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• Sex Offences Bill withdrawn.

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  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:50

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:50

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:50

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  Prime Minister Bruce Golding last Tuesday in Gordon House withdrew the Sexual Offences Bill. He said that a significant number of amendments had to be made following the debate and thus the bill needed to be reprinted.

  "I really wanted to get this passed before we prorogue so that it could then go to the Senate, but I am wondering, and I need some guidance on this, whether in view of the voluminous nature of the amendments why we should not have the bill reprinted so that we are very clear in what we are enacting," the prime minister said.

  The Sexual Offences Bill seeks to repeal the provisions of the Incest Punishment Act and certain provisions of the Offences Against the Person Act to make new provision for the prosecution of rape and other sexual offences.

  It also aims to provide for the establishment of a sexual offenders registry.

   

• Headache Commuters angry as Summit dry run causes traffic gridlock.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:38

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:38

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:38

  Written by Trinidad Express

  Citizens using the east-bound land of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway spent their Sunday-usually a quiet day-in hours of discomfort yesterday, as the second dry run of the traffic restrictions for the Fifth Summit of the Americas turned into a nightmare for some.

  The consistent showers only worsened the jam caused by yesterday's simulation exercise.

  A frustrated Maureen Lawrence, who called in to I95.5 FM, had this to say: "It is terrible. I can't find words to describe how bad it is. I left home at 1 o'clock to go to a wedding in Arima at 2 o'clock, I am now stuck in El Dorado and it is now five to three and the traffic is not moving at all. It is terrible.

  "Whoever organised this dry run, they need to go back to school because it is horrible, they have not done a proper job. They have not informed the public properly about the areas where the dry run will take place and this is something they should have been doing on television all the time, during the news time."

  The Express newsroom was also flooded with calls from members of the public upset at the long wait they had to endure in traffic gridlock on the roads.

  Called Exercise Footprint, the exercise ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It simulated the arrivals of three Heads of State/Government and their delegations at the southern terminal building of the Piarco International Airport, and the movement of the delegates' convoys from the airport to the Hyatt Regency hotel on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.

  The east-bound lane of the highway operated as a dual carriageway from the Mausica intersection in the east to the Port of Spain lighthouse in the west. The west-bound lane was closed to vehicular traffic.

  For the many drivers who diverted to the Eastern Main Road in the hope that it would have been less congested, they, unfortunately, also got caught in slow-moving traffic, which was worse in the Champs Fleurs area, in the vicinity of Unilever.

  There were no police officers there to direct a works crew, who chose the most inopportune time to paint lines on the road, causing even more chaos.

  The traffic was also restricted along the Golden Grove Road between the Piarco Intersection and Caroni North Bank Road. The south-bound lane of the BWIA Boulevard operated as a dual carriageway, while the north-bound lane was used as the route for the conference delegates.

  "They need some signs telling us where to go," said a taxi driver heading out of the Piarco Airport as a police officer, stationed at the roundabout, directed him to stay on the right.

  In Port of Spain, a security exclusive zone was established.

  On the Beetham Highway, from the lighthouse to where it connects with Wrightson Road, the road was closed to vehicular traffic, as was the case from Edward Street to Ana Street on Wrightson Road.

  The first simulation was held on March 27. A third exercise is scheduled but a date is yet to be announced.

   

• Mahaica baby still fighting for her life.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:31

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:31

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:31

  Written by Stabroek News

  One week after sustaining a fractured skull, when her mother was attacked by an ex-lover, six month old Selena Rambarat is still fighting for her life.

  The alleged attacker Fazul Ousman has managed to evade police thus far and relatives had heard reports that the man had left for sea.

  The child was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital last Thursday where she was hooked up to a life support machine.

  Rambarat was admitted to the Children's Ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) last Monday afternoon. She was in her mother's arms at the time of the attack and sustained an injury from a blow dealt by Ousman. Rambarat, according to a doctor's report, has suffered damage to her brain as a result of the blow.

  Kalwantie Kumar, the child's 21-year-old mother, of Hand-en-veldt, Mahaica was returning home from the clinic that day when she was allegedly attacked by Ousman, a man with whom she had formerly shared a relationship. Kumar's right arm was fractured as a result and she sustained injuries to the head. The woman has since been discharged from the GPH.

  Reports were that Hemwantie Jadunauth, the woman's 20-year-old sister and their 56-year-old mother, Lalpatie Persaud, rushed to her assistance and were also beaten by the man. Jadunauth and Persaud spent several days in the hospital.

   

• Passion for education - Veteran teacher says every child can learn - Believes GSAT not meeting students' needs.

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  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:31

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:31

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:31

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  She knows no other job but teaching. Lizette Morrison, principal of Tulloch Primary School, has been nurturing young minds for 40 years and would have it no other way.

  Morrison, who wanted to dedicate her life to caring for the sick, attempted to get into nursing school but that did not materialise. In 1970, she was given an offer to matriculate at Mico College and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.

  Sense of satisfaction

  Thirty-four of her 40 years in education have been at Tulloch Primary School, which is tucked away in the quiet community of Knollis in Bog Walk, St Catherine.

  Teaching, she says, gives her a sense of satisfaction that no other job could.

  "Education is my passion. When you see the students form that letter, you receive joy because they have delivered," said Morrison, who started out teaching at the grade one level.

  "If I had a chance, I would do it all over again and make it Tulloch Primary," said Morrison, who has been at the helm of the institution since 2001.

  She is a firm believer in the Ministry of Education's mantra that 'Every Child Can Learn, Every Child Must Learn'.

  "No one could come to my class and not perform. If you don't get it right, you must at least attempt," said Morrison, adding that she never marks an 'X' in her students' books. Instead, she puts a dot and has them work on the problem until they get it right.

  Wants academic challenges

  As almost 50,000 students gear up to sit the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) tomorrow and Friday, Morrison said the test which guides the placement of students in secondary schools was not meeting the needs of all students.

  In fact, she wants the Government to channel students with academic challenges through a special programme rather than having them sit the GSAT.

  "This, I think, would make them improve because they would be working with students at their own level," she said.

  She also said GSAT was a placement examination and, no matter what happens, students would be placed in an institution. This, she said, causes some students not to put their all because they would inevitably be placed.

  The 59-year-old, who hails from Westmoreland, has one son and a grandson. She is an Anglican and worships at the St Thomas-Ye-Vale Church in Bog Walk.

  The soft-spoken educator said she was concerned that more parents were not involved in their children's education. She noted that some parents go to school on the first day and they are never seen again until graduation.

  Little emphasis

  Morrison said the area in which the school is located is predominantly a farming community and parents do not put much emphasis on primary education. There are 840 students enrolled at Tulloch Primary, which is on a shift system.

  "About 20 per cent are not attending classes regularly and you find that they are dropped from the PATH programme," she said.

  In 2000, Morrison graduated from the University of the West Indies with a bachelor's degree in education. She is now a third-year student at The Mico University College, where she is reading for a master's degree in teaching.

  "I believe you should be the best you can be, no matter how hard it may seem," said the veteran educator.

  She continues to live by the motto of Mico, 'Do it with your might'.

  Morrison will next year exit the schoolyard and go into retirement.

  While she plans to do some travelling and spend more time with her grandson, she hates the thought of not being at school.

  "I can't imagine a Monday morning and it is not school, so I am trying to prepare myself for that," she said.

   

• Chief Whip faces vote of no confidence.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:25

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:25

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:25

  Written by Trinidad Express

  Caroni East MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh is expected to put forward a motion of no confidence in Chief Whip Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj at today's meeting of the parliamentary caucus, which takes place at Rienzi Complex, in Couva.

  There have been tensions between Maharaj and Gopeesingh for some time. Two weeks ago Gopeesingh had indicated to Maharaj (during a parliamentary caucus meeting) that he (Gopeesingh) had lost confidence in him. Sources said two other MPs also expressed the same sentiment. But Maharaj responded that only Panday could remove him. Sources said since Sunday's meeting of the National Congress at which Maharaj and Jack Warner and their supporters clashed with members of the Executive and other supporters, all other MPs, with the exception of Warner and Winston 'Gypsy' Peters, have been completely turned off by Warner and Maharaj's behaviour and have indicated that they would support Gopeesingh's motion calling for his removal as Chief Whip.

  Once the motion is passed at today's meeting, Panday is expected to inform House Speaker Barry Sinanan that Maharaj is no longer Chief Whip. It is the Political Leader of the Opposition in the House which decides who serves as Chief Whip. Panday is also expected to indicate who is the new Chief Whip and that person would then inform the Speaker where Maharaj's new seat would be.

• CLICO suspends Singh-Knight---Moves to court over judicial management.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:11

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:11

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:11

  Written by Stabroek News

  CLICO (Guyana) on Monday suspended its Chief Executive Officer, Geeta Singh-Knight with immediate effect, citing decisions she made without the knowledge of the board, and the embattled company has also moved to court seeking to have actions taken by the judicial manager properly sanctioned by the court.

  The dramatic move against Singh-Knight spilled over into the High Court yesterday as Clico (Guyana) filed a motion to limit the actions of Judicial Manager, Maria van Beek within the boundaries of court-approved decisions. According to the company, van Beek has instructed Singh-Knight to disregard the letter of suspension and to remain in her office. Neither Singh-Knight nor van Beek could be contacted yesterday. Singh-Knight has not spoken to the media since the January 30 bail-out of CLICO (Guyana's) parent company C L Financial.

  Clico (Guyana) is also seeking an order to cancel the appointment of van Beek as Judicial Manager on the ground that it is undesirable that the order should remain in force indefinitely or alternatively an amendment of the order. Van Beek had been appointed Judicial Manager on February 25. The decision came following the move by the Bahamas Supreme Court to order the liquidation of Clico (Bahamas). Clico (Bahamas) held 53% of the assets of Clico (Guyana) at the end of 2007.

  In a strongly worded letter dispatched on Monday and signed by CLICO (Guyana) Director, Winston Ramalho, the company condemned Singh-Knight's decision last week to dismiss forty full-time and three part-time staff, and a move by her instructing a staff member to remove C L Financial Chairman Lawrence Duprey's name as a signatory to local bank accounts without consulting, and or a grant of approval by the Board of Directors.
  Duprey is named as a signatory on local bank accounts at Republic Bank, Citizen's Bank and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry.
  Directors and shareholders at Clico (Guyana) said they found Singh-Knight's conduct reprehensible having examined her role since February when the company was placed under judicial management.

  Singh-Knight was instructed in the CLICO (Guyana) letter to surrender to Ramalho the company vehicle which she holds in the capacity as Chief Executive Officer; the company's computer which is in her possession and company documents and or files which are also in her possession.
  In the move to the court Clico (Guyana) is seeking a series of orders among which are:

  An order under Section 70 of the Insurance Act that the order of Judicial Management dated 25th day of February ,2009 appointing the Commissioner of Insurance Judicial Manager of Clico Life and General Insurance Co. (S.A.) Ltd be cancelled on the ground that it is undesirable that the Order should remain in force; alternatively
  An Order varying the Order of Court dated the 25th day of February, 2009 by the deletion of that portion or part of the aforesaid Order which reads: "it is further ordered that the Commissioner of Insurance be appointed Judicial Manager for the purpose of Judicial Management as Ordered."
  That the Court issue directions under Section 69 (5)of the Insurance Act to the Judicial Manager as to whether Geeta Singh-Knight is authorized to act as and to perform the duties of Chief Executive Officer of Clico Life and General Insurance Company (S.A.) Limited whilst the said Company is under Judicial Management.
  An Order that the closure of offices of Clico Life and General Insurance Company (S. A.) Limited by Geeta Singh-Knight purporting to perform the functions of Chief Executive Officer is a nullity.
  Ramalho, in his affidavit in support of the motion, said that there are no limitations on the judicial manager's functions and duties and as such the said functions and duties are completely uncircumscribed.

  He stated that since the appointment of the judicial manager, Singh-Knight has closed business offices of Clico (Guyana); instructed or caused the removal of a signature of a Director of the company from cheques and has terminated the employment of forty-three staff members.
  Further, Ramalho said that the effect of placing the entire company under judicial management has caused the company substantial financial loss as in those areas of business, the existing policies cannot be renewed or continued.

  He contended "That the said Clico Life and General Insurance Company (S. A.) Limited also engages in the General Insurance, fire and auto insurance businesses.

  "That I am advised by my Attorneys-at-Law and verily believe that the General Insurance business and auto insurance business have its separate statutory funds which are not under any peril or in question and as such those classes of insurance business ought to be removed from under the Management of the Judicial Manager.

  "That the effect of placing the entire Company under Judicial Management has caused the Company substantial financial loss as in those areas of business, the existing policies cannot be renewed or continued.

  "That I am advised by my Attorneys-at-Law and verily believe that by Section 69 (4) of the Insurance Act upon the appointment of the Judicial Manager, the Judicial Manager cannot issue any new policy or renew any policy without leave of the Court.
  "That the said Judicial Manager has not applied for Clico Life and General Insurance Company (S. A.) Limited, to issue any new policy or renew any existing policies in those unaffected classes of insurance business. "

  The Judicial Manager is to return to court next month with a plan on how to move forward on CLICO (Guyana)
  Van Beek, on March 12, in her first press conference since the CLICO (Guyana) crisis broke said that she had issued instructions on several occasions to the insurance company requesting it to reduce their exposure overseas but she said this was not done.

  She said that the company was preparing to honour verified claims for health, fire, motor and other general insurance contracts. She said that "claims related to life and pension contracts will not be paid at this time" since "the assets backing these claims are still being assessed and may be subject to litigation. She added that "payment of these claims would quickly erode the liquidity of the company and affect its viability." She, however, re-emphasised the assurances given by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, that no one with investments in the company will lose their money.
  Further, van Beek urged all "policyholders that have regular premium in-force contracts to continue to pay their premiums in light of the assurances given by the Government." She explained that failure to do so would severely impact access to entitlements "notwithstanding any guarantees." She further explained that "upon the expiry of renewable contracts such as motor policies, these policies will not be automatically renewed." She added that at this point, these persons should "seek alternative insurance arrangements."

  She explained that currently investigations are being done to ascertain the financial status of the company. She said that the audited financial statements of CLICO (Guyana) as at the end of last year are now being finalised. She explained that the accounting firm Nizam Ali and Company has been contracted to assist in the financial assessment of the firm. Additionally, Prescience Insurance Consultants and Canadian based actuaries have been solicited to work alongside the actuary of the local company. She also said that a team of legal representatives has since been hired both locally and in The Bahamas.

  Van Beek had also told Stabroek News last week that Singh-Knight is still playing an integral part in its present CLICO (Guyana) operations.
  She informed this newspaper that Singh-Knight and other staffers are currently assisting the accounting and legal investigating teams with their work, as the Judicial Manager is compiling her report to present to the Court.

• Vaz returns - JLP takes back West Portland in landslide victory.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:57

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:57

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:57

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  West Portland yesterday forcefully rejected an application from People's National Party (PNP) candidate Kenneth Rowe to be its member of parliament, and opted instead to have the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) Daryl Vaz resume representing it in the House of Representatives.

  At the end of the day, Vaz polled 7,915 votes to Rowe's 5,626, becoming the first candidate to score more than 7,000 votes in West Portland.

  Astor Black, of the New Jamaica Alliance, polled 27 votes.

  Vaz bettered his showing in the 2007 general election, when he polled 6,977 votes to defeat the PNP's Abraham Dabdoub, who received 6,033 from the 74 per cent of those who voted. Yesterday, 72.6 per cent voted.

  "They (the PNP) have to examine themselves," Vaz declared in celebrating his victory last night. "All of them have lost. I was never worried. I must thank the people of West Portland."

  Well-contested

  In a statement last night, the PNP congratulated Vaz on his victory and thanked its supporters from in and around the constituency for their participation "in what was a well-contested and relatively incident-free by-election.

  "The party will be reviewing the results and their implications in the immediate term," the statement read.

  It was Rowe's second defeat at the hands of Vaz, who beat him in a 2006 candidate selection for the JLP. Then, Vaz polled 175 votes to the 66 received by Rowe, a former vice-president of Generation 2000, the group of young business persons affiliated with the JLP.

  The margin of victory, in line with Vaz's prediction, allowed the governing JLP to exhale. Defeat would have put a severe strain on the Government's razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives.

  The win restored the JLP's 32-28 majority which, however, remains in danger, with three JLP MPs facing court challenges for having allegedly pledged allegiance to a foreign power.

  Vaz had been ousted from Parliament by the court as a result of the first such case, which was brought by Dabdoub in the aftermath of the 2007 general election.

  Amid overcast conditions in the cool, picturesque parish of Portland, voters trickled into polling stations across the constituency to exercise their franchise.

  Second attempt for rowe

  Rowe voted around 9 in the morning, after which he said: "If I lose, then I will do what losers do. You lick your wounds for a couple of days and then come again."

  Yesterday's by-election was Rowe's second attempt at the West Portland seat in a national poll.

  In 2002, he contested the seat for the JLP but, despite cutting incumbent PNP MP Errol Ennis' previous 2,000-plus margin, he lost by 281 votes.

  He switched allegiance to the PNP after Vaz defeated him for the chairmanship of the constituency in 2006.

  After casting his vote at the Hart Hill Basic School yesterday morning, Rowe said politics was about being able to rise again after disappointments.

  "You might fall, but you don't stay down. You get up again, refocus and aim for the next election," he said.

  Last night, nothing could spoil the party for the Labourites who held a carnival of green in almost every nook and cranny of the constituency as they celebrated Vaz's victory and poured scorn on the career of PNP President Portia Simpson Miller.

  "She only popular but she cyan win election," one JLP supporter commented.

  Simpson Miller has now lost three national polls - the 2007 general and local-government elections as well as yesterday's by-election, on which she had emphatically placed her stamp.

  Failed to match

  Though Simpson Miller spent almost every day campaigning in West Portland with Rowe, the PNP failed to at least match its showing in the 2007 poll.

  Prime Minister Bruce Golding said the people of West Portland demonstrated resolve in choosing Vaz.

  "What they have indicated quite clearly is that they are not prepared to accept any simplistic explanation or any attempts to blame the economic conditions on the Jamaica Labour Party government," Golding said.

  The PNP had argued the election was a referendum on Golding's government, which has been faced with tough criticism of its performance since it came to power, as well as a calamitous global economic crisis. But, following yesterday's result, the prime minister said the results of the 'referendum' were something the Opposition must "hug up".

   

• Cops want to bring matter before the courts Constable fired over PM affair...

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:53

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:53

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:53

  Written by Trinidad Express

  Dissatisfied by the inaction and silence from the executive of the Police Social and Welfare Association over the recent firing of Police Constable Clinton Auguste, colleagues of the recently dismissed officer have vowed to do everything financially possible to bring the matter before the courts.

  Sources said yesterday they were planning a series of fund-raising activities and were also planning to establish a committee to monitor the finances of the fund.

  President of the Police Social and Welfare Association, Emrol Bruce, in an interview with the Express yesterday evening, said although they were not in favour of indiscipline, "the punishment must be befitting of the offence and in this case such punishment was too harsh and severe".

  "We understand it is a conversation between Auguste and the Prime Minister, but the circumstances surrounding this is too harsh and we are considering the courts in dealing with this," Bruce said.

  Dismissing claims by members that the association was too inactive on the issue, Bruce said: "We have always been speaking with the officer (Auguste) and his representation was paid for at the tribunal by the association."

  He said the association had already suggested an attorney for the officer, but noted that Auguste has a choice and "we are allowing him to use this person".

  "We will like to have an amicable settlement to this, since no tribunal should take place when there is no appeal process in place," Bruce said.

  Auguste, 39, was officially dismissed from the Police Service on Friday, following a July 26, 2008, incident involving the security detail of Prime Minister Patrick Manning. Auguste was dismissed "for discreditable conduct contrary to regulation 150(2) (a) of the Police Service Regulations 2007".

   

• Three women and baby hospitalized after violent attack – cops seeking ex-lover.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:42

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:42

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:42

  Written by Stabroek News

  A 21-year-old woman, her six-month-old baby and two female relatives were admitted as patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital, after her ex-reputed husband launched a violent attack on them with a piece of wood yesterday morning.

  Kalwantie Kumar, 21, of Hand-en-veldt, Mahaica was returning home from the clinic with her baby girl, Sema Rambarat, when she was attacked by a man with whom she had formerly shared a relationship. Hemwantie Kumar, her 20-year-old sister and their 56-year-old mother, Lapatie Persaud, rushed to her assistance and were also beaten by the man.

  The baby, who sustained a fractured skull and Persaud who was severely injured to the head were taken to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital for CT scans. Both were admitted to Georgetown Hospital where they remained in serious condition up to late last night.

  A fractured right arm and wound to the head were among Kalwantie's injuries while her sister Hemwantie was wounded to the head. The women were admitted to Female Ward C 2 at the hospital and were in stable condition yesterday.

  Up to press time last night the suspect had not been apprehended by the police. Kalwantie's relatives told Stabroek News at the hospital yesterday that the man had threatened her several times and even "promised to wipe out" her entire family.

  Kalwantie, relatives said, became involved in a relationship with the suspect about five years ago. The union, according to them, had produced one child but Kalwantie opted out of the relationship about two years ago after suffering repeated verbal and physical abuse.
  The woman had since moved on with her life and had borne her current reputed husband the baby girl who was injured during the attack. Relatives said yesterday that the child's father had not yet been informed of the incident.

  When this newspaper visited the women yesterday they were all still shaken. Kalwantie's nephew-in-law, Ronald Bahadur, who witnessed the attack, told this newspaper that it was shortly before 9 am yesterday that the woman got out of a taxi with her baby.

  "The road is rough," Bahadur explained. "So she stop a short distance away to walk the lil piece to her house."
  The suspect, Bahadur said, approached Kalwantie, grabbed her by the arm and demanded she go with him. When the woman refused, the suspect, according to Bahadur, picked up a piece of wood that was laying at the corner of the road and began hitting Kalwantie, who tried as best as she could to shield her baby in her arms.
  Persaud and Hemwantie, who live near by, heard the woman's screams and rushed to her assistance but the man turned on them, beating them about their heads and bodies with the same piece of wood.

  As other relatives became aware of the attack and approached the scene to intervene, Bahadur reported, the suspect fled, tossing the piece of wood in a nearby trench.
  Relatives expressed concern for Persaud and the child who they said seemed to have suffered the worst.

  The matter was reported to the police and the victims have since given statements. This newspaper was informed by a police source that investigations and searches for the suspect are continuing.
  - cops seeking ex-lover Ex-reputed husband batters woman, baby and relatives

   

• Man scorched in blaze.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 02:17

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 02:17

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 02:17

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  FIRE YESTERDAY engulfed the Cool Petroleum Limited fuel depot at Newport West, Kingston, damaging sections of the complex and leaving a worker badly burnt.

  Winston Ormsby, the company's general manager of operations, told The Gleaner that the blaze started at 3 p.m. He said a loading rack for trucks, a petroleum tank and an unused building were scorched but the compound was not extensively damaged.

  A man contracted to Cool Petroleum sustained extensive burns, especially to his face and lower body. He was admitted to the Kingston Public Hospital but there were no reports on his condition at press time.

  Ormsby was unable to say what caused the fire or give an estimate of the damage.

  It took several units from the York Park Fire Station to extinguish the blaze.

  Cool Petroleum, which has more than 80 outlets, is owned by businessman Joey Issa. Its Newport West station was formerly owned by Shell.

   

• UNC CHAOS Violence erupts as Ramesh, Jack supporters blocked from meeting.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 02:08

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 02:08

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 02:08

  Written by Trinidad Express

  Tempers flared, tables were hurled amidst aggressive pushing, shoving and other types of physical confrontation.

  There was also cursing.

  And in the midst of it all, a ten-year-old was injured at Rienzi Complex, Couva, yesterday.

  The heavy presence of armed policemen did not stop the 'bachannal' and 'madness' that took place before the start of the UNC Congress meeting yesterday.

  There were more people outside Rienzi Complex protesting than there were inside participating in the Congress meeting.

  On Saturday, Opposition MPs Jack Warner and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj had vowed to lead a crowd of 1,000 people to the Rienzi Complex and demand that the membership be allowed into the meeting.

  They also made it clear that they intended to lead a peaceful demonstration and should the people not be allowed to enter, they would hold a separate meeting.

  Their statement came after the UNC Executive took a decision to allow only delegates from each constituency into the Congress, and not observers (members and supporters).

  Sticking to their plan, at 1 p.m. Warner and Maharaj gathered at the Trinidad Parboil Ltd company, located a few feet away from the Rienzi Complex, with a crowd of approximately 700 to 800 people.

  The crowds wore yellow T-shirts with the words "Building UNC Alliance for Government" written on the back.

  They held placards stating "Yes we need change", "We fed up in the Opposition", and "Panday failed sugar workers".

  Warner and Maharaj addressed the crowd saying the membership under the Constitution of the UNC had the right to enter the Congress meeting. They said the people were entitled to be involved in the business of the party and should not be blocked.

  Arm in arm followed by a sea of yellow-jerseyed supporters and a tassa section, Warner and Maharaj then proceeded to walk toward the Rienzi Complex.

  It was high drama as the people chanted, blew their whistles and waved their placards.

  As the crowd approached the entrance of the Rienzi Complex, the police moved quickly to shut the iron gates.

  This action angered the people and they barged through, pushing aside the police officers and making their way to the entrance of the building, where the Congress meeting was taking place.

  Opposition MPs Vasant Bharath, Dr Tim Gopeesingh, Subhas Panday, Senator Wade Mark and Chaguanas Mayor Suruj Rambachan were forced to step in to block the people from entering the Complex.

  As the angry crowd moved closer demanding entry, the police started pushing them back.

  A child, ten-year-old Shalini Tewari, started crying and her mother flew into a rage as she claimed a Member of Parliament twisted the girl's arm as he snatched the placard she was holding.

  The child was in pain, the mother said.

  The ambulance was called and the girl was taken away. "I cannot believe this is what the UNC has come to," shouted the girl's mother.

  "Why can't we come in! We are members of the UNC, why can't we come in!'' shouted an angry man.

  "Why we can't come in! Where Panday? Let we see the boss, let he tell us why we can't come in!" another man yelled.

  Obscene language and insults flew. Maharaj approached Bharath, Mark, Panday, Gopeesingh and Rambachan who were at the back of a table, guarding the entry.

  "You don't have the courage! You don't have the courage to stand up to him! Allyuh' don't have the courage! You have no backbone! You have no backbone!".

  Warner stood at Maharaj's side and calmly asked for the people to be let in.

  Bharath said they could not be allowed in, since it was not a public meeting. Insisting that only delegates could enter, he told Warner and Maharaj if they wanted, they could attend the Congress.

  Maharaj's and Warner's supporters started booing. They pushed the tables away from the front of the door, shoving everyone, including members of the media.

  The police stepped in and ordered that they leave. Maharaj and Warner stepped back and walked away with their supporters following them.

  "You have seen for yourself what they have come here to do. They said they wanted to lead a peaceful demonstration, but it is clear they are out to mash up this party at all costs," Bharath told reporters.

  "Mr Maharaj is the one who begged to come back in this party, I am responsible for his return," Bharath said, adding that he had made a huge mistake.

  "If two members of Parliament can come and behave like this today, something has to be wrong. I wonder if (FIFA head) Sepp Blatter know's he is behaving like this?" said Gopeesingh, referring to Warner.

  "It is a sad day to see this kind of behaviour by members. That will not stop us. We have the people's business to do" said Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

  Warner and Maharaj returned to the meeting site outside.

  They told the crowd they do not have permission to hold a public meeting at that location and therefore asked their followers to walk with them to the Couva South hall located nearby.

  Asked why there was a physical confrontation when they intended to lead a peaceful demonstration, Maharaj told the Express:

  "We were not violent."

  He alleged that a Member of Parliament "wrang a little baby's hand and she's injured and she's making a report to the police and I have decided I will prosecute in this matter. It happened in my presence and there were witnesses. A Member of Parliament who got on in this way is unacceptable" Maharaj thundered. "I never see a political party lock out supporters," he said.

  "I thought Mr Panday would have provided some leadership to the party on the issues. It seems he is only interested in manipulating the Opposition party into his own dynasty and that is very unfortunate" said Maharaj.

  Maharaj, Warner and Opposition MP Winston "Gypsy" Peters promised to fight and to ensure that Panday was removed as the leader of the UNC and to ensure that the UNC gets into government.

   

• Boy, 14, in custody over break-in attempt at Central High.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:53

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:53

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:53

  Written by Stabroek News

  A fourteen-year-old boy who is accused of attempting to break into Central High School was ordered to be placed in police custody on Friday when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrate's Courts.

  The teen pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempting to commit a felony, which stated that on March 1 he attempted to break into Central High School to steal items located there.

  The prosecution stated that the teen was caught by the security guard and he was handed over to the police who arrested and charged him. He was subsequently placed on station bail and handed over to his father. The prosecution stated that the teen soon ran away from his father's home and was later caught by the police.

  However, the teen stated that he did not run away from home but he was put out of the house by "meh father sweet oman."

  The magistrate subsequently ordered that the teen be kept in police custody and that he appear in court again on March 25.

• More bauxite concerns.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:18

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:18

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:18

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  REPORTS ARE now surfacing that the suspension of production by some of the bauxite companies operating locally could escalate into the full pullout of the international investors.

  But neither the companies nor the Government has confirmed if the international entities which own a stake in both the West Indies Alumina Company (Windalco) and Alumina Partners of Jamaica (Alpart) are on their way out.

  An official of Windalco on Friday directed The Sunday Gleaner to its major shareholder, the Russian firm UC Rusal, while Alpart has announced only a one-year suspension of operations.

  Unable to contact Rusal

  But efforts to contact Rusal on Friday evening were unsuccessful as the person who answered the telephone said the office was closed.

  Derrick Smith, the minister of mining, said in the Government's last meeting with a top executive from UC Rusal six weeks ago, it was given assurance that the company would not pull its investment, but Smith does not know if the company has reconsidered its plans, given the situation.

  He said the Government was not sitting aside idly, however, watching the demise of the sector. In addition to a bauxite taskforce set up about a month ago to explore other opportunities, Smith disclosed that the Government was looking into other markets overseas.

  No specifics

  The Sunday Gleaner understands that the Chinese and Canadian markets are among overseas openings being explored by the Government, but Smith would not divulge specifics.

  "We have a technical team that was established. They were overseas recently; I won't go into the details of where they went, but we have not been able to sign conclusively, so an announcement can't be made, but the Government is on the move in terms of looking at alternatives should the worse-case scenario present itself," Smith told The Sunday Gleaner yesterday.

  He noted that the island's second most important sector, bauxite/alumina production, is expected to experience a sharp 45 per cent combined decline in production this year as the country grapples with the closure of Windalco and Alpart.

  What the companies claim to be a temporary closure will put hundreds of employees out of work.

  According to Smith, the production figures for bauxite this year are projected to fall to about 10.6 million tonnes or 21 per cent less than what was produced in 2008.

  Alumina production will experience an even sharper decline of about 30 per cent, moving down to 2.5 million tonnes.

  "Total export value of the above is approximately $633 million, about 45 per cent less than the prior year," Smith said.

   

• Death befalls Paulina.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:06

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:06

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:06

  Written by Trinidad Express

  The name Paulina Danee Khadoo Maharaj may mean nothing to you.

  Her life, like so many, was lived anonymously, a face unrecognisable outside her village.

  When she stepped into that PH taxi five years back and vanished, few cared.

  Except her family-a single mother with three children on the brink of adulthood, and sisters and brothers whose lives she completed.

  It was they who searched for days and found Paulina. By then, her body was bits of burnt bones scattered across the ground like a forgotten camp fire.

  That year, Paulina was the murder victim number 60-something. Some 260 people would be killed that year, a record figure that outraged citizens clueless that it was just a prelude to the slaughterhouse that is Trinidad and Tobago today.

  Paulina's murder is unsolved.

  The investigation was given to a constable with no homicide experience at a time when crime scenes were still trampled by media and the mob, and a forensic investigation amounted to lifting fingerprints and dirt samples, while DNA samples were sent to Jamaica and the United States for matching that could be done in a few months, or not at all.

  Since her murder, there have been at least 1,645 more killings.

  Police have made arrests in less than 15 per cent of those cases, an even smaller percentage leading to convictions-leaving a small army of killers walking among us.

  The person or people in the PH taxi that Paulina got into at nightfall on April 6, 2004, are free. But while most other cases will likely never be solved, there is still a chance of justice for Paulina.

  It lies in the charcoal sketch of a man made by the police from images taken from a bank's security camera.

  Police believe the man can help find Paulina's killer. And you can help the police find him.

  This is what happened.

  Paulina, 52, a widow of two years lived with her daughters and a son at Lorensotte Village, Palo Seco. Her new companion lived at Charlo Village, Penal, and it took her two taxis to get to his home.

  The night she vanished, her trip to Siparia was secure-a taxi-driving nephew dropped her off next to the police station, outside a snack shop at 6.45 p.m. It was a Tuesday. That weekend was the big events of Easter, and the Siparie Mai festivities.

  The streets were crowded. Paulina purchased pholourie. The vendor knew her well. Paulina was standing on the pavement, looking for a taxi to take her to her lover. No one saw when she left.

  By 9 p.m., there was panic. The companion called Paulina's sisters. They felt something bad had happened because they knew their sister-responsible and faithful. So to Siparia they sped, confirming her last sighting, and going to the police station to beg for help. Many in the family still believe that had the police responded then, Paulina would have lived.

  Before 9 o'clock that night, someone had twice used Paulina's bank card at the Fyzabad branch of Republic Bank. The money-no more than $500.

  But when the missing person report was made, the police followed procedure- Paulina was a woman. There would be no search until 24 hours has passed. And maybe she was with another man.

  So began the search. Her four brothers and seven sisters in the small hours of the morning, stumbling along beaches and back roads shouting her name. Nothing.

  The newspapers too thought nothing of it-women always leaving home and returning days later. Television stations told the family of their broadcast policy on such reports. The radio reports misidentified her and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

  For a week, the family endured a torture known only to the families of the missing-guilt and anguish washing over every other emotion, replaced sometimes by a murderous rage, or a stupor in which none of it really happened.

  So they searched, each day a different part of Trinidad, each night a prayer vigil.

  Until desperation drove them to the priest, imam, pundit, and eventually the village obeahman.

  It was, in the end, a wrinkled old woman who whispered into the ear of a family member that death had befallen Paulina.

  It was a tip to Crime Stoppers that led police to a seldom used road linking Coora Road to the one leading to Quinam Beach near Siparia.

  Near an abandoned Petrotrin oil installation, lay scattered what remained of Paulina.

  A space between the teeth and a crooked toe identified her remains. The family got a funeral.

  -From tomorrow, look out for a series

  on women who have vanished.

   

• Combination of drugs can be fatal - Health Minister.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:58

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:58

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:58

  Written by Kaiteur News

  "Anytime you combine medication and supplements the potential exists for adverse effects," said Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy yesterday when he responded to questions related to the use of senna pod (a laxative) and Lomotil (anti-diarrhoeal tablets)."
  The Minister made this disclosure when he held a press conference at the Health Ministry's Brickdam head office yesterday.
  Minister Ramsammy's comments came in wake of the death of five-year-old Afiena and three-year-old Aliyah Ramdeen of G127, Good Intent Squatting area who died within a day of each other after being fed doses of senna pod and subsequently tablets believed to be Lomotil.
  The children's mother, Bibi Rafzia Grovesnor who fed the children with the medications, has since been taken into police custody pending post mortem examinations slated to be conducted tomorrow.
  On Thursday last, Afiena a second year pupil of the Sister's Nursery School was pronounced dead at the West Demerara Regional Hospital some time after 03:00 hours. Aliyah, who was also rushed to the same hospital, was treated and transported by ambulance to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
  In an interview with this newspaper, Troy Ramdeen recounted the hours before his daughters' death and hospitalization on Wednesday.
  He said that he became aware that is wife had given senna pod to his daughters when he returned from work at around 15:00 hours.
  According to him, Grovesnor became worried when the children's bowel movements brought on by the laxative dose did not ease as was expected.
  As a result she purchased tablets to stop the persistent bowel movements.
  However, by 20:00 hours Wednesday both children began vomiting and neither was able to recover from their fate.
  Aliyah succumbed on Friday at the GPHC where she was a patient.
  According to the Minister, Lomotil and senna pod are medications that are made available to anyone over the counter. However the Minister noted that it is not advisable for persons to combine the two medications.
  "Anytime you are using any kind of medication like a laxative and an anti-laxative it is not advisable," said the Minister.
  He emphasized that any combination of medication and supplements has the potential of adverse effects. "I am not quite sure that there has been scientific evidence to show that they form a deadly combination but certainly it is not advised because the potential exists."
  The Health Minister said that while it is common in Guyana to use senna pod mainly for the purpose of de-worming children, advice should still be sought from the local area health centre or hospital.
  "The fact is these children should be a part of a clinic and so we should be working closely with our primary health care providers.
  We (the Ministry of Health) have made it almost obligatory for children to be part of a clinic and in this case primary health care at the kind of level is available in every community so it would advise people to talk with them," the Minister urged.

   

• All set for GSAT - Grade-six students islandwide gear up for examination.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:49

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:49

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:49

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  The National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) says it expects improved results in the much-anticipated Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), which will be administered next Thursday and Friday.

  Almost 50,000 grade-six students are registered to sit the examination, which is in its 10th year.

  "I think from the last outcry, we have had a little better understanding from parents to be more in touch with the school community and become more involved in the supervision of their children. So, we anticipate better results this year," said Miranda Sutherland, president of the NPTAJ.

  Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education said all was in place for the staging of the examination.

  Sharon Neil, assistant chief education officer at the Student Assessment Unit in the Ministry of Education, said schools, which will be used as examination centres, will be closed for both days of the examination.

  Neil pointed out that presiding examiners and invigilators were in place to ensure that examination conditions were maintained, which would allow each child to do his or her best.

  Neil reminded students that they should be at the examination centre at least 15 minutes before the start of each test.

  Students will be assessed on their performance in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts and communication tasks.

  Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith, principal of Allman Town Primary School in Kingston, said her students were generally prepared for the GSAT.

  "A few are nervous. Even after the practice test, they are taking the results seriously. So we are encouraging them to relax, because GSAT is not the end of their lives," said Crooks-Smith.

  The principal told The Gleaner the school had invited the Ministry of Education to speak with parents "because they can pressure the children at times".

  Loss in hanover school

  Things weren't so simple in Hanover, where students at Kendal Primary School are trying their best to prepare amid sadness.

  On February 28, their teacher, Winsome McNeil, died suddenly. She was buried last Saturday.

  Jennifer Baugh, principal of the school, said the 45 students were traumatised, but had received counselling, she added that another teacher was working to get them ready for the examination.

  "They talk so much about her (McNeil)," Baugh said.

  The Ministry of Education said in February that it would make changes to the GSAT.

  According to the ministry, a preliminary study showed that the test was not adequately meeting the demands of the nation's changing education sector.

  Recommendations for gsat

  Several suggestions have been made regarding possible changes to the examination.

  One suggestion is that the GSAT should have age categories and should not be limited to one sitting for the purpose of placement.

  There is also the recommendation that strategies be explored to improve placement decisions and provide more equitable access to secondary education.

  The education ministry also said that among the strategies being considered are a student identification numbering system, the ranking and classification of schools, the zoning of schools and the creation of a school-improvement act, aimed at helping in the expansion of high-quality school places.

   

• Cops probe premature baby's death.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:43

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:43

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:43

  Written by Trinidad Express

  SANGRE GRANDE police are probing the death of a premature baby boy in Sangre Grande early yesterday morning.

  A post mortem is expected to be done today at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope to determine if the child died from natural causes or otherwise.

  Police said that sometime after 4.30 a.m., the parents of seven-month-old Jerniah Gomez called an ambulance after they found the child dead at their Darmarie Hill, Guaico, Sangre Grande home.

  Officers from the Sangre Grande station visited the home and the body was moved to the Sangre Grande Mortuary.

  Sangre Grande police officers are continuing investigations. -GG

   

• Guyana open to partnership in drugs war -President.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:28

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:28

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:28

  Written by Stabroek News

  Guyana is willing to collaborate with the developed world in the war on drugs but only as a partner; not as a recipient of "lectures when there is no real assistance when we have to give and give and every time we ask even for assistance with prosecution they would constantly come up with excuses," President Bharrat Jagdeo said yesterday.

  Addressing the opening session of the Guyana Police Force's annual officers' conference at the Police Officers' Mess, Eve Leary, the President, as he has done in the past, launched a broadside on developed countries, singling out the US for special mention, even though he was quick to add that Guyana has an excellent relationship with the US and has received tremendous help from it.

  Jagdeo said that for years he has been agitating for the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to have a presence in Guyana with no response from Washington, although this year's US State Department report on drug trafficking here said there seemed to be a lack of commitment on the issue.

  The President, in his hour-long speech, focused significantly on the global economic crisis. However, he made no mention of the recent guilty plea of Guyanese drug kingpin Roger Khan to, among other things, conspiring to export 150 kilogrammes of cocaine to the US, witness tampering and gun running.

  According to the President many times he has rubbed some in the developed world "in the wrong way" on the drug issue as "some of them are not too happy with what I say and frankly that doesn't bother me too much because I am elected to look after the interests of the people of this country not the interests of the developed world."

  Jagdeo said that what Guyana has done in polygraphing officers at the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) twice in the last six months very few countries in the world do with such frequency. Jagdeo said his administration is seeking to extend the polygraph test to other agencies and if employees fail the test then they lose their jobs as was the case with the CANU officers.

  "We have limited resources in this country but we are spending our resources on these issues because we feel that drug trafficking has a pernicious influence.

  It influences law enforcement. It influences the judiciary sometimes and the executive in many countries so we have to fight against that... But we would do so only in partnership not through lectures I am tired of the lectures," Jagdeo said, something he has said on many occasions before.

  And Jagdeo is hoping that the newly elected US President Barack Obama would change the dynamics and improve the relationships between many institutions in the US and their counterparts in the developing world and that he "would address the big issue of the failure of law enforcement in the United States of America. Many times they make our security forces and policing efforts seem inferior, we are lectured on how badly we are doing and how much assistance we need and we do need assistance in various aspects of our policing. But if you consider that most of the drugs produced in the world go into the United States of America... then they have... serious failure of law enforcement and they are the largest source of money laundering...

  "So I am not interested in lectures we can trade tit for tat and the drug traffickers would be happy. I am interested in serious collaboration where there is real assistance, real commitment and resources to match what we say."

  Further, the President said the US and other countries have to help block the guns coming into Guyana because it is not a one-sided affair and as such they must investigate the source of guns that originate from their countries but are intercepted in Guyana.

  "We would collaborate with any country or group of countries that want to bring criminality, global and national criminality to an end but we are here to protect our interests first and we would collaborate as equals. We are not inferior to anyone."

  Meanwhile, President Jagdeo congratulated the officers for the work they have done, especially in the last year, in the fight against crime and violence while singling out Commissioner Henry Greene for his leadership of the force.

  "Commissioner your leadership in the changed environment in which we live is a signal one. You have given leadership to the force, you have rebuilt the shaky collaboration we had with the joint services, now that collaboration and operation and the way you integrate together is strong and because of the strength of that collaboration we can be much more effective in the fight against crime..." the President said to Greene.

  He said the country is grateful to the force for the role it played in the past year in eliminating "the pernicious gang, a gang that has terrorised innocent people across our land for a long time."

  He also urged the officers to read beyond the sensational headlines in some newspapers which are just there to sell newspapers and analyse and understand issues.

   

• Roger Khan pleads guilty …may serve 15 years for 3 charges.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 03:21

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 03:21

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 03:21

  Written by Stabroek News

  In a shocking twist, Guyanese businessman Shaheed Roger Khan yesterday pleaded guilty to all pending charges against him in the US, including drug trafficking and witness tampering and is likely to serve 15 years behind bars.

  Stabroek News understands that Khan appeared in the New York Eastern District Court before Justice Dora L Irizarry at 5 pm yesterday and pleaded guilty to indictments in three criminal matters: narcotics trafficking, obstruction of justice and a separate gun running charge. It is unclear if the plea was accepted.

   In a letter to the presiding judges in the New York courts, US State Attorney Benton Campbell indicated that the prosecution and the defence had come to an agreement for Khan to receive a 15-year sentence when he pleads guilty to all charges.

  Benton indicated the agreement in the event that the judges considered consolidating all three matters for Khan to plead guilty in one court. To this end, the US attorney for the District of Vermont agreed to transfer the weapons charge to the New York district, where the narcotics trafficking and obstruction of justice matters are being heard. "While the defendant consents to consolidation, and the parties believe that it may facilitate the resolution of these matters, the government takes no position on the issue and we leave it to the discretion of Your Honours," Benton said in the letter. He added that under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure "...the government has agreed to a sentence of principally 15 years imprisonment in order to resolve all three matters." Under the Federal Rules, the court would be bound by the sentence request once it accepts the plea agreement.

   The latest twist in the saga comes less than two weeks before the scheduled start of Khan's trial on the drug charges, for which he could have been sentenced to life in prison.

  Khan was captured in 2006 when he fled to neighbouring Suriname after local police went after him. He was nabbed during a cocaine bust along with his bodyguards and thrown into jail in that country. He was later arrested in Trinidad while en route to Guyana, and taken to the US where he has been in jail since.

  Prior to fleeing to Suriname and in response to police searches of his various properties and a wanted bulletin being issued for him, Khan had placed newspaper advertisements in the Guyana Chronicle and the Kaieteur News stating that he was involved in crime fighting in Guyana and had worked closely with local and US law enforcement officials.

  Since being imprisoned, Khan and the prosecution have made some explosive statements about the inner workings of his criminal enterprise and other matters in Guyana. Khan's former lawyer, Robert Simels, who, along with his assistant, Arianne Irving, is now his co-defendant in the witness-tampering charge, had stated that US government investigators had learnt that Khan received permission from the Guyana government to purchase surveillance equipment capable of intercepting and tracing telephone calls made from landline or cellular phones. The software is reportedly only sold to governments.

  Only last week, US officials had indicated that the same equipment, which was originally seized from Khan at Good Hope in 2003, was recovered from Simels's New York law offices. Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo, however, has since said that Commissioner of Police Henry Greene has assured him that the equipment is in the possession of the local police.

  David Clarke

  Meanwhile, one of the witnesses Khan, Simels and Irving had been charged with attempting to "eliminate and neutralize," retired Guyana Defence Force (GDF) major David Clarke, who is himself sitting in a US jail on drug charges, was to have testified on how he conspired with Khan to traffic in narcotics. Clarke was said to be the main witness in the drug trial, as he was the only witness who could have testified that he spoke to and met Khan during the period he trafficked in narcotics.

  Khan for his part had long since attempted to distance himself from Clarke, against whom he made "assorted accusations" at a meeting in March 2006 with US officials at the Ocean View International Hotel. He had sought to provide "evidence" that Clarke and others had worked in concert with February 2002 prison escapee Shawn Brown, who was later wanted for a series of high-profile murders, kidnappings and robberies.

  Khan had alleged that during Clarke's tenure at the head of ‘Operation Tourniquet'-a joint army/police operation to arrest the wave of criminal activity emanating from Buxton after the jail break-was in league with Brown, who was responsible for kidnapping former US embassy officer Stephen Lesniak in April 2003.

  In a transcript of a conversation between Simels and a confidential US government source, who was responsible for Simels and the others being charged with witness tampering, it was revealed that Khan had at least one meeting with a government minister in the presence of the source.

  Guilt was strong

  Khan is charged with conspiring to import cocaine into the US over a five-year period from January 2001 to March 2006. The US government said that he was the leader of a cocaine trafficking organisation based in Georgetown. It also asserted that he was able to import huge amounts of cocaine into Guyana, and then oversee exportation to the US and elsewhere. The US government had charged that a significant amount of the cocaine distributed by Khan went to the Eastern District of New York for further distribution. As an example, it cited a Guyanese drug trafficking organisation based in Queens, New York, which it said was supplied by Khan. The Queens organisation was said to have distributed hundreds of kilos of cocaine in a two-month period during the spring of 2003.

  Initially, after he was arrested in 2006, Khan through his then lawyer Simels, had applied for bail but US State Attorney Roslynn Mauskopf in submissions had maintained that evidence of Khan's guilt was strong and that his history in the United States suggested that he could easily flee to Guyana. In response, Khan's lawyers had submitted that they could have obtained a statement from the Guyana government that it would bar Khan from returning to the country.

  According to Mauskopf, Khan had resided in the US and committed crimes in both Maryland and Vermont. On January 6, 1992 he was convicted in Montgomery County of breaking and entering and theft. While he was on probation for that offence, he was arrested in Burlington, Vermont for receiving and possessing three firearms while being a convicted felon. He was subsequently indicted and was released on bail in November 1993. He promised to obey all conditions of his release but fled to Guyana in 1994 in order to avoid prosecution and as a result there is an outstanding warrant for him, for violating the conditions of his partial release and an outstanding warrant in Rockville, Maryland for violating the conditions of his probation.

  Witness tampering

  Khan's troubles deepened last year when he, Simels and Irving were hauled before the courts and charged with conspiracy to tamper with witnesses relating to the drug trial. Simels was accused of making an alleged US$1,000 payout and having discussions about "eliminating and neutralizing" witnesses. He and his assistant allegedly had numerous discussions with a US government informant, to locate certain individuals close to the case and to get them to rescind statements, not testify against Khan, and or even to be eliminated.

  In her affidavit to support the charges against Khan, Simels and Irving, Special Agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Cassandra Jackson said that during Khan's drug trial the government would seek to establish that he was the leader of a "violent drug trafficking organisation [the Khan organisation] that was based in Georgetown, Guyana, from at least 2001 until his arrest in 2006." She had said that Khan and his co-conspirators obtained large quantities of cocaine, and then imported the cocaine into the Eastern District of New York and other places for further distribution. "Khan was ultimately able to control the cocaine industry in Guyana, in large part, because he was backed by a paramilitary squad that would murder, threaten, and intimidate others at Khan's directive. Khan's enforcers committed violent acts and murders on Khan's orders that were directly in furtherance of Khan's drug trafficking conspiracy," Jackson had said. She said the paramilitary squad was referred to as the ‘Phantom Squad'.

  These same accusations had last year led Justice Irizarry to rule in favour of an anonymous jury for the drug trial. The judge was of the opinion that the dangerousness of Khan, as alleged by the prosecution, was a fact worth considering since according to one of the government's confidential sources the ‘Phantom Squad' Khan was associated with was responsible for "at least 200 extra-judicial killings" in Guyana from 2002 to 2006.

  While Khan was not charged with crimes considered violent in nature, his involvement with and leadership of a criminal organisation indicated his propensity for violence, the judge had pointed out. In making her ruling, the judge said there was evidence of Khan's willingness to tamper with the judicial process since he admitted that in 1993 he successfully evaded federal prosecution in Vermont for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon by absconding to Guyana while on bail. That action, the judge said, indicated his ability to tamper with the judicial process in the US.

  Execution-style killings down

  The US Government had also accused Khan of murdering boxing coach Donald Alison, who was gunned down outside his Agricola home and Dave Persaud who was shot and killed outside the then Palm Court Restaurant and Bar on Main Street. Khan denied the charges, stating Alison had been supplying the Buxton criminals with guns and that national cyclist, Tyrone Hamilton, knew who had killed Persaud.

  In Guyana, the police appeared to have accepted that Khan was responsible for the execution-style killings. In November 2007, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud claimed that since Khan's capture, execution-style killings in Guyana dropped considerably from 43 in 2006 to 12 in 2007.

  Persaud said Khan had a group of men who worked with him while he was here, but since he had been locked up the men had all gone in different directions. "We believe that Mr Khan was involved in narcotics trafficking and since his arrest we have seen a fragmentation of his gang instead of them being one place they are all over the place," Persaud had declared. When asked why-since the police knew Khan operated a gang and had men-the force had not gone after them, Persaud said charges were laid against individuals based on evidence. He had said the police were still conducting investigations on Khan's men.

  Prior to being arrested, one of Khan's associates had told this newspaper that the businessman never got involved in actual operations. The associate, who had asked not to be named, said the drug accused used his own bodyguards and a network of armed informants-the ‘Phantom Squad'-made up of mainly ex-convicts and ex-policemen.

  Khan had boasted that when Lesniak was kidnapped and taken to Buxton he had met operatives from the American Embassy here on a daily basis and provided them with information and hard evidence that led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for escapee Brown, who was thought to have masterminded the abduction. Brown was later cornered in a house a few days after and shot dead by the police.

  Stabroek News was told that Khan employed ex-convicts and policemen, paid them and had them gather intelligence on the whereabouts of the five escapees Browne, Troy Dick, Andrew Douglas, Dale Moore and Mark Fraser. The quintet had made a bloody escape from the Camp Street Prison on February 23, 2002. Their escape was the catalyst for a wave of crime that the country had never before experienced. During this period some 21 policemen were shot dead and numerous civilians murdered. This period also saw scores of policemen leaving the job, while confidence in the force was at an all-time low.

   

   

• Wanted men killed.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:22

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:22

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:22

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  Another member of the Spanish Town based Clansman gang was killed this morning.

  Warren ‘Brucky' Simpson was wanted in connection with the 2008 murder of former Jamaica Urban Transit Company Chairman (JUTC), Douglas Chambers.

  According to the police, Simpson was also being sought for the robbery and murder of a man in Coffee Gully, Westmoreland in January.

  Simpson was killed during a police operation in that same community early this morning.

  The police say he shot at them and was later found suffering from gunshot wounds following an ensuing shootout.

  They say a pistol with four rounds of ammunition was recovered from the scene.

  Another wanted man, James ‘Neggos Hinds' was killed in Portmore St. Catherine on Saturday night during a police operation.

  Hinds, was being sought in connection with the upsurge of violence in the Gravel Heights community which forced many families to flee their homes.

  The police say he was also wanted for a number of murders and shootings.

   

• London: I kept my promise to Tobago...No permanent workers let go.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:14

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:14

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:14

  Written by Trinidad Express

  Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London says their move to send home a group of workers from the Assembly's Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities was a responsible one, aimed at protecting the needs of the people of Tobago.

  He made the comment yesterday, in response to the fiery protests staged last week by the former "Development" workers in Castara and Parlatuvier.

  Seeking to clear the air on some of the issues, London said the perception that he broke his election promise that no one would be sent home was untrue. Noting that he was still committed to employing Tobagonians, as no permanent workers had been affected, London said, "When I made a commitment before the election I did not break the commitment. I am still committed to employing Tobagonians, maintenance people, permanent people, no retrenchment. In the case of development (workers), we will employ people who can be employed in the projects at this particular point in time," London said.

  The majority of the 1700 workers previously employed in the programme were sent home following the suspension of all programmes under its ambit some two weeks ago.

  London reiterated the fact that one of the major reasons for having things done this way was to stop some of the abuses of the process. He said unscrupulous middle management had brought on scores of individuals to projects over the years, and if the Assembly did not intervene he situation would have turned out to be untenable.

  "I want the public of Tobago to understand that some of those people who are most vociferous, are people who can no longer carry on the kind of excesses that had become evident in that period," London said.

  Speaking directly to those who had protested last week, London said he has no problem with people voicing their concerns, but not the THA was standing firm and will maintain its position.

  London noted therefore, that the number of people employed will not be guided by the"intensity of the protest" but the needs of the Assembly.

  London said he also had a commitment to the people of Tobago to take care of their needs, participate in guaranteeing a certain quality of life and a responsibility to ensure that the resources which the Tobago people have to use are used to a maximum effect.

   

• Women must report even the slightest of attacks - Manickchand.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:03

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:03

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:03

  Written by Stabroek News

  Human Services Minister Priya Manickchand says that domestic violence will continue to be a major issue in Guyana and is not likely to go away if women fail to report threats or "the slightest attack against them" because of how dire the consequences could be.

  The entire issue of violence against women will remain a tremendous challenge if women do not adopt a pro-active approach, Manickchand said, underscoring the need for greater awareness and to some extent, personal responsibility.

  Manickchand spoke of a lack of reporting in the attacks suffered by women during an interview with Stabroek News on Saturday and called for survivors of violent attacks to approach the police. She noted that men are attacking women and reports are not being made referring to it as "a serious issue and one which must be addressed".

  The Minister made no specific references about attacks that have gone unreported, but prior to the brutal murder allegedly at the hands of her former reputed husband, Savitrie Arjune of Herstelling had been attacked by the man but failed to report the incident. According to relatives, she was slashed in the side but no police report was made.

  Arjune became the latest victim in a string of attacks against women. She was laid to rest yesterday. Last month, the bloodied bodies of Nekecia Rouse and her sister-in-law, Alexis ‘Keisha' George were discovered in Smythfield, New Amsterdam. They were stabbed to death in a gruesome attack; no one has been held.

  And Deborah Allen of Oronoque, Port Kaituma, North West District was hacked to death by her husband following an argument in February. The man, who also wounded her 16-year-old daughter later surrendered to police. Lotoya Conway Woolford was also murdered allegedly by her husband. He has since been charged with murder.

  In June last year the national policy on domestic violence was initiated to bring about changes and break the cycle of violence that continues to claim the lives of women across this country, an ambitious start to tackling the issue that has had little visible impact.

  At the core of the policy was the transformation of attitudes that condone domestic violence, but equally important was the need for a multi-sectoral response to the issue that includes the involvement of a number of government ministries, the police force and also community-based initiatives.

  Substantially, the policy aimed at reviewing and amending the Domestic Violence Act and increasing the capacity of the police force in stemming the problem by providing the resources for the force to implement the policy and maintain domestic violence units in each division.

  Close to a year after its launch criticism of the force's response to domestic violence is still being aired and calls for a more effective government approach penetrate public debate on the issue, reducing the policy to a policy merely on paper.

  But Manickchand on Saturday rejected the notion of the policy being ineffective saying that work is being done, and that "a full report would be out shortly". As part of the national oversight committee that will review the policy and report on its failures and successes, Manickchand said, efforts are being made to bring about changes.

  She asserted that it is difficult to bring about changes if the efforts being made are not cohesive, pointing to the need for the government policy initiative to be consistently supported by the stakeholders, and more importantly, at the individual level.

  Without the collaborative effort and women taking control, she opined that the efforts would go nowhere and have zero impact. Manickchand firmly believes that domestic violence can be stamped out.

  Thematic Areas
  The five-year policy was launched under the theme, ‘Break the Cycle, Take Control', as a government initiative that would inform and guide future interventions and programmes in the area of domestic violence.

  The policy contains eight thematic areas. The first pertains to the monitoring and enforcement of legal sanctions. Among the steps to be taken would be the review of the Domestic Violence Act and its implementation, providing the police force with the resources to establish and maintain domestic violence units in each division and the gazetting of competent social workers.

  Under the provision of services for survivors, the policy envisages that a common service protocol will be implemented involving the health, education and social services sectors and the police force. "Reasonable access" will also be ensured by the government to temporary refuges for survivors and the government will ensure that there are appropriate legal aid services to support survivors throughout the country.
  With respect to the health sector, all health services will be resourced to provide care to survivors of domestic violence and there will be a standard curriculum on domestic violence intervention.

  Thematic area four entails the Ministry of Education working with the Ministry of Human Services to craft public awareness programmes to sensitise students on violence and abuse. Further, the government will support and endorse public education campaigns by apportioning free time on the state broadcast media for public service messages.

  Other thematic areas are building the capacity of rural and hinterland communities to respond to domestic violence, intervening on behalf of persons with disabilities and elderly persons.

  The final thematic area relates to the monitoring and evaluation of the policy's implementation and will rely on data gathered from hospitals and health facilities, the police force, the courts and Ministry of Legal Affairs, non-governmental organizations and the Probation and Welfare Department and the Women Affairs Bureau in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

   

• Jamaica Public Service shocker! Power company says billions in investment may not take place without rate increase.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:10

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:10

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:10

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  THE JAMAICA Public Service Company (JPS) is warning that it could shelve plans to spend billions of dollars to upgrade and improve its facilities if the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) fails to grant the 23 per cent, on average, tariff increase the light and power company has requested.

  The company says if the increase is granted, it will shell out billions on fuel diversification to improve its reliability and service quality as well as to reduce systems losses. The JPS, last Friday, indicated that its major shareholders, Marubeni and TAQA, might not be willing to pump any more money into the light and power company which has failed to meet its profit target over the last five years.

  "The JPS has invested $4 billion per year over the past three years. That is three times the amount of money that the JPS made in the past five years and that cannot continue forever," declared Damian Obiglio, president and CEO of JPS, at a media briefing.

  "Jamaica will need, in the next five years, US$1 billion of new investment in generation to reduce the cost of power, at least in real terms, by 30-40 per cent. The only way to guarantee that is to have a healthy distribution company because the one who will have to pay for that power is JPS," Obiglio added.

  possible reliability issues

  He was supported by Tomofumi Fukuda, chairman of JPS and head of Marubeni Caribbean, who warned that any reduction in the company's spending could cause some reliability issues for its customers and delay plans to develop new generating facilities.

  "We have already invested a substantial amount of money into the JPS, (but) so far it has not proved that our investment is justifiable because in 2007 and 2008, after Marubeni came (into JPS), our financial performance was terrible," Fukuda argued. "We have to be comfortable to spend money."

  According to the JPS officials, without the increase, the company would have to turn to international lenders for the money, but these institutions would be wary of lending to a company in the financial position of JPS.

  "It is very crucial that the JPS maintain a certain credit status, otherwise there would be no new project because no bank would lend money with such a weak financial credit structure," Fukuda claimed.

  possible increases

  The JPS is seeking to convince the OUR to grant it the tariff rate increase it has requested which could see its customers' bills increasing by a low of 4.3 per cent to a high of 26.8 per cent.

  The OUR is to stage four public consultations before making a decision, which should be ready in time for any new rate to take effect on July 1.

  But JPS is urging its customers to understand that it is not being mercenary and uncaring at a time when the world is facing a global financial crisis.

  According to the JPS, if its customers pay more now, it will be in a position to improve its service and diversify the types of fuel used to generate electricity which in the long run would mean lower bills for Jamaican consumers.

  "The JPS plans to spend at least $20 billion (if approved) to introduce petcoke to Jamaica and possibly upwards of $50 billion to introduce coal," the company officials claimed.

  But with Jamaicans already reeling from increases in the prices of several items and world oil prices leading to periodic jumps in electricity bills, JPS knows it will face an uphill fight to convince the OUR to grant its request for an increase.

  arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com

  Some JPS investment plans - 2009-2013

  US$16.7 million - To replace ageing transmission structures including poles.

  US$6.9 million - To upgrade and replace selected substation transformers

  US$0.7 million - To prevent all-island system shutdown.

  US$7.4 million - To expand transmission network.

  US$104 million - To expand and improve network reliability

  US$19.9 million - Recurrent maintenance.

  US$1 billion - To increase generation.

   

• Gunmen kill Palo Seco man in front family Returning from party.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:59

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:59

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:59

  Written by Trinidad Express

  WHEN masked men approached construction worker John Garcia as he walked to his home with his family, he thought they were playing a joke on him, that is until one of the men pulled out a gun and shot Garcia once in the head.

  Garcia's common-law wife, Elizabeth James, said yesterday that she, Garcia and their children, two-year-old Isabella and five-month-old Joseph, were returning from celebrating their daughter's birthday at James's parents home. Isabella turned two on Thursday.

  The killing occurred around 9.30 p.m. on Friday along the STOL Road in Palo Seco.

  "They called him out and he went up to them and said he was not playing," James said. She said it was then Garcia, 23, was shot. James said she had no idea who would want to hurt Garcia, the man she planned to marry next year.

  Neighbours described Garcia as a "cool" person who lived well with everyone.

  Yesterday, homicide detectives searched the area where Garcia's assailants were said to have made their escape. Investigations are continuing.

  Homicide officers are also investigating the death of Jason Augustin Griffith, who was shot several times at his Walter Lane, Bagaloo Trace, Enterprise, home.

  The 26-year-old was taking clothing off a clothesline in his front yard around noon yesterday when he was shot, police officers said.

  A male relative who heard the explosions came outside to find Griffith dead. Officers said Griffith was a suspect in several crimes.

   

• Kissoon adamant nursing school no scam– plans to reopen shortly.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:49

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:49

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:49

  Written by Stabroek News

  Nanda Kissoon, the woman embroiled in a nursing school scandal that erupted in January says that her school is legitimate and is a branch of the School of Nursing University, in New Jersey, USA.

  The woman, who said she intends to reopen the school, came forward recently to clear the air on the issue which has been extensively reported in all sections of the media.

  It was a recently published Stabroek News article which reported that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had recommended that no charges be laid against her, that prompted her reaction. Stabroek News had made several prior attempts to contact Kissoon but was unsuccessful.

  According to an advertisement published in Thursday's edition of the Chronicle, a copy of which was subsequently supplied to this newspaper, the nursing school "is legal/registered".

  "I hereby notify the public that the nursing school of Cummings St. is registered in Guyana and USA. It is a branch/site location of USA, Est. since 1989, accredited by the US department of Education and has 16 other approvals & recognitions bodies," the advertisement said.

  Further, it stated that "Exams and Certificates are issued from the USA head office, Continuing Education is offered for all graduates. The basis of the Exams is adapted with the American Education Association and the American Psychological Association.

  "The School would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students who supported us. Branches of the school are in Trinidad &Tobago, Canada, India and the Philippines."

  There was no name or signature at the bottom of the advertisement.

  In addition, an online check of the School of Nursing University, in New Jersey takes one to an after college website that lists jobs available in the medical profession.

  When Kissoon had contacted Stabroek News early last week, arrangements were made for an interview the following day. However when the stipulated time approached this newspaper contacted her only to be told that she was waiting on a statement being prepared by her lawyer and when the statement was finished she would do the interview. This never materialized.

  A few days later the advertisement appeared in the Chronicle.

  In January during a press conference, Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy threatened to go to the police over the school which he called "a skilful little operation" that was posing as legitimate and duping young women across the country. On that occasion he told members of the media that the institution was unaccredited and fell outside the regulation of his ministry.

  According to him, the private institution, which he identified as the Inter-American Nursing School was tricking and robbing the young women out of thousands of dollars.

  The head of the school, Kissoon, was later arrested by the police and students - young women and men -started to come forward.

  After a few days in custody and refunding some students, the woman was released and payouts continued from a home in Duncan Street.

  She has insisted that Nanda Kissoon is her only name, though the students had given several different names for her.

  ‘A novel'

  When contacted again recently Kissoon said that she was unfairly misrepresented in the media without being given a chance to tell her side.

  She said the students made all sorts of assumptions, including what the name of the school was but no one sought to clarify anything with her.

  "I felt like if a novel was being written about me," the woman told this newspaper during the telephone conversation adding that all sort of things were being said that were not true.

  Going back to when the school came into being, she said that during August, registration for classes began. Advertisements were also published in the Kaieteur News and the Chronicle, she added.

  She said that during this period she and some of her prospective students occupied a booth at a health promotion activity at the National Park. The booth, she said, was provided by the Health Ministry and that Ramsammy even visited it and had his pressure tested among other things while interacting with those present.

  She stated that her school was "no big secret" as it was out in the open for all to see. A banner with the name of the institution was also up on the booth, she said.

  Ramsammy had said at his press conference that reports had reached him that pictures of him and officials of the school were mounted in the institution. To this, Ramsammy had said, he was known for being a "huggable person", which is why people can report seeing him "all hugged up with these people". He referred to the actions of the school's officials as being skilful.

  Meanwhile, Kissoon disputed that she had hundreds of students saying that many were doing two courses so the number looked larger that it really was. According to her she had about 100 students who all knew that the school was an American one with its headquarters located in the USA.

  Some of the students, she added, were planning to migrate to the USA, so the certificates they would have received after completing the six-month course would have been a plus.

  The woman insisted that she had a signed contract and other documents proving that the school was a legal one. When this newspaper asked to see them, to be satisfied that what she was saying was indeed true, she said that her lawyer was in possession of them.

  Pressured

  Asked why she refunded money if her school was legitimate and was to be reopened, Kissoon said that while she was at the police station she was pressured. She made it clear that she was not ordered by the police to pay back any money to anyone. "This refund was not like a demand refund. I haven't done anything wrong and I haven't given up," she stated.

  According to her the students, should have first written their examinations and received their certificates, to satisfy their minds before allowing it to reach its present stage.

  She stated that all the monies were returned to the students but according to reports reaching this newspaper, there are still outstanding sums. Kissoon stated too that her secretary handled all the finances.

  She said that prior to the school's opening and even after she made several attempts to get information from the Ministry of Education about the accreditation process.

  According to her when contact was made with the ministry, she was told that there was no accreditation board. She said that even though the school is not in operation, she is still making attempts to find out what is the ministry's procedure.

  She said that she has since sent a letter to the ministry requesting a meeting.

  Over the past few weeks Stabroek News had made several attempts to contact Minister Shaik Baksh on the accreditation issue and the reasons why the board, though named, had not met last year.

  The office, located at the ministry's Lot 69 Brickdam location, has been closed since early last year and the man who ran the office is now attached to the Teaching Service Commission. This newspaper was told recently that a new board has been named but so far it is unclear who the chairman is.

   

• Ex-army mom drills battalion of scholars - Home school grows by word of mouth.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:29

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:29

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:29

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  When Janice Lewis decided to pull her children out of the formal education system, even her husband might have thought she was going bonkers.

  But what started with her three biological children, aged three, five and seven, has grown to 26, catering for kindergarten to grade five-level students.

  Lewis, 50, told The Gleaner her labour of love has begun to reap rich rewards.

  Among her success stories is her daughter, Michaela, who aced the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) with an average of 94. She's now a fourth-form student at St Andrew High School for Girls. Another feather in her cap is an unrelated male student, with an average of 91.75, who passed for Ardenne High.

  "My family members and friends are very pleased with me, as they have seen the results, and even though I don't advertise the school in the media, it is known by a lot of people through word of mouth in the community," Lewis told The Gleaner.

  The school, which is located in the rural St Andrew community of Coopers Hill, is registered with the Ministry of Education as Redeemed Prep and Reading Centre, she said.

  Despite the success, Lewis, an ex-army officer, recalled her struggling journey when she had her 10 children - yes, 10 - under her wings.

  In September 1999, she became dissatisfied with the tutelage at Covenant Christian Academy, which her three eldest children attended. Lewis was convinced she had to take things into her own hands.

  "In January 2000, I took on the task of removing them from the school, and decided to home-school them myself after I suggested to them to sort themselves out," Lewis said.

  Traditional schooling

  Her husband, retired Major Neil Lewis, initially resisted the sugges-tion, citing a preference for tradi-tional schooling, which facilitated greater social interaction. But Mom, who had training in food technology, dived headlong into uncharted waters.

  While spending time in the United States in the 1980s, she became familiar with the A Becka early-childhood curriculum developed at Pensacola Christian College.

  The A Becka curriculum is heavily used in subjects like health safety, etiquette, mathematics, science, spelling and penmanship. Lewis said she utilises some of the texts used in formal schools, and also makes use of a GSAT website.

  She has also worked as vice-principal for six months at Liberty Prep in St Andrew.

  Hubby converted

  Today, Lewis boasts that even her hubby has become a full-fledged convert.

  He believes the children are now more rested, relaxed and happy. Any deviation from discipline is quickly nipped in the bud, the teacher-mom said.

  As the school population has grown larger, she has enlisted four other teachers in her pet project.

  She told The Gleaner that although her biological children were not in a traditional school setting, they participated in extra-curricular activities such as piano, ballet, attending church and other family entertainment. They also go on excursions yearly.

  "The home school has become such a success that (it even caters for) children who are autistic, and adults have seen the need to become involved in the home-school programme to become literate," said Lewis.

   

• Heavily-armed cops raid home of 'Express' reporter.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:23

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:23

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:23

  Written by Trinidad Express

  THE HOME of Express investigative reporter Darryl Heeralal was last night raided by heavily-armed members of the Inter-Agency Task Force officers.

  The incident is thought to have stemmed from a domestic dispute. According to Heeralal, around 7.30 p.m., three jeep-loads of IATF officers pulled up outside his residence, at Pokhor Road, Longdenville, and a number of the officers stormed his house.

  Heeralal said he was told by officers that they had come to search the house for arms and ammunition. Several officers entered the house while Heeralal demanded to be shown a search warrant, which he claimed was withheld by the assistant Superintendent in charge of the exercise.

  He said he was shown a piece of paper but was not allowed to read it, nor was it read to him.

  Heeralal was at home with his wife, his three-year-old daughter, his nephew, and his brother, PC Nyron Heeralal, who is attached to the Homicide Bureau.

  The officers also searched PC Heeralal's home which is located on the same property.

  The officers left empty-handed after about 20 minutes.

   

• Charges recommended over discharge of Sugrim guns case.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:07

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:07

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:07

  Written by Stabroek News

  The Police Office of Professional Respon-sibility (OPR) has completed its investigations into the events that saw the illegal guns and ammunition charges against Terrence Sugrim being discharged at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate's Court and has recommended that charges be laid.
  The file, including the recommendations for the charges against those found to be at fault, was sent to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) several weeks ago, this newspaper was told. According to information, the file is still with the DPP.

  Eleven days after the case against him was discharged at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate's Court because police witnesses did not show up, Sugrim on February 17, was charged again with the unlawful possession of guns and ammunition arising from a 2007 police raid and made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court. He was released on $300,000 bail.

  Earlier, on February 6, the case against him had been discharged at the Vreed-en-Hoop court due to police witnesses not turning up. When he was charged again, Sugrim, 43, of Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara pleaded not guilty to unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

  It is alleged that on June 28, 2007, at Sugrim's home, he was found with a .32 Taurus pistol and a .32 Walther pistol, without being the holder of a firearm licence. Sugrim, was also accused of having on the same day seventy-five .32 rounds of ammunition and 85 twelve-gauge cartridges. The case is ongoing at the Wales Magistrate's court.

  When the Vreed-en-Hoop matter was discharged, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud had told this newspaper that the police OPR had launched an investigation into why police witnesses did not turn up. Among the police witnesses not turning up at the trial at Vreed-en-Hoop was the main witness, Detective Sergeant Mitchell Baron. Stabroek News was told that Baron had left the Guyana Police Force some time ago and is "out of the jurisdiction".

  Meantime, the prosecutor in the case was transferred from the court and was given desk duty at the Brickdam Police Station. However, court sources say that the prosecutor was not at fault as the witnesses did not turn up at court even though summonses had been issued and they were warned to attend court. According to one source, when the matter was discharged, about ten minutes later three of the police witnesses turned up.

  Magistrate Fazil Azeez, who presides at the Vreed-en-Hoop and Leonora Magistrate's court, where the prosecutor also worked told Stabroek News that as a result of the man's transferral, cases are being delayed as the new prosecutor has to familiarize himself with the matters. The former prosecutor has not been given time to go back to complete the cases that he was working on, as is the norm. In some cases, the matters were at the completion stage and he had to respond to lawyers' submissions or make his own, the Magistrate said.

  Sugrim was wanted by United States authorities to face trial for allegedly conspiring to traffic in narcotics.

  He had been arrested in a police operation and an extradition hearing was held. Following the hearing at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court, Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton had committed him into custody to await extradition to the US to face trial for allegedly conspiring to traffic in narcotics.

  However, on April 17 last year, Justice Jainarayan Singh Jr. released Sugrim on $1M bail in the High Court following a habeas corpus application by his legal team. Stemming from the application filed by Sugrim's legal team, Justice Singh found that many factual errors were made by the magistrate during the hearing and they were serious enough transgressions to render her rulings in relation to the committal unlawful and unfair. Bail was granted in the sum of $1M.

  Shortly after his release, police had rearrested him and slapped him with the charges of illegal possession of guns and ammunition and he was then taken to the Principal Magistrate, where he was granted bail. The trial then proceeded at Vreed-en-Hoop and was discharged before he was charged for the third time.

  Meantime, Magistrate Azeez once again raised the issue of security at the courts. On Monday, he said there were prisoners present in court but no police and he was told that the Vreed-en-Hoop police station was short-staffed. The Magistrate said that he had to call the Commander of ‘D' Division, Paulette Morrison about the issue and she went to the court along with several neighbourhood police persons. She acknowledged that the Vreed-en-Hoop Police was short-staffed, Magistrate Azeez related. He said that security remains a concern. "This is terrible", he said.

   

• Pig boom - Farmers bring home the bacon as pork production hits 10-year record.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:35

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:35

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:35

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  PORK-LOVING Jamaicans can break out the party hats and confetti as the Ministry of Agriculture has announced that the island is experiencing a boom in high-quality, locally reared pigs.

  Hershell Brown, project director of the Agricultural Support Services Project (ASSP) in the ministry, revealed that 2008 was a record-breaking year for the nation's pig farmers.

  "Last year, we im-ported the least amount of pork in 10 years. There is a pig boom," Brown boasted.

  In July 2005, it was reported that Jamaica was producing approximately seven million kilograms of pork per year. However, this was unable to satisfy existing demand, resulting in the importation of pork from Canada to fill 23 per cent of the local demand.

  The pig-farming industry is reaping the benefits of the $53 million Pig Industry Improvement Project, which was started in 2005 at the Bodles Research Station, Old Harbour, St Catherine.

  Launched in 2004

  The project was born out of a partnership involving Newport Mills Ltd, Donaldson International (a Canadian livestock genetics company) and the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Support Services Project launched in June 2004.

  The ASSP contributed $18 million to the project.

  The multimillion-dollar improvement project promised local pig farmers access to superior offspring by September of that year. The pork lover's dream came to pass.

  "We have been getting larger litters and better birthweights and animals that grow faster," Brown said.

  The bid to achieve a superior stock was started with 75 young sows, which were bred by 190 pure-bred pigs imported from Canada in September 2004. The pigs were housed at a state-of-the-art breeding facility, which was outfitted with automatic watering and feeding systems in operation at Bodles.

  The facility also boasts a modern artificial insemination laboratory that has been producing and selling semen from the pure-bred animals since March 2005.

  Quality was poor

  Prior to the intervention, the quality of pigs on the island was very poor due to widespread inbreeding.

  "The pigs we had in Jamaica were really run-down ... . The quality of the animals was actually very poor," he said. Farmers have been trained to perform artificial insemination.

  Brown believes this is a pivotal aspect of the pig-farming improvement project. "And, very importantly, they can buy semen to impregnate pigs that they have out in their fields," explained Brown.

  According to him, the tech-nologically advanced procedure is not rocket science.

  "It's quite simple and with very basic training the farmer can do his own insemination."

  Farmers pay for the pig semen, but the training is free.

   

• Opposition: Karen must go.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:32

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:32

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:32

  Written by Trinidad Express

  The Opposition has made yet another call for Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira to either resign or be fired, for an alleged conflict of interest with respect to the Government's bailout of CL Financial.

  At a press conference at the Opposition Leader's office in Port of Spain yesterday, Opposition Senator Wade Mark said Prime Minister Patrick Manning was attempting to fool the population when he made the statement that half of the Cabinet has some investment portfolio in the organisation. The statement came in the wake of a Guardian newspaper report that Nunez-Tesheira had shares in the conglomerate.

  Nunez-Tesheira subsequently confirmed to the Express that she had inherited these shares from her late husband, Russell Tesheira, who was a CLICO salesman. She added that she had declared that inheritance to the Integrity Commission.

  However, the Opposition remained adamant yesterday that Nunez-Tesheira must go. On Sunday, Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar called for her resignation and it was again reiterated by Mark yesterday.

  "Just consider the possibility of the British Chancellor of the Exchequer bailing out Lloyd's of London, only to be discovered that the Chancellor of the Exchequer have shares in Lloyd's of London. He would resign automatically, that is the culture of a civilised society, not a banana republic," Mark said.

  He also said if the US treasurer had interests in AIG or Citibank while there was a bailout, that person too would have to resign.

   

• Inquest ordered into Brickdam lock-ups death.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:27

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:27

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:27

  Written by Stabroek News

  An inquest has been ordered into the death of James Nelson whose bruised body was discovered in a cell at the Brickdam Police Station lock-ups, last October.

  The file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in December last, after the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) concluded that the evidence was not clear as to who inflicted the injuries. The PCA in a report which had been submitted along with the case file recommended that an inquest be held into the incident.
  It is unclear if the inquest has begun.

  Nelson, 47, called ‘Jimmy,' of Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, was found dead in a cell at the lock-ups on October 31.
  Acting Commissioner Henry Greene had told this newspaper that the policeman, who was held one week after the man's death, was released from custody pending the outcome of the investigation which the police had launched. Several officers were also questioned.

  Nelson's son, who was the first to see the body, had told relatives that the man's face and hands were swollen. In addition, there were marks on his hand and a gaping wound to the back of the head.

  Police initially said that according to the information they received, Nelson had been banging his head on the wall of the lock-ups. However, relatives disputed that the man could have done this and pointed out that that did not account for the wounds he had.

  According to the police Nelson was arrested a day earlier after he entered the compound of the Ministry of Home Affairs and began behaving disorderly, allegedly over money owed to him by a contractor who had sent him off the job. He was spoken to by a Special Constabulary officer on duty but continued to behave in a disorderly manner and had to be restrained. The rank subsequently arrested him and handed him over to a police patrol that had been summoned. He was placed in a cell with 20 others but was discovered dead the following morning with a bruise over the right eye and a small cut over the left eye.

  A post-mortem examination conducted by government pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as haemorrhage and shock due to multiple injuries. No information was given as to where Nelson sustained the injuries.

  However his relatives, including his wife, remain convinced that the man was a victim of police brutality which resulted in a ruptured spleen among other serious injuries.

   

• Ready, set, hoe! - Five farmers to plant seeds of agri revolution.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 01:17

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 01:17

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 01:17

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  Published: Monday | March 9, 2009

   

  Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter

  An army of young farmers being assembled by the Ministry of Agriculture under the Young Farmers' Project will today start their mission to help make Jamaica a net exporter of food.

  A small brigade of five will kick-start the operation with a ground offensive on the earmarked terrain at Clarendon's Ebony Park.

  Under the project, each farmer will be given five acres of land. Hershell Brown, project director of the Agricultural Support Services Project (ASSP) in the ministry, revealed that a second gang of five should join the cultivating battalion in two weeks.

  He explained that the land for the next five participants was being prepared.

  The initial batch of 10 already enlisted in the farming army was chosen in January this year. The programme targets persons in the 18-35 age cohort. While the initiative received an "over-whelming response", the ASSP, formed in 2001 with a mandate of strengthening the competitiveness of Jamaican agriculture, is still on a recruitment drive.

  "We are hoping over the next 12 months to have one such project in every parish and, as such, we are still accepting applications," Brown said.

  Full-time farmers

  He explained that the ministry wants the participants to be full-time farmers who see the profession as a career of choice rather than a hobby.

  He believes the project is another step in the country's journey to becoming a net exporter of food. Jamaica is currently a net importer of food as the lion's share of what citizens eat comes from overseas. The statistic also includes food that can be grown in the country.

  In addition to the five acres allotted to each young farmer, they also receive the necessary infrastructure, technical support plus markets for their produce.

  Talk about having your cake and eating it.

  Cheap but not free

  Participating in the programme is cheap, but not free. "They will pay for the on-farm irrigation and land preparation," Brown pointed out.

  "Their job is to provide the working capital and management of these five-acre blocks," he added.

  The young cultivators, who will have to operate the farms like a business, must find the funds to purchase seedlings and fertilisers, as well as underwrite labour-related costs.

  The farmers will be charged a lease of $2,000 per acre per annum. However, the cultivators will not need to pay the money up front because the ministry is offering a payment plan that requires no funds from their pockets until the produce from the allotted lands is sold.

  "We made it so that it is not burdensome on them," he said.

  Brown warned that the project had no room for slackers and that non-performers would be kicked out and replaced by "people who are willing to work".

  The crops of focus under this phase of the project will be hot pepper, ginger and sweet potato. Brown is confident that pepper will be hot on the market.

  Next year, the project might have a different group of crops. That, Brown said, will be determined by market demand.

  How to get started

  Persons interested in the programme can write to the Young Farmers' Project c/o the Agricultural Support Services Project at the Ministry of Agriculture; or call 927-1506.

   

• Patentia 32-year-old accused of carnal knowledge.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:39

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:39

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:39

  Written by Stabroek News

  A 32-year-old man accused of having carnal knowledge of a 15-year-old girl was remanded to prison when he appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate's court on Wednesday.

  Robert Stephen of Patentia, West Bank Demerara was not required to plead to the indictable charge of having carnal knowledge of a girl between the age of 15 and 16 years and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Fazil Azeez.

  It is alleged that two Saturdays ago at Patentia, Stephen unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the teenager.

  The police were informed and following investigations he was arrested and charged.

  The court was informed by the girl's mother and grandmother that they could not "control" her and she had been told by Stephen that he would take her to Leguan.

   

• Independent schools struggling ... Some teachers sent home, parents pulling children.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:17

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:17

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:17

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  THE EFFECTS of the global economic meltdown have dealt a severe blow to scores of independent schools in Jamaica, with more than 50 currently facing serious financial problems.

  This has forced many of the schools to send home teachers, according to Basil Tabannor, president of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA).

  "Teachers have been laid off and they are not coming to the association this year, they are now going to the Ministry of Education," Tabannor told The Sunday Gleaner.

  The JISA president painted a worrying picture of the challenges confronting the sector, as he pointed out that the laying off of teachers was part of measures to keep the doors of the embattled institutions opened.

  Growing numbers

  Tabannor was reluctant to divulge the number of teachers who have been laid off, but said the numbers were growing.

  "It is increasing and if we don't get the sort of assistance that we are seeking, the downsizing will continue," said Tabannor.

  At the same time, Colin Blair, director of communications in the Ministry of Education, said the ministry has noticed a trend of independent school teachers visiting the offices for advice. However, he was unable to provide statistics.

  "But it is something that we are keeping our eyes on," Blair told The Sunday Gleaner.

  He confirmed that some parents were also pulling their students from private schools because they could no longer afford the fees.

  At present, more than 100,000 Jamaican children attend an estimated 200 independent schools in Jamaica. Of this number, 50 are said to be struggling to survive.

  The Sunday Gleaner has been reliably informed that three independent schools have closed in recent times. One of the three is said to have suffered this demise due to financial hardships.

  Increase in school fees

  The president said some schools are now contemplating increasing school fees again in April because they are fighting to stay afloat.

  "This is not normally the case, as schools either increased fees in September or January, but it's biting hard and people are really feeling the crunch," he said.

  The JISA has approached the Ministry of Education for assistance.

  Tabannor said he was awaiting a call from Minister of Education Andrew Holness, who had requested information from the association, following a meeting last month.

  "We had an understanding that if at all the Government can do anything, we want to do it before the budget (in April)," Tabannor told The Sunday Gleaner.

  Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) president, Doran Dixon, said he was not aware of teachers in independent schools being laid off, as he had not got word from any of the educators that his association represents.

  The JTA boss said his association would not like to see private schools close their doors because of financial problems, as the Government was not able to provide all the school spaces that were needed in the education system.

  Dixon said the JTA would support the Government to assist private schools that are in a difficult spot.

  "The fact that the Government has to purchase school space from private schools shows that these schools are important for the system," said Dixon.

  A Kingston-based educator at a private school, who spoke with The Sunday Gleaner on condition of anonymity, said most private schools were feeling the pinch from the global financial crisis. He said the reclassification of salaries to teachers in public schools had pressured private educational institutions to offer more competitive rates to their staff.

  Direct impact

  The educator said the massive redundancies taking place in the private sector was having a direct impact on independent schools.

  Last month, Opposition Spokesman on Education Basil Waite and Government Senator Hyacinth Bennett urged the Bruce Golding administration to place greater emphasis on the sustenance and development of independent schools.

  Senator Waite, while debating a private member's motion moved by him, suggested that the Government provide concessionary loans for the development of independent schools.

  The Upper House approved the resolution calling for the establishment of a task force to examine ways in which financing could be sourced, at significantly reduced rates, for the development of private schools.

  During the parliamentary debate in February, Senator Bennett, who runs the Hydel group of schools, said the Government should shed its piecemeal approach towards independent schools.

  "When I spoke with the president of the association (Jamaica Independent Schools Association), the picture that he painted of a number of independent schools is rather gloomy as well as frightening," she informed her colleagues.

  · ... Fees main setback

  MORE THAN a year since the Government removed tuition fees from the secondary school system, at least three traditional high schools in western Jamaica have admitted that they are struggling to survive, due to insuffcient government allocations.

  Although the Government has not been delinquent in its payments of tuition fees, principal of the all-girls Hampton High School in St Elizabeth, Heather Murray, revealed that the cost to operate her institution at the end of 2008 was a whopping $232 million (excluding the boarding costs), but Government's allocation is only $104 million.

  "It is certainly not enough to run the type of institution that you would like to operate - because you have to take into consideration so many other things that we need to do, such as the cost of technology, educational trips, the maintenance of the school among others," says Murray, who oversees 1,185 students.

  Cost-cutting measures

  While she lauded the efforts of Government to reduce the cost of education borne by parents, Murray revealed that she had to implement cost-cutting measures in order to ensure that quality education is not ultimately sacrificed for the government's subsidised education policy.

  As an alternative, the school uses less stationery for both teachers and students; incentives for students and teachers who perform well had to be reduced; and the amount budgeted to provide meals for boarding students has been reduced.

  Meanwhile, Cornwall College in Montego Bay, which boasts a student population of 1,414, has had to depend heavily on contributions from its alumni association in an effort to offset operational costs of the all-boys school, principal Denham McIntyre disclosed.

  This dependency exists, he added, because "what Government provides is not adequate at all to run our school. The initial budget that we identified to run this institution for the 2007-2008 academic year was $55 million, but we are getting just under $14 million from Government. This is way, way below our operation cost."

  Drastic actions

  He said some of the school's educational programmes had to be curtailed and department budgets sliced. Despite these drastic actions by the school's administration, McIntyre explained that vandalism by students has declined and the students now understand some of the challenges the school is facing.

  However, June Thompson, who is principal of the co-educational institution, Rusea's High School in Hanover, has blamed tardy parents for not paying the auxiliary fees that are required to run the school.

  She advocates that parents pay the subsidiary fees which are there to cushion some of the operational expenses. "Because of this notion of free education, the majority of the parents are not forthcoming with those payments," complained Thompson. "Parents are stakeholders, so they need to contribute to the educational development of their children. The amount given to us by Government is not enough but it is paid on time."

  Rusea's High's administration had to employ cost-cutting strategies at the school, which houses 2,092 students, such as reducing co-curricular activities; postponing development plans for the school; and cutting educational trips in order to remain in operation. It costs an estimated $50 million to operate Rusea's High, but the principal revealed that the school is receiving less than half of that amount from Government.

   

• St Ann's outpatient kills two.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:07

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:07

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:07

  Written by Trinidad Express

  A SHOOTING spree by a St Ann's Hospital outpatient on Friday night in the Covigne Road, Diego Martin, area was thought to have claimed the life of one man identified as Toby Charles.

  Not so. This man is now believed to have killed two people.

  The alleged killer-during his spree -injured four other people who, up to press time last night, were listed as stable at the Port of Spain General Hospital.

  Shortly after the shootings investigators were on the scene and with the help of the Special Anti Crime Unit helicopter, the man aged 35 was arrested after a two-hour chase.

  What the police didn't know however, was that there was a second casualty who, apparently, was the victim of a stray bullet.

  Friday night's incident began at 6.15 p.m. when the gunman walked up to a group of young men liming at Cemetery Street which is off Covigne Road, Diego Martin and opened fire on all of them. Charles, 25, who lives in the area was killed instantly. The other four victims, all male, were taken to hospital and treated.

  A team of officers, including Insp Henry Dann, rushed to the scene in a bid to find the gunman.

  Their search area was wide hilly terrain so they called for help.

  It came in the form of the dark grey helicopter belonging to the Special Anti Crime Unit.

  With its powerful searchlight they were able to effectively track their target and pinned him behind a house. The search took two hours. The man was later taken into police custody where he is still, "assisting," officers in their investigations.

  Crime Scene Unit officers were also on the scene Friday night and after spending a few hours gathering bits of evidence, Charles' body was eventually taken to the Port of Spain Mortuary.

  The police then left.

  About half an hour later they got a call.

  Another body had been found.

  It was that of a woman.

  The same team of officers now had to journey back to the area where they found the body of 40-year-old Malita Francis just outside her house.

  Again Crime Scene Unit personnel had to go back to the area and perform a second homicide evidence gathering routine.

  Reporters attempted to speak to Francis' relatives yesterday afternoon but none of them were at home.

  Homicide Bureau officers are continuing investigations.

   

• Man who threw gas on Linden teen just watched him burn - father.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:57

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:57

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:57

  Written by Stabroek News

  As 17-year-old Leroy Anthony Daniels tried desperately to rid himself of the flames engulfing his body, the man who set him ablaze just watched on.

  Daniels, of 758 South Turkeyen, succumbed last Monday to burns he sustained during the fatal incident, which took place two weeks ago at Linden.
  The incident occurred on February 22, while Daniels was part of a group clearing a plot of land at Phase 3, Wisroc, Wismar.

  Police said earlier this week that a man who had been part of the clearing crew was arrested for throwing the container, which exploded.

  However, according to Daniels' father, Desmond Hinds, the man who threw the gasoline was not a part of the four-man clearing group. He said the group was made up of himself, Daniels and two other family members.

  Hinds explained that Daniels was crouched in a coal pit to set a heap of grass on fire when a man approached from behind and poured a container of gasoline over his head into the heap. "All I heard is a boom," Hinds related, adding "I turn around and see me son catch a fire." He said the young man was only wearing short pants at the time and he quickly took them off and rolled on the ground to put the flames out. All the while, the man stood with the container in hand surveying what had happened.
  Hinds said the man lived at Linden and had been lurking in the vicinity. Hinds said he asked the man why he had thrown the gasoline and the man claimed that Daniels had asked him for it. "He said my son send him for the bottle," Hinds explained, "But up to the day before he succumbed, he [Daniels] said, ‘No, me ain't send the boy for the bottle, believe me.'"

  Daniels suffered severe burns and was a patient at the Mackenzie Hospital, where his condition worsened. According to Hinds, his son was supposed to be transferred to the Georgetown Hospital's burn care unit since last Saturday but he was not moved until Monday because of the Mashramani celebrations during the weekend.

   

• Help me! My 16-y-o son is smoking!.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:47

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:47

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:47

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  Q. My son has taken up smoking. I cannot believe it! What do I do? He is only smoking cigarettes. I found one in his shirt pocket and he is 16 years of age! Help! Why is he doing this?

  AYour son may be smoking because of peer pressure, or he has been bombarded with media images that say it is ok to do this. Also, he may have just made a choice as he thinks it is OK to do this. Talk with him about the health risks that accompany this bad habit. If he is not listening to you, take him to a responsible adult whom he respects, or a counsellor or a psychologist. Please take him for a medical check-up also to ensure that he has not been harmed so far by the cigarette smoking and that he doesn't have any other health problem.

   

  Q. The guidance counsellor at my daughter's high school wants her to participate in group counselling. I do not mind my child getting counselling but I do not want others to know her business. Can I say no to this?

  A You have the right to say yes or no. What you need to do is to find out what the group counselling sessions will be about. Group counselling can teach preventive, remedial or growth-oriented skills. Some of the many topics that may be covered in group counselling are learning how to share with others, coping with a particular type of stressor or managing anger. The topics that can be looked at in group counselling can be educational, social, career oriented or personal. Meet with the counsellor and learn more about the issue at hand.

   

  Q. Why is it that my six and seven-year-old children play so much? They play at church, school and at home with other children their age. Just following after them makes me tired. What can I do?

  AThe fact that your children play and seem to be having fun doing it suggests that they are happy children. Children mostly play with others their age because they have a lot in common. They watch the same TV shows and they are learning the same things in school and church. You can organise sit-down educational games so they mix physical and educational activities. You can also go to the local library and help them get books that they can read to each other and to friends. They can also join their local church and community groups such as brownies, scouts and adventurers.

  Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behaviour problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston. <

   

• Siblings in court for Carnival killing.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:34

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:34

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:34

  Written by Trinidad Express

  A BROTHER and sister who were both allegedly involved in the Carnival Sunday morning killing of a Trinidad-born American are expected in the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court today.

  Leevurn Lyons, 29, of Oklahoma was shot dead on February 22, following an altercation with a man on Cipriani Boulevard, Port of Spain following a Carnival fete.

  Charged with the American's murder is 30-year-old Trinidad-born Canadian Shawn McClean.

  His 25-year-old sister Lasharn Mc- Clean, a mother of two, is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition.

  The siblings are expected to re-appear in the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court today to answer their respective charges.

  On Friday when the duo appeared before Magistrate Avason Quinlan they were both denied bail.

  Lasharn McClean will reappear before Quinlan while her brother will appear before Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls.

• Press body urges adherence to standards across all media.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:25

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:25

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:25

  Written by Stabroek News

  Adherence to standards is paramount for both the "new" and traditional media if they are to be taken seriously, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) says while declaring that it does not encourage any form of censorship.

  In a statement on Saturday, the press body called on media houses and practitioners to adhere to the highest standards of journalism. This call applies to traditional media, radio, newspapers and television, as well as new media such as Internet broadcasting, websites and weblogs, the statement said.

  "Particularly those who seek recognition as New media need to cease straddling their content with half-truths, lies, rumors and slander. The traditional media need to be fair, accurate and objective, for example giving voice to those with whom some owners may not agree and eschewing inundating its letter columns with phantom writers to support a cause", the GPA declared.

  The GPA did not identify any media outlet but the statement came after the furore created by a web log which carried false reports on two banks. The blog has since been pulled.

  The GPA said that while the Association shall never condone restrictions on responsible and free expression in both traditional and new media; "the most important lesson for all media practitioners, soi-disant critics, columnists, analysts, commentators and Guyanese as a whole is that we must not open the proverbial Pandora's Box to Censorship."

  The press body asserted that it shall not accept censorship, threats of censorship under any circumstances and will resist any such attempts. "That is why over the years we have been constant in our call for the release of the Electro-magnetic spectrum to allow for Independent and Private Radio stations and expansion of Television Stations, new and existing, cable and over the air", it declared.

  The Association added that it does not encourage any form of censorship but is simply requesting that the facts be reported fairly and accurately. "Let us be self-critical and self-regulatory in accordance with well-established journalistic rules and ethics, it said.

   

• Waging Peace - Duhaney Park at ease.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 06:01

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 06:01

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 06:01

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  IN THE context of Jamaican gangland feuds, hostility between Brooke Avenue and Sherlock Crescent is as old as the hills. But five years ago, residents from the fractious Duhaney Park neighbourhoods called a truce that holds to this day.

  That 'peace treaty' ended 15 years of violence that resulted in several murders, making Duhaney Park one of the most violent communities in the St Andrew South police division.

  Deputy Superintendent of Police, Clyde Talbot, is commanding officer at the Duhaney Park precinct. He tells The Sunday Gleaner that communication between residents and the police has helped keep the peace.

  Strong relationship

  "We have developed a strong relationship with the community, so if there is any hint of escalation (in crime) they call us or the PMI (Peace Management Initiative) and it is dealt with," DSP Talbot said.

  The 33-year Jamaica Constabulary Force veteran says a team from his office meets weekly with the Duhaney Park Citizens' Association, and monthly with the community's peace and development committee.

  Various issues, from improving utility services to granting permits for dances, are discussed at these meetings. The Duhaney Park Police Youth Club, Talbot said, also meets weekly at his office.

  Duhaney Park is one of several low-income housing schemes built during the 1970s by the government of prime minister, Michael Manley. During the 1980s, heavily-armed gangs, associating themselves with the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JAP), kept the St Andrew South police on their toes.

  Brooke Avenue is home to a strong PNP base, while Sherlock Crescent is known to support the JAP. Talbot says gangs from neighbouring New Haven, which have allegiance to both parties, were also involved in criminal activity in Duhaney Park.

  Last year, a series of rapes in Duhaney Park threatened to disrupt the peace. Talbot says a man implicated in most of those assaults was recently arrested and is facing rape and assault charges.

   

• Police urge parents to secure home, children.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:58

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:58

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:58

  Written by Trinidad Express

  A senior police officer attached to the South Western Division yesterday made a special appeal to parents to secure their homes and children before leaving to visit friends.

  "Children should not be left alone they should always be overseen by an adult," said the officer who was responding to a fire at Alexander Settlement, Santa Flora.

  The officer said at the time of the fire there were three children in the house, including a three-year- old girl.

  Fortunately for the children, a neighbour saw the house on fire and was able to rescue them.

  The children who were in the house at the time of the fire were Jerry Griffith, 17, Jamal Morgan, 13, and Faye-Anne Lambert, 3.

  Police say the children's mother, Roxanne Lambert, 37, a domestic helper, left the children in the house around seven o'clock. on Friday night, and while at the home of a friend she was alerted about the fire by a neighbour.

  Fire officials from Siparia Fire Station went to the scene, but by the time they arrived the one bedroom house, valued at $45,000, was completely destroyed.

  Police say the family used a kerosene lamp for lighting as there was no electricity in the house.

   

• Caricom movement has lost a year to inertia – Owen Arthur.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:34

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:34

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:34

  Written by Stabroek News

  The Caricom Single Economy has suffered within the past year because of an inertia that has virtually suspended the programme even as the region confronts a global crisis, former Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur has said.

  "We have lost a year," Arthur said while noting that the consequences for the region are and will be adverse as a result and have been already illustrated by the situation that has evolved in the financial sector. He emphasized the need for real movement in the direction of regional integration during an address at the Rotary Club of Georgetown Dinner at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday.

  Arthur, who had lead responsibility for the Caricom Single Market and Economy, underpinned regional cooperation as the critical element as the region tackles the global economic crisis. But he observed that if economic integration is to become a strong force to drive Caribbean development, and is to be the means by which the regional economy is inserted into the global economy, "that process must involve the building of strong and competitive enterprises by allowing them to have access to the skills of the people of the Caribbean, wherever they are available".

  He asserted that the Caribbean has never realized its developmental potential in large measure because it has never succeeded in putting the creative imagination of its people fully to work on the region's behalf, and according to him "that creative imagination must be liberated for the Caribbean to progress".

  The former long-serving Barbadian Prime Minister singled out labour mobility in the region as a key aspect of the integration process saying that a sound policy on the issue should be implemented in a sensitive and coherent manner, adding that when citizens move across the region for employment, they will do so in an environment within which the social benefits to which they are entitled in any one place are clearly defined and known by all.

  The region, he said, needs to define and implement a decent work programme and agenda so that labour mobility can lead to social and economic progress everywhere. He noted that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) recently signed with the European Union makes a concession agreeing to a regime for the temporary movement of natural persons from the Caribbean to its markets.

  According to him, that concession gives the EPA some of its worth to the region as a possible instrument for Caribbean development. Arthur said too, that the calls by some countries to revamp the social mobility aspect of the CSME because it "places a strain on their social systems" therefore seems a sharp contradiction and "quite frankly an expression of backwardness" for anyone to salute the provision of labour mobility that we have located at the centre of our efforts to build a regional economy through CSME.

  Further, he said that the global crisis is occurring at a time when the region has to simultaneously radically reorder its economic relationships with its principal trading partners, while trying to reconstitute its components into the single market and economy. In both of these instances, he said, that the Caribbean ship of state is sailing in unchartered waters

  Arthur said that a Caribbean solution to the economic problem which is global in source and scope will clearly depend in large measure upon the strength and soundness of the response by the international community. He declared that if that response is not sound, to the extent that it is rooted in analysis of the crisis, and if it is not strong and all-encompassing in the scope of its solutions, then areas such as the Caribbean will be left dangerously adrift.

  He also observed that the global economy is both under-governed and managed in a highly democratic manner and decried the fact that Caribbean heads are still to meet to consider how the region should respond to the unfolding global crisis. He added that in the face of this economic crisis, it appears that the regional movement is at large.

  Arthur served as Barbadian Prime Minister from 1994 to 2008, losing the elections last year.

   

• Dear peace - Group vows to maintain calm despite the price.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:44

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:44

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:44

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  Children curfews, parenting workshops and football competitions are just some of the strategies members of the Kingston and St Andrew Action Forum (KSAAF) have been using to return their communities to a family-friendly state.

  The men and women who make up the forum live in the communities where they have been trying to grow peace, and it shows.

  But, father of six, 48-year-old Winston Munroe, a KSAAF representative, notes that peace has come with a price.

  "Because we are not at war, we are getting little or no assistance. If you are at war, you are in the press, but we have been doing so well that nobody looks our way anymore."

  Godfrey Lothian, the president, hails from Greenwich Park. He says the activities of the group have turned warring zones of the capital into places where children can live in safety.

  KSAAF is a voluntary group of persons from 53 urban communities across the Kingston Metro-politan Region and St Catherine.

  They feel that already there are signs that they will succeed. In Duhaney Park, work done by KSAAF, the police and the local Peace Management Initiative has ended feuding between Brooke Avenue and Sherlock Crescent - once aligned along hostile political lines.

  A 'peace treaty', signed last year, ended 15 years of violence that resulted in several murders and made Duhaney Park one of the most violent communities in the St Andrew South Police Division.

  Still optimistic

  KSAAF, born in 2003 out of a United Nations Development Programme initiative, continues to see reasons to be optimistic.

  "The families are coming back," says Munroe, who lives in Torrington Park.

  "In Torrington Park, there was a lot of war and people fled to Portmore. Now, they are coming back."

  For the social worker, the question is not academic. The place in which he works is also the place that he and his children call home.

  In Torrington Park and in communities across the city such as Duhaney Park - KSAAF representatives have coordinated peace marches, six-a-side football competitions and employment initiatives which have given community members an 'excuse' to like each other again.

  The story is the same, Lothian claims, in Hannah Town and Fletcher's Land where community events were used to bring warring sides together.

  In this zone as well, programme representative Arlene Bailey implemented a successful children curfew which dictates that no child should be on the road after dark unless accompanied by a relative.

  'There are also parenting programmes in these areas.

  Bearing fruit

  In April 2008, Lothian launched the 'get the guns off the street' campaign. One year later, while he says he has not been given any guns, his self-styled dialogue with dons, 'shottas' and ordinary folk appears to be bearing fruit.

  KSAAF has held Monday night forums and town-hall meetings in communities including Boucher Park, Franklyn Town, Whitfield Town, Rose Town, Mandela Terrace, Greenwich Town, Majesty Gardens, Fletcher's Land, Torrington Park, Mountain View and Central Kingston, allowing residents to express their views and needs.

  Programme Manager Andrew Geohagen told The Gleaner that the KSAAF representatives have met every stakeholder, including the community dons who said all they want is respect.

  Fighting for respect

  "They have reasons for becoming part of the criminal underground. They are fighting for respect. They say people come to the communities and promise development, and nothing happens. They are taking their own destiny into their hands."

  Other gun users on the periphery, he notes, are more easily coaxed away from using guns for earning money if they have opportunities, including education and employment. KSAAF has responded with plans for improving literacy, computer and Spanish classes and has approached the HEART Trust/ NTA for further training initiatives.

  Munroe has visions of establishing community centres and micro-enterprise projects. A proposal, to be submitted to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, involves using empty government land for raising crops.

   

• Cop in court for perversion of justice.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:36

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:36

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:36

  Written by Trinidad Express

  A police constable with 30 years service appeared before a Tunapuna magistrate on Friday, charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

  Constable Ramsaran Jagroop, 50, of Cumuto, appeared before Magistrate Adrian Darmanie and was granted $75,000 bail with surety. His co-accused, Amin Singh, was not taken to court. Both men are facing the same charge.

  Jagroop, who was attached to the Tunapuna Police Station, was arrested last Monday night and charged with attempting to pervert the course of public justice during the period between January 1-March 23, 2009, in Arima.

  It is alleged that Ramsaran stamped a copy book using a date stamp bearing the Arima Police Station's name and caused an unauthorised entry to be made into a copy book belonging to Singh, by falsely pretending that Singh honoured his bail condition of reporting to the Arima station.

  Singh, the court heard, is currently on bail, having been charged with possession of ammunition on January 18, 2008, in Arima.

  Part of Singh's bail condition was that he report to the Arima Police Station between 6 a.m.-6 p.m. and get his copy book stamped.

  In seeking bail for his client, attorney Daniel Khan told the court that while he was in custody for four days, Jagroop's former colleagues only gave him two meals despite the fact that he suffers from high blood pressure and is in need of medication.

  Khan also told the court Jagroop was also denied the right to see an attorney and such behaviour displayed by the officers was alarming, in that his client's constitutional rights were lost since he was under investigation for an offence.

  Magistrate Darmanie said he noted the complaints and transferred the matter to the Arima Magistrates' Court for April 2.

• ‘Simple send-off’ for Mrs Jagan State ceremony at Parliament, cremation at Babu John.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:24

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:32

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:24

  Written by Stabroek News

  Former President Janet Jagan, who died early Saturday morning at the age of 88, will be cremated at Babu John, Corentyne tomorrow following a state funeral at Parlia-ment Building at 8:30 am.

  According to a press release from the Office of the President, Mrs Jagan, who succumbed to an abdominal aneurysm at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), wished for a "simple send-off" and as a result there would be no viewing of the body.

  Thousands are expected to turn out to pay their last respects to the woman who is credited with dedicating her life towards the struggles for independence and democracy in a country she made her own after she left her native America in 1943 upon marrying Dr Cheddi Jagan.

  The release disclosed that the hearse accompanied by her family will leave from Mrs Jagan's New Haven, Bel Air residence at 8 am proceeding west then north onto the Railway Embankment Road thence into Sheriff Street, turning into Campbell Avenue/Sandy Babb Street and then turning south onto Vlissengen Road.

  The cortege will stop on Vlissengen Road directly in front of the Office of the President and Castellani House where the military procession will commence. The procession will then proceed south and turn west into Brickdam and onwards to Parliament Building, arriving at 8:30 am for the state ceremony.

  "The Cortege departs Parliament Building at 10:00 hrs and will stop briefly in front of the headquarters of the People's Progressive Party, Freedom House, Robb Street, for a ceremonial farewell," the release said.

  The procession will then leave for Babu John where speeches will be delivered and the final military honours performed. It is anticipated that the final ceremony and the cremation will commence at 2 pm.

  Fitting tribute
  Meanwhile President Bharrat Jagdeo, who cut short his Middle East trip following the passing of the former president, arrived in the country early yesterday morning and told reporters at the airport that he had travelled continuously for 24 hours soon after he was informed of the death of Mrs Jagan by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

  Jagdeo, who was in the Middle East on a series of official visits, said he had met with the family of Mrs Jagan including her children, Joey and Nadira, and they decided on funeral arrangements that will pay a fitting tribute.

  According to a release from the Government Infor-mation Agency (GINA) the president said while they have to respect the wishes of the family "At the same time Comrade Janet belongs to the whole country so we have to balance the two interests."

  Members of the public turned out in their numbers at Freedom House, Robb Street last evening where a wake for former President, Mrs. Janet Jagan was being held. Mrs. Jagan died on Saturday at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

  In remembering the late President, Jagdeo described her death as a sad day for the country adding that she while she lived a full life her passing "makes us poor, our country poor." He said that she was involved in every major cause to enhance the lives of Guyanese as far back as the 1940's.

  "She will long be remembered not just as Janet Jagan the person, but for what she stood for, for the ideas that she had, the strength of character that she displayed and her commitment and love for this country," GINA quoted the president as saying.

  The president paid tribute to the contributions Mrs. Jagan made to the People's Progressive Party (PPP) noting that alongside her late husband, Dr Cheddi Jagan, she played a significant role in imbuing the PPP with their philosophies and ideas.

  "Our party remains strong today and that was her life's work; to ensure that the party remains strong so that it can continue to serve the people of this country, our party's ideals will always be evergreen because they believe in countries that cater for all of its people, regardless of the race or religion. This was the core value of the PPP largely because these were the core values of Janet and Cheddi Jagan," the President said. He added that any party that works for the good of the people of the country will always be relevant and the character and nature of the PPP is owed to Dr and Mrs Jagan.

  And the president said all Guyanese in remembering Mrs Jagan should try to learn more about the things that she stood for and struggled for because these are things that they enjoy today, freedoms that are taken for granted.

  After migrating to Guyana Mrs Jagan helped to found the Women's Political and Eco-nomic Organisation and co-founded the Political Affairs Committee in 1946, and later along with her husband and others formed the PPP in 1950.

  She served as Prime Minister of Guyana from March 17, 1997 to December 19, 1997 in addition to holding several other elected offices. After her husband's death in 1997, Mrs. Jagan ran as the Presidential candidate for the PPP/C in the December 1997 election. She assumed the Presidency of Guyana following the PPP/C victory in that election. She served for 20 months before resigning for health reasons.

   

• Shaw says more money missing from FID.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:28

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:28

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:28

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  Finance Minister Audley Shaw said he has received new information that more money has gone missing from the Financial Investigation Division (FID).

  According to Mr Shaw he will be referring the investigation to the Commissioner of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

  Mr Shaw said he's not pleased with the pace of the police probe into the disappearance of approximately $17 million in November 2007.

  The money, which was being kept as evidence in several cases before the court, is said to have been stolen from a vault between August and October that same year.

  However, Head of the Major Investigation Task Force (MIT) Assistant Commissioner, Les Green, said the police are already collaborating with the office of the DPP.

  He said the investigation is progressing despite several challenges.

• PANDAY KIDNAP PLOT---Cops probe report of plan to snatch a daughter of the Opposition Leader.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:17

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:17

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:17

  Written by Trinidad Express

  Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert is investigating an alleged plot to kidnap one of the daughters of Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday.

  Sources told the Express last night that Philbert met with Panday yesterday at the Opposition Leader's office in Port of Spain on the allegation.

  According to a source, a fisherman overheard a conversation about a plot to kidnap one of the Panday girls early yesterday and contacted the police.

  Panday has four daughters -Niala, Mickela, Nicola and Vastala.

  His eldest daughter, Niala, was from his first marriage and she currently lives in Scotland. She recently gave birth to a baby girl, Panday's first grandchild.

  Mickela is the Member of Parliament for Oropouche West.

  Panday, his wife, Oma, and three daughters live in Palmiste, San Fernando.

  Sources say the fisherman was at Las Cuevas beach early yesterday morning, when he saw two vehicles.

  The fisherman found it curious that the two cars were parked so early in the morning at the beach and decided to casually walk past to see what was happening.

  The fisherman told police he saw two men in discussions and one handed the other a big brown envelope.

  Sources say the fisherman told police he overheard one of the men say "kidnap one of Panday's daughters". The fisherman, upon hearing this, contacted the authorities.

  Sources say a statement was taken from the fisherman yesterday in the presence of the acting Commissioner of Police.

  The Express also learned that members of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad visited Panday's Palmiste residence yesterday, where they met and talked with Oma and Panday's daughters.

  Panday seemed in shock when contacted last night when asked whether the report was true. After a long pause, he said, "What the hell," and then paused again and before adding, "I can't talk about this, no comment."

  Several Opposition MPs were also in the dark last night over the alleged plot.

  Contacted again later last night, Panday confirmed the allegations.

  Questioned if there was an attempt to kidnap Mickela, he said, "Let's not talk about that."

  Pressed further as to if it was true, he responded, "Yes, it is true." Asked again if it was Mickela, he said, "No, no, it's one of my daughters."

  Sources said that none of Panday's daughters was identified in the particular report and the fisherman said in his statement that no names were called.

  Panday, as the Opposition Leader, has a personal driver and security assigned to him.

  Mickela also has a driver but no security detail.

  Sources say an arrangement would be put in place to provide police security for all of Panday's daughters.

  The Express tried to contact Philbert last night but he did not answer his cellphone.

   

• Guyanese teen shot dead in Cayenne.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:09

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:09

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 01:09

  Written by Stabroek News

  -identified as ‘Beenie'

  A Guyanese youth was shot dead in front of a Creole restaurant in Cayenne, French Guiana on Saturday in an apparent revenge killing. Three men are said to be in police custody.

  Sources in the neighbouring territory say that investigators are reluctant to divulge the man's identity or information surrounding his death. They have, however, said that the persons involved in the incident are known to them.

  The dead lad, who is about 17 years old, is known as ‘Beenie' and resides in Georgetown. From reports, the deceased is an illegal immigrant in the country and resided in a squatting settlement.

  Stabroek News was told that four Guyanese men confronted the teen in front of the restaurant located on Avenue Voltaire between 9pm and 10pm, shooting him three times. They then fled the area, leaving the bleeding man lying on the roadway. He subsequently died.

  Three men, who police say were accomplices to the murder, are said to be in police custody though the shooter is still at large. One of the suspects is an 18-year-old Guyanese miner, who was a friend of the murdered teen. He has reportedly explained to the police that it was a revenge killing after a recent fight over a woman.

  Persons in the area where the incident occurred recalled hearing several gunshots.
  `Beenie' is the third Guyanese to be gunned down in French Guiana in the last five months under questionable circumstances.
  On November 22, Joseph `Obrien' Mc Aulay was shot dead in a small town called Matoury. Mc Aulay was the victim of a drive-by shooting and he died at the Cayenne Hospital from a gunshot wound to the chest. A pillion rider who was with Mc Aulay at the time ran away but he subsequently went to the police and a statement was given.

  The incident apparently stemmed from an earlier incident during which Mc Aulay was punched. Two suspects were later held but it is unclear if charges were laid.

  The man's relatives, including his mother Jocelyn Daley, had told this newspaper that he died innocently and that he was merely trying to make peace after a fight broke out. It was one of Mc Aulay's friends in Guyana who telephoned his mother shortly after he had been shot.
  The dead man had left Guyana six years earlier for French Guiana seeking a better life.

  Weeks earlier, 24-year-old Troy James was killed and police were convinced that it was his older brother who had committed the act. This newspaper had been told that the two had a falling out that sparked the fatal shooting. It is believed that the suspect returned to Guyana though Suriname shortly after the incident. To date he has not been apprehended.

  Press officer Lieutenant-Colonel Laperle from the Central Gendarmerie had told Stabroek News' source that James was killed in Remire-Montjoly, a town in the suburb of Cayenne. The officer added that the killing took place less than ten metres from a soccer field, where young players of a local team--USL Montjoly--were training. The coach, former international French goalkeeper Bernard Lama, was leading the training sessions and he was the one who contacted the police.

  His mother, James' mother, Rose Ann Garraway, called ‘Rosie,' told members of the media that she warned the man repeatedly about going to the country. The man's relatives had said that they were clueless as to what might have sparked the tragedy.

   

• Vaz wins landslide victory.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:56

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:56

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:56

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) had its 32 - 28 seat majority in parliament restored following yesterday's landslide victory in the West Portland by-election.

  The party's candidate Daryl Vaz whipped the PNP's Kenneth Rowe by gaining a 2,289 margin of victory.

  From early in the counting process, the JLP ‘s Daryl Vaz established a clear lead eventually thrashing the PNP's Rowe in what was a keenly contested poll.

  By the end of the count Vaz polled 7,915 votes to Rowe's 5,626, becoming the first candidate to score more than 7,000 votes in West Portland.

  Astor Black, of the New Jamaica Alliance, polled 27 votes.

  Vaz's performance was far better than his showing in the 2007 general election, when he polled 6, 977 votes to defeat the PNP's Abe Dabdoub, who received 6,033 from 74 percent of the constituency's electors.

  Vaz said the margin of victory was in keeping with his predictions.

  The PNP's Rowe said he intends to lick his wounds and rebound following yesterday's loss.

  It was the second time that Rowe was contesting the West Portland seat in a national poll.

  In 2002, he contested the seat for the JLP but lost to Errol Ennis's by 281 votes.

  Rowe switched allegiance to the PNP after Vaz whipped him to win the chairmanship of the constituency in 2005.

  In a statement last night, the PNP said it would be reviewing the results and their implications in the immediate-term.

  The party also congratulated Vaz on his victory in what it said was a well contested poll.

  Electoral officials have reported that just over 70 percent or 13,589 of the over 18,000 eligible voters turned out to cast their ballots.

   

• WHIP FOR RAMESH.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:48

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:48

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:48

  Written by Trinidad Express

  - Tabaquite MP Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj could be fired as Chief Whip of the Unied National Congress by Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday later this week.

  Sources informed the Express yesterday that all Opposition MPs (except Jack Warner and Winston "Gypsy" Peters) have signed a strongly worded letter to be sent to Panday, asking him to fire Maharaj as Chief Whip, as members have lost confidence in him.

  Among other duties, the Chief Whip ensures that members tow the party line, decides who speaks in Parliament and for how long and liaises with the government leader for the arrangement of the business of the House. In the UNC, he also chairs the parliamentary caucus.

  If Panday swings his axe, the entire Parliament seating arrangement would change, as Maharaj would be booted to the back bench and the Opposition Leader would no longer be sandwiched between Maharaj and Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner on the front bench.

  Yesterday, however, Maharaj said if he is indeed fired, it would make his resolve stronger and give him more time to work the ground and spread the message of change to create what he said is the "real UNC".

  He said he took a decision not to attend two consecutive caucus meetings, starting from tomorrow, as a mark of protest over his and Warner's unheeded calls for party elections change.

  Maharaj said the back bench of the Opposition would become the front bench when he, Warner and Peters make their move. He said while he can be removed as Chief Whip, he would remain the MP for Tabaquite. He said if any action is taken to expel or suspend him from the party, he would call a mass public meeting where the membership would move a vote of no confidence in Panday and the UNC executive.

  If action is taken, Maharaj would be the second Chief Whip to leave after falling out with the party leadership , the first being former MP Ganga Singh. The job of Chief Whip is therefore likely to fall again to MP Hamza Rafeeq who served in the position after Singh left.

  Contacted yesterday, Panday said a decision on Maharaj's fate as Chief Whip will be made tomorrow when the Parliamentary caucus meets. He said, however, that "if the undisciplined elements should be exorcised from the party, the party will be stronger I think".

  Sources said given Sunday's chaos at the Rienzi Complex, there is no way members would accept Maharaj to lead the Opposition's business in the Parliament.

  On Sunday, Warner and Maharaj led a large crowd to the Rienzi Complex where they attempted to enter the Congress meeting, but things soon erupted into a violent brawl.

  Panday made it clear yesterday that Maharaj and Warner were not blocked, as they are entitled to enter the meeting. However, he stressed that it was a meeting for delegates only, which the duo was set on disrupting.

  Panday noted that the party's disciplinary committee has been finalised and this body will come into effect once an official complaint is made.

  He added, "I think they destroyed themselves. People are smart and saw what they did yesterday (Sunday). They bought busloads of people to disrupt the Congress by thuggery, they think the people are foolish."

   

• Father and son found dead at Shell Beach.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:41

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:41

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:41

  Written by Stabroek News

  Two Pomeroon men were found apparently murdered at Shell Beach in the North West District on Saturday, their bodies decomposed, when relatives went looking for them after they did not return home at the appointed time.

  Dead are Romeo De Agrella, 41, and his 20-year-old son Clint De Agrella of Grant Strong, Lower Pomeroon, Essequibo. Reports said both bodies had bullet wounds.

  According to reports reaching this newspaper, the father and son had left with their boat to purchase fuel in Venezuela. They had reportedly told family members that they would be back on Friday.

  When they did not show up, reports said, relatives formed a search party and went looking for them. After searching the waters for a while, the relatives happened on a boat that was travelling from the North West District.

  Reports are that the persons on the boat told the De Agrellas' relatives that they had passed a boat a while back which appeared to have had no one on board. The relatives followed the directions and on Saturday found the bullet-riddled, decomposing bodies of the De Agrellas at Shell Beach as well as their boat, which had blood in it.

  The relatives reportedly contacted the police at Essequibo and returned with them to the area. The bodies were reportedly brought back to the Pomeroon yesterday. There was no word as to whether, given their state of decomposition, they had since been buried.

  Reports are that the police are investigating. Up to press time last night, the police had not issued a statement on the incident.

   

• Rain or shine - Weather won't mar by-election turnout - parties.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 02:13

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 02:13

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 02:13

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  THE COUNTRY'S two major political parties are confident that rainy weather affecting West Portland will not influence voter turnout in today's by-election, which could significantly shift the balance of political power.

  Already the parish has been drenched and the Meteorological Service has said it expects "cloudy conditions with on-and-off showers" to continue throughout today.

  The Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) Daryl Vaz is nominated to contest the seat against the People's National Party's (PNP) Kenneth Rowe. Long-shot contender Astor Black of the New Jamaica Alliance is also in the race.

  Vaz told The Gleaner yesterday that showers will not bother Portlanders.

  "Portland is accustomed to rain. Surely, the rain will delay the vote but I don't think it will affect the turnout," Vaz said yesterday.

  Luther Buchanan, Rowe's campaign manager, echoed his sentiment.

  "The people of Portland are accustomed to these weather patterns and our workers are so geared to work in these conditions," said Buchanan.

  Well-placed PNP sources have said that the party expects Rowe to win by 275 votes.

  Vaz hopeful

  However, Vaz is adamant that he will be returned as MP after today's poll.

  "I am still predicting a margin of more than 2,000 votes for sure and I would definitely be disappointed if I get less than that," Vaz told The Gleaner.

  Vaz polled 6,799 votes in September 2007 general election to the PNP's Abe Dabdoub's 6,033 votes for a victory margin of 944.

  "Tomorrow, it is going to be Vaz vs Simpson Miller, Labour Party vs PNP and they are going to lose again," Vaz said yesterday.

  Both JLP and PNP suffered major setbacks Saturday night as their campaign rallies held at Buff Bay and Hope Bay, respectively, were washed out by torrential rain.

  PNP President Portia Simpson Miller nonetheless rallied the troops.

  "This shower is a blessing," said Simpson Miller. "Tomorrow ,we are going to secure victory at the polls and wash the JLP out of West Portland."

  Good to go

  Exactly 18,723 voters are eligible to vote in today's by-election at 99 polling stations.

  Meanwhile, the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) has said all is in place for today's exercise.

  "It is all systems go," Orrette Fisher, the director of elections, told The Gleaner.

  Fisher said the rain could pose a challenge in getting equipment into some areas of the constituency. He also said the weather could influence the time by which the EOJ will be able to declare the seat, but noted that Jamaicans should know the results by the latest 9 p.m.

  Meanwhile, the PNP yesterday urged the Government to suspend any planned roadwork in West Portland today.

  According to the PNP, it has been informed that the JLP "plans to undertake roadwork in the constituency tomorrow and that these works will be concentrated in areas that are strongly supportive of the People's National Party and will be used to disrupt the smooth flow of vehicular traffic, thus hindering or inhibiting persons from being transported to vote on election day."

  Attempts to contact Transport Minister Mike Henry for a response proved futile up to press time last night.

  The JLP has 31 seats to the PNP's 28 in the 60-seat Parliament.

  A heavy detachment of police and soldiers has taken up positions in various communities to quell the likelihood of any last-minute conflicts among rival supporters.

   

• Motorist killed, two hurt in crash.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:55

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:55

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:55

  Written by Trinidad Express

  A 21-year-old woman lost her life on Saturday night after her brown Nissan B-12 car skidded out of control on the Western Main Road.

  Police reports state that Lydia Rawle, of Sea Trace, Diego Martin was heading west along the main road and lost control of her vehicle near Powder Magazine II, near Hi-Lo Supermarket, The Falls at West Mall just off the Diego Martin turn-off.

  The vehicle, which carried two other passengers, Akiel Rodriguez and Joel Pollonais, slammed into a light pole.

  The accident is believed to have happened near 8 p.m. on Saturday night and caused a traffic pile-up heading into Diego Martin and into Carenage and Chaguaramas.

  Rawle lost control of the vehicle near the turn off, skidded into the grassy area nearby and crashed into the pole.

  She died on the spot.

  Rodriguez, 21, of Dibe Road, Long Circular and Pollonais, 17, of Chinapoo Village, Morvant, were rushed to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where they in a stable, but serious condition last night.

  When the Express visited Rawle's home yesterday, her family members were said to be overcome by grief and would not comment on the fatal accident.

   

• Forger made allegations against Registrar Ramlal.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:49

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:49

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:49

  Written by Stabroek News

  -Hughes tells Top Cop

  Nigel Hughes, counsel for High Court Registrar, Sita Ramlal, yesterday wrote Police Commissioner Henry Greene saying that a forgery probe against his client seems to rely on the allegations of a tainted functionary who had routinely forged court orders.

  Ramlal was recently questioned by the police in relation to the falsifying of documents in an adoption document to the US embassy but has denied any involvement arguing that there appears to be a campaign against her in relation to the boundaries of her office.

  Hughes last evening dispatched a letter to Greene saying that Ramlal welcomed a thorough investigation into the matter but was "concerned about the manner and apparent bias in the conduct of the investigation".

  He said he has been told by Ramlal that the allegations against her are principally based on statements made by a retired staff member of the Supreme Court who was rehired on contract in 2008 against her wishes.

  Hughes said Ramlal has advised that the staff member has been "directly implicated and involved in the creation and manufacture of forged orders of Court".

  Counsel said that these documents have attracted the attention of foreign consular services including the Canadian High Commission. The letter to Greene referred to a fax of April 2007 from the high commission enquiring about the authenticity of a divorce decree as per an order of the court. The order was signed by the retired official. Hughes also referred to a copy of a letter in reply on June 14, 2007 from David Kaladin, Administrative Officer of the Supreme Court which said that the order was a forgery.

  Hughes also referred to a copy of another letter dated May 3, 2007 from the Immigration Section of the High Commissioner of Canada in Port-of-Spain enquiring about the authenticity of a divorce certificate with the relevant court order enclosed. In a response dated May 21, 2007 Kaladin again indicated that the order was a forgery.

  "The aforementioned matters were reported to the Guyana Police Force by our client in 2007 and there has been no action by the police on the above matters since", Hughes asserted.

  He added that he was instructed that there are several similar matters involving the retired official which have been reported to the police with little or no action being taken.

  Counsel in the letter to Greene also referred to a copy of a signed statement by the retired official dated April 26, 2002 addressed to Ramlal in relation to incorrect or false entering of orders of the court by him in which he "admits considerable errors".

  Hughes said that during May, 2008, while Ramlal was gravely ill in hospital in the US, the retired official was re-employed in the Supreme Court Registry. Upon her resumption of duty, Hughes said Ramlall queried the re-employment.

  The re-employed official left his job at the registry shortly after.

  Counsel also adverted to the current litigation that exists between Ramlal and the Judicial Service Commission relative to the operational boundaries of her position as Registrar. He noted that she had written a letter on April 7, 2008 to the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon "complaining about the difficulties which she was encountering in relation to the discharge of her professional responsibilities".

  He said by letter dated April 16, 2008 Ramlal was informed of several management changes which effectively undermined her ability to execute her responsibilities.

  Hughes added: "We have had sight of the alleged forged orders, which were shown to our client on Thursday the 19th instant.

  "We would like to point out that on none of the documents does our client's signature appear or is there any reference to any involvement on our client's behalf.

  "It appears that (the) thrust of the investigation (seems) to rely on the allegations of a tainted functionary who has repeatedly been involved in the creation and manufacture of forged orders of court".

  Hughes said that Ramlal has informed him that there are at least 10 reported instances of forged orders issued by the retired official engaging the attention of the police and he feared that his client may be the innocent victim of a hurried and incomplete probe.

  He added that his client was in the process of gathering additional documentation "which would lead to her exoneration from the aforementioned allegations".

  Reports are that former chief of staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Norman McLean, had presented the adoption papers at the centre of the investigation to the embassy in a visa application for the child.

  The US embassy conducted an investigation and called in the police shortly after the documents were presented and McLean was detained. He was subsequently released on station bail.

  Stabroek News had contacted McLean on the matter but he declined to comment.

   

• HOUSING HICCUP - Developers stuck with hundreds of houses as economic slowdown affects buyers .... Large numbers of unsold units on market ... High-end homes put on hold.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:14

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:14

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:14

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  THE DOWNTURN in the economy has hit real-estate developers, with some forced to stall projects while others are hurting in the pocket as houses on the market are being sold at a painfully slow pace.

  Reynold Scott, president of the Jamaica Developers' Association, told The Sunday Gleaner that the global economic downturn, which has caused the cost of raw materials to escalate and has led to a spike in domestic interest rates, has been having a devastating impact on the real-estate business.

  "They have to; there is no question about that," said Scott when asked if developers were scaling back on projects. "They may have to find new systems of building to satisfy the demand that now exists because the truth is, the high end is contracting. So, even developers who build in the high end may find that the effective demand would be significantly lower."

  Scott, principal of Geon Group, which builds high-end homes, said even his company has had to put projects on hold.

  "We have put on hold a project out of town and we are actually consolidating the organisation to deal with smaller projects that will fall within the current price demand. So we have re-engineered ourselves to take advantage of the contracting of the pie," he told The Sunday Gleaner.

  Developers who have had houses on the market are also complaining of a slowdown in the market. One such developer is Kemtek Development and Construction Limited, which is selling two-bedroom units in Trelawny known as Stonebrook Estates. The units are being sold for $6.5 million and have been on the market for almost one year.

  "The market has changed," said Handell Tulloch, director of technical services at Kemtek. He said under usual circumstances, the units would have been sold off within six months. "We are still having houses being sold, but it is just that the rate is very slow."

  The company has only been able to sell 78 of the 150 units that were put on the market one year ago.

  "The customers are holding on to every dollar that they can. They are not making these investments like they would one time," Tulloch said.

  Low-end demand

  According to Edwin Wint, president of the Realtors' Association of Jamaica, various segments of the market have been responding differently.

  He told The Sunday Gleaner that while there is a slowdown in the higher end of the market, the demand remains for houses in the lower end.

  " ... Up to $12 million, any amount (of houses) could be sold there. The demand is very strong. Up to $15 million, there is still a reasonable level of demand; when you pass $15 million, that is when you get into another scenario," Wint said.

  "Now when you get past $40 million, that market is a bit slack, between $20 and $30 million you still have some players. It is a bit slower than it was up to last year this time," he added.

  Wint argued that what buyers are looking for now is value for money. He is advising developers to re-examine the market.

  "Some of the investors and developers just need to retool their mindset, come off the $40 million bandwagon and get into the the middle and lower-middle range. That is what the market is demanding," Wint claimed.

   

• Another conflict issue shows up with member of Govt.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:05

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:05

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 03:05

  Written by Trinidad Express

  A NEW conflict of interest issue has emerged around yet another member of the Manning administration.

  Ni Leung Hypolite, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works who held the CEPEP portfolio until the recent reshuffle, himself owns a company which has been awarded to one of the larger CEPEP contracts. Hypolite and his wife, Lisa, are the owners of Hylite Services Ltd which has been operating the contract for several years.

  Hypolite was also a director of the company but resigned on October 15, 2007, shortly before last November's general election when he was elected MP for Laventille West. His wife resigned as a director on November 23, 2007, shortly after the general election.

  Their resignations are reported in the company's annual returns to the Registrar General's department. The documents filed by Hylite Services, however, show no evidence of Hypolite having divested himself of any shareholding in the company.

  The Sunday Express has learnt that Hylite Services was awarded what is described in CEPEP terms as a "high end contract".

  Contracts in this range are said to earn around $468,000 a year, based on fortnightly payments of $18,000 which go directly to the contractor. Payment to CEPEP workers, said to be around 60 in the case of Hylite Services, is a direct transaction between Cepep Company Ltd and workers.

  Hylite's contract is for works done in the Laventille West constituency, which Hypolite represents in Parliament as MP for the area. The company's Articles of Incorporation state that Hylite Services Ltd has a maximum number of 50,000 common shares.

  Contacted for comment on his involvement in the company, Hypolite told the Sunday Express:

  "It is public knowledge that before the elections I gave up my CEPEP contract. It was at the pleasure of the Prime Minister to appoint me Parliamentary Secretary."

  In a follow-up telephone interview, Hypolite explained that what he had given up was his directorship of Hylite.

  Questioned about a possible conflict of interest in holding the CEPEP portfolio while he remained a shareholder in a company operating a CEPEP contract, Hypolite said he had "no statements to make on that" and repeated his previous position.

  Hypolite's line minister, Colm Imbert, who holds the Works and Transport portfolio, declined comment on the matter, referring all questions to Hypolite.

  Hylite was among the first companies to get a CEPEP contract when the programme began in the second half of 2002. In its early years, CEPEP was managed by the Solid Waste Management Company Ltd (SWMCOL) which fell under the Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment, headed by Penelope Beckles.

  In the run-up to the 2007 general elections CEPEP came under Opposition criticism when it was publicised that Beckles' father was a CEPEP contractor.

  After the elections, ministerial responsibility for SWMCOL was re-assigned to Housing, Planning and Environment.

  Last year, CEPEP Company Ltd assumed management of the programme and the newly-formed company was given to Hypolite and the Works Ministry.

  Two weeks ago, Hypolite was relieved of his CEPEP responsibility by Prime Minister Patrick Manning who transferred it to Mariano Browne in the Finance Ministry.

   

• Relatives appeal for counselling for children of murdered women.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:50

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:50

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:50

  Written by Stabroek News

  Only three of the eight young children who lost their mothers in four separate violent incidents in the last two months are receiving counselling and relatives of the others are appealing for help.

  While they may not be showing physical signs of being affected, relatives said the children are "bottling" everything up and would not speak to them about how they feel. This they say represents a problem, which needs to be addressed urgently.

  On February 8, less than a day after she was allegedly stabbed by her husband following an argument, Latoya Conway Woolford succumbed to her injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The husband fled after the incident and attempted to commit suicide. He spent several days in hospital before being taken to court charged with the capital offence.

  The woman left behind three children, aged 11, 7 and 4.

  During the wee hours of February 15, Deborah Allen was chopped to death by her reputed husband in their Oronoque, Port Kaituma home following an argument over a party.

  After inflicting the blows on the woman, the man turned his weapon on her 16-year-old daughter, chopping her across the face. The man subsequently turned himself over to the police.

  Hours later the bloodied bodies of Nekecia Rouse and her sister-in-law, Alexis ‘Keisha' George were discovered in Smythfield, New Amsterdam. They had been stabbed to death. Rouse was the mother of a four-year-old daughter while George had a one-year-old girl. Both girls were in the house when the gruesome discoveries were made. Several suspects were subsequently held but released. Police investigations are continuing.

  Then on March 12, two children aged 14 and 11 lost their mother after she was stabbed to death by her former reputed husband moments after she had left her Herstelling, East Bank Deme-rara home. At the time of the incident, the woman who had endured years of abuse and threats from the man, was making her way to the public road to catch transportation to the city where worked.

  He is yet to be apprehended.

  Worried
  Since the incident occurred, Savitri Arjune's children have avoided speaking about it and would find ways to occupy their time.

  Speaking to Stabroek News recently, a relative Marie Persaud said that the elder child, Alisa Coo "is not showing signs of stress" but her brother Mark Loochand is and that is worrying them.

  The woman said that since the incident the boy has been unwell and has not attended school owing to a concern for his safety.

  "This boy just looking sick all the time and he getting a steady fever since the day his mother died," Persaud said, adding that members of the family are trying their best to help the children cope with the situation.

  However, the children have opted not to confide in anyone about how they feel.

  The woman said that she is particularly worried about the boy because he will be sitting the National Grade Six examinations next month, and is not going to school.

  "They are both keeping everything bottled up... We haven't decided how we are going to deal with this situation. We want the police to find the man first," she said adding that counselling could be considered.

  Following the incident, relatives had told Stabroek News that the children had also suffered abuse at the hands of the man. He would often throw their clothing out of the house. Their mother would be badly beaten whenever the man was drunk, they said.

  Standstill
  For 16-year-old Sherrian Allen, her life is at a standstill and her future is uncertain.

  A relative told this newspaper that the teenager is now living at Mabaruma with her maternal grandmother, who is an elderly woman. She is still in danger of losing one of her eyes and is not attending school.

  According to the relative, Sherrian was taken back to the interior to attend her mother's funeral and has not been able to return to the city because of financial constrains.

  The woman said the child was to have returned to Georgetown to see an eye specialist but this has not been done and it is unclear when this would become a reality.

  The woman who did not want her name mentioned told this newspaper that the teen is supposed to be writing CSEC examinations later this year but has not been attending classes for the past year or so owing to the abusive situation she and her mother were in.

  "She needs to come to town so that she could be given an education and some guidance. She also needs medical attention for her eye before she loses it," then woman pointed out, stressing that family members are trying to work out an arrangement but money is a big problem.

  The relative said the death of her mother is affecting the girl tremendously, but she has repeatedly said that she doesn't want to talk about it.

  She said that at the funeral, Sherrian did not shed a tear or say anything but she fainted several times.

  Following the death, she added, the girl could not sleep alone because she said she was seeing her mother attempting to touch the spot where she was chopped.

  The woman said that although the teen would say she was alright, she does not believe her.

  She expressed the view that the teen needs counselling as she witnessed the entire ordeal and was also a victim herself.

  Coping
  Woolford's three children would often be seen sitting together talking about her. There would be no tears but talk, not only of their mother but sometimes of their father.

  An aunt, Barbara Russell, said that seven-year-old Maycian who was closest to the mother would speak the most, sometimes with the adults in the home, about the incident. The woman said that she has noticed that since the incident occurred 11-year-old Marcianna has become more helpful and taken on a motherly role towards her younger siblings.

  Marcianna she said will be sitting the National Grade Six examinations shortly and from what she has been observing, the tragedy has not affected the child's studies.

  The third child, four-year-old Shamar, Russell added, would lash out in anger at times. He knows that his mother is no longer here, she added.

  The woman said that they are all trying to help the children cope with the incident and they are currently attending counselling sessions. "Although they get counselling, they will still remember it," she stressed.

  Rouse's daughter, Crystal Stephenson is aware that her mother was killed and would often be heard telling people this. She is four years old.

  Recently her grandmother June Joseph told this newspaper that the child and her one year-old cousin Omotoya Rouse were too young to understand what happened to their mothers. Omotoya Rouse was George's daughter.

  She said that despite everything that has happened they are trying to cope.

  Joseph said that Omotoya was breastfeeding at the time of her mother's death and would often call for "mama".

  She expressed the view that the incident could affect them later in life when they learned the details of the deaths.

  Asked if she shows the girls photographs of their mothers, she responded in the negative saying that would be done when they are older.

   

• Illegal taxi operator killed.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:46

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:46

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:46

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  Investigators from the St. Andrew North Police Division are still trying to determine the motive for last night's killing of an illegal taxi operator in Kingston 3.

  The police say 42 year old Christopher Hawthorne was stabbed to death on Dukharan Avenue shortly after 10 p.m.

  Deputy Superintendent of police, Altemorth Campbell, said information received so far indicates that Hawthorne was transporting two male passengers who stabbed him while he was driving.

  DSP Campbell said the vehicle then crashed into a wall and the attackers escaped.

  He says the police were called after residents reported hearing cries for help.

  The taxi operator was later found lying outside the vehicle with stab wounds.

  He was taken to hospital where he died while being treated.

  The police have ruled out robbery as the motive.

  A submachine gun and a 9 millimeter pistol were recovered in the Whitehall community in St. Andrew yesterday and this morning.

  The police say a special team was on patrol along Whitehall Terrace around 10 a.m. yesterday when a man was seen with a gun.

  The police said the man ran to a nearby premises where a bag with a submachine gun and 64 assorted rounds of ammunition were found.

  A 34 year old woman and a 16 year old youth were taken into custody but have since been released.

  Around 5 a.m. this morning, the police searched a house at 14 Whitehall Avenue where a 9 millimeter pistol with several rounds of ammunition was found.

  Two men were arrested.

  DSP Campbell said they are to be questioned and are likely to be charged later today.

   

• PM BACKS KAREN The CLICO issue.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:34

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:34

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:34

  Written by Trinidad Express

  Prime Minister Patrick Manning has come out in full support of Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira, who has been facing calls for her resignation over a conflict of interest issue in relation to Government's bailout of CL Financial.

  "I want to reaffirm the confidence that I had in the Minister of Finance when she was first appointed to that position and until such time as something happens to cause me to want to change that, then the status quo remains," Manning said during a news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann's yesterday.

  In fact, Manning told reporters that he had already made up his mind where the controversy was concerned, adding Nunez-Tesheira is scheduled to make a statement on the matter in the Parliament tomorrow.

  "When the Finance Minister addresses the Parliament on Friday, then you are free to come to your own conclusions in the same way that I will. Indeed I already have... that's a private matter for the time being. Let's await the Minster of Finance's statement," Manning said.

  He did not, however, say what his conclusion was or answer any questions on whether he felt Nunez-Tesheira's shareholding in CL Financial posed a conflict of interest.

  Instead, he claimed Nunez-Tesheira is the victim of a long-standing smear campaign by the Opposition, of which he himself has been a target.

  "It's the same game. It was me at one stage. It was (Government Minister) Dr Saith at another stage. It is Mrs Tesheira today and I have no doubt it will be others in the future... So we understand it well and we are going to deal with it appropriately," Manning said.

  Manning had originally called the news conference to announce his four-day trip to six Latin American countries ahead of the Fifth Summit of the Americas.

  The first question Manning faced, however, was whether Nunez-Tesheira will resign her Cabinet post, but he said he would address that question "after we address the Fifth Summit of the Americas".

  It was when Manning eventually took questions on the controversy on Nunez-Tesheira that he announced she would be making a statement on the matter during tomorrow's sitting of the House of Representatives.

  "Until such time I will suggest that we hold our fire as it were, let us get all the facts before we make any further comments. I for one don't propose to comment any further on the matter at this time," Manning said.

  But it was when the Express asked Manning to comment on the criticisms of Opposition MPs and others about the allegations against Nunez-Tesheira, in the context of the need for the Government to be transparent in its actions, he said he was the target of an Opposition strategy to hold back his administration's work.

  "So that when an election comes in four years' time and we are asked what have you achieved, then that list is significantly shorter because of the impediments put in our way," Manning said.

  He added that this would prevent his administration from being able to give any proper excuse for a lack of performance.

  "And people would say then, what the Opposition would say-but you had the power?... Why didn't you do it? You didn't do it because you were incompetent or you were unable to do it-that's the aim you know, that is exactly what is taking place. So it is Mrs Nunez-Tesheira today. I have no doubt it will be somebody else tomorrow," Manning said.

  He added: "There are those of you in this audience here who believe Dr Saith owned Trintoplan. Not so? Or those of you who believe that he got debt forgiveness from a bank in relation to a loan he had in South Trinidad. Neither is correct you know."

  He then made reference to a claim by Opposition Chief Whip Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj that he had sold a car to executed convicted drug lord Dole Chadee.

  "Well that ain't true either," Manning said.

  He asked reporters yesterday how anyone can come to conclusion on the Minister of Finance since "you haven't heard the other side".

  Nunez-Tesheira has said that she inherited her shares in CL Financial from her late husband, Russell Tesheira, and she was not aware she was breaking two CLICO Investment Bank accounts she closed in December before they were due to mature in April and August of this year respectively.

  "You haven't heard the other side of the story, have you? And that is fundamental tenet in law. One must hear the other side. You've heard one side, please don't come to premature conclusions," Manning said.

   

• Roger Khan must ‘face the music’ -President. -says never had personal contact with him.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:08

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:08

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:08

  Written by Stabroek News

  President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday said that Guyanese drug trafficker Shaheed Roger Khan would have to "face the music" having pleaded guilty to several offences in the US adding that he has never had any personal contact with Khan and does not know of anyone in the government who had.
  The President had little to say on Khan's surprise guilty plea on Monday in a US court to among other things conspiring to traffic in some 150 kilogrammes of cocaine, when asked about it after the opening of the police officers' conference at Eve Leary. In addition to the conspiracy to traffic in narcotics charge, Khan also pleaded guilty to witness tampering, a charge which arose out of the drug case and which he had faced along with his former lawyer Robert Simels and Simels's assistant Arianne Irving; and gun running, an offence he committed several years ago in the US, avoiding prosecution by fleeing to Guyana while out on bail. He is now awaiting sentencing following a probation report ordered by presiding Judge Dora Irizarry.

  Asked about Khan's claims that he had worked closely with the government and law enforcement officials on crime fighting, Jagdeo said that Khan has said several things but he has not placed any weight on his utterances.

  "I have said before, Khan said several things, he said that [former Commissioner of Police Winston] Felix was undermining the Government of Guyana too, he said he had taped conversations with people sharing information who are linked to drug dealers," the Head of State said.

  "I have never put any store on what Roger Khan has said in the past or not said. I never decided whether he is guilty or not guilty, so if he pleads guilty he has to face the consequences that is clear."

  On Tuesday, the day after Khan's guilty plea, Alliance For Change leader, Raphael Trotman, said there was enough evidence from the case to warrant a full-scale investigation into the drug kingpin's involvement with the government and the unsolved murders that piled up during his activities in Guyana.

  "Did you ever have contact with Roger Khan?" the President was asked and he responded "No."

  Two names, one a former government minister and the other a serving one had been mentioned in the transcript of a conversation Simels had with a US government confidential source (CS), as having met with Khan. But the president said he knew nothing of any such meetings.

  And President Jagdeo once again briefly touched on being "vindicated" about retired army major David Clarke who is in a US jail on drug charges, but did not state why he felt vindicated or what information he had on Clarke that caused him to stop his promotion back in 2003.

  "... my thing about vindication [as it relates to David Clarke], I have explained it to you [pointing to Editor of the Kaieteur News Adam Harris], already. I have explained to you about the Clarke matter. In Roger Khan's case if he admits to this then he should face the music, if he is a criminal," the President said.

  Last week at a press conference Jagdeo had revealed that he had "confidential information" indicating that Clarke, who initially led army operations in Buxton after an upsurge in crime, had not been serving in the army's best interests.

  Jagdeo had said then that he did not want to make the information public but he indicated that during Clarke's tour of duty in Buxton he had received information that the officer was involved in "various activities".

  "The information was not very complimentary," the President told the media at the Office of the President, adding, "I said to the authorities there in the army that I did not think that he was serving our best interests," the Head of State had said.

  Clarke is in the custody of New York law enforcement officials after being charged with conspiracy to import cocaine. He was expected to be one of the main witnesses for the US government in its prosecution of Khan.

  Many questions have been raised over Jagdeo's utterances since Clarke was never dishonourably discharged from the army but had retired and was never court-martialled. Further, he was subsequently promoted from the rank of Captain to Major even though the president had initially blocked his promotion.

  Very big

  Crime Chief Seelall Persaud yesterday said that the force can only launch an investigation into Khan's activities if it is presented with information and evidence even though he did acknowledge that Khan was one of the drug players who the police believed was very big and who operated in Guyana "but he was only one of them".

  When asked if the force would launch an investigation should Khan return to Guyana after he served his sentence, Persaud said he does not know what the future holds, adding that if the US presents Guyana with information on Khan's activities then "we would do an investigation. "Or if anyone comes forward and tells us ‘well listen, I know this happen'... yes we would do an investigation."

  When further pressed on whether the police would take the initiative and launch an investigation based on Khan's guilty plea Persaud said: "What can you take? Describe this initiative for me please? We work on information if there is no information what can we work with?"

  Persaud said he was only interested in information and transcripts that are presented to the force by United States officials and once they explain that crimes occurred in Guyana there would certainly be an investigation.

  Attorney-General (AG) Charles Ramson would not offer a yes or no answer on whether, in the light of Khan's guilty plea, his assets in Guyana will or could be seized by the authorities.

  "The time will come when the decisions are made and we will have to decide. Once it is within our jurisdiction the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] and I would do what we have to do," Ramson said while adding that steps will be taken to secure the best interest of Guyana

  However, he did explain that the legal procedure, according to the Constitution of the country, is strict in nature with respect to criminal matters and the authority he as AG has, "I have the authority to advise the DPP and the DPP is the sole power, sole power, [that] makes decisions," and "I don't know why it is that the media corps has been led to believe that the Attorney General would cross that line."

  Evidence

  Meanwhile Commissioner of Police Henry Greene yesterday in the presence of President Jagdeo maintained that his force is in possession of the phone call-intercepting `spy' equipment that was seized from Khan back in 2003.

  When asked what the force was going to do with the equipment and why it has not been used to track some of Khan's former associates, the commissioner who initially offered "no comment" said that it would be "used as evidence."

  Last week, US officials had indicated that the same equipment, which was originally seized from Khan at Good Hope in 2003, was recovered from Simels's New York law offices.

  Yesterday Jagdeo questioned why the press is not exploring the possibility that there could be two laptops, one which the force has and one which indeed was shipped to the US.

  "How do we know it is the same equipment?" the President questioned while adding "...that point doesn't seem to be explored in the press, if this guy could have bought one equipment he could have bought several it could be true he had one which they carried overseas and it may be too that the police has one. What makes you think it is one he had?"

  Stabroek News had been told that surveillance equipment was confiscated from Khan when he was arrested in 2002 and handed over to the government, but was then passed back to Khan at a later stage. Stabroek News understands that similar equipment was handed to the police under the guise that it was what was originally seized. At one time, the army had said that it had turned over the equipment to the police but the police later indicated that they did not know of its whereabouts.

  Reports had indicated that the laptop was capable of intercepting and tracing telephone calls placed from a landline or a cellular phone and the software was reportedly only sold to governments. The then Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj had said that the use of the instrument did not breach any of the laws of Guyana.

  Last year Simels had said that Khan had received permission from the Guyana government to purchase the equipment from the Spy Shop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, an allegation the government had denied.

   

• Gone with the wind - Electricity bills cut 90% as windmills blow into Portmore.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:15

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:15

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:15

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  While most electricity consumers are skittish in the wake of a requested rate hike by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), some residents in Portmore, St Catherine, are letting out a big yawn.

  For them, paying power charges is a breeze - literally.

  Andrew Anderson and Adrian Levy are two of a growing number of homeowners in the Sunshine City who have slashed power rates by up to 90 per cent through a solar-wind hybrid energy system.

  Anderson, a fibre-optic cable distributor, lives in a large two-storey home with a washing machine, microwave, refrigerator, three large television sets, ceiling fans, a computer and power-guzzling air-conditioning units.

  When he was fully dependent on the JPS grid years ago, energy bills burned holes in his pockets to the tune of more than $8,000 monthly. That meant turning on his air-conditioning units for about two hours a week to cool down his agitated kids and then suffering through the heat the rest of the time. Now, Anderson says he turns on everything and it costs him virtually nothing!

  Aside from connection charges, JPS service has now been reduced to merely a backup plan.

  Levy, a technician and operator of Jamtech Energy Solutions, boasts as much as an 80 per cent reduction in his electricity bill. While powering up his appliances, his JPS meter was parked! That's because Levy's electricity was being totally generated by the system he uses.

   Both men have turned their personal practice into entrepreneurial gain, launching out, separately, to offer the budget-friendly service to other homeowners in the sprawling dormitory community.

  For start-ups, Anderson's system will cost you $650,000 for a 48vdc system, similar to the one that runs his home. It includes the installation of the system, a dump loader, inverter, batteries, solar panels, an adjustable wind turbine, among other things.

  Levy's company, Jamtech Energy Solutions, is targeting medium-income earners - or in his words, the "small man" - who might not have the resources to install the most elaborate system immediately. The 'small-man' deal will cost you about US$4,000 (J$350,000), including the installation of the system, of which the backbone is solar power. That does not include the price of a wind turbine, which Levy says is inexpensive.

  andrew.wildes@gleanerjm.com

   

   

• Fishermen give 3-week deadline, Anti-steel mill protest.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:10

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:10

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:10

  Written by Trinidad Express

  PROTESTERS against the construction of a steel mill in their community are giving authorities three weeks to give proper feedback on the project.

  President of the Claxton Bay Fishing Association, Kishore Boodram, said yesterday they have been left in the dark over the progress of construction.

  "We hope that after this rally, by the next 21 days, we would know what is taking place," Boodram, who is also the president of the United Fisher Folk, said.

  Last Tuesday, soil tests were conducted roadside on the Southern Main Road (SMR), near Pranz Gardens, the village nearest Essar Steel Caribbean's proposed project site, as preparation work began on an overpass. The overpass is to be used by motorists and the roadway beneath will be used as a direct link between the Claxton Bay port and proposed steel complex.

  Boodram said they were not consulted prior to these works. He fears hundreds of lives would be affected by the steel mill, including the fishermen.

  "They would take our fishing port and drive away the fish," Boodram said.

  Independent physicist, Peter Vine, also made reference to a similar project being done in La Brea and restrictions placed on the fishermen in that area. He predicted the fishermen at Claxton Bay would face the same fate and would be banned from the Claxton Bay port.

  Boodram, a devout Hindu, said the rally was set to coincide with yesterday's celebration of the Hindu festival of colours or Phagwa. He described the rally from Claxton Bay through central Trinidad as a religious protest. Several residents joined, holding flags against the construction of the steel mill.

  The event ended at Peter's Field, where Boodram met other fishermen and discussed issues affecting them.

• Rice farmers aid to cost $800M - Persaud.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 00:55

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 00:55

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 00:55

  Written by Stabroek News

  Rice farmers have been promised approximately $800 million in support from the government in the wake of the recent price drop on the world market.

  Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, at a meeting on Saturday hosted by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) in collaboration with the Rice Producers Association (RPA), told farmers that the government intended to provide support in various forms for the next crop.

  The slashing of the export commission on rice, a 40 percent cut in the prices at which fertilizer is bought, and an arrangement for the provision of seed paddy are some of the avenues the Agriculture Ministry has taken to provide support to the industry, a Government Information Agency (GINA) release issued on Saturday said.

  According to GINA, the Windsor Forest, West Demerara meeting between the Ministry and the rice bodies was held in an attempt to make rice farmers "aware of the realities on the world market with respect to pricing and other related issues".

  Many countries have been removing previously imposed bans on rice exports, GINA said, and countries such as India, Vietnam and Thailand are supplying more rice to the international market. Thus, prices have dropped by 35 percent.

  Farmers, according to GINA, were advised that trends and patterns needed to be looked at for accurate predictions. The prices that are currently offered are higher than the 2006/2007 level when they dropped to a point where the production cost was higher.

  Faced with growing dissatisfaction over prices being offered by rice millers for paddy, the Guyana Rice Producers' Association (RPA) on March 4 had urged farmers to consider the effects of the "global crisis" on pricing.

  RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj had told a news conference that the Association, the GRDB and the Ministry of Agriculture would be meeting with millers, who have not yet quoted prices for the year, to look at the issue. Two meetings, inclusive of last week's, have been held thus far to address the issue.

  The RPA announcement came after a group calling itself the RPA Action Committee told Stabroek News that many farmers are unable to "break even" as the production cost per acre has increased and millers are offering between $2,500 and $3,000 for a bag of paddy. Increasing production costs and decreasing prices have since been a worry for farmers, most of who had loans to service.

  However, at Saturday's meeting Persaud assured farmers that the banking sector will fully support them as well as millers. According to the Minister, ninety six percent of these stakeholders have honoured their loans under the GBTI-operated European Union (EU) credit facility. Therefore, he said, the sector "was upbeat about financing of investments even though there is a financial crisis being experienced" worldwide.

  Meanwhile, GRDB General Manager Jagnarine Singh said that his organisation was looking at creating a rice corner in the newspapers so that farmers would be aware of the prices. This price index, the GINA release stated, will be offered by the board before the crop.

  The Burma Rice Research station, Singh said, has boosted production by over four tons per hectare over the past few years and Region Three has eight field schools to aid in rice production. At the moment, two new lines are being tested, he said.

  Further, advising farmers on the suitability of fertilizers, the GRDB General Manager said that his organisation could be contacted and the fertilizer could be tested. These tests are carried out in Miami and will cost farmers US$10.

  Extension services are also available for Region Three. According to GINA, the region has two GRDB officials and four RPA officials providing services. Further, a facility at Burma will be built at a cost of $40M to further boost the services offered by GRDB.

  GINA said that $39.4M will be spent on the capital works programme and approximately $156M will be spent this year on the construction of a new sluice at De Willem.
  The capital works programme, GINA stated, includes construction of a koker at Northern Hog Island, construction of revetment at Tuschen, rehabilitation of the Philadelphia sideline dam and construction of a check panel at La Jalousie.

  Some drainage tubes will also be installed in various parts of the region. For the current works programme, $206.8M will be spent on additional works such as the building of six bridges, excavation of six trenches, rehabilitation of 29 sluices and the bulldozing of 11 dams. Six excavators and two draglines are working in the region.
  Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, stated at the meeting on Saturday that drainage and irrigation works were being carried out in Region Three.

  However, works have been affected by encumbrances and the Authority had to constantly deal with the issue of siltation.

   

• Dee-Andrea's career hopes dashed by untimely death.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:08

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:08

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:08

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  It is likely that Dee-Andrea Morris would have been putting in some extra hours of study to prepare for her final exams in April and May were she alive today.

  Had she been successful, she would have been donning her gown come November to collect her first-class honours bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Technology (UTech), thereby completing a lifelong dream and making her friends and working, single mother proud.

  "She had decided from early that nothing would stop her," remembers one of Morris' closest friends, Nahdoodoo Oakley. "She said to me: 'I am getting that first-class honours' and I said to her, 'I believe you'," Oakley recounts.

  But now no one will know whether Morris, age 21 at the time of her death, would have earned the first-class degree she was striving for.

  On Friday, December 14, 2007, during her second year at university, Morris was gunned down at the gate of the premises where she boarded on Market Street in Papine, St Andrew, while walking home in the company of friends from a final-semester fête on UTech's campus. Another female, one of Morris' friends, was also shot during the incident and was left with a spinal-cord injury.

  wanted to make mother proud

  It is not certain if the perpetrator was ever caught, but a few weeks following the incident, police claimed they killed a man, believed to be responsible for Morris' murder, during a robbery in Papine.

  "She always said she wanted to do her mother so (proud). Her mother put out so much for her and she wanted to do something for her," Oakley recalls.

  Morris grew up with a self-employed mother, Beverley Bennett, and sister, Shernette, in a little rural community named Maidstone in Manchester. Bennett, a dressmaker by profession, struggled, like many single mothers, to send her daughters to school. When she could not provide enough, Morris stepped in to ease some of the burden.

  "I remember she saved her lunch money to pay for her students' loan and did holiday work," Bennett recounts. "She was just so determined."

  In fact, the summer before entering university, Morris travelled to New York on a summer-job programme to earn some money to fund her way through college.

  "Actually, she paid her first months of boarding. And she would do any little extra work to help out," Bennett relates.

  dreamed of marketing career

  Morris' dream was to become a marketing executive, aspiring one day to work for a company such as Red Stripe.

  Those hopes were, however, violently dashed when Morris was killed.

  Bennett remembers that night well. It was raining in Maidstone when she received the news.

  "I was walking in the rain," Bennett recollects, describing how she lost control after learning of her youngest daughter's death. A faithful Seventh-day Adventist, Bennett questioned God that night.

  "I asked God why did He do this. Why did He let this happen on our day that we go to church? What have I done?" she recounts as her voice cracks. There was a brief moment of silence.

  Morris' death is still a mystery to her mother. She cannot understand why her daughter was singled out and gunned down. But Bennett is only praying that the perpetrators will some day understand the damage they are causing the society and the future of the country by killing Jamaica's youth.

  "I don't know how much longer we can bear it," she says.

   

• New Questions for Karen Did Minister breach Financial Institutions Act?

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:55

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:55

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:55

  Written by Trinidad Express

  New questions are emerging about the legality of the transaction involving Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira's two US-dollar fixed deposits at Clico Investment Bank (CIB).

  At issue now is whether CIB was in breach of the new Financial Institutions Act 2008 when it allowed Nunez-Tesheira to cash out two fixed deposits on December 30 last year without Central Bank approval.

  Under Section 17, subsection 13 of the law that came into effect in mid-December, a bank "shall not repay any deposit" under a term of one year without the expressed approval of the Central Bank.

  In defending CIB's decision to release the combined deposits of US$48,549.91 to Nunez-Tesheira, a source close to CIB said subsection 13 did not apply in the Minister's case since the accounts were treated as old accounts over the stipulated one-year period.

  This view was, however, disputed by a legal expert, who insisted that once the accounts were rolled over and issued a new certificate of deposit, they were to be treated as new accounts and should have been subjected to the legal requirement under subsection 13 for Central Bank approval.

  Sunday Express investigations have confirmed that CIB made no request for Central Bank approval, as required by the FIA, which states in part that a person licensed under the act shall not "without the written permission of the Central Bank repay any deposit within less than one year from the date on which the deposit was received by the licensee".

  Bank transaction documents related to the Minister's two controversial CIB deposits, which were published exclusively in Thursday's Express, show Minister Nunez-Tesheira making a written request to CIB under the heading, "Fixed Deposit Break Request", for an early cash-out of the two deposits, despite a penalty which cost her a substantial loss of interest payments.

  Instead of the 6.50 per cent interest contract rate agreed to on the two US dollar fixed deposits, Nunez-Tesheira received a break rate of interest of 3.50 per cent on the two accounts, which was described by financial sources as the penalty for not taking the deposits to the full one-year term.

  Minister Nunez-Tesheira made the request to cash in her two deposits to the CL investment bank on December 30 last year on a CIB break request form that required her to disclose the reason for an early termination of accounts.

  Under the heading: "Please be advised that I/we wish to break the captioned deposit (please state a brief reason for breaking your deposit below)," the Minister wrote: "To purchase property. Funds needed. Please prepare 1 cheque ino (in name of) Karen Tesheira."

  Former finance minister Selby Wilson said yesterday Minister Nunez-Tesheria's credibility has been put in serious doubt. "Her veracity cannot be trusted," he said, as he joined the call for her resignation.

  The Minister's personal assistant, Beverly Foster, told the Sunday Express yesterday that Nunez-Tesheira would respond to all of the issues raised about her handling of CL's bailout on her return home tomorrow.

   

• Financial crisis…Caricom heads endorse setting up of College of Regulators– to meet again after report submitted.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:33

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:33

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:33

  Written by Stabroek News

  Caricom Heads of Government have fully endorsed the recent formation of a College of Regulators assigned to determine the full scope and location of the assets and liabilities of the CL Financial Group, in the wake of the financial crisis in the region.

  In just over a month, the region has witnessed the Trinidad and Tobago government take control of some CL Financial subsidiaries following liquidity problems, with the Patrick Manning administration providing the liquidity to support any strain on Clico Trinidad, backed by assets of CL Financial; in Antigua, regulators seized Texas billionaire Allen Stanford's banks and companies amidst fraud charges; while closer to home, two weeks ago the Guyana Government moved to the court to seek to place Clico (Guyana) under judicial management, after the Bahamian Supreme Court ordered the liquidation of Clico (Bahamas). Clico (Bahamas) held 53% of the assets of the Guyana affiliate at the end of 2007.

  According to a special statement on the global financial crisis attached to the communiqué issued at the end of the 20th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government in Belize, the heads took the position that CL Financial Group's liquidity problem is a regional problem which warrants a regional solution and agreed to collaborate in the search for a fair and favourable resolution. To this end, they have decided that as soon as the College of Regulators has completed its task, they will meet immediately to consider the report and to take the necessary action in the interest of all stakeholders.

  The Heads' decision was taken based on the significant implications that the financial problems posed by the CL Financial Group and the Stanford Group of Companies could have for hundreds of thousands of policy-holders, depositors and investors in the region.

  On the problems posed by the Stanford Group of Companies, they acknowledged the swift action taken by Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members and the strong efforts of the Antiguan government to have the US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) release part of the assets of the Stanford International Bank (SIB) that had been frozen pending investigations.

  "The experiences relating to the CL Financial Group and the Stanford Group of Companies have demonstrated the need for strengthening the regional regulatory framework, particularly in the non-bank financial sector and more effective cross-border supervision of Pan-Caribbean companies," the statement said. Further, it was noted that the impact of the worsening crisis on the region's productive sectors-such as tourism, primary commodities and construction-when coupled with the decrease in remittances and foreign investment, results in either" very low or negative growth and increased unemployment in many Caribbean economies."

  To mitigate the situation, the statement said Caribbean governments have taken into account the needs of the most vulnerable and have adopted a number of measures partly supported by regional and international financial institutions. "It remains a reality, nevertheless, that many Caribbean countries are already highly indebted and all are currently faced with declining revenues," it added.

  The Heads of Government stressed that the current global financial crisis clearly illustrates the fundamental deficiencies in the international financial architecture and the need for urgent and comprehensive reform in a manner that responds to the realities of the globalized economy and the interests of not only the developed, but more importantly, the developing economies.

  In this context, they agreed that the views of the region would be represented at every relevant forum, including the upcoming G20 Summit on April 2, in London. They also agreed to participate at the highest level at the United Nations Conference on the "World Financial and Economic Crisis and its Impact on Development" to be held on June 1 to 4.

  Meanwhile, at a press conference following the conclusion of the meeting, Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow announced that Caricom will seek greater access to funds from the international lending agencies to cushion the effects on its members' economies, as individual responses have not been good enough.

  "The crisis will get worse before it gets better," Caricom Chairman Barrow warned. "There is an urgent need for additional funds for the region to cope with the financial crisis," he said, adding that the CSME is the platform where the region would face the challenges.

  Barrow pointed out that the situation regarding CL Financial and the Stanford Group of Companies fully engaged the meeting of the Heads of Government and he emphasised that that the region would be pooling its resources to deal with the fallout from the crisis. The meeting, he added, received a report on the stimulus packages rolled out by individual member states, but he acknowledged that "what was done is not good enough."

  Also at the press conference were Manning, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Denzil Douglas and Caricom Secretary General Edwin Carrington.

   

• Three's not a crowd - Trio of STATHS teachers provide needy students with head start.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:25

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:25

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:25

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  They were employed to teach but Carol Jennings-Smith, Jacquelin Greenland and Curline Christie of St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) have gone the extra mile.

  The teachers, among other educators, have established a school welfare committee. Funds raised from this committee are used for the school's breakfast programme and the purchase of shoes for needy students, among other things.

  The educators were also instrumental in the success of Kamal Gilzene, a resident of Grants Pen, a depressed neighbourhood in St Andrew, who defied the odds and earned a university degree.

  Gilzene, who was featured in The Gleaner on Monday, said the trio kept him on the right path.

  "We have several other Kamals, to us it is nothing out of the way, we always try to assist our students," Curline Christie, principal of the institution, said.

  "We tend to give away what we don't have to ensure that examination fees are paid and if we get a little bursary, we share it with them," she added.

  Funds, she said, were sourced from past students and other institutions.

  "What we do as teachers is what we think is expected of us," said Greenland, who has been in the classroom for 24 years.

  "Our children here are special. Many don't have the guidance at home, so we feel we need to givethem the extra guidance that is needed," she said.

  Most of the 1,235 students who attend STATHS are from poverty-stricken areas. Christie said the school provides shoes and fabric for needy students.

  "Students without shoes are given a cheque to take to Leder Mode and purchase their shoes," she said.

  Additionally, she pointed that teachers discreetly pack baskets of food supplies for needy students to take home.

  "We don't like when students are needy and people know," she said.

  Jennings-Smith, who has been teaching at STATHS for 28 years, said the teachers tend to be more involved in the students' lives because some do not get the kind of love they need at home.

  "We know some of the homes that they come from. They don't get the attention and care, so we try to give them that," she said.

  The school also sponsors children. But rather than giving them the money at once, they get in tranches.

  "We open an account for them and let's say, if a child gets $25,000; every week, we give them a cheque with some of the money so they can use it for lunch and other things," Christie said.

  She also noted that the students are encouraged to be thrifty.

  "They sign for the money and if they come and say they want a blouse to wear to sports day, then we tell them no because that is not important ... . They will need money for lunch," said Christie.

  According to the teachers, the breakfast programme at the school has improved students' attendance and punctuality and has given them the push they need to become well-adjusted citizens.

   

• CAUGHT? Finance Minister closed two US$ accounts in CIB last December.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:15

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:15

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:15

  Written by Trinidad Express

  CLICO Investment Bank (CIB) documents show that Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira closed two US dollar accounts with the bank on December 31, 2008, before they were scheduled to mature later this year.

  CIB is one of four CL Financial businesses that benefited from a multi-billion-dollar taxpayer bailout approved by the Cabinet last month.

  Nunez-Tesheira said in the Parliament on February 2 that she made the withdrawals from a CIB account that had already matured by December 31, 2008, as she wound up debate on the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill.

  Documents obtained by the Express yesterday show that Nunez-Tesheira paid a "break rate" of 3.5 per cent for closing two accounts at CIB worth a total of US$48,549.91, before they were due to mature on April 30, 2009 and August 13, 2009 respectively.

  She closed one account at US$37,549.45 and the other at US$11,076.34, including interest.

  In Parliament on February 2, Nunez-Tesheira also dismissed claims by Opposition Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar that she had access to privileged information about CIB, which led to her making withdrawals from her accounts with the bank and Caribbean Money Market Brokers (CMMB), another CL subsidiary, late last year.

  Nunez-Tesheira had said she was only informed of CIB's difficulties in the middle of January by Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams after he had been notified on January 13.

  The Hansard, the official record of the Parliament, shows that Nunez-Tesheira made the following comment regarding a CIB account:

  "On December 31, I withdrew an account which had matured on December 31, 2008. You go and check it because when you were making your accusations, I wanted to ensure that I was accurate on the information, and I called to get all the information that I had on every withdrawal I made in relation to those two institutions."

  CIB documents show that Nunez-Tesheira sent a fixed deposit break request form to the CIB manager, Fixed Deposit Department, at #1 Rust Street, St Clair, that contained a typewritten request as follows: "Please be advised that I/we wish to break the captioned deposit.

  The form asks: Please state a brief reason for breaking your deposit. A handwritten explanation for breaking the deposit follows, stating, "To purchase property. Funds needed. Please prepare one cheque ino (in name of) Karen Tesheira."

  The CIB fixed deposit break request form bears Nunez-Tesheira's signature and identified accounts 52801 and 53335.

  The form was accompanied by a letter from Nunez-Tesheira that also bears her signature, dated December 31, 2008, addressed to Richard Trotman, president and chief executive officer, CIB, #1 Rust Street, St Clair, drawn to the attention of someone identified as Reyvaan Rampersad.

  "Further to our recent discussions, I hereby request the closure of the above-mentioned accounts (53335 and 4003361) with immediate effect. In this regard, it would be greatly appreciated if you could make the cheques available to me by Friday 2nd January, 2009. Thank you for your kind cooperation in this matter," Nunez-Tesheira wrote.

  Copies of two CIB US dollar Certificates of Deposit show that she broke two deposits on December 31, 2008.

  The first deposit had an original value of US$34,799.65, with a value date of August 13, 2008 and a maturity date of August 13, 2009.

  The second deposit had an original value of US$10,161.59, with a value date of April 30, 2007 and a maturity date of April 30, 2009. Both deposits had a seven per cent interest rate.

   

• ‘Capone’ linked to Bartica massacre.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:04

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:06

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 02:04

  Written by Stabroek News

  Police yesterday said that wanted man Michael Caesar called `Capone' was apprehended by authorities in Suriname and that a witness has linked him to last year's Bartica massacre.

  According to a press release, the 27-year-old Lyng Street, Charlestown man for whom a wanted bulletin had been issued following the Lusignan killings, was held in the neighbouring country and handed over to local ranks last Saturday.

  Caesar, the release said is being questioned in relation to the murders at Lusignan and Bartica as well as the murder of two men during an armed robbery committed at a shop at Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara on December 16, 2007.

  "Identification parades have been held and Michael Caesar called ‘Capone' has been positively identified by a witness as being involved in the Bartica killings. He is in police custody and is likely to be charged shortly", the police added.

  No further details were provided on the capture.

  It was reported in the Kaieteur News on Monday that the wanted man was arrested in Suriname but efforts by this newspaper to get confirmation of this from several senior police officers including Police Commissioner Henry Greene were unsuccessful.

  This newspaper subsequently made contact with Crime Chief Seelall Persaud who said "we are not ready to publicize any information on that yet".

  Asked if he would at least confirm that the police did have Caesar in their custody, he responded with his earlier statement.

  In the Triumph incident five men armed with rifles carried out the attack, killing Fazal Hakim and Rajesh Singh, while robbing Narendra Mukhram, the owner of the beer garden. There have been reports that the now dead Rondell Rawlins was seen at the scene but police have never confirmed this.

  In the two massacres which occurred on January 26 and February 17, a total of 23 persons including women and children were killed by heavily armed gunmen. Several men have since been charged.

  The call name `Capone' was among four issued by the police shortly after a vehicle was shot up on the Ogle Airstrip Road last July.

  In that incident, heavily armed gunmen opened fire on the vehicle as it left the Ogle Aerodrome in what appeared to be an attempted robbery.

  The driver Michael Jackson was shot in the buttocks and was subsequently hospitalized.

  Police later expressed an interest in four men with the call names `Trini'; `Yankee'; `Capone' and `Sandman'. A senior police officer had told this newspaper that the men were known characters.

  It is unclear if Caesar is the `Capone' being referred to.

   

• PNP confident of by-election victory.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:33

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:33

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:33

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  The battle for the vacant West Portland seat intensified yesterday with the two major parties claiming they are poised for victory in the March 23 by-election.

  "Polling data, the People's National Party's (PNP) empirical findings, analysis and 'soundings' on the ground in the constituency indicate that Daryl Vaz is not as popular as the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has made him out to be," declared the People's National Party in an early-morning release.

  The party also released poll findings which, it said were done by Don Anderson during February and showed the two parties in a dead heat when respondents were asked which party they would vote for to form the next government.

  According to the PNP, its poll also shows that most persons either thought that Vaz was doing a bad job or they did not know about his performance.

  "Vaz has cultivated a national perception of continuing to work in the constituency through his high media profile," the PNP claimed.

  Manufactured popularity

  "The data indicate that Vaz's popularity in the constituency is manufactured and manipulated. Vaz's team has used media to godfather him into a place of perceived strength," the PNP added, as it touted its candidate Kenneth Rows as being poised for victory.

  But campaign manager for Vaz, Robert Montague, dismissed the PNP's claims as he expressed confidence that the JLP would retain the seat.

  "The only poll that I'm interested in is the one on the 23rd. I will tell you my numbers at 5 p.m. on the 23rd, but my numbers indicate that we are going to win," Montague said.

   

• SUPER MARIANO---PM announces Cabinet changes.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:28

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:28

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:28

  Written by Trinidad Express

  True to his word, Prime Minister Patrick Manning has made minor changes to his Cabinet.

  The only significant adjustment yesterday was the assignment of the Trade and Industry portfolio to the young, vibrant, energetic and flamboyant Mariano Browne, who is now a man of many portfolios.

  A heavy workload has been thrown at Browne. His Finance portfolio (as Minister in the Ministry of Finance) remains undiminished. In fact, the release from the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday stated that the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP)-the most contentious of Government's social programmes-has been added to his responsibilities.

  Browne, a newcomer to Trinidad and Tobago politics, who also chairs the Cabinet committee overseeing the Summit, can be seen as a rising star within the Manning Cabinet. His assumption to the Trade Ministry comes at a time when trade is expected to take on increasing significance, especially in light of the global meltdown and concerns about a possible resurgence of protectionism.

  Browne said last night that he was "chastened" by the heavy responsibilities placed on him.

  The 73-year old Lenny Saith, who had been "appointed temporarily" to the Trade and Industry portfolio after the firing of Minister Dr Keith Rowley, reverts to his role as Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, where he will continue to chair the various Cabinet committees.

  Contacted last night, Rowley said he wished Browne well.

  Former minister Ken Valley added: "I have always said that Mariano is an excellent person. He was the chairman of the PNM manifesto committee in 1991. He joined the politics late. I have always had confidence in him (Browne) and I know he would do well."

  Valley once held the portfolios of Trade and Industry and Minister in the Ministry of Finance. But, unlike Browne, Valley shared the Finance portfolio with Conrad Enill, Christine Sahadeo and with Manning as the substantive minister. And Valley did not have the URP portfolio.

  CEPEP, meanwhile, has been placed under the responsibility of Local Government Minister Hazel Manning.

  CEPEP and URP previously fell within the portfolio of the Ministry of Works and Transport. It means that Works Minister Colm Imbert has been unburdened of his previously expansive portfolio, leaving him to focus on his substantive assignment of Works and Transport. Imbert also has a constituency to run, and has the responsibility of Leader of Government Business in the Parliament.

  The release did not state whether NiLeung Hypolite, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works who had been given responsibility for URP, would be transferred to the Ministry of Finance.

  With the "minor" changes, all the expectation and speculation about an adjustment in the Ministry of National Security came to nought. The Prime Minister maintained his confidence in the incumbent, Martin Joseph.

  The Prime Minister confirmed the changes at the conclusion of the Cabinet retreat in Salybia on Sunday.

  Speaking to reporters at the retreat, Manning said some of his ministers still had issues involving the way they manage their ministries.

  Many were not in politics when they took the oath of office, the Prime Minister said. He said the team was "not bad at all". "We have some issues as we always expect in any team," said Manning, who has been a member of ten different Cabinets.

   

• Around $150M invested in 35% scheme -source.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:26

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:26

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:26

  Written by Stabroek News

  At least $150M was invested by persons into what appears to be a fraudulent vegetables export scheme, a police source said yesterday.

  However, many investors have refused to give statements to the lawmen, this newspaper was told. Up to yesterday afternoon, the man suspected of perpetuating the fraud, remained in custody at the Brickdam Police station and according to reports is likely to be charged with fraudulent conversion.

  The suspect, who is reportedly attached to a state agency, was taken into custody on Sunday following a report made. In the case, which has the outlines of a ‘Ponzi scheme', the South Ruimveldt resident offered a 35% rate of return monthly if persons invested their money into his vegetable export ‘business'. Hundreds of persons invested but were not paid their profit since the year began and the matter was reported.

  The police source, who has knowledge of the investigations, said that several persons turned up at the station yesterday but were unwilling to give statements as they were hoping that the man would be released and repay their money. However, another source said that it is likely that the man will be charged with fraudulent conversion.

  On Sunday, at least 300 persons turned up at City Hall, where some of the affected persons convened a meeting in an attempt to find out about their money. After being informed of what was going on, their names and telephone numbers were recorded. Many persons, when approached had declined to comment and a few persons, who appeared to be in charge said that they did not want the matter to be in the media.

  A source, who was present at the meeting, had told this newspaper that persons were warned not to speak to the media, since a businessman wanted to "subsidize" the export scheme, and this would be jeopardized if the media got wind of the matter.

  This newspaper was told that the state agency employee mobilized the money by saying that he has a business exporting vegetables to Antigua. An associate would then go around informing potential investors about the business and the rate of interest they would get if they invested their money in it. This has been going on for about three to four years now, this newspaper was told. Persons, who invested, were required to sign a contract.

  The source said that the persons were given the option of investing their money and then collecting the interest and the capital at the end of the month or collecting the interest alone.

  Since the returns were lucrative, many persons opted to collect the interest alone, this newspaper was told. The news also spread by word of mouth and other persons invested in the scheme. Reports coming out of Sunday's meeting say that one man invested as much as $11.5M while others also invested millions and others varying sums in the thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars.

  The source said that in December the investors were informed that the rate of return paid would drop to 20% because the business was affected by the global financial crisis.

  They were told that although the vegetables were sent out, the market had dipped. Since then, no monies were paid and the investors attempted to get back their money. This, they found, they could not do.

   

• Hundreds caught up in 35% returns scheme.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:36

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:36

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:36

  Written by Stabroek News

  Veggie export ‘business' used to gather money

  In a case that has echoes of a ‘Ponzi scheme', an employee of a state agency is in police custody as the lawmen probe a scheme that offered a 35% rate of return monthly and into which hundreds of persons invested their monies but were not paid their profit since the year began.

  At least 300 persons turned up at City Hall, where some of the affected persons convened a meeting yesterday, in an attempt to find out about their money. It was not clear why or how the meeting was held at City Hall and senior city officials said that they had no knowledge of it.

  A source, who was present at the meeting, informed this newspaper of the gathering but when this newspaper arrived, it was already over and the names of those affected were being recorded. Many persons at the venue, who were approached, declined to speak about the issue and the persons, who appeared to be in charge, including a pastor of the South Ruimveldt church, which the employee reportedly attended, refused to speak. They said that they did not want the matter to be in the media.

  Persons were divided into groups and told to record their names and telephone numbers. A wide range of persons was present, including some from the business sector and they were divided into groups such as those from the West Coast Demerara, West Bank Demerara and East Bank Demerara among other locales. Persons were appointed "leaders" of the groups and they collected the information. People from as far away as Berbice were among those affected. A senior police officer confirmed to this newspaper last evening that he was aware of the matter and said that persons close to him were also affected.

  This newspaper's source said that the persons were warned not to speak to the media, since a businessman wanted to "subsidize" the export scheme, and this would be jeopardized if the media got wind of the matter. Another source said that the person is a close associate of the state agency employee.

  This newspaper was told that the state agency employee mobilized the money by saying that he has a business exporting vegetables to Antigua. An associate would then go around informing potential investors about the business and the rate of interest they would get if they invested their money in it. This has been going on for about three to four years now, this newspaper was told. Efforts by Stabroek News to ascertain the name of the "export business" were futile. Persons, who invested, were required to sign a contract.

  The source said that the persons were given the option of investing their money and then collecting the interest and the capital at the end of the month or collecting the interest alone. Since the returns were lucrative, many persons opted to collect the interest alone, this newspaper was told. The news also spread by word of mouth and other persons invested in the scheme. Reports coming out of yesterday's meeting say that one man invested as much as $11.5M while others also invested millions and others varying sums in the thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars. It could not definitively be established yesterday, how much money was involved but from the indications at the meeting, the source said, it was in the tens of millions. Many persons were holding on tightly to their contracts as they signed their names yesterday.

  The source said that in December the investors were informed that the rate of return paid would drop to 20% because the business was affected by the global financial crisis. They were told that although the vegetables were sent out, the market had dipped. Since then, no monies were paid and the investors attempted to get back their money. This, they found, they could not do.

  Meantime, the source said that yesterday, they were told that a businessman wanted to "subsidize" the scheme and wanted the contact information for the overseas markets. In time, they were told, if the businessman found it lucrative, their monies would be repaid. Another source said that the businessman is a close associate of the state agency employee.

  According to Wikipedia, a Ponzi Scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors from their own money or money paid by subsequent investors rather than from profit. The Ponzi scheme usually offers abnormally high short-term returns in order to entice new investors. The perpetuation of the high returns that a Ponzi scheme advertises and pays requires an ever-increasing flow of money from investors in order to keep the scheme going. High profile persons charged with operating a Ponzi Scheme in the US recently include Allen Stanford and Bernard Madoff.

   

• Generation Lost - I WANT TO GROW UP!

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:12

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:12

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:12

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  WITH WELL over 2,000 children and young adults murdered in Jamaica over the past five years, at an average of more than 400 per year, Jamaica is undoubtedly on a path to self-destruction, experts agree.

  "What we are doing to ourselves is self-destructive," comments anthropologist Dr Herbert Gayle. "This is what we call social suicide!"

  The twisted roots of violence that has choked Jamaica's young people, 90 per cent of whom are young men, have also robbed the country of some brilliant young minds.

  "By killing these youngsters, the country is being deprived of potential strength and development," says social worker and community volunteer, Horace Levy.

  Social programmes needed

  He states that what is needed in these communities is more social programmes that educate and train people to be self-sufficient. By helping people lift themselves out of their circumstances, Levy says, the country would be able to save the lives of some of its bright, young minds.

  Gayle, who is one of Jamaica's leading researchers on gang dynamics and inner-city violence, agrees.

  "In the inner city and working communities, when they do have these bright kids who are going to replace some of us, what happens? We kill them! So we are literally replacing ourselves with weaker people.

  "Jamaica has not been replenishing its society with the minds it needs to drive its future development, as those who can afford to have many children have few or none, while those who cannot - the poor - have more than they can afford to care for," Gayle says.

  The lack of structural support in poor communities, Gayle adds, in turn, creates a myriad of social problems that make it nearly impossible for young, bright people from the inner city or similar communities to emerge.

  He underscores the urgent need for social policies to effectively address the squalid conditions of the nation's poor and inner-city communities.

  Gang recruitment

  Gayle identifies gang recruitment as another phenomenon robbing the island of bright youngsters.

  Once gifted youngsters are identified, he says, they are either recruited by criminal gangs or killed by jealous community members.

  "It's paradoxical that some gangs will target bright youths. In other settings, persons will protect these kids. I have seen situations where people try to recruit them and other members say, 'We are going to have a war over this youth, he is not going to become no gang-banger'," Gayle discloses.

  He says there have also been situations where jealous community members try to impede the progress of bright youngsters.

  "What some parents also do is flaunt the progress of their children. So it cuts both ways. And that causes them (jealous community members) to target these kids and they get hurt as a result," he adds.

  "So, rather than a village raising the child, it's a village killing the child," Gayle states.

   

• CIB BOOKS IN A MESS

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:01

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:01

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 04:01

  Written by Trinidad Express

  Central Bank Governor:

  Non-performing loans on the books of the state-impounded CL Financial-owned Clico Investment Bank (CIB) could account for over 20 per cent, significantly more than the industry standard of two-to-three per cent, sources close to the bank have disclosed.

  On Friday, Governor of the Central Bank Ewart Williams, the man tasked with shaping the architecture of a financial recovery plan for several finance companies within the troubled CL Financial Group, told the Sunday Express that: "The records of CIB (earmarked for liquidation) are in a total mess".

  And while Governor Williams declined to give specifics on the problems encountered in untangling the financial records at CIB, he conceded that it has led to a delay in the transfer of liabilities.

  Included in the long roster of names that failed to service outstanding loans at CIB are several local and regional property-development companies, a failed bank in Grenada, a former government minister, a former Unit Trust Company executive director and several high-profile corporate figures.

  The Sunday Express was told that CIB initially provided loan facilities of some US$7 million to the financially-troubled Capital Bank International Ltd of Grenada to lend customers money. And even as that loan turned sour on the books of the CL-owned bank, sources said CIB issued a new loan of US$10 million to the bank's chairman and managing director, Finton De Bourg, to build a boutique-type hotel called Native Hut. That loan also went bad.

  Early last year, the Grenada government, in a bid to protect depositors' money, placed Capital Bank into receivership. The Grenadian bank is said to owe an estimated US$15 million to customers. Sources close to CIB say the local investment bank called in the two loans last July but is yet to recover any money. The matter is now the subject of a court action in Grenada.

  Another transaction gone bad involved US$100 million in funding to Keirron Dolby, founder, major shareholder and managing director of DCG Properties Ltd. CIB approved the funding for a luxury resort with a Greg Norman 18-hole golf course in St Lucia.

  An initial payment of US$73 million was made. The balance was not paid because it had exceeded the 25 per cent limit placed on borrowings on its capital base to any one client.

  Some of the bad loans on CIB's books are said to be more than ten years old. In 1997, the bank issued personal loans to former UTC executive director E Henry Sealy, economist Dr Ralph Henry and their development company, Cape Resorts Co Ltd, to build a hotel in Mayaro.

  Two payments were made towards the original loan of $3.6 million to Cape Resorts, which currently stands on CIB's books at $13.3 million, including accrued interest.

  Former trade minister Ken Valley also has an outstanding debt to CIB of $1.5 million. The bank wrote Valley on August 28, 2008 threatening foreclosure on a February 2000 loan made to his Caribbean Shoppe business in St James.

  Caribbean Shoppe has challenged CIB's demand for repayment, insisting that it was not party to a 2002 debt consolidation, and also, that its original approach to CIB was for venture capital.

  In the letter responding to CIB's threat of foreclosure, Caribbean Shoppe manager Sharon Cedeno countered that CIB had breached its own agreement.

  "Our approach to CIB in 2000 was for venture capital financing. Because of the processing time envisaged, bridge financing was proposed with the clear intention that it would be replaced by the venture capital funds. This explains why no repayment was ever requested nor paid on the financing." Interest at a rate of 17.5 per cent per annum has pushed the original $300,000 loan to $1.5 million as of late last year.

  Another loan that CIB has only recently moved on involves Anthony Pinto's Coastal Development Co Ltd, which was given over US$5 million in September 2004 for a villa development along the North Coast.

  CIB's attempt to collect on the outstanding debt was made after several directors of the company resigned, among them Kenneth Gordon and Richard Kellman.

  Sources close to the Bank said new rules to improve corporate oversight were introduced by Mervyn Assam, who returned to the bank after an absence of 12 years last April as executive chairman, following the resignation of Andre Monteil in March 2008.

   

• Retired army major in US jail on drug charges.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:55

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:55

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:55

  Written by Stabroek News

  - to testify against Roger Khan.
  - marked to be ‘neutralised' in witness tampering allegation.

  
  Retired army major David Clarke, who is expected to be one of the main witnesses for the prosecution in drug accused's Roger Khan trial and reportedly a target to be intimidated in the witness tampering allegation, is sitting in a New York jail, having been charged with two counts of drug trafficking.

  It is not clear whether Clarke has been tried on the charges or has entered into a plea bargain for a light sentence in return for being a state witness, since all information on his case has been under seal.

  However, according to the indictment on the first charge, Clarke, his brother Hubert Clarke called ‘Dun Dun' and Hubert's girlfriend, Shelly Mcqune, between October 2003 and April 5, 2005, together with others, did knowingly and intentionally, conspire to import more than five kilogrammes of cocaine into the US. On the second charge, between the same dates, they also conspired to distribute the cocaine in the US.

  Prior to his retirement, Clarke had headed ‘Operation Tourniquet', which was established on June 5, 2002 as part of the Guyana Defence Force's (GDF) joint operations with the police to arrest the wave of criminal activity emanating from Buxton, following the February 23, 2002 jail break. Clarke was also one of the persons Khan and his attorneys, Robert Simels and Arianne Irving, had allegedly attempted to intimidate and "neutralise" resulting in them being hauled before the courts last year on witness-tampering charges.

  Last year, Stabroek News had contacted GDF Public Relations Officer Woman Colonel Windee Algernon and enquired about Clarke. She had said that he had retired. She had explained that while he might not have reached the age of retirement there was a system in the army where an officer could retire based on the number of years served. However, Col Algernon could not say when he retired; whether Clarke was asked to retire early or if he had opted for same.

  Clarke was charged shortly after Khan was described as a drug trafficker in the 2006 US drug report. When the report was published, Khan had made "assorted accusations" against Clarke and others at a meeting in March 2006 with US officials at the Ocean View Hotel. He had sought to provide "evidence" that Clarke had worked in concert with Shawn Brown, one of the five February 23, 2002 prison escapees. He had alleged that during Clarke's tenure at the head of ‘Operation Tourniquet' he was in league with Brown, who was responsible for kidnapping former US diplomat Stephen Lesniak in April 2003.

  Following his arrest in Trinidad in June 2006 and his subsequent indictment on drug charges, Khan has sought to deny that he and Clarke could have been co-conspirators in exporting drugs, arguing that he had exposed the former officer's links to the criminal enterprise in Buxton.

  ‘Murdering thug'
  Meanwhile, in the first meeting between Simels and the US government's confidential source (CS), last year before he and the others were charged with witness tampering, Simels had allegedly told the CS that prosecutors had been saying for almost two years that the case against Khan was a "straightforward drug case."

  However, he said, about one month before they were expected to go to trial in April last year "...they come with a whole new theory of the case. This new theory of the case is everything about Roger's phantom gang as they put it, it should be evidence because they want to prove that while he started out as a patriot, he then used that phantom force to help him in the drug business, and that he would murder rivals."

  According to a typed record of that conversation, made by the US government and seen by this newspaper, Simels is reported to have told the CS that the government was alleging that Khan murdered Dave Persaud, who was killed in front of Palm Court Restaurant and Bar, and boxing coach Donald Allison.

  CS: "Why did they make the change?"
  Simels: "Well, we didn't know it but we found out that David Clarke is now telling them [that] Roger is a murdering thug..."

  Simels further told the CS that the prosecution knew the defence would have made several allegations about Clarke during his tenure in Buxton, the main one being that he acted in concert with the criminals in the village.
  The lawyer said in the conversation that because of the prosecution's theory the defence had to let the jury know during the trial what Guyana was like because people in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island could "never fathom what goes on there [Guyana]."

  Simels: "As I said to the judge this is not [US President Barack] Obama and [US Secretary of State] Hillary [Clinton] saying bad things about each other. Down there when that happens they just kill each other..."
  The lawyer then told the CS that Khan told him he had to find him (the CS) to help demonstrate to the jury what happened in Guyana.
  CS: "But how important really is David Clarke to this case?"

  Simels: "He is everything to their case now. Their whole case is based upon him."
  CS: "But there's nothing which can be done about this guy, you're saying?"

  Simels noted that Clarke would be the only prosecution witness who could actually say he spoke to Khan during the time Khan reportedly committed the offences.
  Simels: "...It would be helpful if you could sort of tell me what you do know about him, how you came to meet David Clarke or what you came to know about Roger, how you met Roger. Could you like give me a... your version, not Roger's version which is sometimes a little..."
  The CS related to Simels that he had a cousin, who is now serving 20 years in a US jail for a drive-by shooting, who once worked for Khan and it was while he was attempting to assist his cousin that he was eventually introduced to the "boss." He said that while in 2003 he knew of Khan and would help Khan from time to time it was in 2005, that "I met the director."
  The CS said it was believed that the escapees and their cohorts were being supported by elements of the military in Buxton but he had no firsthand knowledge of that.
  Simels: "And did you know David Clarke?"

  CS: "Yes I knew the guy... because of the fact he is related to Donald Allison. Donald Allison is my neighbour."
  Simels: "When you said ‘boss' earlier were you talking about Roger?"
  CS: "Yea, the boss so... he ran things."

  The CS said he and Clarke's brother, Hubert, whom Simels referred to as ‘Dumb Dumb' instead of ‘Dun Dun', were schoolmates and that the brothers were from Agricola.
  According to the CS, he knew Clarke was in charge of the operation in Buxton while he was captain.
  Asked by Simels if he knew whether Clarke was favourable to the people in Buxton the CS said yes.
  CS: "Well yea, I would take it that way. Because I mean he was in charge, these guys were able to come out, do certain things and get back into Buxton, somebody had to be sanctioning it. Somebody had to be sanctioning it, and it had to be somebody who was very much at the scene. Because it's the only way I could have seen them doing that."

  In answer to Simels, the CS said he knew when Khan was arrested with the spy equipment but he did not speak to Clarke during that period and while he saw his former school mate Hubert they did not speak as Hubert had made some money and he was like "God almighty, you know, and I am just a little guy."

  Irving, who was also present during the conversation, said Khan had told them that elements of the military would always delay the police entrance to Buxton whenever a crime was committed.
  Irving: "...Roger explained that the military would kind of create some sort of like a diversion because he described it as... Agricola is like a road that goes right to Buxton and there is a cane field also. So he kind of described it that the military... would create some sort of diversion on the road to delay the police from entering Buxton so that those individuals they were looking for were able to sneak out through the cane fields into Agricola..."
  The CS was asked if he knew anything about that.

  CS: "Alright, I mean I've never witnessed it firsthand. But what I can say is that those are the reports... I mean both Roger and myself, other guys around him, those are the reports that keeping coming in, right."
  The CS said he not only knew David and Hubert but he also knew their mother and an aunt.

  ‘Not really a jail'
  Irving asked the CS if he knew Clarke was in the US and he said while they suspected they never had proof. He said some friends had told him that Clarke would appear on some online messenger on the internet and his status message was ‘home away from home.'
  Simels: "Well, I went over to the jail where he's at. Not really a jail, jail, but it's a..."
  CS: "It's a nice area?"

  Simels: "...nicer jail. It's a building. He's got like you said internet access... He can make a lot of calls."
  CS: "But does he get to come out on the road and... or he doesn't have that kind of access?"
  Simels: "Right, it's not like a jail, jail."
  CS: "Could he like come out on the road and..."
  Simels: "I don't think so. And I think he would be afraid to come out, but they had him hidden there, and I went to see him. And I assume it's him, I described him to Roger. He's about maybe 5'9", 5'10" dark skin, maybe late 40s, soft spoken. And I said to him ‘you're David Clarke' and I mentioned who I was and he said, ‘I don't want to talk to you.' So I would assume it was not a mistake."
  The CS was asked if he knew Clarke's girlfriend.

  CS: "No. Married man. This guy is married, he shouldn't have a girlfriend. Leave that for me."
  Irving: "I hear it's a regular thing in Guyana. I think Roger has a couple of girlfriends."
  The CS said that he was sorry Clarke was locked away but Simels told him that Clarke had to be in touch with his girlfriend, whom he named and that he wanted to find his ex-wife in Guyana and instructed the CS to find her.
  Simels told the CS that he provided information to some of Khan's former associates, most of them former police officers, but they were unable to find the woman. The CS told him that the former associates might be scared but they forgot all Khan did for them.

  Recalled
  The CS then told Simels that he was introduced to a government official, whom he named, by Khan in 2005, and Simels asked if during the meeting Clarke's name was mentioned.
  Simels: "Think about it as you're reflecting about whether or not in your meeting with [the official], ever David Clarke was one of the subjects. Because around 2005 when he got involved with Roger is around the time Clarke was recalled by [President] Bharrat [Jagdeo]."
  President Jagdeo, who is the Minister of Defence, had recalled Clarke from a training course in the USA, for which the GDF had selected him. The officer was halfway through the course when he was ordered to return to Guyana.

  Stabroek News was told at that time that in the case of training overseas, except for officers of the rank of colonel and above, the convention was that the selection was made at the level of the GDF, but that the Minister of Defence had the final authority.

  Reports at that time had also indicated that it was not the practice for the GDF to submit a list of officers sent for training overseas to the Defence Board, and it was a mystery as to how President Jagdeo knew the officer had been sent on a training course in the USA.

  Back in May 2003, the then captain was the only officer who President Jagdeo refused to promote from a long list of officers recommended for promotion. While the final authority for promotions rests with the Defence Board, before the move by the President in 2003 recommendations from the army had been accepted with no rejections.

  The then captain was recommended by a promotions panel chaired by the then chief of staff, Brigadier Michael Atherly, based on the recommendation of his battalion commander. The commander's recommendation was said to be based on the ex-officer's attitude and performance in his substantive rank, his suitability for promotion to higher rank and authority as well as his suitability for retention in the army. That assessment was reached based on a recommendation of a promotion panel at the battalion level, which reviewed the ex-officer's annual confidential reports and assessed his suitability.

  Subversive activities
  When President Jagdeo had refused to promote Clarke, senior army sources at that time had told Stabroek News that nothing in the man's record indicated that he had behaved in an inappropriate manner either during his assignment in Buxton or in the other locations at which he was stationed.

  However, this was not the picture Roger Khan painted in a motion he filed through his lawyers.
  That motion alleged that the then officer was so involved in criminal activities in Buxton that he delayed finding Lesniak, even though information about the location of the kidnapped man was provided.
  The US has since sought to disallow any evidence about Clarke's alleged criminal activities from the trial as they see it as "self serving" for Khan.

  While the prosecution has argued that any involvement of Khan in the diplomat's release was irrelevant to the drug case, Khan's lawyers had stated in the motion: "... the relevance of evidence pertaining to the Lesniak kidnapping is broader than the government addresses."

   

• DPP tackles cop cases - Llewellyn vows to clear pile-up of BSI files by April-May.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:40

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:40

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:40

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  Pushing to clear the backlog of files received from the Bureau of Special Investi-gations (BSI), Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn has instructed detectives to arrest 14 of their colleagues for criminal offences, ranging from murder to assault.

  An inspector and a corporal, two of the 14, have since appeared before the court.

  "We have never seen anything like this before. This is the first time we have seen so many files returning from the DPP's office. She is really delivering," Assistant Commissioner of Police Granville Gause told The Gleaner last Thursday. Gause is the officer in charge of the BSI.

  The corporal, Christopher Lloyd Thompson of the Linstead Police Station in St Catherine, was remanded until Friday when he is to return to court. He has been charged with the murder of Randeen Hall, who was killed in a controversial incident three years ago in Linstead, St Catherine. The shooting sparked massive protests in the rural town for several days. Residents claimed Hall was gunned down in cold blood.

  Apart from the 14 who are to be charged criminally, the DPP has also ruled that 52 police personnel are to face the Coroners Court in connection with a wide range of other incidents.

  "Since January, the DPP has ruled on 68 files, some of which dated from as far back as 2002," said Gause.

  The officer argued that there were still another 270 outstanding files at the DPP's office awaiting ruling. In addition, his team of detectives is looking for 23 more police personnel to execute warrants on them.

  Gause said he had since located the whereabouts of two of them and has requested the assistance of the relevant authorities to have them extradited to Jamaica.

  The Gleaner understands that among the outstanding files are some controversial cases which had attracted widespread public attention. However, while some of the policemen involved in these shootings might have forgotten about them or are relaxing, Gause has warned that "it's never over until it is over".

  He stressed that the BSI was now experiencing a 60 per cent increase in its clear-up rate. Gause has also requested assistance to increase the number of investigators at the office.

  "Right now, we have about 23 investigators, each of whom are asked to take on between 50-75 cases," he said.

  Commenting on the number of files that she has returned to the BSI, the DPP explained that it is a work in progress.

  Working very hard

  "With the support of staff, I have been working very hard to clear the backlog of files," said Llewellyn.She is aiming to clear the backlog by April/May and then improve the turnaround time for files sent to her office. If everything works according to her plan, the maximum time a file should spend at her office is three months.

  "There are some urgent files which we took a day or two to complete. There are those cases but, since March last year, I have ruled on about 40 cases involving police personnel and anti-corruption breaches," the DPP told The Gleaner on the weekend.

   

• Kyra's race against time,Money still needed for baby's liver transplant.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:27

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:27

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:27

  Written by Trinidad Express

  Four months ago first-time mother Krystal Downer came forward with a public plea for help to raise US$276,000 for liver transplant surgery which her baby girl, Kyra Dennis, desperately needed to live.

  Downer, 22, lamented that her baby's liver was hardening with each passing day and said she needed the transplant in the quickest possible time.

  After her plight was highlighted in the Express, a number of generous readers came forward to donate money to the cause and thanks to their generosity the family managed to raise approximately $70,000 for Kyra's transplant.

  The money is still not enough to pay for the costly transplant which can only be done overseas. Downer told the Express that she was still "very grateful and thankful" to people who contributed to the Baby Kyra Dennis Fund which was opened at Scotiabank.

  Baby Kyra is now ten months old and time is against her.

  She had to be rushed to the hospital twice last month because she was vomiting blood - a sign that her liver condition was worsening.

  Downer said that apart from trying to raise all the money for the surgery, she was still trying to source a hospital that would accept Kyra to do the transplant.

  She said after her daughter's plight was published in the Express four months ago, the Ministry of Health had promised that it would offer financial assistance once they were able to present all the relevant documents.

  The ministry offers a maximum of US$10,000 to sick children who need to go abroad for medical treatment.

  Downer said in an interview recently that she continues to depend on the generosity of citizens and is praying that she would be able to raise the required sum before it is too late for her daughter.

  Anyone wishing to offer assistance can make deposits to the Baby Kyra Fund, account number 4009074 at Scotiabank or contact 769-2600 or 308-3084.

   

• Bella Dam man fatally stabbed in dance row.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:14

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:14

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:14

  Written by Stabroek News

  Call it the dance of death. A 30-year-old father of three succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) yesterday after being stabbed at a wedding in a dispute over who was the better dancer and three men are in police custody.

  Dead is Anil Persaud, a dray cart operator, of Bella Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. The police, in a statement said that they are investigating the murder.

  Police said that Persaud was at a wedding celebration at Independence Street, La Grange when the incident occurred at about 12.30 am yesterday. Investigations revealed that he became involved in an argument with a group of men over who could dance better and the argument developed into an altercation during which he was stabbed to his right side, the police said.

  The injured man was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) from where he was transferred to the GPH. He underwent surgery and died at 12:30 pm yesterday following the surgery.

  His wife of ten years, Rubena Persaud, her face stained with tears, told Stabroek News that she does not know the exact circumstances as to how the incident occurred. She said that on Saturday, she was assisting at the wedding of her niece and her husband arrived there later that evening. The wedding was in session, with many drinking.

  As relatives set up a shed in preparation for the wake, the grieving woman said that when the incident occurred, she was putting their children to sleep when someone shouted "Anil get stab".

  She rushed out and saw her husband in the arms of his brother with blood streaming out of his right side. Rubena recalled that Persaud was crying out in pain and they rushed him to the WDRH. He was then transferred to the GPH, due to the severity of his injury. He underwent surgery, the woman said, and she was told that his lungs, kidney and liver were severely damaged. Following the surgery, he died at about 12:30pm.

  Police said that two other men suffered injuries and have been admitted to the GPH. The matter had been reported and three men were arrested and are in custody at the La Grange Police station, assisting with investigations.

  Persaud, who is the father of three children, ages four, six and eight also leaves to mourn other relatives and friends. Rubena described her husband as a "very quiet person".

   

• Youth voters targeted.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 06:00

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 06:00

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 06:00

  Written by Jamaica Gleaner

  GENERATION 2000 (G2K), the young professional arm of the Jamaica Labour party (JLP), said it would copy and paste aspects of Barack Obama's presidential campaign in its bid to have Daryl Vaz elected Member of Parliament (MP) for West Portland.

  Warren Newby, president of the nine-year-old organisation, told The Sunday Gleaner the group of young labourites learnt a lot from the Obama campaign and will be adopting some of his campaign methods.

  Ad campaign

  G2K managed the ad campaign of the JLP in the 2007 general elections. The JLP won the election 32-28 in the 60-seat Parliament, but the subsequent disqualification of Vaz by the courts has forced a by-election in West Portland. The election will be held on March 23.

   

• Soca Queen' Fay-Ann gives birth by Caesarian section.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:39

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:39

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:39

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  IT'S a girl!

  Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez has delivered again-this time a bouncing baby girl.

  Minutes after noon yesterday, the four-crown 2009 "Soca Queen"-Soca Monarch, Groovy Monarch, People's Choice and Road March-successfully gave birth to her firstborn at the Mount Hope Maternity Hospital via caesarean section. Husband and three-time International Power Soca Monarch Ian "Bunji Garlin" Alvarez missed the greatest show of his wife's life, only managing to arrive at her bedside later in the evening from Tobago where he had gone to fulfill contractual obligations.

  In the days leading up to the birth, both parents had said they did not know the gender of the baby. But there was some indication when, during Lyons-Alvarez's winning performances at the Soca Monarch finals last weekend, she placed the microphone to her belly, and a digitally-created voice of a baby was heard chanting that (she, the baby) and her mommy were putting a lyrical beating on Bunji.

  Lyons-Alvarez was admitted to the hospital on Friday, suffering from pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia usually results in the swelling of the feet, hands and the face. Ten per cent of women experiencing their first pregnancy may develop this condition, and studies have indicated that this is often very dangerous for mother and child, but especially so for the mother.

  Fay-Ann's manager, Ian Pantin, told the Sunday Express yesterday that both mother and child were doing just fine.

  Security was tight at the hospital, with guards assigned at all entrance-ways to the ward, as well as to the door to Lyons-Alvarez's private room. Only family were allowed entry.

  Lyons-Alvarez performed throughout the Carnival season, stopping only last weekend after winning the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch titles and the bmobile People's Choice, and then picking up the Road March title over the two days of Carnival. Daughter of the legendary soca icon Austin "SuperBlue", Lyons-Alvarez won the Road March title singing "Meet SuperBlue", a tribute to her father and unborn child.

• Man beheaded in road accident.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:24

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:24

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:24

  Written by Stabroek News

  A 60-year-old man is now dead and another man seriously injured following a gruesome accident which occurred last evening on the Agricola Public Road. Dead is Terrence McKend of 114 Third Street Agricola while the injured man is Bruce Waddell of 129 Cato Street, Agricola who was up to press time unconscious at the St Joseph's Mercy Hospital.

  The two men were on a bicycle which reportedly collided with a sand truck (GKK 3364) belonging to the Ministry of Public Works. According to the driver of the truck Irwin Stephen, he was proceeding north along the East Bank Highway when two men on the bicycle sped out of a side street into his path.

  He said that he blew his horn and tried to pull out of the way of the men but in spite of his best efforts, the two men still collided with the side of his truck. Stephen said that he tried to bring his truck to a halt but felt that he had driven over something.

  He said that he believed that after the men collided they fell off the bike and that McKend's head was crushed by the back wheel of the truck.

  He said that he did his best in the circumstances since if he had pulled out of the way, he may have risked hitting pedestrians and bystanders who were in the vicinity. Stephen explained that he was returning to Georgetown after helping some residents on the Lamaha Railway relocate to their new homes in Parfait Harmonie.

  The distraught wife of the dead man Enid Jason said that her husband had just left home with a friend known as ‘Sonna Boy.' She said a few moments later she heard the dreadful news. McKend was the father of six children.

  Meanwhile, the other cyclist Bruce Waddell was rushed to the Georgetown hospital in an unconscious state before being transferred to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.

  The man's mother Marlin Waddell told this newspaper that the 30-year old man was her eldest child and that although he did not have a steady job as such, he would do carpentry work.

  Residents in the area said that this particular junction along the East Bank needed traffic lights urgently since it was a site for many accidents.

  On January 27, 12-year old Shaneis Henriques lost her life in the vicinity where last night's accident occurred.

  The girl, who was standing on the sidewalk at the time, was hit by a Landcruiser which had reportedly swerved to avoid hitting a car.

   

• Cops find underwear near suspect's home,Leah Lammy kidnapping.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:46

  Last Updated on Monday, 08 October 2012 17:41

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:46

  Written by Trinidad Express

  underwear was found yesterday, near the home of the man charged with kidnapping eight-year-old Leah Lammy and stealing her cellphone.

  And up to late evening, policemen searched the bushes and nearby houses for the Edinburgh Government School pupil, who disappeared on February 10.

  There was no evidence, however, to confirm that the underwear belonged to little Leah, police said.

  The officers went to Dyers Road, Cunupia, not far from the suspect's home, where they conducted a search around midday. And when they found the discoloured underwear in some bushes, the search widened, police said. Up to last night nothing more was found.

  Salis Mack, a PH driver, was denied bail when he appeared before a Chaguanas Magistrate last Tuesday.

  Mack, of King Sultan Avenue, Cunupia, is being kept in isolation away from the general prison population, under 24-hour watch by prison officers at Remand Yard, Golden Grove, Arouca.

  Police said the underwear would be taken for forensic testing.

  Leah was last seen leaving her classroom to travel to her Tom Street, Longdenville home. When she did not arrive home by 4.30 p.m. her mother, Gale Lammy, called her cellphone. A man answered and asked for $300,000 for her safe release. The man promised to call that night, but up to yesterday no one had contacted her family.

  Four men were questioned in the investigations -three were released.

  Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert led a door-to-door search for the girl, days after she went missing. But no clues were found to lead officers to Leah.

  Several organisations have held processions in her community, calling on the kidnappers to set Leah free.

  Pupils at the school she attended even joined in the march on Saturday, holding up placards pleading for Leah's safe release.

   

• Cabinet Shake-up,PM to announce 'minor changes' today.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:44

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:44

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:44

  Written by Trinidad Express

  Prime Minister Patrick Manning will today announce some "minor changes" to his Cabinet , amid calls from within his own party for change.

  Manning made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with the Express yesterday at the close of a four-day retreat at the Salybia Nature Resort and Spa, Salybia.

  Speculation had been rife that Manning would reshuffle his Cabinet during the retreat especially in the light of the growing discontent among many in the society of the Government's failure to deliver in specific areas such as the war on crime and health care.

  "It is an option that the Prime Minister always has available to him but I intend to make some minor changes to portfolio allocations, minor changes-Not what you all had been predicting. No reshuffle you all had been predicting but some minor changes," Manning said.

  He spoke with the Express as he left the resort where he, his Cabinet and his parliamentary backbenchers spent the last four days dealing with issues involving their management of the Government.

  Pressed for details on the new allocation of Ministerial portfolios within his Cabinet, Manning would give no details but indicated that he has already made his decision.

  "Minor changes, let me not say anything more than that, minor changes. In fact, I will make them tomorrow," Manning said.

  He did so as he described the Government retreat as a success and noted "relationship issues" that had existed in his Cabinet have been addressed.

  "The relationship issues, a lot of things have been put on the table and we are going to deal with that. It is not that there is a split as some people would like to say but in every team you have relationship issues and all we are trying to do is to take a mature approach to it and put them on the table and solve them," Manning said.

  He noted that his administration is only one year and four months old and, as such, is "a very new team" and is "perhaps going through different stages".

  "In addition to which, a number of things have been clarified. A lot of people in that team are new, new to public life and, therefore, not so sure how certain things are done-How you manage a Ministry? How you manage your constituencies? On the basis of experiences, what are the things we now have to do? You see, where have we been falling short?-and that's what we've done. Excellent weekend," Manning said.

  He said that there would be other retreats for his administration since the format works.

  As members of the Cabinet and their non-Cabinet colleagues left the resort yesterday, they were all smiles and some even shared jokes with each other.

  The retreat ended at around 11.25 a.m. and most of the Cabinet members left the resort before Manning and his spouse, Local Government Minister Hazel Manning, made their way home at about 12.30 p.m.

   

• Medias misleading messages.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:37

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:37

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:37

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Open Letter regarding the Emilio Wilson Estate Setting the record straight.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 04:17

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 04:17

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 04:17

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• ‘Unpaid advisor’…welcome to the club.…

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:21

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:21

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:21

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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
  

• What Role will the Central Bank Play in Economic Recovery?

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:07

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:07

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:07

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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?
  

• Commissioner, is it a party, pick nick or panic?????

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:27

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:29

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 00:27

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• CRIME by THEO + ROBBERS UA.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 14 March 2009 00:40

  Last Updated on Saturday, 14 March 2009 00:40

  Published on Saturday, 14 March 2009 00:40

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• Résidents En-raged.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 01:41

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 01:41

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 01:41

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• Free open advice to the advisor fo’ nutting ….We are in the same boat……

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 00:57

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 00:57

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 00:57

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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 (ljames@caribserve.net) 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
  -------
  

• SNBF questions PM ELHAGE-DE JONGH,

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 01:43

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 01:47

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 01:43

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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
  Pagina 1 van 7
  DGKB/KR
  Schedeldoekshaven 200
  2511 EZ Den Haag
  Postbus 20011
  2500 EA Den Haag
  www.minbzk.nl
  Kenmerk
  2009-0000010081
  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
  Datum
  23 februari 2009
  Kenmerk
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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
  Pagina 3 van 7
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  23 februari 2009
  Kenmerk
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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.
  Pagina 4 van 7
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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
  Pagina 5 van 7
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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
  Pagina 6 van 7
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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

   

• To our loyal listeners of NATIONtalk.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:26

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:26

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 00:26

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• OPEN QUESTION TO PRIME-MINISTER ELHAGE DE JONGH.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 02:45

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 02:45

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 02:45

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  ‘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.

• OPEN ANSWER TO CONCERNED CITIZENS.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:23

  Last Updated on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:23

  Published on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:23

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• To Outraged citizens protesting 'illegal' construction Travel Inn, Simpson-Bay.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:37

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:37

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:37

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• To the owners/developers of THE CORNER, BILLY FOLLY (TRAVEL INN CONDOS) & the 'Thousands of outraged citizens' who signed petition...

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 00:47

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 00:47

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 00:47

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• Economic growth or Evil greed???

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:38

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:38

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:38

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioners and their Cronies.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:03

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:03

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:03

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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'.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:29

  Last Updated on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:29

  Published on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:29

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• USVI TOURISM PROMOTION ALREADY LEADING TO BOOKINGS.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:37

  Last Updated on Monday, 08 October 2012 17:45

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:37

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• TOPIC; Understanding the identity, motive of non-SXM attackers on local intellectuals.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:01

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:01

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:01

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• WANTED

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 00:46

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 00:46

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 00:46

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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 info@stmartinnation.org
  

• Suspension Constitution Turks & Caicos Islands based on corruption in Government.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:35

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:35

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:35

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• To the Leaders of the country,

  Details

  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 01:39

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 01:39

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 01:39

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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,

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

• COMMISSIONERS AND THEIR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 00:55

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 00:55

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 00:55

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• JAMES TO CONTACT PROSECUTOR REGARDING ACCUSATIONS BIJNSDORP.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:32

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:32

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:32

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• Applying of Appropriate Actions.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 00:43

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 00:43

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 00:43

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Trees or Goats, as a community we need to decide!

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:36

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:36

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:36

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  Last week, the SIMARC Foundation organized tree planting events for National Tree Day. At three of these planting locations the 30 trees there are doing fine. However, at the Welgelegen Roundabout, six trees have been severely damaged by free-roaming goats. The question for the community is, should we continue to allow uncontrolled roaming goats on our streets, or should we stop planting in the ‘goat-controlled zones'. Although constructing large, ugly, wire fences might help, it will not stop the goats assault elsewhere. Perhaps the bigger question is, who owns these goats and why are they not enclosed as they should be, or why has a control by authorities not been enforced? These roaming goats not only destroy plants but they also are a dangerous public hazard to traffic on the roads. It is true that roaming goats are an ‘old time' tradition for St. Maarten! However, with our growth as a more urbanized society, the times have changed, and now these roaming goats are a public problem. If the goats will not be controlled, then we will remove the trees and leave the roundabout bare, and the goats win. Yet, it seems more important that we recognize changes in our community, such that some traditional habits must adjust to our modern lives, and for public health roaming goats need to be controlled.

• Commissioner Buncamper supports WIFOLs ‘Stretch the Dollar’ Initiative.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:04

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:04

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:04

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• GOVERNMENT GETS NO CREDIT --- REGATTA PLANNERS STILL WAITING ON MONIES PROMISED.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:04

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:04

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:04

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• HELICOPTER CRASHES THIS MORNING --- OCCUPANTS SAFELY RESCUED.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 17:28

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 17:28

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 17:28

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

   

• ANOTHER DAY OF MPC STUDENT TOURS OF GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:26

  Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:26

  Published on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:26

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• FBE Schools to Receive Books.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:12

  Last Updated on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:12

  Published on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:12

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Wescot gets report on status of affairs from USM board.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:14

  Last Updated on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:14

  Published on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:14

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Commissioner Wescot to form Strong Women’s Organization.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:17

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:17

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:17

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).

   

• SXM sculptor unveils work in Tortola.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:32

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:32

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:32

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• WOMAN HELD AT GUN POINT AND ROBBED.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:20

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:20

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:20

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• ABSTINENCE, FAITHFULNESS, CONDOMISING THE APPROACH TO HALT HIV/AIDS SPREAD.--BY RAWLE NELSON.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:53

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:53

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:53

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Buncamper explores opportunities with Leon County during Tallahassee working visit.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:20

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:20

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:20

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Wescot commended WIFOL on initiative to inform workers about new labour policy.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:48

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:53

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:48

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).

• ENGINE LEAKING WATER CAUSES SHORT POWER OUTAGE.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 03:12

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 03:12

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 03:12

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• COMMISSIONER BUNCAMPER ATTENDS VIOLENCE PREVENTION WEEK PROGRAM AT SUNDIAL.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:37

  Last Updated on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:37

  Published on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:37

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Buncamper congratulates Meteorological Service of the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba on World Meteorological Day.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:43

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:48

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:43

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).

• “HOW TO THRIVE IN TRYING TIMES” NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:40

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:40

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:40

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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 .
  

• Wetland Presentations and Excursions.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:26

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:26

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:26

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• St. Maarten delegation learns Port of St. Maarten First cruise destination to be ready for Genesis Class Mega Cruise Ships.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 27 March 2009 01:03

  Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2009 01:03

  Published on Friday, 27 March 2009 01:03

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• State funeral likely for former President Janet Jagan.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 30 March 2009 01:23

  Last Updated on Monday, 30 March 2009 01:50

  Published on Monday, 30 March 2009 01:23

  Written by Stabroek News

  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.

• Commissioner Marlin welcomes APNA assurance but says more needs to be done for pensioners.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:03

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:03

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:03

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).

• Strike End Predicted in Guadeloupe, Martinique.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:02

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:02

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 03:02

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Milton Peters College Students Tour Government Administration Building.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:09

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:09

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:09

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• Holiday Appeal to be heard today.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:22

  Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:22

  Published on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:22

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• COMMISSIONER HEYLIGER PAYS TRIBUTE TO JOHN CRAANE.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:22

  Last Updated on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:22

  Published on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:22

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• GENDARMERIE ISSUES SAFETY AND SECURITY.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:11

  Last Updated on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:11

  Published on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:11

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Buncamper leads delegation to City of Tallahassee on Working Visit.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:13

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:13

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:13

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• Mother of Missing American Passed Away --- Family struck with another tragedy.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:27

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:27

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:27

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• ACTIVE PARENTING CONTINUES!

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:14

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:14

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:14

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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 katydid of the genus Phoebolampta found on St Maarten.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:47

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:52

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:47

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• THERE’S HARDLY ANYTHING DUTCH ABOUT ST. MAARTEN, SAYS DUTCH JOURNALIST.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 14 March 2009 01:14

  Last Updated on Saturday, 14 March 2009 01:14

  Published on Saturday, 14 March 2009 01:14

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Commissioner Buncamper seeks assistance to upgrade and enhance Meteorological Services for the island.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:14

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:14

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:14

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Local Police Officials along with their counterparts from the Netherlands paid a courtesy visit.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:53

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:53

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:53

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Funding for Monuments Discussed.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:57

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:57

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:57

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• COMMISSIONER ROY MARLIN DISCUSSES MONUMENT FUND WITH HERMAN GEORGE.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:34

  Last Updated on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:34

  Published on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:34

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Wescot asks Social Affairs Dept to look into status of Over the Bank Fire Victims.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:41

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:41

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:41

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).

• St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Extends Condolences to Commissioner Heyliger & Wathey Family.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:44

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:44

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:44

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Airlines Ask US To Preserve Global Alliances.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:24

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:24

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:24

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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)

• Commissioner Wescot-Williams invited to speak at Bayer Inc. President’s Conference Club breakfast.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:50

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:50

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:50

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Commissioner Buncamper calls on Community to Partake in Free Health Fair March 28.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:53

  Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:53

  Published on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:53

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• NATURALIZATION CEREMONY ON FRIDAY.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:10

  Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:10

  Published on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:10

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Commissioner Wescot says possible solution in sight to resolve funding of judicial projects for the island.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:02

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:02

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:02

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• FUEL CLAUSE RELIEF ENDS ~ Energy Conservation is key to lower utility bills~

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:59

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:59

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:59

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Commissioner Marlin welcomes KLMs capacity increase to the island.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:08

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:08

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:08

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).

• Commissioner Wescot says synchronization of policies needed to deal with compulsory education, immigration and labour matters effectively.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:12

  Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:12

  Published on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:12

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• GEBE SUPERMARKET CHALLENGE CONTINUES.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:19

  Last Updated on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:19

  Published on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:19

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Starlight Education 6 Graders Progressing --- says Hodge.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:08

  Last Updated on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:08

  Published on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:08

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Burglar Broke into Today Newpaper.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:12

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:12

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:12

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• Statement in response to Councilman Frans Richardson’s call for action at Raoul Illidge.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:24

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:24

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:24

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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."

• DUTCH, BRAZILIAN JOURNALISTS HERE TO COVER MORE THAN THE REGATTA.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:05

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:05

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:05

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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."
  

• Commissioner Wescot-Williams wishes math students success at 09 Math A-Lympiad in Holland.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:43

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:43

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:43

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).
  

• Taxi Driver Suspended for Five Days-- DSTA claims she almost ran over President.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 14 March 2009 01:05

  Last Updated on Saturday, 14 March 2009 01:05

  Published on Saturday, 14 March 2009 01:05

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• “LAB SESSIONS ON PROJECT APPROACH TRAINING”.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:03

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:13

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:03

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Wescot meets with Antillean Minister of Justice.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:46

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:46

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:46

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Students giving to Students for National Tree Day.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:56

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 03:11

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:56

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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!

   

• Tree Planting Kick Off At Emilio Wilson Park.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:31

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:31

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:31

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  Leader of Government participates in Tree planting at the Emilio Wilson Park.

• Air France to formalise Czech Airlines interest today.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:43

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:43

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:43

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• ICAO: Fatalities down 25% in 2008 as accident rate lowers ‘marginally’.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:16

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:16

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:16

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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)
  

• Persons with Invalid Old St. Maarten ID Cards after April 1 Won’t Be Able to Access Certain Services.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:51

  Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:51

  Published on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:51

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• PARLIMENTS MONITORING GLOBAL IMPACT.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:08

  Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:08

  Published on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:08

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• GRACITA HONORED WITH WOMEN OF GREAT ESTEEM ‘EMERALD AWARD’ (WGE).

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:08

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:08

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:08

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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".

• Commissioner Wescot says synchronization essential in judicial planning.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:01

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:01

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 05:01

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Buncamper seeking to establish early relationship with National Hurricane Center.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:53

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:53

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:53

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• SHTA disappointed in lack of data for Economic Summit.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:07

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:07

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:07

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Economic Summit Begins today --- MOU Signed.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:08

  Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:08

  Published on Thursday, 05 March 2009 04:08

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• A RISING MEDIA STAR HAS FALLEN.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:08

  Last Updated on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:08

  Published on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:08

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  (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.

• Child Molester Released--- Investigations Continues.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:07

  Last Updated on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:07

  Published on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:07

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• PDHF salutes women---By Rawle Nelson.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:09

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:09

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:09

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Suspects of Ill-treatment Arrested.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:23

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:23

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:23

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Panneflek to Discuss Status with Minister—says Union.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:03

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:03

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 04:03

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Buncamper supports safe and secure online experience for young people.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:42

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:42

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:42

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).
  

• Second Robbery Suspect turned over to Gendarmes.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 14 March 2009 00:59

  Last Updated on Saturday, 14 March 2009 00:59

  Published on Saturday, 14 March 2009 00:59

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• GUYANA APPOINTS NEW COUNCIL TO ST. KITTS/ NEVIS.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:02

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:02

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:02

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Five Scooters Stolen—Suspects Arrested.--Government vehicles destroyed.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:45

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:45

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:45

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• SUSPENSION OF TURKS AND CAICOS CONSTITUTION IS NOT NEW IN THE REGION.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:48

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:48

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:48

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Dutch is Primary Language in the Antilles—Leeflang --- Languages Discussed at UNESCO meetings.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:11

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:46

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:11

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Mid Morning Fire leaves Eight homeless.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:32

  Last Updated on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:32

  Published on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:32

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT ALICO STATUS.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:27

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:27

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:27

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• UMP Calls Members to General Assembly.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:38

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:38

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:38

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  Marigot: -- The UMP Federation of Saint Martin is calling their members to attend their general assembly meeting that is scheduled to be held on March 26th at 6pm at the Beach Plaza Hotel. A press release from the UMP Federation St. Martin is also calling on the friends of the UMP to attend this meeting. While the agenda points of the meeting have not been released SMN News understands there would be discussions on the pending decision of the State Council which may affect the current president of the COM.

• CRIME GOES BEYOND BLUE AND RED – “THERE ARE MORE TO IT THAN WHAT THE PUBLIC HAS BEEN CLAIMING” – YOUTHS TELLS FOUNDATION AT LET’S TALK INITIATIVE. BY RAWLE NELSON

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:08

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:15

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:08

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• COMMISSIONER WESCOT ATTENDS LUNCH MEETING WITH UNESCO REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:43

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:43

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:43

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• CALYPSO ELIMINATIONS THIS SATURDAY.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:50

  Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:50

  Published on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:50

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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 to begin safety audit of American Airlines.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:07

  Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:07

  Published on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:07

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Team day for the K.P.S.S.S.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:07

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:07

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:07

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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".
  

• Commissioner Buncamper congratulates Chamber of Commerce & Industry on 30th Anniversary.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:01

  Last Updated on Monday, 08 October 2012 17:53

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:01

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).
  

• Commissioner Wescot-Williams congratulates Sint Maarten Dominican Community on country’s 165th year of independence.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 04:55

  Last Updated on Monday, 08 October 2012 17:53

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 04:55

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).

• CONSENSUS KINGDOM LAWS APPROVED.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:51

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:51

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:51

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Extends Condolences to Craane Family.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:06

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:06

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:06

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• WINAIR TO CUT ROUTES – JOBS TO GO AS WELL.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:59

  Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:59

  Published on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:59

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• GOVERNOR GENERAL AND PRIME MINISTER MET WITH EXCO, ISLAND COUNCIL.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:06

  Last Updated on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:06

  Published on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:06

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• COM Workers Called Out to Meeting---Union Follow Up—Poor Turnout blamed on dissatisfaction.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:05

  Last Updated on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:05

  Published on Saturday, 07 March 2009 04:05

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Guadeloupe Strike ends with pay Rises.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:02

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:02

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 03:02

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• THEIF PRETEND TO BE SHOPPING BEFORE SNATCHING CHAINS—POLICE INVESTIGATING.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:22

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:22

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:22

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  Philipsburg: --- Police are investigating a case of theft that had occurred on Saturday in the afternoon hours at the Jewelry store "Options" located on Front Street. It was reported that a young man between 19 to 20 years of age walked into the store and pretended to want to buy jewelry said Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard. When the man was given the jewelry to look at and at a given moment when the store attendant's guard was down, the young man ran out the store with two chains in his possession. The store valued of the chains at 1400 USD. An identification and description of the jewelry thief was given to the police.

• 2006 Immigration Policy not fully Implemented ---Dick.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 03:58

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 03:58

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 03:58

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Wescot-Williams invited to be member of Panel on Curacao Economic Vision.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:37

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:37

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:37

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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).
  

• Harbour Delegation to Seatrade Cruise Shipping Conference being lead by Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:33

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:33

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:33

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Shot Fired during fight between Couple—weapons and documents seized.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 14 March 2009 00:54

  Last Updated on Saturday, 14 March 2009 01:04

  Published on Saturday, 14 March 2009 00:54

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Man Arrested with Loaded Shot Gun.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:39

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:42

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:39

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Angel Marlin Murder Scene Reconstructed--- Defense requested Re-construction.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:27

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:27

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:27

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• ST. MAARTEN HAS NAF 20 MILLION SAYS LEEFLANG—USE THE MONEY TO BUILD MORE SCHOOLS.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:04

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:04

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:04

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Sydney Wathey Passed Away.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 18:52

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 19:27

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 18:52

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• THE MISSION OF THE MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:23

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:23

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:23

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  "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.

• Education Minister Presented Law on FBE to teachers --- Law is based on principle--- Minister.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:35

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:35

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:35

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Bush Dogs has arrived at the St. Maarten Zoo.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 01:56

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 02:05

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 01:56

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Parliamentary Delegation Visits French Territorial Council – Questions Posed on Constitutional Process.

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  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:38

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:38

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:38

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• COMMISSIONER MARIA BUNCAMPER-MOLANUS DISCUSSES THE ECONOMY.

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  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:47

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:47

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:47

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• HOLIDAY BARRED FROM FORCE FOR THREE YEARS ---HAS 180 HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE ---APPEAL COURT RULES.

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  Created on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:48

  Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2009 01:19

  Published on Friday, 27 March 2009 00:48

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• GEBE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE ---PLANS TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES TO THEIR CUSTOMERS.

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  Created on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:04

  Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:04

  Published on Friday, 27 March 2009 23:04

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Police and Foreign Affairs busy Discussing Franco Dutch Treaty.

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  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:05

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:07

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:05

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• 2 Man Arrested During Controls/ Drugs Confiscated.

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  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 04:45

  Last Updated on Monday, 02 March 2009 04:45

  Published on Monday, 02 March 2009 04:45

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Two Arrested For French Supermarket Robbery --- One waiting Extradition.

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  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:49

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:49

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:49

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Think [RED] Sensitization session.

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  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:02

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:02

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 03:02

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Vehicle drives off hill --- Passengers slightly injured.

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  Created on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:58

  Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:58

  Published on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:58

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Financing Requests Made for St. Maarten.

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  Created on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:04

  Last Updated on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:04

  Published on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:04

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• SXM Doing Well with Constitutional Process--- PM Emile de Jongh-Elhage.

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  Created on Saturday, 07 March 2009 03:59

  Last Updated on Saturday, 07 March 2009 03:59

  Published on Saturday, 07 March 2009 03:59

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Commissioner Wescot meets with Dominican Consul and Business Owners on New Labour Policy.

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  Created on Monday, 09 March 2009 02:55

  Last Updated on Monday, 09 March 2009 02:55

  Published on Monday, 09 March 2009 02:55

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Police Gets New Vehicles --- Dick to make Presentation.

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  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:22

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:22

  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:22

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• 23 NEW VEHICLES AT THE DISPOSITION OF THE POLICE--- RESTRUCTURING WILL MAKE HOLLAND JEALOUS ---DICK.

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  Created on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 02:17

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 03:57

  Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 02:17

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• UNICEF DELEGATION MEETS WITH LOCAL REPS.

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  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:36

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:36

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:36

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Buncamper supports Childfest, encourages parents to take part.

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  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:31

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:31

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:31

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Sundial School 5th Annual Drugs & Violence Prevention Program 2009.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:42

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:42

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:42

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• CALYPSO JUDGING WORKSHOP THIS WEEKEND.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:49

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:49

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:49

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• LIL BLOSSOM PRESENTS CD TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:37

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:44

  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:37

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• JEGO to Visit SXM Thursday.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:12

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:12

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:12

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• STATE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH QUESTIONS BUILDING PERMIT FOR DUMPSITE.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:54

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 02:00

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:54

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Hit and Run Accident Leaves Three Injured—Gendarmes calling on Witnesses.

  Details

  Created on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:33

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:07

  Published on Saturday, 21 March 2009 02:33

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  
  

• Commissioner Buncamper has fruitful meeting with Antillean Met Office Officials regarding National Meteorological Service for St. Maarten.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:18

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:18

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:18

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• RUNWAY SAFETY ZONES FOR PJIAE.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:34

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:35

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:34

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Government Hiding in Broad Daylight – who is really responsible----- where are the inspectors of ROB.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 01:03

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:16

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 01:03

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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."

• EDUCATION LAW DEBATED AT PARLIMENTARY SESSIONS --- SURINAME TRYING TO UNDERSTAND LAW ON COMPULSORY EDUCATION.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 01:51

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 01:56

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 01:51

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Two Arrested in Murder of Census Office Employee ---- Prosecutors Tightlipped on investigations.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:26

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:26

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:26

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• CYRUS SYDNEY WATHEY LAID TO REST.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:31

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:31

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:31

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Brooks Refused to Deal with Union Issues --- says he would talk another time.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 27 March 2009 22:59

  Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2009 22:59

  Published on Friday, 27 March 2009 22:59

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• POLICE RECRUITMENT BEGINS TOMORROW --- OVER NAF 300, 000 MADE AVAILABLE.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:57

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:05

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:57

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Buncamper congratulates Calypsonians.

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  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:10

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:10

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:10

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  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.

• Federation of St. Kitts Hold on To LIDC Tile.

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  Created on Monday, 02 March 2009 04:39

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  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 yesterday.

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  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:44

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  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.

• Process continues to assume CBS responsibilities in July.

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  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:52

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  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:52

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  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.

• SUPERMARKET ROBBER SENTENCED – EXPULSION ORDER ISSUED.

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  Created on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:47

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  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.
  

• ECONOMIC SUMMIT DEEMED SUCCESSFUL.

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  Created on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:58

  Last Updated on Friday, 06 March 2009 02:04

  Published on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:58

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• RAPE CASES ARE HARD TO PROVE---WOMEN SHOULD MAKE REPORT EARLY & PROTECT THEIR DAUGHTERS -- SAYS LEONARD.

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  Created on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:14

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  Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 03:14

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  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.

• ST. MARTIN AMONG TOP 10 HIDDEN GEMS IN THE CARIBBEAN, SAYS TRIPADVISOR.

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  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:34

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:34

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:34

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• LABEGA URGES ST. MAARTENERS TO APPLY FOR CTO’S ARLEY SOBERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP.

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  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:28

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:28

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:28

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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
  

• Pit Bull Bites Two Children—Police investigating.

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  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:48

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  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:48

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  Philipsburg:---A concerned parent, reported on Monday at the police headquarters that her son and another child was bitten by her neighbour's dog on the public road in Betty's Estate. The woman told police her neighbour's gate was open and the dog "pit-bull" had badly bitten her son and another boy when they were passing by. She told police that her neighbour should close the gate or tie her dog, because the house is located near the MAC school and could cause more children to get bitten by the dog. The Detective department is looking into this case.

• Invitation extended to over 10,000 in effort to address unemployment and poverty. By Rawle Nelson.

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  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:43

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 03:34

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:43

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• PATROL CAR TOTAL LOSS AFTER CAR CHASE.

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  Created on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:24

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  Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2009 01:24

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  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.
  

• POLICE MENTORS ON ISLAND --- TASKED WITH HELPING THE ISLANDS WITH UPGRADING THE FORCE --- DICK.

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  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:07

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:07

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 02:07

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Police to get 2—year back Up --- Focus to be placed on Intelligence.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:14

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:26

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:14

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• Students of Sundial School Celebrates Violence Prevention Day, Today.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:21

  Last Updated on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:52

  Published on Friday, 20 March 2009 01:21

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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

• Mr. Roland Richardson-Art Exhibit.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:13

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:13

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:13

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Teachers Not Happy With Salary Scales and Salaries --- WITU meet to discuss grievances.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:32

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:32

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:32

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Senior Citizens in Limbo for Help Chauffeurs License ---Process too tedious --- Several on waiting list.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 01:45

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 01:45

  Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 01:45

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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 Vists Lt. Governor.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:27

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:27

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:27

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Senator Says August 7 Presidential Election maybe Annulled by State Council.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:52

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:52

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:52

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• TEEN TIMES APOLOGIZES TO WINNERS, EXPECTS EVENTS TO BE SCALED BACK.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:16

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:16

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 04:16

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Splash Jewelers Robbed at Gunpoint---Robbery caught on Tape.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:32

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:32

  Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 02:32

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Maria Tells Students her Door is always Open.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:48

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:48

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:48

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Labor Policy to Be Amended—Sarah ---Discussions to Take place on Unregistered Students.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:42

  Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:42

  Published on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:42

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• Sixth Suspect Arrested in Holland in Lake Killing.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:56

  Last Updated on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:56

  Published on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:56

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• PJIA Sporting Club Invites All to Walk Along on March 28.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:26

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:26

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:26

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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."
  

• Rape Victim to be sent Home—Suspect may not face prosecution.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:25

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:25

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:25

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• FRENCH WHITE PICKPOCKTER APPREHENDED.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:47

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:47

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:47

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Commissioner Westcott meets with UN population representative.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:43

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:43

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:43

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Delano Richardson calls for Investigation at ROB --- Implicates Governor and Island Secretary in Corruption.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:51

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:51

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:51

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Minister of Education is another wave-length-- Sarah.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:10

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:10

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:10

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• GIS to launch 30 min program with host Cedric Peterson.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:56

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:56

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:56

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Students of Colleges and Lycee were in Fights.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:59

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:59

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:59

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  Marigot:--- Over the past days the gendarmes were occupied in dealing with a number of violent fights in the vicinity of the Lycee and College Morn Accords. On March 17 a student was seriously hurt with a screwdriver. With an intense investigation the suspect in this case was quickly arrested by the gendarmes. The two suspects would have to appear before the judge des enfant on April 21. On March 18 the gendarmes put in place a control point at the College Morn Accords. This outpost was in place from 11am to 1pm since the gendarmes received several reports of violence at that specific school. The device has the ability to detect metal objects such as knives and weapons including drugs. Some 120 students were searched which resulted the authorities confiscating a knife and pair of scissors which has very sharp tips. . The two students concerned as well as their parents , have been summoned to the brigade of Marigot to explain the confiscation of these objects which are prohibited in charge of the public security, the Gendarmerie of St-Martin specifies that there would b other controls of this type on the outskirts of these institutions in the context of curb this delinquency among young people.

• Airline ‘09 Losses to Pass Previous Estimates - IATA.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:10

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:10

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:10

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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)
  

• Sarah Meets Leeflang to trash out Education Issues.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:29

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:31

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:29

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• BROOKS REMAINS ARROGANT AS GEBE WORKERS PROTEST—NEGOTIATIONS BEGINS.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:40

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:52

  Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 03:40

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• FEEDER CABLE SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSES SHORT OUTAGE.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:41

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:41

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:41

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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. Govenor.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:29

  Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:29

  Published on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:29

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

   

• HOLIDAY TO KNOW FATE ON MARCH 23—SAID HIS ARREST AND CONVICTION IS A CONSPIRACY.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:42

  Last Updated on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:42

  Published on Friday, 06 March 2009 01:42

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Residents reminded Old St. Maarten ID Cards No Longer Valid after April 1.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:22

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:22

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:22

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Starlight Education Vandalized --- Burglars seems to be Looking for Documents.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:18

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:18

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:18

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• ENVIRONMENT AND CONTROL.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:46

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:46

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:46

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  Philipsburg:---National Alliance State Secretary of Health George Pantophlet is pleased that government has decided to relax some of the requirements of the Immigration policy especially in the case of persons requesting renewal of their employment permits. However this does not mean that controls on living conditions should be discontinued and it should not be only emigrants. Another problem has to do with the working environment of some employees. The control of business establishments on their working environment should be accelerated. The Departments possibly involved in this can be healthcare, labor and social and welfare institutions. These departments will definitely need reinforcement. I cannot emphasize the importance of control in this area. Our small size and dense populated island requires strict control on our environment. At the same time vital information can be gathered and stored and retrieved when the opportunity so requires for the determining of policy. The economic strength of a country is its people and its environment.

• FAULT IN DC VOLTAGE CONTROL SYSTEM TRIGGERS TOTAL BLACKOUT.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:34

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 02:29

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:34

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• INVESTIGATING OFFICERS NEEDS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN GUMBS MURDER INVESTGATION.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:48

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:48

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:48

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• OFFICE WORLD MAKES HEFTY DONATION FOR EDUCATION--- marks 20th anniversary.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:06

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:06

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:06

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• GEBE POWER PLANT EXPANSION AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:50

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:50

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:50

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• Commissioner Buncamper meets with Reda Sosial on Small Business Development.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 02:00

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 02:00

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 02:00

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• JEGO tells Elected to Look for Durable Projects ---Loans is not to pay salaries.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:07

  Last Updated on Monday, 23 March 2009 02:23

  Published on Monday, 23 March 2009 01:07

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• Dutch and French Island Council meets -- Economic Stimulus not touched.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:28

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:28

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:28

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• POLICE TO LAUNCH RECRUITMENT DRIVE THIS TUESDAY --- FIRST EVER MASSIVE RECRUITMENT LOCALLY---HENSON.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:16

  Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:16

  Published on Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:16

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Traffic at PJIA Mixed in 2008.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:35

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:35

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:35

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

   

• MOCSAM Plans to Remain Vigilant --- Says Gumbs.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:19

  Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:19

  Published on Thursday, 05 March 2009 03:19

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• RESPONSIBLE ACTION NEEDED ON GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS FALLOUT – FORMER TOP BANKING OFFICIAL.---BY RAWLE NELSON.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:15

  Last Updated on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:15

  Published on Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:15

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Female Taxi Driver Claims Gender Discrimination by DSTA --Says she was suspended by Board.

  Details

  Created on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:13

  Last Updated on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:13

  Published on Friday, 13 March 2009 02:13

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• GEBE Workers Uneasy----Brooks did not live Up CLA Agreement—Management received huge increases and benefits.

  Details

  Created on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:24

  Last Updated on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:24

  Published on Monday, 16 March 2009 01:24

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Six Escaped From Bon Futuro Prison--two recaptured.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:45

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:45

  Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:45

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• COM Presidential Election in Jeopardy --- Ogoundele-Tessi May be Reinstated—Commissaire Report includes sanction --- Reliable Sources.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:55

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:55

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 00:55

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• St. Maarten gastronomy to be featured on popular TV program in Puerto Rico.

  Details

  Created on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:44

  Last Updated on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:44

  Published on Thursday, 19 March 2009 01:44

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.
  

• FOCUS ON OBESITY AND DELINQUENCY DURING PARLIMENTARY MEETINGS—ATTACHO.

  Details

  Created on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:15

  Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:28

  Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 01:15

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.

• Bandit Sentenced to Hard labor--- Attack on Tourist in Grand Case.

  Details

  Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:33

  Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:33

  Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:33

  Written by SMN NEWS TEAM

  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.