. He said it is amazing today to see the same government who are now thrown into opposition is trying to make sure government pay their telephone bills.

Philipsburg:--- The parents of the six month old baby that died mysteriously on Tuesday would have to appear before the judge of instruction today confirmed Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein. The parents were arrested on Tuesday after doctors at the St. Maarten Medical Center called in police.
SMN News understands the dead baby was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center with a broken neck and police were called in. The young couple resides in Sucker Garden and are both working, Stein said the parents who are living together did not give police a satisfactory statement as to how the young infant died and such they have confiscated the body for an autopsy to be conducted. He said so far police does not know the cause of death and the parents are the only ones that are suspects. Stein said it is clear something happened and the statement given by the parents is not satisfactory.
Philipsburg-The Pan American Health Organization HIV Caribbean Office in its role as executing agency for the European Union project geared towards strengthening the integration of the British and Dutch Overseas territories in the regional response to HIV/AIDS, conducted its first regional activity here in St. Maarten. The theme of the workshop was "Strengthening the Capacity of the Dutch and British Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) to Reduce Stigma & Discrimination, enhance delivery of HIV Services, and strengthen participation of people living with HIV in the HIV response: A Community Consultation."
During this two-day meeting, members from the six Dutch territories working in the field of HIV/AIDS met to discuss the logistics of this project, and give their input.
The objectives of the meeting were: to present the project to persons living with HIV in the Dutch and British OCTs; formulate recommendations for meaningful and equitable participation of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the project, and to identify priority actions for strengthening of networking and human rights of PLHIV, reduction of stigma and discrimination, and expansion of access to HIV treatment, care and support services.
According to Suzette Moses-Burton, HIV/AIDS Programme Manager and EU Project Focal point for St. Maarten: "A number of critical issues were discussed including the role of people living with HIV/AIDS in the national and response, particularly at policy and decision-making level, development of partnerships between the national programme and members of the community and defining the types of support and interventions needed by the plwha community."
The meeting concluded after two days of intense discussions and deliberations, on a broad range of topics related to the concerns of people living with HIV, with a set of very clear agreements among the participants and actions for next steps which included the establishment/strengthening of support groups on all the Dutch Caribbean territories as well the establishment of a Dutch Caribbean support network to increase communication and exchange ideas and developments within the plwha community of the territories.
(HIV and AIDS Team)
Marigot: --- On Saturday, June 6th 2009, We are called upon to elect a deputy in the European Parliament says Aline Choisy.
"Whatever we may say, Saint-Martin cannot remain silent on the election of representatives to an institution like the European Parliament, which develops the majority of the laws and standards that govern our daily lives."
We cannot sit back and see the train to Brussels pass us by then whenever there is a problem we will get upset and go on every radio talk show to express our anger! Just to remember the car specs and the insurance issue. Those are issues that can be dealt with if we elect a strong representative in the Parliament of Brussels. Remember we are two nations but one people! We need to preserve our heritage by securing our freedom to live as one!
It is amazing how the local government is silent about these elections when we all know that Saint Martin needs Europe now more than ever! It is obvious to everyone that France being part of the European Community can't run the show alone any more. In the global crisis we are facing, The European Parliament is the entity that sets the basis of the policies that are put in place for us all ,even Saint Martin, at 8 000 kms away!
I have chosen to join Harry Durimel and Europe Ecologie because I know his conviction and his devotion to causes such as equal justice for all, his struggle against all types of discrimination may it be racial or economic, his fight for a clean environment and sustainable development with the Green Party.
Harry Durimel has been part of our community for the past 12 years now and we know that he has the courage to denounce all that is going wrong in our society. Having someone like him, representing us in the Parliament can only bring Saint Martin and its people through the storms that we are facing right now on the island.
We need to get sustainable jobs for our youth. We talk every day about the jobless young people hanging around doing bad things; well this is the opportunity to help them! The funds for professional training or young entrepreneurship come from Europe!
We complain every day about the stench and the environmental disaster that is deteriorating this land, this is the time to get the proper measures, and Europe can help us!
We are living in the Caribbean, but we all know how difficult it is for us to link up as one people because we are under the Republic of France, this is the time for solid regional cooperation, not only on the 11th of November! Having a European deputy like Harry Durimel, we can truly aspire to a positive Caribbean integration!
People of Saint Martin, voting are an important asset that our forefathers have earned through so many battles that we cannot allow ourselves to just ignore these elections. This is your only way to say no to what is destroying us all!
This is the chance to demand a better distribution of wealth, our children need sustainable jobs. We need to be more concern over the destruction of our environment: the pollution, the garbage collection, the sewage system, the destruction of our hills and lagoons....We need renewable energy through our natural elements such as sun and wind!
We must ask ourselves what we are leaving for our children and those to come! The climate change is hitting us also and can only worsen if we don't take charge! More hurricanes, more flooding... We have to act now or it will be too late!
I am asking each and every one of you to take a few minutes of your busy schedule on Saturday, June 6 and express your concern by voting. Don't believe that Europe is not your concern! Until any further notice, we are part of the European community! LET US BE ACTORS AND NOT JUST SPECTATORS!
Philipsburg: --- The National Alliance will be appointing a well educated financial expert who studied both in Holland and the United States as the 5th commissioner on Monday. Reliable sources have informed this media house that Blackman was chosen because of his expertise and brilliance and he would be the commissioner of finance in the new setting. It is said the membership of the National Alliance unanimously agreed to Blackman's appointment at their membership meeting on Friday afternoon.
The National Alliance who formed a coalition with Independent Island Councilman Louie Laveist and would also be receiving support from Commissioner Theo Heyliger will be taking over government on Monday when the five members of the executive council is sworn in.
Expected to be sworn on Monday are William Marlin leader of the National Alliance who would be handling constitutional affairs and education, Frans Richardson tourism, Hyacinth Richardson who would be handling the labour and culture portfolio and possibly health care. While commissioner Theo Heyliger who resigned from the Democratic Party on Wednesday will also be sworn in as one of the five commissioners. Heyliger it is said will maintain all of his portfolios that he held under the DP led government.
The National Alliance would be signing their governing accord on Saturday afternoon at the Emilio Wilson park.

PHILIPSBURG - Beneficial aspects seem to happen in twos for University of St. Martin (USM) student and soon to be graduate Shevon Fleming.
Both Shevon and his twin brother Kevon will be graduating from USM on June 13, 2009. While this milestone will be celebrated by the identical twins, Shevon is also celebrating another milestone in his life.
The young and studious Fleming has been accepted to the prestigious Drexel University where he will be continuing for his bachelor's degree in Finance. How Shevon got to this stage is another coincidence of the twos mentioned earlier.
Shevon was part of the USM Travel Club that visited Philadelphia and Drexel University in July 2008. As the story goes, while Shevon was accepted to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and several other colleges, his heart was at Drexel but was uncertain about acceptance to such a prestigious university.
According to Instructor and Travel Club advisor Jean Laws, "it was also interesting that when we arrived at Drexel and stepped into the Admissions Office...USM students names flashed across a welcome screen...Shevon took pictures of his name."
"That name on the screen and the visit have now become a reality for him. He was accepted as an international transfer student a week ago."
Ms. Laws was instrumental in ensuring Shevon complied with all the admissions requirements and also hand delivered his admissions documents to the international advisor at Drexel.
In addition to being accepted by Drexel, Shevon is graduating from USM with honors and has also received an honors scholarship from Drexel. At USM his major was Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and now he is looking at Finance.
"Set high goals and strive your best to accomplish them," is his advice to future students.
He noted that his biggest challenge at USM was the ability to manage his time efficiently since working and studying posed a great challenge to him. He added that he chose to study at USM to get the foundation for his tertiary education and studying on St. Maarten first has broadened his perspective on what the private and public sectors offer.
In addition to studying, Shevon also touts the Annual USM Talent Show as his favorite campus-wide event and CIS 101 as his favorite class. Fleming, former USM Ambassador, also lauds the personal attention given by instructors, the classroom size, and student life at USM.
"The size and atmosphere of the classes created a sense of comfort where personal attention (is) given to each individual," a modest Fleming said.
As far as the beneficial aspects of the twos go, Shevon will be offering support and encouragement to his twin brother Kevon who will be attending FAMU in Tallahassee and majoring in accounting. Both brothers plan to pursue their master degrees in Finance once they complete their bachelors.
USM wishes the two much success in their future endeavours'.
Governor Franklin Richards met with the current Representative of the Netherlands in St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius Mr. Gert Jan Stortellers, who was accompanied by the incoming Representative - Mr. Lars Walraven, who will be installed in September.
Philipsburg: --- There are at least two confirmed cases of swine flu on St. Maarten confirmed head of sector health care Jorien Wuite. Wuite who was present at the weekly executive press briefing said when they were notified that there were suspected cases at the American University they immediately took samples and send it on to Holland for testing. She said the moment that suspicion arises they immediately ask the patients to stay home. Wuite said the patient is recovering well and she should stay in isolation for at least seven to ten days depending on her recovery.
St. Maarten has 100 doses of Tamiflu and if it is necessary the island would be able to get more medication from Curacao or Netherlands.
This advice she said was based on decisions that were taken in the Netherlands Antilles.
The department head said they are still conducting tests to see if the other suspected cases are positive. Wuite said up to Wednesday they were still collecting more samples from AUC while they were also called in by a house doctor for two other households of suspected cases of Swine Flu (H1N1). The department she said would be collecting samples from five or six more persons and results should be back within 48 hours.
These persons so far are only suspected cases and they were advised to remain at home as a preventive measure. Wuite said that the persons who picked up the virus picked it up locally but she could not say where exactly it originated from.
Wuite said the patients were quarantined since Friday last week and the confirmation was received on Tuesday.
The patient who lives on the French side of the island was given Tamiflu and is still in isolation on the French side, where the authorities have been involved. Wuite said there have been two confirmed cases while one of them is on St. Maarten the other one is now in Japan. This person she said is a resident of Japan but was on the island from April to June. This person she said was a volunteer at the AUC.
The head of sector of health care said everyone expected that there would be cases Swine Flu on the island since there have been a number of cases in the region and St. Maarten being a tourist destination.
Philipsburg:--- The Windward Islands Teachers Union, (WITU) is calling on pensioners as well as civil servants to attend an urgent meeting on Friday June 19th at the Dutch Quarter Community Center, beginning at 7 pm.
This meeting is a follow up for the meeting which was held on Friday. The call is one of solidarity since there is a major problem with the vacation allowances for both civil servants and teachers. President of the WITU is calling for unity since the problems facing teachers relates to everyone. A presentation will be given on the equalization of the rights of the FZOG card holders and the active civil servants.
Philipsburg----The Caribbean Coalition of National AIDS Programme Coordinators (CCNAPC) recently held a new national AIDS coordinator orientation and peer workshop on St. Maarten on June 15 & 16. St. Maarten hosted the coordinators from four Caribbean islands, namely Suriname, Turks & Caicos, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago. Facilitators for the three day event were Sharon Mottley, Chief Operations Officer of CCNAPC; Patricia Beard of the National STI, HIV & AIDS Programme Director in Anguilla; Suzette Moses-Burton, HIV/AIDS Programme Manager St. Maarten; Salorne McDonald Behavior Change Communications Manager, Society for Family Health , P.S.I Caribbean (Trinidad & Tobago).
During their visit the new National AIDS Coordinators also went on site visits to the hospital on the French side, to see exactly how their program is set up, and mainly the rapid/anonymous HIV/AIDS testing. The site visits also included a visit to two of the [RED] businesses, namely PJIAE and NAGICO.
NAGICO Insurances came to National AIDS Coordinators at Holland House, and made a power point presentation to the coordinators of all the work they have done in the two years as a [RED] business.
Shoron Mottley of CCNAPC stated during the workshop that it is important to hold these sessions to know what the expertise is amongst the members and to share information. “It is better to build strength from within the region instead of stepping out, as there is a lot of great work being done in the region,” said Mottley.
According to Suzette Moses-Burton,HIV/AIDS Programme Manager St. Maarten “It was quite a privilege for us to be asked to host this very important information exchange. It provided a wonderful opportunity for us as a small territory to showcase some of the challenges and success we have faced to our counterparts from larger territories, in an effort to share experiences and learn from one another.”
The objectives of the workshop were:
• Develop/strengthen national coordinating capacity to deal with HIV/AIDS through human capacity development/lessons learnt by other Programme Managers
• Provide incoming NACs with a clear understanding of the importance of their roles/functions
• Expose participants to components of multi-sectoral National AIDS Programmes facilitating the adaption of key aspects to their local situations
• Share information/insight on key regional HIV/AIDS strategies and priorities and the importance of National AIDS Programmes to the overall regional framework
This is CCNAPC’s second official meeting in St. Maarten. CCNAPC is has 34 member countries, and has been serving their membership since 2000 through activities geared to strengthen the national AIDS coordinators.
Kingdom (SWK)”.
Philipsburg: -- Leader of the Democratic Party and island council lady Sarah Wescot Williams has left the island to attend a meeting with the Strong Women of the Kingdom (SWK).
The SWK is an initiative of State Secretary, Mrs. Ank Bijleveld and started in 2007. The SWK consists of several women in influential positions from all the islands and countries of the Dutch Kingdom, primarily women who hold or have held political office. Since its inception, the SWK has undertaken several activities, and has commissioned a study into the aspects of Antillean women and families.
The SWK has also been seeking ways to encourage those who already labor in this field, both individuals and organizations, as these share the same objectives of helping especially young people and Antillean families.
Council lady Wescot has used her involvement in this SWK network to analyze how best such an initiative could be adapted to directly benefit families and young people of Sint Maarten. She has come up with a plan for “Strong Women” of St. Maarten (SWS) to take a young St. Maarten girl under their wing. Strong Women will use the lessons learned from strong women within the community to encourage young girls to become strong women themselves. “Strong” indicates having career achievement as well as moral or intellectual power. These girls will be selected in collaboration with the schools. The idea is comparable with the “big sister” and mentor programs known in other countries. In the case of the SWS however, the individual women are to determine how best they can executive the role of a “Strong Woman” in the life of the young woman or girl. This will depend on the career, the time and the interest of the “Strong Woman” and the young girl.
These young girls will hopefully be stimulated to become strong women themselves for other young girls.
Strong Women St Maarten (SWS) will also provide workshops, conferences and retreats featuring topic areas such as leadership; communication; health and well-being, math; science and technology, economic literacy, personal safety, etiquette and representation; and more.
The meeting of the Strong Women of the Kingdom was held on June 22nd at the Marriot Hotel in Curacao.
Philipsburg: -- A well known man from St. Maarten who resides in St. Maarten has promised to commit suicide. The man who has a terminal illness is presently in a wheel a chair. The man whose name has been given as Vernon Richinson called the Lloyd Richardson radio program saying he would commit suicide since no one in government wants to help him. Sources close to the commissioner of health Hyacinth Richardson said the commissioner after hearing what the man had to say on the air has given instructions to his staff to locate the police and ambulance to render assistance to the sick man.
It is also understood that the staff of the commissioner’s office made contact with the Helping Hand Foundation to see what assistance they were giving to the man and to see what else can be done.
Philipsburg: --- A dancer from Casa Blanca (White House) is now nursing stab wounds in the intensive care unit of the St. Maarten Medical Center while another dancer is behind bars for inflicting at least four deadly wounds. The dancer is reportedly in critical condition said police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard.
The police spokesman said the two dancers both from the Dominican Republic got into an argument which ended in an altercation about 10pm on Sunday night. Leonard said based on reports persons at the exotic club managed to part the two women but one of them did not seem content with the way the matter was handled. He said around 10pm the unsatisfied dancer went to the kitchen and picked up a kitchen knife and inflicted at least four stab wounds on the other dancer with whom she argued with earlier. The victim he said was rushed to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment while the suspected stabber was arrested on Monday.
Philipsburg: --- The commissioner of labour Hyacinth Richardson has agreed to continue discussions on the revised labour policy with the executive council. The commissioner met with the unions on Tuesday where they outlined their concerns regarding the abrupt removal of the labour policy.
According to President of the Chamber of Labour Unions Willy Haize the commissioner has decided to take their concerns to the executive council where a decision would be taken on how to move forward with the policy. Haize said the commissioner also apologized to the unions as well as to the tripartite committee for not informing them about the intentions of the executive council.
It has been determined that the policy does have some flaws and while it maybe intended to protect locals it is instead hampering locals. SMN News also understands that the executive council intends to review the policy and make the necessary changes so that the policy can become workable for everyone’s benefit.
...
Marigot: --- The Saint Martin United Taxi Drivers Association (SMUTA) has already begun talks with the Collectivity of St. Martin to obtain the concession for the paid parking on the Marigot waterfront. According to the association’s president Raymond Bryan. The idea was brought forward by Vice President in charge of public transportation Daniel Gibbs. Bryan said even though the parking is not completed yet the idea is being worked upon. He said the parking will be controlled by the local government but the concession would be given to SMUTA. Bryan said this new parking space would not hinder taxi drivers from parking elsewhere where there is legal parking.
Bryan further explained the Collectivity is working on restructuring the Marigot Waterfront and they would be creating a paid parking space to which taxi drivers that wishes to use the area has to pay Euros 15 per month. When the parking is complete the fees would have to be paid to SMUTA. Bryan said the same procedures that are being used at the A.C Wathey Cruise facility and the Princess Juliana International Airport would soon be implemented in Marigot.
Asked about the controversy with the new rules that were implemented by the Collectivity Bryan said the SMUTA are aware of the rules and is in full agreement with them. He said the SMUTA is the one that notified their members but agreed that all taxi drivers on the French side were not notified because they are not members of the SMUTA.
Bryan said he is urging all registered taxi drivers on the French side to become members of the SMUTA. He said so far the association has only 40 members while there are about 200 registered taxi drivers. “Right now the Collectivity made it clear they would not be dealing with individual drivers instead they are looking to deal with a registered body that represents taxi drivers and I am urging the non members of SMUTA to join the association. He further explained that some of SMUTA members are in possession of radios which were sponsored by the tourist office.
The SMUTA president said the Collectivity already agreed that taxi drivers should have the radio system since they are providing a service to the community. “Because of this the Collectivity would be providing the financing for some more radios which would be given to the members of SMUTA. There are monies at the Collectivity which can be used by taxi drivers but if they are not together then they cannot benefit.” Bryan said he is presently working on the paper work to submit to the COM regarding the financing of the additional radios.
According to some of French Taxi Drivers who spoke to SMN News said that the SMUTA is not providing work for taxi drivers and yet drivers have to pay to be part of the Association. One driver said he has been working at the Princess Juliana International Airport and is a member of the Airport Taxi Association (ATA) where he has to pay his dues. Furthermore, the radios the SMUTA is talking about the drivers have to pay for the radio. “I know several of SMUTA members had to turn in back their radios because they were not making monies to pay for the radio. I can tell you many days taxi drivers working in Marigot have to go home empty handed because they did not get a job. Things are very hard with taxi drivers during this slow season and government along with SMUTA is not making any of this easier for taxi drivers.” The driver explained.
Another driver said the reason taxi drivers are not getting work is that the Collectivity gave out permits to some Metropolitans to work water taxi in Marigot. He said a ‘white” man is operating two yellow boats from Habitation to Marigot while the other works from the Airport to Marigot. The long time taxi driver said this is taking away work from the taxi drivers yet they expect taxi drivers to go over on the Dutch side and pay to work and come and pay them too on the French side. “It seems as if Daniel Gibbs and his associates don’t know that taxi drivers have to pay bills, including rent, food and they also have children to support in school”. The taxi driver said angrily.
Raymond Bryan a former deputy mayor who held the transportation portfolio agreed much more steps could have been taken to properly inform all taxi drivers of the rules. He agreed that the Collectivity could have notified each driver by sending them a letter as well as copy of the rules. Bryan said the persons working in public transportation cannot do everything and as such they put up sign boards with the new rules on Marigot Waterfront where he believed all drivers could see them. Bryan agreed that communication should have been sent to the Dutch counterpart who would have notified their drivers of the changes.
In the meantime, several members of the Dutch Taxi Association informed SMN News that they are planning to take actions against the type of rules that are implemented on the French side. One DSTA driver said he already stopped taking passengers to the market place, he said he has chosen other routes which are far better and with less hassle.
Philipsburg: --- The island government of St. Maarten will be holding a day of prayer this Sunday at the Emilio Wilson Park said organizers of the event on Monday. Even though the event this Sunday will not be replacing the National Day of Prayer which is normally held at the end of the year, the St. Maarten Council of Churches and the St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation are the organizers of Sunday’s event.
The idea of holding the day of prayer was announced by Commissioner Frans Richardson on day he sworn in as a commissioner June 8th. Commissioner Richardson said they have decided to add the day of prayer to the week long events to commemorate emancipation day. Richardson said the day of prayer would be the grand finale for the week long events which is presently ongoing.
Richardson said St. Maarten needed an event such as this to bring the community together but more so he believes the task that the new government is undertaking requires them to look to God. He said he called for the day of prayer for government and its people of the island.
Richardson said he believe this day is really needed because of all that is taking place within the communities. He said several people are frustrated due to the down turn in the economy. The commissioner called on the community to come out to Sunday’s event because he believed everyone needs to come together to put the island where she needs to be. He said the island should be the first priority however, without prayers and God no one would get anywhere.
Also urging the community to come out on Sunday was commissioner of Culture Hyacinth Richardson. Richardson said the day’s effectiveness will reflect culture as well as the ideology of the new coalition of government. He said even though this is not the national day of prayer, which is held annually, but Sunday’s event can be considered a national day of prayer since the entire community is invited to participate. Sunday’s program will have live broadcast both on television and radio.
Pastor Wycliffe Smith President of the SMUF said St. Maarten is truly blessed to have a nation that acknowledges the sovereignty of God. Smith congratulated the new government for taking the initiative to start their tenure of government with prayers.
Pastor Smith said the Christian community was recruited to organize the event of July 12 who also put the day’s program together. Pastor Smith called on all churches who would be participating should send out at least two members of their choir to begin practicing. Choir practice will be held at the Seventh Adventist Church in Cole Bay. Also scheduled to participate are the youths of St. Maarten in several aspects. Smith said that there are number situations that need to be placed before God. Some of those are the constitutional process, the low morale on the island including violence and senseless killings.
Also expressing gratitude is Wally Haverthong from the St. Martin Council of Churches. Haverthong said he is extremely happy that to know that the members of government has taken on the challenge to pray with its people and the churches. He said when the St. Martin Council of Churches were contacted they embraced the opportunity since it has been years now they have been pleading in praying and asking government to pray with them. He said this is very important since no one can function without the help of God.
Marigot: -- While this may sound strange it seems as if there are people working or loitering in the Collectivity to steal from reporters. Just this week two reporters had their bags picked while covering an assignment at the Collectivity. One of the reporters told SMN News that while covering the assignment they left their Iphone in their bag which was placed next to them and someone stole the apparatus.
The reporter in question went back to the COM to see if she can retrieve her Iphone but was told that the COM does not have insurances for such incidents. The reporter who was anxious to find her iphone borrowed a phone to dial her phone but the culprit who stole it had already turned it off.
About a year ago another journalist told us that while she was at the COM covering an assignment she lost her camera and voice recorder. The reporter it is understood made endless attempts to see if she could recover her electronics but to date nothing was found. Once we at SMN News was told by one of the employees of the COM that they are the ones who are sending the thieves to kill and rob us, of course we did not take this serious but after having our home broken into five times, and the thieves targeting computers and cameras with other electronics we made the statement known to law enforcement and those managing the Collectivity.
With the recent development among our colleagues we are calling on President Frantz Gumbs to take stock of on those he has working for him and to see who these thieves are. Already you indicated the COM does not have insurance, our advice is for you to have some security cameras installed in the Collectivity so these bandits who may not be in delinquents can be caught and prosecuted.
Philipsburg: --- The police department is presently confronted with a number of cases where persons that are mentally challenged and stripping themselves naked and are walking on public roads.
Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said that he does not know if the current weather conditions have anything to do with the fact that several persons that are mentally challenged are going naked. Leonard said police had to react to a case of nudity in the Cul de Sac area and two cases in Well Road. Leonard said the police are presently looking into ways of handling this matter.
GREAT BAY----- Contractors and builders are requested to have a plan in place to prepare and secure their job sites for the 2009 hurricane season.
Even though the season has been quiet so far, every effort should be made to be prepared.
Contractors and home builders during severe weather are responsible for securing job sites for the protection of the public, the property and surrounding areas.
Materials such as plywood, shingles, zinc, and scraps of 2x4s could become flying missiles capable of impaling brick walls or anything in its way.
Construction debris can cause severe damage to property and cost lives. With the amount of building and construction activity still taking place on the island, every construction site supervisor or foreman is advised to have a plan in place with respect to what action they will be taking, and the time is to prepare now.
Tropical storm system could form during any part of the hurricane season and not necessarily during the peak months of mid August to mid October.
As a general rule, all jobsites should be kept clean. Arrange of timely pick up of trash dumpsters, and only keep materials on the job site you actually will utilize at any given week, and keep construction equipment secure. Any planned supply deliveries should be postponed if the possibility exists of a hurricane threat to the island.
When a hurricane warning is issued, remove all scaffolding, and remove, or safely secure, all building materials and equipment. Sub contractors should also be alerted to their responsibilities as well with respect to securing or removing their materials and equipment.
Stop job processes that will likely become damaged by the hurricane, such as window installations, house wrap, or landscaping. Complete those construction tasks that will likely prevent damage, such as concrete work, closing in a house, or filling in foundation excavations.
Follow through with a quick inspection of your job sites. Do not wait until the last minute to inspect your job sites, as you may need that time to go home and secure your own family home. Employees will need to also do the same.
Once the hurricane is over, return to the job site for damage inspection only when the all clear sign has been given by the Emergency Operations Center headed by the Governor of the Island Territory of St. Maarten. Keep in mind that damages from the hurricane may impede efforts for immediate attention of job sites.
Philipsburg: --- The Sector Health Care Affairs head Joireen Wuite said that St.Maarten just received results on two more confirmed cases of H1N1 virus. The results were released at a press conference on Monday afternoon. Dr. Izzy Gerzstenbluth also released the results on Curacao who now has 13 confirmed cases; Bonaire has four confirmed cases, and Statia 1 case. The Netherlands Antilles now has 28 confirmed cases of H1N1 since the outbreak two months ago. The latest confirmation is from two 12-year old boys who were on a cruise with relatives.
Dr. Izzy Gerzstenbluth said St. Maarten has two new cases that are active but the patients are recovering even though there were ten people infected with the virus. Gerzstenbluth said the other eight patients have already recovered from the virus. Dr. Izzy Gerzstenbluth said all the cases so far are travel related and there is no increase in the influenza cases. He said when all the data that has been sent to SHCA is analyzed it showed that the H1N1 virus is already contained on St. Maarten and the entire Netherlands Antilles. Dr. Gerzstenbluth said even though they know that that the virus is not dangerous they are jumping on every case because the SHCA is trying its best to prevent the spread of H1N1 virus.
He said even though this is the trend everyone has to remain vigilante since it is best to keep the virus from becoming dangerous. Patients that were tested positive are treated with tamiflu. He said the SHCA is also preparing for any possible increase since people are now travelling for the summer vacations. The doctor said they have to closely monitor travelers to make sure they do not bring back the virus with them and if they do make sure they are treated and remain contained. Maria Henry of SCHA said of the ten confirmed cases on St. Maarten, six of them were clustered cases, relating to the AUC (American Medical University of the Caribbean) while the other four came from travelers. The sector head stressed that the cases confirmed on St. Maarten were relatively mild.
Philipsburg: --- The executive council has responded to the United Federation union by letter telling them that they would prefer the to hold a meeting with them rather than allowing the union to hold a meeting with the island council.
The UFA requested a meeting with the island council to discuss their ongoing challenges with the managing director of GEBE.
In the letter, the executive council has invited the UFA to meet with them on August 6 in the conference room of the Government Administrative building.
Marigot: -- The choreographer that was hired by the Committee of Traditions and Culture (CTC) in an interview with SMN News said that to date he is not paid in full by the CTC with whom he has a three-year contract. Kofi Walker said when he negotiated his contract he asked for 8,000 Euros which he said was highly contested. He said he ended up negotiating his fees on four different occasions and they agreed to give him a three year contract at Euros 6000, 00 this first year. Walker said to date he cannot receive his full payment despite notifying CTC board members that he lost his grandmother and he needs to attend the funeral in Jamaica. Walker said his grandmother has had two strokes prior to her death all of which the CTC is well aware of. He said he wanted to leave the island on July 8 due to his grandmother’s illness but CTC was not in favor of it even though his contract was up on that very day. “I am a devoted dog and so I stayed to very end and now the CTC does not want to pay me what is owed to me.” Walker said.
He further explained that CTC is also responsible for paying his helpers. Two of which came on and left because of the attitude of CTC board members.
Walker also provided email communications he had with the president of the CTC board where he expressed his concerns and the confusion he is having with their board member. He also provided emails that were sent to him by Gael Mussington who clearly in her emails was not respectful to the person CTC awarded their contract. Mussington in her emails said she was the one responsible for the Caribbean Festival and she was not in favor of how Walker was doing his job as choreographer.
Walker said he already received 2,500 Euros while there is check that was sent to his account for Euros 500 but he is not sure if that check would clear while the CTC still owes him 3000,00 Euros. Walker said he saw the treasurer recently and he asked for his monies and was told that he can pass by “the hotel” to pick up some monies, but he made clear to this person that he does not want a part payment instead he wants the entire balance that is due to him. In the emails communication Walker sent to the president of the CTC he expressed his dissatisfaction with the Association who was not living up to their payments based on their contracted agreement.
Walker said he had the largest troop with 150 revelers, (the red, white, and blue) and he never received any credit from CTC neither his payment.
The well-known former St. Maarten Academy teacher said he was highly insulted by the CTC members especially Gael Mussington who was the person working closely with him. Walker said Mussington changed many parts of the show, which is what made the Caribbean Festival less than perfect. Walkers said he initially wanted 12,000 Euros to execute the job since the has a number of people that has to be paid, but the CTC did not believe he is worth that kind of monies and settled for less yet they cannot pay him for the work he provided.
The CTC had a budget of Euros 350,000 for the organizing of the Caribbean Festival, so far this reporter has gotten over ten complaints from people who are still to be paid.
GREAT BAY: --- (GIS) – After the Preventive Health Department (PHD) announced on Monday that about the 9th and 10th confirmed cases of H1N1 Virus, the island now has its 11th and 12th confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
The male (46) and female (40), a husband and wife, are in isolation and have received anti-viral treatments. They are feeling better and are doing well.
These two new cases were confirmed on Tuesday. The last four cases, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th, are related and went on a family cruise that took the persons to Cozumel, Panama, and Colombia. These persons started their cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and returned to the island on July 15 on American Airlines flight #687.
The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with flu-like-illness to remain at home (self-isolation) and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.
The severity of the disease now remains relatively mild. In the past, the island has had eight confirmed cases who all recovered fully.
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.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A (H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg: --- Leader of the People’s Progressive Party Gracita Arrindell has captured the attention of all major political players who are gearing up for next year’s country election. According to reliable sources, Arrindell already met with the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams who invited her on both occasions to discuss the possibility of merging the two parties together.
The source said Arrindell already indicated to Wescot Williams that even though she met with her as a politician who is always ready to listen; her party members were not interested in joining with the Democratic Party. The source said that even though Arrindell met Wescot Williams she herself is not interested in being part of the same group who treated her miserably over the past years, especially after the 2007 island council elections.
Arrindell also met with Commissioner Theo Heyliger once as he too is trying to pull Arrindell in his corner to form his new party now that he has stepped away from the Democratic Party. It is said that even though Arrindell met with Heyliger her intention is for Heyliger to join the PPA since the party is already established and registered on the island territory of St. Maarten, while Heyliger does not even have a name for his new party. It is understood that the two is expected to meet again but Heyliger has no intention to join any other political parties but to form his own.
Asked about this possibility on Friday where it was clear that the members of the Wathey family and supporters of Theo Heyliger decked out in their green colored shirt to lay the wreath at the statue of the late Claude Wathey. Heyliger said he is speaking with everyone and all potential candidates since the island is already small. Heyliger said the idea is to put St. Maarten first. Heyliger said in the new setting they would need fifteen members for the parliament who cannot have dual functionality. He said no one can hold a position as a Minister and a parliamentarian. Heyliger said there would be 22 positions available and it is very important for them to have people on board that have St. Maarten at heart.
Even though not saying if he is also negotiating with members from the National Alliance and the Democratic Party to join him Heyliger said he being the commissioner of public works has issued a number of building permits and he started off with a foundation and is now adding floors. The commissioner said that whatever decisions are taken by him would fit within the building codes of the island.
Asked if he began campaigning on Friday for his new party the commissioner said campaign starts the day after the last election, which means he has been campaigning a long time ago. Asked when he would officially launch his new party Heyliger said the process is ongoing, since he has been seeking advice from the people. As for the name of the party he said they already selected the top five names that was submitted but a final decision has not been taken on what name the party would have.
SMN News understands that the number two candidate on the PPA list during the 2007 island council election Johan Janchi Leonard was also approached by Heyliger and he has agreed to be part of Heyliger’s list. So far, none of the players negotiating with each other is not ready to talk instead, they are busy working behind the scenes.
SMN News was also reliably informed that Arrindell also spoke to leader of the National Alliance William Marlin but no decision has been taken. It is said Arrindell is trying to make sure Marlin lives up to the court’s decision and places her back in the island secretariat. The source said that is the main bargaining point for Arrindell with the National Alliance is her position in government. In last weeks press briefing Marlin acknowledged that his government intends to live up to, the court’s ruling and that they are working on a proposal for Arrindell relating to her job as a civil servant.
Also visible on Friday in front of the Government Administration building were the members and supporters of the Democratic Party that also dressed in red tee shirts. It was indeed as show of colors for the annual event. At the ceremony was the French Quarter scouts led by Georgina Ruan all decked out in their red tee shirts, the scouts also took time off to take photos with the board members of the Democratic Party board.
Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson at a press conference shed some more light on the Westjet affair, which he was attacked for on Monday. The commissioner said the matter has his attention since he took office on June 8. Richardson said key members of his office was and continues to be instrumental in facilitating the ongoing process for obtaining the required permits and licenses to realize WestJet scheduled airlift service into St. Maarten.
Just recently, WestJet had been seeking additional information such as the required immigration forms to be completed for arriving passengers and other technical and operational requirements.
Richardson said his office was then informed that WestJet's request to Civil Aviation authorities is already being processed and one of the key issues is/was regulating the Bi-lateral Agreement between Canada and the Netherlands Antilles.
Subsequently they were advised that WestJet has received the CTA License authorizing WestJet to offer scheduled air service from Canada to Saint Maarten.
For clarification sake, West Jet began flying charter to St. Maarten since 2002 -- on behalf of Transat Tours Canada up until May 10, 2009 when they mutually and cordially terminated their contract. Since October 2006, West Jet had indicated that it is interested in providing scheduled airlift service to St. Maarten.
West Jet was handled by Menzies Aviation (both Ramp and Passenger handling) since 2002 up until June 30 2006.
In July 2006 when Menzies had to close its doors to passenger Handling, Juliana Airport Handlers won the concession to do passenger Handling at the Princess Juliana Airport again was given the contract of West Jet for Passenger Handling and Menzies continued to perform the Ramp handling for the Airline.
Apparently, former commissioner of tourism, Roy Mr. Marlin, was not aware of the aforementioned when he chose to make statements regarding West Jet at his press conference on Monday.
West Jet is not new to St. Maarten; the only thing new and of importance is that WestJet is a new SCHEDULED CARRIER; West Jet performed as a charter service yearly, except for the month of April, into St. Maarten, in the past. West Jet is then to become the first airline to provide scheduled airlift service out of Canada into St. Maarten.
The previous commissioner of tourism had also been looking at attracting additional airlift out of South America.
Richardson said they have been looking at Aserca Airlines – which would provide airlift out of South America.
He said he understood however that contrary to the impression created by the former commissioner of tourism, they are not providing scheduled airlift service to St. Maarten.
The former commissioner also failed to disclose how a commitment had been made by the previous Executive Council to the tune of some 500,000 U.S. dollars for the promotion of said flights.
A commitment that the former commissioner knew could not be honored – particularly since we are talking about charter flights executed once per month!
Sandy Ground: -- Relatives of 21-year old Ricardo Gumbs are now preparing for the harsh reality of losing a loved one. His aunt Ginette Gumbs in an interview with SMN News said that the families along with staff of the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital are preparing to have the accident victim flown back to St. Martin. Gumbs said she personally spoke to the doctor in Martinique who told her that her nephew arrived in Martinique too late and he is already brain dead. Based on that information the relatives of Ricardo Gumbs have decided to have the hospital fly him back to St. Martin.
The bereaved aunt said since Martinique cannot do anything for her nephew and it is better he is brought back to St. Martin where his relatives are. Gumbs said she does not know when the youth will be brought back since the hospital on St. Martin does not have the life support machine that is needed to transport him back to the island. Gumbs said that right now the LC Fleming hospital is busy making arrangements with the hospital in Martinique for the air evacuation.
Gumbs said some of the hardships the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital faced on Friday evening were the fact that the scanner in Concordia is not working and that Grand Case Airport does not operate at nights. She said an unknown person hit her nephew off of his scooter on Friday evening around 10 pm and ever since they were faced with different hardships prior to her nephew being sent to Martinique. So far the gendarmes has not released any information on the hit and run accident.
Three Car Collision Leaves 2 Badly Injured.
A three-car collision took place on Saturday night and has left at least two persons seriously injured. The accident occurred just before 9pm. According to eyewitnesses on the scene, a car coming from Marigot tried to double another car when he hit head on with the oncoming vehicle.
At least two of the vehicles are total loss while the third vehicle was also badly damaged. Gendarmes on the scene said the injured was taken to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment. So far, there has not been any information on these accidents.
Willemstad: --- Minister of Justice David Dick has resigned from his position as Minister of Justice and will be sworn in as Commissioner of Economic Affairs on Tuesday evening during an Island Council meeting that is to be convened at 8:30pm. Dick’s successor has been named as Magali Jacoba, a former island council member and current acting Lt. Governor of Curacao. It is not known yet when Jacoba would take the oath in her new position.
Information reaching SMN News states that the PAR board members ratified the changes that were made on Sunday night, while the discussion on the changes was discussed on Monday morning with the PAR dignitaries and board members, a final approval is to be given on Monday night during another meeting.
Commissioner Eugene Rhuggenaath resigned last week for apparent family reasons and the party had to replace that commissioner which is why the changes were made.
The change, which may shock some, is rather logical since Dick has extreme knowledge on the functioning of government as well as the dismantling process, which is underway at this time. In another year, the Antilles would cease to exist and the need for experienced people to be part of the process is of vital importance to the PAR.
In an invited comment, Dick said he is comfortable with the decisions taken by both him and his party. He further explained that there are certain projects he started as justice Minister and would have liked to complete them all but he is also confident that his successor would make sure that happens.
Dick has been highly criticized both here and in Curacao on his performance as justice Minister. He however, said his mission was to get the job done in the best interest of the islands.
Philipsburg:--- The fruits of the labour of Chief Inspector Carl John will soon be seen as the trainers for the bicycle patrol are already here. John and police coach Ronald Dongor had travelled to Suriname last year to see and learn about the bicycle patrol, which is operational in that country.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the three trainers who arrived on the island gave reporters an insight of the bicycle patrol, which is to be launched here in two weeks time. Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran told reporters that the one-week training will begin on August 10 and the project will be launched one week later. Doran said the project has been initiated about a year ago when John and Dongor went to familiarize themselves with the project.
SMN News has been reliably informed that John has been writing all the projects for the police force, including the recruitment drive that is presently underway, the chief inspector also wrote the project on acquiring the new vehicles. Unfortunately, even though sitting in the background during the press conference he was not active during the presentation.
One year later, the St. Maarten Police Force is ready to launch this project. Doran said the management team of the police department believes in the biker’s project simply because this project has been successful in several countries. Doran said the KPSSS wants to be proactive and they believe having patrols on bikes would an asset in combating crime on St.Maarten. The idea of using this project Doran said would allow officers to respond a bit faster to any crime scene. He said the traffic situation on the island obstructs them when driving.
The bikers patrol will be in the Philipsburg, Maho, and Mullet Bay and the Airport area when launched. Some ten officers would be participating in the one-week training, six of which will remain on St. Maarten and four are from Statia Doran said. The bicycle patrols Doran said would be working for 16 hours a day in each area.
Trainer Raoul Tersteeg who hails from the Netherlands said when they started the bike team in 2003 with four bikers and today they have grown to 60 because the project has proven to be rather successful there. Tersteeg said three years later Suriname requested assistance from them to start up their bike team, which is now also very successful in Suriname. Among the three trainers on island is Jermaine Elstromp who hails from Suriname he said he is in one of the instructors of the bike team in Paramaribo where he is currently working.
Also addressing the media on Wednesday is Johan de Grout the first instructor from the Netherlands. De Grout said that some seven years ago one of his colleagues was sent to the United States where he was trained as bike patrol. De Grout said he was lucky to be the first person to receive training from his colleague who studied abroad. De Grout said they even received requests from Copenhagen and Denmark as all these countries are now interested in introducing the bike patrols to combat crime. One of the benefits is that officers can now reach closer to the civilians and they can now speak to each other when it comes to solving crimes.
Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Admar Doran said it has been a few years now they have been focusing on rebuilding and enhancing the police force (KPSSS). He said while the results may not be visible he is happy that after one year they are able to reap the benefits of their labour. Doran said they also have several other projects they are busy working on which he said would be able to comply with the demands of today’s society. Doran promised to unleash some other projects that would take the KPSSS to the next level.
Airport:---Employees of Windward Islands Airways (Winair) will gather on Sunday, 9th August for a grand family day of fun. The activity, which has been organized by staff of the airline company, is geared towards socializing among colleagues and their families as part of the employees’ development and enhancement programme.
According to one of the organizers, the day of fun has been organized solely by employees without the assistance of management. However, the employee noted that management has offered to lend some financial and other support to the event, which according to the employee had seen a hiatus for some eight years.
“This used to be a regular feature of the company as we used to organize a number of activities among them being beach parties, socials, and day of sports. However over the years it has become somewhat doormat and inactive and therefore we the employees have sought to resuscitate these activities in a more organized and aggressive manner,” the employee said.
She added, “... I am hoping that this will be the start for more regular kind of activities of this nature as the staff recognizes the importance of socializing and mingling with each other as years ago the company had a Winair Fun Club that organized such activities.”
The event will be held at the Emilio Wilson Park from 11AM - 6PM and according to the organizers, there are expected to be games for the kids and adults. Some 110 odd employees and their families are expected to convene on the ground where their primary objective will be to mingle, have fun while getting to know each other. As usual, music will be in attendance.
Expected to be attending the event will be the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors, Mr. Fernando William and some of the other board members.
In an invited comment, the Managing Director and his management team congratulated the staff for the initiative noting that it was timely and critically important to the airline’ s development plan noting that any activity and or event that’s seeks to bring employees much closer would be welcome and supported by the company.
Also invited to join in the frolic and fun are the media.
Dutch Quarter: ----- The Special Armed Robbery unit is busy investigating a case of ill-treatment and the use of a firearm. According to police spokesman Ricardo Henson, the team of officers was called to a crack house on Quilletor Drive in Dutch Quarter.
On the scene the detectives encountered a witness who told them that the “victim” with initials H.C.R from the Dominican Republic, was sitting at the house in question, when at a certain moment he got up to go and relieve himself.
At that same time, he saw two unknown men, who were completely dressed in black, approaching the victim. Without any argument or reason to, the two men started hitting and kicking the victim. The victim could not defend himself against his attackers so he decided to run away. According to the eyewitness, when one of the unknown men pulled a firearm and fired at least two shots at the victim.
The suspects then left the scene. The detectives and Forensic department conducted their investigation on the scene. They later learnt the victim in question had shown up at the St Maarten Medical center for treatment, however did not have any gunshot wounds. The case is under investigation.
Philipsburg: --- The Democratic Party faction has raised several questions on the document presented to them on Monday with the amendments of the revised labour policy. Leader of the Democratic Party and former Commissioner of Labour Sarah Wescot Williams said the document was not prepared for the island council and even though it stated the Executive Council they still do not know if the document came from the Executive Council and who prepared it.
Wescot Williams said they do not know whom the document was intended for; furthermore, she wants to know when the executive council ratified the amendments and if these amendments were sanctioned by the tripartite committee. She said the committee as well as the labour commissioner met on Sunday afternoon where the amendments were discussed. “Was this document ratified on Sunday Evening?
The DP leader said she wants to know who stands to loose if the labour permit policy is transparent. She wants to know if persons no longer has to call on others for assistance maybe in exchange for money who are the ones that stand to loose.
Wescot Williams said the objectives of calling an island council meeting to discuss the labor policy were partly met on Monday during the Island Council meeting. She said the main objective for her faction was to have government come clean on the foreign labour policy. She said because her faction called a meeting to discuss the position of government they hastily called a meeting with tripartite committee on Sunday August 9 and there is no way the coalition government can make her faction or the public believe that the anonymous proposal which was presented to the island council on Monday is an official position of the executive council.
Wescot Williams said the document presented to them was rushed because of her faction insisted that government needed to come clean on the issue of the labour policy. The former labour commissioner said they are not convinced that the tripartite committee was consulted on the document presented to them. She felt the statements made by the current commissioner of labor who said that there is no tripartite committee is an insult to the members of the tripartite committee who have been working closely with government on labour matters. She said the executive council needs to prove that the proposal has indeed been adopted or ratified by the executive council and when did they adopt the document.
The executive council also has to prove that true consultations took place with the tripartite committee and that they are not ramming down something down the throats of these committee members. She said if this is left unchallenged then the members of that committee would be held responsible for the so-called amendments.
Wescot Williams said her questions regarding the proposal are who drafted this proposal and for whom is it meant?
Where are the decisions taken by the tripartite committee on August 7th and 9th?
Who else has been consulted on this “proposal”? In addition, what is the budgetary impact of the changes to the work permit policy?
Philipsburg: --- The building stop that was issued to Dedrick Cannigitter has now been lifted by the department of public works, assistant director of the department Claudius Buncamper confirmed that the building stop was lifted on Wednesday. Buncamper explained that a building permit was issued to Cannigitter some two and half years ago and it is one of those that are listed under the ‘red dot.” Buncamper said the department was not aware that there was no access road to the property when the permit was issued and when the owners of the road namely Rita and Russell Hughes approached the department they immediately issued a building stop based on the illegal use of a private road to get to the property.
Buncamper said shortly after that the department discussed the matter with New Works who adjusted the round about so that Cannigitter can have an entrance to his property. That he said was finalized on Tuesday by Windward Roads and the businessman now has access to his property via his own road.
Buncamper said there seems to be another issue developing with the warehouse since James family is now claiming that the building is too close to the bound. Buncamper said he did not handle that part and the only thing he dealt with was the access road. Buncamper said he is the head of New Works and Maintenance, and only acts as the assistant director when the director is absent.
The assistant director made clear that he did not issue the building permit for the warehouses that is now built in a residential area. He said the only reason he has to deal with this problem is that he is deputizing the department in the absence of the director of ROB who is presently on vacation. Asked if he visited the area to get a first hand look at the situation regarding the warehouse Buncamper said he did not personally visit the area but plans to do so on Thursday.
Buncamper said based on the drawings the containers were supposed to be in front of the property and trucks were to be used to transport the materials to the work site. However, when this reporter visited the location there was at least three containers to the back of the warehouse.
Earlier this week the James, Hughes, and Richardson family in an interview said that the owner the warehouse is not respecting the building codes of the island. So far, SMN News understands that these families have not filed an official complaint with the department. The residents said they could not understand how the department of ROB would issue a building permit for warehouses in that area since they are so many children living there.
Philipsburg: --- Chairman of the island council of St. Maarten and Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards had some strong words of caution for members of the island council on Thursday. The Chairman after opening the island council meeting on Thursday cautioned the members of the island council on their rule of conduct. The caution came after the display and use of strong language from leader of Government William Marlin during Monday’s Island Council meeting. Richards said Monday’s display could be considered as a total disregard for the highest body of the island territory of St. Maarten.
The governor also sent a letter to each island council member reminding them of the rules of order which he said must be respected. Richards said for clarity sake, he is addressing all factions represented in the island council thus each individual member of the council, duly elected by the people of this island is to represent their general interest.
He said he felt called upon to do so, in view of what may have been construed as improper during the last island council meeting.
Richards said as chairman, of the island council, it is his duty, occasionally, to share with members of the island council some of his concerns, with an eye on contributing to the best possible functioning of the highest body of the island territory of St. Maarten.
He said it is his belief that as they continue en route to country status, they must, indeed, begin to act and behave in a manner reflecting having matured to a higher level.
It cannot be so that intolerance of opposing views is condoned and that image of lack of political maturity is left behind in the minds of the public, whenever they choose to listen to their elected officials during public meetings.
Aspects of etiquette, adherence to the island regulation Netherlands Antilles, ERNA, respectability should never be too far from their minds, whenever they choose to enter into public debate of topics at hand.
No one faction, no one group of individuals are above suspicion in this regard and they must, collectively, seek to address the shortcomings that they are too often accused of.
The Island Council ought to lead by example, thereby inspiring younger generations of people’s representatives to want to become legislators in a new St. Maarten, Richards said.
St. Maarten have no choice but to strive to attain that level of understanding of political maturity a level of understanding embodied in strict application of rules of order, in even the most trying moments.
He said with all good intentions, submit the argument that the kind of posturing to which they are too often subjected to in this council, can also be construed as a blatant disregard for proper governance or even worse, an apparent rejection of good governance.
As such, that it is in the best interest of the people of this island that they take some time and reflect on how they want to proceed, by the time they are ready to become senators and ministers of the country St. Maarten. The chairman said he sincerely believes that it would benefit good governance, transparency in government and an organized continuation of the daily running of government affairs, if they again, collectively, decide on how they are to conduct themselves.
A well-construed debate is something to be encouraged, not ridiculed; a healthy debate is nowadays a common practice within the framework of good governance.
In order to understand “Good Governance” one has to know the meaning of Governance.
Governance he said means the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented).
Richards said that he has, on at least one occasion noted that good governance has eight major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.
Participation by all concerned is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives such as yourselves.
He also pointed out that participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of expression on the one hand and an organized debate on the other hand.
With so much that has come their way in past years, transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available within the limits of the law.
Comprising this island council are 11 representatives of the people; so, in theory there could be as many as 11 viewpoints that can be shared, debated and questioned during public gatherings of this dignified body. “I say ‘dignified’ since I am of the opinion that ever since the establishment of the ‘statuut’, it is the island council which has served as that place where local government on all island territories could play a decisive role in the development of these islands, in a manner which required that respect be shown for its decisions.” Richards said.
The island council remains accountable to the public and to the community stakeholders.
‘Good governance’ entails that the government of St. Maarten carries out policies in a democratic, just and systematic manner, delivering results that are in the general interest of the people.
He said they can speak of a just policy and just governance when government takes into consideration legally prescribed regulations and guidelines pertaining to good governance, such as the principles of good governance, principles of equality and principles of integrity.
The citizen has a right to hear all sides of a debate in a manner becoming elected representatives of the people, even if he or she is in disagreement with government.
He appealed to all of members of the island council, that they take responsibilities seriously; think before you speak and contemplate before acting.
Opposing views ought not to be a reason for deficiencies in ‘politesse’, no matter what the circumstance.
Oyster Pond: -- Two persons have been hospitalized on Wednesday evening after a vehicle lost control on the Oyster Pond Road. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard said the two men lost control of their Hyundai car and landed in a GEBE meter wall.
SMN News understands that a commotion began at the scene when the ambulance took more than expected time to reach the scene of the accident. It is understood that relatives of the victims who were bleeding profusely began screaming when they realized the ambulance was directed to the wrong location.
The vehicle it was understood burst into flames. Leonard said police found the two unidentified men outside of the vehicle.
GREAT BAY--– A meeting of emergency management officials chaired by Governor Franklyn Richards, Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), took place Sunday afternoon at the Government Administration Building, to review the approach of Tropical Storm Ana to the islands and to get a status report of national preparations.
During the meeting, it was decided as a precautionary measure to keep schools closed on Monday, August 17. According to the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate in the early morning hours of Monday.
Rainfall expected is 20 to 40 mm, which can cause flooding in low, laying areas, which could cause poor road conditions due to lingering weather conditions on Monday as the system passes.
Businesses can operate as usual and all government offices will be open for business. Motorists are requested to exercise a level of caution due to the possibility of localized flooding in low-lying areas. Residents living in hillside areas should be vigilant for rock falls due to heavy rains.
The Public Works Department is busy clearing waterways, gutters, and drainage areas in preparation for any likely flooding. An artificial waterway will be created at the Great Bay beach near the Fresh Water Pond. Water levels in the Salt Pond are at a sufficient level to accommodate additional runoff water.
The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) would hereby like to inform the community that St. Maarten remains under a Tropical Storm Watch according to the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service (check www.meteo.an for weather information).
Tropical Storm Ana on Sunday at 2.00pm was located approximately 240 miles East of Dominica. Maximum wind speeds are near 40 miles per hour. Ana is rapidly moving Westward at 25 miles per hour.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that there is a possible threat of tropical storm conditions within the next 36 hours. The National Hurricane Center out of Miami has described Ana as poorly organized and barely a tropical storm at this point in time.
Tropical Storm Bill as of 11.00 am this morning has strengthened further and is located about 1555 miles East of the island chain and has maximum wind speeds of 60 miles per hour. This system does not form any threat to the island at this point in time. Bill is moving West North West at 16 miles per hour.
Residents are strongly advised to continue to monitor radio and TV reports with respect to the progress of Tropical Storm Ana and Tropical Storm Bill.
GREAT BAY:--– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) confirms that the island now has its 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
Four cases are from one family, an eight-year-old female, an 11-year-old male, a 16-year-old male, and a 36-year-old female, were part of a cluster who attended a family reunion on the French side of the island on August 6. Several members of the family were admitted to the French side hospital on August 7.
The family members who attended the family reunion from the Dutch side reported their symptoms on August 10. Samples were collected on that day and the results were confirmed on August 14.
All four persons have been treated. The 11-year-old was hospitalized at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).
The fifth confirmed case is a 39-year-old female resident who had traveled to New York City and recently returned to the island. The woman in question later developed symptoms and sought medical treatment.
Several samples were taken from persons on August 13 and these results are pending.
The PHD is urging those who travel abroad on vacation or for business, and return with a flu-like-illness to remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.
This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons who develop flu-like symptoms a week after returning from a vacation abroad should take the same recommended action as noted above.
Tourists are hereby advised if they develop a flu-like illness while vacationing on the island, to contact the PHD immediately.
The severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past, all confirmed cases have recovered fully.
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.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A (H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
Philipsburg: ---- President of the Windward Island Civil Servant Union (WICSU/PSU) William Reed reacted to information regarding his members at the St. Maarten Tender Services, which he claimed are untrue. Reacting to statements made by the adviser of the United Federation Union (UFA) Willy Haize, Reed denied all allegations made by the UFA and said that Haize is involved in some sort of conspiracy with the owner of Connecting Waves N.V (new tender service company) that is now operating at the harbour. Reed said a good friend of Willy Haize owns Connecting Waves and as such, Haize is now putting pressure on St. Maarten Tender Service, which would eventually benefit his friend Toochie Meyers. Reed said the situation that exists now is that Haize negotiates for Meyers and is now going to be negotiating for Tender Services, which would put additional pressure on the owner of St. Maarten Tender Services Bobby Velasquez.
As per the workers of the St. Maarten Tender Service Reed said, they were demanding a 50% increase, which he explained to them, was virtually impossible. The WICSU/PSU president said the tender services workers mislead him by withholding information from him regarding the benefits they are getting by working with Tender Services. He referred to the “tip box” which the workers of Tender Services are getting on a daily basis; something that was not part of the Collective Labour Agreement neither the retroactive payment, which he said was paid out to all workers as, agreed upon. Reed said based on the insistence of the workers demand of 50% increase the negotiations dragged on for nine months. He said after all of this transpired he was informed by the government mediator that the workers from Tender Services wanted a referendum since they signed up with the UFA.
Reed said the owner of St. Maarten Tender Services Bobby Velasquez made sure his workers have a pension fund, insurance policy reaching up to $100,000. Tender Services also pays for the processing of working permits for its workers without demanding re-imbursement, while the workers have a tip box that is not declared. Reed said there is more in the mortar besides the pisel regarding the workers of Tender Service and what is happening today is completely unethical while there is a conspiracy taking place with the UFA and Connecting Wave.
Asked to explain what the conspiracy between UFA and Connecting Waves is, Reed said the UFA would put undue pressure on St. Maarten Tender Services, which would eventually force the St. Maarten Tender Service out of business. He said he believes that both Haize and Meyers has worked on this plan and is now busy executing it. A referendum is scheduled to be held sometime in September Reed said but no definite date has been fixed yet. Reed said the WICSU/PSU has a three year Collective Labour Agreement with St. Maarten Tender Services.
Non-Payment of Monies
Asked if the statements made by his members regarding the non-payment of monies that was transferred from Bobby’s Marina to the account of WICSU/PSU. Reed said if the workers were not paid then they should challenge him.
Reed said he has list with the names of the workers who all signed for their monies, which he intends to make available to the media. The unionist said he is very disappointed with the members of the Tender Services who have been giving the UFA misleading information. He said his members from Tender Services have no reason to leave but they are now creating reason to leave his union to go to another union for representation.
St. Maarten Tender Service Plans to Lay off Workers
In the meantime, labour mediator Kenneth Lopes has served WICSU/PSU with a letter sent to the Federal Labour Department by the St. Maarten Tender Services that indicated that the company is planning to lay off some its workers.
The letter to the labour department dated August 12th states that since the operation of Connecting Waves (new tender service company) the St. Maarten Tender Service has lost at least 50% of its business, which is now forcing them to lay off some of their workers. The company plans to make up a list with the names of the workers they are planning to lay off due to the lost of business.
In an invited comment, Bobby Velasquez said the company plans to lay off at least 12 out of its 34 workers. Velasquez did not divulge much information due to the fact he did not submit the official list to the labour department. The businessman said he plans to pay out all workers his company intended to lay off according to the island’s labour laws.
SMN News also learnt that St. Maarten Tender Services plans to file a court case against the A.C Wathey Cruise Facility who has taken it upon themselves to divide the amount of passengers that travels with the two tender service companies.
Reed said St. Maarten Tender Services are not able to pay any more over time to its workers due to the recession and shortage of passengers. The unionist said the businessman used to pay his workers for hours they were not working all of which the businessman said cannot continue for the lack of business, which has been reduced by 16%.
Reed said the employer is still paying the workers their regular salaries but indicated that they will no longer be paid over time when they are not scheduled to work.
Philipsburg:--- The National Alliance/Heyliger and Laviest Government have decided last week to appoint Gracita Arrindell in the island secretariat, a letter was sent to Arrindell Wednesday morning informing her of the decision taken by the executive council.
SMN News has been reliably informed that Arrindell did not sign for the letter and instead directed the person delivering the letter to her lawyer’s office.
According to information, reaching SMN News Arrindell is aware of the contents of the letter and the decision taken by the executive council.
In an invited comment, the former island council lady said she will report to the office of the island secretariat on Monday. Arrindell said she received information last week that the executive council has taken a decision to appoint her to a junior position in the island secretariat as a policy worker (BELEIDSADVISEUR). The former island council lady and an adjunct island secretary said she intends to carefully review the decision since the rulings of the court was very clear, which was issued in May, and will expire on August 24 upcoming.
Arrindell said it came to her attention that some weeks ago leader of government William Marlin apparently publicly stated that an offer was made to her but until to date she was never approached officially by anyone in the civil service administration to discuss their proposal.
Arrindell is a scale 15 senior civil servant with almost 23 years of service and experience in administrative as well as constitutional matters. While the position offered is a scale 13, her salary practically remains the same, no mention is made of her other benefits as a senior civil servant. Arrindell stated that, she is hopeful that this is an honest oversight and she is looking forward to working with the civil service and government on the many issues facing St Maarten. ‘I am hopeful that in the end, government will resolve this and any other matter that is unclear or unjust not addressed in the courts ruling. It is a pity it took so long’ she said.
The former island council lady did not want to deny nor confirm that she expressed her desire to take up the position as director of support services since that position has been vacant for quite some time. It is worth noticing that constitutional affairs bureau also falls under this sector among other departments such as GIS and judicial affairs.
Asked if she was offered the position to head the department of constitutional affairs Arrindell said she read that in the newspapers and was surprised at the information reported at the time and confirmed that soon after the report she was approached to consider this option on a temporary basis.
SMN News has learnt that the island government has taken a decision to phase out the department of constitutional affairs as they are busy restructuring several departments. This media house was not able to confirm the information pertaining to the department in question.
Pointe Blanche:-- Some eight divers were rescued by the Coast Guard on Wednesday reported Roderick Gouvernor of the Coast Guard. Gouvernor said the eight divers from the French side of the island were diving in the Pointe Blanche area. He said the divers left their boat unattended, which began drifting, as they were underwater.
Two of the eight divers decided to seek assistance by trying to swim ashore but somehow they called a number, which ended up being the coast guard who immediately sent help. Gouvernor said the coast guard rescued the first two divers who could not make it back to shore then they picked up the other six divers. They also used an helicopter and ship that was on St. Maarten to look for the missing boat, which was found and taken to Simpson Bay before it was released to its owners.
Willemstad: --- The parliament of the Netherlands Antilles has given health Minister Omayra Leeflang the green light to keep all pensioners and their families under the Social Insurance Bank fund. A press release from the president of parliament Pedro Attacho states that he already informed the Minister of Public Health during the Central Committee meeting held last Tuesday that a majority of the members went along with her proposal to keep former civil servants and their families who became 60 years old under the Social Insurance Bank fund. (SVB). The members of the central committee accepted the proposal anticipating that there would be a change in the law regarding the issue of health care for the elderly.
This decision is also applicable to persons who, because of the health insurance system in the Netherlands, ceased to have health insurance and that have left the Netherlands and have established themselves in the Netherlands Antilles.
On this issue, a majority of the Members of Parliament present during the meeting of the Central Committee, agreed to have the SVB act accordingly, meaning that the SVB can go ahead with accepting these people in the health insurance fund of the SVB.
Finally, the President of Parliament urged Minister Leeflang to submit the draft of the law to Parliament as soon as possible.
Philipsburg:--- Commissioner of finance Xavier Blackman at a press conference on Thursday said he and the leader of government William Marlin has held a number of meetings both on Curacao and the Netherlands including the CFT as they try to convince their partners that the island needs more time to be able to make its financially sustainable. Blackman said they are busy with a number of trajectories, which is aimed at bridging the gap that currently exists. Blackman said his main message to those he met including the CFT is that St. Maarten needs to have an interim period on which it can balance its budget.
The commissioner said the budgets that were presented in the past by the former government were not balanced when compared to the annual accounts.
Reviewing the overview Blackman said the annual accounts for the year 2000 the annual account was in the negative of 29.2 million guilders, 2002 the deficit was 22.6 million guilders, while in 2003 the deficit stood at 19.2 million. Blackman said even though a balance budget was presented when the annual accounts were made up it showed it was negative.
The commissioner said that St. Maarten is not the only island that has this trend, since the exact same thing happens of the other islands and it is not a unique thing for the Netherlands. He said this shows that it is extremely difficult under the current constellation to have a really balance budget. He said the CFT, forced the island except for the BES to present a balance budget based on the rules of financial supervision.
He said he already made it clear that it is actually impossible for the islands to meet these requirements, which larger countries are not able to do without loans.
In the case of St. Maarten the island is not able to borrow but that is made possible in the rules of the financial supervision, however, based on the stipulations the island cannot borrow enough monies to fully accomplish its missions.
The finance commissioner said the current conditions where the island is preparing itself to take on more tasks and with the global crisis, it is impossible for any government to balance its budget from one year to the next. He said the discussions held on this matter were rather open and frank discussions where the issues were presented so that long-term solutions can be found.
Blackman said the island government would be preparing a document where these issues would be outlined and how government intends to deal with them with their partners. The idea he said is for the island to bridge that gap and to be more financially strong but most importantly to be able to keep its revenue locally. One of the requests made to the Netherlands is to help the island come up with solutions that would deal with the situation within the present constellation and the framework of the financial supervision law.
Blackman said the island government has requested from the CFT and extension of the deadline for the budget of 2010, which was granted. Blackman said the executive council has taken a decision based on the ongoing talks to present a realistic budget with real figures and allow the CFT to deal with the reality of the island’s financial situation.
The commissioner said though they are still trying to cut costs and to see how far down they can bring the deficit, which stands at 50 million. He said that even their other partners are struggling to produce a balance budget and while the government of St. Maarten has chosen a realistic approach, it is not the end of the road. He said the Kingdom partners are willing to discuss this matter now that they are seeing the reality of the matter. Even though they probably had the best of intentions when putting together the law on financial supervision but it is, clear to them that is almost impossible for anyone to fully comply.
Government Concern about Debt Cancellation
Blackman said the government is very much concerned about the debt cancellation. He said the Netherlands has agreed to pay off all debts incurred until December 31 2005. The finance commissioner said they are faced with some challenges getting the figures from their creditors.
The commissioner said he also held discussions with the SOAB who is busy making an overview, which would be sent to the Netherlands for verification, he said the CFT was also requested to see if they are able to assist with the accumulation of the figures, since the process is taking too long something that is a detriment to the island since the island government are still paying the debts.
TAX DEPARTMENT UPGRADE
A kick off session was held not long ago for the tax department and a project leader for the department was appointed who would oversee the process. At that kickoff session, it was agreed that a draft plan of action for all the trajectories including the cleaning up of the backlog be prepared. This plan of action was made up by the project leader that was recently appointed.
Blackman said the Minister of Finance has also agreed and has pledged her support for the cleaning up of the tax department and getting the department up to par. He said a protocol is being worked upon which would regulate the cooperation between the federal receiver’s office and the island receiver’s office. This protocol would also deal with the cooperation between the island and federal government where it concerns the tax department. The idea is for St. Maarten to participate in improving the department.
The island government is also working on a new fiscal framework for country St. Maarten. He said some of the documentation was prepared in the past, which are now being scrutinized and adjusted if needed. One of the focuses would be to take the island’s specifications in consideration while making sure the system that is created would be one that is easy to manage. The idea also would be to make sure that the spread of the tax burden is fair, which would mean all entities would pay their fair share so they can adequately contribute to the economy. The tax system has to also foster and encourage economic growth, which has to be in place in the framework or system. St. Maarten is also working along with Curacao who just recently created a new tax system.
Philipsburg: --- The Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba acknowledges that there is an increase in youth crime and something has to be done rather urgently to address the matter. She also said that the Ministry has to find ways to deal with this issue but when asked if she felt, there is need to have a juvenile delinquency center on St. Maarten. Jacoba said she could say “yes” because it is easy to say but the reality of the matter is there is no policy for such centers or as a matter fact there is no policy on youth delinquency in the Netherlands Antilles.
She said this is something they need to work on. She said they first have to work out what vision they have for the youths and how to deal with them prior to building an institution.
Jacoba said that after the paper trail is worked out definitely the centers would be built because there are too many youths in prison.
Whatever and whenever those institutions come on board it has to better than what is in Curacao because whatever facility is built it must be able to deal with the challenges the youths faced, and to enable them to re-integrate in society.
She stressed that there is absolutely nothing (policies) to addresses these issues and they have to work on that prior to building an institution; she made clear that this would not happen anytime soon.
Philipsburg: --- The Jamaican national identified as L.D appeared in court on Friday so that his pretrial detention can be extended. The man surrendered to police on Thursday after he learnt police was looking for him. L.D is married to a local woman who had custody of her goddaughter.
SMN News learnt the man has been abusing the child over the past three years. Most recently, he allegedly raped the 11-year-old girl early Friday morning.
The Court of Guardianship has placed the child in protective custody pending the outcome of the investigation. She is presently staying in French Quarter with her aunt who lives in a stable home.
Philipsburg:---On behalf of the Island Government of St. Maarten the Sector R.O.B., Department of New Projects Development and Planning would like to inform you of the following “Beautification Upgrading project”of the Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg.
We are pleased to inform you that the realization of this project will start within short and an information meeting is scheduled to answer all questions with regards to the projected project to the public and businesses situated on Cannegieter Street. The scope of works entails the beautification and upgrading of the Cannegieter Street from Kentucky Friend Chicken to Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
The information meeting is scheduled as per the following:
Date: Tuesday, 1st September, 2009
Place: Philipsburg Jubilee Library
Time: 17:30 to 18:30
The total duration of the project is estimated to take approximately 5 months and will be executed in two (2) phases more information will be provided at the information session.
We understand that it is short notice and apologize for any undue inconveniences that this may cause. Trusting to have informed you sufficiently and we hope to greet you at this very important information session.
For further information feel free to contact Mr. Kurt A. Ruan, Head of Department New Projects Development and Planning for further queries or related information at the sector R.O.B., Department New Projects Development and Planning by the following E-mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone: 5424289.
Sandy ground: --- The body of a 25- year old man was fished out of the Simpson Bay lagoon close to the Sandy Ground Bridge early on Tuesday morning. The man whom the gendarmes said has died of drowning and bears no marks of violence has been working at Cadisco Gas Station not from the Beach Plaza Hotel. The gendarmes said based on the medical doctor and technician there is no immediate traces of a crime, however an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the dead man had suspicious injuries to the head and that the victim is from St. Lucia and resides somewhere in Sandy Ground. It is said the man was probably killed.
Commandant of the gendarmerie Stephanne Arrousseau said that would be determined at the end of the investigation.
Man Chops up Mother Over Girl Friend
In the meantime, the gendarmes are busy looking for a 21-year old young man known in the community of Sandy Ground as Mark from Haiti. SMN News has learnt that the young man who is very aggressive has a habit of beating his mother, but earlier this week he chopped his mother on her head and face.
The source said his mother and girl friend apparently had some disagreements. Residents of Sandy Ground said the woman is a known vendor in the village she has a number of stitches in her head and over her eye. The young man they said has gone into hiding since this last incident. They said on several occasions residents of Sandy Ground have saved the woman from the constant abuse from her son.
Commandant Stephanne Arrousseau confirmed the incident but refuse to divulge any information on the case. Arrousseau said he would send out a press release when the investigation is over.
The annual International Coastal Cleanup will be held on September 19. 2009 at the Mullet Bay Beach.
The event, which has become very popular among local volunteers as well as visiting guests to the island, attracted over 640 volunteers to the Mullet Bay Beach last year for one of the largest cleanup campaigns ever held on a single day on the island.
During the month September, several beaches will be cleaned and cleared of trash, the trash documented, weighed and tallied and the results sent on to the Ocean Conservancy in Washington D.C to be compiled into a final data report.
Local coordinator of the International Coastal Cleanup is the Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation.
Local schools may also conduct the International Coastal Cleanup any time during school hours at one of our beaches; the foundation is asking schools to register with the PRIDE foundation in order to obtain tools and material in order to properly carry out the International Coastal Cleanup and the documentation process.
Last year volunteers picked up a total of 2,703 plastic bags and 4,840 glass bottles from 5 beach locations.
According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) "Marine Litter is one of the most pervasive and solvable pollution problems plaguing the worlds oceans and waterways"
Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is once again urging the business community and local community organizations to come out and volunteer for the International Coastal Cleanup, come out and give a helping hand to our beaches and oceans.
Schools and the business community can call the Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation on 5231188 to register or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For more information on the International Coastal Cleanup, please go to www.oceanconservancy.org
GREAT BAY:--- Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Governor Franklyn Richards would like to commend residents for being attentive to weather reports and official information that was released during the passing of Tropical Storm Erika.
At 5.00pm a tropical storm warning was lifted for St. Maarten as Erika has weakened to a Tropical Depression. The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service has also discontinued the Small Craft warning but maintains a Small Craft Advisory for local waters until further notice.
The anticipated rain and winds from Tropical Storm Erika did not materialize even though the system passed approximately 80 miles South of St. Maarten on Thursday. Weather systems change suddenly and what is forecasted and anticipated at times doesn’t actually take place.
Governor Franklyn Richards ordered all schools closed Thursday as a precautionary measure due to the anticipated change in weather conditions. Normal school activities are to resume on Friday.
“It is better to be prepared than to be sorry. I am pleased with the actions and attentiveness of the community before and during the passing of Tropical Storm Erika. Once again for this season we have been lucky, and therefore it is very important that the populace continue to maintain a state of readiness in case we face another storm/hurricane threat.
“Our actions taken as an EOC were appropriate and well measured against the available information from the weather experts. Other islands in the North Eastern Caribbean took similar actions such as the closure of schools. There were also some disruption to flight schedules and some businesses remained closed. In Antigua & Barbuda, the emergency management coordinators opened hurricane shelters in four different communities.
“I would like to thank the Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) of our disaster management system, who did an exceptional job in making sure that national preparations were at a state of readiness for any eventuality.
“The populace can rest assure that this type of readiness will be maintained during the rest of the season by the ESFs, and it is also expected that residents maintain a similar readiness. Remember the theme of the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness that ‘it only takes one,’ Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday.
For official weather information during the hurricane season, check out the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service website: www.meteo.an
Philipsburg: ---Leader of government and commissioner of constitutional affairs William Marlin has announced that the executive council will be holding a permanent committee meeting this Thursday where they would update the island council on the ongoing constitutional process. At that meeting, the executive council intends to make clear its decision regarding the announcement for parliamentary elections. Marlin said the present coalition government would not be accepting any delay or changes to the constitutional process since there are agreements already in place. He said St. Maarten is ready to accept responsibilities and the dismantling process must continue regardless of the parliamentary elections. Even though he agreed that having such elections could delay the process since those involved in the present execution would be campaigning for re-election. Should there be any type of delay then St. Maarten could approach the Kingdom Government and United Nations (Decolonization committee) or even decide to secede as Saba has announced. Marlin said then it would be time for St. Maarten to begin lobbying in the Region to expose its plight.
Marlin said while it is constitutionally correct for the Central Government to hold parliamentary elections it should not have any bearing on the ongoing process. He said St. Maarten would not accept a situation where anyone would say that since there are parliamentary elections then they would await the outcome before they can proceed with the process. Marlin said there are agreements with the Dutch and Antillean governments including the other islands where the constitutional change and motion is in process that must be maintained. The island leader said the dismantling process is on track and must continue, and the transfer of responsibilities from the Central Government to the Islands Curacao and St. Maarten should be completed by January 2010.
Also in the agreement is that Holland would help St. Maarten with the building, the organization, and infrastructure so that the island can carry its responsibilities, which must be adhered to by all partners. Marlin said he already expressed his personal opinion on holding elections in viewing of the timing and the process of dismantling the Antilles. He said the outcome of that election should not have any effect to the ongoing process since the island would not accept any change of plan because they intend to fight tooth and nail to represent the decision of the people.
Another issue to be tackled on Thursday is the delegation that would be travelling to participate in the constitutional meetings. Marlin said since there has been a change in the island council there would also be a change in the delegation since all factions of the island council has to be represented. The intention is to make sure the independent Island Council members Theo Heyliger and Louie Laveist are represented. Also scheduled on September 15 and 16 is a preparatory meeting of the Netherlands Antilles for the political steering group meeting.
St. Maarten is not Ready Reaction.
Reacting to statements made by the Dutch parliamentarians who are constantly saying St. Maarten is not ready and they are not prepared for Country Status. Marlin said he already indicated to the Dutch Representative that instead of these politicians making statements they should sit around the table with the representatives of St. Maarten and point out the areas where they believe the island is not ready.
Marlin said he is still trying to understand what “beef” these politicians in Holland have with St. Maarten because the island could not be ready with its infrastructures because Holland has not lived up to her agreements. He said the responsibilities for the island to become country do not rest on St. Maarten’s shoulders instead; it is in the hands of the Central Government. Marlin said as long as the Central Government hold on to these responsibilities then St. Maarten cannot exercise those responsibilities. Right now, there are agreements in place to transfer those responsibilities to the island and that must be done for the island to be ready. Marlin said the Dutch Politicians has to realize and accept that St Maarten has a constitutional right to choose in which direction they want to go, which is guaranteed in the resolutions of the United Nations. He said The Dutch Government has a responsibility assist St. Maarten in obtaining what the people voted for nine years ago, which is to become country. Marlin gave an example with the strengthening of the police force. He said some five persons are to come to St. Maarten to assist with the strengthening and re-enforcement and just recently, when he inquired about the process he learnt that the recruitment for these persons had not been completed. Marlin said based on one of the agreements the Dutch would have provided five top officials to help strengthen the police force locally. He made clear that these persons are not going to remain on St. Maarten instead; they are to assist with the strengthening. He said it is not well for these politicians who are on the other end of the ocean to criticize the island while they themselves are not living up to their obligations. Marlin said St. Maarten is fully ready to accept responsibilities and they are ready to become a country. He said the legal framework for country St. Maarten is there and the only need is the personnel and the infrastructures.
Philipsburg: --- The mother and grandmother of two students who were attending the Milton Peters College have condemned the police for not acting against gangs and youth violence. Ruth Alias in an interview with SMN News said she has two children in the police force who are busy protecting the community but her son and daughter, are not able to protect their own relatives against gang violence. The elderly woman said her grandson Hensley Gumbs had to leave the island on Thursday fearing for his life, while the police have done nothing with those attacking her grandchildren. Alias said there are a number of youths all students of the MPC who have been attacking her grandchildren with guns, knives and other weapons and even though they filed several complaints with the detective department and prosecutor’s office nothing is done about the matter.
The two women produced a stack of process verbal to this reporter as proof of the amount of complaints that were filed about the constant attack on their children. Alias said the gang from Philipsburg has been going all the way to her home in South Reward, and at the school to attack her grandchildren. She further explains that her entire family is at risk with the constant attacks that they had to put surveillance cameras around their home. Alias explained.
Alias said these attacks have been going on for the past three years and just recently, one of her grandson has were attacked and stabbed while he was at his grandparent’s place of business. “Even though police arrested the attackers and found drugs on one of them, he was released that same evening.” She condemned the police since according to her she does not believe police is handling the case correctly. Alias said the police would arrest the gang members and would release them shortly after, she said when they are released they go back to attacking other youths. The woman said her grandchildren are not the only victims for this gang. Alias said right now she is living in fear and is calling on the relevant authorities to take action, because she does not want to bury any of her grandchildren that she raised.
Lisa Leonard the mother of Signald and Elicio Leonard said about a year ago her sons were involved in a fight with one of the gang members and his jawbone was broken. She said ever since then the fights got worse. The distraught mother said her son was arrested for the assault and he was even punished twice because the school expelled him while the other youth that was involved in the fight remained at school.
Leonard said just recently one her sons had to attend a meeting and his brothers accompanied him to the school knowing that if he went alone he might have been attacked. She said while her son Elicio was outside a confrontation began with the same gang and a security guard from the school got hit. Because of this, the woman said police arrested her son while the others are out free even though “weed was found on one of them.” Leonard said she tried everything to get the police and prosecutor to act on this matter but they never did and bringing this matter public is her final attempt to getting justice. She also plans to send a letter to the Governor General where she would include copies of all the complaints that were filed with the police.
Great Bay– Commissioner of Youth Affairs Hyacinth Richardson on behalf of the government of St. Maarten commended former Mayor Albert Fleming for proposing the partnership of organizing activities together in observance of International Day of the Child here on St. Maarten/St. Martin.
This is the 6th year of partnership and the commissioner assured everyone present that the Island Government of St. Maarten is committed to continue observing and celebrating the Rights of Children with the Collectivite of St. Martin.
“We are not only committed to this event but to future partnerships on Youth and Child development and in other areas,” Commissioner of Youth Affairs Hyacinth Richardson stated.
This year the theme is Strong Families, Strong Communities, Strong Nation, Strong Children which is appropriate considering the amount of violence and neglect that is visible on the Island.
This theme places emphasis on the fact that it takes a village to raise a child. All families, communities and government must ensure that their responsibilities towards the children are lived up to. Only then can we be sure to have strong children, continuing to promote the ideology that all of us are responsible for the well being of our children, Commissioner Richardson pointed out.
The commissioner also welcomed the participation of our Sister Island Anguilla although unfortunately representatives of the island were unable to be present.
Participation of Saba and Statia would also be a welcome change.
The organizing committee was thanked by the commissioner for their dedication and perseverance in organizing this event over the years.”
Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson added that he looks forward to the finalization of the program and a successful celebration.
POINTE BLANCHE-- The year 2009 has been a challenging year for the Port of St. Maarten with respect to the fall-out of the international financial-economic crisis.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo says he is not deterred as the island as a cruise destination has a lot to offer cruise passengers and cruise lines.
Mingo along with Supervisory Board Chairman Michel Soons and Cruise Manager Nzinga Lake left the island over the weekend to attend Seatrade Europe which is being held from September 15-17 at the Hamburg Messe Fairground in Germany.
Seatrade Europe is the leading meeting place for the Cruise, Ferry, Rivercruise and Superyacht industries.
The European market is seen as a very important developing market where four million Europeans take a cruise on an annual basis. The top two European source markets are the United Kingdom and Germany.
“The Port of St. Maarten has done very well with attracting European cruise lines and therefore the European cruise passenger. As a cruise destination we have to continue to build upon our established relationships and secure new business and opportunities for the island.
“From an infrastructural perspective as a cruise port, we have invested heavily over the years with the most recent being the construction of a second cruise pier jetty to accommodate the largest cruise vessels in the world that will set sail later this year.
“The construction of another tender jetty near Sea Palace is part of the overall development plan to spread the number of cruise passengers throughout the Philipsburg shopping area.
“Our philosophy as management and as a supervisory board guided by the vision of Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger, has met I would say all expectations of the cruise lines and passengers as a premier cruise port in this part of the Caribbean.
“The Port of St. Maarten is definitely in line with the thinking of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) where the current global economic crisis should be viewed as an opportunity and that you have to be at the forefront of the recovery when it comes.
“We continue to position ourselves in order to be able to take advantage of opportunities that come forth. Attending Seatrade Europe, will give us the leverage once again to meet with cruise line executives and hear about the latest trends and developments in the cruise industry and the outlook for the coming years based on the current global economic challenge. Based on this information we are able to continue to make informed decisions about our own port development and as a premier cruise destination,” CEO Mark Mingo said over the weekend before leaving for Germany.
Philipsburg:--- Island Councilman and former finance commissioner Roy Marlin posed several questions to the executive council concerning the purchase of five new vehicles which was purchased for the new commissioners. Marlin said his faction has called the meeting to address the financial and economic situation of the island because clarity is needed in several areas.
On the issue of financial supervision, Marlin posed several questions regarding the submitting of the first and second quarterly reports, which he said are both due. The councilman said prior to the NA/Heyliger took office the DP executive council had taken
a number of initiatives which resulted from the agreements made between St. Maarten and its Kingdom Partners.
Marlin said while St. Maarten excelled on aspects such as corporate governance legislation, establishing of the council for corporate governance, changes to the articles of incorporation of government owned companies, they cannot should not drop the ball.
As for the management of government finances, the ball is slipping from St. Maarten hands and if this should happen it could not be retrieved the council member warned.
Marlin said the politicians in the second chamber are constantly screaming that St. Maarten is not ready and even though he disagrees with them and would ask them to bring their issues forward, local politicians should not drop the ball by not living up to the agreements that were made.
The Executive Council is due to the Island Council in accordance with the Algemene Maatregel van Rijksbestuur two sets of quarterly reports on the budget 2009. The quarterly report for the period January to March, which was due on May 15, 2009 and the quarterly report for the period April to June, which is due by August 15.
Marlin called on the chairman, of the island council to perform his duty by supplying them with the necessary information regarding financial supervision. He said in the case of Algemene Maatregel van Rijksbestuur which is a law of higher order should be complied by the chairman have a role to play in this, by requesting the departments to supply the information and then submit it to the Island Council single handedly.
The former finance commissioner wants to know if the first and second reports have been submitted to the CFT and if why wasn’t this in accordance with AMVRB submitted simultaneously to the Island Council. If they were not submitted when will this be done?
He also wants to know if the CFT written any letters to the Executive council regarding the quarterly reports, or a reaction and if those letters can be provided to the island council.
Marlin said the current commissioner of finance said he intends to submit a budget with a deficit. He said he wants to know if the new commissioner read the begrotings kader that was established for budget submittal whereby it clearly states that a budget should be balanced or sluitend?
He said he wants to know what measured the executive council plans to undertake to balance the 2010 budget and if the island people would be confronted with an increase on services. He also wants to know how the executive council plans to deal with the shortfall when presenting it’s annual accounts and how would be covered in terms of liquidity.
Marlin said he also wants to know if the executive council submitted a formal request to the CFT and the Ministry of Kingdom relations to present the 2010 budget with a shortfall. If the answer to his question is yes, can they receive a copy of this request? Have these two entities already answered this request from executive council can they also receive a copy of their answers?
He asked if a formal request was submitted to the CFT for the delay in presenting the 2010 budget and if they responded. If the answers are yes, he is also requesting copies.
What is the status on the SOAB report for the debt cancellation? Is this report completed and can the island council be provided with a copy. If the report is not completed when would it be finalized?
Marlin said the executive council recently purchased five new cars for an amount of about Naf. 400.000, for the commissioners. He asked if the purchase of the these vehicles were necessary
Is this amount the correct amount for the purchase of the cars and on what date were the cars delivered or on what date did the Executive council take possession of the cars?
On what date did the executive council give approval for the purchase of these vehicles? What was the opinion of the Finance department on the purchase of the vehicles?
The commissioner of tourism recently signed an agreement with USONA for the first phase of the tourism marketing for 864.000 whereby he stated that they would expect a 7% growth. I applaud this, but he would want to suggest that executive take back in those cars, and take that 400.000 and put it towards marketing. Then we will have a 10.5 % growth, which will guarantee at the least that in these hard economic times, the small man may remain employed, the business community may see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Were the vehicles delivered prior to executive council approving the decision? If yes who authorized the delivery or signed for receipt of the vehicles?
Marlin wants to know how many persons were hired since the National Alliance/Heyliger government took office. What is the total additional monthly salary cost in connection with the new hiring’s?
Are we still maintaining the policy of maximum six persons to work with the Commissioner office, three from outside and three from inside?
If this policy has changed, can they be provided with a copy of this new policy?
Philipsburg: --- Detective Carlton Philips who went public against the alleged illegalities and victimization, taking place within the management of the police force may well have to brace himself for a long battle. According to information received, Philips who is presently on vacation was served with a long letter from the police management who indicated to him that he would have to prove the allegations he made against the management of the police department.
In an invited comment, Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba said an investigation is underway regarding the open letter the officer in question sent to the media. Jacoba said because an investigation is taking place she is not in a position to further discuss the issue. Asked if there would be an investigation to see if Philips was engaged in any wrongdoing while working at the CID in 2002. Jacoba said she was not aware of that incident. However, the Minister would be meeting with Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran over the weekend to discuss matters pertaining to the management of KPSSS.
According to a well-placed source, the detective may have to provide proof that the management of the police force is engaged in activities to enrich themselves. Philips in his statements to the media said he had requested an investigation to clear his name after Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran told him that he was informed that he Philips had destroyed valuable information while working at the CID department.
Philips said in his letter to the media, the assistant chief commissioner of police told him some seven months ago about the alleged crime he committed and he requested an investigation be done to clear his name. In his open letter to the media, Philips said he had contacted the prosecutor’s office and had written several letters to both the police chief and the prosecutor requesting that an investigation be conducted.
The officer who is obviously hurt by the accusation said he was up for promotion and the “lie” that was fabricated by the police hindered him from getting a position he had applied for. Since going public several other officers within the force has voiced their concerns about the management team whom they said are incompetent. At least one member of the management team is planning to call it quits as early as Monday SMN News has learnt.
Notwithstanding, that the assistant chief commissioner of police has requested a criminal investigation be conducted against Sylvia Gibbs. It is understood that management believes Gibbs falsified documents to get an upgrade.
SMN News understands that even though Gibbs life long partner is part of the management team he was not aware that management had requested a criminal investigation be done against the mother of his children.
Representing Philips in his legal battle for justice is Attorney at Law Reynold Groenveldt. In an invited comment, Groenveldt confirmed that Philips was served with a letter but he could not release any information on the case since he is now studying the files presented to him on Wednesday. Groenveldt is also representing Gibbs.
Philipsburg: --- The Police Department (KPSSS) has received a brand new tow truck, which was ordered some months ago. The vehicle is fully loaded and has a diesel engine. The police department now has one of the newest models of tow trucks which has a price tag of $85,000 paid for by USONA. According to reliable information, reaching SMN News the vehicle arrived on the island some two weeks ago and the dealer in Cole Bay (Harley Davidson) was paid half of the purchase price in advance while the balance was to be paid when the vehicle arrived. SMN News visited the dealership on Friday morning where we asked some questions pertaining to the purchase of the vehicle. We were told that the police received one of the keys when the vehicle arrived and arrangements were to be made for the final payment. We also requested information from USONA, which was not forthcoming.
However, a few hours later SMN News reporter was on hand to see when the writer of the police projects Chief Inspector Carl John brought the vehicle and parked it at the side of the Police Station in Philipsburg. It is not clear if the dealer was paid or if an arrangement was made now that SMN News began asking questions. This media house understands that the police management that is dealing with the financial aspect had the documents sitting in their office and did nothing to complete the purchase.
While it is, a known fact that all police forces would have their own tow trucks St. Maarten Police Force was without one for quite some years. According to our research, it was learnt that the police department purchased their first tow truck in 1972. The reasons behind the purchase back then were to clear the road from the obstruction of the vehicles, which were involved in a accidents. That was the main usage. After that, the KPSSS purchased another truck but apparently, management was not interested in helping out so they decide to use third parties to remove these vehicles. Those third parties are the former police officers who have since left the police force and are now operating their private business.
Earlier it was only two towing companies on the Dutch side they are HLS and another company that we know as Wally.
These companies were not used to tow away vehicles that were in violation with the traffic laws; this only happened when other police officers decided to leave the police force for one or more reasons and began operating towing services. Research showed that a former commissioner got his brother involved in the business and it was then these towing services began towing away vehicles that were in violation. This of course created a lot of apprehension since the police by then no longer had a tow truck to assist the community when they are in need. Persons whose vehicle are stolen or persons that were involved in an accident had to pay the towing services to remove their badly damaged vehicle. Something several persons in the community addressed to all legal heads but no one attended to the matter. Instead, the police has at least four towing companies that are working with them for the removal of vehicles that are in violation of the traffic rules. However, questions are still circulating as to when the police department is going to implement a policy on regulating towing services.
Several of these established towing companies has already began posing questions as to if the police department would be removing them from their list, or if they intend to leave people without a job now that they bought a new truck. Other questions that are surfacing is who would be driving this new tow truck since the police is grossly understaffed and where do they intend to park the vehicles they tow away.
Another question from several persons in society is when the island government would deal with the traffic ordinance, which has been placed on the back burner for a number of years now.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in an invited comment made clear that the police did not purchase a tow truck to take away business from anyone. Henson said all police forces have tow trucks and St. Maarten is no different. He said it is hard for victims whose vehicle was stolen or badly damaged due an accident to pay towing services. Henson said on several occasions the police cars would break down and they need to have a truck to remove their own vehicles when necessary.
Geneva, - The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) are optimistic about the results, announced today, of the largest ever HIV vaccine clinical trial held to date.
The study results, representing a significant scientific advance, are the first demonstration that a vaccine can prevent HIV infection in a general adult population and are of great importance.
The two UN agencies congratulate both the principal investigators, sponsors and the trial volunteers who have made this encouraging result possible.
The RV144 HIV vaccine study results, revealing a 31.2% vaccine efficacy in preventing HIV infections are characterized as modestly protective. However, these results have instilled new hope in the HIV vaccine research field and promise that a safe and highly effective HIV vaccine may become available for populations throughout the world who are most in need of such a vaccine. No vaccine safety issues were observed in the trial.
Much more work, though, has to be done by the principal investigators and a large group of international collaborators to analyse the trial data, understand the protective mechanism, determine the duration of protection, and map next steps. Licensure at this point in time may not be possible solely on the basis of this study's results, and it remains to be seen if the two specific vaccine components in this particular regimen would be applicable to other parts of the world with diverse host genetic backgrounds and different HIV subtypes driving different regional sub-epidemics. Once an HIV vaccine does become available, it will need to be universally accessible by all persons at risk.
In addition, early HIV vaccines with modest levels of efficacy would most likely have to be used as complementary tools in combination with strategies to promote changes in behavioural and social norms, promotion of correct and consistent condom use, access to safe injection equipment, as well as male circumcision.
The Phase III trial, involving 16 395 adult male and female volunteers in Thailand, was a test- of-concept of a novel HIV vaccine regimen with two different candidate vaccines developed by Sanofi-Pasteur and the non-profit organization Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases. The trial was performed by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, sponsored by the United States Army Surgeon General and received funding from the United States National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Department of Defense.
WHO and UNAIDS began supportive work for this trial 18 years ago, in 1991, when Thailand was recommended as one of the WHO-sponsored countries in preparation for HIV vaccine trials and the development of the National AIDS Vaccine Plan. In particular, WHO and UNAIDS through their HIV Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC) provided continuous technical guidance and advice for review, approval and implementation of the RV144 trial protocol. In 2006, VAC performed an external evaluation of the trial examining various ethical and community-related issues: this evaluation showed that the trial was being conducted at the highest scientific and ethical standards and with active community participation.
Moreover, WHO and UNAIDS, in collaboration with partners, such as the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise have jointly developed numerous policy documents relating to access to care and treatment for trial participants, design and purpose of test of concept HIV vaccine trials as well as scientific parameters.
WHO and UNAIDS will work with the global HIV stakeholder community to further understand and resolve a range of questions related to the potential introduction of an HIV vaccine of moderate protective efficacy. This includes additional, in-depth trials in different populations with diverse host and virus genetic backgrounds.
Until a highly effective HIV vaccine becomes available UNAIDS and WHO underline the importance of effective and proven HIV prevention methods for all people. A comprehensive HIV prevention package includes, but is not limited to, behavioural interventions to reduce sexual risk practices, including correct and consistent male and female condom use, early and effective treatment for sexually transmitted infections, male circumcision in high HIV prevalence settings, harm reduction for injecting drug users, post-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs, and interventions to prevent HIV transmission in health care settings.
Philipsburg:---NAGICO’S offices in Philipsburg have been a work in progress over the last nine months, as the company completed several building upgrades including indoor expansion and external signage and recently embarked on the final phase of the upgrade project which will see the integration of the final portion of floor space on the third floor vacated by a tenant last year. NAGICO now occupies three-quarters of the office space in the NAGICO building on Cannegieter Street, having acquired all the sections with the exception of the Gibson Law offices.
Customers have already benefitted from improved customer service areas on the first floor which entailed the expansion of NAGICO’s claims department into the area formerly occupied by TELEM. This phase of the physical work was completed last November and the space was opened to the public with customer friendly service counters in spacious surroundings and a meeting area for private client consultation.
The Medical Department moved to the first floor in a bid to make it more accessible to the general public and facilitate the walk-in traffic which previously needed to go to the second floor to do business. The Front Office or general Customer Service section remains on the first floor and this signals a consolidation of all the customer specific business areas to a more convenient location for clients. This convenience is even more enhanced by the addition of marked parking spaces for NAGICO customers, available on a “first-come-first-served” basis.
The physical expansion of departments also continued on the second floor, as a result, the NAGICO Agency Department which focuses on support for its agents in St. Maarten and across the Caribbean has been able to improve its functionality and accommodate new staff to make its service more efficient. On the third floor, the Executive Team has had their work spaces improved with the creation of an Executive wing which will also see the addition of another conference room and more offices.
The outdoor signage has also systematically received a face lift during this period, with larger and more modern corporate signage now identifying NAGICO, including an emphasis on the brand marks such as the umbrella which has made the building façade more attractive.
Prompted by the departure of TELEM, these changes to the office layout have enabled NAGICO to put a short term plan in place for the comfort of staff and customers. As a result, even though the new building is still going to be built, it now forms a part of a longer term plan. CEO McSood Amjad explained, “NAGICO will definitely begin work on the building in the future but we have also taken the current economic situation into account and intend to ensure that NAGICO maintains its practice of prudent budgetary and financial strategies which has enabled the company to weather tropical or economic storms in good standing. We expect construction to start by the end of next year or early 2011.”
Philipsburg: -- Attorney at law Reynold Groeneveldt has sent a letter to the police management informing them that he has been retained by detective Carlton Philips who went public regarding the issues of the police management team. In the letter, which will be published in its entirety, Groeneveldt is asking the police management team to install a committee to investigate the claims made by Philips. Groeneveldt is also asking for an investigation into the allegations management of the police force KPSSS made against Philips some seven years ago where they said he destroyed evidence while working for the CID.
Groeneveldt also wants an investigation into the procedures that was used and an investigation to be carried out to determine if the process and procedures that were followed to the application for the position of the Head CID were executed in
accordance, with the applicable laws and the regulations.
Philips who is presently on vacation wrote two letters after months of waiting on the management team to conduct an investigation to clear his name. The officer also alleges that management of the police force was enriching themselves, while victimizing others that are working in the force for years.
Below is the letter sent to the police management team.
To. The Management of the Police Force
Of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius,
Attn of the acting Police Commissioner
Mr. A.P. Doran and the Minister of Justice,
Police Station, Philipsburg
St.Maarten N.A.
Cole Bay, September 23rd , 2009
Re: Inspector C.C. Philips,
Dear Mr. Doran,
I herewith inform you that I have been retained by Inspector C.C. Philips to assist him
with legal advice and represent him in the ongoing matter with the Management of the
Police Force, section Windward Islands. I herewith refer to your letter of September 16th, 2009 that was hand delivered to Mr. Philips and wish to inform you as follows:
The important issue is not whether Mr. Philips can provide you with evidence of his
claims, but rather if these claims are factual or not. It is of paramount importance that an investigation is carried out to determine if the process and procedures that were followed pertaining to his application for the position of the Head CID were executed in accordance with the applicable laws and the regulations. It is furthermore absolutely
necessary to establish if indeed any such allegation against him was brought forward that he destroyed criminal evidence while working at the CID. We have taken note of the intention of the Police management to conduct an investigation into this matter as well as the claims made amongst others by my client and we applaud such a decision.
However taking the seriousness of the claims into consideration and the need for the
community to be able to have full confidence in the Police organization we do not believe that it is appropriate or desirable for the Police organization to conduct an investigation pertaining to it self and its functioning. It goes without saying that the Police must also adhere to the Principles of Good Governance in preparing and taking their decisions.
We therefore strongly recommend and insist that an independent Team be established by the Minister of Justice to conduct these investigations in accordance with the following:
The Investigating team should consist of professionals with a vast knowledge of
police matters and or judicial affairs; The candidates should be selected from Aruba Curacao and or the Netherlands; The members of the team should not be active members of the Police Force; The team should be established by Federal Decree;
The team should be vested with the authority to amongst other: a) demand and obtain all relevant information and documents, b) make copies of all the relevant documents pertaining to the matters being investigated, c) summon and hear persons or witnesses under oath, d) assign others to assist them with the investigation,
e) do whatever is necessary in order to conduct a thorough investigation and
produce a factual and legally substantiated Investigation Report.
The Report and its findings shall be made public.
Any investigation executed or any report that is produced and does not meet the above
mentioned criteria or cannot be published shall be considered not in accordance with the Principles of Openness in Government and also not in conformance with the Principles of Good Governance. Finally I wish to impress upon you that this is a matter of national interest, therefore the vague principle of national security can not be used to mitigate or limit the scope of the investigation and the publication of the findings of the report. I trust that I have informed you adequately herewith and remain.
Yours sincerely,
Reynold Groenveldt
Great Bay:-- St. Maarten (September 29, 2009) – Dancer Nicole de Weever and artist Maximillian Phelipa were the two St. Maarten cultural workers whose talent and dedication to their art has earned them the recognition of the Executive Council represented by Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson.
At an awards ceremony held at the Dr. A. C. Wathey Legislative Hall on Sunday, September 27, 2009, to mark World Tourism Day, Commissioner Frans Richardson named them “Special Ambassadors” of St. Maarten.
Nicole de Weever, who is currently featured in a Broadway show that will be premiered at the Eugene O’Neil Theatre on November 23, 2009, was unable to attend the ceremony, however, her parents, Rudy and Beatrice de Weever, received the plaque honoring her on her behalf.
A graduate of New York University’s Dance Department and a former Motiance Dance School student, Nicole’s picture already graces the marquee of the Eugene O’Neil Theatre where she will be dancing in the hit musical, Fela!, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner, Bill T. Jones, with the financial backing of mega-stars Jay-Z and Will Smith.
“Listen nuh, I’m a child of the world, yeah, but I from right here; I’m a proud St. Martiner,” Nicole said in an interview in the World Tourism Day newspaper supplement, “Celebrating Diversity”, published by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau on Friday, September 25, 2009.
She added: “I have been blessed to travel the world as an artist/cultural ambassador on various musical tours, performing on world stages that have taken me to numerous countries in Asia and Europe. In many of these places, there were some differences in comparison to my direct environment but they were also so similar. The more you travel, the more you realize how less different we really are as human beings.”
Commissioner Frans Richardson was full of praise for her, adding that she is an example of how talented St. Maarten youth are, and a role model of how far they could reach once they focus on developing their talents.
“Through her dance, Nicole is also promoting St. Maarten. I am very proud of the fact that a St. Maartener is featured in a major hit musical on Broadway. I’m sure that is just the beginning because certainly the success of the show will take it to other world capitals and in each place, we can proudly say our own daughter of the soil is there,” the Commissioner remarked. He added that he would be in attendance at the premiere of the show in November to cheer on Nicole in her Broadway debut and exhorted other St. Maarteners who might be in the New York area to do the same because “she is doing all of us proud.”
Turning to Max Phelipa, he said he was a proud owner of one of the artist’s paintings and stressed that there was a segment of tourists who love art and who could be attracted to the island through the works of artists like Phelipa. Phelipa is the only Netherlands Antillean artist who will be participating in a group exhibition at the Antillen Huis in Holland in October. He was invited to represent the Netherlands Antilles by Prime Minister Emily de Jongh Elhage. The artist received his award in person, accompanied by his wife, Aggie. The St. Maarten Tourist Office also made a contribution towards Phelipa’s impending trip to The Netherlands.
Oyster Pond:--- St. Maarten has recorded another murder, this time on the Dutch side of the island in the vicinity of Casa Blanca Adult Entertainment club. David Eustace (41) is the son of Carmen Priest and proprietor of Casa Blanca was shot shortly before 4pm at the entrance of the business place. On the scene was his mother who waited until the undertakers removed the body from the scene.
According to information reaching SMN News, Eustace was shot on the right side of his abdomen with a shot gun. He was shot three times at point blank range from the passenger side of the Chevy bus. The shooting it is alleged seems more like a hit and not any type of robbery. Eustace was driving a bus which had one of his close friends Leroy Richardson (Sweet Leroy) inside the bus when they left Casa Blanca. Police found at least four spent shells belonging to a shot gun on the scene.
This media house has been reliably informed that a green Samurai soft top jeep with either two occupants was in the immedate area of the adult entertainment club. The number plate on the vehicle it is understood was covered with a piece of cloth while the shooters remained unmasked.
SMN News further learnt that the occupants of the jeep stopped Eustace as he was leaving the club. Eustace it is said stopped and the shooter approached the driver side then he walked over to the passenger side of the bus, opened the door and told Sweet Leroy to bend down (duck down) and proceed to shoot Eustace in his abdomen. The vehicle continued moving and ended up in a nearby trench. The businessman died on the spot.
Police is baffled with a number of things which to them does not seem right. One of those things is why Sweet Leroy who was accompanying Eustace to see a lawyer was seated in the back of the bus, while the passenger seat remained vacant. The gunman shot Eustace from the passenger side of the bus.
According to several persons on the scene Sweet Leroy got off the bus when it stopped and began running towards the hills, back to Casa Blanca. It is not clear why the shooters did not interfere or hurt Sweet Leroy an eyewitnesses to the broad daylight murder. Leroy Richardson (Sweet Leroy) was invited to the police station where a statement was taken from him as the main eyewitness.
SMN News learnt that Sweet Leroy was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center sometime in the evening as he took in ill due to the shock of witnessing his friend’s murder. It is understood that after Richardson received his treatment after which police went with him to an undisclosed location to further question him.
SMN News has learnt that the victim is indebted to a number of persons. SMN News further learnt that Eustace owed at least one businessman over $20,000 while he has monies for other people. The souce said police is trying to figure out if the killing is linked to Eustace's financial problems.
On September 9 2009, Eustace filed a petition against Carolina Bar with the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran. In his petition he stated that Carolina Bar was operating illegally as a house of prostitution. The petition filed is based on the sex industry policy of 2003. Eustace also included in his petition that the Seamans Club relocated illegally.
Police is busy investigating the killing and the motive of the execution style murder. David Eustace is also known as David Priest in the community of St. Maarten.
In the meantime, this is the third murder for the week, two of the killings took place on the French side of the island.
SMN News also learnt the gendarmes are busy investigating another shooting which took place on Thursday night in Colombier. It is understood that some Haitians had an argument and gun shots were fired. It is not clear if anyone was injured in this incident.
PHILIPSBURG - The University of St. Martin (USM), in commemoration with World Teacher’s Day, is paying tribute to its own faculty by applauding them for their work while bestowing three long-time members with the title of Outstanding Faculty.
The three long-time USM faculty members are Rhoda Arrindell, Roberto Arrindell and Maurice Lake.
“As the President for the past 10 years at USM, I have experienced so many talented, and knowledgeable instructors who have been able to deliver over 500 graduates, who are now our alumni. A special word of appreciation is extended to faculty in general who offer their services at USM. We appreciate you in many ways. We believe that USM is so much stronger with you on board and we hope to continue serve this nation and region for a long time to come,” USM President Josianne Fleming Artsen said.
Every year the students at USM select the Faculty Member of the Year both as full-time and part-time. For the past ten years, this selection has consistently been carried out at USM and the faculty member would then be honored with a plaque at the Commencement Ceremonies.
“Today, known throughout the world as World Teachers Day cannot go by without USM paying tribute to our outstanding faculty who have served relentlessly. From the Full-Time Faculty we congratulate Rhoda Arrindell for her contribution throughout the decade to teaching and for being selected as Faculty of the Year in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009,” Fleming - Artsen said
“This performance deserves the title of Faculty of the Decade 2000 -2010.”
“Rhoda has received this award 7 times out of 10. Her students have stated that she is determined, knowledgeable in many fields and always available to students, ensuring that they understand the material that is being taught. As President, I know her as being thorough and fair with her students, and providing them with time even on Saturdays and Sundays,” Fleming-Artsen said.
Among the Part-time Faculty, Roberto Celestino Arrindell and Maurice Lake were also selected as Outstanding Faculty in 2009. Both instructors have a longstanding relationship with USM as part-time faculty members and have served well over the years.
“USM congratulates them as well and wish them much success in their endeavors to maintain high standards of delivery as faculty,” Fleming Artsen said.
USM continues to encourage youngsters to become teachers and the institutions’ Teacher Education Program currently prepares teachers for Cycles 1 and 2. The university also offers a certificate program for persons with a bachelor’s degree and who wish to teach. USM invites all interested persons to come to the university find out about these opportunities.
“Happy Teacher’s Day to all teachers who serve St. Maarten and special congratulations to our outstanding team Rhoda, Roberto and Maurice,” Fleming-Artsen said.
USM is located in Philipsburg, #1 Soualiga Road, and the offices are open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Philipsburg:--- Police is yet to arrest the suspect who shot and killed David Eustace better known and David Priest on Friday. While police remain tightlipped on the investigations sources told this reporter that police is busy trying to find out if the person who shot Eustace to death was some sort of hitman.
Even though the main eyewitness to the brutal murder has said that that the killing was related to a robbery. According to our sources Leroy Richardson better known as Sweet Leroy told police that the rasta looking man who shot Eustace to death asked him prior to shooting where was the money.
Prosecutor Jan Bart Daveling said the investigation into the killing is ongoing, he confirmed that no arrest has been made. Asked if they Sweet Leroy is an eyewitness or a suspect, Daveling said the man is considered as a witness at this point.
Sources say police is planning to take Sweet Leroy back to the scene to conduct a reenactment of the murder, since certain parts of his statements are considered to be shaky. Most questionable is how he got to the back of the bus if in fact he was sitting in the front seat when the gunman attacked.
In the meantime, SMN News has learnt that the two men Leroy Richardson and David Eusatace were busy organizing a show for November 6th. SMN News understands the promoters were working on bringing teen star Hannah Montana to St. Maarten in the hope of clearing some of their financial problems. It said while the two were organizing the show, Eustace was the one who was to finance the show.
The source said Richardson who was released from prison in April 2009 on special conditions is in financial straights since he lost his business license for Players Club. According to information reaching SMN News the Lt. Governor revoked Richardson’s business licence due to the fact he has a criminal record. This media house also learnt that Richardson is fighting an eviction case which the his landlord brough against him.
It is further understood that Eustace borrowed over $20,000 from a certain businessman to assist Richardson while in prison and that money was never paid back.
David Eustace also filed a petion against Carolina Bar, and Japanese Club for having prostitutes instead of dancers. The late businessman had also asked the Lt. Governor to retract the business licence of Seamans Club since they were busy reconstructing.
Sources say police is looking in all directions to see if any of the problems outlined with the two businessmen had anything to do with his execution.
Oyster Pond: --- The Prosecutor office along with several detectives was at the Casa Blanca Adult Entertainment Club on Thursday busy trying to reconstruct the scene of the crime. One week ago a lone gunman described as a Rasta man fired at least three shots at businessman David Eustace who was driving his white Chevy Bus.
The shooting took place at the entrance of the adult entertainment club as Eustace and his friend Sweet Leroy was leaving the location to meet with a lawyer.
SMN News was reliably informed that one of the dancers at the club saw what took place that fatal afternoon from her bedroom window. At the scene yesterday the dancer along with a police officer inside her room was giving the detectives instructions as to what she saw prior to and after the shooting of David Eustace.
The detectives were busy filming the scene as the victim’s bus left the club, stopped where the shooting took place before it moved over to the final place where the bus stopped after rolling a short distance away. The detectives were seen using the victim’s bus to reconstruct the murder scene.
It is understood that Sweet Leroy was the first person on the scene, explaining the officers what really happened last Friday.
Sources say police are questioning the statements provided by Sweet Leroy who was inside of the bus when the shooting took place. SMN News also learnt that police are closing in on the eyewitness and he can soon be considered as an alleged accomplice to the crime.
It is said that police is baffled with several aspects of the shooting and the occurrences provided by the eyewitness. One of the concerns shared by the both by police and relatives of the deceased man is how did the eyewitness manage to get out of the front seat of the bus and go over to the back seat. Sources say the man never sat in the front seat when he left the adult entertainment club; instead, he sat in the back of the bus and so far he did not provide the reasons as to why he sat in the back of the bus.
SMN News also learnt that police already have a suspect in mind and they may soon make an arrest or would probably question the person they suspected is involved.
In the meantime, Prosecutor Jan Bart Daveling said Leroy Richardson is not a suspect in the murder investigation. He said Richardson is an eyewitness and confirmed he was on the scene of the reconstruction on Thursday.

Philipsburg:--- Police on Wednesday continued with their controls on school buses in connection with students that are taking weapons and drugs to school. The controls started at 06.00 a.m. in the vicinity of the Sundial School. This school was not involved in the previous two school bus searches done before the Mid-term vacation. However during the control no weapons such as machetes and knives were found. A large amount of Afro-combs with metal teeth and scissors, which can definitely be used as weapons, were taken away from several students. However during the search one student was found in the possession two pornographic DVD'S. These DVD'S were confiscated. The parents of this student will be called in and informed of the situation.
GREAT BAY The Commissioner of Economic Affairs, Aviation and Tourism Frans Richardson has indicated that a number of critical functions are needed to be filled to support the Country St. Maarten in the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication.
These functions encompass the following areas: Civil Aviation, Shipping & Maritime, Central Bureau of Statistics, and Meteorological office.
In the Civil Aviation section, Inspectors are needed as well as a Policy advisor, and a Legal advisor. The Civil Aviation Inspectors should have an Academic degree and/or significant experience as a Pilot, Aircraft Engineer/Mechanic and/or experience as an Air Traffic Controller that has served in the function as Supervisor. The Policy Advisor should have a Masters’ degree in Aviation.
In addition, for the Shipping & Maritime section, there is a need for Inspectors, a Policy advisor, and a Legal advisor. The Shipping Inspectors should be experienced captains (<3000GT) or Maritime engineers or Master Mariners (<3000GT) and/or experienced Pilots. The Policy Advisor must have a Masters’ degree preferably in the Maritime Area.
In the area of Meteorological Services, St. Maarten requires Meteorologists. The meteorologists should have at least a Bachelors’ degree.
Regarding the Statistical area (CBS), there is a need for statistical analysts to deal with Economic Statistics (specifically in the areas of National Accounts and Price Statistics), Social Statistics, Demographer, as well as Application Programmer. All functions require applicants to have a Masters’ degree with the exception of the application programmer.
Interested persons should contact Sector Director of Economy and Tourism, Miguel de Weever via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Commissioner Richardson encourages all persons to contact government so that we can obtain a list of persons eligible to fill these functions. To this end, we are trying to find all our people that can help build country St. Maarten with the resources of St. Maarten.
French Quarter:--- Democracy and freedom of the press is under attack.
An employee responsible for communication in the Collectivity of St. Martin has decided to take SMN News www.smn-news.com to court for libel due to an article that was written on October 8, highlighting the lack of communication from the Collectivity of St. Martin.
The employee that holds the position of Director of communication is taking SMN News to court for having damaged her reputation and honor by publishing her photograph as well as information, provided by our sources that stated that there is a total lack of communication from her office to the general public of St Martin.
While SMN News would not discuss the details of the case in this first article, except to say that an emergency hearing is scheduled for Tuesday October 20 in Basseterre. Definitely, we would be updating our readers and supporters and General Public as the case against us proceeds. |
It is clear that the objective here is to suppress information to the General Public and to take SMN News whose motto is “We Tell it Like it is” to court, while withholding information from you the voting population and taxpayers of this island. To close off this article we would give you an opportunity to learn a little more about “Freedom of the Press” in future articles.
Press Freedom
UNESCO promotes freedom of expression and freedom of the press as a basic human right.
UNESCO promotes freedom of expression and freedom of the press and fosters media independence and pluralism by providing advisory services on media legislation and by making governments, parliamentarians and other decision-makers aware of the need to guarantee free expression.
UNESCO promotes freedom of expression and freedom of the press as a basic human right, through lobbying and monitoring activities. It highlights media independence and pluralism as fundamental to the process of democracy by providing advisory services on media legislation and by making governments, parliamentarians and other decision-makers aware of the need to guarantee free expression.
Other major UNESCO activities in this field include the proclamation in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly of a World Press Freedom Day to be celebrated on May 3rd; the establishment of an advisory group on press freedom which includes media professionals from all parts of the world; the establishment in 1997 of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
UNESCO supports independent media in zones of conflict to enable them to play an active role in conflict prevention and resolution and the transition towards a culture of peace.

Philipsburg – The Democratic Party of St. Maarten re-instated its “Youth Wing” which caters primarily to teenagers. The membership of the DP Youth Wing boasts of students coming from several schools on the island. Leader of the DP, Council Lady Sarah Wescot-Williams, DP Vice President Stuart Johnson, and Chapter for Professional Young People (CPYP) President Marinka Gumbs were present at the induction ceremony. “The DP’s inclusion mantra is evident from the various committees which operate under the Party. The participation of young people and the forming of tomorrow’s leaders is an important part of this inclusion.” The DP Youth Wing will serve to inform young people about our local political and social climate as we move towards “Country St. Maarten” as well as to play an active role in our community. The DP Youth Wing has always been a force to reckon with and past members of the Youth Wing are prominent individuals in our society today. Youngsters are encouraged to join the membership of the Youth Wing. Interested persons can contact DP Vice President Stuart Johnson on 522-0509/5534788 or CPYP President Marinka Gumbs on 522-5459.
Philipsburg:--Five persons were honored at the SHTA’s Small Hotels Division’s (SHD) Anniversary luncheon held on Wednesday afternoon at Pineapple Pete restaurant. The luncheon was organized to celebrate the committee’s accomplishment of four years as an organized group within the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA).
First, to receive acknowledgement was Jr. Project Manager of the SHTA, Valya Pantophlet for her hard work and continuous dedication to the SHD.
Secondly, May Ling Chun, SHTA’s 2nd Vice President and Marketing Director was honored for supporting the idea of establishing a Small Hotels Division within the SHTA 4 years ago.
Betty Jean Baptiste of the St. Maarten Tourist Office was acknowledged for assisting the Small Hotels with its marketing efforts regionally (in the form of familiarization trips and trade shows). The Tourist office has been an integral part of the SHD’s marketing by also assisting with the distribution of its brochures throughout the U.S, on the Airport and the Harbor facilities.
Members of the SHD were also honored: Carter Glass of Turquoise Shell Inn for spearheading the committee for the first three years of its establishment. His aggressive efforts resulted in the SHD’s accomplishments over the years. Nadia Gumbs of Joshua Rose Guesthouse also received a token of appreciation from her committee members, as it was her idea to develop the Small Hotels Division.
The Small Hoteliers of the SHD would like to express its sincerest gratitude to every one who has contributed to its success one way or another. The SHD plans to hold a large ceremony for its 5th Anniversary in 2010 to commemorate their continued success.
French Quarter: --- The winner of the Thick and Curvy Queen pageant that was held on October 24 at Celebration Palace said she is still waiting to get the gifts that were promised to the contestants. Natasha Lake an assistant nurse by profession said she always wanted to be part of a queen show and when she saw the thick and curvy pageant promotion, she entered the contest.
Lake said she spent $3694.75 to fully participate in the show and to date she cannot get her prize money which is supposed to be $5000 cash including other prizes. Natasha Lake said she won the queen prize ($5000), best cocktail wear (lunch at a restaurant), best bed night wear (weekend stay at a hotel), best eveningwear (dinner at a luxurious restaurant with limousine service), contestant that sells the most tickets would receive a laptop, photogenic (will receive a digital camera), and popularity (would receive a flat screen television. Lake said she sold 60 tickets for the show and thus she was the one who won the prize for the most ticket sale, but to date all she has is the crown and the trophies.
Lake said she waited for days to see if the sponsors would call her to pick up her gifts but they never did because shortly before the line up the promoter David Williams announced that the first prize winner would not get the promised $5000, instead they would only receive $2000 since they did not make enough monies to cover the expenses and the prize monies. Lake said she made contact with Winifred Alexander another promoter of the show on several occasions and was told they have the prizes but not the $5000. She said the promoter told her they were to going to see when they could get all the participants together and a presentation would be made, but to date that did not happen. She said she even went to the police to file a complaint and the police also called the promoters but nothing has changed. “they kept saying they have the prizes but they don’t have the money, the police even asked them why they are the ones with the prizes and not the winner”. Lake explained.
Lake explained that she asked the promoters if they had the monies they were offering and was told the money has been guaranteed. The young woman said she worked hard and even spent her monies to make sure she was fully ready, with this she said she won the first prize and was crowned queen of the Miss Thick and Curvy Pageant. Lake said on that night a few things happened which to date could not be explained. The first time contestant said she learnt that the promoter David Williams was also the chaperone for one of the contestants and he was even leaking out information to the contestants. She said on the night of the show she asked Williams if he was the chaperone for one of the contestants and he denied everything. She further explained that when the girl (contestant) arrived at the location David and her had an argument and the girl exposed what Williams was allegedly doing to the contestants. “I was told that my specialty would be belly dancing and he David told the other contestants they had to come with something better.” Lake said when she heard this she was shocked because the only persons that knew what she was working on were the promoters.
In an invited comment, David Williams said that their main sponsor TELEM did not live up to their promises, which is the first prize money. Williams said they did not make enough money to give the contestants what was originally promised to them since they had expenses. He said they have all the other prizes except the full $5000. Williams said all his other contestants received their prizes and the only person who rejected what he offered was Lake. Williams said he has a contract with the contestants, which stated that the prize money was subject to change. He said while the contract stated all the rules and what are the expectations of the contestants there is no fix amount of money. He said it is clear in the contract that the prize would change due the contestant participation of the sale of tickets. Williams said Lake could go as far as she wanted with this matter because she would not get that money. He said they made it clear on the week of the show that they were not going to live up to the $5000 due to the pull out from TELEM “TELEM did not even give us the voting code for the show” Williams said.
He said they told the contestants that the winner would get $2000, first runner up would receive $1000, while the third runner up would get $500.
He said that from the inception he told the contestants that he was not sure if TELEM would give them the prize money. Williams said the other contestants received their prizes and the only contestant who refused to accept what they have for them was Lake.
Philipsburg: --- Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba requested that all immigration controls be put on hold until the end of the registration process of the Brooks Tower Accord. Tiara Hasselhoef told reporters on Wednesday that even though over 400 persons showed up at the Immigration and Naturalization office on Tuesday they were people who are skeptical of registering thinking that the process is just another hoax and the information provided maybe used against them. Due to this, the Minister she said sent a letter to all Lt. Governors informing them that they should not conduct organized immigration control for now.
Hasselhoef said of the 400+ persons who visited the office on Tuesday only 18 of them were qualified for the Brooks Tower Accord. Hasselhoef said several persons went to them requesting information while some of them did not have the required documents to apply for the one-year permit, which will be granted in two weeks time.
Hassehoef said they managed to structure the process on Tuesday, by sending away persons who did not have all their documents in order. She said numbers were given to some 170 persons but only 18 of them were qualified during the first phase of the screening. All applications that are accepted during this registration process will be sent to the advisors who would determine if the applicants qualified to receive the special residency permit.
Those persons who contacted the office on Tuesday and did not have the required documents were given a checklist and were given the opportunity to get their documents and to check back with the office. Those persons who are going back for the second time to submit documents would not have to join the line to obtain a number since the office is also in possession of the checklist given to each applicant. Hasselhoef made clear that after the six weeks process the justice ministry would not be tolerating illegal immigrants on the islands; instead, the controls would become more aggressive. She said this process is costing the Central government some 1.4 million guilders 700,000 of which are spent on St. Maarten, thus persons residing on St. Maarten illegally should contact them to register and to get an opportunity to legalize their status. When the one-year permit is granted to those qualified, she said these persons can then travel back to their country of origin to get the required documents to apply through the normal procedures.
Persons who do not qualify for the Brooks Tower would have until February 28, 2011 to leave St. Maarten. While the Minister does not consider this period a grace period Hasselhoef said that everyone will be getting a fair chance to leave if they do not meet the requirements. She said every illegal immigrant worked on the islands and they contributed to the economic development on the island they lived. Thus the Minister has taken note of that and would be giving them ample time to pack up and leave.
Hasselhoef confirmed that the Ministry is following the guidelines of the Brooks Tower Accord that was signed on March 2 2007 and that nothing in the policy has changed. Persons whose applications were accepted will be given a receipt to show that they have requested a residency permit under the Brooks Tower Accord.
In the lines on Wednesday were several persons that are working for reputable companies on St. Maarten. SMN News reporter spoke to one family who has been living on St. Maarten since 1992. Speaking on the condition of anonymity the man said he came to St. Maarten in the year 1992 and has been working ever since then with the same construction company. He said the company files for his documents but each year they would submit his documents late. The man said due to that he could not sign for himself. “Right now my documents expired and when I went to submit the renewals I am told I have to go through the Brooks Tower process. I have papers since 1997 but there are gaps in each of them.”
SMN News also spoke to another person who said she worked at a particular company since 1997 to 2005 and today her documents expired and she has to follow the same process as those who never had documents.
Addressing this issue Hasselhoef said persons whose documents expired over four months have to go through the process of the Brooks Tower Accord. She said that there might be people who have to go through the regular process but that would only be determined when they check the applicant’s documents.
Willemstad:--- A prisoner who has been serving a life sentence has committed suicide at the Bon Futuro Prison on Friday. SMN News learnt the prisoner identified as Dean Hassel killed a police officer over 20 years ago on the island of Saba. It is further understood that the prisoner had filed for clemency that was denied.
Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba confirmed the incident. She also confirmed that the prisoner had filed for clemency and it was denied because Saba refused to accept the prisoner on their island.
Efforts made to contact the Lt. Governor of the Island Territory of Saba proved futile up to press time.
Basse Terre/St. Martin: --- The court of Grande Instance Basse Terre has rendered its verdict in the case brought against SMN News reporter Bibi Hodge-Shaw on November 3 2009. Judge Auguste ruled in favor of Hodge-Shaw while condemning the Directress of Communication of the Collectivity of St. Martin Colette Erivan to pay Hodge-Shaw the sum of Euros 1,500 in damages as well as all expenses endured during this procedure.
While the verdict was rendered on November 3, we only managed to receive it on Monday November 9 2009 from Basse Terre. Judge Aguste in her ruling has deemed the case of Colette Erivan null and void while disregarding the COM for the lack of an executive council decision.
On October 16th, Colette Erivan and the Collectivity of St. Martin summoned Hodge Shaw via an hour-by-hour summons. Hodge-Shaw was summoned to appear in the Court of Grand Instance on October 20 in Basseterre to answer charges of defamation. Erivan claimed that her photograph was used on SMN News website on October 8 2009 without her permission she further claimed she was defamed by the contents of the article, which highlighted the lack of communication from the COM.
Hodge Shaw in her arguments represented by attorney at law Jan Marc FERLY stated that Erivan is a public figure and the photograph that was used was taken with her permission. Erivan asked the court to award her Euros 5,000 for the abuse of the press, Euros 5000 for defamation while the COM asked for Euros 5000. Hodge Shaw in her arguments showed the court that there was no decision taken by the executive council to grant the president of the COM the authorization to summon Hodge Shaw to court. Hodge Shaw also argued that Erivan filed the case outside of her jurisdiction while the case was filed against Hodge-Shaw and not the director of SMN News. She also argued that Erivan did not support her arguments to show defamation based on the law. Hodge Shaw showed the court that Erivan and her legal representative did not live up to basic requirements of the court since they provided a translation that was not legalized. Based on the above facts Hodge Shaw asked the court for damages of Euros 12,000 including the legal fees and to deem each charge null and void.
In the meantime, the Collectivity of St. Martin filed a second court case which is scheduled to he heard on November 10. (Tuesday). It must be noted that while the COM filed this case on October 26th 2009, the first hearing was scheduled for October 27th, which had to be postponed due to the lateness of the summons.
While SMN News is prepared to defend the case that is filed against its reporter, the COM and its legal representatives did not provide Hodge Shaw with the necessary documents to prepare its defense. Our lawyers already informed the prosecutor about the lack of respect and abuse of the judicial system on the part of the COM. Only after a copy of the letter was sent to the COM lawyers did some documents send to our lawyers on Monday.
What must be noted in this case, is that the COM filed a case on October 26th 2009 and the president of the COM Frantz Gumbs in an attestation declared that a decision would be taken on November 5th 2009 in the Executive Council.
SMN News has learnt that two deliberations were taken on November 5th 2009, one being for the COM to take on the legal expenses of Erivan while the second was to give the President the authorization to proceed with legal actions against SMN News.
SMN News will update its readers on these cases as it proceeds.
We would also like to thank our supporters and those that stood beside us as Freedom of the Press was under attack. With the ruling on November 3rd, it is clear that the French judicial system still has full respect for, free speech, democracy and they also recognizes the need for a free press.
Below is the full text of the judgement issued on November 3 2009.




On Friday November 13th at The Sonesta Maho Hotel & Resort Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson and Vice President of the Collectivity French St.Martin Daniel Gibbs cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the Caribbean Home and Garden Expo. Organizer Ms. Bernadette Davis and was on hand to welcome the Commissioner Richardson, the Vice President Gibbs and the public.
Marigot: -- The Collectivity of St. Martin management will get some 14 million Euros as an advance from the State. The information was confirmed via a letter to the Senator and President of the COM. Senator Louis Constant Fleming told SMN News that the he received a letter from the Ministry informing him that they have decided to grant St. Martin an advance of 14 million Euros, which would be equivalent to the amount the island would receive from the 2009 taxes. Fleming provided a copy of the letter to SMN News which clearly states that the State would grant them the monies even though the two financial experts who visited St. Martin last month to access the problems facing the treasury have not finalized their reports.The decision was also approved by the Minister in charge of budget affairs. The letter also stated that when the experts submit their final report they would suggest that a round table meeting be held in Paris to discuss the suggestions that would be made in the report. During this round table discussion, decisions would be taken on what is suggested to St. Martin regarding its fiscal matters.
The following is a copy of the letter. We do apologize to our English speaking readers.


Philipsburg: --- The SOAB has submitted its final report on the investigation they were conducting on the department of ROB. SMN News has been reliably informed that the two members of the management team had 10 days on which they were to respond to the report.
It is further understood that the department head and its subordinate had requested extra time to complete their answers, which was eventually submitted. SMN News further learnt that the final summary of the report was submitted to the island Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and leader of government William Marlin. The source said the final report is expected to be delivered sometime this week.
SMN News was informed that those responsible are planning to file criminal charges against those working in the department and were implicated in the report.
SMN News learnt that the report presented by SOAB would have far-reaching consequences on persons applying for building permits. The source said if for some reason a homeowner decides to change the size of their windows, from what is in their permit they would have to re-process their building permits. “the way it is outlined in this report construction would definitely seize and no-one would not be able to build based on the guidelines.”
Some of the findings in the report were outlined in the preliminary report which was issued some months ago advising the executive council to hire an interim manager to manage the department. The investigators in their preliminary report had made it clear that the laws were not followed in the handling of building permits.
Efforts made to contact the island Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and commissioner Theo Heyliger for a comment proved futile up to press time.
Print, Video Advertising and Public Relations to Focus on Various Mediums.
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten (Nov. 23, 2009) – St. Maarten, a diverse Caribbean destination, is focusing on the variety of experiences that vacationers enjoy with a new branding campaign that captures the “feeling of the experience” that visitors elicit during their stay on the island. When announcing the new branding campaign for the destination, St. Maarten Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson explained that the concept behind the branding can be summed up with one statement: “It’s all in our name.”
Working with the spelling of “St. Maarten,” the just-launched campaign will capture audiences across North America with positive adjectives purposefully misspelled with “capital double ‘A’s” followed immediately by the words “St. Maarten.”
The campaign identity, created by advertising agency Tambourine, will be visible in all logos, videos, print and outdoor advertising, specialty marketing items, brochures and stationary as well as an image gallery which features all new photography from an extensive on-island photo shoot recently completed by Tambourine.
Adjectives will constantly be changing depending on the focus of specific ads. For instance, when promoting St. Maarten as a wedding and honeymoon destination, an ad may read: “PAASSIONATE ST. MAARTEN.” When conveying St. Maarten as an active vacation playground, an audience could see: “PLAAYFUL ST. MAARTEN.”
A just-launched public relations campaign to promote winter specials for vacationers is using “SENSAATIONAL ST. MAARTEN” to capture the extraordinary deals that are now available.
Other words designed for the campaign include: MAAGICAL, GLAAMOROUS, CHAARMING, and ENCHAANTING.
“We are very proud of our diversity with a wide range of attractions and activities, a variety of accommodations, more than 300 quality restaurants and our central location which enables vacationers to enjoy day trips to other islands,” explained Commissioner Richardson. “This campaign allows us to tap into and highlight all the things that make St. Maarten an ideal vacation destination through words and phrases that truly represent how a traveler feels while on-island,” he added.
The branding campaign is part of an overall new marketing strategy being launched under the direction of Frans Richardson, the new Commissioner of Tourism, which coincides with the hiring of KTCpr, headed up by long-time Caribbean marketing and public relations specialist Richard S. Kahn. The new branding will encompass advertising, public relations, marketing and sales as well as a new website.
Tambourine (formerly Gideon-Cardozo Communications), based in South Florida, a full-service marketing firm specializing in advanced creative development is working closely with KTCpr on all aspects of the new marketing strategy.
“Our mission was to take St. Maarten in a new direction and illustrate how the island ‘feels’ rather than literally documenting the infrastructure of the island,” said Rafael Cardozo, president of Tambourine.
Cardozo added: “The concept is innovative and playful; the message is strong and memorable. In addition to the logos, the photo collection tells a story of the vacation experiences captured through movement, mood and expression. Most importantly the campaign is a true representation of the beauty and excitement of the destination.”
Video presentations (including 30-second, 60-second and extended spots) have been created for use in commercials, tradeshows, social networking sites, and in other mediums.
“We are excited about the new branding campaign and look forward to getting our messaging out to loyal vacationers to St. Maarten as well as those who have yet to experience our destination,” said Regina Labega, Director of Tourism for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau. “Working with Tambourine to develop the new concept has been a great experience and we are very pleased with the results,” she added.
KTCpr, which oversees all marketing, public relations, sales, advertising and promotional efforts on behalf of St. Maarten, will incorporate the new branding in all future initiatives.

Philipsburg: ---A 43-year old Guyanese man identified as M.A.E is now in police custody as a suspected bolita swallower. Head of Customs Anthony Doran in an invited comment said E was arrested at the Princess Juliana International Airport on Wednesday morning during a control. Doran said E travelled from Guyana to Antigua and Barbuda on a Caribbean Airline Flight then to St. Maarten. E was supposed to board an Air France Flight to Paris on Thursday then take the train to Belgium. However, during the random control the man began acting nervous which led police to him. He was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center where an ex-tray was performed at the doctors saw over 100 pellets containing cocaine inside of the suspect. Doran said E would be taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center on Thursday where he would receive medication to release the pellets.
Marigot: --- Senator Louis Constant Fleming has released copies of the letter he received last week as well as on Wednesday to members of the media. Senator Fleming made clear that he filed an official complaint with the gendarmes and as such, he is not going to comment on the letter.
The letter also included an article that was published on this website regarding the killing of Bertrand Maurice was sent by regular mail through the post office. It arrived at the Collectivity on November 18, 2009.
Below is the letter including the photograph of the high-powered rifle that was attached to the two-page letter.
As reported on Thursday a letter, containing death threats was sent to Senator Louis Constant Fleming and President Frantz Gumbs sometime last week. The writer of the letter sent copies to the gendarmes as well as the prosecutor. The writer is also demanding that the Collectivity of St. Martin pay the sum of Euros 100,000.00 to the families of Rigobert Bertrand Maurice who was shot to death on September 24 2009 in the vicinity of the Collectivity. The writer promises to shoot both elected officials and other innocent people before turning the weapon on himself or herself since they have nothing to lose. The writer believes the COM and the Municipal Police is responsible for the killing of Bertrand Maurice since it was done over a parking space located across from the COM.



Cole Bay:---Fresh out of a packed week of activities, The Democratic party of Sint Maarten is gearing up for its first public meeting for this campaign.
On Friday, November 27th the party continued its “Greet and Meet” in the area of South Reward at the Fleming’s residence.
Candidates had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the audience, with the usual closing by the DP leader, Mrs. Wescot-Williams who not only stressed the need for voters to come out and vote in the January 22, 2010 election, but also to vote for a party, able and willing to represent St. Maarten in the Antillean Parliament, until this parliament is replaced by the Parliament of Country Sint Maarten. The DP leader touted her Party’s record, not only on the constitutional front, but also her administration’s achievements up to June 8th of this year. As an example, the DP leader pointed to the nearly completed gym hall, located next to the Milton Peters College and several others.
She chided the leader of the NA for his criticism of the housing project in Hope Estate, a project that he subsequently proudly celebrated, when the highest point was reached.
Saturday night was the party’s grand fundraising event, featuring the Calypso King of the World, the Mighty Sparrow.
Sparrow kept the capacity audience at the Maho Convention Center enthralled for the entire show, as he sang his famous tunes to the music of the Troubadours. The crowd consisted of all ages, and its reaction was one of sheer enjoyment. Several patrons had traveled from Anguilla to also witness the Calypso monarch and enjoy his stellar performance.
Preceding Sparrow was our own Timo and he did not disappoint his home crowd. Not to be left out, the MC, our King Arrow (Erol Dolphin) did his song “Destiny”, a fitting tribute to mark the Party’s 55th anniversary.
All in all, certainly a night to remember.
The first public meeting of the DP will be held this Friday, December 4th in Cole Bay, the district where the leader resides, on the Tackling property, adjacent to the Shell Gas Station, starting at 7.30 pm.
The Party’s focus in this election is to finish the job it started on the constitutional front; continue to highlight the issues affecting our community, such as crime and health care, and demonstrate where true commitment to the people of Sint Maarten lies.
Simpson Bay: --- Workers mainly the cleaning staff of Atrium resort decided to stand still on Saturday in order to get their Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) signed with management and their union the United Federation Union (UFA).
About 40 workers from maintenance stood around the lobby as board members of the United Federation Union (UFA) negotiate with their manager to sign their CLA. According to President of the UFA Francis Ollivachi, the union he said has been trying to get their CLA signed for over two years now but management he said refused.
Ollivachi said when the workers stood still on Saturday they managed to sign a protocol until January 2010 when the negotiations on the CLA would resume. Workers at Atrium would now enjoy a $500 bonus this year, while they would also get a 5% increase in their salary. Also agreed upon are the workers now having a life insurance to the value of $500.000, $100.000 for permanent disability and $100.000 for accidental death. Workers who worked overtime would also be entitled to $6.00 as meals allowance.
Mullet Bay: --- Police got lucky early Monday morning when someone called to tip them off about a go fast boat, which had dropped off some 21 Haitians on Mullet Bay beach. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in his police report said on November 30th at approximately 01.00 a.m. a report came in to the Central Police Dispatch, that a "go fast boat" had just came in to the Mullet bay beach area and was letting-off a large amount of possibly illegal persons. Several patrols and Immigration Officers went on the scene where they encountered 21 illegal persons from Haiti on the beach. After dropping, the immigrants off the boat took off for open waters. All persons caught were taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where they will be held for processing and to insure their safe return to their country. The Immigration department is investigating this matter.

Marigot: Leader of the RRR party Alain Richardson has sent a letter to the President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs asking that the rules of governance be respected. Richardson said he had intended to deliver his message during the last territorial council meeting but did not due to the death threats that were issued to the president and senator.
In the letter Richardson reminded the president of several incidents where the senator was sitting at the head of the council meetings which according to him is illegal. He further stated that the calendar for the council meetings are set based on the senator's schedule.
Richardson said when he addressed this matter in the past he was accused of having ill feelings for the senator. He also stated that on several occasions the senator would be the one who would inform the population on developments on the island level, things that are not in his portfolio, thus he is asking the president to begin instituting the rules of governance on St. Martin.
Below is the full text of the letter that was presented to the president last week.
Group of elected officials members of the Island Council of ST-MARTIN
M. Frantz GUMBS
President of the Island Council
Hôtel de la Collectivité
Marigot
SAINT-MARTIN
St-Martin, le 03-12-2009
Honorable President,
As I had proposed to do, please find the integral text of my intervention during the last Island Council meeting
Very respectfully,
« Honorable President, my dear colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to address a matter which I consider to be serious, or rather very serious because it deals with the credibility of our institutions and therefore of our community at large.
Within the Republic, the institutions play a major role in the matter of governance. The institutions are the pillars of Democracy. That is why one usually says that men pass, but institutions remain.
To ensure good governance and the stability of institutions, there are major regulations which are to be observed and respected:
- The separation of powers,
- The non intrusion,
- The autonomy of the administrative divisions or communities,
- The independence of some functions,
- etc.
-
Our community is also provided with institutions and the main institutions are:
- The Territorial
- The Territorial Council or Island Council
- The President
- The Advisory Council for economic, social and cultural affairs
Furthermore, our community is also represented on the national level in some institutions of the Republic (the Parliament and for now, the Senate as well as the National Advisory Council for economic and social affairs).
At all levels of the Republic, the above mentioned regulations (separation of powers, independence, autonomy and non intrusion) remain fundamental.
No matter how much of a President you say you are, I dare you to sit in any seat at the Senate's level or to even become a senator.
Mister President, my dear colleagues, I wish to call to remembrance when President first took office, I protested and questioned him on the legality and the legitimacy of the fact that the Senator Louis-Constant FLEMING sat at the head table during our council meeting seeing he is not a member of the said council (seeing he had been demoted from his position). I was then attacked and criticized as if I had dared to touch the untouchable. One even asked me, even accused me of having a personal problem with or against M. L.-C. FLEMING.
Honorable President, from the beginning of your presidency, the Senator has systematically sat at the head table of all your council meetings. Not only did he sit but the very calendar of meetings was determined based on whether or not he could be present and attend.
The problem does not stop here, unfortunately. It is the Senator who announces and who presents in the press before hand and generally in exclusivity all the projects that Island Government of Saint-Martin is or will be working on. In all his radio interviews, he only deals with subject matters which are the exclusive affairs of the Island territory's institutions (whether the President's, the Advisory council or the Island Council's). He's the one who talks about local taxes, on the finances of the local government, on the administration of the Island Community, on its investments, in short, on every matter that does not fall under his portfolio as Senator. In fact, all those indications clearly demonstrate that the Senator is de facto the President.
Thus, during the Sandy-Ground Fête, on August 15 last, the elected officials learnt while the Senator gave his speech, that there will be a road that will go along the coast of the lagoon and which, at the level of the Sandy-Ground bridge, will cross over the lagoon to reach the area of Bellevue. He even informed everyone on that occasion the bid was done. Neither this Council, nor the executive council, nor the committee for bids have been convened to decide upon any such matter. (If this project is a project conducted by the Senate, please, accept my most sincere apologies for having unjustly accused the Senator L.-C. FLEMING who actually only acted rightfully).
Here's another recent example. On the airwaves of one of the local radio stations, the Senator announced the imminent putting in place on the territory of the island of Saint-Martin, of a tax that will be similar to the « turnover tax ». He went ahead and gave details regarding its implementation, the regulations that will enforce it, etc. All the while, neither the Committee for fiscal matters, neither the Island Council, none had been informed and of course, none had issued any statement on this matter. I wish to recall that the supreme institution regarding fiscal matters in the new framework is the Island Council. Here again, if the creation of such a tax on St-Martin is a competency of the Senate or a project conducted by the Senate, again, I wish to reiterate my most sincere apologies for false accusations against the person of the Senator. But if the fiscal competency is the affair of the Island Council, the Senator is actually sticking his nose into affairs that are not any of his concerns as Senator. The competency is that of the Island Council, and so the Senator's behavior once more attests to the fact that he is de facto the President of this island territory.
This whole « Mix up Mary » ruins the reputation of our institutions.
One could draft a long list of such intrusions on the Senator's behalf.
Not only does he shamelessly monopolize for himself the President's duties and operate within the President's sphere of operation (which shows that we have a Presidency devoid of any political weight), but worse yet, he dares to openly curse the present occupant of the presidential position.
I strongly feel that he had gone too far when he introduced the request for an amendment of the organic law. Indeed, chapter 2 of the proposed organic law n° 634 was exclusively concerned with the institutions of our Island Territory and the balance of powers and in so doing; this proposed modification was endangering the very essence of our Council. And yet, we the elected officials of this very same Council, only learnt about this proposed reform after the said text was presented before the Senate by the Senator – and this without even having the courtesy of informing us or worse yet, of considering to encourage a discussion on the proposition within the Island Council by its members.
A reform that concerns our institutions, initiated locally but on which the local institutions did have a word to say. The situation grew in importance after the open protest that came from my political group. It became a battle made up of "it's not me, it's him who started it". The Senator, in order to clear his name, Mister President GUMBS, stabbed you in the back and our institution, the Island Council of the island of Saint-Martin became stained and sullied.
In the press of the southern side and worse yet, amidst the St Martin's Day celebrations, the Senator told the Today and I quote as written in the paper of November 13 : « I am not in the Territorial Council and I cannot make demands for changes that persons accuse me of. I have asked one of my colleagues in the Senate to look into the organic law as it relates to building permit and amendments to collect gasoline tax. The other things that he has been accused of with regards to the functioning of the Collectivité are requests made by the office of the President. I have that request in black and white from the President's office. I am not here to be politicking with one or the other but I have heard that the President has presented changes in the council and cannot defend it. A good leader defends what he believes in ». end of quotation.
Should we understand in fact that seeing that the Senator could not attend the Island Council meeting of October 29 last – being called by the Prefet who wished to stated his position on the proposed amendment of the organic law by the Senator – he states that once his back is turned, or once his persuasive or dissuasive authority is not there, which is manifested by the fact that he sits at the head table of the island council, that the President is lost and the other elected officials of the ruling majority take too much liberty? This reminds me of a song from the late Bob Marley « when the cats away , the mice play ».
All this deeply jeopardizes the image of the institution of the President, and unfortunately, you do nothing to remediate. The manner in which you fulfill your duties, shows how limited these duties are in reality. A weak presidency, indecisive and silent makes your duty insignificant in the eyes of the population. The instability which your majority has demonstrated : in one year the removing of L C FLEMING, followed by the cancelation of an election for irregularity in the case of F GUMBS is by far too much.
Mister President, the presidency by which you rule is one under control. You allow another to walk over you, to walk ahead of you, you allow the senator to govern in your stead. They are your duties, Mister President, not his. As you very well know, nature hates void. If you don't operate in your capacity, someone else will do so. But the risk is also to see administrative staff take the lead when the political authority is dormant.
I solemnly and earnestly ask of you, Mister President :
- That the rule of good governance be respected on this territory of ours and amidst the assembly meetings. The Senator must not sit around the table. He is not an elected official member of this council. Have you ever considered going to sit at the Senate ?
- Exercise and assume the fullness of your duties and obligations. Put back in their place all those who have engulfed themselves in the vacuum that you had allowed to be.
I take the opportunity to officially ask for a copy of the official request which the Senator has said to have received from your cabinet listing the areas in which your government has wished to amend the organic law. He says it is him, it is you. In advance, I thank you for providing me with the copy of that document.
- Fix all internal quarrels among the various personalities and the various departments of the Government Building. It is unacceptable that such quarrels (between the President of the Tourism Bureau and the Vice President in charge of tourism) the partnership between the two sides of the island has turned out to be a game of hide and seek. The outcome of such disputes jeopardizes the image and the credibility and the future of our island territory.
If it is not for you, if it is for your presidency, please do it for ST-MARTIN, ; you owe it to the people, you owe it to our newly established institutions.
Mister President, Sorry to say it, BUT STOP BEING A NICE BOY AND PRESIDE.
Alain RICHARDSON.
President of the RRR group.

Cay Hill/Dutch Quarter:--- Relatives of Keshonarayan Kooblall (60) better known as Cyril are now praying that he would survive a brutal attack that left him with serious injuries to his brain.
According to Savita Kooblall daughter of the victim said, her father was struck on his head with a two by four plank on Monday night at a Union Farm residence. The young woman said her father went to the home of a relative to clear up some misconceptions when he was brutally attacked by a close relative she identified as Sundar Sahadeo. Kooblall said her father a Dutch national had brought in another relative from Guyana about a year ago for vacation but the man she said refused to leave the island. Savita said at some point the invited guest left her father's house and went to live at Sahadeo's residence in Union Farm and ever since then he has been spreading false information about her father.
She said Sahadeo was having a wake for someone that died and her father went to the home in an effort to clear up the feud and to give his condolences to relative of the dead when he was attacked by Sahadeo. The young woman further explained that her father fell unconscious when he was hit and those at the home where the incident occurred took ice water and poured it on her father. She said doctors at the St. Maarten Medical Center determined that her father was having internal bleeding in the brain and he needed to have surgery done abroad. The younger Kooblall said doctors at the St. Maarten Medical Center tried to send her father to Curacao and Aruba on Tuesday but there were no spaces at any of the hospitals in the Antilles. She said at that point the SMMC made contact with Colombia and an ambulance was sent from that island to pick up the patient on Wednesday.
An eyewitness of the incident on Monday told SMN News that Kooblall was standing at the gate when he was attacked. Asked if there was, any fight-taking place when Kooblall was struck the eyewitness said there was an argument inside the house and Sahadeo asked Kooblall to leave and he was already outside when he was attacked.
SMN News learnt that Sundar Sahadeo has surrendered to police on Wednesday and he is now in police custody.
Dawn Beach: --- The Political Steering group meeting held on Wednesday at the Westin Dawn Beach ended at 02:35 am on Thursday morning when St. Maarten, Curacao and the Netherlands signed an agreement on some of the issues discussed. Disappointing for the delegation from the Netherlands is when St. Maarten held its grounds on certain points and no agreement could be reached. St. Maarten also insisted that the Netherlands sticks to the previous agreement where they agreed to assist St. Maarten financially so that it can set up the necessary infrastructures to begin taking over the necessary tasks from Curacao.
Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs William Marlin said that St. Maarten had to outline what assistance they need since that was not clear in the previous agreement, while the Netherlands has agreed to make sure the necessary assistance (funding) would be given to St. Maarten by February 2010.
Marlin said no agreement was reached on how St. Maarten and Curacao would be vetted after the two islands have taken up its country status. Marlin said while St. Maarten agreed that there would be vetting in the areas of finance, good governance, and justice no final decision were on agreed upon on the specific aspects of the vetting. Marlin said St. Maarten wants to make sure there is no opened agreement and this discussion would continue in February 2010.
Marlin said St. Maarten managed to secure its own attorney general that would be based on St. Maarten. He said agreements were reached on the matter of justice, the consensus Kingdom, and the organic laws.
Marlin said a progress report was presented on the joint central bank, he also assured that St. Maarten, and Curacao would meet the deadline on this issue.
Questioned on the transfer of tasks Marlin said the draft law would be ready by the end of December since it would be debated in parliament then. He said when that happen both Curacao and St. Maarten could begin asking for the transfer of these tasks. He said however that this is where St. Maarten is having a contention since if the funding for the tasks are transferred to St. Maarten it would not be enough for the building the necessary departments or Ministries for the tasks. He said the Dutch has agreed to make sure the additional funding for the preparation was again assured. Marlin said all the tasks can be transferred to the new countries but no definite decision have been taken on which of these tasks will be transferred and when would take place.
Great Bay -On Saturday, December 12, the only gay nightclub on the island "EROS" located in Marigot will be hosting a [RED] party mainly to target gay patrons that frequent the club. The party is being organized in collaboration with the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team.
According to Bevil Byum, one of the organizers, the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team has been doing a good job at targeting the general public by educating them about HIV/AIDS, but through this party we will be targeting a particular group.
Nanu, the owner of EROS is very supportive of the idea of hosting the [RED] party at her club. "She has been supportive year round, as she always provides educational materials and condoms at the club, and she is very happy to host this party," said Bevil.
Music will be provided by DJ Roland, who use to play at Orient Bay, and is well known on the French side for his modern upbeat house music. He will be playing a wide variety of music that night as it is expected that the party will attract a cross section of the community.
Bevil told us that the party is open to everyone, you don't have to be gay to attend. Persons are asked to wear something red. The entrance fee is $10 and there will be a show at 1AM.
Airport:---Police have arrested two men at the Princess Juliana International Airport who are wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed the arrest of the two men. Mud said the first suspect Phillip Hanson a national of Jamaica was arrested two days ago (Wednesday) while he was en-route to Jamaica. Mud said Hanson is wanted by the FBI as he is suspected to be involved in drug trafficking.
St. Maarten Police also Jimmy Ramsahai at the Princess Juliana International Airport. Ramsahai is also wanted by the FBI and is suspected to be involved in Drug trafficking. Mud said that already he got indications that Hanson would be contesting his extradition while Ramsahai has already decided to cooperate and would not contest his extradition to the United States.

Philipsburg: --- Undocumented persons have up until today (December 15) to submit their documents for the Brooks Tower Permit. Even though the process began since November 3, scores of people were seen standing in line from the early hours of Monday morning to submit their documents.
Many of them braving the hot sun with umbrellas as they wait for the offices to open. SMN News learnt that some of the undocumented even slept outside of the Immigration and Naturalization building on Sunday night to make sure they get a number on Monday.
Speaking to SMN News on the condition of anonymity several of the undocumented immigrants said they went to submit their applications on several occasions and they simply could not get a number. One of the undocumented said security guards working at the location were asking huge sums of monies for a number and she was approached by a security guard who told her if she wanted a number she must pay $500. The woman said she has been going to submit her documents for the past week and on Monday morning; she reached the location at 2 am. The woman said she spent all day Saturday and did not get through. "The rain fell and wet us out here on Saturday then the sun came and dried us and we still did not get in. Now today Monday I am here since 2am and now its 5pm and they said no more numbers are available." Several of the undocumented has decided to place posters some of them standing at the side of the road with the posters saying more time is needed.
When Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba launched the BTA process she said "Lets do it Right" and that they would be seeking to serve at least 100 persons per day. It was disclosed that St. Maarten has over 40,000 illegal or undocumented immigrants living on the island. If our calculation is correct the Minister would need 400 days to attend to the 40,000 persons if they all showed up, after all she said "lets do it right". However, the Minister only gave herself six weeks to finalize this project.
On Monday evening, the Zero Tolerance and the VKS were on hand to bring order to the confusion at the Immigration and Naturalization Building.
There were scores of people lining up to pay Naf.1, 600 ($900) for the processing of the category two permits. Several of them were forced to leave not being able to make their payments. Police were forced to use force to restrain some of the immigrants who were pushing their way in to obtain a number to no avail.
In an invited comment, Tiara Hasselhoef said the BTA project that was launched by the Minister for the past six weeks is not a right the undocumented could claim. Hasselhoef said the Minister wanted to give all undocumented persons living in the Netherlands Antilles and opportunity to regulate their status. Hasselhoef explained that the people had enough time to register because several days they did not have people to attend to. "These people waited until the last moment and we cannot continue to see them, this process has a date on which it has to end. Furthermore, persons who are trying to submit their documents for the first time can do so on December 15, as the day would be reserved for persons who did not get a chance to submit their documents. Hasselhoef also gave out some 125 numbers on Monday night to persons who would still get a chance on December 16; numbers were also given out to persons that were there for the second and third time. Asked about the alleged fleecing that is taking place by security guards Hasselhoef said they also heard about that security guards were asking for monies but no one was able to give them actual evidence on these allegations. "Unless we get evidence we cannot act." The justice department does not act on hearsay." Hasselhoef said.
In an invited comment, Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba made clear that she would not be extending the time for the BTA process.
Jacoba said everyone was given a fair opportunity since November 3 and those who did not make use of the opportunity just lost their chance at regulating their status. She said those persons who were lacking documents would be given one week after December 15 to submit those documents. After that period is over the Minister said no other documents would be accepted. She said the entire process for the BTA would end on February 28.
In the meantime, questions are being raised as to how government as well and the Justice Minister would act against employers who are caught with undocumented workers. Some said that for a long time employers were getting away with murder since they never face serious repercussions for having people working illegally. They said that over the year's immigration was focusing on the immigrant whose status was not in place and deport them even though they are working for legitimate companies.
These employers would deduct SVB and taxes from the undocumented workers and never turn it over to the relevant parties. "Companies caught doing so are committing fraud and the police and prosecutor needs to apply the law that is mandated against fraud and the abuse of the labor laws" said one concerned resident.
"Right now everyone thinks the only way to regulate the undocumented is through the BTA process. People have to know that employers can apply for their employee's documents through the regular system and get them regulated."
In the meantime, executive council has sent a letter to the Minister of Justice asking that she extend the time for the BTA process. SMN News has been reliably informed that the executive council asked the Minister to stick to her mathematics if she is going to the do the BTA right.
Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards told SMN News that just last week he spoke to the Minister regarding the extension of the BTA process and the Minister assured him she would not extend the time since that would grossly increase the cost of the Brooks Towers Accord process. Richards said the cost of the six week project is covered under the Safety Plan of the Netherlands Antilles. Richards said if the island government wants her to extend the process then the cost would have to be covered by the islands that want to continue the project.
The Democratic Party of Sint Maarten has recommended that 2 letters, which were copied to the Island Council, be sent to the Central Committee of the Island Council for further deliberations. One letter dated November 5, 2009 was sent by the workers of the SVB and the BZV on St. Maarten to the Executive Council regarding their position as employees of these institutions. The other letter dated October 21, 2009 came from the Windward Islands Health Care Union and regards the situation at the St. Maarten Medical Center.
The Executive Council in forwarding these letters to the Island Council, suggested that these be taken for notice only, however it is the position of the Democratic Party that those sending these letters and copying them to the Island Council expect of the Island Council that follow-up be given. Follow-up to these matters can be given in a central committee of the island council and if necessary parties involved can be invited to a meeting of the Central Committee to elaborate their positions and concerns further. Both issues, in the opinion of the Democratic Party deserve the attention of the island council members as representatives of the people of Sint Maarten.
The Democratic Party expects the Executive Council to promptly forward these matters to the Central Committee of the Island Council as both matters have been put forward to the island council some time ago.
(Sarah Wescott Williams)

Philipsburg: --- Several civil servants plans to protest against the island government decision on what is offered to them with the new placement structure which began on Monday. These workers have fourteen days to appeal the proposal given to them. As of Monday next week they would also have the opportunity to be interviewed on their discontentment.
The island government is trying to structure its workers and to prepare them for the new status. "Right now the ways things are people from several departments are working any and everywhere and government needs to place its workers in such a way they can be transferred to the Ministries when country status takes effect."
The civil servants spoke to this media house on anonymity said they have an agreement with the island government which gives a guarantee that the workers would not loose monies in the new system, but it seems that the island government has not respected the agreement. The workers said they are concerned with the fact that the island government has taken away the opportunity for them to grow.
They said in the former system they had the opportunity to request an increase or higher position without a challenge but that has been totally eliminated. Workers can only get an increase or promotion if they follow certain training courses which are only available to those in high positions. "To get to a higher position the workers would have to leave the island to further their studies at their own expense and with the new system government does not have a clear program in place for those courses which are offered off island. Second to that the civil core believes that the island government has just opened a door to encourage the influx of foreign labor.
There are workers who would remain in the same scale for over 20 years and there is no possibility for them advance, one employee said she has been in her position for the past 23 years and she felt that she would have been able to get something better in this new setting, but with what is offered to her has left her in the same setting.
In an interview with President of the Placement Committee and Civil Servant Union William Reed acknowledged that there are some discrepancies with the system and that they (the union) need to take an inventory on the amount of workers that are being affected. Reed said when that is done he would have to approach the appeals committee on the matter to see if the worker or workers were treated fairly. He further explained that this was something they had expected since nothing is perfect.
He said he already know that there are a few situations of uncertainty since the position the civil servant held over the years has now being eliminated in the new structure.
He said the union already addressed the island government on these situations which has to be followed up. One of the solutions he said to this problem is the island government has to now look for new positions to place the workers that are left in the cold. Reed said that the union has to make sure the new position that is created for each worker would match their present scale and give them perspective for growth within the government apparatus.
The Unionist said his aim to make sure the over 800 workers in the civil core is placed in the new setting which is fair and in the best interest of the workers. However, he said that even though there is some discomfort with the process there is no impasse between the union and the island government. He urged the workers who feel that they are not in their rightful position to approach the committee to appeal or file a complaint.
He said that the island government has made a promise to its workers and if they are not able to live up those promise then they would have to kiss the status goodbye since that would be a clear indication that they are not ready. However, he is of the option that the island government would deliver what they have promised to its people.
Founder and President of the Pastor Desmond Herbert Foundation (PDHF), Desmond Herbert 11 has issued a strong call for children to abstain from sex and concentrate on their school work. Herbert who recently founded the NGO Christian charitable organization noted that while World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1st each year and tremendous emphases being place on the issue of HIVAIDS in December he would like to see each month of the year the issue is being given top priority.
"Whenever it comes to the month of December there is a lot of talk about HIVAIDs but after then it seems as though everyone have forgotten that the world is critically faced with a dilemma that if not addressed properly can and will wipe us all out. So I would like to see more emphases being placed on each month," he said.
Hebert said that addressing the disease means that we must "Keep the promise, stop AIDS," as there are too much stigma and discrimination surrounding the disease which needs to be addressed properly. Teachers, parents and community leaders need to increase their efforts in educating the children about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
Herbert in a passionate plea said that he urge children in particular to join in the fight against the AIDS epidemic. He said that he is somewhat pleased by the enormous efforts of the Ministry of Health in disseminating information on the disease throughout the federation but warned that more has to be done so as to ensure success. He noted that while there are evidence to suggest that there are people who are enthusiastic in the fight against the virus there are still those who for varying reasons are not committed.
Pastor Herbert said that including young people in the fight against AIDS was essential, and stressed that winning the fight was impossible if youth were not actively involved.
In stressing the need for people, especially children, to abstain from sex, he advised children to channel all of their energies into their schoolwork.
Herbert pointed out that if they begin to have sex at a young age, it would only lead to such things as pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases that could complicate their childhood. "Promise yourselves that you will put your education first," Herbert said.
The PDHF President and Founder lashed out at what he called deceptive approached=s by churches noting that many of them are to be blamed for the state of stigma and discrimination. "too many times when our gathering approaches us about issues and that affects them such as HIV AIDS we are more interested in how and who they contracted it from rather than what we as a member of the congregation can do to help. Secondly we have failed our members in terms of confidentiality as there is always someone else that we need to tell and as such this has caused the public and more in particular those infected and or affected by the disease to have lost faith in us so we are all responsible," he declared.
In addressing the issue of stigma and discrimination Herbert noted that one of the biggest problems concerning the AIDS epidemic was stigma. He noted that AIDS affects every ethnicity, age group, religious background and nationality, and as such there should be no segregation and no discrimination against persons living with AIDS. "let us still see them as our brothers and sisters as today it may e them and tomorrow even if it is not us it may be our sons or daughters so we need to put an end to this nonsense and I urge all churches and their leaders to wake up and face the reality".
Herbert suggested that one avenue of effectively addressing the disease may not be from the churches taking into consideration the lost faith and trust owing to the enormous stigma and confidentiality failure that the churches have created. He said that the education system I St Kits and Nevis was striving to be all-inclusive. By this, he opined, it was meant that no one, regardless of race, financial background, disability or sickness, should be left behind within the school system.
Herbert in reiterating his earlier plea encouraged the federation's children to live healthier lifestyles, and said this was not exclusive to abstinence. The NGO Founder and President said things like good diet and regular exercise were also very important.
Herbert added that one of the easiest ways out of poverty was through education. "Now is the time in your life when you need to be serious; stay in school, and be serious about your schoolwork," he said.
...
Philipsburg: ---Police have arrested a Guyanese national identified as C.S who raped a young woman on Saturday January 10th. The culprit is also a well known convict in Guyana and is presumably wanted in Suriname. It is understood that C.S followed his victim home and later attacked her at gun point. SMN News understands that C.S beat the young woman that night and dragged her up a dirt road. The next morning C.S returned to the house and pulled open the door where he raped the woman and left her.
SMN News also understands that the young man who has close relatives living on St. Maarten lived on the island in the early 2000's and he had committed several armed robberies locally.
After the arrest was made yesterday evening a police brigadier released the wanted man claiming that he thought the man was arrested for immigration matters. The police brigadier they said told his colleagues he made a mistake when he released the suspect, claiming that C.S sister had provided legal documents for him to reside on St. Maarten.
Sources told SMN News that there are questions surrounding the man's release since the brigadier who released the suspected rapist had abused one of his outside women last year and he has no power to release any prisoner.
SMN News understands that C.S is accustomed of using false names in Guyana, Suriname and St. Maarten and he is part of a huge criminal gang in his home country.
He is said to be working at a bike rental shop in Pointe Blanche.
This media house was reliably informed that the victim in this case is a teacher who once had a close relationship with her attacker.
In the meantime, the gendarmes are busy searching the island for at least two persons who committed a violent rape on another woman in Concordia. It is understood that the rape took place during an armed robbery on December 31 2008. Even though the gendarmes have confirmed the incident they have remained tightlipped on the case.

Philipsburg: --- The Island Council meeting scheduled yesterday had to be cancelled since the Democratic Party and Independent member Louis Laveist was not present to form a quorum. The meeting was to be held with the members of the first chamber who are on a working visit within the Netherlands Antilles.
Three members of the National Alliance who were in the tribune of the Government Administration Building refused to sign the attendance list to make up the quorum when they noticed that Independent member Louis Laviest was not around. That left the DP with four members since Commissioner Roy Marlin was off island.
Shortly after the cancellation the delegation was invited to the Parliament building where they meet with the National Alliance Faction for about half an hour.
At a press conference Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said his party wants to prove or highlight their concern that there is no real support coming from Laveist for the current government. He said this matter goes back before Laveist was arrested since Laveist had complained about the treatment he was receiving from the executive council. However, during the short meeting with the first chamber they made it clear why they refused to give their support to the existing government. Marlin said they also indicated that they were willing to meet with the delegation to further discuss matters pertaining to St. Maarten while the Dutch is rather concern about good governance on St. Maarten. He said this situation will affect St. Maarten with its status as long as there is no good governance. Marlin said the Dutch wants to know what can be done at this point since this cannot continue.
He said Laveist has said the Democratic Party had promised the ‘head" of Island Labour Raphael Boasman in exchange for his vote to reinstate Maria Buncamper Molanus and when that did not happen Laveist showed his displeasure by not attending a few meetings which made it impossible for the government to function. Marlin said.
Marlin said the same situation resurfaced now that the Lt. Governor has publicly called for Laveist to resign and Laveist responded by saying that it is not the call of the Lt. Governor. Marlin said prior to this incident the Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams had said they were busy sending home the staff of Laviest during an island council meeting which has left a cloud over the situation.
The party leader had said they were busy relocating the commissioner's staff to the civil service while sending those for the private sector there. The National Alliance leader said after that Laveist sent a letter to the Lt. Governor telling him he was a full fledge member of the executive council but the details of that letter is not clear. He said if that indeed the case then Laviest would have gotten back his portfolios in the last island council meeting but that did not happen. Marlin also said that the commissioner declared himself a non active member of the executive council which does not exist.
Marlin said on Wednesday morning a central committee was scheduled and that had to be cancelled because the Democratic Party could not make the quorum since Laveist stayed away and did not send any notification to the chair.
Marlin said his party would have signed in for the island council had Laveist showed up. He said the commissioner is missing in action or either at large. Marlin said had they signed in then things would have looked well, while this is not the case.
He said the Democratic Party has been taking about all kinds of things relating to good governance, the issue of the status and the French and Dutch side cooperation as if all is well on St. Maarten. Marlin said his party is sending a clear message to the people and the government that all is not well and every government has to have support of a majority for them to function as such. He said it cannot be that the executive council stays in office, and are apparently trying to work things out over another deal while voting against a motion of non confidence so that he Laveist can continue to give them his support to remain in government yet he is not showing up for important meetings such as the central committee and island council meeting. "It is not so that the National Alliance will show up and be the good guys and pretend all is well for the Dutch Government to see." Marlin said.
Marlin said when he made use of the opportunity to say that those who think that they can change the wishes of the people of St. Maarten for the lack of good governance and lack of transparency. He said the people of St. Maarten have expressed their will and the Dutch first and second chamber cannot change that fact but they can say they would not cooperate if St. Maarten does not get its house in order. He said the actions of the Democratic Party are a blatant disregard for the people and not that of the National Alliance who is jeopardizing the desire of the people.
He said his party will not cover up for the DP since they are not able to produce a majority and it is obvious that there is some gripe between the members of the Democratic Party and Louis Laveist. "If they have problem they would have to come out and say that." Marlin said he wants Laveist to exactly what his position is since he wrote several letters to the Lt. Governor, one stating he is an Independent member and the other saying he is a full fledge executive council member without portfolios.
In invited comment Commissioner Louie Laveist said he had to leave the island urgently for urgent and personal matters. He said he had sent an email to all concerned informing them of his urgent travel plans. "I personally discussed this with commissioner Marlin also" Laveist said. Asked if there is any kind of turmoil within the DP party and himself? Laveist said there is nothing but love within the party and there are no problems brewing.
In the meantime, Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams in a press release said the cancellation of today's Central Committee meeting was disappointing for several reasons due to members not signing in, although being present.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams said that the performance of the Central Committee meetings were an integral part of the functioning of the government apparatus, which operates on several levels. One of which is the Island Council level, the highest. For this to function well, Central Committee meetings have to take place.
On the agenda were:
1. "Opening
2. Mededelingen
3. Ingekomen Stukken
4. Vaststelling besluitenlijst
5. Ontwerp-eilandsverordening houdende wijziging van de Eilandsverordening ruimtelijke ontwikkelingsplanning Sint Maarten.
6. Ontwerp-Eilandsverordening houdende vaststelling van regels met betrekking tot de vestiging en exploitatie van ondernemingen en tot wijziging van de Vergunningslandsverordening.
7. Alegemene Ziektekostenverzekering (AZV).
8. Sluiting"
These issues were important because they are dealing with important matters like the development plans for Fort Amsterdam and the Simpson Bay/Low Lands areas.
We also had to deal with the new Business License ordinance, which adopts the changes made last year.
Thus the functioning of government is paramount, according to Commissioner Wescot-Williams, and this functioning is dependent on having central committee meetings.
CAY BAY: --- Police from the Zero Tolerance team with the help of their colleagues from Curacao managed to apprehend the former sheriff security guard who managed to escape from police custody on December 24th 2008. On Friday several media houses including this one published the wanted fugitive photograph which led police to recapture the suspect in Cape Bay area on Saturday.
Keswick Rennis Daley is wanted by police as he is a suspect in several armed robberies. He was once an employee of sheriff security but was fired four months prior to his arrest on December 24th.
Police was not available up to press time yesterday to comment on this matter.
Philipsburg/ French Quarter:--- The Democratic Party is now mourning the loss of Elenora Arnell better known as Clarise. Mrs. Arnell was ill over the last year.
SMN News extends our deepest condolences to her husband Frank and her children during this time of their loss.

Philipsburg: --- The education department has decided to filter in the sixth graders of the Starlight Education Foundation into the regular government subsidized schools announced education commissioner Sarah Wescot Williams at Wednesday's press briefing. Wescot- Williams said government had to make a decision on the sixth graders since they are yet to hear from the Starlight Education and the business community on the reopening of the school. Wescot- Williams said that government is just proceeding with its plans to integrate the students who are out of school since January 9. While all students of the Starlight Education are being deprived of an education Wescot Williams said the 6th graders are being singled out since they should be preparing for the high school entrance examination.
The education commissioner also reminds parents of 4 to 6 year old children to contact the education department to register their children. She advised parents to walk with their child's birth certificate, copy of child's passport including the information page as well as a copy of the child's residency permit if they are in possession of one. She said the island government is busy implementing the compulsory education which is applicable to St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said the registration is necessary so that they can get an idea on how many illegal students there are on the island. She advised parents to monitor the newspapers for the notification for the registration.
Asked if the island government is ready to accept the challenge and if they have enough classrooms and teachers to accommodate all the students of Starlight Education center the commissioner said she could not give a definite answer since they simply do not know how many students they need to cater for.
Asked if the island government is looking into granting a more structural solution for the education institution the education commissioner said the island government began discussions with the institution but when it was made known that the private sector was willing to help the discussions stopped. She said for Starlight Education to receive subsidy they would need to meet certain conditions and criteria. Asked if the island government is considering the possibility of placing the students and the vacant space at the Martin Luther King Jr. School Wescot Williams said they are not because that location has to be repaired and will be used by the foundation for public education.
In the meantime, liaison officer and former civil servant Roberto Richardson said the foundation is close to closing a deal with the proprietor of the building who had the marshals placed padlocks on the school door for the lack of rent payments. Richardson said he met with landlord on several occasions to bring the matter to a close but the landlord who is obviously disappointed and hurt is trying to make sure everything is in place before reopening the doors of the school. He said the business community has done their part by making sure they have the monies in place to cover the arrears as well as rent up until August 1 2009. However, the landlord he said decided on Tuesday that she would not sign the new agreement until it has been looked at by her lawyer. Richardson said he already submitted a copy of the agreement to the proprietor's lawyer and he is confident that the matter would resolve by the end of today. He said the landlord has decided to take those steps due past promises that was made by other businesses and was not kept. He said that the landlord already indicated that if they do not have something tangible they would not remove the padlocks.
Furthermore, he said he fully understand why the landlord is taking the necessary precaution since the school management did not pay their rents for over a year.
Richardson further explained that his role is not only to get the school reopen but the businesses have indicated that they would assist management of Starlight with their finances and accounting so that this situation does not reoccur. The former civil servant said he is also busy negotiating with the education department to make sure Starlight Education Foundation get on board for government subsidy. He said he would be working very closely with the school to make sure they meet the necessary criteria to qualify for the subsidy based on the education policy. Richardson said he already held discussions with Quincy Harrigan and Mrs. Foresight- Labega regarding the school. He said he already indicated to government that the businesses are ready to work hand in hand with government until they do what is necessary to implement compulsory education which is now in its initial phases.
Philipsburg: --- Two students of the St. Maarten Vocational School are now behind bars suspected of raping another student of the school. SMN News understands that the victim is said to be somewhat retarded or slow.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the incident did not take place at the school but it occurred sometime last week. It is said the two youths took the teenager to another location where they committed the act.
One of the suspects identified as R was arrested at the school on Thursday along with the other suspect.
Contacted for a comment on the case Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said he is not aware of the case.

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of education Sarah Wescot Williams said the plans for the Vocational School that is to be built in Cay Hill is now ready and the departments are now busy looking at the plans. The new school has an estimated cost of 5.2 million guilders the education commissioner said. Wescot Williams said that this new school is all part of government's vision to expand the education system for the betterment of the citizens. Students who just finish their secondary education would get the opportunity to further pursue their vocational studies locally rather than having to leave the island.
She said until now students wishing to continue their education have to leave the island and this has created a social and financial burden on many families and the entire island. While the consequences that faces those students who choose to remain here after finishing their secondary education faces a mismatch within the labor market.
The education to facilitate the furthering and monitoring of further vocational training on the island. The new school would consists of classrooms and skill labs with includes kitchen and restaurant facilities that would not only be available to students but also to those persons who did not have the opportunity to fulfill their career path. She said even adults would get the opportunity to upgrade themselves to be in line with the job market.
The significant and tremendous success of Nevis Multi Line Services in Nevis is largely attributable to the fact that the company has made its items very affordable and competitive for ordinary people, this is according to Managing Director of NEMUS, Andy Liburd.
Liburd who has been credited as one of the very prominent successful businessmen in Nevis noted that hard work and a spirit of determination are also important to cushion the success. Liburd pointed out that when NEMUS made its entrance into the St Kitts and Nevis market despite the fact that they were several other competitors the prices offered by his company were acceptable and affordable, thus having a profound impact and that impact resonates up to today.
Giving an assessment of his business operations, Liburd said that while he credits 2008 as a satisfactory year he anticipates a very challenging year for 2009.
According to NEMUS MD the company had increased its sales levels in 2008 over the previous year noting that due to a number of challenging factors they were bracing itself for "a tough year" in 2009. "Frankly speaking I am not that sure that I am not sure that we can anticipate much growth in 2009 however if the lingering challenges are eradicated then I will be very happy as that can and will transcend into profit," Liburd said.
The MD noted that his company while being regarded as small had already begun to respond to an anticipated tough year by implementing a number of new strategies so as to address the issues. He pointed out that one such strategy ha been the implementation of greater emphasis on creating an environment that will further enhance its relations with its customers as customers are critically important to the sustainability of any business.
"We have ensured that we took the time to look within our own business to determine whether or not we are doing things as well as we can and whether we are creating the best possible offers for customers as without customers then you are out in the cold."
Liburd went on to note that his primary business focus for this year is to work towards maintaining, even increasing its market leadership as this would be an important area that needs to be addressed.
Commenting on new and innovative initiatives that NEMUS would be undertaking so as to continue being proactive Liburd said, "We have sought to concentrate our attention on focusing on a lot of activities which includes working more on marketing and public relations".
Liburd who is a firm believer that public relations is not essential owing to his quite nature lifestyle noted that more will have to be done taking into consideration that a number of persons are not aware of his company's attractive and really competitive prices. He admitted that in sourcing materials for his company significant and aggressive marketing is done so as to garner the best prices. "Sometimes we go around the world just to get the best prices for our clients as we believe that the best and most affordable prices should be offered continuously to the public. We believe that NEMUS will become even more relevant to both St Kitts and Nevis in 2009 taking into consideration that the world is faced with its global financial difficulties," Liburd said.
NEMUS Office Manager Corinne Caines said that during this year the company sought ways so as to maintain and create opportunities for its clients. She made reference to previous years noting that NEMUS has always done business with the clients' interest as its primary objective. "NEMUS always believes that satisfaction and a professional execution of service to our customers are critically important thus we have and continues to operate upon that principle," she said.
"We strongly hold the view that by continually improving the quality of our service we are putting ourselves in a firmer and secure position to maintain our market leadership position," Caines added.
Meanwhile, according to Liburd he said that despite 2008 was a year graced with a numerous challenges he is excited that the level of business that was done last year had surpassed the previous year. "Ï must note that 2008 had indeed begun very well however by the second half of the year the economic and financial challenges that had raised its ugly head as the credit crunch in the United States had ripple effects elsewhere".
Liburd added, "While this did not necessarily impact directly on NEMUS what it did do was change the mindset of the local consumer and like many other businesses we started to see a more cautious approach purchasing which created spin off effects in a number of sectors that would not otherwise have been the case.
Marigot: ------ The teachers from the Lycee and the Colleges on St. Martin plans to resume classes today says President of the MOCSAM Julien Gumbs. The decision came after a vote at a general assembly. However, the teachers has planned a protest march for March 3rd to coincide with the arrival of the general secretary of the Recorat of Guadeloupe.
The teachers met with the territorial council yesterday where they further discuss their grievances which led to a week long strike.
Even though the teachers are going back to school today Wednesday they are going to be out for another week since school will be closing at the end of the week for the annual carnival vacation. During this period of time the teachers along with the other unions representing the LC Fleming Hospital, EDF and the Collectivity workers and the MOCSAM would continue to negotiate their grievances with the elected officials.
Right now the teachers it is said realized they are the only ones trying to fight for St. Martin while the locals are going to work everyday.
Gumbs said that the MOCSAM members met yesterday evening where they debated the document the COM presented to them on Monday afternoon. He said the MOCSAM will be presenting the COM with a response on the document latest today as they continue to negotiate on behalf of the people of St. Martin.
He said right now they are planning to use other strategies to further mobilize the population. "With the march last Friday we were able to send a clear message to the elected officials and now we are moving forward. If those elected does not give us favorable answers then we would have to get back to the streets" says Julien Gumbs.
The teachers have decided to return to work after reviewing the calendar that was presented to them by the Collectivity. On that calendar it is clearly indicated that much needed renovations will be completed by September 1 at the Lycee and other establishments. The set of repairs will begin next week when school is out.
Syndicat Nationale des Enseignants Secondaires (SNES) union negotiator Laurent Bayley said teachers were mostly satisfied with the promises, but indicated a small minority of teachers, about 20 per cent, will continue the strike action in support of their family and friends who were arrested during their protest action.
Pointe Blanche:--- The St. Maarten Port Service has filed a request at the Federal Labour Department to dismiss 45 of its workers since they have lost one of their biggest contract "Tropical Shipping" to Intermar.
Already four of the employees who were on contract have been notified that their contract will not be renewed due to the latest developments. While the dismissal procedure is now underway at the Federal Labour Department for the other workers which amounts to 45.
It is understood that Tropical Shipping was providing at least 80% of the income at the St. Maarten Port Services which covers the salaries and other expenses for the 47 employees that are working for the company.
St. Maarten Port Services also filed an injunction against Tropical Shipping last week since they only gave the company 60 days notice even though the company has been providing services to them for the past 25 years.
According to the documents presented in the court case the company did not consider the long standing relationship, neither did they consider the staff and equipment, including the facilities the company has to take care of within the short notice. It is understood that management of St. Maarten Ports Services would do whatever is necessary to keep their doors open even if it means an appeal of the verdict when it comes next week. In case the court rules in favor of the St. Maarten Port Services then the company would withdraw their dismissal request from the Labor Department sources tells this media house.
Assistant mediator of the Federal Labor Department Kenneth Lopes confirmed that he received the request on January 30th and the process he said is underway. Lopes said the executive council will be notified latest today of the developments.
In an invited comment Carolene Buncamper CEO of St. Maarten Port Services confirmed the information but said due to the court procedure she is not at liberty to elaborate on the issue.
Pundits have it that this is another political and get rich scheme for commissioners since one of the commissioners is directly linked to Intermar who is now providing 90% of the shipping services on the island which has created a monopoly. One of the main concerns for companies that are importing goods to St. Maarten.
Sources say that even the expansion of the AC Wathey Cruise Facility has changed to further facilitate the commissioner of Ports Services. This they said have created a conflict of interest but no one is paying heed to good governance.
Already businesses on the island are crying out loud due to the worldwide economic situation and with 45 people loosing work would be another blow to the island. The commissioner of labor already said the only way to keep the economy on St. Maarten afloat is by keeping people on the job. However, this will not be the case at the St. Maarten Port Services.
Philipsburg- So far during the official working visit of Commissioner responsible for Education Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, to the Capital City of Florida, Tallahassee, much interest has been expressed in the island based on Wescot's deliberations with government and private sector officials.
During a dinner reception held in her honour on Tuesday evening organized by LINKS Inc., Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams was bombarded with questions about the island with respect to investments, public sector and constitutional renewal. During the reception, LINKS Inc. renewed their commitment to continue to assist St. Maarten students studying in Florida.
LINKS Inc. representatives also commended Head of Study Financing Calvin Mardenborough for his work and relationship with universities and students ensuring that St. Maarten continues to get the best out of the Sister City agreement in the area of education.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams and delegation member Head of Study Financing Calvin Mardenborough, arrived in Tallahassee late Tuesday afternoon and were greeted at the airport by the Mayor's representative Carrie Blanchard, City representative Ben Harris, and representatives of the board of the St. Maarten-Tallahassee Students Association, Stephen Knight, President of the Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation, and St. Maarten Government Liaison Arthur Lugissee.
During a meeting on Wednesday with Director of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development Dale Brill and International Affairs Liaison Eric Graham, the discussions focused on the opportunity for St. Maarten to be considered in Florida's on-going international program.
Florida House Representative Senator Allen Williams (Florida Legislative Black Caucus) committed himself to working with St. Maarten in all areas of interest set forth by Commissioner Wescot-Williams.
During a meeting with Mayor John Marks at City Hall on Wednesday, the Mayor expressed to St. Maarten's Leader of Government his continued interest in the Sister City partnership and his willingness to continue to support the program.
After a tour of the City Traffic Control Security System, the Fire Chief of Tallahassee Cindy Dick stated that they are committed to lending assistance to St. Maarten in what ever way necessary.
Commissioner Andrew Gillum in discussions with Commissioner Wescot-Williams discussed the on-going relationship with the City of Tallahassee and Gillum committed himself to a number of projects.
The Leader of Government is expected back on island February 22.

Philipsburg: --- The teams of investigators that have taken over the investigation of missing American Leta Lynn Cordes are back to square one since there have been no major leads during the one week search that took place on the French Side of the island last week.
Last week friends of Leta Cordes arrived on the island with cadaver dogs and searched mainly the Le Galleon Beach to see if they would come up with her body, which would have helped solved the case. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said the search has been stopped over the weekend and nothing major was found. He said due to this nothing has changed in the case. Asked if the taped interview with Frank Cordes shed any light into the investigation Stein said he did not think so. Last week local journalist Lisa MacKay Brown was also questioned by the detectives but that too did not lead to anywhere.
Leta Lynn Cordes disappeared on January 11 2008 after she allegedly left her home to go over to the Westin Casino to gamble. Her husband Frank Cordes who remains a suspect in the case said she was drunk at the time. He also admitted on more than one occasion that the two had an argument the day she disappeared. Frank Cordes spent close to four months behind bars during his pretrial detention but was released on the request of the prosecutors since they only have circumstantial information on the case.
The case of Frank and Leta Lynn Cordes brings to mind the case of Laci nd Scott Peterson. Laci Peterson disappeared on December 4 2002 she was seven and half months pregnant when she disappeared. Her husband Scott Peterson was convicted on first degree murder of his wife and second degree for his unborn son. He is now on the death row at the San Quentin Prison.
Philipsburg- Commissioner of Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus, would like to congratulate the 42 youth leaders who recently completed a 10-hour basic staff training course in youth leadership.
Commissioner Buncamper says the island should have a strong cadre of youth leaders to help the nation's young people develop their personal leadership skills and begin to set goals and directions for their lives beginning at an earlier age.
The staff training course was offered to Pathfinders in St. Maarten who will start to work with the Pathfinder Club next year. Youth leaders were trained in eight segments
"Youth organizations provide many different opportunities for youth to develop and practice their leadership skills and styles. These include from serving on an organizing committee, planning an event, public speaking or networking with other organizations.
"I encourage parents and guardians to encourage their children to join youth organizations as it builds a foundation for them where it concerns leadership. Providing training for youth who serve in these leadership capacities is essential so that youth feel confident in fulfilling the challenges required of them.
"Once young people have achieved a measure of success within a youth organization, they will continue to strive for more demanding and difficult roles.
"Youth facilitators play an important role in the development of self-esteem, self development, creativity, ethics and values, understanding leadership and authority, goal attainment, group dynamics, teamwork, problem solving and communication skills.
"I wish the 42 youth facilitators much success with their endeavors in youth development within the Pathfinder organization," Commissioner of Youth Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the (GIS).
Philipsburg:---Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper-Molanus stressed Wednesday that she has the utmost faith in the resiliency of the people of St. Maarten to endure and ultimately overcome these challenging economic times. "It is this factor, along with government actions, that will ultimately see us through a crisis that people all over the world is experiencing," the Commissioner said.
Buncamper-Molanus said she has always spoken frankly and directly to the people of St. Maarten about the local economic situation and world-wide financial crisis. She said while she never sugar-coated anything, she has always considered the potential economic impact that constant gloom and doom messages have on the conscious and sub-conscious of every consumer.
"We are all aware of the situation, we look forward to the possible mitigating measures that will be explored at the upcoming Economic Summit and cannot ignore that attitudes have to change in terms of people's lifestyles. However we will only serve to weaken consumer confidence and demand if we allow negative messages to permeate in our community," the Commissioner said.
She continued: "Once consumption starts to slide, businesses will start to lay-off workers, who will not be able to pay their rents, electricity, school fees and buy food. This will start the downward slope of the economy and all the negative consequences associated therewith such as crime, drugs, physical-, mental and possibly even sexual abuse."
Recalling the difficult times that St. Maarten, its people and its businesses had to endure in the past, the Commissioner said she has no doubt that St. Maarten will emerge from the current crisis in good shape. "We are a resilient people. We have been through challenging times before, God-made or otherwise. We have proven that we have always been able to rise to meet any challenge that stands before us. I have no reason to think any differently this time around," she said.
She added that government, including the opposition, must start to encourage our constituents that they need to take whatever precautionary measures necessary to weather the storm. "If we can do it for a hurricane, we must do it for this economic hurricane. It is a responsibility our people have to themselves and to St. Maarten just as we, their elected representatives, have a responsibility to them and St. Maarten," she said.
The opposition's time should be constructively spent, she says, by being frank with the population about "belt tightening" rather than blaming government for a crisis that was not created by government. She said she respect's the opposition's rights to question government, but urged them to be responsible and not only to try or attempt to make the government look bad, unprepared and/or un-caring but to inform, educate and encourage our people about the role they can play in safeguarding and protecting their own livelihood.
"To this end, buy what is necessary, limit conspicuous (unnecessary) consumption, take care of our basic needs and work hard to ensure that your employer stays in business as this is also your direct source of income and to be able to provide for yourself and family. The opposition and Government might not always agree on everything, but I believe we have consensus on the fact that the economic situation requires the attention and contributions of all of us. We must find common ground in order to lead St. Maarten through this storm," Buncamper-Molanus concluded.
Marigot:-- A 19 year old young man was sentenced to three years of which 18 months are suspended. He was also sentenced to hard labor for attacking two tourists on February 21 in Grand Case.
A press release from the gendarmes states that culprit was identified by the VAMA Team. The sentence was handed down on February 26 in Basseterre.

Cupe Coy: --- A helicopter that is attached to the Heineken Regatta went down in the Cupe Coy area just after 11am. While some of the information that is being received right now is conflicting. It is understood that male person and two women and the pilot on board where he was conducting a cruise. While other information states that the helicopter in fact is attached to the Heineken Regatta. This media house also understands the helicopter took off from the L'Esperance airport in Grand Case and they were filming a yacht when the it began encountering engine problems.
It is understood that the four occupants who was on board the aircraft at the time it went down was rescued by some sailors that was passing in the area. Three occupants who are said to be VIP have escaped unharmed. It is also understood that the aircraft encountered some engine problems and the pilot chose to land the in the water, parts of the helicopter caught fire after it landed. The aircraft stayed afloat after the landing.
Members of the rescue operations from the coast guard safely towed the aircraft away. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said that when police received the call several patrols were dispatched to the scene to investigate. Henson said that according to eyewitnesses the helicopter began encountering engine problems and the pilot had no other choice but to land in the water. He said shortly after the landing a wave came and over turned the helicopter. The pilot and the passengers immediately abandoned the aircraft and were rescued by persons who were in a dingy.
The victims were taken to Mullet Bay beach where they received medical attention from the ambulance team. The helicopter in question is a type Bell 206. N-83086 which was on an island tour when it went down, Henson said the pilot who has been identified as N.J.B is said to be very experienced, also on board was two female passengers from the United States.
The helicopter drifted ashore in the Cupe Coy area and would be taken a location where the aviation investigators would conduct their investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

Philipsburg:--- Even though not official the CFT has already indicated that the figures of the 2009 budget is satisfactory according to their standards said commissioner of finance Roy Marlin said at yesterday's press briefing.
Marlin said the island government was requested to provide a number of answers to questions and elucidations pertaining to the 2009 budget. He said he has not seen any major changes that have to be made but they would need to take into consideration the income and expenditures based on the figures that were presented. He said consideration would also have to be placed on the economic down turn and its consequences that the island government would be feeling. Marlin said this though would call for greater financial management of government finances during the year 2009.
Marlin said the executive council reviewed the income verses the expenditures for the first two months and they already noticed a slight difference. He alluded that this was because of the sale of number plates which has not yet arrived. The finance commissioner said they had projected the number plate sale for the month of January. A difference he said was also seen in the processing fees for working permits. Marlin said the island government plans to monitor their finances on a month to month basis to make sure they stay in line with the agreed terms and agreements of the CFT and their budget discipline.
He said the CFT in its preliminary advice said the overall quality and figures that were presented are to their satisfaction. Marlin said he is presently waiting to get the final advice which would be made public and sent to the island council.

Marigot: --- The family of an elderly woman is annoyed and most of all hurt by the way the gendarmes entered their elderly mother's house and almost killed her since she is a heart patient. Sheila Dolores Maccow 70 years and her two children Lona Maccow and Francois Maccow told members of the media that on Friday morning a number of gendarmes many dressed in black clothing broke down the back door of her home apparently looking for someone.
Mrs. Maccow said she lives alone and about 6am she was busy making her bed up when she heard a loud bang on her door. The woman said before she knew it the gendarmes broke down her door and they entered her bedroom where she was and placed a gun at her back pushing her with the weapon and told her to get out of the house.
The woman said when she got out of the bedroom she saw a number of gendarmes in her kitchen and her hall, however, she went outside of the house as told by the gendarmes and that point she noticed the gendarmes had her son Francois aka "Cutie" on the ground with a gun forced in his back. Mrs. Maccow said when she saw the position the lawmen had her son in she fell down. She said she did not know what had happened next. The elderly woman said after a while she realized she was in an ambulance and she asked the gendarmes and other persons with her where they were taking her and they said to the hospital.
Lona Maccow the woman's daughter said she was called on her job and was told of the incident since her mother was conscious when she reached the hospital. Lona said her mother refused the treatment at the hospital because she once had a heart attack and she wanted to make sure her doctor knew what they were doing. Lona said the doctors at LC Fleming Hospital gave her mother a letter to go to her house doctor and they immediately took her to see him who said the elderly woman suffered a slight heart attack due to the shock. She said her brother who also suffers with his back also had to be taken to the hospital where an ex-tray was done to determine the extent of his injuries.
Lona said the gendarmes then returned to the house about 9 am the same morning and conducted a search however; they did not take anything away from the home. She said the gendarmes told them they were looking for a bad person whose name they gave as Flanders and who is considered to be a dangerous person. However, the gendarmes did not have a photograph or anything of the wanted man except to say they got information that he was living in their mother's house which is located at number 40 Rue de Hollande St. James.
Lona said her mother had suffered a heart attack sometime ago and she has to do therapy for her medical condition. The distraught daughter said her mother does her treatment on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and on the morning in question she got up early so that she can prepare herself before the therapist arrived at their home. The woman said her brother who lives upstairs came downstairs to rescue his mother but the gendarmes held him to the ground with a gun placed in his back. Lona said she does not know who the suspect is and so far the gendarmes cannot locate him. However, three gendarmes went back to her home on Monday and apologized to the elderly woman telling her they made a mistake with the house. Lona said on Wednesday evening she received another phone call from Gendarme Patrice who asked her how the meeting with Mr. Mussington, and Richardson went. She said she told the officer she did not know what he was talking about.
The family said they do not intend to file any complaint against the gendarmes however; they want to tell their story because they do not want this to happen to anyone else.
Also at the press conference was territorial councilor Alain Richardson who condemned the way the gendarmes handled the case. Richardson said on Friday the family was looking for him but they did not see him. He said about 9 am while on his way to work he did noticed three gendarmes in a car including commandant Stephanne Arrousseau and it is then the woman's daughter told him of the ordeal. Richardson said he immediately visited the elderly woman.
Richardson said from the very beginning even though it was clear that the family was very much hurt by the incident they have no intention to take legal actions against the gendarmes even though they have grounds for a strong case. He said he considers this to be use of excessive force as well as mistaken identity. Richardson said based on this ordeal the woman could have lost her life innocently. He said he believes if the gendarmes are going to raid someone's house they would have the basics which are a warrant from the judge, and the correct information on the home that they intend to raid. He said if the gendarmes had conducted the necessary research they would have known who lived at the home and the age of the person that is living there. He said he know that the gendarme does not raid homes haphazardly. Richardson said he sees no reason why the gendarmes did not go to get one of Mrs. Maccow children prior to raiding the home.
Richardson said since the gendarmes apologized it is clear they made a mistake. Richardson said it is clear that they are using excessive force. He said there are cases when the gendarmes are going to certain neighborhoods they go as if they intend to terrorize that particular neighborhood. Richardson said this type of attitude is not helping the situation. The territorial councilor acknowledged that there are guns and danger on the island and the gendarmes have to protect themselves. Richardson said that the gendarmes have to make sure they don't create more problems and they should beware before this type of behavior backfires. He said that at this time the gendarmes have to also make sure they keep the population on their side so that they can fight crime.
In an invited comment Commandant Stephanne Arrousseau said that they did an investigation which showed that the suspect do resides at the house in question. He said the French law does not require for them to have a search warrant. Arrousseau said as officers of the law they are supposed to do their jobs and based on the investigations they had to visit the Maccow's house. Asked if he knew what happened to the elderly woman he said he is aware but the woman was given the necessary medical attention and up to the last time they saw her she was okay. He said he is also aware of the call that was placed by Gendarme Patrice on Wednesday night and the reason why they called is because they heard the family along with Richardson was going to hold a press conference.
Marigot: --- The gendarmes have warned that due to the lack of a bilateral agreement between France and Holland or Saint Martin and St. Maarten police officers neither the gendarmes have no legal right to cross over each other's territory in pursuit of suspects.
The gendarmes made the reminder in a press release referring to the accident of a patrol car that lost control on Monday on Bellevue while in pursuit of two suspects who might have committed a crime on the Dutch side. The gendarmes said they are busy conducting an investigation into the accident which occurred about 500 meters beyond the border.
The release further states that this is not the first time a patrol car from the Dutch side has lost control while on pursuit on the French side. They reminded that on October 13 2007 a near fatal accident occurred. In relation to Monday's incident they said the two victims (police officers) were received minor injuries was removed from the scene by officers of the Dutch police force. The victims were taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center where they was treated and released later that same day.
Despite the absence of a cross border agreement, it does not mean suspects will get away unpunished, the Gendarmerie added. Cooperation continues to exist in real time between the two respective forces of order to facilitate arrests on either side of the border. This was demonstrated on February 27 when two armed individuals were arrested by the Dutch side police for robbing businesses in French Quarter and was attributed to quick communications and exchange of information. All Gendarmerie patrols were alerted as well as the Dutch side police.
The international cross border agreement is still under study by the two Governments concerned. The police department on the Dutch side has so far remained tightlipped on the accident which cost them a police vehicle.

Philipsburg:--The [RED] Campaign just received an important asset to the Campaign by having one of St. Maarten's most popular DJ's, DJ Blaze throw his weight behind HIV/AIDS awareness.
DJ Blaze is the first DJ on the island to join the [RED] campaign, which is good, because he can make use of the various avenues allotted to him to reach the youth. The slogan for 2009 is Think [RED], Do Safe, which focuses on promoting healthy sexual behavior. This year the campaign is focusing on the youth, and what better way to reach them than through their own environment.
DJ Blaze told us at the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team that he is real happy to be a part of this campaign and will help in every way possible to spread the awareness of HIV/AIDS through his parties and beyond. People can look out for the Think [RED], Do Safe Party in May hosted by DJ Blaze.
"One of our objections for this year is to take the [RED] Campaign to all areas of our society, wherever people and conversations are Think [RED], Do Safe should be on their mind," said Cornelius De Weever, HIV/AIDS Assistant Programme Manager.
Cornelius De Weever, stated, "I attended his last party to observe and I was very pleased to listen to them spread the message without offending those in attendance."
DJ Blaze has been a DJ for the past 11 years, and is well known for his fun/exciting, off the chain parties, especially his annual birthday bash in August, which falls right after August Monday. In February he held the ‘Ramping Shop' Party at Secrets Nightclub, and provided condoms to party attendees. His specialty music is hip/hop, soca and reggae. The HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team is looking forward to working with DJ Blaze. DJ Blaze can be reached on telephone number 581-2225 or via any of the social networking sites, such as Facebook, Hi5 and MySpace or through e-mail at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Stay tuned for more on the party scene from DJ Blaze and the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team.

Philipsburg: --- Personnel of the fire department responded to a fire in the Government Administration Building yesterday afternoon. Fire Commander Frans Niuewenhoven said the fire was electrical and it began in the meter room. He said the fire was brought under control very quickly and investigation into the fire will soon take place.
A press release from GIS states that the fire began around 4.15 pm, an apparent short circuit caused an electrical fire on the main electrical line in the Government Administration Building.
Personnel quickly evacuated the building while fire fighters extinguished the flames, which were contained in the small electrical room at the rear of the Government Administration Building. Some smoke did protrude to certain areas of the building due to normal air movement, but there were no injuries to the occupants of the building.
GEBE personnel were immediately contacted in order to cut power to the building, and work has already started on restoring electrical power.
The public is notified that the Government Administration Building is closed tomorrow; and personnel working at the main government building are allowed to stay at home, with the exception of essential personnel who have already been notified. Work is progressing in order to restore normal operations at the building by Wednesday, April 8, 2009.
All other government departments not housed at the Government Administration Building will operate normally on Tuesday, April 7th.
The fire department also responded to another fire earlier in the day in the Cole Bay area during the morning hours yesterday. Niuewenhoven said while there was a bush fire and an apparent arson. He said the police have arrested one person in relation to arson of a house. The house he said was not badly damaged since the fire fighters managed to bring the blaze under control.
Philipsburg- The application process for Mobility Passes for the 2009 Hurricane Season which starts from June 1 to November 30, starts as of April 14 only for the business sector and vital organizations. The pass allows the aforementioned to assess possible damage to their property. Potential applicants have until May 22 to present all relevant information related to the process of requesting a Mobility Pass.
For the 2009 season, the application form as well as information sheet can be downloaded from the Fire Department's website www.brandweersxm.net under the link "Hurricane Information."
Passes are issued to the following categories: government personnel, personnel of essential companies or organizations, (sub) contractors for Sector ROB-Public Works, transportation passes for hotel staff, business owners and members of vital organizations.
The hurricane pass application procedure is only intended for businesses and vital organizations with respect to their key personnel receiving an exemption to a curfew.
The Office of the Fire Department & Disaster Management is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Governor of the Island Territory of St. Maarten.
The hurricane mobility pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations. The Governor assesses the damage after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.
After a disaster has struck, and a curfew has been imposed, the public roads can only be accessed by emergency crews. The Governor will ensure that the curfew is limited to the essential time that is needed to execute emergency and disaster relief and recovery efforts.
§ Businesses and vital organizations can request personal passes for their key personnel. In principle only one (1) pass is granted per business, but for larger companies more passes can be requested.
§ This pass will allow the bearer to visit his place of business to assess possible damage to the property, ONLY during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Governor in a curfew situation.
§ Proof must be submitted that one has a business on given address and/or is a member of a vital organization for which a pass is requested. Therefore a copy of the most recent business license (2009) should be submitted (or proof of registration at the Chamber of Commerce for vital organizations).
§ The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management, located at Backstreet 56 (upstairs) before May 22, 2009, with all necessary documents attached:
- copy business license fee paid for 2009;
- copy new model Sint Maarten ID-card (old cards are null and void);
§ When the request is submitted per form Nafl. 50,- in leges stamps, to be obtained at the Island Receiver, needs to be included. This is a non-refundable handling fee.
§ One (1) passport picture must be submitted with the request for new applicants.
§ The emergency pass is only valid for the year 2009 hurricane season and will remain the property of the Island Territory. Passes have to be requested on an annual basis.
§ The Governor approves the granting of the hurricane passes to applicants.
§ Persons whose applications have been turned down will be notified on behalf of the Governor. Appeal is not possible.
§ Persons without a valid residency permit will not be issued a pass.
§ One will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the Office of the Fire Department & Disaster Management on Backstreet 56 (office hours are Monday - Friday, 8.30 AM - 3.30 PM).
§ The Island Territory is authorized to verify the information that is supplied by the person / business requesting the emergency pass.
§ Failing to comply with the abovementioned procedure, omitting information or handing in the form too late will result in the application being turned down.
For those without internet access, application forms are available at the Fire Department & Disaster Management Office located on Backstreet 56 (upstairs).

Philipsburg: --- At least 20 employees of the St. Maarten Tender Services have begun industrial action today (Tuesday) demanding that management of the company pay them their retroactive pay. On the scene was President of the Windward Island Civil Servant Union William Reed. Reed said the union has been in negotiations with management of Tender Services for the past 11 months and they managed to work out an agreement but management does not want to pay the workers their retroactive pay, something he said the workers are entitled to.
He said owner of the Tender Services Bobby Velasquez already indicated to them that he would have the cruise ships cancel their visits to St. Martin for the next week instead of paying them. "We already worked out the increase in salaries as well as the working conditions and the only point that had to be settled is the retroactive pay. Mr. Velasquez decided that he is not going to make that payment of the salary increase from the time the negotiation begins. But management only wants to pay from January 2009.
Something the workers would not accept." Reed said the union even tried to negotiate with management because he even tried to get management to pay the retroactive from June last year but Velasquez he said does not intend to pay the workers since he is saying he does not have monies for that. Reed said the decision taken by Valesquez is totally unacceptable and he does not have the goodwill of his workers at heart.
Reed said his members are looking at the development of the marina empire which they said cost millions while they the workers are only asking for hundreds. He said the workers felt this is a matter of principle and if these monies are not paid to them they would not return to work since they have had enough. Reed said Valesquez should take in consideration that the economic times are hard and the workers need more monies. He said it is hard for the workers to see the development of the marina over the years and they who are working extra hours are not benefitting from the growth of the company. He said it is the union who had to put up huge fights with management for the workers to have a pension plan and other benefits for them and their families since management of the Tender Services were denying the workers these benefits. Reed said the workers of Tender Services were never receiving overtime pay instead they were being paid for the amount of hours they work. "These workers never received the 200% or the 150% in overtime pay." Reed said the workers are carrying a resentment towards the company because they feel they have been exploited over the years. Reed said unless the mediator meets with them the workers would not go back to work. He said he cannot understand how Valesques can take a decision to cancel close to 15 ships instead of paying the workers. He said he does not understand what type of message Valesquez is sending to the people of St. Martin.
Boyd Sabaroche an employee for the past 19 -years said when he started working for the company they only had one tender but now there are 13. He said over years the company developed tremendously and felt they should be given what is due to them
Shop Stewart for the WISCU Andrew Ellivic said over the years they have been abused since they never received their over time. He said it's only when they joined the union they began getting these benefits. He said company acknowledged they broke the law over the years and they rectified it but refused to pay them the retroactive payment over the years. He said during the negotiations the union had to agree to the terms management wanted yet still they want to deny them their monies.
Ellivic charged that the company is making lots of monies from the Tender Services because the tourist always pays their fares to and from town. He said when the stores in Phillipsburg are crying out about the kind of sales they get the Tender Services does not have that problem because the tourist pay their fare even if they don't spend one cent in town. He said the tourist loves the service of the Tender Services over taxi services and all of this Valesquez know this. He said they needed a better salary and they had to let go of it. The WISCU shop steward said they are forced to work long hours before they can take home a reasonable salary.
Another long time employee Sandra Blaze who has been working for the company for the past 18 years said they want management to respect them and pay them what is due to them. She said management can do whatever they want but they must pay them. She said the workers never refused to work but they need their monies so that can take care of their families. As for respect she said Valesquez tried to intimidate the workers by going to them and ask them if they were part of the strike also.
Blaze said Valesquez is claiming he does not have monies to pay them but in her opinion the company has monies because Valesquez she said told them he would cancel all ships coming to the island this week. "If there is no money then people would have to work. But they have money that is why they can cancel all the ships for this week." Blaze said the company has money that is why they are taking these types of risks. She said the company does not seem to need their workers since he can do as he pleases. She said no one know what they are going through because they are working everyday. She said during the off season they can hardly meet their needs while the company is making millions. She asked what is wrong with paying them their retroactive pay.
In response to the charges made by the union and the workers Bobby Valesquez said they were in negotiations for 11 months because the union (WISCU) practically dragged their feet in the negotiations. He said the union representatives did nothing but prolong the negotiation. Valesquez said the company manages its books on a yearly basis which runs from January to December and the books already closed. He said the company gave all the workers their increases which ranges from 10 to 18% depending on the amount of years they worked for the company. He said the company has always treated its workers fairly and the St. Maarten Tender Services is the only company in the Antilles that pays their workers well. Valesquez said the Union even mentioned this in Curacao and Statia when they negotiated there. Valesquez said the company has no time to play games with the union and he intends to make sure the tenders work on Wednesday. He considered the actions taken by the union very irresponsible since he was not notified by the union prior to the action being taken. Valesquez said the union wants him to break the law by altering his books to pay the workers for last year something he does not intend to do. Moreover, Valesquez provided the media with a letter he sent to the Union on April 6th telling them that stated the company agrees to pay the retroactive for the year 2009. Employees will receive all that is due to them upon signing of the Collective Labor Agreement. The letter states that the company cannot back date the salaries for last year and the company cannot meet such an obligation since they did not budget for that in 2008.
It is also stated that the company has the best interest of its workers at heart and they are paying the best wages in the Antilles.
Tender Service said its time to move forward since they have not created the problems they are facing but as a company they must deal with it. Furthermore, the company reminds the unions of the impact their actions is having on the island as well as the company.
Valesquez said Reed have slow in responding to the company because he is the one who always have to remind Reed that the CLA is up and negotiation has to begin.
On the charges on cancelling the ships coming to St. Maarten Valesquez calls the accusation ludercrist since he has nothing to do with the scheduling of these ships. He said despite he is a member of FCCA he has no jurisdiction on the ships. Furthermore he said despite the indifferences he maybe having he would never do anything to hurt his island. Valesquez said he is not the one hurting the island during this economic times its Reed and his gang that is hurting the economy of the island. "People depend on the Tender Services".
As per the development at the Marina, Velázquez said he cannot understand what one thing has to do with the other. Be said Bobby's Group Holding Companies has several companies in it and not only the Tender Services. He said he does not know what type of millions the employees and their union are talking about since his books are being audited every year by Price Water and Coopers and anyone can see what the holding companies makes. Valesquez called on his employees to look at their salaries and the benefits they are getting, since the company has given them all the benefits they are due to. He consideration the accusations made by the workers and the union as ‘hog wash". He said is book is open for everyone to see.
Mr. Bobby Valesquez assured that despite the outcome of the actions taken the Tender Services will be operating tomorrow (Wednesday).

Marigot: ---- Three members of the RRR party namely the party leader Alain Richardson, Noreen Brooks, and Ramona Conner expressed their disgust at the statements that are made on all airwaves by ousted president Frantz Gumbs. The sentiments were expressed during a press conference called by the RRR. "Can you imagine the ousted president is saying he did nothing wrong for the State Council to sanction him, for me the president is insulting the intelligence of the population as well as the legal system. The least he can do is accept responsibility. Even more disturbing Gumbs is the first magistrate of the island and he need to lead by example" says the members of the RRR.
Territorial Councilor Ramona Conner said she simply cannot understand how could the State Council sanction someone who did not commit any wrong?, moreover the decision that was handed down by the council was foreseeable since the RRR had openly objected to the procedures on August 7th 2008 prior to filing the complaint with the State Council. "Gumbs is the first magistrate of this island and he needs to take up his responsibility." While fourth vice president Louis Jeffry has been saying the reason they used the pre-printed ballots is because the UPP party is organized." Conner said. Also expressing discuss at the former president is territorial councilor Noreen Brooks. Brooks said with these types of statements the population should reflect on their choice. She said while the sanction is legitimate it is only when someone takes others for fools that they would tell them foolish things by finding ways and means of justifying their actions as well as the sanction. Brooks said its time for the people to demand respect from their elected officials. The territorial councilor said times have changed and there are lots of intelligent people on the island that needs to be respected.
Brooks also clarified statements made by Daniella Jeffry and Aline Choisy who said the RRR voted for the UPP program when they all voted for L. C Fleming in 2007. She said at the time St. Martin was entering a new setting and they the RRR stretched forth their hands to meet the majority half way. "It's not about voting for their program it was about trying to work in the best interest of the island". Brooks also called on the UPP councilors to do some soul searching and ask themselves if they are doing justice to the island. She said there are lots in the organic law that can work in the interest of St. Martin and it has not yet been touched while there are a number of things in the law that needs to be changed. She said while it is important for the changes to be made she questioned if making those changes would make any difference since the majority is not doing anything otherwise and what is available. She felt it is time for the population to rise up and stop those that are manipulating the councilors.
"The youths on St. Martin are now saying politicians are living in a state of lawlessness, since the former President of the COM was sanction by the State Council for not respecting the electoral laws and he immediately got promotion when he was elected senator. Now Gumbs is sanctioned and instead of showing remorse and acknowledging what was wrong he already announced his candidacy." Party leader Alain Richardson said.
Richardson said that while the present trend the island is undergoing is "the talk of the town with added shame." The island people need to call those elected to order.
Richardson further explained that even though the decision was openly handed out they are yet to receive the official notification from the State Council, for this reason the RRR has not announced their plans for the upcoming election. He said they managed to obtain copies of the decision which needs to be analyzed. The RRR leader intends to convene another press conference in the future to outline the party's plans.
Addressing the ruling of the State Council Richardson said they confirmed that the freedom and the secrecy were indeed violated. He said while pre-printed ballots is legal in a general election where the names of all candidates is listed under the party they represent it is illegal to use such ballots as means of controlling ones vote as was the case of the August 7th election. He said the UPP the party pressured the councilors to vote for Gumbs instead of allowing the councilors to vote for whom they wish secretly. Richardson read out the extracts of the process verbal that was presented to the State Council which resulted in the cancelation.
Asked if he is disappointed in the ruling Richardson said that they gave all the necessary clues to indicate there is manipulation involved. However, they are respectful of the decision that is rendered by the Council. Asked if he felt the sanction would bring about any changes since the UPP majority would be voting for Gumbs again. Richardson said the sanction is to show that there are laws in place that has to be respected. He said already people are asking if the UPP councilors don't know how to write and if that was the reason they chose to use pre-printed ballots. He said if they were to stay quiet what type of example are they giving to the youths on St. Martin. "Already Louis Constant Fleming was condemned but he received a promotion instead of a punishment and today its Gumbs who are saying boldly he is intends to postulate again." He said even though the UPP used pre-printed ballots for the election of Fleming they did not see the need to contest it since there was not any other candidate. He said even though the RRR did not win the general election they never lost the love their country. Richardson at that time they recognized that the UPP had the majority and the president would have come from their camp so they showed good will by voting for him expecting that they would have been able to work together for the interest of the island.
He said the most honorable thing for the UPP should do is to give back the people their mandate. He said the island has lost its image with the two sanctions against the presidents namely Fleming and Gumbs. "When St. Martin and St. Barths voted for the new status and obtained it those in the other islands felt the two smaller islands had balls to go for what they wanted but today the island (St. Martin ) is the laughing stock of the region. Based on this the UPP should face the nation and admit they are not capable and that they have failed to prove themselves thus far in carrying the image and respect the island deserves. "Let the people decide if these mistakes are technical or if it's truly incompetence and manipulation." Richardson said.
Richardson said it would be nice to see the people of St. Martin rise up and demand respect from the UPP who has dragged the image of the island in the mud. "The people need to send a message to these people." Richardson said it impossible to see the territorial council sitting down without offering any contribution even though they have legislative powers. He concluded by saying that it is time for the people to come together and demand or question them on their actions. He said democracy still does exist even though there is manipulation. He said it is proven in the overseas departments that the people can achieve more than politicians if they work together. Richardson said he believe this would ring home very soon.
What is Right Despite Politics-Brooks.
Opposition councilor Noreen Brooks admitted she is disappointed with the performance of Frantz Gumbs who was a former opposition member. Brooks said that she is disappointed with the entire UPP team from the very inception since they have not shown any love and interest for their country.
She said while many persons would say she has always been acting like an opposition while she was part of the mayor's ruling party. She said during the days of the commune when she saw something was not going to benefit the people she would speak out and vote against it. "When you have love for your people and their interest at heart then you do what is right" Brooks said elected officials are accountable for their action and felt that she does not believe the UPP understands their duty towards their country. She said while the UPP are speaking of transparency and good governance which to her is pure hypocrisy.
Brooks said when the council voted for the EPIC it was not the right choice for the island since the EPIC caters to the European market instead of the Americans that is sustaining St. Martin. All of this she said shows they (UPP) are not looking out for what is best for St. Martin and its people.
Brooks said she believes money is involved in the corruption on the French side, even though not naming names she said this matter would surely work out itself. She said she cannot understand why the young and vibrant councilors under the UPP umbrella would remain silent on key issues. The only answer to that she said has to be monies or deals being passed under the table. "I would have resigned if my voices could not be heard. I believe they should leave instead of facing further embarrassment." Brooks concluded.

Cole Bay:--- Visibly emotional and hurt about his legal battle Island Councilman Louie Laveist told reporters that he submitted his letter of resignation yesterday. The letter was written to the chairman of the island and executive council Franklyn Richards. Laveist said he indicated to reporters from the very beginning that he would have done the honorable thing when there is verdict in his criminal case. "Now that the verdict is in and it is sure not in my favor I have decided to resign from the executive council". Laveist said at a press conference held at Stomp law firm yesterday.
The embattled island councilman outlined eight scenarios on which politicians must trend. He made clear he represents a faction in the island council and that he can throw his support either way. Laveist also acknowledged that he is still in discussions with the leader of the Democratic Party. Asked why he is continuing to give the DP his support when it is clear they are not in support of him during his ordeal. Laveist said he was not willing to answer that question yet since the discussions are still ongoing.
Even though he resigned from the executive council Laveist said he did not pull his support from the present government. He said that he felt he was duly elected by the people and he would not give up his island council seat. "I am one of three people who were on the DP list that elected myself by pulling the necessary votes. Those three persons on the DP slate are its leader Wescot Williams, Theo Heyliger and yours truly Louie Laveist".
In outlining the eight scenarios he said that the two main parties can form a purple coalition or even form a national government without his support or endorsement. He said should he decide to make political changes he would not be holding any office as he referred to the harsh penalty that was meted out against him in the court of instance. He called on the community to allow him due process as they would to every citizen of the island.
Asked if he is busy discussing the sale of his island council seat to the Democratic Party as is rumored Laveist said the question reminded him of why the prosecution began their investigation against him. He said even though he had no intention of discussing the criminal case he said that the prosecution said they had valid information which stated he had millions in offshore accounts in Nevis, Anguilla and the Bahamas. This is what the prosecution said and they looked and to date they cannot produce proof.
Laveist said the prosecution claimed he got these monies from selling work and residency permits. Furthermore they claimed that when illegal were arrested he was one of the persons who would take monies to get these persons released. "I want you know some persons on the island reported to the governor, prosecutor and the minister of justice that I was heavily involved in selling working and residency permits. These persons said that I was gaining millions of dollars from this illegal practice." In answering the question Laveist said selling his seat would be considered as bribery in the judicial system and he is not involved in such activity.
Asked if he was willing to burst the so-called bombshell he promised to let go Laveist said he was advised by his attorney that he should not say anything more for now and he has decided to take the advise of his legal team since he has to be cautious. He said for now that information will remain with his legal team until its appropriate for the public to know.
Asked if he was willing to point out who is the reporter he mentioned is involved in his political demise. Laveist said he is certain that everyone in the media knows who that person is and they were among the reporters present for the press conference.
Speaking about his future Laveist said the judge has basically left him jobless and he has lost his 25-years in the civil service. "They basically left me out there to dry, let us not talk about the people that depend on me as a person but let us focus on me, how do I eat" he asked. "Quite frankly I have been stripped and left jobless, I was born here and live and made his living on St. Maarten all his life and I would like to know where I should go to seek employment. I am asking myself if I should go out there and steal because that is the only thing I see left for me to do." Laveist said. However, he promised that would not happen because he was taught not to steal or envy anyone.
Laveist said he has maintained his innocence and he has no bag of monies stacked away in his mattress. He said he has never taken monies from anyone but the court of first instance has stripped him of his dignity as he read out the sentence meted out against him.
Philipsburg: --- The supervisory board of GEBE is planning to send home its managing director William Brooks as early as this weekend sources close to company said. SMN News has been reliably informed that the board offered Brooks a package of six months payment which is outlined in his working agreement.
Already Will Johnson a member of the supervisory board said that he was not in favor of what the board had intended to do. Even though there was not definite date then it is said the board is now closer to executing its plans which has been in the pipelines for sometime now.
SMN News also understands that the supervisory board already sent Brooks several warning letters, one such letter was delivered when he increased fuel clause without the board's permission. It is said it is the former managing director Julius Lambert was the one to find this discrepancy when he was appointed chairman of the supervisory board. Other contentions include the disappearance of Brooks each time there is a crisis within the company. Other sources say that the board as well as employees also has a problem with the man's character.
However it is understood that Brooks wants more monies and he intends to challenge the supervisory board in the legal system. "Should this happen the board of GEBE would have no other choice but to put Brooks's dirty laundry outside." The source said that they have been hearing that Brooks was to be dismissed since last year but he managed to survive the year. Some two weeks ago one board member of GEBE spoke out against the intentions of the supervisory board saying he was not in support of the board's intentions instead he felt that there is a lot of injustice against Brooks.
That dirty laundry includes bad spending of the company's money which had to be re-reimbursed and his so-call trip overseas when the utility company ran out of fuel last year December sending the island in total darkness for over 20 hours.
Brooks also made headlines when he refused to pay its workers their 5% increase in salary plus their cost of living adjustments all of which is outlined in the Collective Labor Agreement. The company also has to pay the workers 5% each year they did not produce the appraisal for the workers.
The sources also said that Island Councilman and Senator Frans Richardson who is presently in Curacao would be coming to Brooks's defense. SMN News contacted Richardson for a statement and he said that he intends to make a statement later in the week when he obtains more information on the matter.

Philipsburg: --- Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin in a statement to SMN News said that while the leader of the Democratic Party found it fit to disclose the contents of the proposal he sent to her she did not say what the emails of her emissary stated.
Marlin said DP member Michael Ferrier in his emails to him said that in all scenarios that could be worked out into forming a new government Wescot Williams must remain the leader of government. These demands were made via email to National Alliance leader William Marlin over the weekend.
The Democratic Party lost its majority in the island council last Thursday when Independent Island Council member Louis Laveist withdrew his support from the Democratic Party, this is the second time the DP led government has been held hostage by Laveist who was arrested and ultimately being convicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and forgery.
"I am not the one that created this type of situation within government, so why should I go in there to support a weak government," Marlin asked.
While all media houses or reporters on St. Maarten are focusing on the issues surrounding convicted commissioner Louie Laveist, the media thus far has failed to show that the leader of government is the one who created the problems within her party. "It is the leader of government who made the announcement that Claudius Buncamper who was appointed to the TELEM board.
Instead of the leader, calling the commissioner to order and letting her know that the situation is not good and would create problems Wescot Williams went along with the proposal. Second to that she is fully aware of the situation surrounding the new government building but to date she has done nothing. Speaking about other problems that was highlighted by the opposition are that of ROB." Marlin explained that while he has no intention of forming a government in the media he needed to make sure certain matters is clarified, based on the performance of the DP leader it is clear she is weak in her leadership skills.
The National Alliance leader said he already indicated to Wescot Williams that he is ready to sit and negotiate and it is up to her to decide when those talks would begin. He said he did give the DP leader an indication as to how he believes the talks should go.
In the proposal sent to Wescot Williams Marlin said, he wanted a NA_led government with three commissioners from the NA team. The NA leader also indicated that he was willing to negotiate. Base on the contents of the proposal the two political leaders have been communicating leaving behind their paper trail. So far, there has been no in-debt negotiations on the governing accord, should the two party blend.
In the meantime, SMN News has been reliably informed that several members of the DP are trying their best to convince Independent Island Councilman Louie Laveist to return to the party and allow the present government to remain in office. It is said because of hopes from Laveist the DP party is not going to negotiate with the National Alliance for now. Right now even though there is no government in place, one can easily say that politicians on St. Maarten are engaged in a Mexican standoff.
SMN News also understands that the island Lt. Governor has given elected officials the maximum of one month to find a solution to the present crisis prior to taking actions.

Philipsburg: ---- The National Alliance remains focus and persistent in their demands for the resignation of all four of the present commissioners before talks can begin to form a new government. Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin and island council member Rudolph Samuel met with Leader of Government Sarah Westcott Williams and Commissioner Theodore Heyliger at the Holland House Hotel as was scheduled to begin talks on the formation of a broad base government.
At Holland House, a special conference room was assigned to the island council members who spend no less than five minutes before emerging from the room to speak with waiting journalists.
Leader of the National Alliance said that even though they are not putting a gun to anybody's head it is something that is required before any type of negotiations can begin if they are to start at ground zero. Marlin said as long as there is a government in place they are negotiating with that government.
He said even though the Democratic Party has lost its majority there is a government in place (caretaker government) and even if the commissioners resign that government would be in its still in its position.
Marlin said the only difference right now is that they can call an island council meeting at anytime to replace Laveist since his seat is the only one that is vacant. Marlin said the only way to appoint commissioners if they resign which has not been done or use the ERNA regulations and bring forward a motion of non-confidence against them.
The NA leader said he does not believe the latter is the way to go at this point because already the government has no majority but that can only be proven on the floor of the island council. Marlin said he if the two sides are willing to begin talks on the formation of a new government then the present government (commissioners) must tender their resignation.
The NA leader said if the DP wants to facilitate the process then the right and obvious thing for them to do is resign.
Marlin further explained that if they are to work hard to form a new government now and appoint two of the four existing commissioners and the other two decided they are not going to resign that would prevent them from installing the new government.
Marlin said that the NA is not telling the DP when their commissioners should resign, if that party believes they need one more week or however, long then they are entitled to that time. He said he does not see the reason why the commissioners would need that amount of time to write a simple letter of resignation but the decision has to be taken by the DP.
Leader of Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams said she indicated to Marlin that she does not feel the resignation should be an issue for the talks to begin. She did agree resigning would be the most ethical thing for them to do and it would happen sometime next week.
She said it was very important for the two parties to establish their willingness to work together and a declaration of intent is necessary to show that the two parties are willing to work together. She said if that is made clear to the population, she believes that the people would give them, the necessary time needed to work out the details of a National Government.
Wescot Williams said she felt that the preliminary talks could have begun since the process would take some time before it could have been finalized.
Wescot Williams said her party has decided that the right and ethical thing to do is for them to resign but not as pre-condition. That she said would happen next week, but did not pin point a day when it would take place.
She said that right now two of the members of the Democratic Party are off island, namely commissioner Roy Marlin and Island Councilman Petrus Leroy DeWeever. Pressed on saying whether or not the commissioners have agreed to resigning Wescot Williams said that they could have done it yesterday (Thursday) but they did not want it to be a precondition before initial talks could begin.
The DP leader further explained that prior to the handing down of the verdict of Louie Laveist the DP had forwarded a declaration of intent to the National Alliance that they believe should have been a basis to them to begin with.
Governor to Get Letter.
SMN News further understands that that the National Alliance intends to send a letter to the island Lt. Governor Frankly Richards as early as today where they would inform him that the island government of St. Maarten has lost its majority. Knowing that there is only a caretaker government in place then they cannot take any major decision on projects or issue any type of permits.
Should the government issue any permits, buses, and or taxi licenses it must be reviewed when the new government are formed and takes office.

PHILIPSBURG:--In reaction to the letter of the leader of the NA on Friday last the following. While it may be true that under normal circumstances a government that is not supported by a majority in the Island Council should refrain from making decisions which can inadvertently effect the future running of government, every point and example brought forward by the leader of the NA in his letter to the governor are considered frivolous arguments why government should not continue to run the daily affairs of Sint Maarten. If we follow the trend of the NA leader then all decisions big and small that affect the daily lives of the people should come to a halt.
This route will hamper the people and not the NA.
The Island Regulation allows for a government not supported by a majority in the Island Council to continue to run the day-to-day affairs of government until such time that a new Executive Council is appointed. The Island Regulation also states that once a commissioner tenders his or her resignation then they remain functioning until a successor has been appointed. This means all request from individuals such as dealing with a taxi or bus license, a request for a parcel of land, social aid, business licenses and such continue as normal.
The Executive Council has until the Island Council appoints a new Executive Council in accordance with the Island Regulation, all right to continue running the day to day affairs of government.
For example for the granting of bus and taxi licenses, the Executive Council has been working with a maximum cap for busses and taxis. This has been a policy set by the Executive Council for the past years. In the event any space becomes available in accordance with the policy and the public transportation ordinance, the Executive Council has its full right to issue licenses within the policy cap set. Is the leader of the NA going through one of his cases of déjà vu, when during his last term in government and just before the change of government, they issued bus and taxi licenses galore without any regard for policy. One can acquire a bus or taxi permit under the following condition. One has submitted an application, there is space available in accordance with the cap set by the Executive Council and or if someone holds a bus or taxi permit and the person in question passes on, the direct family dependents can apply to acquire the license due to the fact that the income from the operations of the license formed a basis for the household income of the direct descendants of the deceased.
The leader of the NA refers to the sale of the lots of land in Belvedere. I ask myself the question how this land could have been available for the DP government to sell, when the same NA leader during his last term in government and just before the elections (1999) organized a road show at Great Bay Beach Hotel and boasted the next day that all lots were sold with financing for the homes provided by the Dutch insurance firm OHRA. Was this then a political hoax by the leader of the NA.
The Executive Council after much attempt to provide a package for the lots in Belvedere including financing for homes decided in early 2007 that the lots in Belvedere would be sold. outright. In the mean time, many young Sint Maarteners made use of this one time opportunity and have managed to acquire a parcel of land in the Belvedere area. In fact, many homes are now under construction and many are even completed. The local financing institutions have cooperated tremendously with these young persons in providing 100% financing to acquire the lands. Wasnt this the wish of the leader of the NA when he started with the Belvedere project during his term in office? To see young persons having the opportunity to own their own home. Or does it still sit like sour grapes with the NA leader that it is under a DP led government that these persons acquired lands and not under a NA government. Every time the NA leader criticizes the sale of the lots in Belvedere, he is also directly being critical of all persons who acquired lots of land. In fact, the sale of the lots in 2007 took place under a government supported by a majority in the Island Council.
The leader of the NA also refers to decisions that may have long-term financial implications for St. Maarten. If the NA leader would peruse the Kingdom Decree regulating financial supervision, he should be aware that all decisions made by government with financial implications are subject to this new rule. In essence, the approved budget 2009 forms the basis for government to enter into financial arrangements. An Executive Council once handling within the approved budget is allowed to enter into arrangements about current matters, capital investments, hiring of personnel to fill vacancies based on the organizational structure and other such activities.
GIS
Philipsburg:--- The recent collapse of government that was led by the Democratic Party has caused a chain of events, which also led to some major arguments. SMN News has been reliably informed that the husband of Commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus approached the National Alliance to see if that party was willing to accept his wife as a commissioner.
The source said this did not sit well with the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams, and an argument began. It is understood that the two female commissioners made sure they aired their lungs in the verbal dispute. Sources say that former commissioner and advisor to Wescot Williams Mike Ferrier also had a heated argument with Buncamper Molanus. So far none of the commissioners neither Ferrier has commented on the matter.
The chain of events led to an urgent board meeting yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon where the grievances were to be trashed out.
Already two commissioners have left the party and both men have chosen to go independent while giving support to the National Alliance to form the next executive council.
SMN News also understands that island council member Petrus Leroy De Weever is contemplating to leave the Democratic Party and give his support the National Alliance. So far, De Weever did not go public with his intentions.
The National Alliance already sent a letter to the island Lt. Governor and chairman of the island council informing him that the National Alliance now has the majority in the island council with the support of Independent Island Councilman Louie Laveist. In the meantime, Commissioner Theo Heyliger already submitted his resignation from the executive council with immediate effect.
It is understood that Heyliger would be appointed commissioner within the new executive council, while Laveist would not be holding any public office, neither would he appoint anyone as commissioner.
It is also understood that the Democratic Party commissioners who are now acting as caretaker government is trying to make sure Commissioner Roy Marlin gets back into the civil service. The source said the current government is trying to create a high position for Marlin so that he could achieve an acceptable salary. However, it is understood that the island secretary blocked the process since the National Alliance already sent a letter to the Chairman of the island council asking him that no major or new decisions be taken during this period. Commissioner Roy Marlin was working at the sector ROB prior to being elected in office, presently the SOAB is conducting an investigation at that department, and Marlin wants to stay away while that process is underway.
SMN News also understands that the present executive council is looking to have an assistant appointed to each of the island council members and former commissioners. It is also understood that DP faction is looking into getting the island government to pay all cellular phone bills for the island council members. Sources say the present executive council is looking into securing top-level jobs for all of their executive assistants. So far, it is not clear what is and would be possible in the new structure.
In the meantime, the executive council has approved a grand party for all civil servants, which is to be held on Friday next week at the Clem Labega Square. The decision was taken during the executive meeting held yesterday.
It is said the DP was looking for a grand farewell party. SMN News also understands that leader of the National Alliance already sent a letter to the chairman of the island council telling him that no party is to be held at the expense of the island government. It is said Marlin is questioning if the present caretaker government is looking at emptying government coffers before leaving office with the current demands that are now being made.

Philipsburg:---A full-scale emergency response disaster exercise was held yesterday at the Princess Juliana International Airport involving the Airport and the Island Government Emergency response agencies.
This emergency exercise drill is a requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN Specialized Agency. ICAO is the global forum for civil aviation. It works to achieve its vision of safe, secure and sustainable development of civil aviation through cooperation amongst its member States.
The objective of the exercise was to assess the level of preparedness and coordination between the Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company and the Island Emergency agencies in response to a simulated aircraft, and exercise the mass causality plan.
The goals were to monitor:
1. Response to alarm notification
2. Response of fire fighting and rescue units
3. Medical response
4. Response of the government agencies and PJIAE
5. Command and control
6. Crash site security
7. Primary communication
8. Victim and family care
Besides the Emergency Response Teams, there were other Government Sectors and Departments who took part as observers of the emergency drill.
After the drill, there was a debriefing session, where several evaluators provided their analysis of the execution of the emergency exercise.
There were evaluators from Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba, Anguilla, and the French side, who each gave short comments on the exercise in the areas of Operations, Medical, Rescue & Fire, Police and Security and Civil Aviation.
Both President of PJIAE Drs. Eugene Holiday and Fire Department Chief Winston Salomon extended a heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, participants, and personnel.
(GIS)
Philipsburg: --- Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin in reaction to the comments made by the Dutch second chamber said that the Dutch is referring to the Democratic Party or the present government that has had numerous problems in the past. Marlin said that over the past year the Democratic Party had several matters that raised eyebrows and that the leader of that party did not show leadership skills in dealing with the issues. One of those issues Marlin mentioned is the Sky is Limit scandal and Maria Buncamper Molanus who carried all the blame. Marlin said that while Buncamper Molanus planted the seed the leader of the Democratic Party should have stopped the process of appointing the commissioner's husband to the board of Telem. Second to that, the NA leader said he does not understand why the chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards did not take action. Richards he said could have gone another step further if the executive council did not listen to him by sending the appointment to the governor general for annulment.
In defending, what the first and second chamber said about forming a coalition with a convicted person Marlin said that the laws of the island regulation allowed Laveist the same rights as every other island council member. He said Laveist would not be holding any public office and neither did he appoint anyone as commissioner. He further explained that the National Alliance is busy negotiating with Commissioner Theo Heyliger and he would be holding one of the commissioner's seat. "The National Alliance will be having at least seven seats in the island council and the door to be still ajar for other members of the island council." Marlin said.
The National Alliance leader said he made several attempts to form a broad base government with the Democratic Party long before Laveist was arrested and convicted but the Democratic Party leader is the one that stalled the process.
In the meantime, even though commissioner Heyliger has resigned from the executive council he is yet to resign from the Democratic Party, and declare his independence. It is understood that Heyliger was suppose to make that move this week but the death of the party's founding member delayed that process.
Philipsburg: --- The police department has reported two more armed robberies, which took place on Tuesday. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said two unknown men robbed the Hai Do Supermarket, which is located on Well Road Cole Bay. The two-armed gunmen threatened the cashier with their guns if the employee did not respond to their request of opening the cash register. The employees cooperated with the culprits to avoid injury. Henson said the monies that were in the register were stolen. After committing their act, the culprits left the supermarket.
Also on Wednesday, the manager of Chesterfield restaurant filed an official report with the special armed robbery unit stating that on the same evening at approximately 10.15 p.m., two unknown men of dark complexion, both armed with firearms entered the premises from the seaside by jumping over the wooden railing.
The two last guests were finishing their dinner when the incident took place. The robbers immediately went to the cash register, picked it up, and slammed it onto the floor, destroying it. The money was taken from the cash register and the robbers fled the scene. The Special Robbery unit is investigating both case.

Philipsburg: ---- Gendarmes has released two of the suspects they arrested on Tuesday night, they are Valeska Simmons and Xavier Williams who would have to appear in court at a later date. Commandant Loic Barras said the two were released late Wednesday.
In the meantime, the two main suspects Garvin Baptiste and Michael Hassel were handed over to authorities on the Dutch side since they are wanted on that side of the island in several armed robbery cases.
Asked what would happen to the investigation on the crimes committed on the French side of the island. Barras said they would all have to appear in court on September 10 2009.
He further explained that two of the suspects are wanted for more serious crimes on the Dutch side. The two were being questioned by the Armed Robbery Unit late yesterday afternoon. Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard in an invited comment said that the suspects were being questioned by the Dutch Police. He said up to press time he could not say what crimes the two suspects were suspected of committing.
In an invited comment Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed they are interested in speaking to the two persons mentioned. Stein did not divulge any details on the investigation.
Gendarmes arrested the four on Tuesday night after they were caught in a stolen truck in Belle Plaine. Inside the vehicle authorities also found a number of stolen items as well as ammunition.
The gendarmes are also calling on the owners of at least two stolen items to make contact with them so that they can claim their belongings. One of the items is a SABRE carrying the inscription "SCIABOLA DEL SOMMELIER" while the other one has the name "Chante". Possible owners of the items can contact the gendarmerie by calling 17.
Philipsburg:--The United Federation Union (UFA) is inviting all workers of Divi Little Bay to an urgent meeting. The company has refused to discuss and to send a counter proposal; they refused to discuss grievances and dismissal of, the workers, they are trampling on your rights as workers, cutting your pay and employing new people. The Management is saying that the union is soft and workers have to prove that the union is not soft. You have to make the decision.
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 17th June, 2009 at 5:30pm at the UFA's office. Agenda points for the urgent meeting are as follows: ---
1. Harassment of the Divi employees and also threatening them in order for them not to pay union dues.
2. Concerning the internal board from the Vice President to the Shop Stewards, the Management of Divi must have full respect for them and also respect the UFA officials, especially in the handling of the grievance procedures.
3. Counter proposal on the UFA's proposal before commencing negotiations on the 1st July 2009 in order to prevent prolongation of negotiations.
4. Any disciplinary measures issued to an employee a copy must be sent to the UFA and a profound investigation must be in accordance to the Grievance Committee and the company.
5. Open Floor
6. Closing
Philipsburg: ---Former commissioner of constitutional affairs Sarah Wescot Williams did not attend the meetings in Curacao which begins on Wednesday. In an email to the leader of government William Marlin Wescot Williams said she was unable to make the meetings. No details on the commissioner’s absence was available.
Wescot Williams has been leading all constitutional meetings both on St. Maarten and abroad ever since the process began, however, she was forced to take up her role in the opposition benches after independent island councilman Louis Laveist pulled his support from the Democratic Party.
Leader of government William Marlin and Commissioner Xavier Blackman left the island on Wednesday to attend the meetings.
Philipsburg: --- Commissioner of Education William Marlin said based on information provided to him by the department of finance concerning the short vacation payment for public school teachers. Marlin said the department had made an error and they should have made contact with each teacher notifying them of the mistake and rectifications.
Marlin said the President of the Teachers Union Claire Elshot made contact with him regarding the vacation pay which is much less than previous years.
The commissioner said up until Wednesday morning he was still receiving calls since the teachers wants to know where the mistake lies. The commissioner further explained that having such an error one week after they took office is rather unfortunate. However, he felt other measures should have been taken to at least inform the teachers of the changes since they are collecting much less than they are used to collecting. He made clear that the current executive council did not have one week in office when this error was discovered and they would sure not be taking any responsibility for such.
Marlin said according to information provided to him on Wednesday morning there was an error that was made by the department since last year which was rectified this year. He said the teachers received more than was due to them for the year 2007.
According to the finance department said in the past years the regular tax table was erroneously applied to the vacation allowance thereby giving a higher net pay. The department did not say for how many years this error was made but did say that for the 2008-2009 the correct tax table was applied as per the existing tax laws which yielded a lower net pay. The department further explained that they incorrectly calculated the teacher’s vacation allowance for the year 2007-2008 by adding the Windward Islands allowance twice.
The department further explained a second error pertains to the new salary scales to which teachers already had. The 16.3% Windward Allowance was counted twice as this was already included in the new salary scales. When added in for the second time it yielded a higher net pay in 2007-2008 compared to the 2008-2009.
Marlin said when the new salary scaled was implemented the Windward Island Allowances has been incorporated.
Marlin said another effect for lower allowances this year is the ceiling for the AOV allowances increased in 2009 from 72,000 guilders to 77,544 guilders which also resulted in a lower net pay for 2008-2009.
Marlin said there were three issues that impacted the 2008-2009 vacation allowances for public school teachers and he cannot imagine that the outgoing executive council did know of this or not informed of the new procedures. The new commissioner apologized to the teachers who are now realizing that they lost monies. He said this is not a good feeling since everyone is looking forward to hold on to their monies. He said worst of all these teachers worked hard all year and now they are looking forward to their allowances it has been cut short of more than Naf 1000.00
The commissioner said he does not know if there are any type of adjustments can be made. However, the department has appointed someone to handle payrolls. This person he said is charged with coming up with a more accurate payroll of all extraordinary payments.
Philipsburg:---An empty lot located next to the First Caribbean Bank situated between Cannegieter street and Back street is being used by many as a dumping ground.
This lot which has become a parking lot for persons working in the Philipsburg area has become an eyesore to many pedestrians, locals and visitors alike as well as for many of the business people working in the vicinity.
St. Maarten PRIDE foundation has received several complaints over the past year about this situation to the extent that persons have sent photos to show the severity of the problem.
The Prosecutor office has been informed of this and advice is being sought on how to further deal with the situation at hand.
Reports reaching the foundation is that many of the neighboring stores and shops are having their cleaning personnel dump their business garbage there, as well as people passing through Cannegieter and Back street who just throw their bottle or can into the pile contributing to a larger pile of garbage.
Inspector Esdale from ROB has informed the PRIDE foundation that just two months ago the land was cleaned up by a group of youths who were mandated by the court to carry out community service as part of their court sentence.
From the photographs sent to the Sint Maarten PRIDE Foundation, it is evident that dumping continues at this location without regard for the cleanliness of the island and the natural environment.
St. Maarten PRIDE Foundation is calling on the owner of the lot to try to keep his land free from garbage pile up. However, while the trash is seemingly originating from shop owners in the vicinity, shop keepers have a responsibility to live up to their responsibility by having their trash removed by a private contractor. At no time should cleaning personnel from stores and businesses dump trash anywhere around Philipsburg and leave it for someone else to pick up.
(St. Maarten Pride Foundation)
Philipsburg –Commissioner of Sports Frans Richardson welcomed and participated with a delegation from the IFBB( International Federation of Body Builders) on Thursday afternoon where a press conference was held on the occasion of an International Judging Seminar to held on St. Maarten from Friday June 19th until Sunday June 21st 2009.
Christine Williams a native of the island, presently in function as Executive Assistant of IFBB Caribbean stated, “It’s a pleasure to be home in St.Maarten… I am thankful to the president of IFBB Dr. Rafael Santonja for allowing us to have this seminar hosted on the island of St. Maarten.” She went on to introduce Javier Pollock IFBB Vice President and Pawel Filleborn Chairman of the Judges Committee.
“This will be an international activity, not only in terms of the participants but also the lecturers themselves,” said Javier Pollock IFBB Vice President. Some 15 Countries will be attending the seminar here on St. Maarten, and this will help to secure St. Maarten’s position as a top tourist destination in the world.
Commissioner of Sports & Tourism Frans Richardson welcomed the delegation by stating, “… this event is something that we are looking forward to and hoping to have many more events like this happen here,… we hope you enjoy your stay and have a wonderful time.” The Commissioner encouraged the delegation to explore the many activities and attractions available to them while here on the island.
Attending the press conference also were President of St. Maarten Body Building Association Martin Wilson and representative Sector Economy and Tourism Louis Halley and Franklyn Cuffy.
This morning Lt. gov. Mr. Franklin Richards presented Mr. Ian Valz with the culture prize trophy 2008 for the performing Arts on behalf of the Prince Bernard Culture Fund Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
Trophy read: Ian Valz St. Maarten 28 August 2008.
PHILIPSBURG: --- The wife of a police brigadier was seen at the Philipsburg Police Station on Tuesday morning hardly able to walk. The woman told this reporter that she was trying to file an official complaint against her abusive husband who happens to be a police brigadier.
She identified the officer as R. J and claimed her husband beat her up on Monday night for his lover. The incident occurred at one of the man’s residence in St. Peters where he was allegedly with his lover at the time.
The woman said her husband told her he was leaving his Belvedere home to go and see a doctor but when she did not see her husband return she became worried. She said at some point she received a phone call and was told the man was in their former residence with his by side. She said she went to the residence to get her husband because only two weeks ago he pleaded with her to take him back. The couple has been having marital problems and the man eventually moved out but later moved back home.
The partly handicapped woman said while speaking to her husband in the house he took her bodily and flung her to the ground before pouncing her with other blows. She said she was rushed to the St. Maarten Medical Centre for treatment.
While at the police station the woman said the police told her she should go and see a doctor before going to the police to file an official complaint.
The woman gave her name as Connie she said she was hardly able to walk since she was having serious back pain due to the beating. Connie has an injured arm due an accident, but with the beating she received on Monday the entire upper arm is swollen.
At one point of the day Connie went to see the Public Prosecutor since she was not able to file an official complaint at the police station. She claimed the police were pushing her around since they knew the couple were having problems.
On Tuesday night there were at least three police vehicles including the brother of the victim at the home in Belvedere since police requested that R.J to move out of the home pending the ongoing investigation.
Several off the officers who were on the scene said they spoke to the officer on several occasions telling him what he was doing is not right. Some of the officers said they even went as far as telling R.J if he no longer wants his wife in his life then he should move out peacefully. SMN News who was at the scene also got a bit of R.J’s arrogance when he said “if I see any of those pictures in the newspaper I would have to go see my lawyer” before speeding away with his clothing in his car.
In an invited comment Prosecutor Rienk Mud said the woman indeed went to see him on Tuesday since she was having some “hiccups” in filing the complaint. Mud said he immediately called the police station where he made an appointment for the victim to file her complaint.
Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said the case has the attention of the police department since the night of the incident. Doran said he was notified of the incident around 11pm on Monday night and immediately officers from Internal Affairs began investigating.
The top cop said the officers began looking for their colleague on Monday night but he was nowhere to be found. Doran said his officers who were working on the case went home at 3 am as they were trying hard to find R.J. He said R.J was questioned by Internal Affairs on Tuesday since an internal investigation is now underway. Asked if the brigadier in question was arrested Doran said no decision has been taken in the case since the investigation is in its preliminary stages.
French Quarter: -- The search team led by the RST that began a water search in the French Quarter Fish Pond has been suspended after two days of searching. Prosecutor Rienk Mud did not confirm the status of the search however he did say that the results of the two day search will be released on Thursday.
The detectives who are leading the investigation are sure they were going to find the remains the Leta Lynn Cordes which would help them prove to the court that the 49- year old woman is indeed dead. Leta Cordes was last seen by her husband Frank Cordes on the January 11 2007. He claimed his wife went by foot to the Westin Casino to gamble. The German man had given several conflicting reports to this media house as well as police during the early stages of the investigation.
He was arrested on October 14, ten months after his wife disappearance but was released on January 26th. The prosecutor office had said that even though Frank Cordes has been released from pre-trial detention he remains a suspect in her disappearance or murder. It is also known that the couple was having marital problems and they fought the day she disappeared.
The teams of divers were looking to see if they would find the remains of missing American Leta Lynn Cordes in the French Quarter fish pond. According to a press release from the prosecutor’s office they said based on new information they have decided to continue the search with experienced divers and sonar equipments at the said location.
The team was seen searching the entire Fish Pond leading through the channels to the sea up to late Tuesday.
GREAT BAY– The Island has its eighth confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) virus, a person who resides on the French side of the island.
The person in question has been isolated and has been treated with anti-viral medication Tamiflu. Family members of the person are being closely monitored by French health authorities.
Samples were taken on July 3 and the Preventive Health Department (PHD) was informed on July 7 about the confirmed results.
The person had traveled to New York around June 28/29. Upon their return, the person had displayed flu-like symptoms and contacted their family physician on the Dutch side.
Two other persons not related to the aforementioned case were tested on July 2. Their results came back negative for H1N1. They left the island on July 3. They had traveled from Miami to the island.
Another sample was taken of a family member vacationing on the island. The sample was taken on July 6 and the results are still pending.
The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says that according to global health officials, the severity of the disease at this point in time remains relatively mild. In the past the island has had seven confirmed cases who recovered fully.
Persons with flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician immediately. They should not engage in any community activities such as working, shopping or participating in any mass/social activities. This would limit the risk of community spread.
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.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around you, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
A press conference on the H1NI virus is scheduled for today Friday at the Sous Prefecture.
La Savanne: -- The Gendarmes have launched their summer surveillance program for the second year on Thursday. Captain Loic Baras, Commandant Stephanne Arrousseau and Chef of the Territorial Police Flavien Bazile told reporters at a press conference on Thursday that the program which was conducted last year for the first time will be done this year in collaboration with the Territorial Police.
Residents residing on the French side of the island can pick up a form at the Gendarmes head office in La Savanne or at the office of the Police Territorial in Marigot. The forms must be filled out and returned to the said locations. The forms will be available up to the end of August even though the surveillance would take place until mid September.
The gendarmes along with the territorial police would then begin surveillance of the homes of persons who are on vacation to avoid break ins. Captain Loic Barras said the program which kicked off last year on St. Martin was extremely successful since they only had one break in last year. The chief of the gendarmerie is urging the general public to make use of the services that are offered by the two security services on the island.
Residents planning to leave the island are urged to properly close their doors and windows even if they plan to leave their house for a short period during the day. Already the gendarmes have recorded 357 break ins and robberies for the year.
Persons who are leaving the island should not leave notes on their doors or on their answering machines it is advised that the call transfer service be used. Keys should not be left under the mat as the burglars know how to find them. Persons leaving the island should notify their neighbors of their absence, the gendarmes and Territorial Police. The gendarmes are also asking persons who are leaving the island to leave a phone number or contact address with them or your neighbors in case of an emergency. When leaving your home you are advised to take all important documents and valuables out of your house and put them in a safe at one of the banks. If possible take photographs of the furniture in the house before leaving and leave with the valuables.
In the meantime the gendarmes are calling on all members of the community to use their vigilance in their neighborhood. They said residents should not hesitate to call them via the “17” in case they see any suspicious person or vehicles in the neighborhood.
Philipsburg: --- The Democratic Party faction has promised to hold bi-monthly press conferences in order to keep the population abreast with information on issues and concerns, so says leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams at press conference on Monday. Present at the press conference were the party’s leader Wescot Williams, Island Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus, island council man Roy Marlin and president of the Democratic Party Michael Ferrier.
Revised Labour Policy
Wescot Williams in her opening statements gave an elucidation on the procedures she followed in trying to obtain an island council meeting to further discuss the revised labour policy which was shelved by the National Alliance/Heyliger government. The former leader of government said she is amazed with the reasons given by the sitting executive council. She said the NA/ Heyliger executive council felt that such a discussion is not urgent and that it can wait until the recess is over. Wescot Williams said upon receiving that information she reacted by sending a letter to the chairman where she objected to the position taken by the executive council, after doing such the DP faction managed to obtain that meeting for Tuesday afternoon. Wescot Williams said if the required amount of members of the island council requested a meeting that meeting had to be held within the seven day period as stipulated in the ERNA. Wescot Williams said her faction believes the people of St. Maarten are entitled to know government’s stance on the revised labour policy. She said over the past months there has been a lot of flip flopping on the issue. Wescot Williams quoted several media reports on the matter and said she they believed the tripartite committee who worked on the policy needs an explanation on what government really intends to do with the policy before them taking a stand.
Wescot Williams said they are going to be demanding that the executive council sanction the changes that were agreed to by the social partners. Those changes she said included the age limits as well as housing requirements and others. Wescot Williams said they would also be suggesting that the changes be adopted immediately prior to the August assessment of the policy.
Harbour Holding Documents
Wescot Williams said during the last island council meeting of July 2 she asked some questions regarding the harbour group of companies. Wescot Williams said she did receive a letter from the commissioner in charge but several of her questions were not answered. The Democratic Party leader said regarding the financing she was told that financing took place according to the present project dossier taking into the account the recession the island is facing. She said the commissioner also announced that the loan from Royal Caribbean had increased from 5 million to ten million US dollars. Wescot Williams said that part of the letter deserves more elucidation for the people of St. Maarten. She said she did not receive any answer as to the overall position of the St. Maarten Harbour Holding Companies N.V giving the drop in cruise passengers arriving at the Harbour. Wescot Williams said she intends to send a letter to the executive council asking them to provide her with answers to that hoping that she would receive an answer.
Ring Road Project
The Democratic Party leader said she had asked for the objections that were filed by the environmental foundations. Wescot Williams said while she did receive the objections that were filed by St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC, Nature Foundation and Monument foundation but she did not get the response sent to these foundations by government.
The DP leader said they learnt from press reports that a response was sent neither did she get a response on how far their concerns were addressed. Wescot Williams said in the press reports it was mentioned twice that the Ring Road Project was part of the Democratic Party governing program 2007-2011. She said it seem as if the report was intended to remind the Democratic Party that they too was in favor of the Ring Road project. She said she wants to the government to know that the DP faction does not need to be reminded, and as such they have questions and would be using their good rights and pose those questions. Wescot Williams said if they were in government they would have asked the same questions and now that they are in opposition they intend to ask questions.
Wescot Williams said she asked questions pertaining to the land owners and those questions were not answered, as well as those related to employment.
The DP faction leader said they have taken note of the work that was given out to truckers and she also commended the truckers for the work they have provided by stepping up to the plate. However, she wants to know if all registered truckers that have all adequate equipments were contracted and if so how were they contracted. She wants to know if they received their contracts through an association or if it was individual. Wescot Williams said the DP faction also wants to know if there is more work available and what type of work is available and how much this would be cost to the harbour.
Drafts Legislation on Island Council Floor.
The DP Faction is expecting the National Alliance/ Heyliger government to have on the floor of the island council within short the draft legislations on the gaming control board, the legislation on the ombudsman, and the so- called environment fee that is to be levied on cruise passengers as well as the compulsory education ordinance which is necessary for the implementation of compulsory education.
Wescot Williams said the executive council does not go on recess and as such she would like to the legislation on the floor of the island council since the present government did make a commitment.
Wescot Williams said the DP faction is also waiting on a response pertaining to the letter that was sent to the State Secretary regarding cooperate governance. She said during the last island council meeting she asked who sent the response to the State Secretary and was told the Governor did and that the executive council had not meet neither did they take a position on the letter that was sent. Wescot Williams said she believed the executive council had enough time and felt they needed to make their position known. Wescot Williams said the DP faction also wants to know if government is in keeping with the quarterly reports regarding financial supervision. Since the DP has not yet received these reports.
Island Councilman Roy Marlin also expressed concerns over the agreements that had to be sent to the CFT regarding financial supervision. He said he requested information from the current finance commissioner regarding the first draft and to date he has not received them. Marlin said he is rather concerned about the way the executive council is dealing with matters regarding financial supervision. He said the executive council has until August 2009 to submit its draft budget for 2010, he said he received information that there is no active participation taking place regarding the preparation of 2010 budget. Marlin is urging the executive council to adhere to the rules and regulation that are on the books in order to comply with the temporary measures laid down for financial supervision. He said already the laws on cooperate governance has been handled by the island council which was sent off and finally the state secretary reacted to which the executive council has to respond. He said the governor reacted to the State Secretary while it is clearly stated that the State Secretary and the executive council should reach an agreement by August 2009. Marlin said if the agreements are not reached then the Dutch Government can unilaterally impose their rules and regulation on cooperate governance on government owned companies
Marlin said the executive council should make sure or at least begin deliberations with the State Secretary, or at least they needed to react to her letter.
Raoul Illidge Sports Complex plans shelved ---letter sent to Chairman
Island Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus who was off island said she intends to send a letter to the chairman of the island council to request the transcripts of the June 8th island council meeting. Buncamper Molanus said she would be requesting the transcripts of the statements made by island council man Louie Laveist as well as those of Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson.
Buncamper Molanus also gave an elucidation on the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex project which is now being shelved by the current government. The former commissioner of sports said even though government has no obligation towards the Raoul Ilidge Sports Complex foundation she managed to get the former executive council to put aside some Naf. 1.7 million guilders in the 2009 budget for the renovation and expansion of that sports complex. Buncamper Molanus said while government had no say in the functioning of the foundation government needed a guarantee that the monies allocated to them would be well spent.
Buncamper Molanus said when holding the sports portfolio she had to make sure the foundation was brought up to par if they were to receive government funding, one of the things that had to be done is to upgrade and re-organize the foundation by laws. Government she said also appointed someone in the sports field to work on a plan for the sports complex. That plan she said was already presented to the new board of Raoul Illidge and she does not know if they already responded on the proposal that was given to them. She said right now there is a proposal which was drafted on the instruction of the executive council and to hear that the project is now shelved is not a decision that can be taken by government.
Buncamper Molanus said while working on the project they discovered that the federal government transferred the land and to the island government which was to be transferred to the foundation, however that transfer never took place. She said she also discovered that the reason the transfer was not made was due to transfer taxes which she also managed to get an exemption for. The former sports commissioner further explained that the structures that are on the property of Raoul Illidge was built by the Dutch Government with the intention that it would be transferred to the foundation.
Buncamper Molanus said when the foundation receives this land they would then have assets which they could then take to any bank for financing to further improve the facility. Buncamper Molanus said right now they are waiting on the island government to bring to the floor of the island council the land transfer something she said they have competences to carry out.
Marketing Stimulus ---Roy Marlin
Island Councilman Roy Marlin said he also took note of the statements that were made by the commissioner of tourism Frans Richardson regarding the marketing stimulus. Marlin said he does not know what type of approval the executive council has to make since the process started since February. Marlin said he was the one who held meetings with the Dutch representatives on behalf of the Democratic Party where he convinces them to make some adjustments to the SEI funds. Approval he said was granted in May. Marlin said the final step was to send the financing request to USONA.
Marlin said when the DP faction received the reaction of the executive council pertaining to the request they made for an island council meeting he found the response rather scary. He said he could not imagine the executive council would make such a proposal even though there is a clear outline in the island regulations. Marlin said he hopes that this would not be the basis on which the executive council would function in the future. He said he hopes that this is not the way the current executive council would deal with their future requests. He said when the DP was in government they always respected the rules of the island council when the National Alliance had requested meetings.
...
Marigot: --- The Collectivity of St, Martin has recently suspended another employee who sexually harassed a 15- year old boy. The incident occurred some two weeks ago. Sources say the employee who works in the service transports followed the youth in the rest room and touched the child in his private areas. The youth it is said was doing his summer job at the COM and he is the son of one of the vice presidents.
The source said that the vice president was off island at the time of the incident and when they returned action was immediately taken, however, several employees of the COM is not satisfied with the type of action that was taken. It is said the H.O received a (mise a pied) during his vacation.
Sources said the relatives of the COM employee (H.O) went to his work place seeking answers about why he was blamed. SMN News further understands that the culprit is a known pedophile since this is not the first time he molested underage boys. The source further explained that the young man once sent a text message to youth whose mother confronted him and when he denied it she slapped him in anger.
Philipsburg: -- Commissioner of economic affairs Frans Richardson at a press conference on Tuesday presented figures to show the downward trend the local economy is taking and the efforts his office is presently taking to revive the economy. Richardson called on members of the media to present the facts to the public, in order to safeguard against false impressions being created.
Richardson said in the past a very different picture of the economy was painted as well as with the tourism product.
The commissioner released figures from January to June of this year and it is important to know that the island has already lost of $12.4 million in revenue during the first half of the year. This amount does include the loss the yachting industry and other segments have suffered.
Richardson further explained that is of uttermost importance that they act swiftly to mitigate the effects of the ongoing decline in the economy and tourism, He said over the course of the past weeks, already began with this process by first meeting with major stakeholders, both locally and abroad. The goals of the meetings he said is to ascertain where the island stands and the views of the stakeholders, also discussed are the expectations of government and what joint actions needed to be taken and what is feasible for those involved.
Stimulus program
The commissioner said he led a delegation who went to Florida recently exploring, among others, the potential of marketing the island and to address airlift issues.
The delegation he said was updated about trends in airlift bookings and hotel reservations, tracking developments as of 2007.
The island government of St. Maarten is presently awaiting proposals with regard to marketing the island for the remainder of 2009.
Talks were conducted with senior executives of Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines, during the recent visit.
The meeting with Expedia, St. Maarten’s largest online wholesaler, was of an introductory nature, with the commissioner being briefed on St. Maarten’s performance.
One reason mentioned for a decline in tourist arrivals is the lack of an island wide promotional effort as compared to, for instance, St. Lucia that does have such an initiative ongoing.
Proposals of how St. Maarten can progress are presently being awaited.
Officials of Travelocity confirmed the decline in bookings as well the practice of visitors booking their flights much closer to the date of travel as compared to the 30 to 45 day booking window, previously experienced.
The meeting with Spirit Airlines served to obtain a commitment from the carrier that service would be maintained for St. Maarten.
The meeting with American Airlines was particularly encouraging, with American Airlines Vice President Peter Dolara sharing views with the commissioner regarding strategies to secure St. Maarten’s place in the tourism market place.
This considering the fact that St. Maarten has gone from a clear trendsetter to a destination facing notable competition, more and more from other Caribbean destinations, as well.
Introductory discussions were additionally conducted with Kahn Communications, a public relations firm representing St. Maarten. Among topics discussed were strategies for a coordinated effort at marketing the island.
The companies with which talks were conducted are all major online operators, where visitors go to for booking flights and other travel needs.
The declining visitor numbers and figures speak for themselves and based on discussions held with some of our tourism partners in the U.S., one idea is to shift some of the funds earmarked to marketing efforts in South American markets, to North American markets.
What do the numbers show?
The available data, as made available by the tourism bureau, indicate, among others, the following:
1. A change in the pattern of how many days / weeks / months prior to coming to St. Maarten, bookings are actually made; that window has become smaller.
2. The impact that internet based bookings is having on the overall situation.
3. St. Maarten’s hotel inventory and quality.
4. The St. Maarten tourism product quality.
What we now have is statistical date, giving us a comparative overview. This enables us to further determine whether we are on target with our projections.
Arrival Stats
St. Maarten 2009 Air Arrivals as registered at the Princess Juliana International Airport indicate the following:
First the figures related to visitors from the Caribbean during the months of January, February, March, April, May and June.
Those Passenger movement figures from the Caribbean are respectively:

In other words, the months in which we surpassed the 2.000 mark in Caribbean visitors was January (coinciding with the New Year) and April (coinciding with our yearly carnival festivities).
Most Caribbean visitors during these first 6 months of 2009 came from:
• Antigua/Barbuda
• British islands /British West Indies Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Haiti
• St.Kitts/Nevis
• Trinidad/Tobago
The figures for Europe; those are figures related to persons arriving from:
• France
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Russia
• Other European countries
The majority of the arrivals came from France, Holland, and Italy. Arrivals from France are considerably higher than arrivals from all other European destinations.
Therefore, the total amounts of arrivals from Europe for the months of January through June 2009 are as follows, per month:

As compared to January of this year, there has been a clear decline in the month of June.
We then look at the figures for arrivals from North America, the U.S. and Canada – for that same period of 2009.
The total figures for arrivals from the U.S. and Canada combined amount to:

Once again, we saw slightly greater numbers in January and February and the present declines, which was to be expected.
Another market of which the figures is that of South America – countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Venezuela and others.
Arrivals from South America have been as follows, thus far for 2009:

The country from where most of these arrivals have come is Brazil.
Arrivals from the rest of the world, including Antilleans, amounted to the following figures for the respective past 6 months:

Total Passenger arrivals inclusive of Domestic arrivals up to June 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008, amount to the following figures for the months starting as of January to June:

This clearly shows declines in tourist arrivals over-all as compared to the same period in 2008.
Visitor arrival comparisons
If we look at Visitor Arrival Comparisons by the first quarter for this year as compared to last year, note the following:
There has been a decrease of 14,6 percent, taking into consideration the total picture of arrivals from all destinations.
For the second quarter, this decrease is less and amounts to 5 percent as compared to the same period last year.
Passenger movement at the Princess Juliana International Airport
Passenger movements for the first 6 months of the year amounted to 278,594; that is movement at the airport by airlines. Departures have amounted to 392,440.
Additional notes are those of cruise ship arrivals amounting to 781,063 thus far this year. On average, there is an average 57 percent room occupancy among hotels for the first 6 months of this year. This as compared to an average 63 percent throughout the previous two years.
Marigot: --- Two flavors that do not mix well are politics and friendship, something the president of the Tourist Office would have to learn the hard way.
SMN News has been reliably informed that interim director (director elect) of the Tourist Office Corine Picaut is closely involved with the Socialist Party in France, yet she was elected as the director of the French Tourist Office at a meeting on Wednesday night. SMN News understands that the two counselors representing the opposition did not show up to the meeting.
Despite several questions asked Picaut managed to secure the majority votes at the end of the meeting. The committee has eight elected members with the others being business professionals. SMN News has been reliably informed that some of the elected who are from the Union Pour le Progres abstained from voting while the others voted in favor, a clear indication that the UPP group are having internal problems.
It is said Picaut is a board member of the 18th arroundissment for the Socialist Party in Paris, while the UPP is connected to the UMP the leading party.
Another concern for the Union Pour le Progres is that the foreign employee owns a consultant firm in Paris and she was hired by President of the Tourist Office Ida Zin Ka Ieu to conduct an audit for the Tourist Office Association. However, prior to the election Picaut made sure she met the legal obligations to become a civil servant.
Sources say Picaut already dismantled her shares in the company to pave the way for her to become a civil servant, but the UPP counselors are not in favor of her appointment.
Sources say Zin Ka Ieu has since become friends with the intended civil servant whose expenses are being paid by the COM. It is understood that Picaut stays at the Beach Plaza Hotel where she is running up a huge bill for the Collectivity and Tourist Office to pay. It is further understood that the two entities have to pay for a number of airline tickets to and from Paris as the woman is constantly visiting her children there.
According to our sources, this does not include the Euros 4,500 salary, and other benefits the foreign worker is benefitting from the Collectivity and Office du Tourisme.
Another concern for the UPP counselors who are not supporting Zin Ka Ieu is the fact that the two may have some sort of business connections. The Picaut and Fine Companies and Publi Info allegedly are doing business together. SMN News understands that the president of the Tourist Office has been submitting bids on behalf of her company to get advertising one of which was recently rejected by the committee.
Another concern for the majority is that Zin Ka Ieu hired a lawyer to work full time at the tourist office, the lawyer SMN News understand represented the president in her personal battles in the past. Reasons for hiring an attorney full time are still not clear.
Sources said the tourist office had rented a villa in Lowland for some Euros 8,000 to host the party for the SMART convention; however, the said villa was used to celebrate Zin Ka Ieu boyfriend’s birthday party, which was allegedly organized by said interim director.
Ida Zin Ka Ieu fired Yann Claeysen the former director of the tourist office when she found out Claeysen spent monies inappropriately including monies that was spent at the Hustler’s Club in Paris. The EPIC president also made clear that Claeysen was a good friend of the Vice President in charge of Tourism Daniel Gibbs, reasons why she terminated his contract. Ever since the Claeysen saga Gibbs and Zin Ka Ieu has not been on speaking terms. SMN News further understands that since Zin Ka Ieu was elected president of the Office du Tourisme Gibbs stopped visiting the department even though he is in charge of tourism.
It is therefore incomprehensible why the President would now encourage the same types of behavior she once condemned. Efforts made to obtain a statement from Zin Ka Ieu proved futile up to press time.
Philipsburg:--- Finance commissioner finance Xavier Blackman at a press conference on Thursday clarified several issues pertaining to the island’s financial health. Blackman said it took weeks before he could have thoroughly accessed the island’s financial situation since he had to do some research at the various departments. The commissioner said there was no archive for him to refer to reasons why it took more time to gather information.
The commissioner when clarifying the true situation regarding the CFT said there is a difference between the CFT legislation and the practical implementation. He said the law on financial supervision has been in place since December 2008, in the law there the obligations, dates and deadlines are laid down. Blackman said it is evident that all parties involved has to familiarize themselves with the new rule since this he said is a learning experience for everyone. He said there are no surprises since both parties including the CFT and government have been keeping each other abreast on almost a daily basis. The commissioner said he wants to take away the perception that laws are being broken, deadlines are not being met, and things were going awfully wrong. Blackman said if that was the case the CFT and Dutch government would have been very vocal about that. Regarding the quarterly report Blackman said there is the law that is laid down in the AMVRB. He said according to the law the quarterly reports are to be submitted to the CFT and the island council within six weeks at the end of each quarter. If one is to calculate then the first quarterly report for 2009 was due on May 12 (during the time the former executive council was in office) to both the CFT and the island council. He said it was incumbent for the former executive council to send the report to both the CFT and the island council. Blackman said based on what he understands from the former commissioner of finance the island council has not yet received a copy of the first quarterly report.
He said while the report was submitted to the CFT on time it was not sent to the island council by previous government. Since then there has been some amendments and adjustments made to the subsequent drafts, some of which were delayed because the CFT had asked for some specific adjustments. He said the suggestions made by the CFT reached the island territory rather late (closer to the deadline) so they had to make some last minute adjustments prior to it being submitted. The commissioner could not give an exact date on which the reports would be presented to the island council. Blackman said it is believed that would happen sometime in August.
Blackman said his office has reached an agreement with the CFT where they would begin working on a monthly report rather than a quarterly report, he said this decision was not taken because they wanted to please the CFT or anyone else rather it is for the island territory to monitor its financial developments. This he said would allow the executive council a detail report on government spending and the level of their finances, which would allow the executive council to make better and informed decisions on policy matters.
Budget 2010 he said is being prepared and is on schedule, he said the deadline is August 15 and they are on track to meet the deadline. He said that presently they are working on the third draft, which is being scrutinized within government. Blackman said he also has an agreement with the CFT where they are sending drafts prior to the final document. Reasons for this are the CFT can also work progressively on the documents and not have work pile up on them at the deadline date. Blackman said the CFT has an obligation to give the island feedback and by them having preparatory work makes it easier for both parties.
Blackman said the draft they are working on still shows a deficit, which has to be eliminated before it, is sent to the CFT. Blackman explained that already the technocrats have been discussing this issue of not having a deficit. He said there is hardly any nation that works without deficit except those that has natural resources such as oil, and it is extremely hard for any country to work without a deficit especially developing countries.
Blackman said since the federal government had failed to put the necessary facilities on St. Maarten and the island is faced with additional tasks as it becomes country, additionally the island is also busy assisting in clearing up a backlog, which accumulated over a 50-year period. The island he said is now faced with a double whammy and with those conditions and having to work with a balanced budget is even more stressful. Blackman said even though the current government is working according to the guidelines of the CFT there are still ongoing negotiations, which would allow them to work with a deficit.
Based on the preliminary figures released by the multi annual accounts showed that St. Maarten has a good financial potential leading up to country status. He said taking into consideration the division of assets and not having a layer of federal government where monies generated locally has to pay into would leave the island in good financial potential leading up to country. Blackman said even though he is not able to provide details now, he can assure that the island is looking well financially leading up to country status.
Cole Bay: --- Some three families are now protesting the construction of a warehouse in their neighborhood especially since there is no access road leading to the property.
The well-known Cole Bay families in an interview with SMN News said public works department tried tricking them because they know they granted a building permit to someone to build warehouses on a property that has no access road. The Hughes and James families said Public Works began moving some containers next to their property telling them it contained material for the round about.
They said knowing the roundabout is an asset to everyone they did not protest, but while they were not paying attention the owners of the parcel of land which is between the two families began building a warehouse even though they have no access road much less parking.
Rita Hughes said it has been quite sometime now she has been complaining that some the owners of the property next to her has been blocking her view and house with a set of containers. The woman said while these people are the owners of the property placing containers on it is dangerous since many children lives in the neighborhood. Furthermore, she explained that the parcel of land next to her has no access road since she and her brother paid for the road when they purchased the land some years ago. Russell Hughes said ROB or the island government has to provide a road for the developer since they are not willing to sacrifice the lives of the children living in the area. Hughes said on several occasions the persons living in the neighborhood had to run for their lives when the containers are going down their road. He said there is no space for huge vehicles to maneuver on the property and he wants the governor to tell him why he granted a building permit or even a business license to someone to store acid in such a neighborhood. “When Rita and I bought this parcel of land we joined it together with the Hughes and Richardson property to make one road, which we paid for as well as sacrificing the length of or our property for the road.
Rita Hughes said when they noticed that warehouses were being built next to her, she and her brother went to VROM, and two inspectors visited the site, and they said they did not see anything wrong with the ongoing construction. The woman said these inspectors saw the building is on the bound, they saw there is no space for a septic neither space for the run off water, yet they said nothing is wrong. The woman said it was then she and the neighbors in the area decided to put up a bound and stopped the contractors from using their property. “The next thing I saw they went through the James’s property and poured the concrete from over there in one day’s time, I thought the James’s had given permission not realizing they were not aware of what was going on in their neighborhood.” Rita Hughes explained that she believed a building stop was finally issued because they already exposed the situation in the media.
Her brother Russell said that already the acting head of Public Works acknowledged they have a problem on their hand and the governor may have to find a solution to the ongoing dispute. The man said that under no circumstances, they would agree to have a warehouse in the neighborhood and the contractors and owners of the property would not be able to use their road.
“The Hughes and Richardson have a road, while the James’s family owns the other road and the only person who does not have a road is the Cannigitter family.” Hughes said. The landowner said this is not the first time the owner of that property sold the land to other people even though he knows he has no road. “At least three persons had to take back their monies from the person who sold them the property for the lack of an access road. However, this time somebody from Public Works is conspiring with the developer because they know the situation yet still they granted them a building permit.
At the location yesterday was Leopold James, Edwin, and Rodman James who are in support of the Hughes. The James’s took measurements to see if the developer is abiding by the law to build three meters away from his bound. On one side the bound is exactly three meters away but on the other side they are short by two meters. There is no space for parking neither there is space for a cesspit.
Leopold James said he has a daughter who is trying to obtain a building permit to build her house in the same neighborhood and public works is pushing her around even though she meets the requirements. He said he cannot understand what is going on and how government could expect them to tolerate what is taking place in their neighborhood.
Edwin James also expressed the same concerns he said the island government even has to adjust the plans of the roundabout, which is endangering their daily lives. James said he already submitted an objection letter to the executive council outlining his concerns and hopes that the council would intervene.
Philipsburg: --- The new and revised labour policy that was introduced by the former executive council on January 12 has defeated the purpose of an upgraded policy; those were the words of former commissioner of labour Louis Laveist just prior to voting against the motion presented by the Democratic Party Faction. Laveist said the former executive council to which he was part of personally withheld the policy from him even though he was the commissioner of labour under the Democratic Party led government. He further explained that had he seen the policy prior to it being implemented it would not have seen the light of day. Laveist said while in the past executive council he repeatedly asked for the policy so he could have examined it but he was not allowed to see the policy. He said as far as he is concerned he was never the commissioner of labour. Laveist further explained he wanted to make sure his visions for a new policy was in the policy but he was deprived of that opportunity, reasons why he said the policy was introduced after he left his office. The former labour commissioner said the reason he championed a new labour policy was to address the problems with the minimum wage, which was increased. He said an agreement was made on these increases and when it was to take place however, they were not able to escape the abuse of the short term contracts, and other matters such as having the permits issued in a more timely fashion, none of which is addressed in the new policy and the motion presented by the Democratic Party with some amendments on Monday. Laveist said one of the problems of the working permits is that it is activated months before it is granted or picked up. Another issue that had to be addressed is the synchronization of the work and residency permit, which was also not addressed. Laveist said there are several persons living on St. Maarten for as much as 40 years and they are not properly documented, these he said included persons who were born here and have gone to school on St. Martin, the former commissioner with a passion said those were the reasons he championed having a new policy. He said while business and building permits were being issued like peas the labor permits were stagnated. He said another idea was to have an inventory taken on all sectors including education. The idea was to see what kind of foreign labour is needed on St. Maarten. These inventories were to also assist in directing not only the labour policy but also that of education and health. Laveist said the policy was rushed and implemented before proper analysis was made which does not address the issues that are facing the island. ‘
The National Alliance, Heyliger, and Laveist government has already agreed to several amendments to the policy. Articles amended are 4, which stipulated that the old fees for the processing of domestic personnel would remain at Naf. 800 since such jobs do not generate revenue.
The reason the current executive council did not reduce the other fees because it would drastically affect the budget. Article six of the policy that deals with the moratorium on skilled professionals. The council has decided to remove masons, carpenters, and mechanics from the moratorium since such tradesmen cannot be found locally. Amended also is article 7 which deals with the duration of the permit and the fact that these permits will not be issued for more than three years. The amended version now states that the three-year period is only applicably to non-professionals, while professional migrants can have permits for a longer period, those include teachers, nurse’s doctors, and professors. Persons holding a bachelors degree are considered as added value to the St. Maarten community and as such, they can be part of society as nation building. Articles 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16 17, 18, 20 and 21 were also amended.
Commissioner William Marlin and leader of the current government said the Democratic Party faction should shut up when it comes to the labour policy since they are the ones that created the mess today. He said the DP faction while they have a right to speak should not be the ones to cry out loud now that they are in opposition. The island leader said his government does not need any assistance from the DP faction since they already voted on the amendments and it will be sent to the governor general for ratification. He said the former executive council members should remember that the tripartite committee with whom they dialogued wrote them a letter on May 12 asking them to remove the revised labor policy. The committee wanted this policy revised and amended. Marlin said the leader of the Democratic Party felt ashamed of herself as a former labour commissioner and thus she did not present a motion against her own policy instead she asked “one of her boys to do it” he said he believed the island council lady purposely left the meeting before the motion is tabled for voting simply because she could not stand voting on such a motion. Of the nine votes cast, two was for the amendments proposed by the DP faction while seven voted against. The statements made by the island leader caused some confusion at the end of the island council meeting as island councilman Roy Marlin tried to set the records straight. Leader of government William Marlin objected and called on chairlady Millicent De Weever to close the meeting since there was no more agenda points on the floor to be discussed. Marlin made sure he cautioned the chairlady about the constant abuse of the rules of order, which he said, is not acceptable.
Marlin in his presentation explained that the current policies that are still in use have caused a number of problems. He said his government has decided to strike off the acculturation simply because it does not fit into the policy. Housing requirements that is under 11 is also stricken since regulating housing issues cannot be in a labour policy. Marlin said this has to be regulated by properly implementing the building code. Government would also have a study done to determine the exact quotas, which will vary per business. Another article that has to be stricken is 16, which deals with the abuse of the labor policy and the system. Government feels that this can be rectified by controls. Persons caught breaking the law can face jail time or pay a fine of Naf. 100,000. Also revoked is the mandate that was given to department head.
Marlin said it is obvious that the policy was not working favor of the island and those that created the problem are the ones shouting the loudest. He said those who are not aware of the change of government would believe that the DP faction is trying to save immigrant workers. He said the former government denied immigrants and their children even those that were born here access to education. Marlin said the policy was geared at ensuring that immigrants no longer become a permanent part of society. He said living on the island five or ten consecutive years would give people the right to permanent residency.
Presenting the amended portions of the amended policy was the commissioner of labour Hyacinth Richardson, Richardson also answered a few questions in the first round of the island council, but during the second round the labor commissioner did not address any of the questions posed by the DP Faction. Richardson said the executive council has met with the tripartite committee on at least three occasions and they have taken a decision on amending the policy. The commissioner also attacked some of the statements made by the DP faction some of which he said is not true. He said the only reason the DP is throwing wild accusations is because they want to cross the isle and be in government. He criticized the DP faction for not visiting the Blue Mall, which he visited with some workers and the media.
Richardson said his government is there for the people and they are looking out for the people of St. Maarten, while the DP government did nothing in the past to benefit the people. Richardson also refuted certain statements that were published in one of the newspapers when he visited the Blue Mall.
The commissioner said he noticed the DP has slogans 55 years and moving on, he said he wanted to know where the DP is going because they have lost two of their strongest members namely, commissioners Louis Laveist and Theo Heyliger.
Philipsburg:--Two members of the Democratic Party yesterday condemned the conduct of leader of Government William Marlin during Monday’s Island Council meeting. Island Councilman Roy Marlin at a press conference held on Tuesday at the Faction Office said each of the island council members were duly elected by different people in the community, based on that Marlin said each member of the council should do the best they can in representing the island. But “shut up and go home” statements made by the leader of government William Marlin during Monday’s Island Council several times is no conduct for members of the island council.
Marlin said he wants to point out to the leader of the National Alliance that all members of the Democratic Party Faction were duly elected just as him and the other members of the Island Council. Marlin said he wants to remind the NA leader that the 2007 election was won by the Democratic Party with more seats and votes than the National Alliance. Marlin said that the NA leader should realize that his political party never won an election on St. Maarten and the only reason his party is in government is because of the political system which is by virtue of a coo. Marlin said that the leader of government needs to temper his anger when speaking in the legislative hall. His expression to the Democratic Party ‘shut up and go home” to put in mildly not parliamentary language. “Island Council members should at all times exercise proper decorum and conduct when speaking in the island council. We should be examples to the whole community, people are listening on radio, television and the internet, including those in the public tribune”. Marlin said. He continued by saying that they would always have political differences but this should not become insulting and degrading and downright rude. He said the island council is not the place for such behavior.
Marlin said the leader of the National Alliance and leader of government can behave in such a way when he is playing dominoes under the tree, something they all do.
The island councilman said the leader of government and National Alliance had a display, which is consistent of a dictatorial tendency by telling members of the island council to shut up when they are trying to make a particular point. Marlin said island council members should strive to be an example for the youths who would then emulate their leaders. Marlin said the conduct on Monday is no conduct he would want for the younger generation to emulate.
Also condemning the words and action of Marlin is leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams. Wescot Williams said she is disappointed and amazed at the level Marlin sunk to during Monday’s Island Council meeting. She said such a display is a total disrespect for the people’s representatives as well as to the office he holds. Wescot Williams said the people were told that the National Alliance, Heyliger, and Laviest government was a new beginning and indeed, with Monday’s action it is indeed that new beginning. The DP leader said the question now remains how much more lowly this kind of behavior would get. Wescot Williams said that Marlin has to realize that he has been conniving and coercing to get into government, which he has achieved. However, the people is expecting a level of dignity to be displayed by his team. She considered Marlin’s behavior on Monday to be that of ignorance and lack of respect. She warned that the Democratic Party and its members would not be wished away and neither would they be intimidated. She urged Marlin to do some introspection on how he carries the role of leader of government. Wescot Williams said that in a meeting just after the formation of the new coalition government Marlin had warned her that he was now going to be taking off his gloves because according to Marlin she had thrown the first punch at him. She said what is manifesting today “shut up and go home”, tells the DP what Marlin had meant back then. She said Councilman George Pantophlet would not be able to pin the lying from his government on the press since they were caught lying about the retraction of the labour policy. She asked to what length the coalition government would go to silence the opposition.
Philipsburg: --- Leader of Government William Marlin condemned the statements made by the Chairman of the island council on Thursday. Marlin said he took the statements rather serious especially since Richards was not present during the island council meeting on Monday. Marlin explained that he already indicated to the Chairman and Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards that it seemed as if the Acting Chairman of the island council Millicent de Weever does not know the rules of order. He said on several occasions the leader of the Democratic Party has been abusing the rules of order, which is being allowed by the assistant chairlady. The island leader said he personally asked the chairman to speak to the leader of the Democratic Party on respecting the rules of order. He said Richards had promised to speak with his assistant instead of the DP leader prior to him leaving for his vacation, however, he does not know if that ever happened.
Marlin said the island council lady would sign in to speak on the minutes of May and not those of July yet the chair would allow her to speak on agenda points to which she did not even sign in to speak on which he said is completely wrong. Marlin said he did not have any confrontation with any members of the island council on Monday. He said what transpired is when the chair was about to close off the island council meeting at the end of the deliberations island councilman Roy Marlin said he had a point of order and he reminded the chair that his faction leader had notified her she needed to leave the meeting. Marlin said the island councilman said he wanted to set something straight which was not a point of order if not that would cause a back and forth of statements. He said if Roy Marlin had something to say he either had to wait until the next meeting is called or write a letter to the chairman or he could also call a press conference. Marlin said even up to that point he said nothing, but when the island councilman decided to continue he decided that he needed to inform the chairlady that she has to put an end to what was taking place. Marlin said that at no time did he address the island councilman instead; he addressed the chairlady because he felt that the abuse of the rules of order must stop. The leader of government and longest member of the island council said even though he pointed that out to the chair the island councilman wanted to continue and he insisted on the chair to call the island councilman to order which she eventually did and she closed the meeting. Marlin said it his belief that since the DP faction did not get the opportunity to misuse the rules of order they decided to launch an attack via the media on him as if he does not know how to behave. Marlin said he has been a commissioner for five years (1994 to 1999) and he has been a member of the island council since 1987. Marlin said he is the longest serving member of the island council and he has never been accused of having bad conduct or that he does not know how to behave during an island council meeting. Marlin insisted that he did not address any member of the island council during his remarks.
The island leader said that he also addressed the chairlady when he said on numerous occasions that those who have created the problem are the ones screaming the loudest on the floor of the island council to create the impression that they suddenly have solutions to the existing problems. He said in that context he said since these island council members had nothing to contribute they need to shut their mouths and go home. He said he did not take away the opinion of any island council member and had he interrupt them while speaking then the chairman had the right to say they are not allowing the DP faction to voice their opinion. Marlin said if every time the opposition requested a meeting and they are not facilitated then they could be accused of hampering the process of democracy. He said at no point in time did they interrupt any speaker and so far they have not hindered democracy.
Marlin said now that the chairlady is saying that the rules of order has been misused it is the chairlady who did not interpret the rules correctly or simply does not know them.
As for the attack by the Democratic Party Marlin said, the DP faction has begun their political campaign and as such, they are looking for any and everything to turn into a political ball field.
Marlin said that since the formation of his government the Democratic Party has not even given them their preverbal 100 days in office. He said the DP has been on the attack from since day one. He said during his 20+ years in the island council no one ever broke or violated the agreement they had on the recess but the DP did so by calling for meetings on matters they created and are responsible for. He said the Dutch parliament is on recess since July and have not yet returned. Marlin said if the meetings called by the DP faction during the recess were that of an emergency and the island would, stand to loose then their actions would have been understandable. He said if this is, the way they are going to continue then there is no need for a gentleman’s agreement.
Marlin said recently the leader of the Democratic Party has been attacking things that they were responsible for while in government and are pretending as if she does not know what has happened. Marlin explained that Wescot Williams is now questioning things like the Scarlet, which the DP had four months to take a decision, and because they did not it caused the predicament. Another issue that is under questioning is the licenses that were issued by the DP as well as the labour policy, which is now under review. Marlin said the DP had the opportunity to bring changes to this policy and they did not, but now that they have decided to review and amend the policy the DP has decided to bring forward and MOU, which was not even signed by them. Marlin said even the unions in a letter to the DP led government decided they no longer wanted that policy.
Marlin said there is a political hostility on St. Maarten and the Democratic Party is sour on losing their government, which is their good right but they should not take out that bitterness on others or vent their frustration on other people including his faction. He said he kept hearing from the DP that the people have to remember who won the election in 2007. Marlin said the election is over some two years ago. He said he has said on a number of occasions that a “house divided cannot rule” which he is maintaining.
Marlin said due to the division in the Democratic Party it is now crumbling and it is not the National Alliance that has stolen their government, Marlin explained that because Island Council members Louie Laviest and Theo Heyliger resigned from the Democratic Party they are no longer in government. He said the majority of the eleven members in the island council is what formed the government, so for the DP to cry and whine on who won the election is not necessary because there are more people who voted against the DP in the last two island council elections, more than those that supported them. He said the current problem is not about of votes.
Philipsburg:--- Over 3000 persons who have subscribed to the Telcel Light plan will be affected come September 15. Management of St. Maarten Telephone Company (TELEM Group) has decided as of September 15 customers of TELCEL light would now have 500 minutes to call from Telcel to Telcel instead of their unlimited. Customers would then be charged Naf. 0.29 cents for every additional minute. Customers received notification on their last July phone bill.
SMN News have learnt that the company has decided to implement the new procedures after they discovered businesses such as RBTT bank and hotels have been using the services through a PBX box to make calls to other phones such as land lines. Sources told this media house that with the PBX boxes the businesses pay a mere $45 per month for each chip instead of a monthly bill to TELEM. Large companies they said bought five chips to service their business.
SMN News understands that the staff of TELEM advised management not to take away the services from all their clients since they can be taken to court for breaking the contract between the client and the company, but management has refused to adhere to advice of their employees.
The source said certain technicians even reported the discrepancies they noticed with these businesses but TELEM management has refused to deal with the individual companies. The services it is said was not designed for companies instead it was for the middle class.
Philipsburg:--- Some ten officers who would be completing their training on the Bicycle Patrol were given a diploma on their achievements on Thursday. Four of the ten officers are from Statia while the other six will remain locally. At least four of the six officers are from the Voluntary Korps. Among them is one female officer known to everyone as “Maurina.” Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran commended the officers as well as the trainers for their willingness to participate in the project. Chief Inspector Carl John was also acknowledged as being the machine behind the project.
The officers as well as their trainers carried a lively display in front of the police station prior to receiving their diplomas. They showed off some of the tricks they learnt over the past few days especially using their bike as a weapon to arrest criminals. Witnessing the spectacular display were Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein, Prosecutor Rienk Mud, Prosecutor Ludwina Hodge and several other dignitaries. Special credit was given to officer Maurina for taking up the challenge in wanting to fight crime.
Marigot:--- Several hucksters that was on one of the boats bringing foodstuff from Dominca to St. Martin were intercepted by the French Cutsoms while on sea on Tuesday. The two boats that has been plying the route for a number of years now are Marianne and Grace 1.
Speaking to SMN News two of the husksters said they were kept on sea for almost two hours as the customs check thier documents.
They said the officers took their passports and stamped it along with placing a cross inside of it and told them that if they are ever stopped again they would be arrested and deported.
The officers also ordered the hucksters not to leave their ship on Wednesday, the day they normally sell their produce, they were allowed to get off their boat on Thursday while they were informed that they have 15 days on the island.
SMN News understands that these hucksters who do not have a visa to enter the French side has an agreement with local authorities but the hucksters were told there is no agreement in with the State and Dominica.
SMN News further understands that local authorities has an agreement on cooperation with Dominica. SMN News has been reliably informed that officials from the Collectivity already made contact with the Prefecture to discuss the matter, but no solution is found. It is further understood that the matter would be fully discussed after the summer vaction.
One of the concerns of the State is that there is no customs, or Police Aux Frontiers at the Galisbay Port a main port of entry to the island. It is not clear if the duane or customs ever checked the containers and boats that docked at the Galisbay port for illegal substance.
More information on this story will be released in our subsequent broadcast.
Philipsburg: --- The Minister of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles Magali Jacoba told reporters at a press conference on Friday said she managed to visit several departments during her one week on the islands. One of the benefits the Minister said she was that she was able to meet the people that work in the justice chain and hear some of their grievances. Regarding the police, she felt more attention has to be given to them because if they were not happy then they would not perform optimally on the job.
A trend she said occurs everywhere including the court of guardianship, the prison, and other departments. She considers this a ‘very big problem”.
The minister said the same problems that exists on these islands also exists on Curacao and there is no money in the coffers of the Central Government to fully deal with the issues, so they need to be creative in solving these problems. She said the issues regarding the police are one of her priorities and that she would see how best they could deal with the current problems. One of the initiatives the Minister would take is to hold meetings with government to further discuss these matters.
Another concern for the Minister is to make sure the police and other justice workers get the opportunities to upgrade themselves through educational courses. Jacoba said it is necessary for the police and justice workers get the necessary training to properly function in today’s world which she described as being rather complicated. She felt the police especially need to follow educational courses so that they can carry out their duties. She said her intention is make sure an inventory is conducted to see exactly what types of courses the police had and what more is needed for them to be up to par. She said the lack of workers and education was the two major challenges she discovered on her one-week visit.
Even though not able to visit all the places that were necessary, she felt her first working visit was rather successful. Jacoba said one of the things she noticed on all the islands is the increase in youth crime, something that she feels need urgent attention especially on the smaller islands, Saba, Statia and St. Maarten. Jacoba said she already knew that youth crime was on the rise on St. Maarten but she was very much shocked to see that happening on the smaller islands. She felt parents have a rather crucial role to play in the lives of their children. The Minister said one of the things they noticed is that parents are working and are leaving their children alone at home, reasons why their has been such increase in youth crimes. Jacoba said right now there are some spot checks taking place on Saba and Statia and St. Maarten, but she felt that is not enough, she felt the youths have to be given more attention since they are the future generation. The Minister said there are too many youths in prison and that is not good for the islands. She said her intention is to focus on that and see if the Ministry can come up with projects geared at educating both the youths and their parents. The Minister also intends to get a project on stream that would target and deal with youth delinquency both on the streets as well as for those in prisons; she said they are contemplating to see if they can begin the education process in the schools.
Jacoba said if the youths that are currently in prison have nothing constructive to do, they would be thinking about the negative things to do. She felt the prison is a good university for the continuation of crime; therefore, it is of uttermost importance that something be done to address these issues.
During this week, she said those were the most pressing issues, which actually surpass the red line border. Her intention is to place the youths on the front burner so that the issues affecting them can be dealt with.
Another trend noticed State Secretary Ernie Simmons said was the fact that there seems to be a lack of communication. He said that they noticed that communication does not flow from top to bottom, and somewhere along the line, other stories are living a life of its own, which is causing major confusion. Simmons said this is happening especially in the constitutional process and what they noticed is that the civil servants are not duly informed, a concern for most of the departments.
Great Bay: ---“A front page story published in The Daily Herald on Thursday, August 27, 2009 under the headline “S4 accuses former director of fraud” has attempted to smear and discredit my good name and reputation throughout the Netherlands Antilles and the Netherlands,” former director of S4, Drs. Linda Richardson, stated in her first official reaction to the accusations leveled against her in the story.
The issue of the housing allowance which seems to be at the root of these allegations has been known for almost two years by S4 Board and by my employer, the Island Government of St. Maarten,” she emphasized. “This matter is being resolved with my former employers, the Island Government of St. Maarten.”
Immediately after becoming aware of additional compensation, which was not indicated as housing allowance on her pay slips, Drs. Linda Richardson notified the Director of Resources of the Island Government verbally and in an email, dated December 5, 2007.
“The Director of Resources and I discussed this matter on several occasions. Since the Island Government and S4 did not pay all items of the remuneration package, stipulated in the Island Resolution, it was agreed to sort matters out at the end of her tenure,” Richardson further revealed.
After her arrival on the island last month, she has met with the Director of Resources and his staff on this very matter, which was still being dealt with when this story was published by the St. Maarten Daily Herald.
Richardson, a former Minister of Education of the Netherlands Antilles, explained that from the time she was appointed as director of S4 in 2005, she had raised concerns about the execution of the terms and conditions of her contract.
“I was appointed in July 2005 by the Island Government of St. Maarten for an initial period of 2 years. I got a resolution (detacheringsbesluit) with a number of conditions and terms,” Richardson stated. Being the first St. Maarten civil servant to be expatriated by the St. Maarten Government, execution of her terms and conditions of service could not be based on any previous precedent, leading thus to questions of interpretation which are still being resolved.
One of the terms stipulated in the Resolution clearly states that the costs for house rent would be reimbursed by the Island Government to S4 to the tune of maximum Naf. 3600 per month. In 2005 and in 2006, the Island Government made payments to S4 for several of the costs, indicated in the Resolution, including the now controversial housing allowance. It is therefore totally misleading and reprehensible to claim that the Island Government did not reimburse the rent to S4 for 4 years.
If the Island Government did not reimburse S4 for costs incurred during the remaining period, it is apparently due to the fact that no account of these expenditure were submitted to the Island Government by the Board of S4.
She describes the assertion in the Daily Herald report that the S4 treasurer and the Board became aware of this situation only recently as “diametrically opposed to the truth”. “This matter has been known to the Board since November 2007, she stressed.
In addition, Richardson explained that S4 had not been paying 2300 euro a month for the rent all the time. The rent started at 2000 euro per month.
“Rent in Holland goes up each year gradually. The lease agreement went into effect in November 2005; I negotiated to get the first month free, excluding service charges”, she pointed out.
“Furthermore, she said, “I did not rent a rather expensive furnished house. The house was rented unfurnished. I bought the furniture at Ikea,” she disclosed.
On the issue of living close to the Royal Palace, she joked “then everybody who lives close to the Central Station in the Hague, is residing next to the Queen.
Richardson stated that there have been differences of opinion between S4 current treasurer and her regarding the interpretation of a number of matters in the Resolution, drawn up and given to her by former employer, the Island Government of St. Maarten.
“But, there was never ever any agreement with S4 board that I would have to pay the difference in rent!” Drs. Richardson exclaimed. “To the contrary, on October 27, 2005, the former treasurer emailed to the other Board members and to me, that the Board would send a letter to the Island Government about the difference in rent and should suggest to have the extra costs charged to the Island Government.”
“Like any other professional organization, S4 has a financial administrator who handles all financial matters. As S4 Director, I submitted all budgets and annual accounts for approval to the Board, which is the official channel for presenting an approved budget to the funding agencies, in this case the Island Government and the Central Government. Moreover, seeing that S4 is a new foundation, SOAB, upon my request, reviewed the accounts of S4. To my knowledge, no report about any fraudulent acts at S4 were filed.”
“In fact, the same board has repeatedly praised my hard work as director of S4 and my dedication to S4 and to the students. A very positive evaluation report about my functioning was submitted to my employer, the Government of St. Maarten,” she added. “And, ironically, while the treasurer and me disagreed on the housing matter at S4, last year, several months before the end of my tenure at S4, the same treasurer urged me to leave S4 to take up a more lucrative position as the director of another foundation in Amsterdam, to which board he is also the treasurer.
Drs. Richardson was also surprised to learn via the media that the Board and her were not on speaking terms. She was not aware that the board-members were not speaking to her. For, since her arrival in St. Maarten, the treasurer telephoned her and expressed his condolences for the passing of a family member on behalf of the Board.
“I am now curious to know which board members are not speaking to me,” she said.
“I admit that the relationship between the Board and I has not been ideal over the past 2 years. This is due to my expressing my displeasure about the manner in which S4 Board has been handling the affairs of S4, including the appointment of board-members, the refusal to appoint much needed staff for the proper functioning of S4, the violation of the statutes, and other matters. A board-member who did not agree with the functioning of S4 board resigned as a result of this.
.Contrary to the Board, she brought her concerns to the attention of the Island Government on numerous occasions, the last time in a meeting with the Board and a St. Maarten delegation in April 2009.
“I therefore welcome any investigation into the operations of S4”.
“It is clear that I have tried to have this administrative error resolved with the Island Government and that process is still ongoing.”
“To be accused falsely of fraud is an unwarranted attack on my longstanding and performance oriented reputation, particularly after going into retirement. It speaks volumes of the persons, who have actively and deliberately disclosed deceiving, misrepresenting facts to the media”.
Commenting on the role of the newspaper itself, Richardson said it is the basic principle of responsible reporting to have all facts and be objective in retrieving information and reporting on it. A media entity that prints an article that just states the opinion of just one party, does not corroborates the facts, makes statements about the alleged party’s opinion without consulting her is not just highly irresponsible and unprofessional, but destructive to the very fiber of any society. Ultimately, what the media has done is allowed themselves to be a pawn in someone else’s chess game. I see that and I understand that. However, it is still very despicable that they have allowed themselves to be used, especially when the accuser himself publicly states that he is not on speaking terms with the other party.” Drs. Richardson said.
“Just recently, I called a press conference in St. Maarten about The Friendly Island Foundation. The Daily Herald was represented and the story was carried big time. The reporter also had my local contact information. I would like to know how is it that I could not be contacted for comments on this 37 square mile island?” she asked.
Drs. Richardson stated that she also wondered why the newspapers – when they could not get hold of her, did not contact the commissioners of education or finance for their comments? Or, those civil servants who were fully aware of this matter and involved in a solution. “After all, they were my employers and the principal subsidizer of S4.”
Richardson concluded by stating that she intends to do everything within her power to have her good name restored.
“My family, my children, my friends, my professional associates and network, and my own future have all been negatively affected by this. It is totally unfair and inexcusable to have this thrown at me at the end of a career that I am proud of. It is unacceptable and I will not take it lying down.”
“At the same time, I want to thank the many persons who have been expressing their support, privately and publicly and those who are praying for me. Your support has been a source of strength in this season.”
Drs. Linda Richardson full statement, following is some questions and answers put together by Richardson.
Q&A MEMORANDUM ON HOUSING ISSUE
In view of the erroneous information given to and spread by the media, upon advice, it is considered more appropriate at this time to focus on the facts in this Q&A memorandum.
In this respect, the following basic questions, which are the root of the accusations, will be addressed.
1. What was the arrangement at the beginning of the detachering regarding housing?
The costs of a rental home will be reimbursed to S4 by the Island Government to the maximum of Naf. 3.600,--.
2. Why did the S4 Board rent the apartment and why did you not take it in your name?
The real estate agent insisted that it had to be rented by the organization I was working for, despite my efforts to get it on my name. At the time, most tenants in the apartment were expats who had the same contract. The former treasurer sent an email, dated October 21, 2005 to the other board members, in which he agreed that S4 should rent the apartment for me and mentioned that the difference between the rent and the allotted housing allowance will be discussed by the Board with the Island Government.
3. What did you pay on housing costs during your detachering?
The rent was paid directly to the housing agency by S4. I did not pay any rent. Neither S4 Board nor the Government of St. Maarten ever made any agreement with me about any contribution to the rental costs.
Kindly note that since last year I had made every effort to move out of the apartment, but needed to submit an employer’s statement to the real estate agent. Despite numerous requests for this document, which was mandatory to rent another home, I never received one. Consequently, I was forced to remain in the same apartment against my will.
4. Did you receive the housing allowance from the Island Government?
If so, did you redeposit this allowance in S4 account and if you haven’t, why not?
Yes, I received housing allowance from the Island Government, but I was unaware of that until December 2007. Prior to that time, I had no reason to think that the housing allowance was being added to my salary, since in 2005 and 2006, the Government made payments towards my housing to S4. Moreover, my salary slips are sent to the Education Department in St. Maarten, and are only picked up and signed for when I go to St. Maarten or someone else comes to Holland with them. Furthermore, my net salary was far from exorbitant, especially when converted into euro. I therefore had no reason to believe that I was receiving too much money.
5. When did you inform S4 and your employer of the wrongful payment?
On December 5, 2007, I sent an email about this matter to the Director of Resources, after having received verbal information on this matter from the former S4 treasurer and former head of the Finance Department in St. Maarten, who had discovered the administrative error when he was on a working visit in St. Maarten in November 2007.
6. What actions did S4 Board and your employer undertake after you had informed them?
The former treasurer informed me of the administrative error upon his return from a working visit to St. Maarten in November 2007. The Board never brought this matter up with me after that. When the present treasurer joined the board in April 2008, I informed him of this matter. To date, I have not received any information from the Board regarding finding any solution to this matter nor did I receive any formal complaint by the Board or the St. Maarten Government about misappropriation of funds. S4 board never contacted me for an explanation nor sent a complaint to my employer, the Island Government of St. Maarten, but instead went to the media with such allegations.
After having been informed by me of the administrative error, the matter was discussed several times with the Director of Resources, in terms of balancing off the amount erroneously disbursed to me with the payments I was yet to receive as part of my remuneration at the end of my term. As soon as I arrived in St. Maarten in July 2009, I met with the Director of Resources concerning this matter. A number of points in my contract are not yet resolved and we are still in discussion about this matter to finalize it as soon as possible
It is quite evident, that there had never been any wrongdoing on my part and that I never withheld any information regarding the erroneous payments made to me the moment I became aware of this.
Editor’s Note:-- While SMN News did not carry the initial story that was published in the Daily Herald, based on our research we leant that the reporter responsible for the story did try to make contact with Drs. Richardson on several occasion by phone, she also sent emails to Ms. Richardson and her daughter in the hope of reaching Drs. Richardson. SMN News have been trying all last week to make contact with Ms. Richardson for her reaction and we were not successful.
As a media house, we believe both sides should be heard but we do not allow people to dictate what and when we publish information as we do believe the people have a right to know, if the story was never published the people would never have known about this issue. While we also understands the predicament and embarrassment Ms. Richardson is faced with we must acknowledge that there must be a free press to ensure social and economic development of any country. Most of all the issue, which has been ongoing since 2007, will now get the required attention from government and a proper solution might be found where both parties would receive what is rightly owed to them.
Philipsburg:--- Detective Carlton Philips is calling on the Minister of Justice who recently took office to conduct an internal investigation on the management team of the police force whom he said must go. Philips in a detail letter to the editor also spoke to this reporter explaining some of the grievances of several police officers of the KPSSS. He said the management team is on a mission of victimization against persons who spoke out against them, furthermore the majority of the officers of the local police force are unhappy. The officer has accused some members of the management team of self-enrichment, and is calling on the competent authorities to conduct an investigation into these and other matters relating to the police force.
Philips said he has been serving in the police force for the past 35 years and his career began going down the drain after he solved a double homicide where the main suspect was the son of his colleague. “Ever since I solved that case, the father of the suspect began taking bad news to the police management who eventually demoted him for no reason.
The officer who obviously had enough said Assistant Chief of Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran told him February that he had intended to upgrade at least three officers who have the highest degree locally and he happened to be one of the officers. However, Doran he said proposed him two positions, which he was not interested in, he said he asked Doran if he would not assign him back to his former position as head of intelligence since he worked there for several years. “It was then Doran asked me about the problems he had at that department and he explained the new chief he did not have any problem in the department instead he was victimized because he solved a double murder case, which involved the son of his colleague. After explaining this to Doran, he asked me what about the evidence I destroyed and I asked him what he was talking about and for which case. So far Doran has not provided any answers to and he assigned another person as head of intelligence.” Philips further explained that he wrote Doran several letters as well as the coach of he police force Ronald Dongor requesting that an investigation be conducted so that his name can be cleared of the false accusation. So far, the officer said Doran never replied to his letters. He said he also went to the Chief of Police who told him he needed to speak to his superiors.
Phillips explained that he even spoke to outgoing Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein and Stein has promised to get back to him but never did. In an invited comment, Stein admitted that Philips had spoken to him on several occasions and he also requested an investigation. The former chief prosecutor said he requested permission from the attorney general for the investigation, which was finally granted, and the matter is now in the hands of the federal detectives. Stein could not say if the officers who are stationed in Curacao have begun the investigation and how they have progressed.
Below is the letter sent to us:-
My name is Carlton PHILIPS. I am a member of the Police Force of the Netherlands Antilles (K.P.N.A.) for the past 35 years. My rank is inspector and presently I am a team leader at the Detective Department in St. Maarten. I have taken an oath to serve and protect and have kept this oath, at all times during my years of service. In light of this, I can no longer sit back and accept what is taking place in this police organization. I have taken a lot of time and have giving it a lot of thought. I have finally decided to go public and expose some of the wrongdoings in the Police force, with the hope that things will change. I know that things will not get better for me and I expect the members of the police Management Team to embark on a mission to seek and destroy me, even if they have to fabricate accusations against my person. It has been done before. It is evident that the majority of the members of this Police organization are not happy and have no confidence in the Management Team of the Police Force of St. Maarten Saba and St. Eustatius. Certain members of the Police Management Team are behaving as if the Police force belongs to them and use their position in management to victimize those that they dislike or have personal problems with. While they are busy with this campaign, houses are being broken into; armed robberies are taking place on a daily basis. Check the statistics. Under this management, crime has increased and the criminals are having a party. This management team has no idea what they are doing. Its time for a change .We urgently need help. We can no longer cover these people’s backs by not letting the public know what is taking place.
As we embark on our way to becoming a country, our Police organization should be in a position to serve and protect all the people of the country, and give content to the goals and mission of this organization. The people deserve the best. This means that the members of the Police Management Team should be people with integrity, honest, responsible, of undisputed character and should at least be able to manage this very important organization, in a professional manner.
Unfortunately, I have to conclude that this is not the case, at this time. After this Police force has been subjected to a period of utter shame, with several police officers, including high ranking police officers, being arrested, prosecuted and condemned, the police organization is again subjected to a very difficult period. From the outside it may seem that all is well. This is far from the truth.
It is the opinion of the majority of the members of the Police force that this Management Team is incapable of running the Police force in an appropriate and efficient manner. Certain members of the Management team are busy with a witch-hunt and a victimization campaign against a selected few who would dare to voice their disagreement on current “managerial style”. According to information received, several members of the Management team have taken the opportunity to unlawfully enrich themselves. It is rumored that the former Minister of justice probably was misled in this matter.
These things are happening while other members of the force are being wrongfully accused and condemned without even getting the opportunity to defend themselves.
I am one of the victims of the Management Team of the police force and the following is one of several stories:
On February 10, 2009 I was summoned to the office of commissioner Ademar DORAN.
He informed me of the intention of the former Minister of Justice to entrust him with the management of the Police Force. He was very enthusiastic and very happy. I was very happy for him and I congratulated him and wished him all the best in his new position.
Mr. DORAN also informed me that one of his priorities would be to promote the last 3 inspectors with the LMO diploma, to the rank of chief inspector. Being one of those 3 persons in the position of the LMO diploma, which is one of the highest diplomas from the police institute in Curacao, I was very elated that finally I would be promoted. Mr. DORAN went on to offer me at least two top positions in the Police force. I declined those positions. What I found very strange, was that he did not offer me the position of chief of the Criminal Intelligence Department (better known as C.I.D.). I knew that this position would become vacant so I told him that I would be interested in this position. I worked at the department for 11 years. From 1991 to 1994 as a “C.I.D. agent”, from 1994 to 1999 as chief of the C.I.D. and from 1999 to 2002 as a team leader. During that time I traveled on several occasions to the Netherlands, Aruba and Curacao to follow C.I.D. courses. I also attended several drug courses with one of the major topics being “intelligence gathering”. During my work at the C.I.D and in my capacity as chief of the C.I.D., I have had the pleasure of establishing very good contacts with other law enforcement agencies. I also played a very important role in solving several major cases.
My record speaks for itself.
Yet, to my great surprise, Mr. DORAN asked me about “problems” that I supposedly had in the past while working at the C.I.D. I explained to Mr. DORAN that I never had a problem at the department. I explained to him that solving a double murder case in the year 1998, had caused me a lot of pain and sorrow. Shortly after solving this case and having functioned for 5 years as chief of Criminal Intelligence Department, I was suddenly replaced without management ever providing a reason or the decency of an explanation. In fact , I was very smoothly demoted to team leader of the department. It might seem strange but this is the truth. What also contributed to my removal as chief of the department was the fact that I criticize one of my superiors for his unprofessional behavior during an investigation in another murder case. After some time, I requested a transfer from the department. I was transferred to the Narcotics/ Fire arms/ Fraud department to coordinate matters pertaining to fire arms etc. I worked from April 2002 until November 2003 at that department...
After explaining to Mr. DORAN the truth about the so called “problem”, he then proceeded to ask me about the accusation of “destruction of information” while working at the Criminal Investigation Department (C. I.D.).
One can imagine how dumb-founded I became at hearing these accusations. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine something like that being uttered.
I was left astonished, confused, and speechless. I tried to understand what exactly this good gentleman, was asking me about.
After a short time, I realized exactly what was happening.
Seven years after leaving the department, all of a sudden, because the position of chief of the Intelligence Department would become vacant and there was nothing to prevent me from getting the promotion, I am being accused of a very serious crime, namely “destruction of information”. This is punishable by law under article 366 of the Wetboek van Strafrecht van de Nederlandse Antillen ( Penal code of the Netherlands Antilles ). Mr. DORAN informed me then, that during a meeting of the Management Team, someone had mentioned that I destroyed information while working at the C.I.D.
Who made this accusation and what kind of information or evidence that I supposedly destroyed, was never disclosed to me. I emphatically refuted the accusation and immediately requested an investigation to be carried out to clear my good name and to restore my honor. No matter what, I have to say that I am very grateful to Mr. DORAN for at least asking me about this accusation, which is a BIG LIE. Before this date, at no time was there any talk or accusation about me destroying information.
The following day, on the 11th of February 2009, I officially, by means of a letter, with copies to the local chief of police Mr. Franklyn RICHARDS, the chief public prosecutor Mr. Taco STEIN and the NAPB (Police Union) representatives, chief inspector Carl JOHN and inspector Norwin VILLARREAL, requested an investigation. I requested that the investigation, if possible, be carried out by an impartial entity, the Federal Detectives ( Landsrecherche ).
Up to this date, after waiting for more than seven months, (since 10-2-09) no investigation has been carried out. I have written several times to Mr. DORAN asking for the motive that no investigation was being carried out. He paid no attention to my letters. I have spoken to Mr. DONGOR, the coach in the Management Team requesting him to do whatever is in his power to ensure that an investigation is carried out. He promised to discuss the matter with Mr. DORAN. I have spoken to the chief prosecutor, Mr. Taco STEIN , requesting him to do whatever was in his power to ensure that an investigation be carried out. He promised to do his best.
As a sign of respect for the office of the Lieutenant governor, I subsequently tried to get an audience with him in his capacity as Local Chief of Police. He declined my request and referred me to my superiors. Needless to say that my being unable to meet with the Local Chief of Police was another disappointment to my person. This considering that I clearly recall public statements attributed to the latter, in the past, when he assured members of the police organization that he would always be willing to listen to their concerns, whenever police organization superiors would not do so.
And now it is evident that those who fabricated this shameful lie against my person, succeeded in their ugly intentions. I never received the promotion that Mr. DORAN promised me. The other two officers with the LMO diploma (earlier referred to) are sitting on a chief inspector’s chair and most probably will be promoted, which is the only good news to report at this time.
An interview session for the position of Chief of the C.I.D. did take place within the organization.
Present were Mr. DORAN, the C.I.D. Prosecutor and a member of the RST, stationed in Curacao. It is my opinion that they conspired (“fixed”) for me not to be awarded the position of chief of the C.I.D. I seriously belief that the accusation towards my person contributed to their decision. In the end, the position was awarded to a younger colleague. I wish to emphatically state that I have no problem whatsoever with the colleague who was chosen and I wish him all the best.
I informed the Police Union concerning the unfair treatment, this and other irregularities, and statements made by Mr. DORAN, with regards to the selection process.
Members of the NAPB (Police union) requested a report of the interview, asked about the criteria that were followed and the reason that I was not awarded the position. Mr. DORAN promised on several occasions to supply the report, but up until now, he has not been forthcoming. It is left to one’s imagination as to the reason that he cannot produce such a report.
I am certain that this discreditable lie of “destroying information” has been fabricated in order for me not to get the position in question. I wonder if the person or persons who fabricated this lie, will plant some kind of evidence the next time around. It is crystal clear to me that with this lie, I have been accused and condemned without even getting a formal inquiry instituted. Every suspect has the right to a hearing before being condemned. It seems that this Management Team is afraid of an investigation and is doing everything possible, in order to prevent such an investigation taking place.
By means of this open letter, I am respectfully calling on the leader of government, Mr. William MARLIN and the leader of the opposition Mrs. Sarah WESCOT WILLIAMS to approach the Minister of Justice Mrs. JACOBA soliciting her to do whatever is in her power to insure that the people of St. Maarten receive a proper functioning Police organization with people at its helm who are capable of managing such an important organization, particularly at this crucial time when we are en route to country status.
I am also, respectfully requesting the above mentioned, authorities to forward through the intervention of the Minister of Justice, a request to the Attorney general to:
Investigate the accusation against my person in order to establish if indeed any information has been destroyed and if so, by whom?
Establish if this serious crime was ever brought to his attention in 2002, and if not, the reason that this never happened?
Investigate and establish the role of the C.I.D. prosecutor and the member of the RST, stationed in Curacao, who cooperated with those who fabricated this lie against my person?
Instruct the Federal Detective Department to investigate and establish if any member of the police Management Team has unlawfully and/or unethically enriched themselves?
Investigate and establish if members of the Management Team misled the former Minister of justice in any way whatsoever, with regards to this particular matter?
Investigate the functioning of all members of the police Management Team?
Instruct the S.O.A.B. ( Government Accountant agency ) to investigate possible wrongdoings within the finances of government with regard to the Police force of St. Maarten Saba and St. Eustatius.
I do trust that my going public, at this time, and after many months of careful consideration, will be construed as my strong commitment to the upholding of the integrity of the police force and those honest and hard working members of this organization.
It is certainly my sincere hope that no other interpretation shall be forthcoming as a result of this most difficult and painful decision to publicly share my concerns and try to safeguard against further victimization of my person and others in the organization.
Philipsburg: --- Island council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus posed several questions pertaining to the Section ROB (Public Works Department) during her presentation at Monday’s Island council meeting. The meeting was called by the Democratic Party Faction to deal with the financial and economic situation of the island.
The department in question is under investigation by the SOAB who already indicated in their preliminary reports that the executive council needs to take serious action. One of the suggestions given to the executive council is to hire an interim manager for the department, which is said to be in chaos.
Buncamper Molanus wants to know the reasons why building permits takes so much time to process and how many of those permits were processed this year and what is the processing time for these permits, she also wants to know if there are applications that were submitted this year and is yet to be processed.
Buncamper Molanus asked what has happened to the “Red Dot” program, which was geared at dealing with the backlog in that department. Most importantly, the island council lady wants to know what role the governor’s cabinet has played when it comes to the decision making regarding building permits. She made clear that she was part of the executive council and she is aware that the governor’s cabinet is somewhat involved in the final stages before the permits are granted. The island council lady asked what expertise the governor’s cabinet has on building permits and if they are assisting the at ROB to ensure that proper decisions are taken. Hoping to get direct information Buncamper Molanus asked how many of these permits pass through the governor’s cabinet per month. She said the executive council is blamed more often than not or even the commissioner who is mandated to sign is the ones that carry the blame, thus she believes the people has a right to know about the procedures, especially the amount of time it stays at each department prior to the issuance of the permit.
In the SOAB reports, it is said several of these applications and dossiers for building permits were found in the toilet at the department. (see related stories).
Another question posed by the council lady regards domain land and how much revenues government gain from these properties. Buncamper Molanus wants to know how many parcels of land were given out including water rights. She asked whom the recipients of the land given out were and what price per square meter it was sold for since all of this generates revenue for government. She asked if persons using domain land is fined when they are in violation of their permits regarding domain land and how much monies have been generated for the year from domain land. She asked specifically for the registration that was compiled by the inspectors, in order to get the exact figures. She made her point by saying she knows that these monies do not end up in the coffers of the island government and thus she believes the people has a right to know how much money St. Maarten is losing since the monies are paid to the federal government.
Buncamper-Molanus also wants to know what it costs government for the maintenance of infrastructures, including properties that are damaged when a light post fall. She said the former government had an agreement with St. Maarten Road Side Services to report these accidents to government. According to the island council lady this agreement is also with the insurance companies who are supposed to pay for the man made damages. She asked if that agreement is still standing or how much it is costing government to conduct the necessary repairs.
Hammering home on the function of ROB the island council lady questions the cost of the drainage of Bishop Hill, which is presently under construction as well as the Cole Bay roundabout. She asked if there has been any overruns when constructing these roundabouts and if so what are the cost of these overruns.
Buncamper Molanus also wants to know what does it cost the island government for the beautification of these roundabouts. She questioned if there were any tendering for the statues that are placed at these roundabouts. She asked about the cost of the Ring Road and if was tendered, Buncamper Molanus said even though the financing of these projects are financed by the harbor, which she said is concession monies. She wants to know when someone takes the sand from one project and use it for another if those in charge are taking government’s money and investing it into another project. She said she wants to know if such a process does not require public tendering as described in the CFT regarding the use of public funds. She also wants to know the cost to remove the silt in the pond and who was contracted to carry out the job, she also wants to know who the consultant for the Ring Road is and what is the cost to the taxpayers.
The island council lady asked if government owes Windward Roads and MNO Vervat and other contractors for the construction of the road projects. She asked for the name of the consultants who worked on these projects.
Government Reserves.
As for government reserves she said the former executive council under the Democratic Party has managed its finances well and made sure they were reserves and she wants to know if the current government had to broke any of its CD’s to pay for the new cars that were purchased for five commissioners now in office. She asked for monies that are currently on the CD’s and if in fact government had to break, the CD has to pay the August payroll. The island council lady said they needed clarity on these issues since it affects the financial and economic standing of the island. She said government might have a reasonable argument for breaking the CD’s.
She asked about the economic indicators and what are the arrivals at the both the airport and St. Maarten Ports Authority. She said the DP faction already asked for this information but to date the answers were not provided. Buncamper Molanus said she submitted a letter to the chairman requesting this information and even though they are receiving confirmation receipt from the governor’s cabinet, the answers are not forthcoming.
Labour and Social Welfare.
Buncamper Molanus asked for the figures on the dismissals that were submitted to the island and federal labour. She asked for the list of persons who registered at the labour department seeking work, and how many have requested Social Welfare. She said she wants to know if the social welfare recipients increased or decreased compared to the same period last year. She also asked for the figures that were paid out thus far on social welfare in 2009. She asked for the overview on the amount of work permits that were submitted for the year 2009, and those that were given both positive and negative advice.
Buncamper Molanus wants to know about the vending policy, which is intended to give vendors a fair chance in making a living. She wants to know where that policy and what is government is doing with it.
Laviest wants more indebt answers
While the island council lady asked several questions on ROB, she did not touch on the maintenance department, which is headed by her spouse. Independent member of the Island Council Louie Laveist said he wants to know who manages that department and why questions were not posed on it. He asked for the financial management of that specific department in ROB. He wants to know how are the contracts from that department is handled. He said he is not attacking anyone, instead, he feels it is only fair to provide the people with answers on the entire ROB.
As for the land, Laveist said he wants to know who the recipients of the domain land were and the specifics on the issuing of this land and what part of the island they received and how many square meters they each received. Laviest warned that people needed to be careful in what they are asking for because in this case they might just get it. Laveist during his short presentation made two proposals to the council. He said it is his belief that the island council members should come forward with solutions to the existing problems and not try to grandstand anyone. His first proposal was geared towards bringing relief to the people during this recession. Laveist said he intends to send a letter to the executive council on behalf of his faction requesting that they invite the supervisory board of GEBE to discuss their rates. The idea he said is to make sure the government owned company would be able to adjust or lower its rates thereby producing relief. Laviest made clear he was not making this proposal to attack the managing director of that company since he knows there are problems between the supervisory board and the managing director. He said if necessary, the managing director should also participate in this meeting when it is held.
The independent councilor made a second proposal to the executive council advising them that they begin to sell its domain land to those occupying the land. He said this would not only generate much needed revenue but it would allow people to become property owners. The island council was adjourned to October 2 where the answers would be provided.
Hammeau du Pond:--- Relatives of another 20 year old young man identified as Jean-Dany Theodore Richardson are now mourning his sudden death. Richardson was shot dead just around midnight on Sunday close to his home. Richardson is also the boyfriend of the sister of murder victim Rigobert Bertin-Maurice who was killed in Marigot on Thursday night. Already it has been determined that the two killings are not related, even though there are connections with both victims.
According to an eyewithness who spoke to this reporter on the condition of anonymity fearing for her life said a young man dressed in black wearing something around his head walked up to Richardson and asked him for his scooter. She said Richardson who is also her cousin looked at the person and when he saw the person had a gun he jumped off of the scooter. The young woman said it was about six of them sitting on the block which is close to their home and the person who came to Richardson for the scooter walked up to him and shot him in the neck.
“This person acted as if he is a paid killer, he was calm and was not in any hurry when he came for the scooter and to kill Richardson. It was clear that someone probably paid the person to kill Richardson because there was no fight or struggle for the scooter. This is no robbery and the person who did this is no first time killer, he acted like a professional.” The young woman further explained that she hid behind a car when she saw what was taking place, she said she had her 15 year old brother whom she pulled next to her and when he saw what was happening he screamed out “ah-you” twice and the attacker then began looking to see where the voice was coming from. She said she had the feeling if that person had seen where they were hiding he would have killed them also. Asked if she recognized the shooter the young woman said she did not see his face but she had a good look at his build.
After shooting Richardson the shooter rode away with the scooter belonging to Richardson. The young woman said that a jeep carrying Dutch license plate was parked not far away from where the shooting took place. She said when the occupants of the jeep saw the shooter leaving they drove off while the shooter rode behind the jeep as they left the scene.
Asked how she feels about the ordeal the young woman said she believed strongly that the laws have to be changed on the island. She felt that the justice system is too weak
which allows criminals to continue. The young woman said she strongly believes that the death sentence has to be reinstated in the French laws.
Ambulance took too Long says family.
Another teenager who was at the scene of the crime said she is upset with the amount of time the ambulance took to respond to the scene. She said they called (18) six times and once the phone number was even busy. The young woman said when the ambulance and gendarmes arrived they came slowly. The teenage girl said the ambulance did not have enough oxygen to even assist the victim who eventually died on the scene.
Efforts made to contact the head of the pompier for a comment on this case and the allegations levied against the emergency services proved futile up to press time.
In the meantime, the aunt of Rigobert Bertin Maurice and lawyer Patricia Duzant- Chance was on SOS radio condemning the killings. Rollina Bertin Maurice is asking the public to stop talking negatively about her deceased nephew. She also condemned the media articles that were printed both French Newspapers and the The Daily Herald. In the meantime, the sister of Rigobert Bertin Maurice has been hospitalized due to his sudden death. The young woman also lost her boyfriend at the hands of gunmen on Sunday night which has caused her condition to worsen.
Airport: --- The constitutional affairs delegation representing St. Maarten along with leader of government and commissioner of constitutional affairs William Marlin told reporters on Thursday that the St. Maarten delegation and those of Curacao managed to sign off an agreement with the federal government and Holland, which states that both St. Maarten and Curacao would receive its separate status by October 10, 2010.
Marlin said that one point he felt that St. Maarten would have had to return without an agreement since the negotiations were extremely difficult. Marlin said St. Maarten and Curacao did not get all they wanted in the agreement but with the help and persistence of Denis Richardson, the delegation managed to strike a deal for the agreement. Marlin said Wednesday was indeed another grueling day like the other days when they negotiated each agreement pertaining to country St. Maarten. He said that through hard work and tough negotiations the team was successful in pinning down a date to when the island would become country, that date will be October 10, 2010. He said this is the first agreement where Holland signed off to date when the Netherlands Antilles will cease to exist.
Marlin made clear that having this agreement is not the end of the road since the island and its delegation has a lot of work and discussions, which has to continue.
He said one of the bottlenecks in the discussions is what would happen if St. Maarten and Curacao did not fulfill the requirements when they are to become country. Marlin said after tough discussions parties were able to come to an agreement midway.
Commissioner of finance Xavier Blackman in his address said this is indeed a milestone in this journey towards country status. Blackman said he read a news article from Holland, which stated that the Netherlands Antilles had agreed on a date for their country status, and that Holland went along with the decision. The commissioner said he wants to stress that the agreement signed on Wednesday was a joint agreement and all parties are onboard.
He said from the financial and economic side this agreement is indeed significant since the federal government would have to provide the necessary resources as well as transferring of the responsibilities to St. Maarten. He said in June this year there were two agreements signed where parties pledged to help St. Maarten with the necessary resources. He said with Wednesday’s agreement the other agreements were further strengthened which would allow St. Maarten to get its financial house in order.
Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams and former constitutional affairs commissioner said this agreement has brought St. Maarten closer to obtaining the status the people voted for some nine years ago. Chanting the date 10.10.10 which could have not be possible without the mandate of the people on June 23 2000. She that said during the past nine years a lot of relentless work was done to bring the island where it is today. She said while nine years is a long time, the work that has been accomplished over those years in her opinion doubles the time. She said had their not been passion and conviction towards obtaining country status they would not have been anywhere close to where the island is at this moment. She said that because of the hard work the island has its constitution and consensus Kingdom Laws on which they would be judged.
Wescot Williams said she is calling on the central government to do all they can and to live up to the agreements and commitments. Most of all she is calling on the central government to meet the deadlines and to truly help St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said even though there is an agreement with a date, there still needs to be a vetting and depending on the outcome, it will determine the areas that would fall under the new Kingdom Resolution.
She said St. Maarten continues to make its case for a joint police service and not a fourth police force. The proposal on this matter must be submitted no later than November 1 2009 with the basis on Kingdom Consensus law on police. She said crime-fighting remains a critical proponent and the proposal is the RST protocol will remain in tact for two years after St. Maarten and Curacao achieve its country status and transitions. Also approved on Wednesday is five of the consensus Kingdom Laws and joint regulations. She said after receiving a report on the police, the force is not what it should be and thus she is calling on the central government once more to follow the guidelines in the draft Kingdom regulations that were approved to upgrade this department. She said the vetting with the St. Maarten’s state of readiness is yet to take place, which confirms that St. Maarten is not yet out of the woods and a lot of work is still ahead. She said in the next political steering group meeting St. Maarten should be presented with the draft resolution which would fall under the general resolution. She said the draft Kingdom Resolution must also be ready by November 15 for handling. Wescot Williams also called on all politicians to be involved in the process in a real way. She said these meetings offer the people’s representatives to critically evaluate the proposals placed before them.
In the meantime, team advisor Richard Gibson Sr. said that St. Maarten is free at last now that a date is fixed for country status. Gibson who was the president of referendum committee and former constitutional affairs Minister said he was pleased to see when the parties signed off a document that would bring an end to a fiction and the iron ball that was on the legs of the people of the Netherlands Antilles. He said with Wednesday’s agreement it brings full meaning to his words “free at last.” He said to the unbelievers and those that had doubt about the achievement of county status, they now have documents signed by all parties that stated 10.10.2010. Gibson said St. Maarten should not get carried away since it has been a long haul for many years which include a lot of sacrifices. He said the work really starts now and a transformation and a changing of thinking where the people must say ‘we can do it ourselves”. Gibson who has the mandate to upgrade the justice system said he is confident that St. Maarten would be able to meet the demands of the agreement. He said the RST was supposed to be eliminated but that had to be postponed. He said they added water in the wine by accepting the postponement of the RST.
Also addressing reporters was Denis Richardson the brains behind the agreements said he appreciated the kind remarks directed toward him, but he made clear that there are number of people who worked behind the scenes fighting for St. Maarten’s status. Those persons include island secretary Joan Dovale Meit and Drs. Eugene Holiday. He said despite the hard work done by the team it was the political leaders who had to carry the ball and come to conclusions.
Richardson said the political leaders had to stand tall and give leadership when defending St. Maarten’s interest. He assured that the politicians really worked and has given the team their full support to battle for St. Maarten. He said there were times when the opposing delegation would call for the heads of St. Maarten advisors but at no time, the political leaders fell for it. Richardson also shared the same sentiments by saying now the real work has begun and while St. Maarten was distracted on negotiating its status instead of building country St. Maarten. He said the biggest challenge would be to build this nation.
POINTE BLANCHE,– Due to a change in the marketing approach by the Port of St. Maarten, the island as a cruise destination will see an increase in cruise passenger numbers for 2010/2011 cruise season with over 1.5 million cruise passengers expected to visit the island.
Commissioner of Harbour Affairs Theo Heyliger had been in discussions with port management with respect to personal direct marketing efforts with cruise line executives and itinerary planners.
This personal strategic marketing move by Commissioner Heyliger and port management has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in cruise numbers for the island as a cruise destination.
Chief Executive Officer of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies (CEO) Mark Mingo says that cruise executives in the current global recession are busy looking at ways and means to increase business and rely mainly on onboard surveys and market feedback when determining which cruise destinations to add to their itineraries.
Mingo added that the recent meetings with cruise executives coined as the ‘personal executive direct approach’ lead by Commissioner Heyliger’s direct marketing approach was necessary in order to provide information about the latest developments with the port where the expansion is concerned and overall activities on the island including infrastructural improvements and future plans.
“The week of October 5 was very successful, not only the results but the approach towards the cruise lines. This personal approach will be done on a regular basis in order to keep the Port of St. Maarten as the premier destination in the Northeastern Caribbean.
“Itinerary planners are very much interested in learning about the latest tours, shopping, and activities for their guests, infrastructural improvements, and future developments and about passenger distribution.
“Handling and distribution of passengers were a key point in the discussions with the lines and they were very pleased to learn about the infrastructural improvements on the island. They were very pleased to learn about the additional tender jetty that has been constructed near Sea Palace hotel,” CEO Mark Mingo explained on Sunday.
The Port of St. Maarten delegation headed by Commissioner Heyliger, also included Cruise Manager NZinga Lake. The trio which included CEO Mark Mingo visited Princess Cruise Lines, Holland America Line’s and Carnival Cruise Lines.
Princess Cruise Lines will increase their calls in 2010 to 50 when compared to 32 in 2009. Fifty calls are also expected from the line in 2011.
Holland America Line (HAL) will increase its number of visits in 2010 to 28 calls and this number will jump to 35 in 2011. For 2009, HAL will make 23 calls.
“Due to having strategic agreements in place, these results in more business for the island, however, we must continue in our efforts to improve services. Our personal direct marketing approach will continue,” Commissioner Theo Heyliger assured due to its success.
Port calls by Carnival Lines in 2009 will be around 95 and this will jump to 112 in 2010, which means that there will be a vessel year-round, and more calls during the off-season, which is very important for the business community on the island especially those in Philipsburg, Commissioner Heyliger added.
Commissioner Heyliger and Mingo also discussed fuel prices with the cruise lines as this is also a factor when determining itineraries. Cruise lines use IFO 380 fuel. Heyliger and Mingo have promised to look into how this issue can be dealt with which would keep St. Maarten as a premier cruise destination at the top.
2009 2010 2011 estimate
Princess Cruise Lines 32 50 50
Holland America Lines 23 28 35
Carnival Cruise Lines 95 112 112
Cruise passengers for 2009 projected at 1.220.000
Cruise passengers for 2010 projected at 1.500.000
Philipsburg: --- Members of the Democratic Party particularly Sarah Wescot Williams said her faction is rather concerned about the increasing crime rate on St. Maarten. As well as the lack of a clear plan or approach from those responsible for crime fighting. She said they does not believe the people of St. Maarten would get a miracle when it comes to fighting crime, however, they believe that the people need to know what are the plans and suggestions for crime fighting.
Some of the things they need to know are if there is any relief forthcoming and are there plans that residents can look forward to in terms of fighting crime. She said it would not be acceptable to hear that they are working on fighting crime. She said they need concrete answers as to what the central government going to do about crime fighting. She said that since the answers are not readily coming forward they would be calling on the Lt. Governor and chief of police react and give the people some answers as to who would come forward with the necessary financing to fight crime.
Philipsburg:--On Sunday October 11th, the Head of the Central Police Dispatch in Curacao, Inspector Imbro Zwerver, arrived on St Maarten on a working visit. The purpose of his visit, was to have a look at the ongoing pilot-project in St Maarten, about the public surveillance cameras placed in several locations in the Philipsburg area.
These cameras placed in Philipsburg, are being monitored by police officers working in the Central Police Dispatch located at the Police Head Quarters. Based on a report, which has to be written by Inspector Zwerver, it will be determined whether such a project will be effective in the island of Curacao. Inspector Zwerver left for Curacao on Tuesday afternoon after his job was completed.
Part 1
Marigot/Philipsburg: --- St. Maarten/ St. Martin (Delightfully Dutch, Fantastically French) a phrase used in the to describe the only island that offers its visitors the opportunity to visit one island while enjoying two nations. Unique in size as well as location and most importantly an island that have people that can accommodate the first time traveler.
Constant information reaching SMN News states that the two sides whose inhabitants have been living in harmony and peace for over 350 years and a nation that depends solely on tourism would no longer be working together. Even though both sides entered into a marriage by agreeing they would work and promote the island jointly, it is clear that the marriage is now over and no one wants to begin the divorce process.
Since the Collectivity of St. Martin was established on July 15 2007, reports claimed that the French side of the island refused to continue marketing with the Dutch side in the United States of America. SMN News reported extensively on this matter but at no time officials on any side confirmed the marriage is finally over. Information has been leaked to reporters concerning the situation, which was published in every media outlet.
Last week members of the media and government officials were invited to view the new branding for the Dutch side, a project the tourist office has been working on for months.
The first thing that was visible in the new branding is that the phrase that everyone is used to hearing, reading or seeing has disappeared. That phrase has been silently replaced with words that were, intentionally misspelled using the “AA” which highlights St. MAARTEN, this shows that the Dutch side has no choice but to market their side alone.
The new branding which is very much eye catching, convincing and extremely professional and sure will achieve the goals that it is intended for which is to market the Dutch side of the island and to put heads in beds in the hotels located on that side of the island.
After viewing this branding, it was clear to us reporters, that the information we were receiving regarding joint promotion and cooperation were true.
SMN News an outlet that tells it like it is did some interviews regarding joint marketing and cooperation, which includes the advantages and disadvantages.
Louis Constant Fleming
Speaking to this reporter on Friday was Senator Louis Constant Fleming who said that when he took office as president of the Collectivity of St. Marten the issue of Office du Tourisme escaped from him since the tourist office was set up as an association that was getting a subvention from the commune. He said he does not know how the monies were spent because there was never an audit at the Office du Tourisme.
Fleming said he instructed vice president Daniel Gibbs to phase out the association and to implement the EPIC. Fleming said he also made clear to Gibbs that if anyone has to be recruited from overseas he should make sure he did not recruit a young person, instead he should recruit people based on the policies of the Union Pour le Progres which states that foreign recruits should be over their 50’s and must be able to train a local employee.
Fleming said he does not intend to get into politics with anyone but because the guidelines set down by the UPP group were not respected. Fleming said he does not understand why the guidelines were not respected and more over he cannot understand how a vice president or any other elected official can go against the guidelines and principles of the party under which they were elected.
Fleming said at times he questions himself because he wondered if he was not clear enough and probably that was the reason the issues relating to Office du Tourisme got out of hand. Fleming said everyone knows the outcome of and what happened to the former director Yann Claeysen. He said when the EPIC president was elected he also had a talk with her and made clear to her (Ida Zin Ka Ieu) that the French side cannot compete with the Dutch side. Fleming said he also indicated to the EPIC president that the French side has to be humble recognize the accomplishments of the Dutch side over the years earned them credit. Fleming said credit has to be given to the Dutch side for having an international airport, which is the second largest in the Caribbean and mega- cruise facility, which facilitated the embellishment of the Dutch side.
Fleming said he appealed to his elected officials not to compete with the Dutch side instead; they need to work with what they have and in harmony. Fleming said he went as far as supplying the EPIC president with the curriculum vitae belonging to a local that has dual nationality.
Fleming said since then he basically washed his hands with the affairs of the Office du Tourisme. “The only thing I heard recently is that the Office du Tourisme would be launching a campaign in the subways in France. I am not an expert in tourism neither would I pretend to be one but over the years I have lived I have seen tourist destinations and how these places are promoted. I also belief that if St. Martin is going to promote itself in the subway stations then the island would be receiving a number of beggars as visitors.” Fleming said St. Martin is faced with a deplorable situation and the island is rather fortunate that they can benefit from quality airlifts in the Caribbean and the United States. Notwithstanding that St. Martin/ St. Maarten is one of the richest markets in the world with the easiest route. Fleming said he believes that the French side of the island should be promoting the island in the United States and not in the subway stations in France.
Taxis Verses Gypsies
Presently the COM has placed at the Taxi Stands in Marigot signs that states tourists should use taxis that bear the logos of the Collectivity. This of course has raised eyebrows among taxi drivers from the Dutch side who already stated that the French side is trying to discriminate against them even though 75% of the French taxis are working on the Dutch side of the island. While the intention of the transportation department might be well intended as their objective is to make sure visitors used taxis and not gypsies, specifying that these visitors use a taxi that bears the COM logo was uncalled for. Hopefully, with the meetings that are being held between the two sides the signboards can be corrected.
Bernadette Davis
SMN News also interviewed the former director of the tourist office and the brainchild of joint cooperation Bernadette Davis. Davis’s first words to us when we asked about joint promotion said she was one of the architects of joint promotions.
Davis said she could still remember the day the joint marketing was launched and felt it was the best thing for the island and the reporters that are covering tourism.
She said should the two sides stop working together then they would have to be very creative and must communicate more. Even though not wanting to cast judgment on those now managing the tourist office. She said during her time they began the marketing from the inception but does not know if the tourist office is to a stage where it can move to another level. Davis said in the beginning the French side was doing their marketing in the Office of Tourism of the French West Indies. The former director said when she took office years ago they did not have any marketing in the USA and being in the office of the French West Indies did not benefit the island. “Immediately I saw St. Martin was losing a major clientele since they were marketing the Guadeloupe and Martinique category.” St. Martin was missing the clientele that was going to St. Thomas and the British islands. She said that was St. Martin’s clientele because St. Martin speaks English and it was one that would facilitate the first time traveler, making them at home away from home.
Davis further explained that the travelers that go to Guadeloupe and Martinique are second time travelers or those that are more refined. “Those are travelers that are not afraid to buy a dictionary and go on a trip.” Davis said that St. Martin could easily attract the first time travelers because they would not get a culture shock instead they were going to get the fantastic French experience with people who are speaking their language. She insisted that the first time traveler could go to France in the Caribbean depending on how it is presented. Davis said when she recognized the needed the French side managed to get a representative in the US market and they were branded as the French in the Caribbean.
Davis who clearly did not forget the process said after that the French side merged with the Dutch side and began the doubling marketing strategy. She made clear that the French always had the smallest budget and on many occasion they were benefitting from the joint marketing. Davis further insisted that when the two sides were marketing together each side had to vigilante. She said the French must and should be communicating with the Dutch side since they practically do not have another choice. She felt if the French side is planning to take another direction it should be one that complements the joint marketing.
Davis concluded by saying that since she left the Office du Tourisme the situation is no longer the same. She said the EPIC is now taking shape and hopefully those managing tourism would realize the objective, which is to put heads in beds on either side.
GREAT BAY: --- – Governor Franklyn Richards wishes the St. Maarten Indian community a most happy and enjoyable Diwali. Diwali celebrations kicked off on Saturday, October 16 and are celebrated for five consecutive days.
Diwali is a very important festival for the Indian Hindu community. Also known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ it is a time of year when families, friends and communities come together in a spirit of celebration and joy. It is intended to embrace and welcome everyone and of all races and cultures.
“We are a nation of many nationalities. Diwali festivities are something to be shared by all. Let this festival and future ones draw us more closely together.
“At the same time, let us reflect on what we have achieved so far for the year and to look towards the future with renewed hope. The global community of nations has gone through a period of economic crisis, which has also made its impact on our island nation.
“Let the celebration of Diwali spread hope and togetherness and may it be a good source for all,” Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Diwali is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals of India. Diwali commemorates the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness. It reminds us that love, concern and respect for others is the way to a brighter day.
The day is marked by prayers, feasts and the lighting of thousands of diyas (small clay pots filled with oil in which a wick is immersed and lit) all over.
French Quarter: --- A seven-year-old boy had a shock of his life on Saturday morning while fishing in the French Quarter salt pond. According to an aunt of Jacob Sony, the child was fishing in the pond with his small fish line when a fish weighing about 20 kilos held on the line.
The woman said the child screamed out for help asking his uncle that was nearby to assist him since the huge catch was pulling him into the pond. Miss Jacob said Franz Jacob went to assist the child by taking his fish gun and piercing the fish so that the child could pull it in. In photo are Jacob and his six-year-old cousin who was also on hand with their uncle with the huge fish.
Dutch Quarter: --- The National Alliance has elected a new board, while most of the members on the board has changed party leader William Marlin remained unchallenged. Marlin told reporters that the post for vice president was a close call and that commissioner Frans Richardson out run Senator Rudolph Samuel by one vote to secure the seat of vice president. Marlin said this shows that there is democracy and most importantly that the supporters of National Alliance embraced all their candidates. The three candidates that postulated for the vice president seat were Senator George Pantophlet 37 votes, Frans Richardson (39) and Rudolph Samuel (39) due to the run off a second round of election had to be held between Samuel and Richardson.
Marlin said they are thrilled with the congress since they had a packed house and mostly importantly because young Darren James son of the late Vance James thrilled the crowd and inspired the gathering with his keynote address.
Marlin said with the new board in place the candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections were also selected and will be revealed on postulation day later this month. Marlin confirmed that the candidates are revved up and are ready even though they are not in favor of having an election.
Marlin said one of their objectives is to continue the constitutional process especially since government has a responsibility as island government to continue the process. Marlin said even though they are charged with other responsibilities, those that would be elected to parliament will have the responsibility to over look the dismantling process.
The following is the full text of the speech given by James.
Leader of the National Alliance and Leader of the island Government of St. Maarten, Commissioner William Marlin, Commissioners Frans Richardson, Hyacinth Richardson, and Xavier Blackman, senators Rudolphe Samuel and Patrick illidge, former state secretary of health, chairman of the central committee, Mr. George Pantophlet, Members of the National Alliance, District leaders, Congress delegates, friends and supporters of the National Alliance… Good Afternoon.
Let me begin by congratulating the entire party on this historic occasion - the first congress of the National Alliance. It is truly an honor and a humbling experience to have been asked, then selected as the key note speaker for this event.
The National alliance a few months ago, was given the opportunity to take over the government of St. Maarten when the Democratic Party government imploded.
It is a most strenuous challenge to educate masses of people in a short time frame. It is a most difficult task to change the minds of those who support others and assist those with no opinion or preference to formulate one during a brief campaign, when you most have their attention. It is a daunting task to fix what others have left broken and then to get the wheels working right. In my short 20 years of life and my own “political” experiences in my campaigns for office, I have found those experiences to be true.
But ladies and gentlemen, it is challenges and tasks such as these that the National Alliance of St. Maarten has taken up with a passion and with the conviction that at the cross roads of island-nation St. Maarten and country St. Maarten we will move forward, together!
Growing up here on this beautiful island, with its rich folklore, it was easy for me to become a true believer in the wisdom of “what the old people say”. it should come as no surprise then, that I am A strong believer In the old adage “you must know where you come from, in order to know where you are going”.
Let me take you back to 1979 - when this party was started as a simple movement - a Patriotic movement of the St. Maarten people. As with any movement or initiative, progress comes with a great deal of hard work, of determination and the uniting of people under the common cause that they have identified. Progress comes with the vision of getting them to the place where they want to be and where it will benefit all.
the movement of patriotic St. Maarten people knew, too, that identifying strong leadership, forming partnerships and the education of the masses were then and would forever be the keys to a successful movement and progressive St. Maarten society.
As this movement of patriotic St. Maartners made forward strides, their leadership seldom suffered from realizing the scope of the party’s possibilities. As such, they grew in size and their vision expanded in order to encompass the needs of so many strong supporters. along the way, allies were made and the St. Maarten Patriotic Alliance was born in 19___.
The St. Maarten Patriotic Alliance - a group of St. Maarten people, comprised of members of the initial movement and of newcomers from other arenas with the same great intentions to move St. Maarten forward came together in “true blue” and ploughed forward steadfastly in their initiatives for a stronger, better St. Maarten.
Never losing sight of the array of possibilities and strengths that could be obtained by utilizing their allies, the St. Maarten Patriotic Alliance made it through to the 21st century and in 2002 evolved once more into the party we see here today - the National Alliance.
What is the National Alliance? - a strategic partnership between the St. Maarten Patriotic Alliance and the national progressive party created to better serve and benefit the people of St. Maarten.
The national alliance is a group of passionate, educated, visionary men and women with St. Maarten’s best interests at heart - working together for St. Maarten!
As time passes and the world around us evolves physically, technologically, socially, and otherwise… one thing must be realized - the leadership should be able to keep the country in pace with these evolutions and have the vision to foresee and realize where we must evolve not only to keep pace but to be a front runner in our industry and a leader in our region.
It is clear that the St. Maarten Patriotic Movement, turned St. Maarten Patriotic Alliance, turned National Alliance possesses the qualities to lead the people of St. Maarten.
It is clear that a party which can embrace and utilize its physical, human, intellectual and other resources to evolve itself along the way will undoubtedly share this ability to help St. Maarten evolve with the world around us and provide the necessary visionary leadership.
the right choice for Country St. Maarten is a progressive party, it is a diverse party, it is a culturally sensitive party, it is party designed as a grass-roots movement for the people, to serve the people and to advance the people. It is the party that we know, love and support today - it is the national alliance.
The theme of this, your first congress is “Together, moving forward”. St. Maarten’s motto is semper pro grediens - always moving forward. I think that the national alliance marketers have something going here!
The national alliance is synonymous with the country - always moving forward. Yes, you have been hearing me right, with the country - not with the island nation or any variation of such - because if we’re going to become a country, then we have to start thinking like a country and regarding ourselves as a country.
Together moving forward… young and old, native and non-native, men and women, our respected senior citizens, our productive adults, our brilliant young adults and our promising children - working together to move forward.
To our current Leadership, I have seen so often how you are appreciated. But when you stand at the threshold of the history of country St. Maarten - I see and recognize the immense workload, the pressure and the scrutiny that you come under. St. Maarten needs you now so much to take us out of the promise of Country St. Maarten and into the reality that is country St. Maarten.
Country will immediately need you - to cast light on the unknown and give guidance in unchartered waters. Let no man, woman, or organization tell you otherwise - it has been 9 years, 4 months and 23 days since our referendum to become a country within the kingdom of the Netherlands.
And in that time frame we have been there - whether we were the St. Maarten patriotic alliance or the national alliance - we remained a strategic partnership created to better serve and benefit the people of St. Maarten.
We comprised delegations, we hosted information sessions, we formed think-tanks and held talks and had just as an integral part in the formation of what stands before us as anyone else who was there.
Ladies and gentlemen, kindly join me in expressing my own appreciation for the leaders of this party and every supporting member.
Ladies and gentlemen, together moving forward. We have looked at the elements of togetherness and where they have brought us thus far, we have looked at the movement of the people and the party to where we are today.
So, now let us focus on “forward”.
as time moves on, knowledge is shared, experiences are documented and the torch that burns so brightly must be passed on in order to keep its flame.
The young people of St. Maarten today - whether on-island or off - are some of the sharpest, most well-trained minds in our country’s history. We need to get them back to this country where we can fully utilize their abilities. Easier said than done though, right?
Let me express, here, that I have every intention of returning to St. Maarten once my studies are complete and my experiences abroad mold me to that pivotal place where I am confident and feel able to come back and better serve my country.
While traveling to the island here, yesterday, I was “playing tourist” and picked up a copy of destination St. Maarten. Within its 240-page spread of everything that excited me about coming home for this brief 48 hour stay was an article about persons abroad who came to St. Maarten years ago, and have since made it their permanent island home.
As a well-loved tourist destination, we have learned to do one thing very well - market ourselves. It is such strategic marketing that has us in the upper-tier in tourism destinations in the Caribbean and the world.
Yes, there is a seemingly “better” life elsewhere for young St. Maartners while they are offshore. But, there is an island paradise here - which serves as a beautiful place to live, to raise a family and a great place to work and to advance in various fields as the economy continues to grow in this developing market.
If we can market to and have traffic in the millions of tourists here every year - if we can market to so many tourists to purchase and develop real estate across this magnificent landscape - then why not to our own? There is another market to which we need to focus our efforts, and that is our very own St. Maarteners living abroad - not to come for a brief visit that benefits the tourism sector but to come home for a lifetime of opportunities and to contribute to the society which shares the values which helped mold them into who they are and where they are today.
Here’s a concept for you… the first black governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, in 2006 introduced legislation to the state senate that would encourage young professionals and working couples exiting graduate school, or currently on short-term employment to stay in Massachusetts by offering them a “settlement package”. this package provided them with “easy money” up front to make a down payment on a home or other residential property where they could settle and establish themselves, as well as plan for a family.
I think we’ve learned over the years that simply attempting to take a concept from another part of the world and applying it in some similar raw form is ineffective on St. Maarten. But the key there is that there is incentive for our young professionals to not only come back to the island, but to stay on the island.
Another strong initiative that needs to be encouraged is the formation of small businesses on our island, owned by our very own. Every economy in the world has its major power players - but the bulk of the employment comes from small businesses that employ so many and provide financial wealth, and emotional strength for so many.
It’s not only about the money, however, ladies and gentlemen. It is about the encouragement, the knowledge and the know-how that will ensure the success of so many.
As such, I propose a series of seminars - open to all and encouraged and marketed to all that will provide members of our community with the information, the resources and the networking opportunities to grow. most importantly, an aspect that must be included is follow up sessions that will assist in the maintenance of their business.
Furthermore, tracking the success of businesses achieved, stabilized or that experienced growth in this market through such a program - which could be coordinated in conjunction with small business development foundation - would allow for further marketing, as we would have a system proven to work.
There is no sure-fire way to get back scores of St. Maarteners. However, as with anything in life, when we take the necessary series of small steps, we can accomplish anything with due diligence.
Young people… just like when we are in school - the teacher can teach….but the student must learn - not just hear or physically be there. To you my fellow young people, I say, let us learn from our leadership - both in flaws and in victories.
As we move forward, together, never undervalue the advice they provide, never undermine an initiative that they have started, refrain from the arrogance of “I know more so I know right”. remember, that experience is your best teacher. Follow-through on good things started and learn from their experiences that were not as successful as initially anticipated.
We are the future of this country St. Maarten. We are the torch-bearing youth running to light ablaze the magnificent landscape with our intellect, our innovation and our success. We are country St. Maarten!
I want you to take a moment and look at the logo of the National Alliance. All logos are designed to depict a particular message - but with many, another message is left up to one’s interpretation. As we talk about visionary leadership and moving forward - realize that the light from a lighthouse can only be seen up to a certain distance, but the light of the sun is cast over everything on the earth and encompasses everything and everyone - it even manages to cast light into the smallest cracks and crevices, illuminating the darkest spaces that are left and seemingly forgotten.
National alliance - from this congress, you will select your leadership, you will delegate party tasks and responsibilities and through such means you will continue to formulate a contingency plan for country St. Maarten with a vision for the people that will evolve as country St. Maarten draws ever nearer! We believe in our national alliance and the strength of the people who comprise it - we are together!
Leaders - continue to cast your light on these 16 square miles and don’t ever neglect or minimize the potential of one of our greatest partners - St. martin north - where 21 square miles of beauty abound. Remember many cultures, one island, one people. I know the task of handling what you have on your plate now and focusing on passing on such great information to the future is a difficult task - but it is not an impossible one. We are moving now - continue to move us.
Young people - appreciate the older generations - leaders in politics, in business, in the church, grandparents, parents, and siblings alike. Respect their journeys in life and the experiences that they have had.
don’t wait simply for them to spoon feed you years of valuable information. Take the initiative…read, listen, converse with them and all their allies. Observe and get a feel for what is happening around you, formulate and share opinions, stimulate your minds by attending public seminars, information sessions and panel discussions. Knowledge is power, experience will be your own best teacher, as well, but never try to reinvent the wheel.
In closing, ladies and gentlemen, let me express my sincerest gratitude to all the members of the st. maarten patriotic movement, the st. maarten patriotic alliance and the national alliance who have over the years stuck with the party through thick and thin - through good times and not so good times - through periods of evolution and of apparent stagnation. It is with your determination and love that we are where are today and your experience and passion that will help propel us forward into tomorrow.
As we move into the next phase of history for our country, let us “Follow the white line” as we jam, celebrate and appreciate our cultural heritage. Let us follow the white line, as we forge forward our constitutional change and exercise our democratic rights, let us follow the white line as we stimulate our economy with a host of programs that will not only attract foreign income, but generate and reinvest our own money for our benefit
Let us follow the white party and the white line of our country that has been kissed by nature with white sand beaches and a culture of inclusion to a National satisfaction and progress.
We are together, moving forward - let us follow the white line down the road to country St. Maarten and national success!
Thank you and have a wonderful congress!
Marigot:---Ever since the anonymous letter was sent to the Collectivity of St. Martin threatening the president and senator with death threats. SMN News learnt that the president has decided to have a personal bodyguard who walks around with his bulletproof vest. The bodyguard is no other that Patrick Paynes a member of Territorial Police.
SMN News learnt that President Gumbs is nervous since his life was threatened by authors of the letters. It is also understood that Gumbs is taking the matter seriously while he refused to accept full responsibility for the rising crime rate. So far, the president did not say if the COM is taking any responsibility towards the killing of Bertin-Maurice. Rigobert Bertin Maurice was also a contracted employee of the COM. Relatives of the now dead man had said he had signed a contract with the COM two days prior to his slaying.
On Thursday, security at the Collectivity increased due to a territorial council meeting that was in process. Several employees and council members made sure they left the COM the moment it began to get dark claiming they do not want to be around when there is any type of attack.
The president spoke at length about the threatening letters during the council meeting he also informed the councilors that one of the letters was sent to him and the senator in a pizza box.
The writer of the letter has given the president and senator until today (Monday November 30 2009) to pay the Euros 100, 000.00 to relatives of Rigobert Bertin-Maurice who was killed on September 24 2009 in the vicinity of the COM.
The perpetrator of the letter said the Collectivity is responsible for the death of Bertin Maurice since the killer Jean Marc Sharpless was instructed by a territorial police to park in a parking spot belonging to Bertin-Maurice a resident living opposite the COM.
In an invited comment leader of the opposition party Alain Richardson said death threats should be taken seriously. Richardson said while he does not know what has motivated the person or persons to write such a letter or to become this desperate, threatening the lives of other people is not acceptable.
Marigot: --- A ten-year-old boy identified as Elionis Porfirio Martinez has died from the dengue hemorrhagic fever on Friday last week at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. The Prefecture of St. Martin said it is the first fatal case that has been registered on the French side.
Authorities are continuing with the necessary prevention against dengue fever, which includes fogging.
The Prefecture strongly advises the public to protect themselves frequently with anti-mosquito repellents, creams, particularly in the mornings and evenings, use mosquito nets, and preferably wear long sleeve shirts and long pants..
Authorities are also calling on all residents to make sure they throw away any stagnant water that collects in flower vases, old tyres, and other receptacles around the house as these are the breeding grounds for the dengue mosquito Aedes Egypti.
Cay Hill:--- The St. Maarten Medical Center and two of its gynecologists would soon have to represent themselves in the court of law as the relatives of Jennifer Sorhaindo has filed a claim against the hospital and two of the gynecologists with the Inspector of Health.
Reliable sources said the relatives of the deceased filed the claim with the inspector of health that is based on Curacao.
Jennifer Sorhaindo (37) died during the early hours of Wednesday November 19 at the St. Maarten Medical Center one week after she terminated her pregnancy at one of the doctor's clinic at the hospital.
The relatives of the now dead woman told SMN News that Jenifer had fell on St. Maarten Day and that she experienced a miscarriage. The mother of the deceased woman said her daughter had visited one of the doctor's on several occasion, as she was getting worst by the day. It is also stated that the victim went to the hospital on several occasions prior to her death and she was refused medical care for the lack of medical insurance.
Further research has shown that Jennifer Sorhaindo was working full time for the Oyster Bay Resort and somehow her employer did not fill out the mutation form. Head of the Social Insurance Bank Reginald Willemsberg had said in an earlier interview that Sorhaindo had visited them seeking medical insurance but she herself did not provide them with the necessary information for the SVB to properly assist her.
Efforts made to contact the medical director for the St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. George Scot proved futile up to press time.

Philipsburg: --- What was supposed to be an exciting moment for St. Maarten and its people and an opportunity for the media representatives to show case the island when the Oasis of the Seas made its inaugural call to St. Maarten many persons including the reporter from SMN News was denied access on board the ship. According to managing director of the St. Maarten Harbour Holding Companies Keith Franka said those persons whose names were not submitted to the cruise line before it reached St. Maarten would not get on board. While at the harbour, a photographer representing the Daily Herald was also denied access on board since the Daily Herald was also not on the so-called security list.
Amazingly, commissioner of Harbour Affairs Theo Heyliger was on hand and both the photographer and SMN News approached him and asked him to see if the media representatives who were on the location could get the opportunity to snap some pictures. The commissioner said he would try, however, he ended up sending us an email to say that he was sorry because the person responsible for protocol for the Oasis of the Seas said that due to the amount of dignitaries scheduled to visit the ship and the fact that the managing director did not notify them on time they would not allow anyone to go on board.
When asked how come the entire media core on St. Maarten was not given the opportunity to either go on the cruise or even get on board here. Heyliger said the Royal Caribbean Cruise invited four members of the press from each island to be part of that cruise. Of the four persons there must be one person representing radio, one representing television, and two writers. Representing St. Maarten were four people but two of them works at the Daily Herald, one happens to be the night editor of that paper and the other a reporter conveniently both persons from that newspaper have an extra-ordinary relationship with the commissioner in charge of the harbour affairs.
Further research also showed us that the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau was not invited to be part of the cruise neither the commissioner of tourism affairs. It is also understood that no invitation was sent to the Government Information Service for the cruise. GIS was allowed to go on board when the ship called on St. Maarten. Our sources said the representatives of the tourist office and the commissioner of tourism Frans Richardson was invited to go on board as the ship as it docked in St. Maarten on Wednesday. Questions are now being raised as why the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau was not allowed to organize the events surrounding the Oasis of the Seas and why this was handled by the Harbour Holding Companies. There are questions as to who were invited from government and how the monies that are generated from the St. Maarten Harbour Holding Companies are spent. It is good to note that this is a government owned company. SMN News learnt that since the tourism and harbour affairs falls under two different commissioners discrepancies such as these would always show its ugly head.
It was even mentioned that the reporters that are covering tourism at the two main newspapers on the Dutch side of the island was also not invited to be part of the cruise. SMN News did contact the Today Newspaper to see if they were approached by the St. Maarten Harbour Holding company to be part of the nine-day cruise and we were told that never happened. As for the dignitaries that were scheduled to visit the Oasis SMN News learnt many of the persons that were invited are supporters of Heyliger's new political party.
SMN News on several occasions wrote about the lack of integrity among reporters and the types of relationship one particular reporter has with politicians but to date the reporter neither her employer have done anything to rectify the misuse of the media.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—An informative session was held at the PMIA Hall on Wednesday evening with interested persons who wanted more information on the educational program offered by Johnson & Wales University, Fred Johnson Director of International Relations for Latin America and the Caribbean met with the Commissioner of Education William Marlin on Thursday morning to explain the current scholarship program that makes attending the accredited University basically free.
Johnson explained that there currently exist a special scholarship program at Johnson & Wales University where students—who have Dutch residency and who qualify for study financing with the Island Government of St. Maarten —could attend the University at a minimal cost after all year end expenses are added up.
Johnson & Wales is currently offering yearly tuition (including room and board) of $15,000. The study financing department, once qualified, will provide students with $15,000 of study financing—part of which is a loan, the other, a grant—thus essentially covering the total expenses for 4 years of a college degree.
Commissioner Marlin said that this offer of zero dollars is difficult to beat. "I encourage students to take advantage of this educational opportunity. For over 20 years, Johnson and Wales have had a relationship with St. Maarten. With this effort, we have reinvigorated the relationship. People who know or have heard about the program should tell their friends and family. Hopefully this program will stimulate enrollment and the mutual benefits could be realized," Marlin said.
"I want to thank you for coming to St. Maarten, and hope you have a pleasant stay, and that you will be back soon."
Johnson & Wales is an accredited university with 4 campuses on the Eastern part of North America. Students come from all parts of the United States and from 92 countries across the world.
Johnson said that students should visit www.jwu.edu and www.whatsnext4me.com.

La Savanne:--- A mother and her son is now dead, while three other persons are nursing severe injuries after an early morning accident in La Savane. According to preliminary information the woman and her children were driving along La Savane main road as she was taking her children to school when the driver of the car lost control.
The victims have been identified as Gemma Renault (40) and her nine-year-old son Nicolas Donaldson (9) both nationals of Dominica.
According to information, reaching SMN News one of the victim's a younger boy was flown out to Martinique for further medical treatment. The driver of the white car has been identified as David Faveur (22) of Haitian decent and resident of French Quarter. Rochelle Yankie (18). It is understood that the driver of the car has regained consciousness and remains in stable condition. This media house has learnt that the driver already began speaking as well as the other passenger that was also inside the vehicle.
Sources say the driver is the boyfriend of one of the victim's daughter while the others are siblings of the now dead woman.
On the scene, it was clear that the vehicle was driving at high speed on the slippery road leading downhill from the Cadiso Gas Station.
The vehicle it is understood flew off the road and hit into a container that is on an empty plot of land. Eyewitnesses say the two persons were in the car for a long time before help reached. On the scene paramedics from the SMUR as well as the fire department was seen working on both mother and son, as they were unconscious. The doctor first pronounced little Nicolas dead as he was clearly bleeding internally and through his nose and ears. Minutes later the doctor also pronounced the mother dead. Both victims were removed from the scene by the undertakers.
The victims are said to be from the island of Dominica and are residing in French Quarter. According to several eyewitness the woman just this week moved out from 45 Airport Road Grand Case to 9 Le Palmerie Quartier d' Orleans.
The father of the young Nicolas also had to be transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital after he collapsed. The man known as Don operates the GTL Car Rental in Grand Case.
In a press release, the gendarmes have confirmed the death of the 40-year-old woman and her nine-year old son. The releases states that the accident occurred somewhere after 08.00 am.
So far, ten persons have lost their lives to road accidents. The gendarmes are calling on road users to exercise caution when using public roads, as there have been an increased number of severe road accidents.




Illidge Road:--- An illegal resident on St. Maarten and mother of four surrendered to police just after 2pm today(Thursday) after admitting to attorney at law Denicio Bryson that she stabbed her landlord and attacker in self defense on Wednesday afternoon.
Ausula Nessa Edward aged 30 told SMN News while in the custody of Bryson that this is not the first time she was attacked by men, sometime last year a co-worker broke her left arm, her child father once threw a pot of hot water on her back prior to yesterday's incident.
Edward said she had just returned to her home which is located on Narrow Drive when the landlord (Angel Marlin) called out to her. The woman said she went to Angel's door she noticed her was smoking, because he had a pipe in his hands. She said Angel asked her for money and she refused to give him any monies because she had given him $7 the night before. On Tuesday Edward won $1000 in the casino and her landlord she said heard about this and he wanted money.
She when she refused to give Angel more monies the well known drug addict told her she should give him the monies because she owed him house rent. Edward said she told Angel her house rent was due on January 8 (today) and she would pay him then. She said Angel told her she had the money just then and she should give him the monies right away.
Edward said she told Angel no, because she does not intend to spoil him. She said Angle insisted that she owed him but she told him no she did not owe him because her due date to pay the house rent has not passed at that point Angel began using obscene language at her and told her to move from in front of his door.
The woman said she took up her 18 months old child and began walking towards her door when Angel told her he would slap her. She said she asked Angel if he was really going to slap her and before she knew it the man picked up a piece of wood and strike her blow to her left leg.
Edwards said after that Angel said he was going into her house to throw her belongings on the road. The drug addict she said went into her house and she followed him because he began throwing her table to the ground with other personal items.
At that point Edwards said she grabbed a knife and Angel also grabbed a knife in her house and ran outside. She said she too went outside as the argument continued and the man at some point began choking her while holding his knife. She said while struggling with the knife where he got stabbed and she a large cut in the palm of her hand.
Edwards said when the struggle began she called out to Angel's son "Anelski" to come and assist her since his father was overpowering her as he was trying to stab her but the son who was in the house at the time refused to come out.
The woman who was in tears said when the man's son finally came out of the house he looked at her in such a way that it looked as if he wanted to fight her so became afraid and run away.
About Ausula Nessa Edward
Ausula Nessa Edward a native of St. Lucia has been living on St. Maarten since was 12 years old. She did not attend any of the island's schools to get a proper education instead she went to a typing class for sometime.
The young mother has four children ages 12, 8, 4 and 18 months. At the lawyer's office yesterday she had her children father, a good friend from Jamaica who also spoke to police about the stabbing incident and several friends. One of those friends was Union Leader Claire Elshot.
Ausula said shortly before the incident she went with her friend to enroll her four year old son in school but the school did not take him because he is already four years. She said her next move was contact Claire Elshot to see how much it would cost her to enroll her child at the A.C. E Foundation but that mission is left undone.
In an invited comment Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed that the victim in this case refused to give police a statement while he was at the St. Maarten Medical Center. Stein said he cannot determine if the victim was lucid at the time or if he simply did not want to cooperate. He said Marlin passed away while receiving treatment at the medical institution. The Island chief Prosecutor also confirmed that Marlin was incarcerated in the past and he is well known on St. Maarten.
Attorney Bryson
Attorney at law Denicio Bryson made it clear to the young woman that he would not be handling her case. He said he no longer handles criminal cases and most of all he knows the victim who was his friend. He said outside of working with Marlin the dead man once married to his cousin with whom he has children. However, Bryson felt that he has a role and duty towards the justice system which is to hand her over to police.

St. Peters: --- Students of the Starlight Education Foundation woke up yesterday morning not knowing that they would be out of school for an unspecified amount of time. Several school buses and parents dropped off their children at the school as early as 06:30am not knowing that there is no more building to house the students of that school.
Some 180 students waited patiently along with some of the parents to hear what would be their next move.
Principal Carmen Hodge informed the parents that she was in arrears with the rent for the building since she is not receiving subsidies from the island government. Hodge vowed to continue the fight for her students as well as the other illegal- schools on St. Maarten.
She said she already contacted an attorney who made contact with the International Defense for Children in Holland and has taken up the matter.
Hodge explained that not one but two organizations who had promised to assist them did not live up to their promise which left them stranded, she said the Indian Women's Organization had promised them some $30,000 which was intended to pay off the arrears, but somehow the pastor that was arranging the donation did not stay in contact with the organization who eventually made their donation to the UJIMA Foundation. However, the organization has promised to consider the school for this New Year.
Starlight Education Center has to pay a rent of NAF. 7,500 monthly to occupy the building they are in now. Hodge said the reason they made that commitment was based on a promise made by the Time Share Association who promised them in the beginning (2006) that they would be paying the monthly rent for the school. Hodge said two months after installing in the new location the Time Share Association backed out of their pledge saying they would not assist if the Island Government does not assist. She said she made several contacts with the Association pleading with them to make good on their promise but to no avail. "Due to the fact the Time Share Association did not live up to their promise we are now in arrears to $55,000, even though the rent was reduced." Hodge said that since then she contacted the island government to re-consider the school for subsidies but the island government she said sent her a letter shortly after the 2007 island council election telling her that they have turned down the request.
The school she said has an overhead expense of nearly $18,000 monthly without the rent Hodge said, these expenses covers the salary of ten qualified teachers and office assistants while Hodge herself is not on the payroll. She added that the 180 students attending the school for a fee of $100 can hardly meet the monthly expenses. Another set back for the school is that many parents are not able to make the monthly fees on time, while some does not even make the payment.
Side Effects -Who are the ones to suffer?
While Mrs. Carmen Hodge is doing whatever possible to acquire government funding and associations such as the Time Share Association is playing politics with the school there are 180 students who have are now on the streets of St. Maarten. 22 of those students are expected to the sit the high school entrance examination this year and those students are the ones that stand to loose the most. If these students are not able to adequately prepare of the most important examination in their teenage life then this would ultimately affect their high school placements acknowledged Hodge and several parents at the school.
Karam Roopnarine a legal resident of St. Maarten who was also at the school yesterday morning said he has been living on St. Maarten for the past 10 years legally. The man said even though both his children carries his name he is not able to get them legalized on St. Maarten. He said each time he contacted Police Affairs seeking to file for his children and their mother since both parents is living on St. Maarten he is denied that right. Roopnarine said this has not only affected his children but their entire family is affected since he wants to legally marry their mother, that too cannot happen because the woman is living on St. Maarten illegally for the past nine years and has never left the island.
The father of two said he does not know what else to do because he is paying the necessary dues for his children including taxes yet he is not able to have his entire family integrate on St. Maarten.
In the meantime, the school Principal took one bus load of her students accompanied by their teachers to protest in front of the Government Administration Building knowing that an Island Council meeting was scheduled to take place. Upon seeing that Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot Williams invited Hodge and one of her board members who happened to her husband to her offices where she promised them that she would try to have all parties at a meeting scheduled for later in the day where they would iron out the delays.
Island Councilman Rudolph Samuel who was looking at the developments said he does not understand why the island government would allow the school to incur such unnecessary expenses to rent a building from someone in the private sector. Samuel said it has been over three years now the upstairs of the Old Martin Luther King School is empty and this school could have occupied that space.
Commissioner Wescot Williams in an interview with SMN News said when she invited the directors of the Starlight Education Center to her office she made clear to them that it had not made any sense in her opinion to have the children standing in the hot sun because the school would not be receiving a decision today (Monday). She said the situation of Starlight Education is not a matter of today but it is a case they have been dealing with for a number of years. The education commissioner said they (island government) had attempted to solve the problem on numerous occasions but it is either was not legally possible and there are also times where management of the school did not accept government proposal. Wescot Williams said she was told that the school did not submit all the required information to the department and she intends to find out what those missing information is.
The commissioner said she also indicated to the school's directors that she is not in a position to take an independent decision on the matter regarding Starlight Education. She said even if she would have liked to do so it was not be possible since the department has to submit an advice to the island and executive council. She said even though she regrets the outcome of the situation which is arrears they now have for the present building in St. Peters. She said even though the former Martin Luther King School is empty she cannot send the students there since she would have to be advised on the matter.
Asked if department should give another negative advice what would become of the students since some of the parents of those students are residing on St. Maarten legally while their children are not. Should the advice be negative Wescot Williams said is to make sure they ask the directors to the school to live up to the legal requirements lay down by law before subsidies are granted.
The commissioner said that this would raise the question as who are responsible for the legalizing these students. She said there are situations where children are left on St. Maarten while their parents are gone to another island. Wescot Williams said these children are being cared for neighbors, aunts or even grand parents. She said anyone who brings the issue of Starlight Education to her is like preaching to then choir because her own nephew a local St. Maartener attended that school from its early stimulation class all through the system.
In the meantime, Carmen Hodge said that the commissioner never called her to that round table meeting which was promised. She said she received a phone call from the one Labega who told her that she would be in touch with her when Mr. Harrigan is back in office.
Philipsburg:---Elisabeth Frederick, who is seeking to be recognized as a Dutch citizen is pleased to acknowledge that last week she received an official written response from the Lieutenant Governor of St. Maarten, Mr. Franklyn E. Richards, in respect to her requests on Kingdom Day. According to human rights advocate, Terry J. Peterson, "In the letter dated January 9, 2009, Lt. Governor Richards indicated that her case was high on the agenda of his cabinet and expressed his commitment to have her situation resolved in accordance with the law. He expressed that he was happy that there was a good relationship between his staff and Ms. Frederick, and that his legal team would work diligently together to bring her case to good closure."
Peterson stated further that, "The Lt. Governor of St. Maarten has also consulted with the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, that in fact, on Thursday we received a call from the Cabinet of the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles reassuring us that the case had their attention too, and they also requested some documents to help expedite a travel document for Ms. Frederick so she could travel for urgent medical treatment. The Netherlands is a signatory to the ‘International Treaty on Stateless Persons' and this treaty provides for the granting of travel documents for stateless persons in cases of emergency and special situations."
"Elizabeth is very pleased with these developments and would like to thank the Governors of St. Maarten and the Netherlands Antilles for their update, interest, and efforts in her case. She would also like to thank the staff of the Governor's cabinet and the personnel at the Census office/civil registry of St. Maarten for their understanding, cooperation and assistance. She feels she is very close to a resolution for an identity for her children and herself. Elizabeth is very grateful and remains very hopeful that she and her children will have an identity in time for the centennial jubilee on Queen's Day."
Marigot: --- A 40-year old man is now dead from injuries he sustained in a motor cycle crash on Grand Case Boulevard on Friday.
In a press release gendarmes said that the accident occurred on a one way street when the rider lost control of his motor cycle when going over a speed bump.
The rider was thrown against a wall after rolling several times on the road. The motorbike continued rolling down the road and came to a stop some distance away.
The victim was transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital where he received emergency surgery for multiple fractures to his legs. The gendarmes said the motor cycle had disappeared from the scene by the time they arrived on the scene. The victim succumbed to his injuries early Saturday morning. The gendarmes already concluded that the accident was caused because the rider had lost control of his machine. Toxicology tests would be conducted.

Philipsburg:--- Commissioner Roy Marlin said at yesterday's press briefing that he is somewhat disappointed with the way Minister of Personnel Affairs Roland Duncan is handling the situation of the employees at the Inspectorate of Taxes. Marlin said that the workers do have rights and the Minister should not just sit there and not represent them. Workers of the Inspectorate of Taxes has requested a 25% salary increase after they learnt that there colleagues in Curacao received the increase.
However the Minister of finance has denied the St. Maarten based workers saying they are not performing optimally. Marlin said the Minister gave Curacao workers the increase because she felt the work load at the tax inspectorate was visible. Marlin said directorate on St. Maarten also motivated his request since the workload here is also heavy.
Marlin said the Minister is not the one to make the decision alone since this decision has to be taken by the council of ministers where he Duncan is a member. Duncan should put down his foot and deal with the Minister of finance. Marlin he also believes the two senators from St. Maarten should get involve in the matter so that St. Maarten tax inspectorate employees can get what they deserved.
Marlin said Duncan should not just sit back and say it is not his responsibility since he is the Minister of personnel affairs instead he should be looking out for these employees. Marlin said these employees do deserve this increase and if the Minister does not comply then the island government would have to give the additional monies to the employees when they request it.
Philipsburg: --- While two of the five suspects that were arrested for the murder of 14 year old Akeem Lake the prosecutor's office remained tightlipped on the ongoing investigation. Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed that two of the five suspects have been released since they were not heavily involved with the cold blooded killing.
Asked if authorities managed to secure a confession from any of the three suspects who remained behind bars Stein said he was not willing to divulge that kind of information at this time. However, he did say that the investigation is progressing satisfactorily. Akeem Lake was shot some ten months ago in Union Farm in a drive by shooting. Lake was just a few days short his 15th birthday was living among gang members since he had dropped out of school. It was said at the time of the killing that he had an argument with a group of boys about a scooter. Lake was with a scooter at the time of his death.

Maho: ---Despite a late and sluggish start the two young women who represented the island of Anguilla in the 37th Annual Leeward Islands Debating Competition came out on top beating their proposition Island of Montserrat. The moot for the first night was "The Present Practice of Spending Millions on Sports is Justifiable".
Representing Anguilla was Olufunmille Banks who not only won the night's debate but she managed to capture the best speaker's prize. Banks was accompanied Mekela Shellekie who managed to capture the keen attention of the three judges. Anguilla gained 280 points over Montserrat with 191.
The pair who did thorough research on how much money are spent on sports and how little is returned to society. They said while sports are beneficial to ones health it is only the elites that benefit from huge salaries at the expense of tax payers while the poor and middle class does not. These monies they said can be better spent on education and health care. Comparison was made to the amount of monies Africa plans to spend on security for the 2010 games while people in that country is dying of HIV and AIDS. Another stark reality that was pointed out by the Anguillan teams is the mismanagement of funding and corruption in the sporting industry has created.
The judges find that the Anguillans did a much better presentation in content as well as how composed they were they made it easier for everyone to understand, while Adena Johnson and Seymoura Dyett was advised to speak slower the next time they debate and try to convince themselves of what they are saying. Chief Judge of the night Taco Stein said it was evident that the main presenter for the Montserrat team Adena Johnson was not convinced with what she herself was saying. He also felt that if Johnson had taken her time to speak and articulate then her team may have scored more.
Present to witness the debate which is organized by the Hyacinth Richardson Foundation was the president of the foundation and his wife, Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards who gave the opening speech, leader of government and commissioner of education Sarah Wescot Williams and Dr. J. A George Irish founder of the Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC).
Philipsburg: --- A Guyanese man identified as N is now in police custody accused of molesting his 12 year old stepdaughter a student of the Starlight Education.
SMN News understand the man who is employed by the harbor expansion have been molesting his three step daughters over the years. Sources say the man allegedly abused his older step daughter who began speaking out and she was sent back to Jamaica by her mother who felt she was lying on her husband.
The source said the man also did the same thing to the woman second daughter was also a student of Starlight Education but now attends the St. Maarten Academy but that child was very intraverse and did not speak about her problems. The alleged child molester then began sexually molesting his wife's last child who spoke out since last year at the school. It is understood that the school called in the mother and informed her of the allegations made by then 11 year old B.D. It is understood the mother became very angry and wanted to scold her daughter whom she said is a known liar.
On Monday the student stayed away from school seemingly because she was again abused. It is said the child went to a neighbor who rescued her and took her to the court of guardianship where she was questioned. This media house has been reliably informed that the child was in pain when she showed up at school on Tuesday and was crying. It is said that she also informed her teacher of the incident that took place the day before. Police arrested N on Thursday after an official complaint was filed. The man already appeared before the judge of instruction and was given an extension on his pretrial detention.
In an invited comment Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said police are busy investigating the case and that only one complaint has been filed thus far. Stein said based on the nature of the case he is not at liberty to further comment.

Philipsburg:--- Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams wants to meet with their French counterpart to further discuss the implementation of the Franco-Dutch Treaty. The treaty which was established since 1994 she said will hinder the island during the economic down turn. She said her concern is to make sure they do not cut their nose to spoil their faces now that the world is facing a crisis.
She said she intends to ask her counterpart for consideration with respect to the implementation and the current financial situation facing St. Maarten. She said while she is not looking for a postponement she believes it is necessary to further deliberate on the issues and the implementation and figure out what effects this treaty would have for visitors coming to St. Maarten especially now that government is working to attract as many visitors as possible. The island leader said all of this was discussed already but they are planning to further discuss the application of the treaty at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
She said the treaty which is a measure of control has left a feeling that they would not be cutting their nose and spoil their faces. She said while lots of time has elapsed the committee needs to establish a basis for their purpose.
Wescot Williams said last week she met with the committee that was established to deal with the execution of the treaty.

St. Peters: --- Well known photo journalist Gromyko Wilson is angry at the President of the Emilio Wilson park and Henri Brookson who are in constant controversy over the ownership of the historical park, Wilson expressed his feelings about the long standing feud yesterday when he taught his baby daughter was injured during a traffic accident in the vicinity of the park.
Wilson said because persons who are claiming ownership of the park; vehicles can no longer park on the vacant land next door which he said is jeopardizing the lives of several youths. Parents are forced to park their vehicles along side the road and are endangering other road users. Yesterday, the mother of Wilson baby daughter parked her car at the side of the road and the vehicle he said got damaged when another vehicle lost control and slammed into the vehicle he taught his child was in. Wilson said if his child was in the vehicle and she was injured then he would have taken the law into his own hands. He said parents can no longer stay at the park to see their children play a game of football for the lack parking, neither can the police and or VKS practice their shooting range since no one can use the vacant plot of land for these purposes. Wilson said he plans to take legal action if he has to because people are still fighting over the ownership of this park and in the meantime youths on St. Maarten are being deprived of their sports.

Marigot: --- Some 16 members of the territorial council have chosen to renew their confidence in ousted president Frantz Gumbs whose election was annulled on April 10th by the State Council. Gumbs who were among three candidates postulated in yesterday's historic election in the Collectivity of St. Martin. He received 16 votes, 15 of which are from the Union pour le Progres and one from Resuir St. Martin. Alain Richardson also postulated on behalf of the RRR and he received all six votes that are occupied by the opposition.
The only candidate that lost yesterday is Marthe Ogoundele Tessi who maintained her position as last year. Ogoundele Tessi also postulated yesterday for the presidential seat, she received her one vote. The former vice president also lost her seat in the executive council which was given to her by the RRR last year. Occupying that seat in the newly elected executive council is Aline Hanson from the RRR. Re-elected to their position is first vice president Daniel Gibbs, second vice president Claire Guion Fermin Javois, third vice president Pierre Alliotti and fourth vice president Louis Jeffry and Alain Richardson as a member of the executive council, added to executive council is Aline Hanson.
Territorial Councilor Richard Barray would be the one to represent President Gumbs when he is absent.
On the bidding committee the are the four vice presidents as well as Richardson, Hanson and Mussington.
Ogoundele Tessi abstained from voting for the commissions as well as for the executive council members that were proposed.
In an interview with SMN News the former first vice president Ogoundele Tessi said she decided to present as a candidate after analyzing her options and mostly after receiving letters that were not correct. She said she came forward and took the responsibility of her actions from last year. Asked why she abstained from voting for the commissions she said it is clear these matters are also not correct. "As far as I am concerned the court said one thing and here elected officials are doing something else. I do not think it made sense to vote in instances such as these." Asked if she was contacted to be on the executive council, Ogoundele Tessi said that she was contacted and told depending on how she voted in the presidential election then she would be on the executive council, "after hearing this I again believe that is not correct and there is no democracy." She said those that contacted her was not able to guarantee her if she would have been on the EXCO. Ogoundele Tessi said she felt her vote has value and for this reason she took the decision not to vote for anyone. "The senator told me that he cannot remove anyone from their vice presidents position, but if I voted from Gumbs they would have given me the fifth seat in executive council. Fleming said after the election the majority would see what they can do with her. I immediately told Fleming that I prefer to vote for me since having nothing would not benefit me or the community" Ogoundele Tessi said she did not betray anyone as perceived but instead she stood up for herself and her sole interest is to be able to serve the people of St. Martin. The persons who are denying me that right is the majority in the territorial council.
Asked about the anonymous letter she received Ogoundele Tessi admitted she received a letter, she said she felt the contents of the letter is a means of humiliation and insults to her if she did not do whatever they wanted her to do. The former first vice president said she believes everyone is free and they should be able to do that which pleases them and for that reason she did what was in her opinion best for the island and its people. Asked if she planned to continue her political career Ogoundele Tessi said she was elected on the UPP list and she has to be there to work as the voice of the people. "As for me this is the beginning of a new era." Asked how she feels about the education portfolio that she once held and is now neglected Ogoundele Tessi said she hoped that the team that was elected yesterday would live up to their responsibilities and do the work that has to be done. She said the group has to assume its responsibilities and if they don't she would be the one to speak out. "I will be on their backs letting them know that they were elected and they must now carry out their duties."
Leader of the RRR and candidate of yesterday's election Alain Richardson in an invited comment said he decided to postulate because he felt that as opposition they needed to send a loud and resounding voice to the State. He said the RRR party has shown their willingness to work in the best interest of St. Martin. However, within two years there were two sanctions to the presidents, namely Louis Constant Fleming who is now in-illegible and Gumbs whose election was cancelled.
Richardson said during the last two years the opposition has proposed several ideas and projects to the majority. These projects if they were accepted would have permitted the island to move forward, unfortunately the opposition is faced with a wall and a majority who are only concerned with what matters most to them and not the island and its inhabitants.
Richardson said that because of all of this they were forced to break loose and be in line with what the population wants them to do. "The people would have liked to go the polls and re-elect a competent team but since this is not possible legally then we would have to propose another line to the new working majority which would have been the best solution in this setting."
Re-electing Gumbs sends wrong message!
Richardson said that re-electing Gumbs to the seat as president sends the wrong message to the State and to the youths of St. Martin. "What are we telling the youths is simple Louis Constant Fleming was sanctioned and he has been promoted to the senate seat and Gumbs election was cancelled yet 16 members of the council saw it fit to re-elect him." Richardson said the message the council is sending is that despite someone breaks the law, and were sanctioned they are going to be rewarded. "It is of paramount importance for elected officials to know that government has to be an example to their community and society." He said the message sent out during the election is not the right one.
Asked about the seat the RRR gave to Ogoundele Tessi and why it was taken back. Richardson said the seats that were occupied over the last year became available just prior to the election and they contacted Ogoundele Tessi informing her that they wanted someone from their group to take up the seat which she readily agreed to. He said last year they supported Ogoundele Tessi but this time they felt it necessary that they occupy the seat which Ogoundele Tessi agreed to wholeheartedly.
Asked about how he feels with the stand the former first vice president took Richardson said that this is a clear indication that Ogoundele Tessi has broken away from the UPP which was validated yesterday. "right now I believe Ogoundele Tessi would have to clarify with the UPP that they are not willing to work and to support her and vice versa." Asked about the abstinence from the former vice president he said he has no problem with her decision. He said that he felt that the choice to abstain is better than voting for the UPP. Richardson said he is still open and willing to work with Ogoundele Tessi, he said the RRR will continue to monitor the situation including the economic development, regaining of confidence in the COM and available opportunities for the youths and people of St. Martin.
About the election.
It was clear yesterday that the councilors were nervous even senator Louis Constant Fleming who was present during the election. The majority in the council made sure they did everything correctly so that this time around the election would not be cancelled if contested. Three blank pieces of paper was given to each of the councilors so that they could have voted for whomever they wished. After the paper was distributed the little blue envelopes was given out so that the ballots can be placed inside to ensure the secrecy of the votes were not breached.
Presiding over the election was the oldest member of the Territorial Council Richard Barray who acted as the chairman and the youngest councilor Louis Jeffry the secretary, obviously nervous about the process Jeffry almost made a mistake by forgetting to put the ballot in the envelope, but before he could have dropped the ballot in the box his colleagues from the UPP screamed out "don't forget the envelope" while some onlookers screamed out don't make another mistake.
At the end of the process when the votes were counted and Gumbs declared president it was visible they all blew a sigh of relief before continuing on the other three agenda points.
Philipsburg:---- Reliable sources have informed SMN News that leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams is doing her best to convince embattled independent island councilman Louie Laveist to give up his seat in the Island Council. The source said Wescot Williams met with Laveist on Tuesday afternoon where she bluntly asked him to surrender his seat in the island council to the Democratic Party. Should the DP leader get that seat then she would indeed have more bargaining power.
Laveist had said earlier in the day he that he was continuing discussions with the Democratic Party and a meeting was scheduled for later that day. The independent island councilman also said the ball was in courts of the DP Party which he said is obvious enough that a blind man could see.
The island councilman resigned on Tuesday from the executive council, but held on to his island council seat. He said that he had no intention to give up his seat in the IC and that he was still negotiating with the Democratic Party. When asked if he was also discussing with the National Alliance Laveist said he felt that he needed to guard his information close to him.
Sources told this media house that a member of the Democratic Party had offered Laveist monies since they claim they understand his financial position which is said to be bleak. The source said the monies were offered to Laveist if he surrendered his IC seat to the Democratic Party which would allow them to remain in government.
When asked about this in his press conference Laveist said doing that would be bribery.
SMN News further understands that the DP faction is yet to call a meeting with its faction members to further discuss the situation of the resignation of Laveist now that they have to fill the commissioner seat in the island council.
The other persons in line to accommodate the seat are Senator Erno Labega and should he decline the offer it would then be Jeffry Richardson. SMN News contacted both men for a comment and they said so far they were not contacted by the party's leader. Richardson said whatever decision is taken by the leader of the Democratic Party is well with him while Labega said he has not taken any decision on the matter.

Marigot: --- The mother of 16-year old of Leeandra Illidge who was born on January 12 1993 is now pleading with anyone who may know her daughter's whereabouts to contact the police or gendarmerie.
Elvida Gumbs in an interview with SMN News said her daughter ran away since Sunday and she has reported the matter to both sides law enforcement but to date she does not know where to find her teenage daughter.
Gumbs said the last time she saw Leeandra was Sunday night at her stepfather's residence which is number 5 Impasse Louis Vanterpool, Concordia. She distraught mother said her daughter went to Fish Day and later that evening she just disappeared. Leeandra is a student of the Caribbean International Academy.
One of the things Gumbs disclosed to this media house is that her daughter Leenandra is accustomed of lying to her. She said earlier in the week she had an argument with her daughter concerning her attitude but on Sunday when she went missing everything okay within the family.
The woman said she is aware her daughter have a boyfriend who maybe living somewhere in Belvedere but she does not know the person's real name and address. Gumbs said she only saw the young man's photograph but never met him personally. So far her daughter's phone has been switched off and she cannot be contacted by phone.

Philipsburg: --- The National Alliance Faction on Friday night updated their members on the state of affairs on St. Maarten regarding the recent political development. The meeting was held at the NA headquarters "The Farret House."
In a statement to members of the media shortly after the meeting, leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said his members were interested in knowing what this political situation can do to the island. Marlin said the meeting was well attended and the discussions were lively. He said as leader of the party that he briefed his members on issues that were taking place since June 2008 to what has happened now. Marlin said he also talked about the discussions they are having with the Democratic Party and the attempts that are being made to form a government.
Marlin said his members openly expressed themselves with their opinions. One of the members who is the eldest and longest supporters made a touching statement.
"Some of the members he said asked about higher supervision, while others wanted to know how long the National Alliance is going to be negotiating with the Democratic Party and what would be the next step should these negotiations fail, they wanted to know if at that point higher supervision would kick in and how long that would be for.
Marlin said he felt that his members had legitimate concerns about the island's future. The National Alliance leader said he plans to wait on the leader of the DP and whenever they resigned, they would begin discussions. He said he heard Wescot Williams on a radio program who said that when they had discussed the last time they were not asked to resign. Marlin his response said at that time the government did not fall and their was a legitimate government in place. Today he said the scenarios are not the same. He said he clearly explained the reasons the NA believed that they must resign.
Marlin said while the leader of the DP has acknowledged that the ethical thing for them to do is to resign she did not say what is preventing the process. The NA leader said based on what is being said and seems logical is that the DP is working overtime to see if they can regain the majority in the island council so that they can continue governing. He said it is clear that the DP party is stalling the process as they are looking to gain time.
Philipsburg: ---Board members of the National Alliance are called to attend an urgent board meeting tonight (Tuesday May 26 2009) at the Ferret house on Back Street. The information to the National Alliance members was sent via email.
SMN News understands that the membership of the National Alliance would be taking decisions on the formation of the new executive council, which is to take place on Friday.
Philipsburg- The Island Council is the competent authority to decide on the appointment and dismissal of commissioners.
So says the chairman of the Island and Executive Councils, Governor Franklyn Richards, in response to calls made by National Alliance leader William Marlin, that all remaining commissioners in the present Executive Council resign immediately.
The N.A. leader has requested Richards to call on commissioners who submitted their resignations effective June 8, to give up their seats in the Executive Council immediately.
The N.A. leader has referred to correspondence addressed by Richards to Councilman Louie Laveist on January 3, 2009, calling on the latter to step down as a member of the Executive Council.
The governor however sees no reason to consider the request of William Marlin, among others, considering the developments preceding the January 3 letter.
As is known, Laveist had sent two letters to DP faction leader Sarah Wescot-Williams on November 6, 2008. In the first letter he announced that he is assuming the role of a non-active member of the Executive Council. In the other letter, he disclosed that he is now an independent member of the island council.
On November 10, 2008, Laveist sent three letters to Governor Richards:
- A letter withdrawing his support for the DP faction
- A letter (signed as Commissioner Louie E. Laveist) announcing his non-active role in the Executive Council
- A letter announcing that he is an independent member of the island council.
On November 16, 2008, the governor (in his capacity of chairman of the island council) received a letter signed by all DP members in the island council as well as Laveist voicing support for the Executive Council of St. Maarten, comprised of DP members Maria Buncamper-Molanus, Theodore Heyliger, Roy Marlin and Sarah Wescot-Williams.
It was generally known at the time that Laveist was the subject of a criminal investigation. With the premise that any accused is innocent until proven guilty, the governor issued a public call to Laveist to resign as member of the Executive Council on January 3. That call, which had been substantiated in detail, was made in the general interest.
Shortly after that, Laveist reacted by letter of January 9, noting that he is a full-fledged member of the Executive Council.
Following his conviction by the court of first instance, Laveist indicated on May 5 that he resigns from the Executive Council ‘effective immediately'. As could be recalled, the court found Laveist guilty of a number of charges and has prohibited him from holding the public office of commissioner. The verdict is however being appealed and thus the sentence cannot be carried out at this time.
The island council is the competent authority to decide on the appointment and dismissal of commissioners. The island council has the power to end its confidence in a commissioner.
Should the island council take such a decision, a period of 14 days must be observed before going over to a definite dismissal.
This procedure has not been instituted and is thus not applicable, in this case.
Another option is that commissioners resign voluntarily. In that case, regulations prescribe that they continue carrying on their tasks until a successor is appointed and that the successor has accepted the appointment.
Ultimately, the island council may also decide to appoint fewer commissioners, as long as one remains within the confines of the law. With regards to Laveist, the island council has, up to present, not yet taken a decision. This, in essence, entails that Laveist is still a commissioner.
At the moment, the situation is such that commissioners Laveist and Heyliger have tendered their resignations effectively immediately.
The island council may, as per immediately, resort to naming their successors or eventually decide that no successor is appointed. The remaining commissioners have tendered their resignations as per June 8.
In the event that this is acceptable to the island council, successors cannot be appointed for these commissioners prior to June 8.
In practice this would mean that should the remaining three commissioners still decide to step down effectively immediately, the island council could appoint an entirely new Executive Council on Friday.
The governor is of the opinion that the commissioners must individually assume their responsibilities for their actions and thus sees no reason to honor the request of the N.A. leader, to make a public appeal on commissioners to resign immediately.
Philipsburg- A condolence register is now available at the Government Administration Building where members of the public can go and pay homage to the late Percy Clement Desmount Labega, better known as Clem Labega, a former Island Council member of the Island Territory of St. Maarten.
The condolence registry will remain open until Monday, June 1, 2009 up to 8.00am.
Labega born on January 26, 1926, passed away on May 27, 2009, was also co-founder of the Democratic Party (DP) of St. Maarten along with the late Dr. Claude Wathey.
National Alliance Extends Condolences to the Labega Family.
Philipsburg:-- Leader of the National Alliance has extended condolences to the family of the late Clem Labega who passed away early yesterday morning. Marlin said he knew Clem very well and they he contributed tremendously to the island. A special Island Council meeting he said will be convened to pay tribute to the late Labega, co- founder of the Democratic Party.
Philipsburg: --- With just one week in office commissioner of finance Xavier Blackman said the figure released by the former commissioner of finance is what he would call a blood pressure figure. Blackman said the department already did some preliminary research to see the exact amount of monies that are in the reserves of government. He said 61 million is what he would call the blood pressure figure since indications so far leads towards a lower figure.
Blackman said already there are indications that government only has about Naf.55 million in their coffers while there are outstanding debts to the tune of Naf. 140 Million.
Blackman said there are assets and liabilities and for him the blood pressure is more in the area of Naf. 55 million and not 61 million as was reported earlier. The commissioner did say the figure he has is not the final figure but he is expected to have more details from the director of resources.
Blackman said he already met with the director of resources and a number of issues that were discussed, which included training for their staff which is underway. He said one of the other aspects discussed is the recruitment of staff.
In the same department Blackman said they are busy upgrading the system to enable better control of government finances both internal and external. He said the department of finance is busy finalizing their annual accounts for the years 2007 and 2008 which the CFT is looking forward for. The department is also busy with the amendments of the 2009 budget which is currently on going. In very near future the commissioner said they would be able to release the exact state of affairs of the island government.
Philipsburg: -- Police has arrested another suspect in the murder of Marco Beaumont. The arrest was made on Tuesday said police spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard.
Leonard identified the suspect as J.A.P.V 30 years of age from the Dominican Republic.
Leonard said so far police arrested 9 persons in this murder investigation but two of them have been released while seven remained custody. Marco Beaumont was killed on May 1 during the Carnival labour day parade in a house in Union Farm.
Cay Hill: --- At least two pensioners were refused treatment on Thursday at the St. Maarten Medical Center as the saga between the medical institution and the FZOG fund is to yet to be regulated.
Winnefred Romney a 63 year old retired civil servant and Hubert Brooks 70 years old said they had appointments with the bone specialist at the St. Maarten Medical Center on Thursday but when they reached the institution they were told that the hospital is not accepting the FZOG guarantee cards.
Brooks said he had knee surgeries in Curacao two years ago and his treatment is needed. He said even though he was told at the front desk that his card would not be accepted he proceeded to see the nurse that works with the doctor who told him if he did not have $75. he would not receive any treatment neither would be able to see the doctor.
Medical Director of the St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. George Scot said the hospital would not be accepting the FZOG card unless payment is made to the medical institution. Dr. Scot said the St. Maarten Medical Center did receive Naf 721,000 recently but that is not the amount the FZOG or SVB promised to make. The FZOG was supposed to pay Naf600.000 by the end of June and they did not return emails and or letters to Dr. Scot when he inquired about the payments. Dr. Scot said the FZOG has an outstanding of 1.4 million guilders and they need to make good on their obligations to the pensioners, since the pensioners did not pay the SMMC they paid FZOG. Dr. Scot said the unions that are representing the pensioners are angry at the wrong person and institution and they need to address the FZOG who collected the premiums from the pensioners.
Dr. Scot further explained that the FZOG/SVB has three patients taking dialysis treatment at the hospital three times a week. Each patient he said would take 12 treatments per month minimum but FZOG is only paying for one treatment for each patient. He said SMMC is supposed to receive payment for 36 treatments per month and all they are getting is three. Dr. Scot said when this matter was raised he was told FZOG/SVB has mistake in their system and they need to correct it. Dr. Scot said unless the corrections and the payments are made the hospital would not be accepting FZOG guarantee cards. “We simply cannot continue this way as a medical institution and FZOG/SVB has to understand that and do their work. I cannot wait another six months for them to make the corrections on the dialysis patients”. Dr. Scot said.
The medical director said FZOG/SVB is telling them that Naf146, 000 is a back payment which dated back from 2005. “This is not what we have on our books and SVB would have to see where their mistakes are and correct them now, we at the SMMC need clarity”. Dr. Scot insisted.
Philipsburg: ----- Authorities found what looked like a bullet wound on the upper body of accident victim Sylvester Cuthbert Hazel. SMN News has been reliably informed that local authorities have to conduct an ex-ray on the body to see if in fact Hazel was shot prior to the accident.
Reliable sources say that the x-ray would be done sometime on Tuesday. Authorities were trying to get the x-ray done on Monday but that was not possible for the St. Maarten Medical Center.
In an invited comment, Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said he would not confirm neither deny the information this reporter has. Stein said that for the moment he would not be commenting since the investigation is still ongoing. Asked if the body has been, confiscated Stein said they did confiscate the body but no decision has been taken on whether or not there would be an autopsy. The Chief Prosecutor of the Windward Islands said he would further elaborate on the case on Tuesday afternoon and say whether an autopsy would be conducted.
Sylvester Cuthbert Hazel (44) died early Sunday morning during a road accident, relatives of the dead man believed he fell asleep on the wheel, but with the new revelation it is not clear if Hazel was on his way to seek medical assistance or if he was shot while driving along Union Road. The x-ray would determine if the wound found on the body was a gunshot or if it is an injury from the accident.
Authorities are now questioning the eyewitnesses that saw when the accident took place on Sunday to determine what exactly happened. Sources say the victim was involved in at least two arguments on Saturday night while on his weekend sporting. It is not clear how serious was those arguments and if that had anything to do with his tragic death.
Dutch Quarter: --- Residents of Dutch Quarter and several politicians are left to wonder if the talk about a new gas station to be built in Dutch Quarter has become a reality. Some two months now, Windward Roads installed some heavy-duty pipes under the drain that is connected to the Dutch Quarter Round About. SMN News understands that Island Council man and former commissioner of Public Works Roy Marlin gave Windward Roads the instructions to install the pipes prior to constructing the concrete drain. It is still not clear if Marlin is going to foot the bill for these pipes or if it has to be paid for by the Island Government.
SMN News learnt that bill was added on government’s bill as extra work. The decisions were taken during the Democratic Party Executive Council and apparently had the blessings of the current commissioner of public works Theo Heyliger.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the former commissioner of Public Works Roy Marlin had the pipes installed without having a civil or hindrance permit and assessment study for a gas station. More so the island council member is not in possession of a building permit, which is required by law before any building, is constructed.
SMN News also understands that the design for the future gas station is still not completed. Sources say that Independent Consulting Designs (ICE) is still busy working on the island council member’s plan, which has to be submitted to the executive council for approval before any of the above-mentioned permits can be granted.
It is also understood that Marlin never had an impact study done for the area he intends to build his gas station since he is planning to have heavy fuel in what is considered a heavily populated area. It is also not clear if this gas station is part of the zoning plan of Dutch Quarter. While there are numerous questions surrounding this project so far no government official is able to say what measures are going to be taken and if what is said about the construction of a new gas station is true.
In an invited comment, Island Councilman Roy Marlin said he has no intention of commenting on matters, which is related to his private life. Marlin did say he purchased that parcel of land some years ago and that the pipes were put in place are for utility purposes.

Philipsburg:---- Island Councilman George Pantophlet was elected chairman of the central committee during an island council meeting on Thursday. Of the nine votes, casts six were in favor of Pantophlet while three were blank. The three blank votes came from the DP faction. Pantophlet would replace Petrus de Weever who was elected under the Democratic Party faction.
Philipsburg: --- The executive council is soon to take a decision to re-open the Charles Leopold Bell School to accommodate some 141 students who could not be placed in the five government schools due to the lack of space. Commissioner of Education William Marlin said the department of education only managed to place 45 students who are between 4 to 6 years and were registered earlier this year to comply with the implementing of compulsory education.
The commissioner said they are hoping to open this school, which is not in use by mid September to accommodate the students. He said the department is presently trying to hire teachers since these professionals are not easily available on St. Maarten. Marlin said they are now looking into the system to see if they can make contact with those persons who have applied for teaching jobs, he further explained that because of the lack of the teachers government as well as government subsidized schools had to keep teachers who are already retired on the job.
Marlin said he gave specific instructions to department to make sure they interview and hire at least four teachers since they would need to have at least four classrooms to accommodate the 141 students that are not placed.
Marlin said another phenomenon noticed is that several persons are now sending for children who are residing overseas and are registering them on St. Maarten since government has decided to comply with the implementing compulsory education. He further explained that they have discussed and decided to phase in the implementation of compulsory of education.
The commissioner said due the influx and implementation, it would cost government millions of guilders per year to provide education to all children. He said he is a firm believer that children that were allowed to live on St. Maarten must have access to education. He said there are instances where friends and relatives of foreign children are trying to register them. Asked if the so-called illegal schools are receiving subsidy from government, Marlin said the executive council did not take any decision in providing subsidies to those schools, he said to obtain subsidy these schools would have to fully comply with the subsidy ordinance that is in place.
French quarter:--- A 23 year old motor cyclist lost his life on Wednesday night due to a hit and run accident. The victim has been identified as Malvin Lake Hodge. Hodge’s death is the second scooter rider that was killed due to hit and run drivers. Just last month Ricardo Gumbs lost his life after being hit off, of his scooter, which eventually caught fire due to the impact.
According to a press release from the gendarmerie, an accident between a motorist and scooter rider occurred about 6:25 pm at the entrance of Orient Bay.
The driver of the vehicle did not stop, while the victim was transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital where he died of his injuries. An investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause of the accident and to locate the hit and run driver. The gendarmes said that this is fourth motorcyclist that was killed on the roads on the French side for the year.
Three of the four persons were killed on St. Maarten while one on St. Barths. The gendarmes believe that these persons were killed because somehow they are maneuvering on the public roads carelessly as they demonstrate the vulnerability of the two wheels. The accidents occurred on July 5, July 31, and August 26.
So far, for the year there have been seven serious accidents with three fatalities. The gendarmes believe that due to the severity of these accident road users should begin to exercise caution. They have issued a special call to motorcyclist and scooter riders especially those who are bent on showing their skills on two wheels to exercise caution.
Philipsburg: --- Owners of exotic clubs who are accustomed of bringing in dancers for their clubs were confronted with a major surprise that would grossly affect their businesses on Wednesday. SMN News has learnt that the head of the labour department Raphael Boasman has informed his employees to refuse all memorandums, which allows the club owners to change the names of the dancers coming to St. Maarten. One of the businessmen spoke to this reporter on the condition of anonymity saying that the civil servants at the island labour department told him that the memorandums are illegal and those signing them were not acting in compliance with the law.
The businessman said the labour department has accepted the document in the past, which he provided to SMN News. He said he does not know when the department found out they were accepting an illegal document, neither was he told what is illegal about it. Based on the sex industry policy published in 2003 only six clubs are allowed to bring in prostitutes while the others are only allowed to bring in dancers for their clubs, but the memorandums in question states that the businessman paid to process permit for prostitutes (animeermeisjes) instead of dancers. Another concern is that immigration has no competence over island labor and the processing of work permits, reasons why the labour department has refused to honor the memorandum.
The businessman; further explained that one of the major hindrances club owners face is the length of time the landing permits take to process which on more than one occasion has caused the dancers to cancel their contracts. He said the labour department charges $900 to process the documents for each dancer and this money has to be paid in advance. When the dancers cancel because the landing permits were not ready on time then the Chief of Police would issue a memorandum, which allows the business; to use the money he paid for the dancer that canceled for another applicant.
The businessman said some 24 dancers cancelled their contracts with him this year because they got another deal while waiting for their landing permits to come to St. Maarten. He said he is now concerned with the amount of money he stands to loose at no fault of his. “It is unbelievable for us to understand this because the ten clubs on St. Maarten are the biggest clients of the labour department.” The club owner explained.
In an invited comment, the Chief of Police Franklyn Richards said he did not know what document the club owners are referring to and because of that, he has nothing to say.
Another surprise the businessman said he was confronted with on Wednesday is that he was also informed that he can no longer bring in any dancer that is under the age of 25 and no older than 57.
The well-known businessman said he contested the new rule since his permit specifically states that dancers can be no less than 18 years of age. SMN News understands that Boasman is applying the rules of the revised labour policy which states that working permits would only be granted to first time applicants that is 25 years of age and older.
SMN News has learnt that when the news was delivered to the club owners they immediately mobilized themselves to deal with what they termed as injustice against businesses during a recession. The club owners also met with leader of government William Marlin and they provided him with proof of the amount of dancers they brought in this year that was under the age of 25. Marlin was also given copies of the memorandums that were once accepted. One club it is understood brought in over 55 dancers that were under 25 since the implementation of the revised labour policy on January 12 while another two that is owned by one person had the same amount. Asked for a comment on the ongoing issue Marlin said he is to discuss the matter with the Lt. Governor to see what has changed. Marlin refused to divulge any information on the issue.
ONDERSTAND RECIPIENTS STANDS TO LOOSE IF OFF ISLAND
Recipients of Onderstand (Welfare) who are off island for more that three months would also be loosing their benefits and taken off the list. SMN News has learnt that the head of island labour has made these changes without the blessings of the executive council.
In an invited comment, Commissioner of Social Affairs Hyacinth Richardson said he also heard of these changes but assured that his office did not instruct Social Affairs to take anyone off the onderstand list. The commissioner said he is busy looking into the matter.
In the meantime, SMN News have reported that Boasman has lost his mandate for the signing of work permits, however, the changes taken by the executive council has to first be ratified by the governor general. Just last Sunday leader of government William Marlin said they are still waiting for a response from the governor general.
Sources say that the executive council is busy interviewing several persons who would replace Boasman. It is understood that Boasman would at some point be transferred to another department. SMN News have learnt some of the candidates that were interviewed are those that worked in the department before are currently on pension.
PHILIPSBURG/ THE VALLEY: ----It was all smiles, tears and even laughter for Elisabeth Fredericks the woman who was once called the "stateless woman” when she was presented with her British Passport in the presence of human rights advocate Terry Peterson. Elisabeth and her children travelled to Anguilla on Thursday where she was officially presented with her British passport after it was proven that she was born on Anguilla on May 4 1964 to Sylvia Richardson.
According to the records at the civil registry, Elisabeth was registered as Sandra Elizabeth Richardson of North Hill. Further research conducted by the Anguillan Civil Registry verified who some of Elisabeth’s relatives, Elisabeth did a deed poll to change her name from Sandra Elizabeth Richardson to Elisabeth Fredericks, the name she carried all her life even though Stateless and without an identity.
Terry Peterson said what seems to be a long and futile battle for an identity for Elisabeth and her children who are also affected by her ordeal has come to an end. Elisabeth was abandoned by her mother Sylvia Richardson-Gumbs who was found to be living in St. Thomas as a regular writer to the editors of the Anguillan Newspapers. Also accompanying Elisabeth on Thursday was councilor from the court guardianship Ms. Doris Dedier and a member of the governor’s cabinet.
Fredericks, who grew up on the island of St. Maarten, never had a birth certificate and was not really sure where she was born. What she does know is that she grew up at Down Street, did all her schooling on St. Maarten, and at one point worked for the Island Government of St. Maarten as a civil servant.
Fredericks also filed applications for passports for all her children who are also Stateless. The are expected to receive their passports in the next two weeks.
At one point, she was told that she had been born in Anguilla, but there were no records to prove this, and on other occasions, her birthplace was stated as “unknown.” On many occasions, she was asked to seek assistance in Anguilla, where she was claimed to have been born. A 10-year search from 1960 to 1970 in the civil registry of Anguilla revealed that there was no record of an Elisabeth Fredericks ever being born in 1964 or 1969 on the island of Anguilla, thus causing the Census Office in St. Maarten to revise its entry of her registration of 1967 and ‘British’ status to ‘Unknown’. In fact, Ms. Fredericks received letters to that effect in 1998, 2004 and 2008. In a letter to the Head of Civil Registry in St. Maarten on October 29, 2008, the Registrar General of Anguilla, Judicial Department, stated, ‘A search was carried out at the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriage and there is no entry of a birth recorded on May 6, 1969, or any other date for Ms. Elisabeth Fredericks.” In addition, they were right.
Elisabeth along with Terry J. Peterson then took her case to Mr. Gert Jan Stortelers, Representative of the Netherlands in the Netherlands Antilles (VNP) on Monday, December 22, 2008. He agreed that she had a good case, which deserved special attention because of her health situation, and promised to do everything possible to expedite a resolution to Ms. Fredericks’ situation. During the meeting, he even telephoned the office of the Governor General of the Netherlands Antilles and pledged to consult with the Lieutenant Governor of St. Maarten at the earliest opportunity to see what could be done to expedite a temporary travel document for her travel to Holland for urgent medical attention.
Earlier this year, Elisabeth received an official written response from the Lieutenant Governor of St. Maarten, Mr. Franklyn E. Richards, in respect to her requests on last Kingdom Day. In a letter dated January 9, 2009, Lt. Governor Richards indicated that her case was high on the agenda of his cabinet and expressed his commitment to have her situation resolved in accordance with the law. He expressed that he was happy that there was a good relationship between his staff and Ms. Fredericks, and that his legal team would work diligently together to bring her case to good closure. The Lt. Governor of St. Maarten had also consulted with the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, that in fact, Elisabeth had received a call from the Cabinet of the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles reassuring her that the case had their attention too. All of this culminated with Elisabeth being granted the temporary travel document and flying outside of the Netherlands Antilles for the first time, to the Netherlands on the first of February, 2009. However, the search for her identity continued.
Searches were conducted in all the places where her mother was thought to have lived, specifically, Anguilla, Marigot, and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. However, there was no record of “Elisabeth Fredericks.” Until, more searches in Anguilla revealed a record of a Sandra Elizabeth Richardson of North Hill, being born on May 4, 1964 to Sylvia Richardson, a birth date that coincided with what Elisabeth Fredericks had, and it also contained information about her family. The information was further verified by the Anguillan Civil Registry. However, in order to keep her name as “Elisabeth Fredericks,” she had to undergo a deed poll in accordance with British Law. With the British nationality, her children will now be able to, if they choose, apply for Dutch nationality according to the law.
Elizabeth and her family are very happy with this development and would like to thank the Governors of St. Maarten and the Netherlands Antilles for their support, interest, and efforts in her case. She would also like to thank the staff of the Governor’s cabinet and Legal Team, the personnel at the Census office of St. Maarten and the Registrar General and staff of Judicial Affairs Department of Anguilla, the Government of Anguilla, the Bureau of Police Affairs and Prosecutor’s office (OM) of St. Maarten, the IND Office and all supporting donors and sponsors for their understanding, cooperation and assistance. However, most of all, she would like to thank especially, Mr. Terry J. Peterson, who she said, “kept fighting for me to have an identity in spite of heavy criticism, intimidation and ridicule.” “Had it not been for the death of Stanley Gumbs, he probably would have never heard my story.”
In an invited comment, Ms. Dorris Dedier of the Court of Guardianship, who had taken Elisabeth’s children away from her eleven years ago because of her inability to handle the stress and victimization she was experiencing at the time, said, “I am relieved that now Elisabeth can walk tall and proud of having an identity. She can feel like she belongs. No one can continue to treat her as if she is a Nobody. Her family and rights have been restored. Elisabeth’s children now have a place to belong and call home. Now, they can find their place in their society, culture, family, and nation.”
Terry J. Peterson added that, “No longer will they feel humiliated by employers and employment agencies wanting them to produce a passport to get a job or stressed-out by banks to present a passport to open a bank account. Her kids will have equal access to health-care, social security, and governmental scholarships. She is now able to exercise her right to freedom of movement, the right to leave and to return to her country, and the right to a nationality. Elizabeth is very grateful and is now very confident that she and her children now have an identity in time for Christmas.”
Philipsburg: --- Two federal detectives arrived on the island on Wednesday to commence an investigation on the police management team. SMN News has been reliably informed that the officers would also be investigating to see if Detective Carlton Philips is guilty of any crime and if in fact, he destroyed valuable evidence while working at the Criminal Investigation Department.
The source said the management of KPSSS is also planning to use its internal affairs department to sanction Philips because he wrote an open letter to the media highlighting certain irregularities within the police management team.
Philips in his letter some weeks ago said that members of the police management were guilty of enriching themselves. He further stated that several officers and administrative staff of KPSSS are being victimized by the team. The officer also called on the public prosecutor, and chief of police to conduct an investigation to clear his name since the current assistant chief of police has accused him of destroying documents while working as acting head of CID some seven years ago. The officer also claimed that because he solved a double homicide that had involved the son of a former colleague he was victimized, demoted, and lied upon.
Philips also asked the authorities to investigate the finances of the police management, as well as to investigate the procedures used to appoint the current head of CID.
On Tuesday, Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba told reporters an inquiry is presently taking place to see if an investigation is warranted. Pressed as to who would be conducting this investigation the Minister said the investigation would have followed the normal channels.
Philipsburg:--- Members of the National Alliance met with former island council lady Gracita Arrindell on Monday as they try to negotiate what position the National Alliance would give Arrindell should she merge the People Progressive Party with the National Alliance.
Arrindell held meetings with Independent Island Council man Theo Heyliger who plans to launch the Green Party for country election. SMN News understands that the new kid on the block would not be contesting the January parliamentary elections and the meetings with Arrindell did not bear fruit.
Sources say Arrindell has also met with the Democratic Party and that she has a deal with them. Asked about that at the DP press conference leader of the party Sarah Wescot Williams did not indicate if a deal was reached with Arrindell. However, she confirmed they have been speaking with a number of persons within the community.
Philipsburg: --- The National Alliance/ Heyliger and Laveist Government have appointed Kendall Dupersoy and Reza Amjad to the supervisory board of TELEM. Both Amjad and Dupersoy were appointed some two weeks ago. Newspaper reports stated that the board has appointed the elder Amjad to the board of TELEM, which caused some confusion since several prominent St. Maarteners, said they are not in favor of the appointment made by the NA/Heyliger and Laveist Government.
Some said the only reason the National Alliance has appointed Amjad to the board is because the elder Amjad supports the National Alliance financially.
Reza Amjad holds a degree in communication and is willing to serve St. Maarten. He also manages his own company on the French side of the island.
Dupersoy on the other hand was an employee of TELEM and has served the company for three years some eight years ago. He is currently working at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
Sources say that certain politicians are using reporters to publish false information since Imran Macsood Amjad has no interest in holding any positions in government and he could have been reached by phone if the reporter who wrote the story was interested in clarifying their facts.
In an invited comment, Leader of Government William Marlin said Amjad was appointed to the board of TELEM.
Philipsburg: --- The traffic department is busy investigating an accident where a 9-year-old child was struck down by a private car as she attempted to cross the road. The child who is currently nursing a fractured leg, came off a school bus and was crossing the road when the incident occurred on Wednesday midday.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the driver of the private car told police that he overtook a bus when he noticed no one was crossing the road. The right front fender of the car hit the child causing her fracture her lower leg. She was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment while the traffic department is investigating.
Philipsburg:---- Workers of Nagico Insurances and supported by some workers from the Windward Islands Bank marched through the streets of Philipsburg on Tuesday afternoon showing their support for the fight against HIV/ Aids.
The workers all dressed in their red tee shirt distributed condoms, pens and information cards relating to safe sex and the prevention of HIV/Aids. The march concluded in front of the Government Administration Building where selected speakers were supposed to address the gathering. Unfortunately, most of the speakers including commissioner of health Hyacinth Richardson and head of the management team Suzette Moses Burton cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Marigot: ------A meeting was held at the Collectivity with the unions representing the civil core of the Collectivity yesterday to discuss the hiring of several persons by the COM. Sources close to the CGTG union said the union members are very much interested in knowing what criteria was used in the selecting the persons who just began working in the local civil core.
These persons they said came in from Guadeloupe and France. It is understood that the new recruits would be earning as much as 4000 Euros a month while employees who are working for years within the government structure is not making that much monies. According to sources no publication on the vacancies were being held. One of the positions to be taken by a foreigner (Metropolitan) is the one held by Pascal Avern (DGS). It is understood that the DGS assistant another foreigner will be taking up his position shortly while St. Martin has qualified people who can fill these positions. SMN News understands that several people within the community applied for job at the COM and those persons were not hired because their relatives are affiliated with the opposition party.
SMN News also understands that several persons had to be called in to restore order in one of the meetings held yesterday when an employee told her superior to "haul her ass" in the presence of the union. It is understood that head of personnel affairs and the DGS was called to restore order before the meeting could be continued.
SMN News also understands that the union is planning to call a strike since they are not pleased with the developments within the workplace. It is said a flyer with the necessary information will be available to the public within the near future.
Employees of Chamber of Commerce in Shambles-Doors was closed for two days.
Workers of the Chamber of Commerce were in shambles on Tuesday when the electricity on the building was disconnected. Workers had to go home when they discovered there was no electricity. Several meetings that were scheduled to be held at the building for the last two days had to be cancelled.
It was understood that the water was scheduled to be disconnected yesterday. Sources told SMN News that Guadeloupe annulled their contracts which ended on December 31 2009. SMN News also understands that measures are being taken to have the COM take over the expenses of the CCI building but up to late yesterday electricity was not restored.
It is not clear if the electricity will be back by Friday as the President of the COM has sent out several invitations to members of the public to attend his New Years message which is scheduled to be held on Friday afternoon at the CCI building.
Territorial Police Has trouble with new Boss.
SMN News understands that the Territorial Police were having meetings with President Frantz Gumbs and the new Chief Mr. Flaven Bazile yesterday to sort out some indifference. Sources say the new top cop is changing the hours of the police without their knowledge and consent while the police is not being paid their overtime monies.
It is said the police force is lacking basic materials and the COM is not attending to their needs. SMN News could not receive a comment on these developments since President Gumbs is not reachable by phone.

Airport: --- Several workers of the Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR) will be greeted with sad news today as management of the company plans to inform them via a memo of its intention to cut jobs as they already began cutting back on some of their destinations due to the global economic crisis which continues to affect a number of local businesses.
It is understood that due to the global crisis the company is facing a number of challenge which led to the steps that have been taken by management namely Edwin Hodge. Some of the routes that are to be affected are Dominica, Tortola, St. Kitts and Nevis.
The airline stopped all destinations to Dominica and Tortola on March 1 while the remaining routes will halt by March 29th. Due to the cuts some 20 persons are expected to loose their jobs including twelve (12) pilots and eight (8) ground crew members.
It is understood that management attempted to save the routes as well as the jobs but government at some of the destinations had refused to assist the airline which resulted in the present situation.
Air Jamaica announced earlier this year that they were going to cut some 600 jobs while LIAT has already began reducing flights out of Guyana, Antigua, and Barbuda, Barbados and St, Kitts and Nevis, but so far they have failed to say how many people are going to be under the razor. With this announcement WINAIR would be the latest Airline to take these decisions if they are to continue doing business.
While the global economic crisis has affected all cross sections of business and in the tourism sectors WINAIR is no different. It is understood that the routes that are now being affected was not doing well and the company was working at a loss since the governments of those islands refused to share the burden even though they want the airline to continue its operations. With these drastic cut backs WINAIR would only be servicing eight destinations.
Efforts made to contact managing Director of WINAIR Mr. Edwin Hodge for a comment proved futile up to press time.
SMN News plans to follow these developments and will bring it to you when it becomes available.
Philipsburg:--- Minister of Education and health Omyra Leeflang announced through a teleconference yesterday that she would be visiting the island by the 19th and 20th of this month. Minister Leeflang said the purpose of the meeting is to attend the national UNESCO committee meeting. During this meeting a Jamaican national would be making a presentation and assist in making a cultural policy plan.
The Education minister is also expected to make a presentation on how to use technology in education. Leeflang said that the same program is being used in Curacao and while there is concerns on the Dutch language this is program maybe helpful. She said since there are not enough Dutch teachers on St. Maarten the technology program will be useful.
She also disclosed that all the laws on education are now ready and reminded that the islands were implementing several innovations in education was implemented while the laws or legal frame on these innovations were not in place. This she said had applied to foundation base education as well as professional education. This she said was necessary since there were lots of critics on the FBE education program. She said the education report that was conducted showed that the FBE education is the best as long as then infrastructure is in place for the program. The report she said was done by the Dutch government and it showed that the astonishing results of the program. She said she is proud that the Antilles did not wait until the report came out to make the necessary reforms. The Minister said the report in question had stated that the Antilles was dealing with a lost generation.
Leeflang said she intends to conduct a town hall meeting with all those in education especially management team, the school boards as well as the policy makers. Right now she said educators can experiment with education since the law provides for that, however the education reform states that one has to make sure the results are optimal.
Quizzed on the implementing of compulsory education she said this was one of her initiatives based on the DELTA plan which has three objectives which are to decrease the dropout rate, reduce youth unemployment making sure the education system is sufficient for all children.
She said in order to make this reduction a monitoring system has to be in place. The Minister said that she had visited St. Maarten in 2006 and informed the island government about the need for compulsory education. She said even though this was implemented in Curacao and the other Windward islands, St. Maarten had received one year extra to have its act together and prepare for the implementation of compulsory education. This decision she said was made it after consulting with St. Maarten. Leeflang said that in 2008 monies were put aside for the DELTA plan for all the islands. She said the central government did not keep one cent of these monies instead the monies were given to all the islands through the Dutch financing program. She said about 9 million guilders were in place for compulsory education. This money she said is with USONA and she cannot even stop St. Maarten from using this money if they wanted to use it. She warned that the monies should not be used for consultancy but instead the island government should begin to build schools and have teachers follow courses so that they can adequately prepare themselves to become certified teachers.
She said one of the things St. Maarten did was to send her a letter requesting eight million guilders to introduce compulsory education and she indicated to them to begin using the monies they already have. Minister Leeflang said she already inquired from USONA and there is still has monies available for St. Maarten. She said the island still has monies to its disposal for foundation based education and it is her belief that the island government must begin to build more schools because as long as the children are in school something can be achieved for them, however, if there is no school then the opportunity is lost. She said in her opinion St. Maarten has not lived up to their challenge as yet with regards to compulsory education. Asked if she concerned about the influx of children to St. Maarten now that the registration process has begun? Leeflang said the schools are not immigration and the immigration should begin doing their jobs at the airports. She said if these children are not in possession of the legal documents when they enter St. Maarten then immigration should make sure they leave accordingly. She made clear this is an immigration problem and not put this on the schools. Asked what her stance on the so-called illegal schools? She said that all children up to age 18 have to be in school and she does not know if there are rights for illegal schools. She made clear that the island government needs to have government-subsidized schools to accommodate all children. She reminded that the Netherland Antilles are parties to the treaty of the Rights of the Child who are entitled to education. She insisted that all children must be educated and there is no illegal children since these children came to the islands with their parents. The Minister said that these parents are being used in the labor force yet government wants to deny the children of education saying they are illegal and there are not enough schools for them. She said if government wants to regulate this problem then their parents should not be used in the labor market. She concluded that if these children are in the Netherlands Antilles then they must be educated.

Philipsburg: --- Reliable information reaching SMN News indicates that commissioner of public works Theo Heyliger will be leaving the Democratic Party and would be going independent like council member Louie Laveist.
Heyliger already sent a letter to the chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards informing him that he wants his resignation to become effective immediately instead of waiting until June 8. The letter it is said was submitted on Monday morning to Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards.
The source said Heyliger would link up with the National Alliance and he would be one of the commissioners appointed to continue his road projects. So far, Heyliger has remained mum on his plans. While leader of the National Alliance did not mention Heyliger in his statement to the press on Monday, it is understood that the NA leader is busy negotiating with Heyliger and they already have a deal in place. Marlin said that after meeting with his membership over the weekend they decided not to continue negotiations with the DP since they were not willing to negotiate when the NA was available. Marlin said on Sunday afternoon the NA signed an agreement with Laveist where he gave his support to the NA to form a new executive council. He said in that agreement Laveist will not be holding any functions in government neither would he appoint anyone as commissioner. Marlin explained he was expecting to meet with Richards on Monday but the governor was busy with meetings on the French side of the island making it impossible for them to meet. He said he conferred with Richards where he requested the governor to convene an Island Council meeting so the process of forming the new government could take place.
Marlin also said he was not worried about Laveist wanting to pull away from the NA before the IC meeting. The NA leader said his focus right now is on forming the next government. Reasons behind Marlin's confidence is Heyliger who is also his trump card should Laveist be put behind bars.
A meeting of the island council will take place on Friday where a motion of no -confidence will be brought against commissioners Sarah Wescot Williams, Maria Buncamper Molanus, and Roy Marlin. If that process runs smoothly then the new executive council would be sworn in. Lt. Governor and chairman of the Island Council of the Island Territory of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards confirmed the meeting would be held on Friday.
SMN News also understood that Heyliger is very upset with the board and leadership of the Democratic Party since they were having meetings all weekend without him being involved. The National Alliance on Sunday sent an email to Richards informing him that the five members of their faction along with the support of Laveist would be forming the next government. Leader of the NA William Marlin also dropped off a hard copy of the letter on Monday morning so that the process can officially begin.
The government on St. Maarten fell some three weeks ago when independent island councilman Louie Laveist pulled his support from the Democratic Party. Ever since then the National Alliance had offered to negotiate with the DP to form a broad base government if all members of the executive council had resigned. Just last week leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams said all four commissioners had submitted their resignation, which will become effective on June 8.
In an invited comment leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams said she would not be making any public statement until after her membership meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday 27 at the Philipsburg community center.

Philipsburg: --- Front and Back Street was like a ghost town this morning (Thursday) when all stores operated by Indians closed their doors in protest of the spate of violence on St. Maarten. Speaking to members of the media Damu Ratwani and the president of the Indian Association said they need to send a clear message to authorities that enough is enough when it comes to crime and violence.
The silent protest action was taken on both sides of the island. A march is planned for tomorrow (Friday) for the French side since Dayalani was the president of the IMA (French).
All businesses on the French side must close their doors from 8 am to 6 pm. The march is scheduled to start at 10 am. All businesses from the Dutch side are also called to participate in the march dressed in white. Friday is declared "le vile mort" said the merchants association on the French side.
The merchants gathered in front of the Government Administration Building as they protest the brutal killing of Haresh Dayal Dayalani aka Danny who was shot at point blank range at his Cole Bay home, that same evening another family of the Indian community was attacked in Bel Air leaving some 12 employees of Le Grand Marche hospitalized.
Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus came down and personally sympathized with the IMA for the lost of Dayalani. Ratwani told Buncamper Molanus that they are working hard in this community and they can no longer go to their homes. He said the IMA feels obligated to share their concerns with authorities since they are a part of the community. "We have naturalized ourselves here and so we need to let you know that enough is enough regarding crime.
This should not be viewed as the concerns of the IMA but it should be seen as a community problem." Ratwani said that they have gotten lots of empty promises and they do understand the constitution of the Netherlands Antilles but the time has come for them to stand up and say enough is enough. Ratwani said those that are elected know the laws of the land and they are in government and the elected are the ones who have to make sure there is safety and security. Ratwani said they are willing to provide what is necessary to bring forward a change in St. Maarten.
He said those elected must sit down and tell them what is needed to safeguard the island. Ratwani further explained that they also know that education begins in the schools and that the IMA are ready and willing to give the necessary support to government. The IMA also presented a letter to the Lt. Governor informing him of their concerns.
Buncamper Molanus told the gathering she is pleased with the manner in which the IMA and its members brought forward their concerns.
She said she fully understands their pain and that their concerns are that of St. Maarten and not just the Indian community. She said everyone on St. Maarten should be able to feel safe and should be able to walk the streets. Buncamper Molanus also shared the views of the IMA when they said they understood the limitations of the local government based on the constitution. However, she made clear it would take money for changes to take place.
The commissioner said based on experience the island has already seen when they paid for police assistance to come from Curacao crime would decrease. She said based on this fact she believes sitting down with the IMA would bring about some solutions as to putting more men in blue on the streets. She also promised to pass on the message they have given her to the executive council as well as with the Lt. Governor.
In addition, in solidarity with the IMA was Hen Ling Soon, he said a community has been established to sort out information.
Soon said the action yesterday should not be seen as an "Indian Action" but it is everybody's business. Soon a businessman and former cop said they plan to put in place a website where people from the community can become involved by sending in pictures and other information relating to crime and violence. Soon said that crime is everybody's business and not only that of law enforcement, he said the media and everyone else need to do more if they are to combat crime. He said more needs to be done at home to make sure those families do not breed criminals.
Also part of the protest is the Arab community and the Philippines community. Nassio Castawi spoke on behalf of the Arab community. He said they join the actions because they strongly believe that everyone has to come together to fight crime. He said what happened to the Indians today can happen to happen to anyone tomorrow. He said the actions are for the entire St. Maarten and they do not intend to sit with their mouths shut any longer. Castawi said it is important for government to come forward and sit around the table to find solutions before talking about what the IMA or the business community should provide.
Amy founder of the Philipino Association said crime effects everyone and their children and people should not sit back and relax instead they need to do something to stop the crime wave.
Elridge Van Putten who was also at the scene also expressed his sympathy to the IMA but he believed that the IMA should consider the economic impact their actions would have on the island and that they should go back to work on Friday.
Van Putten called on the local community not to allow the actions taken by the IMA to become a confrontation between the locals and the Indians. He said crime is affecting everyone on St. Maarten. He urged the business community to understand that several young persons on St. Maarten have been killed; most of them were involved in heinous crimes. He also commended the IMA for the stand they are taking but they should not provoke the situation. Kamal Goklani said they closed their business as part of their culture when anyone close to them are being killed or died.
Participating in the protest was Secretary of the Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association Clyde Hook who said that he believed that attention must be given to the IMA since if that doesn't happen everyone will suffer. Asked if believed this action should be about money and business or crime, Hook said safety comes first and then business, but they too have asked government to do something about crime. Hook said it has been sometime now the island government has been speaking about installing cameras but to date nothing has been done. He felt that this is about everybody's livelihood.
LOCALS Disagree ---
The protest by the IMA certainly did not sit well with several local persons who came to see what was happening. Several persons in the community have also voiced their opinions on radio shows as well as on the internet condemning the actions taken by the IMA.
Glen Romney made his point clear to several of the Indians who protested. He said he is totally against the action taken by IMA. Romney said in his opinion the IMA is sending a one sided message by the way they took actions. Romney said when the Chinese or a black person is killed no action is taken by the IMA. Furthermore, he wants to know if the IMA is fighting back against crime or are they fighting back because an Indian was killed, Romney said had the IMA included every cross section of the community then they would have been in solidarity with the action. He said, "United we Stand divided we Fall" if everyone had come together then government would have seen the seriousness and done something about crime. He said right now St. Maarten is divided and that is not sending the right message. He felt that everyone should put his or her forces together because no one nation can have full affect. He said crime does not discriminate. Romney said that people should not act on their impulses instead they should have some sort of organization when planning to take action.
Leo Friday said he is not in support of the actions taken by the IMA since if someone from the Indian community was not killed or hurt then no actions would have been taken. Friday said the last time the Indians demonstrated was when the son of Boolchands was killed and now that Dayalani is killed they protest. He said several persons in the community have been killed in the past and at no time the IMA stood up. Friday said the only reason the IMA is protesting is because they are being affected directly. "This is not about St. Maarten but it's about the Indians who are in control of the economy."
Taffari Hodge an employee said that enough is enough when it comes to crime. He said in the past it was bang bang and they steal jewelry but now they these bandits are taking lives. Hodge said the crime situation on St. Maarten is overbearing. He said everyday the bucket goes to well and one day the bottom would fell out. He said that right now he believes the bottom of the bucket fell out and that is why they IMA are taken this type of action. He said the island government should come forward as well as the community to fight crime.
Belvedere: --- A well known businessman is now seeking the assistance from the Dutch police to investigate an incident he considers to be wrong. The man said that his son is being harassed by the new set of gendarmes who recently came to the island. The businessman said the gendarmes stopped his son who is driving a new Magnum and asked him where he got such a vehicle from and if he the young man is involved in the drug trade.
The man said his son provided the authorities with the documents for his vehicle and felt the matter was over. He said surprisingly the gendarmes were parked in Belvedere parking lot on Monday controlling vehicles. He said his son was parked in the parking lot speaking to someone on the phone when suddenly the gendarmes went up to his car and began pounding on the vehicle window asking him the same questions pertaining to where he got his vehicle.
The man who prefers not to identify himself said the gendarmes even told his son he has to speak French and not English with them. More troubling for the businessman is that the Gendarmes who are always complaining about the Dutch police crossing the border on high chase was on the Dutch side of the island conducting traffic controls. The businessman who is well known to the police and gendarmes has photographs of the incident. It is understood the authorities on the Dutch side of the island opened an investigation into the incident.
In an invited comment Prosecutor Rienk Mud said his office is aware of the controls that were being conducted by the gendarmes on the wrong side of the border. He said they already sent a message to their counterpart on the French side Prosecutor Jacques Louvier indicating to him that the gendarmes has no jurisdiction on the Dutch side of the island and it is intolerable for them to be conducting traffic controls on that side of the island. Mud said the prosecutor’s office is awaiting a response from their counterpart.
Commandant Arrousseau in an invited comment said the new gendarmes who are not familiar with the island mistakenly went over on the wrong side of the border. He said a Dutch side police pointed this out to the gendarmes who eventually moved from where they were.
Dawn Beach: --- The proprietor of Duck International Peyton Cromwell finally began demolishing the third floor of one his buildings yesterday. Workmen were seen on top of the blue roof top brazing the sun as they remove the zinc roof.
The demolition taking place at the Coral beach Club corresponds to a court order issued on May 12 2009. Cromwell had one month to which he should begin demolition but he only complied two weeks after the time has passed. Failing to comply with the court order Peyton Cromwell has to pay the courts a fine of $5,000 per day twice. (Once is for the Villa Conch and the other for the third floor of his main building.) The maximum fine to be paid is $1 million for each building.
On May 12 Hendrikus Hager a resident of Dawn Beach got the judge to rule in his favor when it was proved that Cromwell Beach Club owner did not comply with his building permits and instead of building a two floor building he built a third floor. Peyton was ordered to demolish another building “Villa Conch” since he had no building permit to construct the building. Cromwell has to also pay the cost of the court proceedings to Hager.
Marigot: -- The Organizing committee of the Caribbean Festival has decided to respond to an article SMN News published regarding the amount of monies that was spent on organizing the first ever Caribbean Festival organized on the French side.
The committee responded to parts of the article but at no time did they address how the funds were spent. Instead of reporting a profit during these economic times we now learnt that the committee has deficit instead of a profit.
SMN News further understand the local company that first got the contract to organize the festival has taken the Collectivity to court because somehow the contract was taken away and awarded to CTC.
Sources also informed this media house that the CTC has some sort of conflict of interest on their board since the contract that was given to a Security company belonging to one of the board members of CTC and her father.
The source further explained that the even the Sous Prefet got involved questioning how come the contract for the security was granted to that company who did not supply all the necessary documents and since the security company is under investigation for not having the necessary administrative papers in order. Some weeks ago the gendarmes conducted a control and several security companies and seized a number of weapons. These companies are scheduled to appear in court for not following the administrative system when hiring security guards.
It is further understood that a huge sum of monies was paid the security company prior to the beginning of the festival. SMN News further understands that another security company was called in to rescue the security company that was awarded the contract. Another concern of the State is why this particular company is the one that is granted most of the contracts from the Collectivity even though other firms are following the bidding process.
Below is the full statement sent by someone representing CTC. The writer of the email conveniently did not mention his last name. The following statement was signed by Patrice who this reporter understands is an employee of the Collectivity of St. Martin.
“From: Organizing committee of the first edition of Saint-Martin Caribbean Festival (CTC Comité Tradition et Culture)
First, we would like to thank the 5000 persons that give their support and all others that contributed in one way or another in the success of the first edition Saint-Martin Caribbean Festival.
We understand the jealousy that can be inspired towards this first success. we are not here to make any conflicts with no one thus; we would like to bring forward a certain amount of precisions:
-The 350 000 euros mentioned in your statement do not represent the deficit of the festival but its budget.
-Concerning the boat or costumes, the organizing committee was not the ones that had these in charge so could not be held liable for payments.
-In this period of crisis, the merchants, the hoteliers, the car rental companies, the restaurants applauded this after season initiative brought forward by CTC. This first festival like all other festivals in the world calls for improvements, with the input from each and every individual.
-Concerning the display of artist, it was done in a manner to bring together in one place all different generations.
-Concerning the disposition of the bars, WE WILL NEVER PLAY WITH THE SECURITY OF THE CHILDREN NOR THEIR FAMILY.
-Concerning putting the entrance free the day of parade we did so to satisfy the public demand and we are very happy for our contribution in the success of the 14 of July manifestations.
We hope that local promoters will be inspired of the quality of the organization of this first festival witch everyone say that this is the first time on the French side that they have seen a festival so well put together.
Finally, concerning the consultant we can only applaud him for his collaboration and work well done, he is someone that his reputation precedes him since he is at the head of most big manifestations organize by government and local organizations through out the French Antilles for the last twenty five years and he will be happy to learn that we have doubled his cost for five months of work.”
Philipsburg: --- Lack of leadership skills, lack of trust, and personal victimization are only some of the reasons why the management team of the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSSS) is falling apart. SMN News has been reliably informed that at least one member of the management team Hildo Martina has already indicated that he would tender his resignation from the management team. Sources say Martina has already submitted a medical certificate to the management of the police force on Tuesday.
It is understood that Martina would declare his intentions to the management and other justice heads on Monday and Tuesday next week when the management and other stakeholders meet to discuss the status of the police force.
It said the top cop is depressed and is now on sick leave as he contemplates the decisions he has to take. The source said Martina is not happy with his colleagues in management, namely the Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran and Lourdes Lake of Human Resources. This media house understands that the two are allegedly on a witch-hunt against officers and other administrative staff that has worked for years in the police force on St. Maarten.
SMN News also understands that Martina already had meetings with a lawyer as he intends to seek equality. As reported on Tuesday Martina who is now a scale 14 is carrying out the job of a scale 15, as he is the head of General Division. Another concern for the top cop, it is understood his colleague managed to have his promotion retroactive to 2007 while he only got his as of June 2009. Hildo Martina it is said has served the police force for over 40 years.
One of the persons that are allegedly being victimized is Jason Juliet who went for training in Curacao to work in the technical department. It is understood that because management has issues with Geronimo Juliet, (Jason’s father) they are intentionally keeping him away from the department he has to work in, they said right now the younger Juliet is carrying boxes in the police station while the central government spent over Naf. 5000.00 for his training course.
Sources say management is working hard to remove the elder Juliet from his post at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
SMN News also understands that certain members of the management team who are under qualified and not capable of performing the duties assigned to them has also been using their power in management to hinder other workers. It is said some two months ago a list was put together including files to be sent to Curacao where a number of persons were upgraded to match Curacao. One of those persons was Sylvia Gibbs who had her share of prosecution from the management team and former Minister of Justice David Dick. The source said someone in management removed Gibbs file and did not send it to Curacao, she was supposed to be upgraded from scale 11 to 12 while some immigration officers moved from scale 8 to 9. SMN News understands that all the other persons who were on the list received their extra monies while Gibbs did not, and only then her life long partner Hildo Martina found out that her files was intentionally taken out by someone in management. Some time last year, Gibbs was sent home and ordered not to visit the police station simply because she had a certain media article on her office wall. It is said the former Minister of Justice David Dick saw the article and did not feel it was appropriate and as such, he ordered former chief commissioner of police Richard Panneflek to send her home. Gibbs was home for six months and was proceeding to courts when she was asked to drop the case and return to work. Prior to that Gibbs was accused of taking out personal information from the human resources department and leaked it to the media. She was also accused of taking out valuable documents from the police department, none of which could be proved. Despite that, the source said Gibbs is being victimized on a daily basis by her superior whom they said is not qualified to hold the position. “the police force has not improved since this person took office, so it would be best for them to leave.” The source said.
SMN News also learnt that one of the requests that would be coming from the unions early next week is the immediate removal of Doran and Lake from the management team. The officers as well as the general public they said has lost confidence in these two individuals and if they are to restore peace and harmony then the two must leave forthwith.
SMN News also understands that St. Maarten is facing a major predicament because at least two persons from the management team, namely Martina and Francesca are scheduled to go on pension sometime in May 2010, while Dongor’s contract will end in April and there is no one locally to replace them. The source said Ademar Doran is also scheduled to leave the island sometime in November to begin studying in Holland. Already a Dutch national is scheduled to begin working at the police station as of October 8. The individual (Harry Sonder-wal) worked for some months in the human resource department and he left when his contract had ended sometime last year. SMN News understands that Sonder-wal is now on pension and he was hired by USONA as a technical assistant. It is also understood that at least five more professionals from Holland are expected to arrive on St. Maarten come January to take up positions in management of the KPSSS.
In the meantime, detective Carlton Philips is continuing with his mission for justice, Philips in an open letter to all media houses locally and in Curacao said, he wants an investigation to clear his name. The officer said earlier this year Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran accused him of destroying evidence in 2002 while at the Criminal Investigation Department.
On Tuesday, Philips met with the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams where he presented his case, which he wants taken to parliament. SMN News was on hand to capture a photograph of the meeting, which was held at the faction office. SMN News also learnt that Phillips is scheduled to meet with the other senators from the National Alliance faction where he would also present his case. The officer is also expected to travel to Curacao where he would lobby other parliamentarians to take up his case.
Following is a second letter sent to the media by detective Philips on Tuesday.
OPEN LETTER TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE KPSSS.
PHILIPSBURG, 15 SEPTEMBER 2009
I, Carlton PHILIPS, have taken note of your undated press release in the media on September 15 2009.
Your kind attention is requested for the following:
Point number 1
Management failed to acknowledge that I, Carlton PHILLIPS, requested since February 11 2009 that an investigation be carried out concerning the accusation of “destruction of information” (in 2002). I am certain that management is aware of the fact that this is punishable by law (article 366 of the penal code of the Netherlands Antilles). I have indicated several times that I am innocent, that someone fabricated a lie, and requested that an investigation be carried out. I also indicated, that my name should be cleared and that I will not rest until my good name and honor is restored. A person’s credibility, honor and character are very sacred. Management paid no attention to my request. It seems that the fact that the open letter which appeared on September 10 th and 11, 2009, in the newspapers and on the internet finally convinced the Management of the KPSSS that I am very serious about this matter.
Point number 2
I also, believed that this issue involves an internal personnel matter. Had management dealt with this internal personnel matter in a professional and speedy manner, there would have been no reason for me going public. The fact that management indicated that no further announcement will be made at this time, is for the account of management. Management also indicated that the accusations that were launched in general terms, will be investigated. Take your time. For my part you can take another seven months to investigate these accusation, and whatever other matter you choose to investigate.
I am clean and I am determined in my quest for justice.
Point number 3
The fact that management indicated that, in general terms, management would like to say that it works hard to constantly improve the quality of the KPSSS should be applauded. That management is ambitious to always appoint the most suitable candidate within the corps when a vacancy is available is something tremendous and should be encouraged.
In January 2009, Mr. Richard PANNEFLEK left his post as acting chief of police. In February 2009, another person was approached and appointed to this position. There was no selection procedure. There was no other candidate. This means that, in this particular case, no mention can be made of “the most suitable candidate”. I can vividly remember that the former minister of justice indicated that the present acting chief of police will have to upgrade himself. I sincerely belief that his advice should be followed as soon as possible. This could maybe, lead to greater trust within the police organization.
Point number 4
Mention is made of the fact that the candidate that is not appointed to a position may protest the rejection of his candidacy.
I believe that management is trying hard to deviate from the core of my open letter. There is no need to mention anything about court for civil servants. After being on the force for 35 years I definitely know the procedure.
Further, the issue at hand is not the position that was awarded to the most suitable candidate, but the big lie that was fabricated. For me that position is something of the past. I believe that management is underestimating the intelligence of the people and that this statement is misleading.
With god’s blessings, I am looking toward a bright future, hoping that soon we will have a police organization consisting of honest, dedicated and professional people in the Management team. All this, in preparation for country St. Maarten.
Your friend and colleague,
Carlton PHILIPS
Marigot:--- Several businesspersons within the community are now asking questions as to the purpose of the trip that was made to Monaco. According to information, reaching SMN News, first Vice President Daniel Gibbs along with the Director of the Port Alberic Ellis went to Monaco and no one knows exactly the purpose of the trip.
They said to date no official report was not made and what were the accomplishments of the trip? SMN News also learnt that Gibbs and Ellis went to a boat show, and the expenses were paid for by the St. Martin Ports Services. It is also said the first vice president went to research another business venture that may be profitable to St. Martin.
Most importantly, the business people said they were on board an Air France Flight, which had at least three elected officials, namely Daniel Gibbs, Annette Philips, and Ida Zin-ka Ieu who were all travelling in first class while Alberic Ellis and the business people were all sitting in coach. “one has to wonder how serious are these people since the COM has no monies to pay its bills and the elected is travelling first class with tickets that cost three times more than a ticket in economic class.”
It is understood that Zin ka- Ieu was returning from the Top Resa with Phillips, while Gibbs and Ellis were returning from Monaco.
The business people said they have read several newspaper reports, which stated that the Collectivity is in financial predicament, and yet the elected officials are travelling first class.
SMN News learnt that the COM just recently made a request to the State to borrow some 20 million Euros so that they can meet their daily expenses. It is said the COM managed to borrow enough monies to pay the 700+ employees up until the end of the year and there is no guarantee they would get monies to take them through the early months of 2010.
Several questions are also being posed on the Euros 40,000 that was spent in Europe to make a new logo for the Office du Tourisme. The business people wants to know what would the new logo do for the economic crisis facing the French side of the island and if the President of the EPIC could not find someone locally to make this logo for less money if it is so needed. The business people are also asking what is Zin- Ka Ieu priorities, they said they want to know what kind of marketing is done for St. Martin and if the French is going to continue to keep their focus in Europe or if they would enhance their promotions in the US. One businessman said he understood the French side tourist office is not working with the Dutch side. It is said the two offices are at odds since the French side refuse to continue its marketing efforts with the Dutch side.
SMN News also understands that Zin Ka Ieu is already having problems with her new director Corine Picaut. It is said the president is now trying to see if she can dissolve the contract she gave to Picaut. It said Zin ka Ieu believes that the director might be a good person to advertise the island but lacks other managerial skills.
SMN News also learnt that the Union Pour Progres met where they decided they would change the organic law, which would give the President more power while reducing the power of the vice presidents. It is said the leader of the Union Pour le Progres wants the president to decide what portfolios each vice president holds and not the executive council.
Philipsburg: --- Members of the Democratic Party faction raised a number of questions pertaining to GEBE. Leader of the Democratic Party and Island Council lady Sarah Wescot Williams said her faction has taken note of the newspaper reports which stated the company was under investigation. Wescot Williams said she is also concerned with the high prices consumers have to pay for utilities and felt that the island government should address the issue. She said pertaining to the investigation some information has surfaced but it is worrisome on the way the island government is dealing with the matter. Wescot Williams said it seems as if government is throwing up its hands in the sphere and this is not the way to go.
She said already her faction has requested a central committee meeting to deal with issues pertaining to TELEM and the DP faction believes the chairman of the central committee should also call a meeting to discuss the issues surrounding GEBE; if not her faction would have no other choice but to call an island council meeting where the issues would have to be dealt with on the floor of the island council.
Wescot Williams said based on the indications they have gotten the island government has to made some serious decisions when it comes to TELEM. However, the DP is currently reviewing the responses they received and would soon decide on their follow up action for all government owned companies.
Wescot Williams said they are looking at having the supervisory board of GEBE as well as the management team of GEBE at a central committee meeting. She said that answers has to be provided by someone and it is unacceptable for government to throw up their hands and say they don’t know what is going on in the GEBE. Wescot Williams said for government to say St. Maarten cannot take any decision on their own regarding GEBE because Saba and Statia are also involved in the company is not a plausible excuse for the people of St. Maarten.
Another concern for the island council lady is the constant outages that residents of St. Maarten are called to endure, all of which they are expecting to answers from those responsible.
Island Councilman and former commissioner in charge of GEBE in his statements said he has been monitoring the amount residents have to pay on the fuel clause. Marlin said under his watch which was 2004 the fuel clause had risen to high level of 32 cents, which was eventually reduced to 22 cents. Marlin said the same thing happened in January 2006 where the fuel clause began rising and a relief was also given which brought it from 26 cents to 21 cents. He said each time the fuel clause rose they brought it back to an acceptable level so that the community doesn’t feel the brunt of the high fuel bill.
Marlin said in 2007 the managing director reversed the relief unknowing to him and the supervisory board which was also reduced when it was discovered, Marlin said based on the information and figures he provided showed that when he was chairman of the GEBE board and commissioner of energy he was keeping a close eye on what was happening to the consumers. Marlin said that he believes that government can take action and one of those actions is to implement measures where the board of GEBE has to go to the executive council before increases can be made. He said even though legal advice may have to be sought on this he believes government should set this as one of their high priorities and implement this measure so that the residents can get some relief. He said that each month consumers are confronted with an increase of Naf 35 to Naf 50 monthly and this is not workable for those earning minimum wage. Government he said should use its price control regulations, which they use for gasoline, bread, and other items can be used to control the prices of electricity.
Marigot:--- An immigration officer from the Police Aux Frontiers (PAF) who was pursuing a Haitian Immigrant during one of their controls is now nursing a double broken jaw bone, the loss of four teeth, and other injuries to his face and body after the immigrant physically attacked the officer when he caught up with him. Even though the attacker has been identified, he managed to escape the long arms of the law. A manhunt is currently underway to find the culprit who attacked the immigration officer.
Prefet Jacques Simonnet has called on both sides of the island to renew their efforts to tackle the influx of illegal immigrants to the islands. Simonnet said he believed the attack was intentional.
Giving details to the event was commandant of the Police Aux Frontiers Philippe Vimbelle who said the officers were conducting controls at construction site on a private property in La Savane on Tuesday when the incident occurred. Vimbelle said four Haitian workers who were working at the construction site attempted to escape. He said one of the workers picked up a rock and threw it in the face of the officer causing serious injuries. The officer he said has been hospitalized and is currently on sick leave.
According to information gathered the four Haitians originated from the Dutch side of the island and was working on the site illegally.
Simonnet said the real criminals are the ones who employ these illegal immigrants but felt more cooperation is needed to rid the island of the illegal workers.
La Savanne: --- The gendarmes have arrested several persons some of whom were already sent to Guadeloupe for allegedly raping a minor girl. SMN News has been reliably informed that the incident took place about two weeks ago in the Grand Case area. It is said at least 16 young men some of whom were already arrested and charged with rape was sent to Guadeloupe. SMN News also understands that the victim managed to walk out from where the attack allegedly took place.
The source said the victim is from the Dutch side of the island, but resides in Concordia. Efforts made to gather more information on this case up to press time proved futile. So far the gendarmes have not released any information on the case while the investigation is being conducted by the Brigade de Researches. Vice Prosecutor Jacques Louvier could not be reached for comment.
Philipsburg: --- Two months after its implementation the new labor policy seems to be in jeopardy since Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards has sent a letter to the Commissioner of Labor Sarah Wescot Williams as well as an applicant informing them that he cannot and would not be issuing any declaration of Intent. Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards in his letter said that he needs more time since this so-called letter of intent needs further fine tuning by the executive council.
He stated in his letter which was copied to Wescot Williams dated March 6th that his office would not be accepting any requests for the document until he is ready. He advised the applicant to wait until he made public that the process for requesting applications for the declaration in question resumes.
The new labor policy clearly states that illegal immigrants who are gainfully employed and is requesting a working permit for the first time need to have the letter of intent from the governor. The letter of intent is a document where the governor of the island territory is actually acknowledging that he is aware that the immigrant person (applicant) is residing on St. Maarten illegally furthermore they should be granted a working permit since his office would also be granting the person a residency permit.
SMN News understands that at least one person already filed a court case against the Lt. Governor since he is hindering the full implementation of the labor policy which was perused by him before it was implemented two months ago. This media house also understands that questions are now being raised about the publication of the 2006 immigration policy which is being used in part by the governor's office. It is said that lawyers and other agencies that are processing immigration documents are forbidden to use this policy since it was never published. It is said that at least one law firm has intention of filing a second court case regarding the use of the policy which was mentioned by Wescot Williams and the Minister of Justice.
At the weekly press briefing commissioner of labor Wescot Williams said when asked about the 2006 immigration policy that was not fully implemented that she would be meeting with the Minister of Justice this week where she would further discuss his policy. She said that the reason she mentioned the policy is because illegal immigrants has the possibility of taking their case or situation to the office of the Lt. Governor who would in turn consider legalizing them by granting them a residency permit. Because of this the island leader and labor commissioner said that is why she felt the policy is partially being implemented. She said in the new labor policy it is clearly indicated that someone can get a declaration of intent from the governor's office. This she said was placed in the policy to eliminate the fact that the person (applicant) does not have to prove they were not on the island when they applied for a work permit. She said that the declaration intention pertains to ones residency and this possibility is based on the Minister's policy. Wescot Williams said in her planned meeting with the Minister she would be looking for clarity on the policy as well as the integration of the labor, immigration and education policies.
In the meantime the commissioner said the executive council approved the proposal of a Memorandum of Understanding and the formalization of the tripartite committee on labor. She said MOU that was proposed for approval resulted from the labor officials, the Chamber of Commerce, SHTA and the unions and herself as labor commissioner. She said the labor department gave several written clarifications on questions that were asked in the meeting of January 21. Wescot Williams said the MOU addressed some of the issues that were brought forward in the meeting as a matter of concern. She said one of the aspects that is modified is the mentioned is the housing requirement which is now more flexible. Also modified is the request for work permits renewals for the year 2009 and more flexibility was granted on the moratorium and the requests for director's license and the need for directors to apply for work permits. This she said was also addressed in the draft MOU.
Wescot Williams said she as labor commissioner also tabled some other points for discussions such as the age limit which is mentioned in the new policy. Wescot Williams said a policy has to be made concerning the employment agencies where they would address the fees rather than the processing fees for these permits. She said clarity has to be made on the licensing fee for these agencies and the processing fees of the work permits. She said she is hoping that these matters be discussed and be forwarded to the executive council for ratification. The commissioner made clear that the new revised labor policy which took effect on January 12 is the policy that is in effect. She said when the MOU is will be addendum to the policy and that which is regulated in the MOU will also be applied.
Philipsburg: --- Council lady Sarah Wescot-Williams on behalf of the Democratic Party faction in the island council requested the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards to provide her with all objections filed against the ring road project in Philipsburg. The request was made on Monday June 22 2009, a press release from Wescot Williams stated.
Recently, it was reported that an environmental organization had filed a 5-page objection against this project and seemingly there are several other objections against this project as well. In order to take a well balanced position on this matter, the people’s representatives and the general public deserve all the information, including the reaction by government as to how they plan to address the concerns expressed by the different organizations. “Openness and Transparency!”
The island council woman and former leader of government also wants to know if the present government held any meetings with those persons who in one way or another will be affected by this project?
She said she wants to know how the people can be assured that in addition to the arguments of beautification and traffic improvements, St. Maarteners have a fair chance where contract work and employment is concerned.
How will the outstanding land issues of businesses and individuals in this area be resolved? Where can these persons turn to? When will they be provided with information regarding same?
As government boasts that (young) people are involved in these major construction projects, we need to be provided with numbers of such to determine the employment impact for the local labor force of St Maarten, consisting of nationals and those already on St Maarten for the purpose of employment. These must be our first concern when speaking of employment opportunities.
Little Bonaire (Klein Bonaire) : --- Authorities in Bonaire are investigating the circumstances of why a small aircraft fell in the vicinity of Little Bonaire. According to information, reaching SMN News a small aircraft fell in Bonaire sometime after 9 pm on Tuesday night. Officer Junior Lopez in an interview with SMN News said police received several phone calls from residents who said they saw a fireball and heard a loud noise in the area. Lopez said when they received the information they immediately requested help from the coast guard. Lopez said authorities reached the scene about 10:20 pm and they managed to recover a dead body. Lopez further explained they were told that someone was screaming in the area and they continued the search, which revealed two bales of cocaine. The search he said continued on Wednesday morning and police along with the coast guard found another body and 12 other larges packages of cocaine. Lopez said that so far police recovered some 14 packages of cocaine weighing 410 Kilos; police also recovered a very small part of the aircraft.
The officer said that so far police has no clue as to where the aircraft was coming from; neither do they know where it was heading. Police is yet to identify the two bodies that were found.
According to Lopez the investigation is continuing.
Philipsburg: --- The United Federation Union Advisor Willy Haize is angry at the National Alliance led government who decided to put on hold the new revised labour policy. Haize said that the present government has insulted the people of St. Maarten especially the tripartite committee and their social partners to discuss the matter. Haize said there is an island resolution in place for the tripartite committee that discussed the labor policy.
Haize said he wants the National Alliance to know that they are no longer in opposition instead they are in government and they need to govern this island. “How can they take a decision to abolish the new revised policy and re-instate the old one, is beyond my comprehension”. Haize said he wants to know in what way the National Alliance would run this country if they are not going to be speaking with the social partners.
Haize said the purpose of the new revised labour policy was to protect the locals and the job market. He said the businesses are bringing in foreigners and are sending home the locals for cheap labor.
He said the policy clearly indicates that anyone who wants to work on St. Maarten must have some background education, a good standing as well as they must be prepared to integrate in St. Maarten’s society. The employers he said on the other hand has to make sure they provide proper housing for these people as well as they must pay their taxes and medical. He said now that the government has decided to put on hold this policy there would be an increase in crime, abuse and exploitation in the job market.
Haize a supporter of Commissioner Theo Heyliger said that he is waiting to see when Heyliger return what was his input in the decision that was taken by the executive council last week. Another concern for Haize is Heyliger’s stand point regarding GEBE. “I am in support of Heyliger but if it come to my knowledge that he is not working in the people’s interest then good bye to him. I heard him say over and over “his grand father taught him to be for the people and I want to see if he is in fact for the people”. Haize said he is not a fanatic behind politicians his interest he said is about the people and most of all in the labour market.
The executive council has decided to put the revised labour policy on hold due to the fact that several persons have complained about the policy. It is understood that the new government would be making the necessary amendments to the policy before it is re-implemented.
Cay Hill: --- Medical Director of the St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. George Scot has given the FZOG-SVB pension fund up to Monday July 6th to settle their outstanding bill. Failure to comply with this date would force the hospital to begin refusing Medicare to pensioners. In a press release Dr. Scot said that if the FZOG-SVB does not settle its arrears then the medical institution would be forced to only accept these cards for emergency cases. Dr. Scot said the FZOG-SVB has an outstanding debt which amounts to Nafl 1,355,634.17 since August 2008. During the month of June 2009 and they have sent at least four emails to FZOG-SVB reminding them of their agreement which was to pay off Nafl 600,000 before the end of this June 2009.
Dr. Scot said on June 16 the St. Maarten Medical Center informed the FZOG that the
Guarantee cards for that fund will not be accepted until the promised outstanding payments have been settled.
He said after repeated petitions to settle the outstanding bills the SMMC is now forced to take measures since the SMMC did not receive any response from FZOG-SVB.
Dr. Scot said the hospital does not want to put senior citizens in any unnecessary hardships since they are not directly responsible for the operations of FZOG-SVB. As such the hospital is urging the FZOG-SVB to take their responsibility seriously and solve the ongoing issue before July 6th. Dr. Scot said the institution is forced to take actions and he hopes that they would not be blamed as they are forced to use force to safeguard the quality of health care provided by the institution.
The information in the newspaper he said does not change the standpoint of the SMMC, because it does not reflect anything about how it will deal with the current outstanding to healthcare providers. Furthermore a copy of the draft-legislation for integration was submitted to the SMMC last year already with promises that it will change very soon.
Scot said for some years now the SMMC and other healthcare providers have been confronted with non-payments from the FZOG-SVB fund. Patients who fall under that FZOG-SVB fund are retired civil servants, who paid mandatory premiums in that fund during their active working lives and should now be able to benefit from that. The SMMC provided the service to the FZOG-SVB card holders without any interruption for the past years. However collecting from the FZOG-SVB is a time consuming and recurring exercise without any improvement from their side.
The Medical Director further explained that in their last meeting with the director of the FZOG-SVB fund on June 12th, he promised a partial payment of Nafl 600,000 before the end of this June.
The total outstanding amount has accumulated to Nafl 1,355,634.17 since August 2008. The SMMC is being put in a very difficult position since the FZOG-SVB is not paying the outstanding debts. The hospital he said are being forced by the mentioned fund to take measures to guarantee payments for care delivered and secure the cost of operations of the hospital. If the FZOG-SVB is not paying the 1.3 million guilders, the operations will run into difficulties. As a consequence the staff cannot be upgraded, we cannot afford the necessary new equipment and ultimately the deterioration of our service will be inevitable. By not paying for the care already delivered the FZOG-SVB is endangering the healthcare of senior citizens, but also jeopardizing running of the hospital and healthcare system as a whole.
The St. Maarten Medical Center is aware of its position as the only hospital on Dutch St Maarten and therefore they are extra motivated and committed to improve their services and offer the best quality of care to our patients.
A press release from the Director of the institution states that they are striving for their patients and staff to be satisfied in a safe and healthy care environment. We also strive to offer accessible, affordable and consistent hospital care to the community.
In order to do so the institution needs to invest in people, equipment and the building.
All of us are potential patients and to a certain extent, and should be able to demand the best service and the best quality of hospital care that can be offered on the island. However the SMMC can not do that on its own. Dr. Scot said to be able to meet their patients need they cannot do it on their own and as such they need the input and commitment of all stakeholders, in order to be able to invest in the areas that matter.
On a daily basis SMMC are confronted with patients, who seek hospital care without any insurance and no means to be able to pay for the care provided. The SMMC, will always provide that care to the uninsured as long as it is urgent or critical care that can not wait. After that treatment they will seek the financial compensation for it, which in most cases is futile.
UNIVERSITY OF ST. MARTIN:--The Master Art Class by Sir Roland Richardson takes place here on Saturday, June 6, from 9 AM to 11:30 AM, said Shujah Reiph, Coordinator of the St. Martin Book Fair.
"Roland will paint a live model, a prominent lady in our community, who will pose for the oil painting," said Reiph.
"This is an exclusive art class that Roland gives at the luxurious La Samanna Resort to art lovers, wealthy collectors, and tourists who pay to attend. The book fair is opening up the Master Art Class to all for free on Saturday at USM, as a workshop highlight. So we're encouraging people to come early," said Reiph.
The people at the open-air art class in the USM garden will see how the artist paints a model from beginning to end. "Roland will also talk with the audience about art and answer questions about his work in a comfortable setting," said Reiph.
According to the book fair program, art lovers, collectors, children and adults who would love to paint or are just starting to paint, fellow artists, and the curious among general the public "will experience painting and creative talks while seeing live portraits, still life and ‘plein air' paintings all come to life on the artist's canvas" by Sir Roland Richardson, a senior St. Martin painter and leading Caribbean impressionist.
The bulk of the Saturday workshops and book sales takes place at USM in Philipsburg after an opening ceremony that drew over 120 people at the Chamber of Commerce building in Marigot on Thursday. The visiting writers and St. Martin authors visited about 10 schools on Friday and recited their works publically that evening, said Reiph.
Among the 10 workshops on Saturday is Women's Health and Fertility Treatment, which will discuss cervical cancer, pap smear and other related topics by Dr. Randall Friday, MD - starting at 10:30 AM.
Other workshops are News Reporting on Haiti - Does it matter who's telling the story? by Lochard Noel (USA/Haiti), and Internet blogs, Book reviews, Literary criticism, by Nicholas Laughlin, editor/blogger, The Caribbean Review of Books.
Jan Beaujon, Windward Islands Bank managing director will conduct the session on Challenges and Opportunities - St. Martin and Global Economic Crises at 11.
The Saturday general session is The Hanging of Angelique - Canada, Slavery and the Burning of Montreal by Dr. Afua Cooper (Canada/USA).
The new HNP book, Sovereignty of the Imagination, Language and the Politics of Ethnicity by George Lamming, the noted Caribbean scholar from Barbados, will be launched at the closing ceremony at Belair Community Center, 8 PM. Dr. Lamming will be on hand to read and sign autographs. Dr. Sandra Paquet from the University of Miami will introduce the book.
Philipsburg: --- Police were called to a home in Belvedere on October 10 to calm down a situation, which this media house understands was getting out of hand.
Information reaching SMN News states that a politician was caught by his wife in the home of his lover. The source said the man’s wife came in from Curacao and went to the Belvedere home where she caught her husband in his underpants. SMN News understands that the politician’s lover is from Suriname and runs a well-established organization on the island.
It is further understood the angry wife entered the home and damaged a number of household items including her husband’s car. Asked for a comment on the family feud Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed the incident, however, the parties involved has decided to handle the matter privately.
Philipsburg- Leader of Government and Commissioner responsible for Education Sarah Wescot-Williams would like to congratulate St. Maarten Academy students who participated in the 15th Annual Science Fair and won this year's science project submissions.
A total of six schools took part in the fair that was held in the auditorium of the Belair Community Center.
The participation of young people in a science project involves the student in a journey of discovery, driven by curiosity. The process typically start with a student proposing a question or hypothesis, and doing some background research.
The student then develops an experimental apparatus or procedure that will produce data, from which the student can draw conclusions to prove or disapprove the hypothesis, or answer the question.
"We need to view our youth as resources and assets. Their very participation in the science fair clearly demonstrates this with respect to the projects that they have developed. The quality of the projects submitted is high.
"The enthusiasm for science and the achievements of our students are due in part to the passion, dedication and hard work of our teachers. I commend our students for putting in hours of hard work and taking up the challenge to embark on your innovative research projects.
"Research in science is like embarking on an adventure. Our nation's youth especially those who participated in the fair, are just starting out with a taste of what scientific research is about. Continue to keep up the good work that you have been doing. The key is to be resilient and resolute and to stay focused. Congratulations to the winners," Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC welcome Government’s recently announced alteration to the Ring road project. The alteration to the original plan as announced by Commissioner Heyliger is based on recommendations by the Foundations.
The change includes the designation of the Soualiga road, which runs through Pond Island, as the proposed Ring road’s eastern border as an alternative to the previously planned filling-in and destruction of the Great Salt Pans monument.
The aforementioned change is an extremely significant milestone and victory, not just for the Foundations but for current and future generations of St. Maarteners everywhere. The Foundations congratulate Government on taking this important decision and call for the urgent implementation of a Zoning Plan for the Great Salt Pond to prevent future illegal filling and ensure the protection of the Great Salt Pans monument and internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA).
In principle St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC continue to be against the entire Ring road project based on a number of previously publicized concerns.
The Foundations are, for instance, still very much concerned about the consequences the Ring road project will have on the water retention capacity of the Great Salt Pond. Pride and EPIC are not convinced by Mr. Kurt Ruan’s, of the New Works and Projects Department, recently published statement “that the holding capacity of the Great Salt Pond will remain at its optimal level”.
The study Government often refers to when mentioning the required water storage capacity of the Great Salt Pond (109 ha (hectare)) was carried out in 1996 (Grabowsky & Poort study) and is therefore outdated and not based on the current rate of construction or the state of St. Maarten’s infrastructure.
The removal of vegetation on the Great Salt Pond’s surrounding hillsides and in valleys for the building of homes, businesses etc. or the construction of roads continues to reduce the water retention capacity of these areas and therefore channels increasingly large volumes of water to the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond. The influx of rainwater into the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond over the past few years has consequently increased at a rapid rate. Recent flooding has highlighted the fact that the abovementioned activities combined with large scale land reclamation has significantly reduced the Pond’s water retention capacity. The building of the Ring road, is therefore likely to lead to serious flooding of the Sucker Garden, Illidge Road, Zagers Gut and Greater Philipsburg Area.
Considering the aforementioned St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC believe Government should be planning for increased water storage capacity rather than further reducing the Great Salt Pond’s present water storage capacity.
Marigot: ------ A fight broke out at the COM with two employees this morning a passerby told SMN News. It is understood a cleaner of the COM called another employee a "fish" when she was told she will be transported to the CCI building where the President Frantz Gumbs was expected to deliver his New Year speech.
The cleaner was asked to go over to the CCI building to do the necessary cleaning this morning by the head of personnel affairs. SMN News understands the only person who attempted to break the two women apart is Pascal Avern while the President remained relaxed in his office. Sources say that this is the third incident during the past two months and none of the elected officials has taken the time to clear up matters.
Traffic was backed up for almost an hour while the fight was taking place in the middle of public roads. Efforts made to contact President Gumbs proved once again futile. It is understood that journalist has to get an appointment with the failing communication department to speak with any elected officials while department heads are prohibited to speak to the media.
Philipsburg: --- Police raided the home of Hans Phfenings as well as his Trust Company on Wednesday. Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed the search. He said documents were seized since there are suspicions of money laundering and the forging of documents.
Mud said the documents that were seized are being studied at the moment.
No further details on the case have been forthcoming.
SMN News will bring you more information when it becomes available.