Articles

GREAT BAY:---- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, said on Tuesday that safe food preparation at home, or grabbing a bite from food kiosks; street market vendors; booth holders; and other points of sale, and therefore it is essential to observe safe food handling practices.

The ministry has observed an increase in gastroenteritis, even though the organism for the identified spike is not known to date, is the inflammation of the stomach and intestine, which is usually due to acute infection by viruses or bacteria or to food-poisoning toxins and causes vomiting and diarrhea. Laboratory testing is recommended to identify the specific virus associated to the gastroenteritis.

Unsafe food poses global health threats, endangering everyone. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with an underlying illness are particularly vulnerable.

Foodborne and waterborne diarrhoeal disease kill an estimated two million people annually, including many children.

Food can become contaminated at any point of production and distribution, and the primary responsibility lies with food producers and consumers. A large proportion of foodborne disease incidents are caused by foods improperly prepared or mishandled at home, or in food service establishments.

The associated symptoms with gastroenteritis are diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever and headache. The most common symptoms are vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours). To ensure proper diagnosis, care and treatment, consult your physician.

The infection can spread when bacteria found in faeces or vomit is transferred to other objects. Bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene. It is spread through contamination of hands, objects or food infected with the aforementioned. The virus enters your body via your mouth.

For example, if someone does not wash their hands after going to the toilet, any viruses or bacteria on their hands will be transferred to whatever they touch, such as glass, kitchen utensil or food.

To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

If you are a food handler or a care taker, and you are diagnosed with gastroenteritis, remain at home practicing good hygiene while you recuperate.

This will help to mitigate the further spread of gastroenteritis cases within the community. Be on the alert and help minimize the spread of diseases by taking the necessary hygienic and preventive steps.

For more information call CPS at 542-2078, 542-3003 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

POINT BLANCHE:---  A top delegation from management and the supervisory board of directors from Port St. Maarten, will return on Friday after attending the 31st Cruise Shipping Miami 2015, with an award: Port St. Maarten, best cruise port destination of 2014.
This is the third consecutive time that Port St. Maarten has won this award. Port management and board have been busy to reinvent cruise St. Maarten by being innovative, facilitating continuous port improvements and promoting product enhancements. Also playing a dominant role is the shopping opportunities for cruise passengers, local and diverse international cuisine, and the friendliness and hospitality of the St. Maarten people.
The port delegation had successful meetings with cruise industry figures. One of the upcoming opportunities is the continued development of home porting operations for the country.
Home porting will mean additional and considerable foreign exchange earnings for the national economy. Additional charter flights will have to be organized by cruise lines to fly to the island to bring in cruise passengers who would start their cruise from here. Before these passengers board the vessel, they will spend some time on the island and also upon their return from their cruise. This will pump millions of additional dollars into the economy.
Port St. Maarten has been diligently working to cater to cruise vessels that accommodate between 500-1000 passengers. Vessel provisioning here will also mean more business for wholesalers. For the past two years Port St. Maarten has catered to small cruise vessels with the capacity of 150-300, which was a test case, and the results have been very positive which supports that the destination can handle home porting operations in an efficient and professional manner.
This week Chief Executive Officer's (CEO) of the world's largest cruise companies, discussed the "State of the Industry," where they touched upon the health and future of the global cruise business, which was of great interests to a mature cruise destination such as Sint Maarten.
The opening plenary session featured CNN's Richard Quest as the panel's moderator. Quest is CNN's foremost international business correspondent and presenter of "Quest Means Business" and the monthly "CNN Business Traveler" programs.
The panel discussion looked at the significant changes in the cruise industry where there have been brand consolidations; where the industry is today, and what they foresee going forward. The panel included Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc; Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.; Frank J. Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; and Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises.
Between now and up to 2020, 30 new cruise vessels are to be built valued at more than US$23 billion.
One state of the industry topic discussed was, "The Future of the Caribbean and How it is Being Reshaped"; how will infrastructure developments and the emergence of new destinations, combined with the need for fuel efficiency, reshape the Caribbean? How might the opening of Cuba impact deployment? Which areas will emerge in the cruise charts of the future, and which will decline? Port St. Maarten reps received a wealth of information with respect to this and how the port will reinvent itself for the 21st century.
On Thursday, cruise executives and delegates discussed Itineraries and Shore Excursions: Thinking Outside the Box. Extended stays and overnights are appearing more regularly in itineraries. Cruise destinations and lines will be looking at how they can continue to work together to maximize shorex revenue and the product offering, and how can overland tours fit into the mix.
Creating shorex programs for the more active passenger and for families was also discussed on Thursday, as well as planning itineraries and shorex for the rising numbers of repeat passengers.
The cruise industry's premier annual event started on March 16 and concluded March 19. It was held at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
In 2014, at the 30th anniversary of the event, Port St. Maarten's CEO Mark Mingo was a panelist bringing forward his experience and stewardship on, "How Can Destinations and Ports Maximize the Benefit of Cruise Tourism?"
Since 1985 Cruise Shipping Miami has been the premier annual event of the worldwide cruise industry. From a small gathering of 150 cruise industry executives in a hotel meeting room in New York City, Cruise Shipping Miami has grown into a four-day conference and three-day exhibition drawing 11,000 attendees, more than 900 exhibiting companies from 123 countries and over 300 journalists to become the cruise industry's annual marketplace of ideas, products and services.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Hon. Claret Connor (left) receiving a plaque from Adam Goldstein (right), President and Chief Operations Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The plaque is in recognition of St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies contribution to the cruise sector and being a distinguished sponsor of Florida Caribbean Cruise Association activities throughout 2014.

POINT BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten – Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo took part in a top level CEO Round Table Meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Hon. Mark Rutte – who was present on behalf of the Dutch Government –, Panama Minister of Canal Affairs Hon. Roberto Roy, and Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Jorge Quijano in Panama City on Sunday, 12 April, at the invite of the Dutch Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW).
St. Maarten's Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor headed the delegation to Panama over the weekend.
Minister Connor indicated that Port St. Maarten has developed itself as a major player globally and with St. Maarten's geographic advantage to the rest of the Kingdom, that much more can be done. "As we continue to move St. Maarten forward into the regional hub of the North Eastern Caribbean, this brings increased economic development which benefits our countries overall development," Minister Connor said on Sunday from Panama City.
President of the Dutch VNO-NCW Hans de Boer moderated the meeting. The VNO-NCW is the largest employers' organization in the Netherlands, representing the common interests of Dutch business, both at home and abroad and provides a variety of services for its more than 160 associations who are members and over 115,000 enterprises. VNO-NCW covers all sectors of the Dutch economy, including more than 80 per cent of all medium-sized companies and nearly all of the larger corporate institutions.
Mingo stated Panama is leveraging its two primary assets, its natural geographic location and the Panama Canal, to create an aggressive economic development strategy.
Key to Panama's strategic location is the waterway, whose expansion, is promoting development in sectors such as tourism, logistics, construction, and insurance.
The expansion will build a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the construction of a third set of locks, which will double capacity and allow more traffic, longer and wider ships to transit between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea both ways. The new section of the canal should open on April 1, 2016.
During the CEOs Round Table Meeting, some of the issues discussed was the strategic connectivity with the islands and Panama; a diversification strategy; a five-year plan Energy policy; impact of the opening of the Panama Canal third lock and opportunities in new feeder connections; improving the investment climate between Panama and St. Maarten (Law41/E-zone); fiscal incentives; and maritime cooperation with Panama and the Caribbean Region. Panama's Law41 of 2004, designates Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area as a center of high technology manufacturing, logistics and services center for world trade.
"I feel proud that Port St. Maarten was invited, and we along with Minister Hon. Claret Connor, proudly represented country St. Maarten on this international stage as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands delegation. There are major global trade developments taking place where it concerns the shipment of goods around the world in the most efficient and fastest way possible.
"Panama Canal Authority is already looking at building a fourth lock that would allow it to handle a new generation of the world's biggest containerized ships carrying 20,000 containers. This would allow Panama to compete head-on with Egypt's Suez Canal.
"The construction of a fourth lock would costs around US$17 billion and take approximately 15-years to complete. Port St. Maarten cargo facility investments have led to a steady growth in containerized business making the island a regional sub-hub for the North Eastern Caribbean.
"We are gearing up for the opening of the expanded Panama Canal, which will place much greater emphasis on feeder ports such as St. Maarten. As a small island nation and a small port, we have accomplished a lot and there is much more to do where we further enhance our role as a regional port player. I am looking forward to bringing forth at the top level CEO Round Table Meeting the Port St. Maarten perspective," CEO Mark Mingo concluded.
Port St. Maarten serves the islands of Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Antigua & Barbuda. The port is also in the process of developing a special relationship with the Caribbean Netherlands islands of Saba and St. Eustatius with respect to port handling, operations, economic development and sustainability. Both islands receive their cargo shipments/services from Port St. Maarten.
The other participants in the top level CEO Round Table Meeting included APM Terminals Management, Royal BAM Group, Royal Boskalis Westminister, Damen Shipyards Group, Royal IHC, Iv-Consult, KPMG, Van Oord, Royal Philips, Royal Vopak, VT Group, Witteveen+Bos Consulting Engineers, Aruba Ports Authority, Curacao Ports Authority, the Prime Minister of Aruba Hon. Mike Eman as well as representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Panama Ambassador Wiebe de Boer.

In case you haven't heard, there are university students protesting on the streets of Amsterdam. They are irate at what they consider the authoritarian and deceitful attitude of the board of directors of the University of Amsterdam! They claim that they are being told, "just shut up and accept what we say is good for you".
Before forcefully being evicted by police officers on horses, students occupied university buildings to protest what they viewed as directors sacrificing their right to proper education at the expense of making profit; selling university buildings and cancelling certain studies based on economic calculations. All about and for the Euros! One of the battle cries of the students is "no real estate speculation with education money".
The protesting students have been joined by brilliant minds and dedicated teachers—younger university staff—who more than likely will never get a permanent contract that will enable them to get a mortgage to buy a house and raise a proper family if they wish to do so. These university lecturers demand "sustainable career opportunities for all staff". And, in an act of unprecedented solidarity, their well established colleagues with endowed chairs have joined the battle by championing more "democratization and decentralization of university governance". A real revolution is taking place. A revolution for a more thorough democratization of Dutch society.
One would however commit a grave mistake by thinking that the struggle is solely for more democratization of education. The students and staff of the University of Amsterdam are also striving for the country to recognize the need to decolonize. The link is well captured in the latest slogan of the protest, namely, "No Democracy without Decolonization."
As colleagues of the University of St. Martin (USM) we welcome this move, as for far too long these two terms, namely, democracy and decolonization, have been employed separately. As, for far too long, the struggles for a decent society on both sides of our Dutch Kingdom have been artificially kept apart. To bring the fight of our people, people who carry a Dutch passport, people with a work and residence permit, and people who are irregular migrants, people who are brown and pinkish, together, we need to be precise on what we mean by democracy and decolonization, for both are the recipes of a decent society: a society where institutions do not humiliate its citizens nor other human beings.
Democracy is a non-violent means of ruling and transitioning of government, and it is a culture. Any society, with enough judicial and police constraints, and politicians who care that the rest of the world is watching, can do the former. Elections will be held and voters will have some say in how they are governed. Democracy as a culture, on the other hand, is much harder to accomplish. You see as a culture, meaning, ethical advices on how to live coupled to moral habits of action, democracy, brings forth persons who are concerned for the welfare of their kin, neighbors, and strangers.
But democracy, which Winston Churchill termed in 1947, "the worst form of government, except for those other forms that have been tried from time to time", needs to be decolonized. If it isn't decolonized, democratic culture can house racism, class oppression, sexism, xenophobia, and religious or atheist intolerance. Perhaps it is not a coincidence that Churchill, the prime minister of imperial Great Britain, uttered his qualification of democracy at a time when the downpressed peoples in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and the Caribbean were fighting for their right to be Human by way of political independence.
Political independence was a means, while the end was, and still is, the creation of a new understanding of humanity. This is what decolonization means. We still haven't achieved this.
The term decolonization, reminds us that the identities we have inherited in all parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on the islands as well as in the Netherlands, are distorted. They blind us from seeing the precious and precarious humanity in the other, and therewith in ourselves. The Martinican poet, politician, and intellectual, Aime Cesaire, presciently made us aware that colonialism not only brutalizes the colonized, it also decivilizes the colonizer. What this means is that decolonization must take place on both sides of our trans-Atlantic Kingdom.
The slogan of the student protest, "No Democratization without Decolonization", speaks to the fact that the Netherlands urgently needs to be decolonized to salvage and safeguard its democratic culture. If it doesn't most persons, including the Board of Directors of the University of Amsterdam, will never be able to truly accept the newcomers from the Caribbean and the former colonies that now reside or were born in the Netherlands. These newcomers will be treated as not really Dutch, as second rate Dutch, as scapegoats to warrant uncouth behavior. This is what the Dutch Professor Annelies Moors was getting at when she wrote on her Facebook page,
"the Board of the University of Amsterdam in its indictment to evict used as one of its arguments that not only students were occupying the Maagdenhuis. Security has spotted 'two young probably Moroccan boys, too young to be students.... ' Is there a specific ruling prohibiting 'Moroccan boys' from entering a university building? Isn't this called elite racism?"
Similar sentiments have been uttered by other prominent university Professors, lecturers, as well as by student organizations for diversity such as "Amsterdam United". The New University, the representatives of Amsterdam United, emphasize is an Inclusive University. A decolonized university that recognizes that once you "thingify" newcomers, it is but a short step to do so with the oldcomers too! All Dutch become means to an end for profit sake, the way humans in the colonies were treated!
The student protest seems a battle that is far away, but it isn't, for until the Netherlands as a whole can mirror this image of the future that the students and the staff of the University of Amsterdam strive for, our Kingdom of the Netherlands will remain troubled with mutual accusations and mistrust. Perhaps this is the way to understand, whether you agree or not with individual statements, why so many Dutch Caribbean politicians, on all six Antillean islands, mistrust the intentions of their counterparts in the Netherlands. Perhaps their battle cry is "No Integrity with Decolonization". But that is for others to decide.

Authored by: Dr. Francio Guadeloupe, Interim President/Dean of Academics, University of St. Martin (USM). Along with, Drs. Erwin Wolthuis, Division Head of department of Business & Hospitality (USM), and Drs. Sharelly Emanuelson, lecturer Department of General Liberal Arts, USM

Dean of USM St. Martin

It is nine in the morning and a purple dawn is rising with difficulty in the east while a strong ice-wind is blowing over the cold North Sea to the west. It is February 2008 and I am standing with fifty of my fellow Master students at the Volgermeer Polder, a former toxic waste dump for the city of Amsterdam. In front of us two million square meters of garbage and dangerous chemicals are being transformed into a natural reserve by engineers contracted by the city of Amsterdam. My professor, Dr. Joyeeta Gupta –a Nobel Prize Laureate- lectures on the process of changing a national health hazard into a viable natural reserve.

While listening to Dr Gupta speak I couldn't help but notice the similarities between Volgermeer and our Landfill back home on St. Maarten. The Volgermeer polder, which is approximately ten kilometers north of Amsterdam, is an area of land saturated with dykes and streams and lakes. It used to be a peat farm, the peat used to warm beautiful Amsterdam throughout its history. At about the turn of the last century the city decided to get rid of its garbage at the polder, ferrying in mass amounts of waste on garbage boats and dumping it in the lakes and bogs which dot the area. As Amsterdam grew in size so did their garbage and soon the dump spread to immense dimensions. The area was plagued by fires caused by escaping gas and the residents in the area started to complain about their health: strange infections, respitory problems and diseases caused by the lowering of their immune systems. All of this sounded eerily familiar.

The city of Amsterdam closed the area in the eighties and sent teams of scientist to monitor and take samples of the soil and water. They soon found that dangerous chemicals that leaked into the soil and groundwater, chemicals such as Agent Orange, famous for being used in the Vietnam war, and PCBs –a pesticide that causes deformities in both animals and humans.

As we started our tour of the area a representative of the company that was involved in the project started to explain the process by which a waste dump was transformed into a nature reserve. The streams and lakes that are a part of the polder were dredged and the silt used to cover the dump to about two meters high. The city of Amsterdam also provided soil from its various building projects to cover the dump and a special layer of plastic-like organic material was placed on top, a process called natural capping. This material, which is widely used and quite inexpensive, allows for the gasses and fumes to escape while preventing further contamination to the area. On top of this layer peat moss and grasses were planted which eventually dissolved the garbage under it and in a few short years a viable ecosystem started to develop with clean water with fish and frogs and swans and ducks.

I started to think that perhaps this may be a solution for us here as well. Even with some of the advances that Sint Maarten has had regarding conservation in the last four years there are still three issues which blemish our reputation in terms of environmental protection. One is the need for a terrestrial park to protect and conserve our land-based flora and fauna; the second is the continued challenges faced by our wetlands; and the third, and this is by far the issue of most concern both for the health of our environment and that of our population, is the Dump.

With the amount of chemicals and garbage entering into our soil, wetlands and into our lungs when the dump is on fire we need to address the issue of the landfill yesterday. The heavy metals and other pollutants present on the Dump and the surrounding area are a national health hazard. A waste-to-energy plant is good and very necessary to mine the current landfill. But why not make it better? A waste-to-energy plant combined with a complete rehabilitation of the area, including that of the Great Salt Pond, which is the reason why Sint Maarten, our Soualiga, exists in the first place. If the Pond is dredged and the silt used, if the tons of soil from all of the projects current and planned are used to realize a sustainable solution for one of the most embarrassing scars on our island, then yes we will be at the vanguard of forward green thinking in this region. For it is only when we solve the issue of a landfill in our capital and in our natural and national heritage, can we speak of sustainability.

I remember the tour being over and having to return to my tiny apartment in the city to prepare for the next day's class. I remember how hard it was for me to focus because I couldn't help but think how useful this would be for my home. Imagine a green park with paths and fountains and bird-watching blinds and swings for children where garbage once stank in the blazing sun and where flies and midges once made life miserable. Imagine it being the centre of the capital of a new St. Maarten; the fact that it was a dump a vague and unpleasant memory, like the memory of the taste of aloes on our sucking-thumbs as children. Imagine the Salt Pond, the cradle of our society, gently lapping at clean green shores. Imagine our grandchildren, students at our university, being lectured on how a dump was turned into a natural reserve. Imagine the lecturer, one of our children, winning the Nobel Prize for Science. Anything is possible under the Caribbean sun.

For more information on the Volgermeer Polder please visit: http://www.rnw.org/archive/transforming-chemical-dump-nature-area

Tadzio Bervoets
Sint Maarten Nature Foundation

Ever since the failure of a certain group to outright claim the name known for years as the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement, as well as its work, they have presented themselves under the 'sound-alike' name of some other so-called Grassroots Movement.

While time will tell how unwise this action has been and that most people recognize imposters when they hear them, let the following be known for the record nevertheless.

As clearly has been the intention of these 'copy-cats', the un-specified- and the deliberately loosely use of the name Grassroots Movement is causing a lot of confusion with those who are not aware of what led to this unfortunate situation.

Therefore, unless clear reference is made by anyone to our - officially registered - name on both sides of the island - the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement - for sure they will not be referring to us.

In addition - in such event, we will not feel called, nor obliged to respond to any criticism, allegations, or any negative publicity.

In ending - those who feel - that because of their actions, the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement has been silenced, and/or even destroyed - keeping at least one eye wide open, while asleep - might be advice well taken.

In the meantime, anyone, who enjoys the works of others without giving due recognition - as if such were of their own creativity – should be aware that they are conducting a low act called plagiarism.

Plagiarism clearly is an expression of a lack of creative-intelligence, dishonesty and comes at a price - always.

We will be following the developments and reactions to this letter with great interest.

Drs. Leopold James, president and founder of the original St. Martin Grassroots people Movement.

The fact that there is still a discussion on the dollarization issue is somewhat strange to me and not because I think it would the worst thing that can happen to us in St. Maarten but because of the total lack of actual benefits proposed by those supporting dollarization.
In the symposium on dollarization organized by the Council on Advice at University of St. Maarten only confirms what I have believed all along, that dollarization is not a valid option for St. Maarten. Although I am basing my article on what was published in the media since I was unable to attend the actual meeting.
In the media, supporter of dollarization, Mr. Richard Gibson, used two arguments. One was we should dollarize because the French Side of the island doesn't take Guilders. His other argument was that the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten keeps most of the profit from the seigniorage of the Antillean Guilder and St. Maarten does not benefit from this. The first argument does not even warrant a response as it makes no sense to even mention that as a reason to dollarize. The second statement is actually an argument against dollarization, instead of the seigniorage 'disappearing in the pockets of the Central Bank' this money would now be a profit for the Central Bank of St. Maarten and used for the benefit of St. Maarten economy.
What worries me about this issue is that to date I have yet to hear a convincing argument for dollarization other than for convenience of the tourist and the business community. Even reputable consultancies are giving presentations with incomplete information and the advice from the SER cannot be considered scientific and was only presented in order to push their agenda.
I am bold enough to say this because both items mentioned above only mention the negatives of a St. Maarten Dollar and do not mention the positives. Additionally, every benefit mentioned in the SER document is one for the business sector. I am sorry but as it is now the business sector does not contribute to the development of St. Maarten and in most cases are only exploiting the island. Do I need to remind the SER that tax compliance is only 30%? After giving these businessmen all these benefits, how is Government going to pay its bills?
The SER does mention seigniorage as a benefit but fail to mention the foreign exchange tax. For all dollar transactions, the government makes money. The strange thing is that no one seems to know how much is collected in foreign exchange tax or are refusing to tell us. Why? It is my opinion that everyone who is supporting dollarization is either grossly uniformed or has a stack of dollars in a US account and does not want to pay to withdraw the money. They care not about us. If the people now holding their money in US accounts don't want to pay foreign exchange tax then simply convert your money to guilders.
Even more of an indication is the situation in Saba, Statia and Bonaire. Even with all the proof of a failed system, we still have some people supporting this dollarization idea. I was discussing with an Independista the other day and they are fully supporting dollarization but could not clearly indicate to me why. I guess they are proud to carry a St. Maarten Passport but shame of a St. Maarten Guilder/Dollar. Does anyone else see the hypocrisy in this? I guess they are not Independista but American-ista.
If you reading this right now and you don't have thousands of dollars in a US account, you had better get involved in this discussion and quick. The reason being, is if we make the grave mistake of dollarizing and we lose the seigniorage and the foreign exchange tax, where you think Government will plug that hole? You guessed it, they will do what they always do when they need money, RAISE TAXES! Don't believe me, remember the TOT was only supposed to be implemented for 3 years.
Kendall Dupersoy

With much interest I read the opinion/commentary article entitled: "One bright idea" in the Today Opinion & Commentary section of the Today Newspaper, dated April 2, 2015, p.7. The article expressively stated that "St. Maarten is not the only country in the Kingdom that struggles with ship-jumping politicians". And "that in The Hague it has gotten so bad that the presidium of the parliament proposes that politicians who leave their faction will no longer get the opportunity to begin a new faction.
In St. Maarten's case, of course seemingly referring to the apparent chronic problem facing St. Maarten, where members-elect of Parliament arbitrary have declared themselves as "independent" (from their existent political party) and threw their support behind another political party to form a majority in Parliament. Consequently, we have seen the demise of Government twice in less than 3 years and the present Government in an alleged contentious state of flux.
The author further states that "it is currently unclear what the presidium in The Hague thinks to achieve with a measure to present ship-jumping politicians to form their own faction, with a proposal to be discuss on June 21. While further affirming that "In St. Maarten there is also discussion about measures to prevent ship-jumping but so far we have not heard of any proposal that could be effective", and "the outcome of the discussion (in The Hague) could just produce that one bright idea that could help St. Maarten's instable political system out of the woods as well". And "if (St. Maarten's) dissatisfied MPs cannot declare themselves independent anymore, they will simply stay with their faction and cause havoc there by voting the other way – and there is nothing anyone can do about it."
I applaud the commentator on his/her keen insight in bringing to light a disaster waiting to unfold. Fortunately there already exist a solution to the problem as outlined in my Draft Electoral Reconciliation Ordinance which has been in circulation for some time and specifically addresses the issue of "ship-jumping". I'm certain that had the commentator an opportunity to read that document he/she would agree that it is the "bright idea" being needed.
It not only provides for an effective solution and discourages "ship-jumping", but also brings stability to governance in St. Maarten. Specifically, the draft Ordinance, in part, prevents any member-elect or elected Member of Parliament who has not received the required number of votes or quota to elect him or herself to Parliament, but is selected to Parliament based on the number of parliamentary seats won by the party from aligning with another party as an independent Member of Parliament. In effect, any member-elect or Member of Parliament can rightfully declare him or herself "independent", however, if they are selected to Parliament based on the number of Parliamentary seats allotted to the party - the seat would revert to the party which has justifiable won the seat, thus deterring the notion and incentive for "ship-jumping" and assuring proportional representation as directed by the Constitution.
As for the author's belief that "if dissatisfied MPs cannot declare themselves independent anymore, they will simply stay with their faction and cause havoc there by voting the other way – and there is nothing anyone can do about it", again I respectfully disagree. In joining any organization there are rules and regulations that govern the organization and must be followed. There is no free for all and the same can be said when joining a political party. Political parties usually encompass like-minded individuals. Where there is a difference of opinion among party MPs, they are expected to conference behind closed doors and settle on a party position to which every party MP is in implicit agreement and is expected to vote for or against (in Parliament). Voting in Parliament contrary to party platform or party line is grounds for expulsion and should be maintained. Party politics is not about voting in respect to one's "conscience", as often alluded too but about consensus building.
Irrespective of the "ship-jumping" parliamentary discussion in The Hague, the "One bright idea" already exist if only we exert confidence in ourselves and give credence to our own. In the coming months renewed efforts would be made to further educate the general public about the draft Electoral Reconciliation Ordinance and to have Parliament consider and ratify said amendments to the present Electoral Ordinance adopted December 2010.

By Julio R. Romney, Political Analyst

MARIGOT:--- La Présidente de la Collectivité Aline Hanson a été victime d'une agression vendredi matin. Un individu l'attendait sur sa place de parking, en possession d'une arme blanche, et s'en est pris à son intégrité physique. L'intervention de la police territoriale a permis de mettre un terme à cette attaque soudaine et violente. La Présidente Aline Hanson a immédiatement été conduite chez le médecin puis à la gendarmerie, où elle a porté plainte. Son état physique fait état de quelques hématomes au niveau de la main.
La gendarmerie et la Police territoriale sont intervenues avec efficacité, l'enquête devra déterminer les circonstances exactes de l'agression, ainsi que les motivations de l'individu.

«L'Association CORALITA tiendra son ASSEMBLEE GENERALE le MERCREDI 29 AVRIL 2015 à 18h30 à l'Hôtel Beach Plaza. L'ordre du jour sera le suivant : - Approbation du PV de l'Assemblée Générale du 4 juillet 2014 - Rapport moral, rapport d'activités et rapport financier - Questions diverses. »

La 14ème édition du Meeting des Jeunes de l'Avenir Sportif Club de Saint-Martin s'est déroulée cette année le samedi 18 avril 2015, au stade Albéric Richards. La matinée a commencé par les épreuves du Kids Athlé, dont le concept, labellisé par l'IAAF consiste à apporter aux enfants le plaisir de « jouer à l'athlétisme ». Les épreuves, sous forme d'atelier ont permis aux enfants de découvrir les activités courses, sauts, et lancers. Six équipes se sont affrontées, et c'est l'équipe de l'Avenir Sportif Club qui a remporté l'épreuve, suivi de Dynamics et Speedy Plus.
L'après-midi était consacré aux courses et aux concours de sauts et de lancers réservés aux plus âgés. Plusieurs équipes et officiels avaient répondu présents à l'appel de l'Avenir Sportif Club de Saint Martin : Speedy Plus, Dynamics de Sint-Maarten, le Gosier Athletic Club et l'Étoile de Morne à l'Eau de la Guadeloupe, ASC Zénith de la Martinique, deux équipes d'Anguille dont Diamonds.
Les épreuves ont démarré à 14h30, et il faut retenir entre autres pour l'Avenir Sportif Club de Saint-Martin les victoires de Sareena Carti sur le 200m -18 ans en 24''53, d'Anthony Seguin sur le 1500m -18 ans en 4'34'', et une belle médaille d'argent pour Chloë Boécasse sur le 50m poussine en 8''20. Keny Blécourt du Gosier athlétique Club, médaillé d'or sur le 100m aux Jeux olympiques de la Jeunesse en 2013 monte sur la plus haute marche du podium sur le 100m en 11''53. Pink Shakeba, médaille d'argent du 3000m aux Carifta Games 2015, remporte le 1500 m en 4'51''.
Le club donne déjà rendez-vous aux athlètes et au public pour la 15ème édition, et tient à remercier tous les sponsors sans qui cette manifestation n'aurait pas eu lieu : le Crédit Mutuel, Getelec, la SEMSAMAR, SIMPLY, SPORTECH, les Liaisons Dangereuses, Rapido Print, COMPUTECH, Le Bridge Café, Le Service des Sports, la Collectivité de Saint-Martin, le CTOS, le St Martin's Week, Youth Radio, Radio Saint Martin, le CNDS.

14th meeting of the youth of Avenir Sportif Club de Saint Martin

The 14th Meeting of Avenir Sportif Club de Saint Martin was held this saturday, April 18, 2015 in Alberic Richards Stadium. The morning began with the Kids Athletics events , , labeled by the IAAF and whiwh aims to give children the pleasure of "playing athletics ." The objective of the tests, presented as different workshops are to help children discover the running, jumping activities , and throws. Six teams competed, and this is the team of Avenir Sportif Club de Saint Martin who won the race, followed by Dynamics and Speedy Plus.
In the afternoon several teams and officials responded present to the call of Avenir Sportif Club de Saint Martin: Speedy Plus, Dynamics of Sint Maarten, the Gosier Athletic Club and l'Etoile de Morne à l'Eau from Guadeloupe, ASC Zenith from Martinique of two teams from Anguilla, whose Diamonds.
The races started at 14:30, and some results are to noticed such as for Avenir Sportif Club de Saint Martin the victory of Sareena Carti on 200m under 18 in 24''53 , Anthony Seguin on the 1500m under 18 ans in 4'34'', and a silver medal for Chloë Boécasse on the 50m poussine in 8''20. Keny Blécourt from Gosier athlétique Club, gold medal on the 100m in the European Youth Olympics in 2013 reached the highest step of the podium on the 100m in 11''53. Pink Shakeba, silver medal on the 3000m in Carifta Games 2015, won the 1500 m in 4'51''.
The club already gives appointment to athletes and the public for the 14th edition next year , and wishes to thank all the sponsors without whom this event would not have taken place: Crédit Mutuel , Getelec, SEMSAMAR , SIMPLY, SPORTECH, Computech, le Bridge Café, Liaisons Dangereuses, Rapido Print, the CUCS, the Sports Department, the Collectivity of St. Martin, the CTOS , St Martin 's Week , Youth Radio , Radio Saint Martin, CNDS .

En septembre dernier HeadMade Factory organisait des auditions à l'attention des danseurs de l'île. Six danseurs ont été sélectionnés. Durant les prochaines semaines nous allons vous présenter les danseurs du spectacle. Aujourd'hui nous commençons par Clifford et Lucie. Avec deux profils très différents ces danseurs vont vous exposés leur motivations et pourquoi ils ont souhaité travailler avec Peggy Oulerich et Hans Minnaert.
Depuis septembre ils répètent avec ces deux chorégraphes pour être prochainement sur scène pour plusieurs représentations.
Portrait de Clifford par Florence POIRIER-NKPA
Aujourd'hui agé de 27 ans Clifford se souvient avoir commencé à aimer la dance dès l'âge de deux ans. Il en est tellement passionné qu'il en a fait son métier : il est actuellement professuer de dance à l'Institut Nationale des Arts côté Hollandais (NIA) et parrallèlement danseur professionnel. Avant de se consacrer à la dance et à la Capoeira, Clifford a obtenu un diplome de l'école : Oranje School Milton Detern Collège fait une formation militaire en 2005. Et de 2008 à 2010 il fait une formation militaire à Curaco et continue ses études dans le domaines de l'informatique. Mais la dance est sa passion, autodidacte Clifford se nourrit de vidéo et s'entraine inlassablement sur des musiques Jazz, Hip Hop et c'est en 2010 qu'il s'est interressé à la Danse Contemporaine en assistant à un spectacle de Peggy Oulerich. Depuis ils travaillent ensembles dans de nombreuses collaborations.

PHILIPSBURG:---- As Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, I remind and encourage all of us; to celebrate the achievements of all workers, as we unite in acknowledging and honoring Labour Day 2015. Labour Day has its origins in the Labour Union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest. It is a time to celebrate the role of workers in the economy of Sint Maarten and address the real economic issues we are faced with.
So far, 2015 has been a relatively good year for the Labour market on Sint Maarten. The execution plan, is currently being drafted for implementation of the approved counterpart policy, which has faced concerns by several stakeholders. This policy as it is envisioned; should ensure that educated persons attain the necessary experience to excel in the Labour market.
I can safely say that Sint Maarten has not experienced mass lay-offs. A large number of our people are still employed; this is evident in the results of the last Labour force survey. The aforementioned survey showed a decrease in overall unemployment by three percent (3%) since 2009. This proves that Government's policies are indeed working. While we continue to collaborate with our Social Partners in the tripartite committee, we encourage them to continue fostering and supporting the principles of social dialogue, as we move ahead towards continued success.
Even in light of these positive changes, there are areas that still need a lot of attention; especially as it pertains to youth unemployment, although this is down more than three (3) percentage points from that of 2009. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the world is facing a worsening youth employment crisis: young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults and over 75 million youth worldwide are looking for work. It is for these reasons that stimulating youth employment continues to be a big part of my ministry and we will continue to work across political lines, closely collaborating with other ministries to support projects and implement policies which address and enhance this issue.
Sint Maarten like the rest of the world is faced with an increasing informal economy. This sector continues to negatively affect the capability of government; as the tax base is eroded which in turn affects the financial viability of the social benefit funds. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO) the informal economy is significantly impacting the world of work, with as much as 40–80 per cent of the Labour force in developing countries are working within it. Increasingly, transition to formality has emerged as a priority policy agenda in developed and developing countries. New policy initiatives and approaches are taken in different regions that facilitate this transition through multiple pathways. In Sint Maarten an inter-ministerial workgroup to determine the size of this sector has been established. Customization of a policy and subsequent execution plan is necessary to address this issue in our territory, in addition to having reliable statistics.
I hereby encourage the workforce of Sint Maarten, to perform their responsibilities to the best of their abilities. I also invite all Employers to create a favorable, safe and healthy working environment for their staff and at all times strive to be good corporate citizens. This involves remembering to respect our labour laws, and your employees, for without the worker there would be no business.
Once again on behalf of the Ministry of Labour, I wish you a happy Labour Day 2015!

SABA:--- On Tuesday, April 28th, around 8.15 PM a suspect was arrested in a matter of public drunkenness, breach of the peace and rebellion in his arrest. The incident took place in a bar in Windward Side. The 27 year old suspect C.J.N.I., from English Quarter, has been held in custody by the police. The police will continue the investigation.

Aanhouding
Op dinsdag 28 april, omstreeks 20.15 uur is er een verdachte aangehouden ter zake openbare dronkenschap, lokaal vredebreuk en wederspannigheid bij zijn aanhouding. Het incident vond plaats in een horecagelegenheid in Windwardside. De 27 jarige verdachte met initialen C.J.N.I., uit English Quarter, is door de politie in verzekering gesteld. De politie gaat het onderzoek voortzetten.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Antonio Prado, will participate in the Forum on the Future of the Caribbean from 5 – 7 May 2015 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Forum is co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the United Nations system in Trinidad and Tobago. Sessions will be held at the UWI St Augustine campus and the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain.

During his first visit to the Caribbean and Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Prado will deliver opening remarks on the first day of the Forum on the topic "Disruptive thinking for development: the role of the academy and development organizations", at the UWI St. Augustine campus.

He will also serve as Chairperson and Moderator for a plenary session organized by the ECLAC subregional headquarters for the Caribbean on the final day of the Forum, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This session will focus on identifying and advocating innovative financing solutions for the Caribbean amid the challenges of high debt, reduced aid and stricter loan concessionalities.

The ECLAC plenary session will also build on the ongoing discussions on financing for development, in light of what is anticipated to be the forging of a new financing for development architecture, that will culminate in the third United Nations conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, in July 2015.

The emphasis will be on new and innovative approaches for development financing for Caribbean small island developing states. The session's focus on stimulating original and inventive thought will respond to the Forum's call for "disruptive thinking, bold action and practical outcomes."

For further information, please email: Alexander Voccia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Denise Balgobin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone: (868) 224-8067/224-8075.

PHILIPSBURG:--- I would take to take this opportunity to wish all the workers on St. Maarten and workers in general a Happy Labour Day. Workers all deserve recognition for their input and hard work on a day to day basis, building the future for them and for their children through decent work and the possibilities for them to enjoy and inherit the fruits of their labor.
As President for the second time of the WICLU I feel honored to have been able to select three persons, who have served the workers' organizations wholeheartedly and unselfishly. It goes with the saying: "Give me my flowers while I am living" and therefore it is unfortunate that our beloved national Hero Miss Patricia Pantophlet passed away, before receiving this Honor as the trade unionst who have made an impact. Her tireless fight in defending the rights of the workers and speaking out for social justice and against the victimization of the workers right, as a strong women, the Power Girl is missing today but will be strongly represented by family members, who I am sure are proud to receive this award posthumously bestowed on her. Crossing paths with Patsy in the struggle with her as the first President of the WICLU, give me the firm commitment, motivation and renewed strength to embark on a second term as President of WICLU. With her true spirit and various calls for unity in the trade union movement, I would dare to embark on some restructuring of the WICLU, since I also firmly believe in what my sister has instill in me :" Unity is strength ."
I have already invited all union to a meeting on last Friday, April 24th, 2015 to dicuss and agenda of important issue for us to join forces in defense of the workers in Sint Maarten Present to this meeting were Presidents or Vice Presidents or repesentatives of the following unions : WITU, WIFOL, ASEWI, SMCU, UFA, ABVO-SXM,NAPB.
While the date for the follow up meeting has been set for May 12th,2015, we would continue of effort in inviting the unions who were not present at the first invitation.
The objective and ultimate goal of these meetings are to broaden and strengthen the participation of the workers' organizations in WICLU. The active participation of all national unions will create greater awareness and respect for the fundamental rights of the workers. Constructive social dialogue among stake holders will promote consensus building and democratic involvement that will benefit all the workers. Thank you one more for our forefathers and the historic impact they have made in taking trade unionism to another level. For this I am proud that my cousin, Mr. Rene Richardson, a former President of WIFOL, was put forward to be honored. Together with the spirit of Labour, the behind the scene hard working secretary of the WIFOL under Rene's tenure ,but who I can proudly state is a member now of the WITU and is known as Mrs. Sandra Mathew-White, teacher and adjunct school manager at the Genevieve de Weever Primary School.
Workers on Sint Maarten have to be proud and forever grateful to all the person that we have been honoring on Labour Day since 2013.
I would like to wish everyone a pleasant and reflective day, we have to teach our workers and the workers children what this all mean. The true meaning of Labour Day and the workers organization have to continue with the demand of decent work to eradicate poverty and youth unemployment. The fundamental rights of the workers has to find its full swing back in the workplaces and together with government and employers' organization the workers' organization will have to promote, encourage and motivate defending the rights and protection of the workers.

Have a Safe and Enjoyable Carnival and Happy Labor Day Mrs. Claire Elshot-Aventurin President of WICLU

ILO Director-General: Building a culture of prevention on occupational safety and health

PHILIPSBURG:---- The news is punctuated periodically by intense coverage of dramatic, heartbreaking stories that capture global attention: health workers infected while caring for patients with deadly diseases, trapped miners who may or may not resurface, factory building collapses, plane crashes, explosions of oil rigs and nuclear accidents.

While the media eventually move on to other topics, working in hazardous conditions is actually a daily, routine and unseen affair for many workers. The numbers are striking. Over 313 million workers suffer non-fatal occupational injuries each year, equating to 860,000 people injured on the job daily. Every single day, 6,400 people die from an occupational accident or disease, amounting to 2.3 million deaths each year. Work-related accidents or diseases can definitely be placed in the high-burden category of all global health problems.

Economic recession or pressure to maximize profits cannot justify cutting corners in workplace safety.

Actually, failure to do so comes at a high price. Four per cent of global gross domestic product, equivalent to an astounding US$2.8 trillion, is drained off annually by costs related to lost working time, interruptions in production, treatment of occupational injuries and diseases, rehabilitation and compensation.

A long-standing ILO priority, occupational safety and health was recognized as a fundamental human right in the 2008 Seoul Declaration on Safety and Health at Work. It is time to turn this human right into reality for workers everywhere.

Good governance on occupational safety and health shows that prevention pays. Today, on the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the ILO calls for urgent action to build a culture of prevention on occupational safety and health.

What does a national culture of prevention on occupational safety and health involve?

Respecting at all levels the right to a safe and healthy working environment;

Active participation of all stakeholders in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties; and

According the highest priority to the principle of prevention.

How do we build and maintain a culture of prevention?
It must be founded on the engagement of many partners: governments, workers and employers and their organizations, specialists and experts.

Constructive dialogue among these groups promotes consensus building and democratic involvement of those with a vital stake in the world of work.

It is time to consolidate occupational safety and health achievements in prevention. Good practices should be shared, promoted and emulated where possible and partnerships forged to accelerate progress towards building a global culture of prevention.

Raising awareness and knowledge of occupational hazards and risks and how to prevent and control them is key for this process. Good governance will strengthen country capacities and also facilitate mobilization of national and international resources. Spending these funds wisely requires the creation and implementation of effective national occupational safety and health strategies with the aim of extending them to all sectors including micro- and small enterprises, the informal economy and agriculture.

Each and every one of us can contribute to the prevention of occupational deaths, injuries and diseases. I invite you to join the ILO's new Safe Day Campaign which we are launching to raise awareness, secure greater engagement people and support stakeholders. Together we can build a culture of prevention on occupational safety and health.

A National occupational safety and health culture is one in which the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, here governments, employers and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties and where the highest priority is accorded to the principle of prevention

Mrs. Claire Elshot-Aventurin
President WICLU

PHILIPSBURG:---- The much anticipated Carnival season is finally here, undoubtedly the island's largest cultural event for over 42 years. St. Maarten's locals flock to the carnival village, the central hub for all the carnival activities, for the ethnic cuisine, energetic bands, spectacular pageants and highly anticipated international concerts.

The Fully Loaded 2 Ultimate Reggae Experience will be hosted by Majah Hype on Saturday May 2nd, 2015 and is expected to be the biggest concert of the season with an amazing lineup featuring Percy Rankin, Dj-speed Jenson Gumbs, Mixmaster Pauly, Christopher Martin, Gyptian, Tanya Stephens and Sizzla Kalonji. WhereTheFlex.com in collaboration with Chippie promises carnival revelers that the second edition of Fully Loaded will be an all-star unforgettable show; tickets can be purchased in advance for $30 at Chippie, Van Dorp and Happy shop or for $40 at the carnival village on the night of the concert.
J&B whiskey, the island's best-selling scotch, is one of the sponsors for the Fully Loaded 2 event and has organized an online social media competition to win a ticket to the show; contestants are asked to upload a creative photo to the J&B Honey Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/jbhoneysxm) incorporating a bottle of J&B Urban Honey, the latest addition to the J&B family. The winner will be chosen based on the most creative J&B Urban Honey picture; cut off for participation is April 30th, 2015

J&B whiskey is very popular amongst the island's locals for its smooth, refreshing taste and versatility; it can be blended with virtually any mixer, enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The new J&B Urban Honey blends particularly well with the Sprite, soda or ginger ale mixers; being a spirit aperitif it can also be served neat or chilled as a shot. Village goers are encouraged to try this new product at booth #36 "Where The Flex" which will have drink specials on J&B and J&B Urban Honey throughout Carnival. Come out and start a party with J&B and have a truly unforgettable Ultimate Reggae Experience!

PHILIPSBURG:---- In connection with the upcoming Junior and Grand Parade scheduled for Thursday April 30th, the Police Department is making the following announcement:
The gathering point for the Grand Parade is at the entrance of Sint Johns Estate on the L.B. Scot road. The gathering time is at 10.00 a.m.
Front Street including all streets and alleys leading to this street will be closed on that day from 07.00 a.m.
At 09.00 a.m. L.B. Scot road will be closed at Gladiola road. No traffic allowed towards Sint Peters area. L.B. Scot road closed at Arbutus road. No traffic towards Churchill round-a-bout.
At 09.30 a.m. Gladiola road closed at Coralita road. No traffic allowed in the direction of L.B. Scot road. L.B.Scot road closed of at Churchill round-a-bout. No traffic allowed in the direction of Sint Peters.
At 10.15 a.m. A.J.C. Brouwers road closed off at Welgelegen road. No traffic allowed in the direction of Churchill round-a-bout. Bush road closed off at Zagersgut road. No traffic allowed in the direction of Churchill round-a-bout.
At 10.40 a.m. Zagersgut road closed off at Bush road. No traffic allowed in the direction of Bush road. Prins Bernard brug closed. No traffic allowed in the direction of Bush road.
At 11.20 a.m. A.Th Illidge road and the Long wall road will be closed at the Prins Bernard brug. No traffic allowed in the direction of the W.A. Nisbeth road. W.A. Nisbeth road closed off at W. Percy Labega Street. No traffic allowed in the direction of Prins Bernard Brug.
At 12.00 p.m. Long wall road closed at W. Percy Labega Street. No traffic allowed in the direction of Kerkhof steeg.
Cannegieter Street closed at Manzanilla Steeg. No traffic allowed in the direction of Percy Labega Street.
Little Bay road closed at Fort Willem road. No traffic allowed in the direction of Kerkhof Steeg en Front Street.
Back street closed at Manzanilla Steeg. No traffic in the direction of Kerkhof Steeg.
At 04.00 p.m. Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard closed at Welvaart brug. No traffic in the direction of Buncamper road.
Buncamper road closed at Freedom Fighters round-a-bout. No traffic allowed in the direction of Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard.
At 04.20 p.m. Buncamper road closed at Freedom Fighters round-a-bout. No traffic allowed in the direction of W.A. Nisbeth road.
W.A. Nisbeth road closed at Salt Pickers round-a-bout. No traffic allowed in the direction of the Freedom Fighters round-a-bout.
W.A. Nisbeth road closed at Voges Street. No traffic allowed in the direction of W.A. Nisbeth road.
Soualiga Boulevard closed at Rock Salt drive. No traffic allowed in the direction of Salt Pickers round-a-bout.
D.A. Peterson Street closed at Salt Pickers round-a-bout. No traffic allowed in the direction of Salt Pickers round-a-bout.
At 04.30 p.m. W.A. Nisbeth road closed at Codville Webster road. No traffic allowed towards Salt Pickers round-a-bout.
After the parade the Salt Picker round-a-bout will be partially opened. Traffic will only be allowed in the directions of the Prins Bernard Brug and the Freedom Fighter round-a-bout until pedestrian traffic has diminished.

All residents of the Philipsburg area should take serious note of this information and all motel and hotel operators should inform their clients of these traffic measures. NO PARKING will be allowed on that day as of 07.00 a.m. Any vehicles parked in Front Street during this period will be towed at the owner's expense. After the parade has completely cleared Front Street it will again be opened for motor vehicles.

KPSM Police Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Claret Connor met with the Dutch St. Maarten United Bus Drivers Association where a number of issues and topics related to public transportation were discussed.

Minister Connor informed the bus drivers association that the Transportation Department is currently working on a policy document and the issues presented by the association during the meeting will be addressed in the policy. This policy document will be ready in 2016.

The association was also informed that a working committee will be established to include department personnel and other stakeholders as an avenue to address on-going concerns.

The first point for discussion was the establishment of a Bus Terminal in the Philipsburg area. The association is of the opinion that the terminal would alleviate traffic congestion on Back Street and Cannegieter Street. Minister Connor said that such a terminal would lead to an improvement in services for passengers and will bring relief to congestion issues.

The second point discussed with Minister Connor is lowering of the speed control bumps in the district of Middle Region as the height of the aforementioned is causing damage to the busses when looking at the load factors.

The association says that attention is needed where it concerns gipsy drivers, and they have noticed an increase particularly on the Sucker Garden route. There have been some cases where bus drivers have been threatened with a weapon. The bus drivers association has assured the Government that they are committed to servicing the route in Sucker Garden and Middle Region.

The route identification system was another topic that was discussed with Minister Connor. The association indicated that they have a planned program ready to be implemented.

The association also brought to the attention of the Minister where several bus drivers are not licensed to service the Marigot and French Quarter routes. Bus drivers, who are non-nationals, but hold residency permits for the Dutch side of the island, are prohibited from serving the French parts of the island.

The association mentioned that the French authorities frequently control the busses and when a driver is found to be transporting passengers without the proper documentation, they are seriously reprimanded and are told to turn-around and head back to the Dutch side.

According to the bus association this puts bus drivers of the Dutch side in a difficult relationship with French side authorities.

The request for the meeting came from the bus drivers association. Also present for the meeting was the Minister's Senior Policy Advisor Louis Engel.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):---- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government department under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is calling on the community as well as visitors wear light colored clothing at dusk; wear long sleeve shirts and pants; and use mosquito repellent to prevent being bitten by a mosquito that could possibly carrying dengue or chikungunya.

Visitors and residents are out and about enjoying the Carnival festivities, and taking the aforementioned preventative measure will go a long way in preventing one getting dengue of chikungunya.

Dengue fever and chikungunya are transmitted by the female vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is distinguished by its markings. The body of the mosquito has alternate black and white horizontal stripes. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to and adult mosquito.

Persons are also requested to keep their homes, yards, neighborhoods and work environment free from potential mosquito breeding sites.

Actively destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools or other containers that collect and hold water. Do not allow water to accumulate in the saucers of flowerpots, cemetery urns/vase or in pet dishes for more than two days. Throw out the water and turn them over every time it collects water.
Clean debris from rain gutters and remove any standing water under or around structures, or on flat roofs. Check around faucets and air conditioner units and repair leaks or eliminate puddles that remain for several days.
Change the water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week. The treatment of ornamental pools should be discussed with the experts. Fill or drain puddles, ditches and swampy areas, and/or remove, drain or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar and regularly treat and monitor.
Eliminate seepage from cisterns, cesspools, and septic tanks. Eliminate standing water around animal watering troughs. Flush livestock water troughs twice a week.
Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, plastic bags, foam dishes or even plastic cups strewn on the road side.
Clean the dead leaves from banana and coconut trees. Adult mosquitoes prefer to rest on weeds and other vegetation. Homeowners can reduce the number of areas where adult mosquitoes prefer to rest on weeds and other vegetation. Trim overgrown vegetation.
Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading is realized to prevent drainage problems which can be a source for standing water. Empty all construction containers such as blue tanks, buckets, paint cans etc.
Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days. If ditches do not flow and contain stagnant water for one week or longer, they can produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Report such conditions to the respective government agency.
Mosquitoes can be kept out of the home by keeping windows, doors and porches tightly screened (16-18 mesh). Those insects that do get into structures can be eliminated with a fly swatter or an aerosol space spray containing synergized pyrethrum.
Adult mosquitoes prefer to rest on weeds and other vegetation. Homeowners can reduce the number of areas where adult mosquitoes can find shelter by cutting down weeds adjacent to the house foundation and in their yards, and mowing the lawn regularly. To further reduce adult mosquitoes harboring in vegetation, insecticides may be applied to the lower limbs of shade trees, shrubs and other vegetation. Screen off cistern outlets, cover and screen septic tanks properly.
The aforementioned measures should also be taken in and around the workplace, social gatherings and living quarters to eliminate mosquito breeding sources.

An increase in the mosquito population puts residents at risk. For information about dengue fever and chikungunya prevention measures, you can call CPS at 542-2078 or 542-3003.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---- Preparations are underway to observe National Remembrance Day 2015 on Monday morning 4th May.

Government will again remember the victims who fought during the Second World War and the public are invited to attend the ceremony.

The commemoration and wreath-laying ceremony will take place on Monday, May 4 at 9.00am at the Captain Hodge's Wharf in Philipsburg.

His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday, President of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson, Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs, representatives of government and uniformed officials will be in attendance.

Governor Holiday will inspect the honor guard followed by his line-up next to the President of Parliament and the Prime Minister.

The Second World War was a global war that started in 1939 and ended in 1945. It has been described as the most widespread war in history, where more than 100 million people served their countries in military groups.

Approximately 50 to 70 million people lost their lives making it the deadliest conflict in human history.

PHILIPSBURG:----  President of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson, says he was very pleased to learn from the Progress Committee that Sint Maarten has done far better work as it pertains to agreements made at the inception of the committee than has been reported.

The Progress Committee would like to have the opportunity to present their report to the House of Parliament with respect to the accomplishments of agreements made post 10-10-10.

Dr. Richardson added that in the Committees opinion, they regret the manner in which the Kingdom Government and more specifically the Rutte led Cabinet has handled Sint Maarten.

The President of Parliament further stated that in the Progress Committee's opinion, all facets of Government should have a better and more precise reporting system regarding the positive accomplishments that have been achieved in the last four years; and that the region as well as other entities in the Netherlands should be informed about this.

Dr. Richardson met with the Progress Committee last week. During the meeting they discussed the functioning of the body as well as its findings over the past three years.

The representatives of the committee that met with the President of Parliament were Nico Schoof who acted as Chairman, Gert Jan Stortelers and Terrance Rey. R. Bandell (Chairman) and Richard Gibson Sr. could not be present for the meeting.
The Progress Committee was established by Royal decree of 26 February, 2011. The committee was established with the task of reporting on the plans of approach that are legally needed to ensure a proper functioning country.

The committee's responsibilities started with seven plans of approach. Some of the areas are the Sint Maarten Police Force, The Point Blanche Prison, Immigration and Border Protection Service, National Detective Service, Judicial Affairs and Legislation, Census Office, Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure. The work of the committee has been extended until October 2016.
The committee is headquartered in Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation has been handling many requests on what people can do to keep monkeys off of their property. With the insistent dry weather the Nature Foundation has been receiving many calls from residents wondering how to keep monkeys off of their property; "Because of the weather we have been receiving many calls from people asking how to get rid of these animals in their gardens. We have therefore been researching the best ways to control monkeys on their property. We have therefore come up with some recommendations, which may sound strange, but which have proved effective in other regions," stated Tadzio Bervoets of the Nature Foundation.

The Foundation recommends a few tips:

1. You can use a hosepipe or garden hose to squirt and wet them. They're not fond of being hosed and will run away. If they come into or near your house you can use a water pistol.
2. You can simply shoe them away by walking towards them and waving a dishcloth or towel at them. They may stand their ground and threaten you – but don't be intimidated and they will flee.
3.  Vervet monkeys are genetically predisposed to be fearful of snakes – so many advise placement of realistic looking rubber snakes in the garden – but never leave them in one place for too long – as they will learn to ignore it. Try tying it to a piece of string and moving it when the monkeys come close – and they will flee.
4. Fill colourful balloons with air or water and place them over the property. Monkeys are naturally curious and will burst the balloons which will scare them away from the property.
5. Vervet monkeys are often scared off by dogs and having them on your property will keep them away.
6. Vervet monkeys tend to be more afraid of men than women so a male confronting a monkey will be more effective than a female.
7. Make sure your trash bins are covered and preferably have clipped on lids so that the monkeys aren't able to open them.
8. Use bird netting or similar products to cover your vegetable gardens to keep monkeys away from your vegetables.. Sprinkle hot pepper flakes or spray chilli-pepper infused water on plants to keep monkeys away from them.

For more information the public is urged to contact the Nature Foundation at 5444267 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CUL DE SAC:----  Seven sixth form students of St. Maarten Academy's CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination) programme returned to St. Maarten on Saturday (April 25, 2015) after a week-long field trip to the Commonwealth of Dominica, which culminated with a visit to the Prime Minister, Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit.
The visit to the Nature Isle was aimed at exposing the students and teachers to a myriad of experiences that meet their curriculum goals in Physics and Biology. Led by the school's Vice Principal Mrs. Kim Lucas-Felix, the group paid a courtesy call on Mr. Skerrit on Friday (April 24, 2015). During the hour-long visit, students and teachers engaged the politician in a discussion about educational opportunities in Dominica, the feasibility of geothermal energy, and future economic developments for his country.
His advice to them: "Set goals and work towards achieving them." He specifically stressed the importance of education, hinting at resuming talks soon with the Government of St. Maarten to provide more opportunities for St. Maarten scholars.
Apart from the seven CAPE students and the vice principal, the group also included CAPE Coordinator Ms. Roxanne Bloomfield, and Science teachers Mrs. Sujamol Pereppadan, Mr. Alberick Arrendell, and Ms. Karen Roberts, along with Information Technology instructor, Mr. Julian Mason. Additionally, other teachers and their children accompanied the team as a form of vacation, bringing the total number to 24.
During the week (April 18 – 25, 2015) they visited the island's geothermal facilities, plant and animal facilities, as well as the Business Training Centre where they were able to interact with other teachers and students involved in the CAPE programme. The students also toured the impressive Dominica State College, returning Thursday evening to enjoy the entertaining 'DSC Got Talent'.
CAPE was introduced at the sixth form level at the St. Maarten Academy in September 2014 and it is one of the programmes offered by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), the main examining body of the school. The idea for the field trip to Dominica was conceptualized by the school's Biology teacher, Ms. Patricia Mendonca, who together with the CAPE Science students conducted a series of fund-raising events to cover travel expenses. Unfortunately, Mendonca fell ill a few days before travel and was replaced by Lucas-Felix, who had been organizing the Dominica end of the itinerary together with officials of Discover Dominica Authority.
Aside from the educational aspects of the trip, the students and teachers were able to explore and experience the wonders of Dominica. They were especially enthralled by sites featured in the movie 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest', such as Calypso's hut, which is still standing on the banks of the Indian River. The scenic boat ride up the tranquil river also brought the group face to face with skeletal props used in the movie, and its breathtaking flora and fauna.
Other places of interest visited were Trafalgar Falls, Tia's Sulphur Spa, Emerald Pool, Sultan Falls, and Scott's Head in the south where the group was able to view both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea while standing on a narrow strip of land.
History also came alive with a visit to Kalinago Barana Aute (Carib territory), where students and teachers were able to tour a Carib demonstration village and participate in a fishing dance with members of the Kalinago Dance Troupe.
Principal, Drs. Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool said she was happy that St. Maarten Academy is moving in the right direction, giving students new experiences, which will help in the education of the whole child.
She expressed gratitude to the Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE) School Board under which St. Maarten Academy falls, which paid for accommodations in Dominica; and the Parent Teacher Foundation (PTF), supported by the school's Interact Club, which sponsored a car wash to raise funds.
Baly-Vanterpool was also grateful to the many companies that came on board to support the venture, in particular Xerox, Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), Sunny Foods Supermarket, Afoo Supermarket, Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco N.V., Goddard's Catering Group, Telem Group of Companies, WINAIR, First Caribbean International Bank (CIBC), Elle-Si-Belle .N.V., Gulf Insurance, and Blue Point, and Office 1 Super Store.

Cay Bay:---- The Les Fruits de Mer association's Endemic Animal Festival—now in its second year—was bigger and better than ever, attracting over 250 residents and tourists. The event celebrates the animals found only on St. Martin or only in our region and features a guided nature walk, an Endemic Animal Discovery Station, and other family-friendly activities related to endemic wildlife.

"We were absolutely thrilled with the great turnout and how excited the attendees were," said Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes. "More than any other event we organize, the Endemic Animal Festival showcases the unique natural heritage of St. Martin, and it's really a joy to share that with people."

A clear highlight was the highly-anticipated launch of Club Gaïac with a Tree of Life Workshop at the event. The Gaïac, also known as Lignum Vitae, is an endangered native tree. Over 100 sprouted seeds were given away during the Endemic Animal Festival as part of an ongoing project to restore this heritage tree to the island's landscape.

Workshop participants were given a choice of seed origin and soil type and were encouraged to record their observations while they grow their seedlings. The information collected in this crowdsourced experiment will be used to develop best practices for successfully growing these trees. Although the once-common tree was over-harvested for centuries it grows readily from seed and is well-adapted to St. Martin, part of its native range. An interactive online map featuring Gaïac trees on St. Martin is also part of the Club Gaïac project.

This year's festival was held at the Discovery Farm and Garden at Seaside Nature Park. A variety of regionally-endemic birds were seen in the dry coastal forest of the park during the guided nature walk, including the Caribbean Elaenia, Bananaquit, Antillean Crested Hummingbird, Black-faced Grassquit and Lesser Antillean Bullfinch. A large Gaïac tree—perhaps one of the oldest living on St. Martin—was another highlight of the walk.

"There are so many fascinating stories embedded in the natural spaces on the island," remarked nature walk guide Mark Yokoyama, Les Fruits de Mer co-founder and author of The Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of Saint Martin. "Biological histories—how unique species developed on St. Martin or why we share more fauna with some nearby islands than others—but also human stories, like the overexploitation of Gaïac or the introduction of the mongoose. There are different aspects to heritage, but it is all intertwined."

The Endemic Animal Discovery Station featured a variety of endemic lizards, insects and spiders including four species found only on St. Martin: the Spotted Woodslave, Bearded Anole, Soualiga Wall Crab Spider and Leaf Mimic Katydid. Attendees were also challenged to spot some highly-camouflaged local stick insects that were roaming free on a plant at the station.

The festival is produced and staffed entirely by volunteers from the non-profit association Les Fruits de Mer, with funding from sponsors Hotel L'Esplanade, Delta Petroleum, Island Water World and Le Petit Hotel. The event is part of the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, a regional wildlife awareness program that includes events in over 20 countries in the Caribbean. More information about the Endemic Animal Festival and Club Gaïac is available at http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com.

PHILIPSBURG:---- His Excellency Governor Eugene B. Holiday decorated NAGICO Group Chairman Imran McSood Amjad as Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau on Friday evening, April 24th, 2015 during a ceremony held at the Cabinet of the Governor at Harbour View, St. Maarten.

Mr. McSood Amjad was awarded the Royal Decoration for his valuable contributions to St. Maarten's society over the many years. His contributions range from donations to educational, social and sport projects in St. Maarten and other islands.

The development of cricket on St. Maarten could also not have been possible without the groundwork of founding and developing the St. Maarten Cricket Association and the annual contributions made by Mr. McSood Amjad since its inception, resulting in St. Maarten's first young cricketer to play professional cricket in England last year.

"I'm very honored and elated to be awarded this royal decoration which truly means a lot to me. Thank you to all that made this possible", said a moved McSood Amjad.

Governor Holiday congratulated Mr. McSood Amjad on his special distinction through his appointment as an Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau during the decoration ceremony at the Cabinet of the Governor in the presence of family and friends.

SERVING OUR COUNTRY, HOW DO WE STAND?
Remarks By
H.E. Governor Eugene B. Holiday
on the occasion of King day Celebrations
Westin , Dawn Beach April 24, 2015

Esteemed Guests,
Good evening
I am pleased to welcome you to this King's Day celebration in honor of the birthday of His Majesty King Willem Alexander. The theme I chose for this evening is: Service and Country. As a result I have prepared my message around the question: How do we stand in relation to serving our country? It is a question that has been asked in different ways over the ages; it is a question that remains relevant today and in our Sint Maarten context.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in addressing this question, drawing from the Bible in his powerful 1968 mountaintop sermon, stated:
["The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me? But the good Samaritan reversed the question: If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"].
President John F. Kennedy in his 1961 inaugural address placed that question in a national perspective with his famous words:
["Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country".]
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I said earlier the question: How are we serving our country?, remains relevant today. To answer that question I believe that the preamble to our constitution gives some guidance where it states:
WE THE PEOPLE OF SINT MAARTEN, ........ Being determined to work with each other ........, .... believes in the principles of democracy, the rule of law, ... the dignity and value of the individual ......... Declare that we wish to create a constitutional order ...... .
These introductory words of our constitution, is our joint and individual declaration to work with and serve each other to create a constitutional order towards a democratic, just and sustainable society for we the people of Sint Maarten.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This brings me to the question how do we stand in regards to complying with our service to country declaration? Every day I hear people answer this question in various forms and from various perspectives and it is not uncommon to hear persons express doubt about the compliance of others. In that regard I instead recommend the approach of the good Samaritan in regards to what will happen to Sint Maarten if you and I do not serve it. And at the same time I wish to draw your attention to the commendable service which so many give to our country every day. For imagine what our society would be like without the service of – amongst others:
• our committed teachers to educate our children;
• our caring nurses and doctors to care for our sick;
• our dedicated police men to maintain law and order;
• our passionate artists to protect and enrich our culture;
• our loyal preservationist to protect our environment; or
• our many devoted community leaders who volunteer their time and knowledge for our social enrichment
Yes, every day the vast majority of our people rise and answer "their declaration to serve our country" by making significant positive contributions to our community.
In doing so they carry the torch handed to us by past generations as embedded in our constitution to serve for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable Sint Maarten. It is with the knowledge of and appreciation for their valued service to our country that we can look to the future with hope for the further growth of our country.
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is in that light that we shall in a few moments standstill to highlight the contributions and achievements of a few of our brothers and sisters who have been singled out to receive Royal Decorations. A total of seven (7) persons - Mr. Imran Mc Sood Amjad, Ms. Engelina Dorothea Hoogenboezem-Brinker, Mr. Urmain Alphonse Dormoy, Mrs. Connie Phyllis Gumbs, Mrs. Neville Alvinton Lake, Mr. Claudwick Charles Peterson and Mr. Rolande Silvester Tobias. They have each been decorated as member in the Order of Oranje Nassau - will be awarded a Royal Decoration for their prolonged outstanding service to the community. They will be presented to you in a short while by underlining the mark they have made in Sint Maarten in a variety of areas ranging from: the promotion and development of sports and culture, the advancement of social justice, working with and counseling of our underprivileged youth, the stimulation and development of art and music, the empowerment of youth and faith based work, social activism, defending the cause of the elderly, monument preservation, and educational and community development. This overview is but a summary of the variety of fields in which these individuals have rendered committed service to our country over a prolonged number of years. Committed involvement in service to our country and in particular in the care for and development of our youth is essential for the further building of St. Maarten. As I move to issue Royal Decorations to the seven (7) selected persons – two (2) of whom are not present this evening – I call on you to let their work be an inspiration for all of us to strive to comply with our declaration to render service for our Country. Service aimed at securing a more peaceful, just, and sustainable Sint Maarten.
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor and special distinction to be awarded a Royal Decoration and I thus hereby, in closing, take this opportunity to first, extend my appreciation to each of the 2015 recipients of Royal Decorations for their exemplary service to our community and second, to convey my congratulations to each of the honorees individually and to their family and friends.
Thus as we continue the tradition of celebrating King's Day with an emphasis on service to country, I wish you an enjoyable evening.
Thank you,
God Bless you, and
God Bless Sint Maarten

PHILIPSBURG:----  Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen recently met with Ambassador Dr. Bahia Tahzib-Lie, Special Envoy United Nations (UN) Affairs, who paid a courtesy call to Sint Maarten House in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Ambassador Dr. Tahzib-Lie is heading a campaign for the elections of the United Nations (UN) Security Council seat for the period 2017-2018. It was 20-years ago that the Kingdom of the Netherlands was a member of the Security Council.

The Ambassador is calling on all leaders of the four countries that comprise of the Kingdom of the Netherlands namely, the Netherlands, Sint Maarten, Curacao and Aruba, to make a special effort to assist in presenting a candidate of the Kingdom to the other 192 UN Member States.

The UN Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members, and each member has one vote. Under the Charter, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions.

The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement.

In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.

"A Security Council seat would give the Kingdom the opportunity to carry out action and make decisions at the highest international level. This possibility comes along once every 15 to 20 years.
"A seat at the UN Security Council reinforces the Kingdom's international position, which coincides with our international input, ambitions and position in The Hague as the judicial capital of the world where the International Court of Justice is located.

"As a Member of the Security Council, the Kingdom along with the other Members decides and also mandates peace missions for the protection of civilians in conflict. This is very important for the Kingdom based on the contribution of almost 650 Dutch police and military exports currently in UN peacekeeping missions in Mali and South Sudan.

"One of the main international topics has been foreign terrorist fighters, and at the Security Council level, decisions taken protect international peace and security," Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Friday.

Out of the 15 Members, five permanent members have veto power and ten-non-permanent members, are elected by the General Assembly for a two-year term. Meetings are called at any given time when the need arises.

Ambassador Tahzibe-Lie will be accompanying Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Bert Koenders to Sint Maarten in early May.

 SABA:---- The investigation with the codename Hector into the death on April 15th of a young woman found dead in The Bottom, Saba has intensified this week by the Police and the Public Prosecutor's Office. At the Dutch Forensic Institute (NFI) in Rijswijk this week an autopsy was carried out on the woman's body and the provisional conclusions indicate that this must be considered a crime. It will still take several weeks before the investigating team receives the complete results of the investigation from the Dutch Forensic Institute (NFI).

The Caribbean Netherland Police Force (KPCN) has meanwhile expanded the team that was busy last week with the investigation into the cause of the death and the circumstances of the death. That team was strengthened with specialists from the Recherché Samenwerking Team (RST). The Public Prosecutor's Office is also making extra manpower available. The investigation will be carried out from Saba as well as Bonaire.

The victim is the 24 year old K.L. Guda, of American Nationality. In the interest of the investigation, at the moment, no further announcements can be made.

Onderzoek Hector gaat uit van een misdrijf

Het onderzoek met de naam Hector naar de dood van de op 15 april in The Bottom, Saba aan getroffen jonge vrouw is deze week door politie en Openbaar Ministerie geïntensiveerd. Bij het Nederlands Forensisch Instituut (NFI) in Rijswijk is deze week een sectie op het lichaam van de vrouw verricht en de voorlopige conclusies wijzen uit dat er uitgegaan moet worden van een misdrijf. Het zal nog enkele weken duren voordat het onderzoeksteam beschikt over de volledige resultaten van het onderzoek door het NFI.
Het Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland heeft het team dat vorige week bezig was met onderzoek naar de doodsoorzaak en naar de omstandigheden van het overlijden inmiddels uitgebreid. Dat team was al versterkt met specialisten van het Recherche Samenwerking Team (RST). Ook het OM maakt extra mankracht vrij.
Het onderzoek zal zowel vanuit Saba als vanuit Bonaire worden uitgevoerd.
Het slachtoffer betreft de 24-jarige K.L. Guda, met de Amerikaanse (US) nationaliteit. In het belang van het onderzoek kunnen op dit moment geen nadere mededelingen worden gedaan.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday April 10 Towers Watson in cooperation with Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS) organized a round table on pensions. During the meeting, for which some 50 delegates were registered, there was a special focus on the inevitable rise of pension age and its consequences. Prior to the round table, on Thursday April 9, Towers Watson facilitated a knowledge session covering the same theme in depth. During this session the consultancy firm also presented the results of a survey, recently carried out in the Caribbean region.
Kendra Arnell, managing director of APS and co-host of the round table, satisfactorily looks back: "It's great that so many professionals from within the pensions world decided to join us. It indicates that the pension debate is alive and vivid in the region. We face serious challenges and should work close together to ensure a stable and firm pension system for the future. During the round table the willingness to cooperate was obvious. That is good news."
Initiator Towers Watson is excited too. Armand Gimbrère, as leadership-member responsible for governance, legal advice and training, after the event: "This is the third time that we organize a round table in the Caribbean region, and for the first time in combination with a knowledge session. We were positively surprised by the still growing interest. Even the distance between SXM and the other islands did not prove to be a hurdle to attend. We are glad that for the first time we could also welcome two delegations from Suriname. It is obvious that, in facilitating this platform and sharing knowledge we respond to an existing need".
There was a great deal of frankness and enthusiasm in the debates. The need for cooperation within the pensions sector to jointly work on sustainable pension solutions in the region is obvious. The setting of the round table was, as intended, very interactive. The aim was to learn from each other's questions and best practices and to exchange information and knowledge. There were lively discussions and debates based on statements. Some discussions went on during lunch at the end of the event in Divi Little Bay resort. The next Towers Watson Round Table will be held coming autumn on Aruba, in cooperation with Algemeen Pensioenfonds Aruba (APFA). The exact date will be announced shortly.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Carnival should be a time when the entire community and visitors alike enjoy the richness of our cultural traditions through the creative and performing arts. It should be a time when our performing artists, entertainers and cultural icons display their commitment as ambassadors in promoting this country as a carnival destination upholding high moral standards and values. It should also be a time when each citizen and resident can enjoy healthy fun and not be irritated and demoralized by the constant flaunting of rude and crude sexual behavior.

As Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports and also as a citizen of this country, I believe it is my responsibility to sound the alarm that we should not encourage lewdness in public life involving adults and certainly not children & youth.

I wish to address the parents as the primary guardian that their children should not be left unattended, but should be supervised at all times during the festivities. Failure to ensure adequate supervision is a form of neglect and can result in destructive behavior.

As Minister with the responsibility for Education, Culture, Youth and Sports and interim Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, I will be collaborating with the Minister of Justice to address the concerns regarding the ever growing amount of unsupervised minors during the jump ups.

I am therefore calling on the parents to exercise their responsibility and to protect their children from the abuse and use of alcohol and explicit behavior during the jump ups and parades. If we are to pass on the baton to them then it our duty as adults and government is to protect them so that they will become healthy and productive citizens of this society.

I am also calling on all vendors and booth holders to refrain from selling alcoholic beverages to minors as this is against the law.

Our message must be clear. No to alcohol consumption amongst children and teenagers. No to the invasion of immoral behavior at the expense of our cultural tradition.

We must as responsible citizens endeavor at all times to protect our children who are our greatest heritage.

Continue to be safe as you enjoy the festivities. And if you do decide to drink, remember to drink responsibly.

SXM Press Secretariat Press Release.

ATLANTA, Georgia USA:--- - President Daniel Davis of Messenger College and Reggie Plaisir Founder & President of Skillz Academies Atlanta recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in regards to student's enrolment into their college online classes platform.
Skillz Academies Atlanta currently enrolling student athletes for Fall Semester to begin classes early August 10th 2015. Skillz Academies Atlanta has outsourced its academics to an accredited college institution in order for its students to access U.S. Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA).
The U.S. Federal Financial Aid, Pell Grants, Student Loans & Parents Plus Loans, are in order to attend Skillz Academies Atlanta and Messenger College for academics online college classes lectured by their professors.
The aforementioned are monitored by Skillz Academies academic instructors and coaching staff.

The semester classes are scheduled to begin August 10th to December 10th with graduation on December 15th 2015.

Skillz Academies Atlanta is a post graduate program college prep sports & academic program similar to 13th grade. Post graduates prepare student athletes for collegiate athletic scholarships opportunities with college institutions who offer athletic scholarships.

Plaisir says typical student athletes attend post graduate programs for several reasons such as the following: 1. Opportunity to earn Collegiate Scholarship after graduating from a Post grad program; 2. Student Athletes needs higher SAT/ACT score in order to accept College Scholarship offer;
3. High School Student Athletes who needs at least 1 more season to develop more athletic skills; 4. Student Athletes who are competitive athletes who were not recruited out of high school or was recruited however did not get quality college athletic scholarship offer; 5. International Student Athletes who would like to use their athletic and academic abilities to enter USA and play collegiate sports. A post graduate program is one of the perfect opportunities to earn a collegiate athletic scholarship.

Reggie Plaisir is a former Sports Tourism Consultant and Executive Board Member of the Sint Maarten Sports Tourism Council Foundation.

Skillz Academies Atlanta was launched in January 2015 after Plaisir resigned from Georgia Prep Sports Academy as Head Baseball Coach. Skillz was created to assist student athletes in baseball and other sports, to have an opportunity to earn an athletic collegiate scholarship.

MARIGOT:--- A local resident on French St. Martin attacked the President of the Collectivity Aline Hanson on Friday morning. According to information reaching SMN News, the resident known to everyone as "Lino" attacked  President Aline Hanson just around 8:45 am in front of the Collectivity as she arrived at the Collectiving to begin her days work. SMN News further understands that the attacker hit President Hanson with a 'frying pan" SMN News alsolearnt that the attacker has been arrested by the Gendarmes. Lino is a well known resident who composed and sang the song "St. Martin is my Home."The press service of the Collectivity of St. Martin confirmed the attack but said they do not have much details at this current moment but promised to dispatch a press release later today.

SMN News contacted the Captain of the Gendarmerie Sylvain Jouault  who also confirmed that the President of the Collectivity was a victim of aggression Friday morning. He said the suspect is well known to the community and he was arrested by the Police Territorial and later handed over to the Gendarmerie who placed the suspect in "Garde a Vue" Jouault said that the gendarmes will also have the person analyzed by a psychiatrist and or phycologist to determine if the person is in his right mind this he said will be part of the ongoing investigation. Jouault further stated that the Gendarmerie will not make any further statements but they will leave that to the press service of the Collectivity.

Aggression of the President

The President of the Collectivity Aline Hanson was victim of an aggression on Friday morning. An individual was waiting for her at her parking space, in possession of a bladed weapon, and damaged her physical integrity. The intervention of the territorial police helped to end this sudden and violent attack. President Aline Hanson was immediately taken to the doctor, then to the gendarmerie, where she filed a complaint. Her physical condition shows a few hematoma (bruises) at the level of her hand.
The gendarmerie and the territorial police intervened efficiently. The investigation will have to determine the exact circumstances of the aggression, as well as the motivation of the individual.

COM Press Release.

"As a Member of Parliament I will not deal with a draft law unless I know what was discussed in The Hague."

PHILIPSBURG: --- Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel is calling on the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson who travelled to the Netherlands last weekend to meet with the (Raad van State) Council of State and Minister of Interior Affairs Ronald Plasterk to further discuss the draft integrity law that was discussed in parliament and higher supervision that the Kingdom wants to impose on St. Maarten.
In a newspaper article the Minister of Justice was quoted as saying that he could not disclose what was discussed in the meeting he had with the Council of State because of a non-discloser agreement. MP Emmanuel said he cannot and will not accept for the Minister of Justice who is supposed to represent and protect the interest of the people of St. Maarten to make such an agreement with the Netherlands (Council of State) and then expects the Parliament of St. Maarten to further discuss this law and vote on it when St. Maarten's Minister of Justice knows that this law would have serious consequences for the people of St. Maarten. " I cannot speak for the entire Parliament of St. Maarten but as a Member of Parliament who was duly elected I need to defend the interest of my people and for me to do that I need to know what Governement does." When asked by SMN News if the Parliament of St. Maarten will be willing to discuss with the Minister in a closed door session so that they will be fully apprised on the matter, Emmanuel said he is not interested in any close door meeting because this draft law will affect all the people of St. Maarten and not just elected officials. "I want the Minister of Justice to know that this is not about him it's about St. Maarten and its people and everyone has a right to know what they are facing."
Already Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams dispatched a letter to the chair of Parliament and to the Ministers seeking information on the status of the draft integrity law.
Last week Friday Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson told reporters that the Council of State requested that St. Maarten should not vote on the draft law, until after their discussion which began last Monday and is continuing throughout this week. The MPs upon hearing this news via the media were upset that the Council of Ministers are not showing Parliament any respect, because they did not inform them directly of the request made by the Council of State and instead they were informed through media reports.
In an invited comment from Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson who is still in the Netherlands said that when he returns to St. Maarten, the public debate in Parliament will continue. Minister Richardson said he cannot and will not make any statements at this point in time because the discussions with the Raad van State (Council of State) and the Minister of Interior Affairs are still ongoing and unless an agreement is signed by both parties he cannot say anything. Minister Richardson stated that pending a final agreement‎ or lack of one and during the consultations public statements should be avoided as much as possible about the content of the ongoing meetings. The parliament of St. Maarten will be duly and properly informed about results or the lack thereof during the upcoming public meeting. He did say that thus far the discussions are positive but they still do not have anything on paper. Minister Richardson further stated that he has no intention of hiding anything from the people of St. Maarten and when the public meeting of Parliament is held everyone will know what the outcome of the meetings were and what St. Maarten has achieved from these meetings.
Further to that Emmanuel is calling on the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Marcel Gumbs to take the bull by its horns and deal with the Supervisory board of TELEM who have been operating without a CEO for years now. Emmanuel said that TELEM is a government owned company and it cannot be so that the company has been operating without a CEO for years now and the supervisory board or Prime Minister does nothing to remedy the situation.

The governing coalition parties and their independent affiliates have "suddenly" lost interest in our own integrity chamber.

PHILIPSBURG:---  DP Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams said based on the response she got from the Prime Minister of St. Maarten through the chair of parliament she has come to the conclusion that the current government and coaliton partneers have lost interest in establishing an integrity chamber on St. Maarten."This is apparent from a response I received (through the Chairperson of Parliament) from the Prime Minister, Mr. Marcel Gumbs." Wescot Williams said in a press release.
 She further stated on April 23rd, she asked the Chairperson of Parliament to inform her when the public meeting would be convened to handle the draft integrity chamber law. (the St. Maarten law).
"This evoked a response from the Prime Minister by letter of the same date, suggesting putting off the handling of the law for 3 (three) weeks, because he, the Prime Minister has to travel for "urgent" government business. Excuse me, this legislation was the same one for which members of Parliament, mainly those supporting the coalition, were chided by government ministers Gumbs and Richardson, for criticizing the draft law. Now, this in itself is peculiar, as one would assume that this ordinance was passed by the coalition members before coming to Parliament.That being what it is, it is revealing that suddenly the urgency is no longer there for our own "thing".
If the Prime Minister has to travel, where is the deputy Prime Minister? The deputy Prime Minister (Minister of Justice) has until now ran with the integrity ball.
Was an agreement reached during the deputy Prime Minister's recent travel to the Netherlands?
The deputy PM traveled to the Netherlands to defend St. Maarten's position AGAINST the impending measure of higher supervision by the Kingdom Government.
The feedback given by the deputy Prime Minister upon his return to St. Maarten was rather ambiguous (not clear).
We are left with the following questions?
What travel of the Prime Minister is so important, to postpone the integrity chamber law for 3 weeks?
Are the governing parties and independent affiliates in favor of moving on our own integrity chamber law, as handled by the central committee of Parliament or are they not?
What was told to the deputy Prime Minister during his visit to the Netherlands and his audience with the Council of State and what did he commit St. Maarten to?"

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- In accordance with the current Governing Accord, the Council of Ministers (COM) met with the Supervisory Board and Management of the Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS).

The meeting was requested by the Interim Managing Director to discuss some urgent matters. Up to this date, COM has conducted several shareholders meetings with supervisory boards and management among which were TelEm, NV GEBE, St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies, and the Holding Company of Princess Juliana International Airport.

It is the intention to schedule additional meetings with the other Government owned companies in the coming weeks and months.

Present in the meeting were: Stuart Johnson, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Hubert Pantophlet, Member of the Supervisory Board, Antonia Wilson, Interim Managing Director, Alex Richardson, Director of Finance and Daphne Benders, Head of Human Resources and administrative support. Member Julian Lake was absent due to other obligations.

PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT:---  Out of the Ordinary Comes the Spectacular! is the theme of the 9th Annual St. Martin Believers Connection Convention (SMBCC) that will be held from Thursday April 23 to Monday April 27, 2015 at the Great Bay Sports Auditorium from 7:30 pm.
Juxtaposed in the heart of the Carnival Season, the Convention offers an ideal alternative to feting for Christian believers on both sides of the island. It is the highlight of the Christian community's calendar of activities, spearheaded by the St. Martin United Ministerial Foundation (SMUMF).
An invitation is therefore extended to the general public to attend the week of Convention that is free of cost. The main auditorium will come alive with engaging worship, testimonies and messages.
Each year the SMUMF chooses leading thinkers and ministers from across the globe to talk about topics relevant to church leaders and their membership as well as to make divine impartations in the body of Christ. This year's Convention has attracted a prolific teacher and preacher in the person of Bishop Robin Dinnanauth from Robin Healing Ministries in New York City.
Additionally, a marriage and singles seminar will be held on April 29-30th respectively at the New Testament Baptist Church in Philipsburg and Christian Assembly in La Savanne, Grand Case. These sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Annette Lazarus-Rose of Bethesda Healing Centre in New York.
With sessions designed for everyone-children, teens, seniors, women and more-the entire family will enjoy SMBCC 2015.

Concrete steps are already being taken after the historic agreement between the University of St. Martin and the University of the Virgin Islands, which will bring about "UVI at USM", an extension campus of the UVI on the island ----Two pilots are scheduled to run as of August 2015.

The USM invites all teachers on the island who hold a BA in Education to apply to obtain an accredited UVI MA in Educational Sciences. The course will run once 25 persons are deemed eligible. The criteria for being considered is holding a BA in Educational Sciences and being active in one of the educational institutions on the island.

The second pilot will be an accredited Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) for persons who already hold an Associate Degree in Business. This is a golden opportunity for persons wishing to earn their Bachelors on St. Maarten.

Both programs will be supervised by tenured UVI professors assisted by USM lecturers.

The final date for submission of interest is Monday, May 11, 2015 at the Admissions Office at USM or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the MA in Educational Sciences or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the Bachelor in Business Administration. You can also send your email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

"UVI at USM" is already a dream in the making.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Willams has dispatched an email to the chairperson of Parliament requesting that he provide her with information regarding the status of the public meeting to be convened to deal with the draft law to establish an integrity chamber on St. Maarten.
The DP MP wants to know if the government of St. Maarten sent any communications to parliament regarding the topic since the last Central Committee meeting was held.
Below is the email that was sent to the chair of parliament where MP Wescot Williams also asked him to forward her questions to the Ministers involved

Honorable Chairperson of Parliament,

Could you please inform me what the status is with respect to convening the public meeting of parliament regarding the draft integrity chamber ordinance?
Has government communicated with Parliament on this topic since the last central committee meeting on the same topic? If so, what is government's view on the further parliamentary handling of this law?
If parliament has not been apprised of government's latest stance, please submit urgently aforementioned questions to the minister(s) concerned.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Salted Tongues! A flood of vivid images and impressions come to mind with the phrase, ranging from bittersweet sarcasm to restricted speech to lumps of flesh in brine! With this book of insightful and explorative essays about culture, language, literature history, "indigenous" book publishing, and the role of literary criticism, Fabian Badejo has brought to us the entire gambit of those impressions, adding elements of social and political commentary. And yet above that, he has made a most outstanding contribution to the dynamic of Pan-Caribbean cultural development, with his message that we must represent ourselves as a distinctive culture and as a region. He has utilized the island of St. Martin, as a petri dish for understanding the entire Caribbean region, seeing in the microcosm the macro issues. And from his petri dish he has revealed the singularly most destructive disease that has affected the Caribbean region for hundreds of years, the plague of Euro-centrism. Just as any medical student would use a new discovery to find a cure, so too has Badejo offered a cure, with Salted Tongues as a key ingredient.
Salted Tongues – Modern Literature in St. Martin first takes us on a stroll through the streets of literature heritage for St. Martin, identifying persons and institutions that have been the creative force behind development of the arts for that island. As we pass through the various ruins and modern constructions of those literary streets, we are constantly reminded of the centrality of Lasana Sekou's Old Salt Pond (The Great Salt Pond), where the spring of inspiration resides. We are over and again confronted with the complexity that foreign tongues have created for our world in the Caribbean, so many different means of communication, so many different ways of thought, yet it is those Salted Tongues that speak true to the Caribbean soul. Those Salted Tongues that speak of personal lives and individual emotions, of daily struggle filled with both joy and pain, of pride and determination to maintain an identity and family of Caribbean peoples.
As we leave the streets and move to the countryside, Badejo speaks of the barriers that have constrained our use of Salted Tongues, the deception of literary traditions that force foreign values, style and critical evaluation of Caribbean writers. That we have been caught in the box of Eurocentric critique, that we must aspire to them and study with them, to be accepted by them. Salted Tongues will hear none of this, for the Caribbean creative spirit is not a European box; it is the African-descendant amorphous form of elongation, unity, and adaptation. When double-entendre, puns, and word-play are combined with unique linguistic distinctiveness, it can only be evaluated by its own standards and values. Classical themes do find their expression through Caribbean pens, but they must use Caribbean blood to write with. Badejo has expressed the outrage of many Caribbean writers that the literary capital of the Caribbean is still not in the Caribbean.
As our stroll takes us from the countryside to the seashore. Salted Tongues provides us with a guide to the future, a means to chart our course of exploration beyond individual island shores, towards interconnecting and unifying our Caribbean homeland. Badejo offers us a detailed model for creating an authentic Caribbean Literary Tradition, distinctive of our role at the crossroads of linguistic, political, cultural and socio-economic convergence. A Caribbean Tradition that requires four pillars to survive; creativity stimulation, publication facilities, internal critical evaluation, and increased readership. As a professional critic himself, Badejo gives ample attention to the importance of developing a Caribbean-based literary criticism, including a new paradigm for a Caribbean critical tradition, the pillars of which are entrenched in our authentic folk traditions, with the criteria of reflecting distinctively Caribbean aesthetics.
Salted Tongues takes the complex contradictions, dualisms, and dichotomies of literary development in St. Martin, and shows us a mirror of the Caribbean.
Salted Tongues is the medicine for the universal soul of Caribbean writers, and challenges us to realize that it is the responsibility of all writers in colonial and post-colonial societies to raise the consciousness of their people in a struggle for independence and respect for the distinctiveness that is Caribbean Cult

By: Sir Jay B. Haviser, PhD, is an archeologist and author. The above is an updated overview of the launch address of Salted Tongues – Modern Literature in St. Martin [2005]. Salted Tongues is available at Van Dorp, Arnia's, Amazon.com, Bookishplaza.com, SPDbooks.org, and other bookstores.)

Art Saves Lives Students will participate in service in D.C. on April 26th

St. Maarten/Washington— Visionary and Founder, Nicole C. De Weever and Ari Sutton, Project Manager and Secretary, both of Art Saves Lives Foundation will receive the Spirit Award for their competing work in the Creative Arts in the Diaspora; stated Rev. William Lamar of Metropolitan AME Church.
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church is located in close proximity to the White House, Congress and Supreme Court—seats of executive, legislative, and judicial authority in the United States, and is considered the seat of African Methodist Episcopalism in the United States. The church has been a landmark in the African American Community since 1838 and have been at the forefront of the civil rights movement and have hosted several presidents including Bill Clinton and current President Barack Obama.
We are honored to receive this award and are happy that students of Art Saves Lives will be present to share in this experience, Ms. Sutton said. Thirteen Students from ASL 2014 have been selected to participate in the service and will perform a piece especially choreographed for this event by Ms. Peggy Ouelrich of Peggy ö Company. The service will be livestreamed on the church's website on Sunday on http://www.metropolitanamec.org/
Founded in 2013, Art Saves Lives continues to use art as a bridge to education. Their annual Summer Intensive will be held from June 27th-July 4th in St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Maurice Lake says it's a reality that the draft ordinance to establish a Sint Maarten national Integrity Chamber must take place by the House of Parliament, "...otherwise we will be talking integrity for another six months without anything happening for the people and moving Sint Maarten forward."

MP Lake is appealing to his fellow colleagues in the House of Parliament to get on-board and approve the Sint Maarten "home-grown" draft ordinance after certain changes are made, and if additional changes are needed, the MP said that this can be done along the way.

"We also have to realize if we don't approve our own draft ordinance to establish the integrity chamber it will open up the road for the General Measure of Kingdom Governance.

Sint Maarten is responsible for its own affairs, including good governance and the establishment of its own institutions such as its own Integrity Chamber, which came out of the country's own committee which made such a recommendation.

"As an elected representative of the people, I am a voice of the people. I am not here just to go along. Every elected representative of the people in Parliament has to understand their role to be a team player, but most important being a voice of your constituents, because they are the ones who you will go back to in order to be re-elected.

"I am in favour of our own draft ordinance with the additional changes mentioned by our MPs to strengthen our draft ordinance over any Dutch proposal. My main concerns of the draft ordinance are article 1, 5, 15, which are related to the protection of our people and putting local professionals who understand our culture and way of life.

"We need people who can stand up to protect the best interests of the people and our Constitution. Article 15 of this administrative law, has to state that our own Integrity Chamber employs a secretary general who is a local professional.

"In my view Holland is not working in good faith and have a master plan for Sint Maarten. We need to understand their strategy where they want to take full control of Justice, Finance, and now our own Integrity Chamber, therefore trampling on our Constitutional rights as a country.

"This is a witch hunt. Some of the Dutch politicians have tarnished our island image without any facts by giving us a bad name in the International world. We now have to restore our image. These insinuations are bad for investor confidence and political and economic stability of the country. This could be part of their master plan to break Sint Maarten.

"We have to pass our draft ordinance now and get back to basics and start executing projects and addressing the people's needs for the next three and a half years and beyond. Right now, we only addressing integrity issues and distracted by The Hague instead of ready to execute the people's work.

"Parliament is something new to me. I like to get things done the legal and correct way and following the right procedures. Some say I don't have patience etc., but I am a man of action. It's already April and we need to get things moving on behalf of the people. I like to get things done for the people instead of talking and questioning things when the majority of the current MPs were in government as a Commissioner, or Minister, and are well versed and aware of the issues at hand. I have some proposals that I will be presenting to my UP party and coalition partners. We need to get away from the sour grapes and belittling each other as displayed at times in the people's House. The people are getting tired and want to see action and progress.

"We got to stand our ground, as a nation, as a people. As Sint Maarten people, we need to stand up together now more than ever before, and address our issues and put policies, and legislation in place to address our own integrity issues," UP MP Hon. Maurice Lake pointed out.

MP Lake added that he supported the recommendations from the Bob Wit Integrity Report that was presented to Parliament. As part of the former Council of Ministers he stated, "I fully support that Sint Maarten investigates integrity issues and breaches found are addressed. The Integrity Chamber was a recommendation from our own Bob Wit report and not the Dutch.

"Sint Maarten has started the process to re-inforce these entities. We have a draft ordinance. The Kingdom Government is too quick to want to use the Charter to address matters, and the democratic deficit is an issue that needs to be addressed. The Dutch should put as much effort as they do with addressing their own integrity issues. Perhaps we should pass our own motion calling on the Kingdom Government to put measures in place.

"The Integrity Chamber is a mechanism to address integrity breaches. Our Integrity Chamber will protect our people and will address transparency and accountability. If the Dutch Government says no to our proposal then we know they are not working in good faith with Sint Maarten.

"As an elected representative of the people, I don't have no issue of addressing and putting a more improved structure in place to address our integrity issues. It's time we move on and start working on other important issues of the people, "MP Hon. Maurice Lake said on Wednesday.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Permanent Committee of Expenditures of Parliament that was scheduled to meet in a session on April 23 has been postponed until May 6 at the request of the Chairperson.

The permanent committee meeting is now set for Wednesday, 6 May at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The two point agenda is a presentation by the General Audit Chamber on its role and the working relationship with Parliament; and the Expenditures Committee planning for the parliamentary year 2014-2015.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Parliament's Committee of Petitions will meet in a House session on April 24.

The permanent Committee meeting is set for Friday at 9.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg. The initial meeting was adjourned on April 21 and is now being reconvened.

The agenda point is the committee's work method.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

MARIGOT:---- Caribbean Sail Training announced today that the Port De Marigot in St.Martin will host once again one of their member vessels, the full rigged Tall ship DANMARK, on the Galisbay pier on Saturday May 2nd for an open ship day.
The 252 feet (77 m) in overall length sail training vessel DANMARK will be open to the public for viewing from 2.00 pm until 5.00 pm.

The Tall Ship departed from Denmark several weeks ago, made a short 28 hours stop in the Canary Islands and sailed in record time straight to Cariacou in the Grenadines Islands.
The DANMARK will arrive in Grenada on April 24th, 2015 where Claire Budhlall from Spronks' Provisioning & Mega Yacht Services will take care of the vessel.
The ship will stay only a few days there before sailing to St.Martin.
They will do provisioning and shopping in Marigot before leaving again a few days later crossing the Atlantic back to Denmark.
15 crew members and 80 trainees are on board the vessel.

Caribbean Sail Training ( CST )
has been established several years ago as a registered nonprofit foundation with the aim to help in providing education and sail training towards young people of all nationalities, cultures, religions and social backgrounds and specially towards youngsters living in the Caribbean.
During the past years many Caribbean youngsters have been sponsored by CST to participate in sail training voyages on the Tall Ships that have been cruising in the Caribbean but also in Canada, the US and Europe.
The foundation offers endless possibilities to youngsters to enroll in a week or several weeks sailing trip or Tall Ship Regattas with all costs covered by the foundation.

Sailing to and around in the Caribbean with a sail training vessel used to be a costly adventure for the sail training ships, but many of those costs have now been reduced or even eliminated for the vessels that are members of Caribbean Sail Training.
In the past season more than 30 Tall Ships visited the Caribbean Islands, most of them through the cooperation of CST who aims to bring more of those vessels to the Islands every year.

Many of the Sail Training Vessels are owned by charities, foundations, schools or universities, governments or other institutions and appreciate assistance with no-cost or low-cost access to tug boats, pilot boats, docking, berthing or anchorage, and a reduction or elimination of harbor fees.
Maintaining and sailing a Tall Ship involves huge costs that are mostly only covered by the payments that the vessel receives for the sail experience that trainees receive during their voyages and from donations.
Some vessels also take a few paying guests on board during selected trips to generate some extra income and most of them also try to sell T-shirts, pins, caps and other souvenirs during open ship days to make some additional money.

Agreements have been made through Caribbean Sail Training with many "Caribbean Sail Training Friendly Ports" for charging smaller fees or even waiving the fees completely and where arrangements are not in place as yet, CST comes to the rescue with sponsoring the vessels.
Several ships like the Christian Radich, Picton Castle, Corwith Cramer, Alva, Eendracht, Eye of the Wind, Salomon and many others paid only a fraction or were hosted free of costs at several Caribbean ports and harbors in the past due to their CST membership.
In addition, CST member vessels receive free yacht and ship agency services at many Islands all over the Caribbean trough the company Yacht Assistance and their affiliates.

Caribbean Sail Training Port Award
Caribbean Sail Training will present the yearly CST Port Award 2014-2015 during the visit of the DANMARK at an "invitation only" reception offered on board on May 2nd after 5.00 pm to Mr.Alberick Ellis, director of the Port De Marigot as appreciation for hosting many of the sail training vessels in the past season and before in the harbor of Marigot.
In addition, fees have been waived and reduced for docking at the Galisbay Pier and the port has been providing free services to many CST member vessels.

General characteristics STV DANMARK

• Tonnage: 790 GRT
• Length: 252 ft (77 m)
• Beam: 32 ft (9.8 m)
• Draft: 17 ft (5.2 m)
• Propulsion: Diesel engine, sails
• Sail plan: full-rigged; 26 sails
• Complement: 15 crew; 80 trainees

For information about the Sail Training Vessels, sponsored voyages and more go to: www.CaribbeanSailTraining.com

PHILIPSBURG:--- Pizza makers from over 1600 locations were judged and timed in local and regional competitions while making three perfect large pizzas; a Large Pepperoni, a Large Mushroom, and a Large Extra Cheese Pizza. The field was narrowed to 10 finalists with the fastest times and best quality; and two of them are proud to call St. Maarten home. Domino's franchisee John Caputo and Domino's General Manager Andrina Ollivierre both traveled to Miami to compete in the finals for the World's Fastest Pizza Maker competition last week and represented St. Maarten.

The 10 finalists (narrowed down from over 1800 competitors from 1600 locations); representing the best of the whole of Latin America, South America, Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii arrived to Miami on Monday where the rules and some speed tips were gone over. Tuesday was a practice day where each competitor had the chance to practice four times and receive feed back from the judges in preparation for the finals and then everyone was taken to a nice dinner to get to know your fellow competitors and of course time for shopping.

On Wednesday, in front of a packed house in Miami, the ten contestants had one practice round and then it was to the main event. The winner ended up being from Mexico with a time for making three perfect pizzas from scratch in just under 50 seconds. Second and Third place were both from Canada. John Caputo came in not far behind having turned in his best time ever in the event. "I was amazed! I don't often make pizzas much any more, but its good to know the old man still has it!" he said. "It was really something to have 2 from St. Maarten finish in the top ten. I am extremely proud of Andrina and how fast she is and that she made it. It really says something about the Domino's team on St. Maarten how we strive for both speed and excellence" Mr. Caputo continued to say.

Andrina Ollivierre did great as well and was notably the region's top female finisher. She said that nerves had gotten the best of her and she ended up having to remake an entire pizza costing her a lot of time in the finals. Her practice times and qualifying times were much faster. After the event she was so charged up to use this experience and compete again next year; which will be held in Las Vegas. "To have finished in the top ten out of 1800 is something I am very proud of. I would have liked my time in the finals to be faster, but its something I can work on for next year. The experience was great and I will be back to win it" said Andrina.

Each finalist got a plaque, a commemorative sauce spoon, a uniform with the Fastest Pizza Maker logo and their name on it, their trip to the finals paid for, and the top three went home with big cash prizes and trophies. A link to the videos from the competition will be posted on Domino's Face Book Page for everyone to view. Find them by liking Domino's Pizza St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---- St. Maarten Cable TV will be sponsoring 4M HD for carnival 2015. "I am elated to receive this contribution for our band," remarked Band Manager Stuart Johnson.

"We have been diligently working on our music in preparation for this carnival season and testimony to that is our latest hit songs like, Wet up and roll it," Johnson added.

St.Maarten Cable TV has been a regular contributor to the band and its efforts to promote quality music on our beloved island.

Managing director of St. Maarten Cable TV Beulah Jonis said, "we've stepped up and contributed to carnival yet again. We have been contributing to carnival for a number of years and we look forward to 4M HD performance for the upcoming road events."

Ms. Jonis took the opportunity also to wish the entire community a Happy St. Maarten Carnival 2015 on behalf of management and staff.

Middle Region:---The yearly artist press conference for TelCell Night Of The Hitmakers will take place on Thursday the 23rd of April 2015 at the TELEM building
with ERA, DESTRA, KERWIN DUBOIS & CARIMI. These artists will be performing live on Friday April 24th together with St.Maarten's own
YOUTH WAVES at the Festival Village. After the press conference at 5pm, the St. Maarten fans will have the opportunity to get up close and
personal with CARIMI. In order to meet an greet Carimi you must have a ticket for the show, tickets can also be purchased at the meet and greet.

Thursday is the last day patrons can get their tickets for $30,-. Tickets will be available at all outlets until 5pm, thereafter only at Domino's Pizza
on the Bush Road till midnight.

On Friday, the day of the show tickets will be $40,- and can only be purchased at the Festival Village from 9am.

TelCell Night of the Hitmakers, on Friday 24th of April will start at 8pm promptly. So come out on time, get your place on the dance floor and
don't miss your favorite band in another memorable show with the real Carnival feel.

TelCell Night Of The Hit Makers
Youth Waves – Era – Carimi – Kerwin Du Bois – Destra

Sections of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Belair Pond, and Great Salt Pond Faced with Challenges Regarding Salinity and Oxygen Levels

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Nature Foundation carried out its bi-annual water quality tests on the 10th, 11th and 22nd of April (Earth Day) at seven sites surrounding St. Maarten. These tests are carried out in order to determine the levels of pollutants and other factors affecting wetlands and beaches on St. Maarten. Tests were carried out in order to determine Nitrates (which shows that the water is polluted), Phosphates (which shows the presence of Sewage), Nitrogen, Dissolved Oxygen, and the acidity of the water. Tests were carried out on seven sites; Cole Bay Lagoon, Simpson Bay Lagoon, Mullet Pond, Kim Sha Beach, Great Bay Beach, Belair Pond, Fresh Pond, and the Great Salt Pond. The sites of Great Bay Beach and Kim Sha Beach were particularly chosen to test the swimming quality of the beaches. Tests were also carried out as part of the Nature Foundation's Earth Day Activities.
.
It was determined that Mullet Pond, and Great Bay had low levels of both phosphates and nitrates in samples tested. Elevated levels of nitrates and phosphates show that there is a presence of various types of pollutants and sewage in wetlands and coastal areas. The highest level was recorded in the Great Salt Pond and indicates lower water quality. Taking this into consideration levels will continuously be monitored by the Nature Foundation.

It was further established that Mullet Pond and Great Bay had low levels of Nitrogen in samples tested. Elevated levels of Nitrogen, caused by pollutants, can cause massive fish die-offs in wetlands and coastal areas. The highest level was recorded in the Great Salt Pond at .6 ppm, which is a relatively high number and indicates the presence of elevated nitrogen levels which can pose a threat to aquatic organisms and which may again result in fish die-offs. The continuous filling in of the Great Salt Pond, recently for will increase the level of fish die-offs in the future.

Similarly the Belair Pond has also been experiencing elevated levels which can result in a continuation or expansion of fish die-offs, of which a small scale die-off is currently occurring. All fish recorded at the die-off are Tilapia. The Nature Foundation will continuously monitor Nitrogen Levels at this site in order to give an approximation when fish die offs may be expected.

Some areas of the Simpson Bay Lagoon showed an increase in algal growth due changes in water movement and persistent hot and dry conditions. Continued filling in of the Simpson Bay Lagoon will also results in the growth of harmful algae unless management mechanisms are put in place.

The Nature Foundation also submitted recommendations to the VROMI Ministry on ways to combat the invasive Tilapia Population and how to rehabilitate the Great Salt and Fresh Ponds. Follow-up meetings will be held regarding this.

"Restore Habitats, Restore Birds" is the theme for this year's Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF). At dozens of events throughout the region, participants of all ages will learn how restoring local habitats can benefit the unique birds found only in the Caribbean. Events on many islands will include habitat restoration activities like clean ups and distribution of native tree seedlings for planting.

The festival, now in its 14th year, is led by BirdsCaribbean, the largest organization devoted to wildlife conservation in the Caribbean. The month-long festival includes Caribbean-wide activities beginning today - Earth Day (April 22), through to International Biodiversity Day (May 22), in more than twenty countries. The event celebrates the 150 bird species that are found only in the Caribbean, known as endemics. The highly successful program attracts over 80,000 participants and volunteers each year.

CEBF on St. Martin kicks off with the Endemic Animal Festival on Saturday, April 25th from 9am to noon. This festival was created by the association Les Fruits de Mer to celebrate all of St. Martin's endemic animals, from birds and lizards to insects and spiders. The free event will take place at the Discovery Farm and Garden at Seaside Nature Park in Cay Bay. At the event, Les Fruits de Mer will launch Club Gaïac, a habitat and heritage restoration project centered around one of the most iconic native trees in the Caribbean.

"Over the last several hundred years, natural habitats in the Caribbean have been degraded and destroyed in every way imaginable," explained Leo Douglas, President of BirdsCaribbean. "Many unique Caribbean birds are now extinct, and many others are threatened. Restoring habitat helps endemic birds and also restores the natural heritage of Caribbean people."

Habitat restoration is a boon to birds, but benefits abound for people, too. Mangrove wetlands, for example, prevent erosion, serve as nurseries for fish, and reduce the impact of major storms on our coastlines. Restored habitats and their restored bird populations may also open the door to a growing industry: birdwatching tourism.

"Birding and wildlife tourism is a huge market that is just starting to make a real impact in the Caribbean," commented Lisa Sorenson, who is leading BirdsCaribbean's regional bird tourism project called the Caribbean Birding Trail. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service estimated that birding travel spending was US$15 billion for 2011 in the United States alone, over half of which was spent on food and lodging. "Our endemic birds are a unique asset because they can't be seen anywhere else. Restoring their habitat can bring revenue and jobs to the region, while also protecting nature."

The goal of the month-long Festival is to increase public awareness of the region's exceptionally rich and threatened bird life, using the Caribbean's celebrated endemic birds as flagships of conservation. Festival activities include a diverse array of public events. In addition to the annual Endemic Animal Festival on April 25th, this year a "Mystery Birding Tour" is being organized for May 16th by birding guide Binkie Van Es with help from Nature Foundation St. Maarten, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean and Les Fruits de Mer. The free tour will include presentations about local birds and guided bird watching at multiple sites on the island. Sign-ups for the tour will be available at University of St. Martin and on Facebook. To find out more about the Endemic Animal Festival, visit http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Central Committee of Parliament meeting that was scheduled for April 22 at the request of the National Alliance (NA) faction has now been postponed until May 7.

Due to illness, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor, will not be able to attend the sitting of the House.

The Central Committee meeting is now scheduled for Thursday 7 May at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda is related to the previous and current contract signed between the Harbour Group of Companies and Checkmate Security, and the sudden hike in the contract sum for outside security services.

POINT BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten – Port St. Maarten is one of the main sponsors of the International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology (IACA).
Preparations for IACA, to be hosted on St. Maarten July 19-25, 2015, are progressing at a dynamic rate, according to Dr. Jay Haviser, archaeologist.

The IACA Congress is the largest gathering of professional archaeologists specializing in Caribbean studies in the world, with representatives from over 23 countries and over 300 delegates; it is the place to be for cutting-edge research information about heritage in the Caribbean.

Port St. Maarten Management and Supervisory Board of Directors, is fully behind heritage tourism development.

Port St. Maarten sees heritage tourism as preserving and sharing where it concerns Fort Amsterdam, Emilio Wilson Estate and the Great Salt Pans near Sucker Garden just to mention a few. Heritage tourism encompasses elements of living culture, history, and natural history of places that community's value and steward for the future.

Port St. Maarten fully endorses the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 40+ years World Heritage Convention that calls for the conservation, protection of outstanding universal value sites of shared heritage.

UNESCO says that world heritage properties are important travel destinations that if managed properly, have great potential impact for local economic development and long-term sustainability.

The UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme represents a new approach based on dialogue and stakeholder cooperation where planning for tourism and heritage management is integrated at a destination level, the natural and cultural assets are valued and protected, and appropriate tourism developed.

The local host organization for the IACA Congress to be hosted here is the St. Maarten Archaeological Center (SIMARC), with St. Maarten archaeologist, Dr. Jay Haviser as Chairperson, along with cooperation from French Saint Martin and Anguilla.

The venue for the Conference will be the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. There will be daily research paper sessions, guest lectures, field trips on island as well as to Anguilla, and cultural reception nights, throughout the week-long event.

The priority sponsors for this 2015 IACA Congress besides Port of St. Maarten is also Leiden University (Netherlands).

Port St. Maarten invited the SIMARC to be a part of the 21st Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Convention, held last October 2014.

This led to SIMARC receiving not only international exposure, but it provided the organization, but more importantly the opportunity for SIMARC to show pride in our own St. Maarten Heritage.

At the October conference SIMARC had the chance to educate the professional cruise market public about the key role that St. Maarten has played in uniting the histories of Europe and the Americas, with Fort Amsterdam being an historical link between Amsterdam and New York. The display about St. Maarten's iconic historical site, Fort Amsterdam, was appreciated by all.

For more information please check the website at: www.iaca2015sxm.com

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Permanent Committee of Expenditures of Parliament will meet in a session on April 23 with the General Audit Chamber.

The permanent committee meeting is set for Thursday at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The two point agenda is a presentation by the General Audit Chamber on its role and the working relationship with Parliament; and the Expenditures Committee planning for the parliamentary year 2014-2015.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Permanent Committee of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs (CECYSA) of Parliament, will meet in public session on April 23.

The Permanent Committee meeting is set for Thursday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is the approval of the decision list CECYSA for the parliamentary year 2014-2015; approval of point 1 presented by Member of Parliament Hon. Tamara Leonard, adding GED to VSBO level curriculum; and the third agenda point is an update on the committee's plan of action.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

Pond Island:--- Fun-loving Jouvert jumpers will just about go to any length to celebrate the "Spirit" of carnival – and Jouvert Specialists, "Nothing But Alcohol" (NBA) are no exception.

The NBA team are teaming up with their lead sponsor, TelCell to bring some added excitement to this year's jouvert jump, with lead "imbiber" Duncan van Heyningen, dropping by TelEm Group's main office on Pond Island this week to exchange jouvert Tees with Lead Customer Representative, Suraj Ramdas of TelEm Group.

Both expressed their excitement about the buzz that is ringing through carnival this year in anticipation of the biggest (and loudest) Jouvert jump up to date.

"Everyone is knocked out at our NBA mock up Tees, which at a first glance looks like the real thing, until you take closer look. But it's all in fun and in the spirit of Jouvert," jokes Duncan.

"As the main sponsor of Carnival 2015, TelEm Group and sister company TelCell are happy to partner with fun-loving revellers such as Duncan and his NBA crew for the Jouvert event on Monday, said TelEm Group carnival core team coordinator, Cheryl Rismay.

Duncan mentioned that for a second consecutive year, their Jouvert Troupe will be contributing to a special cause after Carnival. "Last year we donated to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation and this year we are donating a portion of our proceeds to the HIV/Aids Foundation. The colours of our shirts this year are therefore Red", he continued.

The Tees are being sold for $25 each at Booth 23-24 in the Carnival Village and with it, you can enjoy the NBA Jouvert Troupe, lots of TelCell goodies and more.

"We are planning to attract upwards of 600 participants in the TelCell/NBA troupe for Jouvert, so we would advise everyone to buy up their Tees early before they are all sold out," continued Cheryl and Duncan.

Cheryl said participants can expect excellent music from the Small Axe and an overall fun and safe environment, wholesome fun, soft beverages and water to quench the thirst of revellers on the road.

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Friday April 17, 2015, the I CAN Foundation received a donation from an Immigration Officer who received a tip for doing an exceptional job.

Immigration Officer Eluriya Leverock donated a tip that was offered to her by a visitor, who was extremely impressed with the service he received while on Sint Maarten. The Officer made it extremely clear that she could not accept the tip, but the visitor insisted on accepting his token of gratitude for the excellent service he received.

In a gesture of good faith and not to offend the visitor Officer Leverock decided then to handed over the tip to the Director who then decided to donate the tip to a local charity namely the I CAN Foundation. The donation was accepted by the Office Manager Ms. Drommond Signaira on behalf of the foundation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs, the Honorable Rita Bourne-Gumbs has endorsed the G.I.F.T.E.D. Foundation project, A Betta Tomorrow-SXM. This project will be launched in the 3rd Annual Weekend of Power from May 28th – May 31st, 2015.
The visionary and founder of the Jamaican initiative A Betta Tomorrow, Kevin Smith, is currently visiting our island, lending his support to the establishment of the project in Sint Maarten. He is visiting several communities this week, encouraging all to be a part of the change to give our island a better tomorrow.
There are several schools and youth programs participating in the A Betta Tomorrow SXM project. Among them are St. Maarten Vocational School, St. Maarten Academy PSVE, St. Maarten Academy (Academic), Prins Willem Alexander School, MAC School, and the Belvedere Community Foundation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A historic MOU was signed by the University of St. Martin (USM) and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). The MOU will be concretized in the full scale cooperation between the two institutions named "UVI at the USM". This twinning of both institutions will allow students on Sint Maarten & Saint Martin but also those in the wider Caribbean region to earn an American accredited degree whilst residing on our island. The exact wording in the document reads:
UVI and USM shall establish an extension campus of UVI to be located on the campus of USM and to be called "UVI at USM" with all the rights and privileges normally accorded to such arrangements in academia. The offering of UVI programs on the "UVI at USM" campus shall be in tandem with the demand for such programs and be of the same standard and quality of those programs offered on any of UVI's existing campuses or through online options.
USM shall commit to providing classroom and office space for UVI to establish a physical presence in St. Maarten for purposes of establishing "UVI at USM" and for offering regular and cohort driven undergraduate and graduate degree programs for those persons who for various reasons are unable to attend classes on the UVI USVI campuses.
The cooperation will also benefit the wider community, as the island will host students from the Caribbean Basin, with this academic tourism leading to economic spinoffs. No dorms will be built allowing locals to rent out homes and provide other services to these students.
Within 90 days the nuts and bolts of the MOU will be further specified in standard operating procedures. The cooperation commences in the autumn of 2015 with an MA cohort in the education field and the possibilities of BA cohort in Business & Hospitality.
Persons in the accompanying photo (photographer Mr. Andrew Bishop)

• Dr. Haldane Davis: Vice-President of the Vice President, Business Development and Innovation, University of the Virgin Islands (UVI); Executive Director, Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands, Inc.
• Mrs. Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet: President of the Board of the University of St. Maarten Foundation (BUSMF)
• Mr. Wycliffe Smith: Vice-President of the BUSMF
• Mr. Dani Ramchandani: Treasurer of the BUSMF
• Ms. Marcellia Henry: Secretary of the BUSMF
• Ms. Olga Mussington-Service: Representative of the government of St. Maarten in the BUSMF
• Mr. Robert Budike: Manager of Finances & Facilities, USM.

PHILIPSBURG:---- President of Rotary Club St. Martin Sunrise Virginia Asin, members and visiting Rotarians from Suriname, last Friday, April 17, paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs and Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs.

The visit took place at the Government Administration Building in the Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.

The delegation was welcomed by the Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Public Health. Rotary fellows from the District 7030, Rotary Club Paramaribo Central and Rotary Club Paramaribo Residence, were on an official visit related to the presentation of the Rotary Fundus Camera project that took place on Saturday at the White & Yellow Cross.

Asin said she was very appreciative of the Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Public Health having given Rotary fellows the opportunity to meet with them during the working visit to the country.

The courtesy call also included an eye specialist who delivered training to physicians and staff of the White & Yellow Cross Foundation in connection with the Fundus Camera.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On April 19th 2015, Custom Officers at Princess Juliana International Airport found almost 32 kilo of cocaine packed in 2 suitcases, after a routine control of the incoming flight from Curacao.

Both suitcases belonged to a male passenger with initials L.A.M. and a female passenger with the initials E.G. Both were coming from Curacao.

Customs is now busy interrogating where the drugs come from and to whom it belongs.

Due to the ongoing investigations, further information cannot be released at this moment.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (Ministry TEATT) will be launching a new marketing and promotional materials to attract potential investors to the country.

The Department of Economy, Transport and Telecommunication (EVT) is issuing a call for dynamic local photographers and videographers to participate in a project that would entail the provision of new photographs and video footage of the country.

EVT would like to promote not only Sint Maarten's economic possibilities but also the talents of the population.

Investors should view Sint Maarten as a vibrant economy with a dynamic and talented population that sets it apart from other destinations, and this is what EVT envisions to develop.
The publications will feature shots of Sint Maarten's natural beauty, population and infrastructure amongst others.

Interested persons can submit their portfolios for consideration. Individuals are asked to submit original work in high resolution that showcases their talent and eye for the perfect shot.
The call for photographers and videographers is open until April 30th. Persons interested in submitting their work can email their portfolios to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For further information, persons can contact the EVT Department via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via telephone at 549-0220.GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (Ministry TEATT) will be launching a new marketing and promotional materials to attract potential investors to the country.

The Department of Economy, Transport and Telecommunication (EVT) is issuing a call for dynamic local photographers and videographers to participate in a project that would entail the provision of new photographs and video footage of the country.

EVT would like to promote not only Sint Maarten's economic possibilities but also the talents of the population.

Investors should view Sint Maarten as a vibrant economy with a dynamic and talented population that sets it apart from other destinations, and this is what EVT envisions to develop.
The publications will feature shots of Sint Maarten's natural beauty, population and infrastructure amongst others.

Interested persons can submit their portfolios for consideration. Individuals are asked to submit original work in high resolution that showcases their talent and eye for the perfect shot.
The call for photographers and videographers is open until April 30th. Persons interested in submitting their work can email their portfolios to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For further information, persons can contact the EVT Department via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via telephone at 549-0220.

COLE BAY:--- Last week the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Milo Pinckney and the president Dr. Renu Agnihtri of the American University of Integrative Sciences (AUIS), were pleased to be host and hostess to over 25 secondary school principals, science teachers, student and career guidance councillors, Parents Teachers Association (PTA) representatives, and officials from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, as well as local tertiary level instructors, at their first information session and open house for the public of St. Maarten.

The open house took place at AUIS Campus in Cole Bay in the former Montessori School Building. At this session the CEO gave a short history of the school on St. Maarten making reference to the purchase/ take over and redesigning and repositioning of the University of St. Eustatius School of Medicine (USESOM) St. Maarten into the new AUIS of St. Maarten.

The president shared the plans for two new programs which are of particular interest to school leaving students who have an interest in Science, Medicine and Allied health studies. Scholarships and grants will be made available for local students of both programs.

The criteria will be determined by a panel consisting of AUIS educational personnel and local secondary school principals and teachers. Scholarships and grants will be awarded based on merit.

In late August the AUIS will be offering an accelerated three-year Bachelors of Science in Pre-medical Sciences degree as well as certification in allied health Sciences.

This degree program and certificate program are open to applications from local persons as well as students from the US and Canada and islands in the region.

The second offering was the project of the Med- Camp which is a four week residential camp on St. Maarten for students who have an interest in medicine.

The program aims to provide an exposure to holistic medicine as well as allopathic medicine and allied health sciences, the business of medicine, the cultural environment of St. Maarten, boating and other sporting activities on St. Maarten.

The students will be chaperoned in single sex groupings. This too is open to students from St. Maarten the region and those from the US mainland and Canada.

This will take place in the month of July 2015. Interested students and parents can check with their schools for additional information or contact the office of AUIS tel. +1 721 544 5421.

At the conclusion of the presentation the attendees toured the premises and actually tried out some of the state of the art diagnostic technological tools developed by sister support companies to AUIS.

They expressed their interest in the programs and appreciation for the invitation and information which they would take back to their schools and students.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on April 22 at the request of the National Alliance (NA) faction.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor, has been invited to be present for the House session.

The Central Committee meeting is set for Wednesday at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda is related to the previous and current contract signed between the Harbour Group of Companies and Checkmate Security, and the sudden hike in the contract sum for outside security services.

This meeting was requested by the NA faction Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. William Marlin, MP Hon. Silveria Jacobs, MP Hon. Christophe Emmanuel, and MP Hon. George Pantophlet, via a letter dated March 5, 2015.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend the parliamentary deliberation.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), is advising travellers from Sint Maarten to Haiti or the Dominican Republic, to take preventive measures while visiting friends or family in both countries.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that affects both children and adults and can kill within hours if left untreated. The infection is ingested by food or water contaminated. It has a short incubation period of two hours to five days. Up to 80 per cent of cases can be successfully treated with oral rehydration salts.
While in the Dominican Republic or Haiti, ensure that you take precautions such as hygienic food preparation, boiling or purifying all water, and washing hands often with soap and clean water.

Symptoms can occur within 24 to 48 hours of being infected with the cholera causing bacteria. Cholera symptoms are generally mild; they include diarrhoea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. About one infected person out of 20 has severe signs and symptoms, such as increased heart rate, dehydration, and shock.

Immediately consult your physician if you have travelled and have any of the symptoms, while maintaining proper hygiene.

To minimize the number of people infected, frequent hand washing, personal hygiene, safe water use and food preparation are a necessity. Maintain these basic hygienic habits as you travel.

By taking a few basic precautions, cholera as well as most other food and water-borne diseases can easily be prevented. The main rule is, always be aware of the quality of what you eat and drink. Also be observant of sick persons in your close proximity and maintain strict hygiene practices.
Enjoy and keep safe as you travel and help us keep Sint Maarten Cholera Free!
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported in a recent epidemiological update on cholera that in Haiti from EW 1 to EW 11 of 2015, there were 10,328 cholera cases, including 8,124 hospitalizations, and 106 deaths.

The Haiti Ministry of Public Health and Population reported that in eight out of 10 departments in the country there was an outbreak of cholera, indicating an intense and widespread circulation at community level. The transmission now according to PAHO presents an endemic pattern.

Since the beginning of the epidemic in October 2010 through 21 March 2015, there were 734,983 cholera cases, of which 419,087 were hospitalized and 8,761 deaths in Haiti.

CPS continues to monitor with its surveillance system based on International Health Regulations (IHR).

In the Dominican Republic, in 2014 there were 597 suspected cases of cholera cases recorded, including 10 deaths. Between epidemiological week (EW) 1 and EW 10 of 2015, there were 185 suspected cholera cases registered, including nine deaths. The situation is linked to the cholera dynamics registered in Haiti.

Since the beginning of the epidemic in November 2010 to EW 10 of 2015, a total of 32,257 suspected cholera cases, including 487 deaths, have been recorded in the Dominican Republic.

PAHO also reported that the last confirmed case of cholera in Cuba was reported by the Canada IHR National Focal Point in January 2015. The case was an individual with history of travel to Cuba.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament representing the Democratic Party faction Sarah Wescot Williams and the party's advisor Emil Lee told reporters on Monday that they are not amused by the request sent by the State Council to St. Maarten regarding the voting on the draft integrity law. Wescot Williams said it is even more astonishing for Members of Parliament to get the information from media reports and not from the government themselves. Wescot Williams outlined several areas in the draft law that she said has to be changed or amended. She said at first government sent parliament the wrong draft but later realized that and they submitted the correct draft on the last day of the Central Committee meeting.
Wescot Williams said while it is clear that the Parliament of St. Maarten is divided on the draft ordinance she submitted a letter to government pointing out several areas that needs to be changed or amended. Wescot Williams said that the article that says that the integrity chamber could go back to 10/10/10 to conduct investigations was removed but government did not replace it with anything. That she said has to be addressed. Furthermore, she said the government of St. Maarten chose a Kingdom entity to oversee the Integrity Chamber and that too cannot be so. She said the definition in the article has something that should not be there especially with the words used when government tried to define integrity, in that article they mentioned informal and relational networks which she said created a storm in parliament when the draft ordinance was discussed in the central committee last week since St. Maarten is a small community that has people and their families that could be affected. Wescot Williams made clear that particular statement in the definition is not suitable for an integrity breach.
She said that government referred to the PWC report that has the same information but it was not mentioned in the definition but stated as a fact. Wescot Williams said in the definition government went on to itemize what they believe should be considered as an integrity breach which she said is alright but the informal and relational networks cannot be in the definition. She said in her opinion while it is a fact that people are related and there are networks it must be mentioned as a fact and not in the definition.
Wescot Williams said that article 34 gave government the opportunity to rebut to any advice submitted to government by the integrity chamber even though those advices are binding.
Wescot Williams also announced that she will not be attending the Parlatino meetings because the Parliament of St. Maarten has to address how these meetings benefit St. Maarten especially since parliament did not get the amount of monies it desired. She said another set back the Parliament of St. Maarten is facing is the lack of information from government. She said that Members of Parliament have to attend the IPKO meeting and if they do not have information then St. Maarten will not be able to address or defend several issues.
In another issue Wescot Williams also informed the media that on Wednesday a meeting on the contract awarded to Checkmate Security by the St. Maarten Harbor Group of Companies. She said that meeting was requested by the National Alliance and while the Democratic Party posed several questions on this subject but never got a response.
Wescot Williams said she was not amused with the statements made by the Prime Minister of St. Maarten regarding the governing program, while she touched on the counterpart policy which made headlines a number of times. Wescot Williams said she got a letter from government regarding this topic but still her questions on the specifics on how the counterpart policy will be implemented, further to that she wants to know exactly where government stands with the counterpart policy. In her opinion she felt that the government of St. Maarten is still scrambling with this issue.

Central Bank wants to keep sub-contractors of Taliesin Construction.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten Emsley Tromp told reporters on Monday that the oversight committee and the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten decided to terminate the contract they had with Taliesin Construction after they got indication of integrity breaches involving the St. Maarten Housing Financing Foundation (SMHFF). Tromp said when they got the information they conducted an internal investigation at the SMHFF since they also supervise that foundation every three years. Tromp refused to share what integrity breaches they found with the SMHFF with the media and he also made clear that the Central Bank will not share that information with the government of St. Maarten. Tromp said when the investigation was finalized they found issues of integrity that involves Taliesin Construction therefore they took the decision to terminate the contract they have with Taliesin Construction for the remodeling of the Central Bank on St. Maarten. The termination he said would have become effective on April 17th 2015 but Taliesin Construction chose to place a "Mechanics Lien" on the Central Bank property which he said was illegal. Tromp said that the lien was placed when the working agreement with Taliesin was still valid. He also said that the contract they have with Taliesin Construction has a clause that says that the contract could be terminated at any time without any specific cause. Tromp further explained that even though they sent letters to Taliesin Construction they did not make any public statements therefore they are not liable for any damages to Taliesin Construction. Tromp also admitted that the Central Bank does owe Taliesin Construction but so far the company did not send in any invoices to the Central Bank for payment. Tromp assured that as soon as the invoices are sent to them the payments will be made, including their calculations of what they believe they owe Taliesin Construction for loss of profits.
When questioned by SMN News on the bidding process Tromp said some four companies participated in the public bid and Taliesin Construction won that bid because they were the best. He also agreed that the construction company and its workers were screened but said when it comes to integrity they are allowed to investigate and take appropriate actions when they have to, which is what they did when they decided to terminate the contract with Taliesin Construction for the remodeling of the Central Bank on St. Maarten.
Tromp said they are already discussing with a construction company to continue the project and the Central Bank wants to keep the sub-contractors and workers from Taliesin Construction because all of the workers were screened. Tromp refused to say which construction company they are in discussions with because he said they have not yet signed a contract with that company.
In this case SMN News asked Tromp how did the oversight committee and the Central Bank decided to go after Taliesin Construction whom they associated with the SMHFF when Taliesin Construction never had a contract with the SMHFF or the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) but instead worked as a sub-contractor for the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF). Tromp said he cannot take repercussions against someone he does not have a contract with, while he said that he will not disclose the findings of their investigation at SMHFF he said the two companies has the same director. Furthermore, since the Central Bank has Central Bank has a contract with Taliesin Construction for the Central Bank project on St. Maarten and since they worked as a sub-contractor for SMHDF the Central Bank took actions against him, but they want to keep the sub-contractors that worked for Taliesin Construction.
While Tromp was not clear with exact reasons for terminating the contract he has with Taliesin Construction he made clear that the decision they took is not a political decision. Asked if the decision is some form of 'witch-hunting" because someone that is closely attached to the Central Bank wanted the position of Director of the SMHDF. Tromp said that Taliesin Construction gave the media wrong information because the person he sat with in the meeting held on March 13th 2015 was not former Governor Jaime Saleh but instead it was Governor Frits Goedgedrag. Tromp said that the persons that are on the oversight committee are known persons that have spotless records and they will not engage in politics.

Click here to see Dutch version of press statement from Central Bank

SEVEN MONTHS AND COUNTING SINCE THE ELECTION IN 2014 AND THIS UP LED GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT OF ST. MAARTEN HAVE NOT INITIATED ONE PROGRAM THAT WOULD BENEFIT THE ORDINARY PEOPLE IN ST. MAARTEN. IT IS VERY IRONIC THAT EVERY TIME YOU MEET PEOPLE ON THE STREET THEY ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED FOR THEY HAD EXPECTED TO SEE THIS COUNTRY MOVING FORWARD IN PARTICULAR IN THE AREA OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS.

Those who brought us to this point are suffering the most!
PHILIPSBURG:---- Just recently I met a senior citizen at a Supermarket and he was boasting about how he assisted a particular candidate that is now part of the parliament of St. Maarten. My question to him was has this particular parliamentarian since being in office submitted any type of proposal to the government that would make the life of the ordinary citizens of St. Maarten and in particular the seniors, any better. His answer was negative. I repeated a line that was used during the last debate of the leaders where I stated that you cannot put the same leaders back in office and expect different results. All the leaders that are now in parliament were either in government at some time since St. Maarten acquired its' separate status or they were in parliament. What have they done for the ordinary people to this date? The newcomers, first time parliamentarians or candidates in the last election would have to tow the party line. Smile and grin with the leaders and hope that they would come into consideration sometime in the future.
This brings us to a very important issue. Imagine that after a citizen work his whole life time and reach the pensionable age and collect a meager pension. That pension must also be reported when filing your annual income tax. Yes, it is also taxable. Wouldn't you believe that one of those members of parliament would have at least submitted a motion during one of the debates to exempt the pension from taxes? They all have promised during the campaign that they would have increased the pension as well as the minimum wage. But once again that was to fool you the people and you fell for it once again. The least this parliament can do for our seniors is to allow them to have some more money in their pockets to enjoy their lives by exempting the pension from taxes. This parliament if desires can have these changes done before the end of this fiscal year 2015. I don't agree that it is the government that has to bring most of the changes to legislation as is being mentioned by many of the members of parliament. And if they continue to insist that that is the case then most of them do not know the role of a parliamentarian and it behooves the leadership of parliament to organize a crash course in the role of parliament as stipulated in the constitution.
Just recently a Member of Parliament called on all the senior citizens to apply for the GEBE relief program. To me this is a crying shame that our seniors have to apply for this program. As far as my memory serve me right NV GEBE has one of the most sophisticated computer system on the island and some of the best programmers at its' disposal. Whenever a client applies to NV GEBE for connection they must submit some sort of identification to come into consideration. That identification mentions amongst other things the name and the date of birth of that client. NV GEBE already has that personal information of that client stored in their computer and if not they should enter that data. With that data NV GEBE can identify all the clients that reach the age for relief and grant it to them automatically. None of our senior citizens should have to apply, they should notice that decrease in their utility bills and give thanks to God for being able to receive some of their flowers while they are still alive. We are no longer living in a stone age and we cannot continue driving the bus in reverse and hope that our people would be contented. It is in the hands of those in parliament and the government to improve on the quality of lives of our senior citizens.

PHILIPSBURG:--- WhereTheFlex has teamed up with the Be The Change Foundation, the local organization that brought the island SXM DOET in March 2015, to continue island wide efforts to give back to the community.

WhereTheFlex.com, the promotion company in charge of "Fully Loaded 2 powered by Chippie The Ultimate Reggae Experience" which will take place on Saturday May 2, 2015 at the Festival Village has generously pledged to donate a portion of the total tickets sold to Be The Change Foundation.

The funds raised from the ticket sales for the foundation will be applied to the remaining "spotlight" projects. These projects are highlighted by Be the Change on a monthly basis over the course of a year and include youth programs, environmental protection, animal welfare, and public health organizations.

PHILIPSBURG:---– Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Claret Connor, presented a token of appreciation on behalf of the people and Government of Sint Maarten to the Consul General of the Kingdom of Netherlands Consulate in Miami, Nathalie Olijslager-Jaarsma, who hosted a dinner on Thursday at her residence in Coral Gables, Florida for the Kingdom Maritime and Trade delegation.

The trade mission program started off with a visit to PortMiami where the delegation received a tour. PortMiami has been ranked tops for Port Productivity and Performance in the 2014 edition of Top Ports in the United States published by the Journal of Commerce.

PortMiami is among America's busiest ports and recognized across the globe with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas. PortMiami contributes more than US$27 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps provide direct and indirect employment for more than 207,000.

Minister Connor's Cabinet Policy Advisor Louis "Rudy" Engel gave a presentation at the PortMiami regarding business developments in Maritime and Logistics. Delegations from the Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten were in attendance.

On Thursday after the PortMiami tour, meetings were held with trade and logistic experts; with representatives from the Beacon Council; Interport; Business Ventures, Aviation Department Miami International Airport, Intergovernmental Affairs/Cargo Development; Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

On Friday the delegations visited Miami International Airport where a number of meetings took place related to distribution and logistics.

Minister Connor pointed out that being part of the Kingdom trade mission allowed for the Sint Maarten delegation that included public and private sector entities to gather information with respect to Foreign Trade Zone status which offers unique opportunities to take advantage of a number of benefits which facilitates the free movement of goods.

Some of the benefits include according to Minister Connor: direct delivery upon arrival of the merchandise at the Port or Airport; elimination of unnecessary Customs Entry Fee's, duties on exported products; expedited Customs clearance process etc.

During the dinner at the residence of the Consul General, discussions and business developments related to the aforementioned subject were discussed at length with respect to the Caribbean Basin region.

The Marine and Logistics Trade Mission were headed by the Prime Minister of Aruba Hon. Mike Eman and took place between April 16 and 17.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The application process for the annual Hurricane Emergency Passes for the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season which starts from June 1 to November 30, commences as of April 21 and is only applicable for the business sector and vital organizations.

The Simpson Bay Public Service Center (PSC) near the Simpson Bay Bridge is also an additional customer service point where the application form can be submitted. The PSC will also be a pick-up location for the approved pass.

The pass allows the aforementioned to assess their property in the event that a hurricane has caused damage to parts of the country.

Potential applicants have until May 22 to present all relevant information related to the process of requesting an Emergency Pass.

For the 2015 season, the application form as well as information sheet can be downloaded from the Fire Department's website www.brandweersxm.net/hurricane-information/hurricane-passes/

Passes are issued to the following categories: government personnel, personnel of essential companies or organizations, (sub) contractors for the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), transportation passes for hotel staff, business owners and members of vital organizations to assess possible damage to their property.

The Hurricane Emergency Pass application procedure is only intended for businesses and vital organizations with respect to their key personnel receiving an exemption to a curfew.

The Office of Disaster Management that falls under the Ministry of General Affairs is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Prime Minister.

The Hurricane Emergency Pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations. The Prime Minister assesses the damage in conjunction with Emergency Disaster Management entities of the Government after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.

After a disaster has struck, and a curfew has been imposed, the public roads can only be accessed by emergency crews. The Prime Minister will ensure that the curfew is limited to the essential time that is needed to execute emergency and disaster relief and recovery efforts.

The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management, to the attention of the secretary located at Jackal Road 5 (Office hours Monday-Friday 9.00AM to 4.00PM), Cay Hill or at the Simpson Bay Public Service Center, (Monday-Friday 8.30AM to 12.00PM and 1.00PM to 3.30PM) Airport Road 6, before May 22, 2015, with all necessary documents attached.

Applicants will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the aforementioned addresses.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Sunday April 19th, at approximately 10 a.m. and at 12.45 p.m., two females who came to visit and inmate in the Point Blanche Prison were caught with trying to bring in drugs into the institution. The first suspect with initials L.D. (19) was caught with three small plastic bags each containing an amount of marihuana and a small Ziploc bag containing 8 XTC-pills. The second suspect with initials C.C. (22) was caught with 2 small plastic bags containing an amount of marihuana and a Ziploc bag containing 30 XTC pills. The suspect were arrested by police and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where they remain in custody pending further investigation. The marihuana and XTC-pills were also confiscated for further investigation.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- Police are presently investigating 3 armed robberies which took place on Saturday April 18th 2015. The first robbery took place at approximately 08.00 p.m. at "Yen Yen" Supermarket in Sucker garden, when three armed men dressed completely in black stormed into the supermarket and robbed the establishment of an undisclosed amount of cash. After committing this act the robbers took-off running in the direction of Hope Estate.
The second robbery took place at Golden City Supermarket in Cole Bay at approximately 09.20 p.m. where according to reports two armed men dressed completely in black stormed into establishment. One robber had a handgun and the other a machete. After stealing all the money from the cash register the robbers took running and fled behind the supermarket.
The third robbery took place at Trey Wha Restaurant in Cole Bay at approximately 10.20 p.m. where according to reports four men dressed in dark (black) clothing armed with knives and guns stormed into the establishment. They threatened the clients that were present and forced the manager to open the cash register. After taking the money from the register they took off running and jumped into a black Suzuki Ignis with license plate P-6042 and drove into the direction of the Kruythoff round-about. This information was immediately given to the 911 call taker who immediately informed the patrols on the streets.
A police patrol located the suspect vehicle in which was driving on the Link One road in the direction of Philipsburg. The patrol chased the vehicle down and forced the driver to stop at the entrance of Fort Willem in the vicinity of Great Bay Hotel. The driver refused to stop the vehicle and in his attempt to get away slammed into the police vehicle causing quite some damage to the left fender and bumper. (See pic of damage police vehicle).
All five male occupants of the suspect vehicle ages 12, 14, 15, 18 and 25 years old were arrested on the spot suspected of armed robbery and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where they remain in custody pending further investigation. During the search of the vehicle a revolver was found. The firearm and the suspect vehicle were both confiscated for further investigation. One of the suspects is employed with a well-known security company on the island. At present it is too early in the investigation to determine if these suspects are responsible for all three robberies.

KPSM Police Report.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday April 19th at approximately 11.15 p.m. was arrested by police at the Festival Village after being searched and a knife found in her possession. In connection with ongoing "zero tolerance policy" which is in place for the carnival season, the female with initials Y.M. was taken to the Philipsburg where she brought before the Acting prosecutor. The possession of a weapon (not being a fire-arm) or an item intended as such is in violation of the Weapons Ordinance and is on the Transaction list for the 2015 carnival period. The victim chose not to appear in court and paid a fine of 500 Guilders (U.S$ 283,-). The suspect was released. This is the first 2015 carnival related criminal case since the implementation of the new policy that was dealt with thus far.
The police department wants to remind the general public that strict enforcement of this "Pay or Stay" policy will be maintained.

KPSM Police Report.

 PHILIPSBURG:--- Democratic Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams has dispatched a letter to the Council of Ministers through the chair of Parliament on the draft integrity law that was discusses last week in a central committee of parliamemt. Below is press release from the DP MP along with the letter sent to the Government of St. Maarten.

Much of the past weeks has been spent deliberating the draft national ordinance to establish an integrity chamber for St. Maarten.
While some have argued against this draft ordinance (law), stating to be in favor of our "own thing", fact is that the draft as presented to Parliament and dealt with in central committee meetings of Parliament is "our own".
It is totally up to the Parliament of St. Maarten to reject, amend and or pass this law, if a majority of the 15 members wishes to do so.
The draft ordinance establishing an integrity chamber for St. Maarten has undergone the various stages of legislation; council of advice, central committee of Parliament, amendments by government etc.
A public meeting of Parliament is next, during which ultimately it will be decided whether Parliament (a majority) is for or against an integrity chamber for St. Maarten, established by the Parliament of St. Maarten.
On behalf of the Democratic Party faction, I have made my position on this matter crystal clear. An integrity chamber, yes, but the draft put before Parliament needs to be seriously tweaked.
In addition to my deliberations in Parliament on the subject, I have submitted to the government, my specific proposals for changes to the draft.
During the debates in Parliament, members of Parliament were admonished by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice to "do the right thing" and approve the integrity chamber by means of a St. Maarten law, before the integrity chamber is rammed down our throats by means of a Kingdom Decree, which in fact is a measure of higher supervision, imposed on the government of St. Maarten.
Additionally, the 2 ministers emphasized the need for urgency in handling the draft St. Maarten ordinance, as the deadline loomed for the Council of State in the Netherlands to render its advice on the proposed higher supervision measure.
The Minister of Justice is traveling to the Netherlands this weekend to be heard by that Council of State on the measure of higher supervision.
What I had to learn from media reports regretfully, is that since last week Thursday, the very same Council of State has asked the Government that the Parliament of St. Maarten holds off on voting on (passing) the St. Maarten law on the integrity chamber.
Mind you, the central committee of Parliament met on Monday last week. The results of that meeting and the statements by members of Parliament are public knowledge.
The request by the Council of State in the Netherlands should have immediately upon receipt been communicated to THE PARLIAMENT of St. Maarten. After all, only the Parliament can hold off from voting on the law, unless the government retracts its draft law.
I am curious as to this request from the Council of State, given that the Government of St. Maarten was supporting just the opposite. The government of St. Maarten wanted the Parliament to pass this integrity law post haste.
I guess we will have to await Monday to see what strategy (pass or not pass) will be advantageous to the country St. Maarten.
See also attached my proposals for amendments to the draft national ordinance to establish an integrity chamber on St. Maarten.

Click here to view the letter sent to the Government with various proposals on the integrity chamber.

DP Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:---  Parliament's Committee of Petitions will meet in a House session on April 21.
The permanent Committee meeting is set for Tuesday at 9.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg. The initial meeting was adjourned on April 9 and is now being reconvened.

The agenda point is the committee's work method.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on April 21.

The public Central Committee meeting is set for Tuesday at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The two point agenda is: a presentation by the Social Economic Council (SER) regarding its responsibilities, work method and role in society.

The second agenda point is: approval of the composition of the Sint Maarten parliamentary delegation and provisions for the Health Care Conference Aruba (HCCA) that will take place from June 1-4.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:----The Zimmerman Agency is a Florida based integrated marketing communications firm. With more than 150 employees, and $150 million in annual billings sign an agreement to work with Ava Airways. The agency is one of the leading hospitality and travel marketing firms in North America. The agency has previously worked with American Airlines and Lufthansa, and has extensive experience throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

"While the hurdle of Government approval still exists, the potential to develop and execute the well developed business plans of AVA Airways would be a game-changer for Curacao, and travel throughout the region." said Curtis Zimmerman, President of The Zimmerman Agency.

AVA Airways agreement with the agency is an integrated marketing communications agreement The Florida-based agency will assign an experienced team of marketing communications professionals to manage and steward the planning process as well as ongoing strategic efforts, day-to-day account management and ongoing client communications related to marketing the airline. With the Curacao Tourism board limited recourses the Ava Airways marketing plan can spring more exposure to Curacao and transport the customer to the well needed hotels on the island.

Olivier Arrindell, Chairman of the Airline stated that the agency will develop marketing plans and recommendations in collaboration with the AVA Airways team to provide strategic direction and activation of SEO and SEM with the intention of impacting awareness, response and revenue.

The agency will develop paid search plans and recommendations in collaboration with the AVA Airways team with the intention of impacting awareness, response to drive up the overnight tourism for AVA Airways key markets.

The media teams at The Zimmerman Agency are among the most experienced and connected in the travel category and will provide added leverage for PR promotions, digital and social media added value and other efficiencies for the Ava Airways said Olivier Arrindell.

Olivier Arrindell also stated that the agency and Ava Airways have agreed to work together on the most cost proposal by discipline, and both parties has enter into a comprehensive marketing relationship which will drive tourism into our key markets and stimulate the economy of our Hub and at the same time drive revenue to Ava Airways.

GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman – The second annual Under 15 Cayman Airways Invitational Youth Cup will take place Tuesday May 5 – Sunday May 10 2015 and will feature eight local and international football teams.

The upcoming tournament will host: Ipswich Town FC (United Kingdom), IMG Academy (Florida), Chicago Fire (Chicago), St George's College (Jamaica), and FC Motagua (Honduras). All five teams will make their way to Cayman for the five-day tournament where local teams Academy Select, West Bay Select, and the Cayman Islands National Under 15 boys will compete.

Virgil Seymour, Academy Sports Club Technical Director said "We are thrilled to have such high-profile, talented international teams joining the tournament this year. It's going to be an exciting and intense five days for our local teams as we have even more high calibre international players coming to the tournament this year."

Arden Rivers, West Bay Sports Foundation Founder and Director, said this is a great opportunity to expose young players to new levels of play and help build sportsmanship. "This year we have three local teams participating, whereas last year we only had one. We are excited that as host country for the tournament, we will have so many talented players representing Cayman."

Fabian Whorms, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Cayman Airways said: "Cayman Airways is honoured to be the title sponsor again for this event as we strongly believe in supporting our local youth sports programmes. Tournaments such as these are critical to building sports tourism by attracting players and their families to our beautiful islands and we congratulate the organisers for making this tournament even bigger and better this year."

Ipswich Town FC Director of Recruitment Steve McGavin said, "Our boys have been testing their strengths and capabilities amongst each other in preparing themselves for the Cayman Airways Invitational Youth Cup. We are all grateful to be a part of this event and look forward to exploring more of the Cayman Islands, as this will be the first visit for most of the players and their families."

Matches are scheduled to take place at the Annex in George Town and Ed Bush Stadium in West Bay, with the finals taking place at the Annex.

Hon Osbourne Bodden, Minister of Community Affairs, Youth and Sport, said "We are very pleased to endorse and support the Cayman Airways Invitational Youth Cup. Kudos to the founders, West Bay Sports Foundation and Academy Sports Club, for bringing such quality teams to our turf. This is an opportunity for our very own young players to get exposure to the different styles of play for their advancement and also utilize this tournament as a vehicle to achieve greatness in the sport. I look forward to all the talent that's going to be displayed at this tournament and encourage everyone to come out and support this event and our very own Cayman Teams that will be participating."

Event organisers West Bay Sports Foundation and Academy Sports Club said they are grateful to this year's sponsors. In addition to Cayman Airways as title sponsor, other sponsors include; Silver Sponsors: Wyndham Reef Resort, Ministry of Sports, Tower, Crighton Properties and Cayman Reporter. Bronze sponsors: McAlpine, Ministry of Tourism, CIFA and Dart, along with many other supporters.

For information about the tournament or to become a sponsor, visit www.caymanyouthcup.ky or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Follow the tournament and teams on Facebook www.facebook.com/CaymanYouthCup and Twitter #caymanyouthcup

PHILIPSBURG :--– The St. Maarten Table Tennis Federation (SMTTF) Board would like to express its deepest sympathy to the Manek family as well as the Rotary Club membership, with respect to the tragic death of Rotary President Ramesh Manek on Thursday.

The Board says that the Rotary Club has been a huge supporter of table tennis and the federation. St. Maarten has lost a great philanthropist.
The Board and on behalf of table tennis players, also expresses its condolences to the St. Maarten Indian community where Manek was very active

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations (CKAIR) of Parliament will meet in session on April 20.

The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations meeting is set for Monday at 9.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The three point agenda for the meeting is approval of the decision list regarding committee parliamentary business for the 2014-2015 period; Treaty between the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Government of the Federal Republic of Brazil regarding administrative assistance in connection with Customs; and preparations for the Inter-parliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) and Tri-partite meeting that is scheduled between May 25-29 in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and parliament's website www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The gears are in motion for the National Institute of Arts' (NIA) big fundraising initiative 100 for 100: Art Works 100% and two local businesses have already caught wind and stepped up to the plate. The Cliff at Cupecoy Home Owners Association and LaVista Hotel have both agreed to sponsor St. Maarten's talented youth for a full year. The Cliff additionally made the bold pledge to become an annual sponsor.

On Wednesday, April 8th NIA officially launched its 100 for 100 initiative to an audience well attended by several business owners, Minister of Culture Rita Bourne Gumbs and Commissioner of Culture Mme. Roullande. ACHA (African Caribbean Heritage Alliance) also made a pledge to support NIA by providing a generous donation towards the program. 100 for 100 is a program that will provide one hundred aspiring artist with the backing of one hundred local businesses to sponsor one full year of interdisciplinary arts education at NIA. This program will help relieve some of the financial pressure of families who want their children to receive the high caliber of training that a year at NIA would afford.

NIA directors believe that good academic standing and art development go hand in hand. Children that are accepted into the program are encouraged to maintain a high GPA throughout the year. The need for such a program was highlighted by Co-Director, Clara Reyes who noted that "we keep investing and importing external talent for shows, however we at NIA focus on creating the infrastructure to develop and train talent that can be nurtured and showcased here in St. Maarten."

NIA believes in the power of the arts to transform and is committed to seeing the inherent talent of St. Maarten's children realized. 100 for 100 is a vehicle for enhancing the lived experience for many of the children in St. Maarten by identifying gifted and passionate children in an island wide talent search and provide one-year full scholarship interdisciplinary art education.

Sponsorship of 100 for 100 works in a variety of ways to benefit businesses. Becoming a sponsor is a great way to increase visibility on the island, help at-risk youth, and bring positive change to their communities.

NIA would like to thank The Cliff at Cupecoy HOA, LaVista Resort, The Summit Hotel and The African Caribbean Heritage Alliance (ACHA) for their generous donations and for taking part in enhancing the quality of artistic engagement at NIA and across the island.

100 for 100: Art Works 100% will be hosting a series of promotional events in the coming months and looks forward to showcasing the wonderful talent cultivated at NIA. If you are a business owner and interested in becoming a 100 for 100 sponsor please contact National Institute of Arts for more information. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ 721.543.0600

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen on Wednesday received a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of Peru His Excellency Carlos Herrera.

The Ambassador speaks fluid French after having lived and studied in Paris and in Bordeaux, France, and the discussion took place in French since the Minister speaks fluent French.

Minister Fleming-Artsen and Ambassador Herrera discussed their countries with respect to current state of affairs.

The Ambassador took up his post on December 17, 2014.

POINTE BLANCHE:--– Port St. Maarten – Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo, on behalf of the supervisory board of directors, management, and staff, would like to wish the entire population a Safe and Happy 2015 Carnival celebration under the banner, 'Come Experience Life.'
Carnival Village opens officially on Thursday evening, 16 April which kicks off the start of two weeks of national cultural festivities.
Mingo added that Port St. Maarten will be active during the next two weeks of Carnival celebrations to promote to cruise passengers and crew about visiting the Carnival Village to experience some of the local cuisine and any activities and events that would be taking place during the day while passengers and crew move around on the island.
Electronic display boards at the port will highlight the national cultural event and encourage passengers and crew to 'Come Experience Life' at the country's premier cultural event of the year.
The month of April is forecast to attract around 200,000 cruise passengers. If some of these passengers also visit Festival Village, it would be an additional revenue source for booth holders in the village.
The beach promenade and Front Street are in easy walking distance to the Carnival Village and taxi's and tour operators could also stop by the village during their island tours.

Oranjestad:--- In 2014, 25 countries in the Caribbean had recorded cases of chikungunya. Chikungunya is caused by the same vector as dengue fever, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The circulation of these two viruses has proven itself to be a serious health challenge in the Caribbean. Sint Eustatius is currently working to build its capacity to prevent and control these diseases.

For two weeks, Dr. Joe Wagman, a vector biologist and public health consultant from the Belize Vector Biology Center (BVBC), is visiting the island to assist in developing an early warning system to predict outbreaks. Dr. Wagman was invited to the island by Dr. Teresa Leslie of the Eastern Caribbean Public Health Foundation (ECPFH).

There are currently no vaccines to prevent these viruses and treatment also has its challenges. "To fight these diseases, community involvement is important. In addition to this we must have input from other departments and interested local, regional and global stakeholders" Leslie says.

Working Together

Assisting the public health department vector control unit in its efforts are Hannah Madden (STENAPA), Andre Brissett (Public Works) and Johan Stapel (Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute). It is important to have a collaborative approach combining practical and scientific knowledge." Leslie says.

Leslie is a consultant for the Sint Eustatius public health department and is charged with developing effective strategies to aid in combating infectious diseases. "The problem with many of these diseases is that they are caused by environmental agents and most symptoms are cross reactive. In other words based on clinical symptoms, it is difficult to distinguish them from each other" Leslie says.

Another member of this team is the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands who is currently gathering data on all terrestrial and marine biodiversity on Sint Eustatius. According to Leslie "The information gathered from this survey can assist in identifying which vectors exist on the island. Knowing what vectors are present can allow us to predict which agents may
potentially circulate."

Knowledge Transfer

Dr. Joe Wagman, understands the significance of knowledge transfer. "Working in this collaborative capacity we have the opportunity to facilitate a practical knowledge exchange transfer within the region while laying the groundwork for more large term research activities. Its exciting on several different levels" Wagman states.

Dr. Johan Stapel is also quite pleased with his institutes role in the project. "The Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI) at St Eustatius is a facility that fosters scientific curiosity and supports scientific research, capacity building, knowledge development and dissemination, addressing issues and questions relevant to the sustainability of tropical small island economies". Stapel continues stating that "the prevention and control of infectious disease is something that is very important. CNSI is excited about engaging in these discussions and networking opportunities with relevant institutions in the Caribbean and beyond that can work to improve the public's health".

Dengue and chikungunya are vector borne diseases that are spread via the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. There are a range of other viruses, bacterias and parasites that have different vectors that may potentially be introduced, or are currently circulating on the island. Improving surveillance is the first step toward prevention and control.

(For more information contact, Teresa Leslie, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

SABA:---- On April 16th the investigation into the cause of death of a 24-year old young woman on Saba has continued. The investigation team has been strengthened with detectives and specialists from Bonaire. The present Acting Public Prosecutor has also received assistance from a Prosecutor from Bonaire. The investigation is still focused on determining the cause of death and on the conditions under which the woman has died.
In the framework of the investigation today (Thursday, April 16th) under the guidance of the investigating judge house searches were carried out in the home of the deceased woman and of an acquaintance. The house of the acquaintance was subject to a search because the team has to hold into account that information about contacts and activities during the last day of the deceased woman's life can be found.

Onderzoek naar overleden vrouw op Saba
Op 16 april is het onderzoek naar de doodsoorzaak van een 24-jarige jonge vrouw op Saba voortgezet. Het onderzoeksteam is versterkt met rechercheurs en specialisten vanuit Bonaire. De aanwezige plaatsvervangend Officier van Justitie heeft ook hulp gekregen van een Officier uit Bonaire. Het onderzoek richt zich nog steeds op het vaststellen van een doodsoorzaak en op de omstandigheden waaronder de vrouw is overleden.
In het kader van het onderzoek zijn vandaag (donderdag 16 april) onder leiding van de Rechter Commissaris doorzoekingen uitgevoerd in de woning van de overleden vrouw en van een kennis. De woning van de kennis is aan een onderzoek onderworpen omdat het team er rekening mee houdt dat er informatie over contacten en activiteiten van de overleden vrouw gedurende de laatste dag van haar leven kan worden gevonden

PHILIPSBURG:--- Rotarians from Rotary District 7030 arrived on Sint Maarten to partake in a ceremony for the launch of a screening for the prevention of Retinopathy due to Diabetes Mellitus and the donation of a fundus camera to the White and Yellow Cross Foundation.

The group comprises of the District Secretary from District 7030, Mr Waddy Sowma; the President of Rotary Club Paramaribo Central Mr Rino Tjin Wong Joe; Eye Specialist and Representative of the Rotary Club Paramaribo Residence Dr Jerrel Pawiroredjo and other fellows from the clubs. A technical eye care assistant also traveled with the team for the training of staff at the White and Yellow Cross Foundation.

The project is a joint venture between the Rotary Clubs of Dutch Sint Maarten, Rotary Clubs of Suriname and the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman of Cayman Islands and was initiated by President Virginia Asin, President of the Rotary Club of St Martin Sunrise.

In August 2014 in a Rotary Presidents meeting with President Wayne Wilkie of Rotary Club of Sint Maarten Mid Isle and President Danny Ramchandani of Rotary Club Sint Maarten under the leadership of Assistant District Governor Rebecca Low, President Virginia presented the proposal which was immediately accepted.

The project was then presented to the Minister of Public Health Social Development and Labour, who endorsed and contributed to the project.

Through email correspondence, the Rotary Clubs of Suriname were approached for their participation because of their prior experience in a similar project and the potential to get support of an Eye Specialist to assist in guiding the project.

During a meeting with the Rotary clubs in Suriname in December 2014, in the presence of the District 7030 Secretary, President Virginia formally presented the project, which was received with unanimous approval.

By embracing the project as their International Project, the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman also became a partner in the project.

Important and very dedicated partners in this project are also the American University of the Caribbean and the White and Yellow Cross Foundation.

The project entails the purchase and the donation of a fundus camera to the WYCF for the screening of the retina in persons that are diagnosed with or suffer from Diabetes Mellitus. Through this screening blindness due to DM can be prevented if diagnosed at an early stage. With this donation the Rotary Clubs and Partners also launch the program for eye screening on Sint Maarten for the prevention of Retinopathy.

During their stay the visitors will bring a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister, the Hon. Marcel Gumbs and the Minister of Public Health Social Development and Labour, Hon. Ms Rita Bourne-Gumbs On Thursday 16 and Friday 17 April 2015 the training for personnel of the WYCF in the handling and maintenance of the camera will take place and on Friday 17 April, Health Care Providers will be trained in the analysis of the retina image.

This project would not have been possible without the generous support of numerous donors. "We are forever grateful for their generosity" said President Virginia and we thank them on behalf of the people of Sint Maarten.

The partners anxiously look forward to the launch that will take place at White and Yellow Cross Foundation on Saturday 18 April 2015 from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Rotary Sunrise meets at Philipsburg Jubilee Library Conference Room every Tuesday mornings at 7:00am for fellowship and breakfast. For more information on the club visit us at sxmsunrise.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., we are also on Facebook: Rotary Club of Saint Martin Sunrise

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, April 9, 2015, Minister Bourne-Gumbs made an official visit to SIMARC, which is the official archaeological collections depository and research facility for government St. Maarten since 2011.

Students of SIMARC created a short film about the Slave Route Heritage on St. Maarten, which was recently launched to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the UNESCO Slave Route Project. Minister Bourne-Gumbs wanted to meet the present and past SIMARC students to congratulate them on this great accomplishment.

This project which was the initiative of the Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO will now have these films distributed both international to various UNESCO venues, and locally to schools and community groups.

The Public can also view the short film on the Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO's Facebook page, located at Facebook.com/UNESCOStMaarten.
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PHILIPSBURG:--- The hit and run driver who hit down Ramesh Manek early Thursday morning on the Airport Road surrendered to police around 9pm Thursday night. Police also confiscated the black Hummer  bearing the number plate P-1819 that ran over the local resident who was jogging on the road earlyThursday morning.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed that the driver who was involved in the hit and run accident surrendered to police and his vehicle has been confiscated. Henson said the driver of the vehicle that hit the victim down causing him to lose his life is in his 30's. The police spokesman refused to release the identity of the suspect and his vehicle number plate.
SMN News understands that the driver who was driving at very high speed at the time of the accident did stop after hitting the victim down but then decided to drive away to his destination. SMN News learnt that the driver who is now in police custody for the death of Ramesh Manek is the son of "Cohen" owner of Platinum Night Club.

In an invited comment Press Prosecutor Tineke Kamps gave anupdate on the hit and run accident which reads:-

 SUSPECT IN FATAL HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT TURNS HIMSELF IN
The actual suspect in the "hit and run" traffic incident which took place on Thursday April 16th 2015 between 6.30 a.m. and 7.00 a.m. on the Airport Boulevard, leaving the victim dead on the side of the road has turned himself in.
The 32 year old male suspect was immediately arrested and taken into custody.
His vehicle, which is also a black HUMMER and clearly has damage to the front, was confiscated for further investigation.
The former suspect in this case has been released and his vehicle returned. He is no longer a suspect.

The initials of the suspect  is K.C.

At this stage the investigation is pending and continuing busy. The suspect is in pre-trial detention now. Because he is still being interviewed/questioned I cannot give you any more information (including the exact suspicion).

The Consumer Price Index for Sint Maarten has increased in the month of February 2015 by 0.8 percent compared to that of December 2014.

When comparing average consumer prices over a twelve month period (Feb. 2014 to Feb. 2015), an increase of 1.8 percent was recorded compared to the same period one year earlier.

This is evident from the data released by the Department of Statistics (STAT) today.

Price changes between December 2014 & February 2015.

The Consumer Price Index for Sint Maarten has increased in the month of February 2015 by 0.8 percent compared to December 2014. The price index recorded in February 2015
is 127.6.

Expenditure Category

WEIGHT INDEX DECEMBER
2014 INDEX FEBRUARY
2015
% CHANGE
Food 10% 184.8 186.6 1.0
Beverages and tobacco 1% 146.2 146.3 0.0
Clothing & footwear 7% 116.9 116.0 -0.9
Housing 39% 124.9 124.5 -0.3
Household furnishing & appliances 6% 141.7 142.8 0.8
Medical care 3% 112.7 114.7 1.5
Transport & communication 20% 107.2 111.9 4.7
Recreation & education 6% 108.1 108.1 0.0
Miscellaneous 8% 120.0 120.5 0.4
TOTAL 100% 126.6 127.6 0.8

Expenditure Categories – overall notable increases

In February 2015, five of the nine expenditure categories became more expensive, whilst two became cheaper and two remained unchanged. Amongst the more expensive were the categories; 'Food' (+1.0%), 'Household Furnishing & Appliances' (+0.8%), 'Medical Care' (+1.5%), 'Transport & Communication' (+4.7%) and 'Miscellaneous' (+0.4%); whereas slight decreases were recorded in 'Clothing and Footwear' (-0.9%) and
'Housing' (-0.3%); the expenditure category 'Beverages and Tobacco' and 'Recreation & Education' remained unchanged.

Food

FOOD EXPENDITURE CATEGORY
10% of CPI

Other food resources
0.9%

Eating-out
+1.7%

Grain
+0.2%

Meat and Fish
+2.5%

Pre-cooked dishes
+0.0%

Sugar & Chocolate
+0.1%
Potatoes,
Vegetables & Fruits
+0.3%

Dairy Products
+0.4%

Fats & Oils
+0.3 %

1

Within the expenditure category Food, it can be noted that eight of the nine food groups became more expensive whilst one remained unchanged. The following food groups recorded increases; Grain (+0.2%), Meat and Fish (+2.5%), Fats & Oils (+0.3%), Dairy Products (+0.4%), Potatoes, Vegetables & Fruit (+0.3%), Sugar & Chocolate (+0.1%), Eating-out (+1.7%) and other food resources (+0.9%). Whilst the food group Pre-cooked dishes remained unchanged.

More specifically the following products largely influenced the total price change within the food groups: 'Meat & Fish', was largely influenced by beef (-2.4%), oxtail (3.6%), other beef meat (+18.6%), Spareribs (+15.3%), other pork meat (9.2%), goat meat(-6.1%), Ham (-2.1%), chicken (+5.9%), other poultry (+7.2%), other pre-cooked dishes(-3.5%) and other fish (2.4%). The food group 'Dairy Products' was largely influenced by; cheese (-3.2%) and eggs (+9.6%). The food group 'Potatoes, Vegetables & Fruit' was largely influenced by; fresh potatoes (-3.3%), carrots (+3.7%), onions (-4.4%), bell peppers (-
7.9%), other vegetables (2.3%), spices (-3.7%), other fresh vegetables. (+47.2%), apples and pears (+5.2%), grapes and prunes, etc. (+4.3%), other citrus fruit (+11%), plantains
(-6.4%) and other fresh fruit (-3.2%).

1 Please note that the pie chart above depicts the share (weight) each food group carries toward the entire Food expenditure category, whilst the percentages indicate the price change within that food group.

Housing

HOUSING EXPENDITURE CATEGORY

39% of CPI

Energy expenses
-3.9%

Maintenance of dwelling
+1.1%

Garden maintenance
+0.3%

Dwelling costs
+0.4%

Water
+0.0% 2

Within the expenditure category Housing, it is noted that three of the five product groups became more expensive whilst one remained stable and two became cheaper. The product groups; 'Dwelling costs', 'Maintenance of dwelling' and 'Garden maintenance' increased by 0.4%, 1.1% and 0.3%, respectively, whilst 'Energy expenses' decreased by
3.9%. A decrease in the consumer price of electricity by 4.8% largely influenced the total
price change within the product group 'Energy expenses'. The product group
'Maintenance of dwelling' was largely influenced by a significant increase in the consumer price of cement by 12.6%

to meet with Council of State on higher supervision.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson told members of the media on Thursday during a press conference that he will be travelling to the Netherlands this weekend to meet with the Minister of Interior and Foreign Affairs Ronald Plasterk to further discuss the establishment of an integrity chamber on St. Maarten. Minister Richardson will also be meeting with the Raad van Staten (Council of State) to further discuss the current situation where the Kingdom wants to apply article 51 of the Kingdom Charter and impose higher supervision on St. Maarten. Minister Richardson said that last Thursday the Dutch Government contacted St. Maarten and requested that the Parliament of St. Maarten not to vote on the draft law to establish the Integrity Chamber on St. Maarten.
The Minister of Justice of St. Maarten said that he believes that the Members of Parliament that have posed several questions to the Ministers about the draft law are finally doing their jobs by posing sharp questions about the integrity chamber. He also said he believes that that St. Maarten parliament understands the risk they are taking if they don't vote in favor of the draft ordinance. Asked why he is saying that the draft law that was presented to parliament is a document done by St. Maarten when the Kingdom has two third majority. Minister Richardson explained that the Kingdom does not have two third majority, however there was a dispute when the discussions were taking place and both the Kingdom and St. Maarten compromised. He said that St. Maarten will appoint one member, the Kingdom will appoint one and the third member who will become the chair will be chosen by the two persons that were appointed.
The Justice Minister said one of the things the Dutch wants is to get their way one way or the other. Minister Richardson said if and when the integrity chamber is established they will have the power to investigate every civil servant as well as Ministers. Further to that he said that he wants to know if the Dutch Kingdom realizes that the Prosecutors, RST officers, the Attorney General are also civil servants that are working on St. Maarten. He said he is curious to find out of the Kingdom would exempt the people they send to St. Maarten to work from the screening that will be conducted by the Integrity chamber. Minister Richardson further explained that there is still one issue that has to be ironed out with the Dutch. That issue he is the protection of persons that are subjected to any investigations. Minister Richardson made clear that the Integrity Chamber cannot investigate criminal cases and they cannot violate the criminal code. If and when they find something criminal it has to be turned over to the Prosecutor's Office. Minister Richardson said that when the Integrity Chamber submits an advice to Government, the Government has a certain period of time in which they must respond. He said if Government fail to respond within the given time frame then the advice becomes binding. However, if Government do not agree with the advice and they have strong objections and they respond within the given time frame then the advice submitted by the Integrity Chamber is not binding.
Another issue the Minister and Prime Minister of St. Maarten said is that the Dutch Kingdom is t trying to tie in the Ministry of Justice into the integrity chamber and they have been coming with ideas for the Ministry of Justice. They said the Kingdom has been making demands which make it seems to them that the Dutch is trying their best to create two entities for justice which is totally against the country's constitution. "I believe the Dutch politicians got some type of mental crash or they are completely 'loco' with their ideas.
As for the appointment of the candidate that has to replace St. Maarten on the Raad van Staten, Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said St. Maarten has been without a candidate for the past 16 months and he believes that St. Maarten could wait a bit longer so that things can be done properly. He said the candidate has to be appointed by a KB and this is not something that can be done haphazardly.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Carnival has and will continue to enrich the lives of the people of St. Maarten and the visitors who frequent our shores for the occasion. It is the ultimate time of the year, when our nation stands out the most in the world.

Passionate frolic and fun is what we experience during this season and for that, we are thankful for the tireless efforts of everyone who is working so hard behind the scenes to make this possible.

We encourage and trust that the festive spirit will be displayed during this season of Carnival 2015. Remember the world is observing and embracing our unique and priceless culture.

However intense the expectation is, to celebrate the cultural expressions of our land, there are important factors that we are all depending on each other for: Parents, guardians, and all adults, please pay keen attention to our children, they are the ones who are very easily distracted by the festivities around them, and tend to make mistakes that can be harmful. As parents we are responsible to choose what shows and for what period of time our children will be attending. It is also imperative for all of us to actively support the initiative of the St. Maarten's Lions Club by preventing (in whatever way you can), our youth under the age of 18, consuming alcohol at any volume. St. Maarten is dependent on our youth and we need all of their innocence preserved.

As adults, we are all trustworthy of doing what is right: There will be many parties, concerts and festive hosting; private and public, this carnival season. I hereby make a conscious appeal for us to help your brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors, to avoid the agony of theft, violence and accidents during this Carnival season 2015.

As usual, the protective services of our Police Force, our health workers including the Red Cross Association, local government bodies and other key stakeholders will be among us, to make it easy to achieve all the above and to enjoy Carnival 2015 to the fullest.

As we continue striving to be ever more united, let us adapt an attitude that promotes what is best for our wellbeing, environment and our homes:

When attending concerts and other activities you are reminded to:

• Not carry around or display large amounts of money
• Not accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
• Prearrange transport arrangements and designate a non-drinker as your driver

Parents and guardians should consider that their children should:

• Not be left unsupervised at home.
• Not accept food or drink from strangers.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Students of the Children's Literature class of the University of St. Martin (USM) performed an entertaining puppet show in the Philipsburg Jubilee Library this week.
The USM students provide the puppet show each year as a fulfillment of their course assignments. The hosts on the day were Rita Carty and Leontine Joseph. The puppet show, which was completely free of charge, featured stories of Anansi and the Tug of War, the Little Red Hen and Rapunzel. The puppets and the performing students interacted with the children in the audience to make it a truly enjoyable show.
"Children, from babies to ten years of age, were enthralled by the shows....Hopefully, the students will take this experience with them into their classes when they are teaching." USM educator Patti Maier stated after the performance took place.

PHILIPSBURG:---Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams expressed concerns over the saga of the Central Bank of St. Maarten. MP Wescot Williams in a press release posed several questions about the work stop. Below is the press statement issued by MP Sarah Wescot Williams.

"I guess, according to some, it would be "politically incorrect" of me to question the saga unfolding at the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten (CBCS) here in St. Maarten. In fact, media reports suggest that this saga is ongoing since last year. Gradually it became clear that the work at the CBCS building in Philipsburg had come to a halt and the rumor mill went in overdrive.
When recently one of the 2 parties finally went public with their side of the story, the questions and insinuations became even more probing and disturbing.
The Central Bank is the monetary authority for Curacao and St. Maarten and manages our money and oversees our banking system. This institution since 10-10-10 has had its share of controversies and this is a gentle description of the malaises that have plagued this institution since it evolved from the Bank of the Netherlands Antilles (BNA) to the CBCS.
Believe it or not, I too, as a member of Parliament and former Prime Minister am only now hearing of the intricacies behind the renovation of the Philipsburg building of the Central Bank.
Information I obtained as Prime Minister upon inquiring, assured me that the reason for the delay in getting this project off the ground had to do with the stringent due diligence applied to the process. After all, this is our CENTRAL BANK!!
Since I can expect that my queries will be held against the formal competency that as member of Parliament I have or do not have to question this type of institutions, similar to the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation, as a citizen of this country I publicly ask the Government of St. Maarten to "nip it in the bud" and show leadership by providing Government's stance in this matter.
Do not allow the people of this country to "go at each other's throats", when there must be a better (I hope) and truer explanation of what is happening. We might not like what it is, but at least give us the truth to debate.
Government cannot hide behind the hierarchy or confidentiality of institutions such as the Central Bank and allow the public debate to go wild, at the detriment of again another institution, on which the sustainability of our country relies.
In fact what we see, when these type pf occurrences are left up to their own vices, confidentiality is out of the window and hierarchy is trampled."

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Chuchubi Foundation is doing it again! A KINGS DAY Dance is being hosted by the Chuchubi Foundation on Monday April 27th, 2015. This fundraising dance will be held at the Little Well Oasis on the Well Road in Colebay. Chuchubi Foundation well known for their well organized and mostly adult attendance dance is hosting this dance so that all those visitors arriving on the island during this time can come out and meet & party with longtime friends. Spokesperson for the board stated that this is the place to be on Monday night. There will be a well-stocked bar, snacks, such Croquettes etc, and food such as Locreo, & Pumpkin Soup will be on sale. Musical Entertainment by The Control Band and DJ Ruby and the entrance fee is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets are available from all Chuchubi members, Adolphus Richardson Office Supply on the Pondfill & both Van Dorp Eddine locations. So come out get into the carnival atmosphere with the Chuchubies while celebrating King's Day.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, 10th April, PSB concluded it special loan campaign with its local branch manager, Mrs. Jacienth Lejuez, along with staff of PSB Bank pulling the lucky three (3) winners as a give back for making use of their special loan campaign. A small reception was held on Thursday, April 16th at the local branch office in Philipsburg to award the lucky winners their prizes.

PSB Bank hereby congratulates the lucky winners who were as follows: Mr. Anthony Blaise - Winner of a 2015 Carnival Seasonal Pass Mr. Raymond Janga - Winner of a 2015 Carnival Seasonal Pass Mrs. Claudette Somersall - Winner of a cash prize of Ang. 300.00

PHILIPSBURG:----  NAGICO Insurances employees fulfilled a long awaited wish of the Philipsburg St. Maarten Jubilee Library on Sunday April 12th, by giving them a complete makeover with the repainting of their parking lot lines courtesy of a group of volunteering NAGICO staff.
"This job was long overdue," said Ms. Monique Alberts the Director of the Jubilee Library. "Due to lack of funds the Library was unable to carry the task out."
She mentioned that when coordinators of the NAGICO Shining Star program; Tamara James and Jamie-Lee Peterson, contacted the Library to offer their assistance the Library was ecstatic and immediately jumped at the opportunity.
The NAGICO team arrived at the library at 8am sharp, willing and ready to work. The project was completed within three hours; this consisted mainly of repainting the lines for the parking area.
NAGICO Insurances has offered their assistance in any other future Library projects and conveyed how proud they were to be giving back to their community.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Thursday April 16th, representatives from the Lions Club Sin Maarten met with representatives of the police department at the Police Head quarters in Philipsburg. This first meeting that was held between both entities was to open a line of communication, exchange information and form a good working partnership. One of the main topics of discussion was the campaign the Lions Club has embarked on, which is to change the present laws and increase the legal age for using alcoholic beverages from 16 years old to 18 years old. The use and abuse of alcohol by under youngster and teenagers is increasingly becoming a problem within our society. The use and/or abuse of alcohol are linked to many criminal acts that are committed by our youth and are definitely issues that should be dealt with immediately. The carnival season has just started and the use and abuse of alcohol by our youth will again be a major issue. Parents should have a serious talk with their children regarding this topic before they leave home to attend any event.
During the Carnival season the Police Department will be looking into these issues and is definitely in full support of the Lions Club with their campaign and will be doing all possible to assist in making it a successful one.

Pond Island"--- TelCell's latest Breakthrough youth talent winners will be setting the Youth Extravaganza stage alight at the Festival Village April 23, when they launch their very first debut CD in front of a packed carnival audience.

The CD track is the combined effort of winners Generation New Status Drum band, Tristan, Reborn formerly known as Arias 4, and Serenity – who have spent many hours in the studio putting the final touches to a toe-tapping dance tune what is sure to be an instant hit with the island's youth.

The team will be headlining on the night as the opening act of Youth Extravaganza along with a host of very talented performers, and are fully confident they will hold their own with their catchy song and clever choreography.

Production and mastering of the CD is one of the prizes promised to the Breakthrough winners to encourage the collaboration of their joint talents. And once the CD is launched they will be guided towards promotion and guest appearances during which they will perform their song – just like the music superstars do.

"We promised them a taste of their dream in the entertainment spotlight and that is what they will be getting when they put the results of their hard work for the past few weeks on stage on April 23," said producer, Berteaux "Mr. Rude" Fleming of Xtratight Entertainment and the Rock'N'Vibes label.

He said the single is all the work of the Breakthrough winners themselves. He says he is "very pleased" with what the youngsters have done and he believes their fans and members of the public will be amazed at how professional they sound.

TelCell Breakthrough Talent Search coordinators, Angel Richardson and David Evans, have also congratulated the Breakthrough team for their upcoming CD launch and for their dedication during the past weeks.

"One of the important lessons everyone has learned is that success comes with hard work and dedication in what you do. They have all believed in themselves right from the start and it is a pleased working with them and to see their dreams come true," said Angel.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Mrs. Etnel said that the claims from SMCU are fabrications, and that SMCU are intentionally trying to tarnish her image and reputation.
The situation with the Surinamese workers was not created by the SMCU. SMCU did not break any laws of country St. Maarten. In connection with bidding for projects, SMCU did not cause Telem Group of Companies to not adhere to their own bidding process.
A good reputation and image comes from following and respecting all laws in the country you live in. As well as respecting methods and agreements set in the company you're working in.
Mrs. Etnel likes to throw rocks and hide. Once again Mrs. Etnel is throwing the blame on others by saying it was the decision of the Chief Technical Officer and the Manager Outside Plant, while she is the chairperson of the management board with the last say. Mrs. Etnel is also the CFO that checks every penny that leaves the company. This is not the first time she is acting as if she doesn't have the final say. She acted similarly pertaining to the purchasing of Telem's latest billing system.
SMCU mentioned that it was rumored that there was a connection between Mrs. Etnel and the contracted Surinamese company. The union cannot confirm this rumor, but it left lots of doubts and questions as to why someone would blatantly violate our immigration and labor laws, without having a personal reason to.
This is not the first time that the management of Telem Group of Companies made mistakes and did not rectify their mistakes.
When Mrs. Etnel mentioned that the SMCU intentionally wants to tarnish her image and reputation she forgot to look at all the wrong doings she did before making that statement.
If respecting and adhering to the laws in our country and respecting and adhering to company methods is too much for Mrs. Etnel to do to maintain her image and reputation, then she should resign from the her position within the company.
In connection with the statement made by Mr. Louisa in the media, this is not completely the truth.
These Surinamese workers, if not mistaken, it is the third time that they came to St. Maarten and they don't have any knowledge of our local network. They cannot work without a local technician besides them for the reason that they do not know St. Maarten.
It's peculiar that Mr. Louisa would claim that the Surinamese workers are needed for their expertise, knowledge and best practices in industry. Our local technicians have the same if not more in expertise, knowledge and industry best practices. Our local network is 85% underground with fiber run all over on St. Maarten. All of this was done by our local technicians and contractors, without any assistance from a group from Suriname, and it is working fine.
Our local technicians even went to Saba to assist with them with their fiber project. The local technicians also assisted a company on the French side in the setting up their fiber network, and connected the fiber between French St. Martin and the Dutch St. Maarten. How can management claim that the Surinamese have all the knowledge?
In connection with affordable pricing of the Surinamese, this is also not true because nowhere can you bring a company to do a project which could be done locally and it will be cheaper.
Telem had to pay for hotel, food, transportation, and the payment for the project. If Telem would used local contractors, they would only have to pay for the work that's being done by the contractor.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of St. Maarten regulates the prices of petroleum products by imposing a maximum price at wh ich wholesalers and reta ilers can sell these products on St. Maarten. Due to the ongoing developments on the international level, the prices of crude oil have ex perienced adjustments. Given the aforementioned, the general public is hereby informed that as of Thursday 16, April 2015
6:00am the maximum consumer prices of ULG and Diesel (gasoi l ) is adjusted as follows:

UGL
Diesel

Current Price
1.999 Naf/liter
1.602 Naf/liter

New Price
1.936 Naf/liter
1.472 Na f/liter

Below is the complete price buildup showing all components that result in the new prices. All numbers are rounded to three decimal places.

Price buildup

Effective date 16-Apr-15
Petrotrin Posted Price USc/AG 201
ULG

16-Apr-15
178

1.215
0.061

ULG

Gasoil

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ralph Cantave a former student of the St. Maarten Academy, and currently a student of the University of St. Martin, has been selected to represent St. Maarten at an UNESCO Youth Heritage Workshop in Montego Bay, Jamaica from April 15-17, 2015.

Ms. Marcellia Henry, Secretary General of the Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, indicated that after reviewing the applications for the Youth Heritage Workshop and conducting an interview, the selection committee, which comprised of Ms. Faye Arnell of the Youth Department, Mrs. Connie Gumbs-Francis from the Youth Council, and Ms. Marcellia Henry of the Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, unanimously selected Ralph Cantave to represent St. Maarten at this Youth Heritage Workshop.

Ralph is a writer for the Teen Times newspaper for the past 3 years. He is currently studying General Liberal Arts at USM with the intention to major in Communications, History and minor in Political Science. He is an avid reader, and enjoys working out and volunteering. He aspires to serve as a role model for youth, to be a journalists, an author, a professor and a politician. He presently volunteers at the UJIMA Foundation, ACHA (The Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance), and the Independence for St. Martin Foundation.

The objective of the Youth Heritage Workshop is to sensitize, inform and educate young people on the importance of preserving their Heritage including Tangible and Intangible. The workshop is being held against the need for more Caribbean countries to be sufficiently informed and prepared to submit more sites for possible nomination for World Heritage status. The youth heritage workshop will be addressed by experts in the various fields of Heritage including, underwater cultural heritage, world heritage and intangible and tangible cultural heritage.
The participants will be exposed to the pertinent Conventions relating to Cultural Heritage, and will have the opportunity to visit heritage sites including those on the Tentative list of UNESCO in Jamaica.

Ms. Henry concluded that upon his return from this UNESCO Youth Heritage workshop, Ralph Cantave will share the information obtained from the workshop with the various youth organizations in the community. As the intention is to educate more young people on the importance of preserving their Heritage including Tangible and Intangible.

AIRPORT ROAD:--- An unidentified man is now dead due to a heavily speeding motor vehicle that hit the man who apparently was crossing the road in the vicinity of Thrifty Car Rental on Airport Road. An eye witness that was on the scene of the accident told SMN News that the vehicle did not even stop to render assistance to the man who died shortly after being struck The eyewitness said the hit and run accident occurred around 7 am Thursday morning. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said based on the information the victim was jogging when black Hummer  that was driving at high speed hit the man and continued driving. The police spokesman is calling on eyewitnesses to come forward and provide police with the license plate number of the vehicle so that they could find the driver of the vehicle. Henson said this case has already been classified as a murder case, SMN News managed to obtain the vehicle license plate number from an eyewitness who said the black Hummer bears the license plate P151 and is owned by a Haitian man called Bruno.

After SMN News publized who the driver was, police managed to arrest the driver in Cay Bay at his home which is located behind former Island Material Building. Police was seen arresting the driver while they also confiscated the damanged vehicle that was parked up at the suspect's house. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed that both the vehicle and its owner was arrested shortly after they got information from eyewitnesses to the fatal hit and run accident.  A relative family identified the victim as Ramesh Manik, a local resident that was also a member of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten.

SMN News reporter saw the suspect identified as Bruno standing outside of the Philipsburg Police station  just after 1:30pm on Thursday seemingliy waiting for transportation to go home. Upon enquiry SMN News learnt that police arrested the wrong suspect.

Pedestrian looses life in hit and run traffic accident
On Thursday April 16th at approximately 07.00 a.m. police patrols were sent to the Airport Boulevard in the vicinity of Thrifty Car Rental to investigate a serious traffic accident involving a pedestrian and a black jeep. The driver of the jeep did not stop and continued driving after hitting the pedestrian with the jeep and leaving in a helpless situation on the side of the road. On the scene the patrol encountered the lifeless body of a male victim who was not showing any signs of life. The paramedics arrived on the scene shortly after but however could not do anything the save the victim's life. The Airport Boulevard was immediately closed off in both directions for the traffic department and Forensic department to collect evidence and carry out an investigation. Doctor Mercuur arrived on the scene and pronounced the death of the victim. Based on information that came into the police department a male suspect living in the Cape bay area and the owner of a black HUMMER jeep with license plate P-151 was arrested at his home as a suspect in this case. The vehicle was also confiscated for further investigation. This case is been investigated by the police traffic department.

POLICE REQUESTING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
In connection with the ongoing investigation regarding the "hit and run" traffic accident which took place on Thursday April 16th between 06.30 and 07.00 a.m. on the Airport Boulevard, the police traffic department is requesting the assistance of the public to gather more information. Later during the morning of the incident a possible suspect in this case was arrested at his home and his black HUMMER with license plate P-151 was confiscated for the investigation. The results of the questioning of the suspect and the preliminary investigation on the HUMMER thus far did not indicate any involvement of the suspect or his vehicle. The suspect in the meanwhile was released but his vehicle will temporarily remain at the disposal of the traffic department for further investigation.
The police have seen and studied footage from the surveillance cameras from businesses and homes in the area and noticed that there have been other drivers driving on that road around the same time the incident took place. The police are asking those witnesses who may have witnessed anything that could be of importance to the investigation to come forward and give this information.
KPSM Police Report

Pond Island:---  TelEm Group Wednesday apologized to customers for an interruption in service in landline, internet and mobile service following a network failure earlier in the afternoon.

Technicians were alerted to the failure shortly after 1:00 pm Wednesday and quickly identified issues with the company's 3G mobile network and telecommunication equipment that provides landline and internet connectivity.

According to TelEm Group, Manager, Network Operations, Julian Lake, the problem with the 3G mobile network was quickly identified with service restored within an hour.

He said however, a second problem, involving loss of connection with another part of the company's telecommunication network took longer to restore because different components had to be restored separately from various locations.

"We quickly isolated the major problem affecting the voice and internet service, however the process of restoring service was much more complicated than the problem experienced with the mobile network," said Mr. Lake. He said landline and internet service was fully restored at 5:00 pm Wednesday.

He also said the mobile, landline and internet interruption was not connected to a another report earlier this afternoon concerning an interruption in service in the Mary's Fancy area.

In that case, a cutover is under way and residents in that area have been told to expect outages during the course of this week.

According to Manager, Outside Plant, Mr. Marco London, the interruption in service in Mary's Fancy is part of a scheduled upgrade that is being carried out this week on the underground network, aimed at improving service in the vicinity and also in several other areas.

He said due to the cutover, there will be interruptions at different times in the day all week, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The areas affected by the underground cable works are: Coralita Rd.; Carnation Rd.; Gladiola Rd. Match Me Rd. and Blue Jay Rd.

Both Mr. Lake and Mr. London have apologized to TelEm Group customers for any inconvenience caused by this afternoon's series of outages.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday April 14th, the final meeting before the official opening of the Festival Village between the Sint Maarten Carnival Development Foundation, Department of VROMI, Department of Economic Affairs and the Police Department was held at the Philipsburg Police Station. The main topics of this meeting were the "Vending and No Vending" zones in the Philipsburg area, the road closure during all of the parades and the "Opening Jump-up."
Attached to this announcement is a digital color layout of Philipsburg and surrounding areas. The areas colored in blue are Front Street- Emmaplein. The W.J.A. Nisbet road starting at the Voges Street at Sundial School until the parking lot at Kitty's Kitchen and the Soualiga Boulevard starting at the Salt Picker round-a-bout to the Little League Ball Park. These are all "NO VENDING" zones.
The areas colored in yellow are the alleys connecting Back Street to Front Street and Front Street to the Board Walk. All alleys also falls under the "NO VENDING" zones and will specifically be used as emergency entrance/exits.
The areas colored in green are the E. Camille Richardson Street (Police Station alley) and Voges Street. These streets will be used driving in the opposite for any emergency in the Point Blanche area.
The areas colored in pink are the "VENDING "zones for permit holders which were issued by the Department of Economic Affairs. Vending without the necessary permit is strictly forbidden. Not complying with this rule can lead to your goods being confiscated and receiving a fine from special team controlling during the carnival season. Vendors are not allowed to set-up the shop in front of any of the light poles.
Please take good note of this information.
OPENING JUMP-UP
The Opening Jump-up is scheduled for Thursday April 16th at 08 p.m. and starting on the L.B. Scot road in the vicinity of Milton Peters College. The targeted time to arrive at the Festival Village is 11.30 p.m. The route to the Festival Village is as follows: L.B. Scot road, turn left at the Church Hill round-a-bout and onto the Bush road, Prins Bernard Bridge, Walter Nisbet road, Salt pickers round-a-bout and ending in front of the Festival Village. A total of five bands are expected to take part in the jump-up. All connecting roads, streets and alleys along the route will be temporarily closed during the passing of the jump-up. These roads will immediately be opened after the jump-up has passed.
At 07.30 p.m.:Traffic on the L.B. Scot road will be closed at the Gladiola road. No more traffic to Sint Peters via the route. The L.B. Scot road will be closed off at the Arbutus road. No traffic towards the Churchill round-a-bout via this route.
At 08.00 p.m.: Gladiola road closed off at Coralita road. No traffic allowed towards the L.B. Scot road. L.B. Scot road closed off at Churchill round-a-bout. No traffic towards Sint Peters and surrounding.
At 08.45 p.m.: A.J.C. Brouwers road closed at Welgelegen road. No traffic will be allowed towards the Churchill roan-a-bout. Bush road will be closed at the Zagersgut road. No traffic towards the Churchill round-a-bout.
At 09.10 p.m.: Zagersgut road closed at Bush road. No traffic towards the Churchill round-a-bout. Prins Bernard Bridge closed. No traffic towards Bush road.
At 09.50 p.m.: A.Th Illidge road and Long wall road closed at the Prins Bernard Bridge. No traffic towards the Walter Nisbet road. Walter Nisbet road closed at W. Percy Labega Street No traffic towards Prins Bernard Bridge.
At 10.10 p.m.: Manzanilla Steeg, Tamarinde Steeg, J. Richardson road closed off at Walter Nisbet road. No traffic towards Walter Nisbet road. Walter Nisbet road closed off at H. Beaujon Street. No traffic towards Prins Bernard Bridge.
At 10.40 p.m.: C.W. Vlaun Street closed off. No traffic towards the Walter Nisbet road. Walter Nisbet road closed off at the Salt Picker round-a-bout. No traffic towards the Walter Nisbet road.
At 11.00 p.m.: Peterson Street closed off at the Salt Picker round-a-bout. No traffic towards the round-a-bout. Walter Nisbet road closed at the Salt Picker Round-a-bout. No traffic coming from the Freedom Fighters round-a-bout. Soualiga Boulevard closed at the Rock Slat drive. No traffic towards the Salt Pickers round-a-bout.
After the jump-up has reached its destination the Salt Pickers round-a-bout will remained closed for traffic towards the Soualiga Boulevard until the pedestrian traffic has completely diminished.
All drivers should take alternative routes to get to their destination. All drivers are advised to take note of this information and give the police all cooperation necessary to make the event a success.
The entire community is reminded that the ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY of the police department remains in effect
CYCLING RACE
The Dutch Riders Cycling Club "Mo trouble" will be holding cycling race on Sunday April 19th 2015 from 02 p.m. until 05 p.m. The race will start at the Raoul Illigde Sport Complex in Cay Hill heading to Bush road, Long Wall road, Little Bay road, Belair to Raoul Illigde Sport complex. 15 laps of this same route will be made and will end at the starting point. All drivers are advised to take note of this information and give all cooperation to make this race a successful event.

KPSM Police Report.

MULLET BAY: The St Maarten Golf Association SMGA will host its 23rd annual St. Maarten Open Golf Tournament on Saturday and Sunday April 18 and 19, 2015 at the Mullet Bay Golf Course. Net proceeds from the event will benefit multiple pre-selected local community organizations like the:

• No Kidding with Our Kids Foundation
•  LAB Sports Academy
• Junior Golf Foundation of St. Maarten

The festivities will begin with registration on Friday April 17th at the Golf Course followed by an opening reception for all participants, sponsors, media and invited guests from 7:00PM – 10:00PM at MÉLANGE International Grill in Princess Port de Plaisance Resort. At this venue the tournament will be officially opened by a representative of the Ministry of Tourism. Guests will have a chance to mix and mingle and greet many long-time friends from other islands as well as meeting new ones.

So far the SMGA received a total amount of 81 registered golfers and they expect to get to 90 players when the tournament starts. Including a large contingent of local players from St. Maarten and St. Martin, there will be some very talented and highly competitive golfers from our neighboring islands like Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Curacao and Guadeloupe as well as players from Canada, United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

This 36 holes stroke play tournament will kick off with the first round of 18 holes on Saturday morning April 18th at 7:00AM. The second round will be played on Sunday April 19th. Following the tournament, an awards and recognition party will be held at SKY BEACH Rooftop Beach & Lounge in Maho for participants, sponsors, media and invited guests between 6:00PM – 9:00PM.

This two day tournament is made possible due to our year round major contributors Mullet Bay Resort and Golf Course and B&C Beverages, combined with the tremendous annual support and sponsorships the SMGA received from the St. Maarten Tourist Office as well as a huge amount of local and international businesses.

A special thanks goes out to:
Mullet Bay Golf Course St. Maarten Tourist Office Coca-Cola

• Our PLATINUM sponsors:
• Anderson Fabrics Bank of Nova Scotia Cariburo / Dauphin Telecom
• Caribtrans PJIA Sol Antilles
• SXM Timeshare Association
• Our GOLD sponsors:
• Boogaard Insurances BZSE Law Electec
• Générali Assurance Global Purchasing Holland House Beach Hotel
• Intergraph Corporation Mélange International Grill Oyster Bay Beach Resort
• Pineapple Pete Port of St. Maarten Prime Distributors
• Rendezvous Tour Company SBS Building Supplies Sky Beach Rooftop Lounge S.H.T.A. Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort Starz City Casino
• The Daily Herald Tropics Frozen Mixes Winair Airlines
• Windward Islands Bank

And a large amount of other sponsors and contributors:
too numerous to mention that contributed in different ways through cash donations, hotel stays, dinner vouchers, gift vouchers, certificates, tickets etc.

During all tournament days great prizes will be raffled and auctioned off with all net proceeds going to the selected community organizations. Next to that all amateur competitors are eligible for the hole in one prize where for the first player that hits an ace on hole number 11can win a Hyundai i30.

The SMGA is a non-profit organization of avid golfers that promotes the practice of the game of golf and to foster community sense. The SMGA organizes golf matches and tournaments for its members and non-members and donates most of its proceeds that are made through membership fees and during these events like the St. Maarten Open to multiple community organizations on the island.

If you like more information about this event or schedule an interview with either the SMGA President Mr. Keith Graham or the SMGA Tournament Director Mr. Rodney Tackling, please call Marc van Iersel at +1721-5202901.

The Board of the St. Maarten Golf Association
(Keith Graham, Marc van Iersel, Rodney Tackling, Mark Hanauer, Ricardo Perez, Jan Peter Holtland and Ivan Havertong)
www.facebook.com/St.MaartenGolfAssociation

PHILIPSBURG:--- WhereTheFlex is going all out for Fully Loaded 2 – The Ultimate Reggae Experience at the St. Maarten Festival Village on Saturday, May 2, with a number of giveaways for patrons, including free customised t-shirts, gate prizes and two trips.

The giveaways start today, Thursday with patrons who purchase tickets at United Telecommunications Services (UTS) Chippie or at Van Dorp receiving a free specially designed Fully Loaded 2 – The Ultimate Reggae Experience t-shirt. Persons who already purchased their tickets can visit UTS Chippie or Van Dorp with proof of purchase to get their t-shirt.

WhereTheFlex official Cleon Frederick said in a press release on Wednesday that coordinators decided to respond to the call from patrons for t-shirts last year by providing the t-shirts for free to persons who get their tickets at Chippie or Van Dorp. The t-shirts will be given while supplies last.

Patrons who wear their t-shirts to the show can also win some nice prizes. The first 50 persons who enter the St. Maarten Festival Village on the night of the show wearing their t-shirts will get US $5 cash back. The next 300 persons who enter the village in their t-shirts will receive US $10 worth of phone credit.

Two lucky persons who wear their t-shirts to the show will be eligible for the main prize of a trip to the St. Kitts Music Festival in June. The main prize will be awarded at the end of the show.

Coordinators said persons can be creative with their t-shirts; but should not cut out the logo to be eligible for the giveaways.

Fully Loaded 2 – The Ultimate Reggae Experience, which will be hosted by social media sensation Majah Hype, will feature performances from Christopher Martin, Gyptian, Tanya Stephens and Sizzla Kalonji. Local acts Percy Rankin, Mix Master Pauly and deejay Speed will also be entertaining.

Tickets for Fully Loaded 2 cost US $30 in advance (and US $40 at the gate) and are available at all three United Telecommunications Services (UTS) Chippie locations and both locations at Van Dorp.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Communication (DCOMM) recently conducted an interview with the advisory body, the Social Economic Council, in Dutch Sociaal Economishche Raad, also widely known as SER for its TV Program Inside Government.

DCOMM spoke to the chairlady of the SER board, Oldine Bryson-Pantophlet, who elaborated on the role of the board and the responsibilities of its board members.

Chairlady Bryson-Pantophlet talked about who can bring issues to the table for the organization of SER to discuss and provide advice on. She also indicated that the board consists of 3 representatives from each sector as follows, representing the Employees are members of the unions, representing the Employers are members from SHTA & Chamber of Commerce and there are three Independent members representing the interest of the general public.

DCOMM also sat with the Secretary General, Gerard Richardson, who elucidated on the details of the organization, from the role and responsibilities of the Secretary General to that of the board and how the organization maneuvers the political landscape as an advisory body to Government.

SG Richardson explained that the SER was started in 2010, as one of the requirements for St. Maarten becoming a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

SER is an advisory body that provides advice, solicited and unsolicited, on socio-economic issues to Government, whether such was requested or not. The aim is to increase the quality of life for residents of St. Maarten, Richardson said.

He also pointed out that the advices the organization has produced, are with the input of everyone who wanted to have their opinion included.

Some of the advices completed over the years include the monetary union, tax remittance, pension system and the counterpart policy. SER has also accomplished working visits, fact finding missions, annual reports & hosted several symposiums.

The interview with SER will air on April 15th St. Maarten Cable TV on channel 115 at 7:00pm and is available for viewing at www.stmaartengov.org. For more information on SER visit its website www.sersxm.org

DCOMM urges the public to tune in to the Inside Government TV Program and hear what the representatives of SER have to share about the organization and what can be learned about the benefits of such an organization to the community at large.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Claret Connor, received a courtesy visit from a childhood friend St. Maarten Air Traffic Controller Joslyn Rombley at his office last week. Rombley wanted to introduce two long-time visitors to the island Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gagnone, from New Hampshire, United States of America, to the Minister who is responsible for Tourism.
Paul and Yvonne have been coming to St. Maarten every year since 1986. They shared about a very unfortunate incident they encountered on their first ever visit to the country. The first evening after settling into their condominium room, they received an uninvited visit from a stranger.

This very bad experience soon turned into an unforgettable one as the entire community from the law enforcement to neighbours came to their rescue and helped them through this auspicious ordeal.

Due to the caring response by the St. Maarten community, the couple soon realized that they have discovered a community of people that were so caring and friendly that they decided to return to the island the following year and have been doing so for almost 30 years ever since.

Over the years the couple have befriended a number of St. Maarteners and their annual visits have been extended for a longer period of time.

The Gagnone's also wanted to inform the Minister of their intensions to use some of their vacation time to volunteer in the community during their upcoming visits.

The couple expressed appreciation that the Minister took time out of his very busy schedule to meet with them on the suggestion of Rombley.
Minister Connor indicated that these stories are a true testament of the real St. Maarten tourism product. "It speaks of the innate nature of our friendliness and caring spirit as a people," Minister Connor pointed out.
Minister Connor presented the couple with a small token courtesy of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and expressed his appreciation to the Gagnone's for sharing a number of fond personal memories of their past visits to St. Maarten, the Friendly Island

PHILIPSBURG:-- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Claret Connor and the President of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry Peggy-Ann Brandon, accompanied by members of the Chamber Board and the Minister's Chief of Staff Jean James, signed the Chamber Board's Rules of Procedures document indicating that the Board updated the Rules of Order, and has received the Minister's approval. The Chamber President also submitted the Chamber 2015 first quarter President's report to the Minister.

The law that governs the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry indicates that this exercise should be carried out regularly. The Chamber is a public entity that falls under Ministry TEATT and functions as an advisory body to government representing the general interest of the country's economic development.

Minister Connor congratulated the Chamber Board in completing one of its annual duties by presenting an updated Rules of Order to Ministry TEATT.
"This is a clear indication that the integrity and good corporate requirements are willingly executed by this public institution. I call on all private and public entities to follow these practices.
"As Minister I will be communicating to the large companies on the island to submit annually their approved consolidated financial statements and annual operational reports to the chamber of commerce for public access as prescribed by law. This is all about transparency and openness and according to the rule of law.

"These systems of reporting are to provide the general public with information on how our large establishments are performing and living up to their corporate and social responsibilities as prescribed by law," Minister of TEATT Hon. Claret Connor said on Tuesday.

Minister Connor looks forward to working closely with the Chamber's Board on various programs to move the St. Maarten economy positively forward. Board members present for the signing and presentation were Nzinga Lake, Charlise Philip, Anuska Friday, and Louis Bute.
Those requiring information about the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry can visit the following website: http://www.chamberofcommerce.sx/

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen on Tuesday, 14th April received a courtesy visit at Sint Maarten House in The Hague, the Netherlands Saskia Luckmann-Meijer, project leader of Stichting de Cultuur (Foundation of Culture) Kameleon.

Stichting de Cultuur Kameleon organizes in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Philipsburg Jubilee Library, Digikids and the Windsong Foundation, the Media Lab at the Public Library of Sint Maarten.

The Media Lab is a computer room where workshops are given in the area of new media, ICT (Information Communication Technology) and education for school children, teachers, elderly and groups who have less opportunity to learn about the use of internet applications.
Course members can learn for instance how to make a Prezi presentation, a book (film) trailer, and animation film, or how to use a digital school board.

In May literacy and IT-specialist Pauline Maas will travel to Sint Maarten to teach children and teachers how to start computer programming and why it is important to learn this from a young age. Programming is nowadays a hot topic in schools.

Minister Plenipotentiary Fleming-Artsen and Luckmann-Meijer talked about the future plans for the Media Lab on Sint Maarten and the possibilities to start a digital educational film library for the islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands including Sint Maarten.

Minister Fleming-Artsen is looking forward to assisting in what way possible with respect to the facilitation of this project as it will allow the European part of the Kingdom to be able to learn more about the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom, adding that more communication is needed in order to have a better understanding of each other.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is appealing to daycare centers and schools to take immediate measures and enhance preventive actions to curtail the number of gastroenteritis cases amongst the age group five years and under.

A high number of children under five-years of age have been ill with gastroenteritis. A high estimated amount of gastroenteritis infections have been diagnosed by physicians within the past two weeks with the majority of cases in children under five.

Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestine, which is usually due to acute infection by viruses or bacteria or to food-poisoning toxins and causes vomiting and diarrhea. Fluid loss is sometimes severe especially in infants and intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary.

The associated symptoms are diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever and headache. The most common symptoms are vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours).

The infection can spread when bacteria found in faeces or vomit is transferred to other objects. Bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene. It is spread through contamination of hands, objects or food infected with the aforementioned. The virus enters your body via your mouth. Viral gastroenteritis may also be spread through coughing and sneezing.

For example, if someone does not wash their hands after going to the toilet, any viruses or bacteria on their hands will be transferred to whatever they touch, such as glass, kitchen utensil or food.

To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food; clean the toilet, including the seat and handle, with disinfectant after each bout of vomiting or diarrhea; don't share towels, cutlery and utensils with others.

Give plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solution is highly recommended for children with mild to moderate dehydration.
Mildly unwell children should be given their usual fluids more often. Carbonated (fizzy) drinks or undiluted juice should be avoided. Always double check with your house doctor to ensure the proper treatment for you and your family.
Medicines to prevent vomiting or diarrhea should not be given (especially in children), except where specifically advised by a doctor. Breastfed babies should continue to be breastfed throughout their illness.
Children, who are hungry or ask for food should be given small portions of their usual foods, but avoid foods high in sugar or fat.
Signs of dehydration, such as thirst and decreased urination, lethargy, dry mouth, sunken eyes, feeling faint on standing,
fever, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and any symptoms in a child less than 12 months of age, you should contact your family physician.
Only by means of Lab confirmation can the type of virus can be identified to indicate the responsible type of virus for the increase of reported Gastroenteritis from the physicians and community the you should be referred to the lab to get a confirmation on the present circulating virus type.
For more information call CPS at 542-2078, 542-3003 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--– United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Maurice Lake would like commend the Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL) for hosting a workshop for senior citizens at St. Martin's Home about computer technology.

The Media Lab workshop was organized to assist persons who have little or no experience with computers on how to use this intelligent device.

"I heard that the seniors who took part in the workshop were very pleased and expressed great interests in the subject. I must also commend PJL for organizing a public workshop session for April 24 which is open to the general public.

"I encourage our seniors who are not residents of St. Martin's Home to come out on April 24 and take on the challenge of learning about computers. It's a device that can keep you in touch with family and friends here and abroad.

"Our seniors will also be able to learn how to Skype and see themselves and other family members here and abroad, and this will be beneficial for their wellbeing. This is a great project that the library has embarked upon and I wish them much success and to continue to promote ICT development within our community," MP Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.

Person interested in the April 24 workshop should register by going to www.mediaslabsintmaarten.com or calling the library at 542-2970.

Central Bank Terminated Agreement for Integrity Allegations.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Attorney at law Roland Duncan legal representative of Taliesin Construction that is owned by Carl Critchlow has placed a "Mechanic's Lien" on the Central Bank in order for the bank to pay off the construction company whom they awarded a contract to remodel and renovate the Central Bank building on St. Maarten.
Attorney at Law Duncan told members of the media on Tuesday afternoon that the lien was placed on Monday June 13th 2014 and the police on St. Maarten have been notified. He said the reason the lien was placed on the property of the Central Bank was for the bank to pay off his client Taliesin Construction some Naf 3.7M. Duncan said on March 13th the owner of Taliesin Construction was invited to Curacao by the Central Bank where they informed him that they are terminating the contractual agreement they had with him for alleged integrity issues. Duncan read a letter that was given to Critchlow which stated that the Central Bank is not accusing Critchlow of any wrong doing but since they received signals that he has some sort of integrity issues that is linked to former director of St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SHDF).
Duncan said that the construction agreement Taliesin Construction has with the Central Bank amounts to Naf.5.6M he said so far the bank owed his client for two invoices which amounts to over Naf.100.000.00. Duncan further stated that since the Central Bank have decided to terminate the agreement effective April 17th 2014 they must pay out the contractor who had some 21 employees working on the site since December 2014. Besides that Taliesin Construction also subcontracted three other companies that has to be paid.
Duncan said that Central Bank wants to agree to a mutual termination and they proposed to pay Taliesin Construction Naf.520, 000. 00 which Duncan said his client has refused based on the calculations they have made.
He said that right now the employees of the Central Bank have been removing everything they placed to block the Central Bank's operation but very soon they will block the Central Bank completely if they do not comply with the payout given by the contractor. Taliesin and his attorneys have given the Central Bank the same deadline they gave to Taliesin Construction which is April 17th 2015.
Besides the financial loss the company has suffered, both Duncan and Critchlow said that Taliesin Construction has been tainted and they have been losing work with the integrity allegation or the signals that the Central Bank referred to. Critchlow said that the entire situation has caused him to feel ill, while he has not been able to work. Critchlow said prior to him obtaining the contract from the Central Bank he as well all the employees that worked at the bank had to be screened and each one of them passed the screening. Therefore he does not know what kind of integrity signals the Central Bank is referring to and furthermore they made clear to him that they are not accusing him of anything while they did not have any complaints with the work he has been doing since December 2014.
Furthermore, he said he believes that the entire situation is political since the Central Bank is a government owned company.
Asked by SMN News what connection did Taliesin Construction had or have with the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) Critchlow said that his company was subcontracted by the two companies that won the bid at SMHDF. Asked if he is connected in any way to the companies that won the bid, Critchlow said whether not he is connected or linked to these companies they are three separate companies that are doing business legally on St. Maarten. He further stated that he did audits, yet people are showing up at his place to say they are there to conduct audits but he does not know who sent them.
While Critchlow and Duncan did not name the person who is involved in this entire affair he did say that the attorney representing SMHDF held a press conference and made some statements. Further to that, the same attorney established the company Seancom. N.V and he was also a member of the board of the Central Bank. Critchlow said the same attorney even represented him and another client until they signed a contract. "This attorney acted unethically and his actions can get him disbarred because he represented Carl Critchlow and another client, on the same case," attorney at law Roland Duncan clarified.
Critchlow further explained that when he attended the meeting on March 13th 2014 with the Central Bank the former Governor of Curacao Jaime Saleh was present and based on information he received Saleh is related to someone that was involved with the SMHDF.
Duncan said that he is busy preparing all the necessary documents to take the matter to court because his client suffered immense loss, besides that the Central Bank will have to compensate his client and furthermore inform the court where they got the signals they referred to about integrity.
Asked if the Central Bank has suddenly decided to give the job he legally obtained to any other contractor Critchlow said that the Central Bank did not mention any names to him but he heard rumors. Duncan said that the Central Bank will definitely need another contractor to finish off the work that Taliesin Construction started and what they are doing right now is spending tax payer's monies very badly.

PHILIPSBURG:---Standing behind saving the planet, Tzu Chi Foundation and Managing Director of Spaceless Gardens Denicio Wyatte, have embarked on a journey to build the consciousness of recycling and agriculture amongst pupils and in the community with an Eco Tourism Agricultural Learning initiative.

For the initiative, Tzu Chi and Spaceless Gardens are using recycled large yellow plastic bottles for agricultural purposes.

The yellow plastic bottles, which were originally used to store cooking oil, were initially reused in a gardening recycle project embarked upon by All Children's Education (ACE) Foundation and Tzu Chi with the help of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine volunteers last year. The sides of the bottles were removed, soil placed in them and various crop planted in them. The bottles with plants were placed on space-saving, plant "risers" made from used wooden pallets, for them to grow.

However, due to lack of understanding how to take proper care of the plants, the project did not reap the intended results, which discouraged some pupils and teachers.

The Tzu Chi Foundation and Spaceless Gardens intend to try the project again to give teachers and pupils the proper knowledge to help them achieve their goals and make the project a success. The project, which will be an ongoing one, recently started with ACE pupils and teachers.

"We are sure people are now familiar with the yellow plastic bottles that use to sit out front of the ACE Foundation school across from Cake House on L.B. Scott Road," Wyatte said. ''The idea to take back up the bottles and replant in them came from my colleagues at the Tzu Chi Foundation. The bottles were just sitting around and made no sense to just let them pollute the very ground we intend to reap food from. Once again it was a joy to share ideas and help each other towards making the outcome successful."

Wyatte said "it's always interesting to try new ways of gardening using items that may be reused instead of being thrown away. Even though this is not a new trend, we still love to continue building the awareness towards agricultural development here on our beautiful island."

Pond Island – TelEm Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mrs. Helma Etnel strongly refutes claims that she is in any way personally associated with the Surinamese workers who carried out work for the company.

Mrs. Etnel has termed these allegations, which were made in the media Friday, as being "untrue" and a "total fabrication."

"I have absolutely no involvement in the search for or selection of personnel for technical works since I do not have technical expertise in that field," said Mrs. Etnel.

"I strongly reject the fact that an association is being made intentionally to tarnish my image and reputation in such a false manner, since I have no personal connection with these workers nor was I responsible in any way whatsoever, for their search and selection," the TelEm group CFO said.

Mrs. Etnel has also challenged those making the unfounded allegations to come with proof and to report their matter to the correct authorities for proper actions, otherwise to put a stop to deliberate spreading of false rumours.

Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Eldert Louisa, has meantime stated that the decision to use the Suriname team of workers was taken by the Technical Division based on the fact that they had been assisting TelEm Group at different times in the past since 2002, especially following major damage to the company's telecommunication network. He said the latest decision to use the workers late last year, was taken in consultation with his Manager, Outside Plant, Mr. Marco London, and that this decision was based on a sound principal of urgent need, their expertise and certificated knowledge to best practices and industry standard, their familiarity with the local working environment, affordable pricing and their experience in the deployment of Fibre to the Home projects.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library hosted a successful workshop for the senior citizens of the St. Martin's Home at the re-opening of the Media Lab.
The Media Lab workshop instructed people with little to no experience with computers on how to use the computer, what types of computers there are and the different components of the computer. The senior citizens of the St. Martin's Home who attended this workshop were very pleased about the workshop and expressed great interest in attending this workshop again.
The basic course on how to use computers will be taught again on April 24th during an afternoon workshop that is open to the general public. In the month of May there will also be courses for beginners on how to use Facebook and courses for schoolchildren on how to make games and use programming code. If you are interested in attending one of the workshops at the Media Lab, you can register by going to www.medialabsintmaarten.com or call the library at 542-2970.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As the 2015 Carnival Teen, Senior and Mature queen contestants prepare to take the stage for their pageants, the SCDF and Kooyman have teamed up for a final "Meet & Greet" on Saturday April 18th at the Kooyman Megastore. The Teen, Senior and Mature contestants will have the opportunity to shine on stage and show friends, family and their supporters that they are ready to take on the title of Carnival Queen 2015.

The event takes place from 10:00am – 1:00pm with music and entertainment by DJ Flip followed by a presentation of the Carnival Queens contestants and a special performance by the No Limit Band. Adding to the festivities, Kooyman will also provide shoppers with a special cocktail and the opportunity to win a number of prizes. Kooyman will also hold a pre-sale of their annual Carnival T-shirts; Shoppers who purchase $40 or more will walk away with a free fashionable Carnival T-shirt.

"Carnival is a special time on St. Maarten and unique cultural experience, we at Kooyman would like to join in on the celebration and show our support toward these lovely ladies and the Staff of the SCDF who are dedicated to keeping up the culture." said Nico Boersma, Kooyman Store Manager.

"Come out and show your support this Saturday for the carnival queens as they present themselves one last time before they compete during the Teen, Senior & Mature 2015 carnival queen pageants. The contestants are excited and can't wait to show what they have in-store for this year", said Pageant Coordinator Aishira Cicilia.

Be sure to get your tickets for the Miss Mature Queen Pageant taking place on April 20th and the Teen & Senior Queen Pageant on April 21st 2015.

For more information on this event, please visit www.Kooymanbv.com

PHILIPSBURG:--- Rotary Sunrise closed off its "Rotary has Heart" initiative by hosting a 3-course dinner event for children from a foster home on Sint Maarten. This event was a collaboration with the National Institute for Professional Advancement, NIPA. The purpose of the event was to offer the children a real life experience dining in a fancy restaurant, served a 3-course meal with aperitif, main course and desert. The aim of this project was twofold: 1) to have the members actively involved throughout the entire process from purchasing of the groceries until the preparation and serving of the meal and cleaning up after; and 2) to do the project in a joint venture with NIPA.

The purpose for collaborating with NIPA was to promote the educational opportunities they offer to the youth of Sint Maarten to learn a vocation in their home country. The project also offered NIPA an opportunity to teach students service to the community by volunteering in the event.

With the unwavering support from Ms Renata de Weever, Hospitality Coordinator at NIPA, a menu was put together to suit the taste of the children, groceries were purchased and on the day of the event, NIPA opened their fully equipped professional kitchen to volunteering Rotarians to cook. Students from NIPA volunteered their time to assist in the coaching of the Rotarians for the preparation of the recipes.

The funds for the event came from fundraising through selling of Rotary has Heart aprons; all volunteers were asked to put on their apron for the event.
The event also had an educational aspect; before serving the children their meal, Ms Renata de Weever, gave the children instructions on table etiquette for professionals. They learned about how to set the table and how to use spoon, fork and knife during a dinner. Each of the children received a handout with these instructions to take home for future reference.

Twenty children in total ranging in age from 1 – 18 years old came to the dinner accompanied by three caretakers. The dinner was a delicious fun experience for the children that ended with spontaneous karaoke singing from the NIPA students and the children from the home.

During the closing remarks, President Virginia Asin expounded on the potential power of youth for the future of Sint Maarten fitting into the Rotary International's year theme "Light Up Rotary", which was derived by a Chinese proverb "it is better to light a single candle than curse the darkness". She encouraged everyone to be a source of light in the world.
President Asin was very ecstatic about the final activity in the series of events from Rotary Sunrise "Rotary has Heart" initiative and expressed her gratitude and appreciation to NIPA for giving the club to make use of their facilities and students for this project.

The club meets at Philipburg Jubilee Library Conference Room every Tuesday mornings at 7:00am for fellowship and breakfast. For more information on the club visit us at sxmsunrise.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., we are also on Facebook: Rotary Club of Saint Martin Sunrise

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Wednesday April 8th, 2015, at approximately 10.30 p.m. Detectives from the St. Maarten Police Force visited the L.C. Fleming Medical Center in Marigot, to gather information involving a 51-year old man who reported himself to the hospital with gunshot wounds. The investigation done by the Gendarmes indicated that the shooting possibly occurred on the Dutch side of the island at which time the Detectives from the Dutch side also got involved in the investigation.
It is still unclear where the incident actually happened. The Forensic and the Detective Department of the St. Maarten Police Force started their investigation in the vicinity of Port de Plaisance, based on the information they have gathered. The French Forensic Department is also conducting their investigation on the French side of the island.
Both the victim and a 43-year old female witness will be interrogated by the Detective Department of the St. Maarten Police Force. The police are still looking for other witnesses who might have heard or seen anything in relation to this possible shooting. The incident probably took place between Well Road in Cole Bay and Port de Plaisance on April 8th, 2015 just before 10.30 p.m.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please come forward and report this to the Detective Department of the St. Maarten Police Force. You can also call our (anonymous) tip line on #9300.

Man jumps from cruise vessel at sea.
At around 12 noon on April 13th the police department received a call from the security office at the A.C. Wathey Cruise Facilities that they had received a message from the cruise vessel "Horizon" informing them that a passenger on board of the cruise ship had jumped from the ship in open waters between the Dominican Republic and Sint Maarten. The male victim is a resident from the French Side of the island. What the circumstances are that lead to this incident will be investigated when the ship arrives in the port of Sint Maarten.

KPSM Police Report.

Nature Foundation initiates Coral Bleaching Response Plan

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

For 2015 there is an elevated chance for Coral Bleaching in the Caribbean Region and it was decided to put into effect the Coral Bleaching Response Plan which was drafted by the Nature Foundation in 2010. The initial phase of the plan includes continued monitoring and the implementation of various management strategies to combat the effects of Bleaching.

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

The man of War Shoal Marine Park and the coral reef areas within it are of significant environmental and economic importance as diving in Marine Parks is globally on the rise and generally accepted by the diving tourist as a "must do" vacation activity. An economic valuation study conducted by the Nature Foundation of St. Maarten's coral reef ecosystem has placed the monetary value at close to US$67 million in contributions to the economy of the country.

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

The Nature Foundation will continue to implement the Coral Bleaching Response Plan until further notice.

Ruling Majority totally against draft ordinance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson did not mingle with words on Monday morning when he was responding to questions regarding the draft ordinance to establish the integrity chamber on St. Maarten.
On the question as to who is responsible for justice on St. Maarten, Minister Richardson said that the Minister of Justice is responsible for justice in each country, however, he made clear that St. Maarten did not get what she wanted when they were negotiating the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles. Minister Richardson said St. Maarten wanted its own Attorney General but St. Maarten did not get that, instead one Attorney General was appointed for St. Maarten, Curacao and the BES islands. He said St. Maarten got a Solicitor General. He said having one Attorney General does not work in the interest of St. Maarten and for sure not to his satisfaction as Minister of Justice. Minister Richardson said that the Attorney General lives on Curacao and because of that he has been confusing Curacao with St. Maarten when it comes to justice and crime on St. Maarten. He said at that this moment there is still a lot more that has to be done for the justice chain on St. Maarten but that can only take place when the funds are available.
As for the integrity chamber Minister Richardson said that the integrity chamber if and when established on St. Maarten will not be making its own rules and implement them as suggested by Members of Parliament. He said that the integrity chamber could submit advices to government and it be will up to government to implement the advices given. Should government chose not to implement the advice government would have to motivate their reasons for not implementing the advices given by the integrity chamber. Minister Richardson also made clear that there will be repercussions taken against those that slander or smear another person's name, he also stated that 'while-blowers' will be protected as long as the information they provide to the integrity chamber is accurate.
It is clear on Monday during the debate several Members of Parliament supporting the UP/De Weever/ LRM/US coalition clearly rejected the draft ordinance on the establishment of an integrity chamber on St. Maarten. Clearly the MPs supporting the majority who met all weekend since the meeting adjourned on Friday could not find consensus on the draft law that was presented to them last week for approval.
SMN News learned that during the closed door meetings between the UPP members they have decided to reject the draft law in order to protect themselves. An UPP insider said that two of the UPP MPs said they will not support a law that will take away certain contracts they obtained from government, while the leader of the UPP felt that the same law will be used to investigate him. "This law will stop the politicians from wheeling and dealing with government owned companies."
Democratic Party Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams made clear that she was not part of any meetings since the meeting adjourned on Friday.
Several Members of Parliament forming the coalition made it clear that they will not support the draft ordinance to establish an integrity chamber, most of them said they are ready to go for Independence since the Dutch is trying to push St. Maarten in a corner. MP Cornelius de Weever accused and blamed the media saying that they are publishing non-factual information. MP Maurice Lake accused the social media for publishing things that he said are not facts, and these things he said goes viral.
However, Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel said that St. Maarten does not need Independence at this moment, however the country needs more jail space. He asked the two Ministers to tell parliament what is the difference with the law that investigated several persons including former MP Patrick Illidge, former Minister Maria Buncamper, and former Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto and others.
Emmanuel then made reference to the bid won by a contractor (Taliesin Construction) to upgrade the Central Bank and the Fixed Based Operations (FBO) at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJAIE). While Emmanuel was addressing Parliament Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs called for a point of clarification saying that he never made any statements on the FBO building permit because to date it has not reached his desk. He also said that he did not see a building permit regarding the Central Bank. It should be noted that an insider of the UPP told SMN News that the Prime Minister and acting Minister of VROMI has refused to sign off on building permits that was left behind by former Minister Maurice Lake. The same UPP insider said the Prime Minister refused to continue with the purchase of the VORST Estate. The UPP insider told SMN News that the Prime Minister said that he will only sign permits that are approved by the leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger. It should be noted that MP Theodore Heyliger met SMN News reporter Friday night at a function where he made certain comments claiming that he knew that it is his own people leaking internal information to SMN News because he is the one telling them what is happening within government. Heyliger in his derrogatory statements said he has to tell his membership what is happening and instead of them keeping it to themselves they are leaking it.
MP Sarah Wescot Williams in her presentation said that while the 'buzz' word right now is integrity the middle name for that is transparency and democracy. She continued by stating that the Prime Minister said that they do not have a governing program because of the continuous broadening of the government. MP Wescot Williams then asked the government to provide parliament with the agreements the persons that join the coalition agreed on.
She said when it comes to providing questions that was posed by parliament they are evasive or either government don't answer. She asked the Prime Minister to tell Parliament what did the broaden coalition agreement made when it comes to government owned companies.
Member of Parliament William in his presentation made clear that he took offence last Friday with the statements made by Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson who told parliament to decide what they want, prior to government answering the questions posed to the Ministers about the draft ordinance.
Marlin said that it makes no sense having another institution while there are so many in place already. He said St. Maarten needs policies and legislations to police what government does. He said that the prosecutor office is there to handle criminal cases, while government has the LLMA to deal with civil servants that broke the law or breach confidence.
He brought up the MOU signed by GEBE on the waste management plant which parliament asked for and to date they are not able to obtain it from government. Marlin also spoke about the long lease that Rainforest Adventure obtained and the contract between the St. Maarten Harbor Group of Companies (SMHGC) and Checkmate Security.
MP Tamara Leonard said in her presentation that from the inception she made it clear that the only way to find a solution they have to work on the document that was presented to parliament. She said that everyone knows where each Member of Parliament stands on the current document. She said the more information they got from government makes the matter more confusing. She suggested that the voting be postponed until they could make specific changes to the draft ordinance on the integrity chamber.

The meeting will resume on Thursday for continuation.

Administration offered by B-Parker(This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), the Tax Administration Platinum course. Ms. Weijmer is an active member of a prominent Accounting and Tax Firm in St.Maarten

The holder of the certification "Tax Administration Specialist" of Benjamin & Parker completed a high intensity training program of over 120 hours and passed her/his examination with success in understanding several Tax Law legislations and the implementation of the SXM Tax Governance Management.

The course consisted of the analysis and the field application of the following subjects:

• Mastering General Tax Ordinance
• Mastering Profit Tax Ordinance
• Mastering Income Tax Ordinance.
• Mastering Collection Ordinance
• Mastering Private Foundations

The course contents is the result of careful and thorough compilation of several strategic taxation methods implemented by Tax Authorities in Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire and Sint Maarten over a period of 2 decades, giving the certification holder proficiency in the technical interpretation and field application of the Sint Maarten Tax Legislation.
Ms. Amanda Weijmer's, examination consisted in multilevel tax risk deciphering, Tax trouble shooting and preparation of a Tax Analysis which she had to defend all aspects of her findings and actions to be implemented to safeguard the client under Tax Office attack.

In addition B-Parker informs that Ms. Andrea Lewis, also member of the same firm as Ms. Weijmer, acquired her Tax Administration Controller Certification after passing her Tax Administration Plus examination, with flying colors. Ms. Lewis is a dedicated mother and professional that although her busy schedule managed to become a Tax Controller and is candidate now for the Platinum Certification (examination pending). The new Tax Administration Plus course will resume April 20, 2015.

Both professionals did the Plus+ and Platinum course at the same time and managed to pull it through. B-Parker is proud to have contributed to the training of these SXM professionals and hope they will use their knowledge to assist the community of SXM to the best of their new abilities.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Franklin Meyers who was off island on medical travelled back to St. Maarten over the weekend to ensure he got the opportunity to inform Parliament that at no point he will support the draft ordinance to establish an integrity chamber on St. Maarten presented by the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of St. Maarten.
MP Meyers made a few quotes from Martin Luther King, such as 'do not let any man pull you down so that you can hate them","I prefer dying on my feet rather than living on my knees,  and No cooperation with justice is cooperation with injustice." MP Meyers said he is very close to hating the Dutch because what St. Maarten is facing right now is not far from decolonization. MP Meyers further informed Parliament and the two Ministers namely the Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson that his decision has nothing to do with them rather it's what St. Maarten is facing. MP Meyers said he will not support anything that will regress the people of St. Maarten. He explained that while St. Maarten is doing everything to avoid the Dutch from forcing their will on St. Maarten he wants them to know that the Dutch is already here. He said while the Dutch is forcing their will on St. Maarten to get what they want they never contributed to St. Maarten financially even when the island was devastated in 1995 by hurricane Luis and Lenny. He said that ever since St. Maarten was part of the Netherlands Antilles the island got nothing from the Dutch, everything regarding infrastructural development St. Maarten did on its own and  the Dutch did not contribute one dime, in fact they pulled back their funding for PJIAE when Governor Eugene Holiday was appointed Director of PJIAE, yet St. Maarten built its airport, the harbor and other infrastructures and developed the island. He said that while the Dutch never contributed to St. Maarten financially they are the ones asking St. Maarten to remove the Turn over Tax from Saba and Eustatius.
Furthermore, MP Meyers said that the Dutch is claiming that they don't trust St. Maarteners but he wants to know who told the Dutch that St. Maarteners trust them because they are not even respecting the decisions taken by the parliament of St. Maarten.
MP Meyers further stated that while the PWC report was done and there are a lot of accusations against certain persons such as Ministers, he said none of these persons ever got the opportunity to defend themselves.
MP Meyers also informed Parliament that in his view now is the time for independence, he said that the Dutch and others will always say that St. Maarten is not ready but he believe that this is the time for St. Maarteners to take the next step.
He also informed Parliament that while St. Maarten shared condolences and felt terrible for what happened to over 200 Dutch citizens by Ukraine, the Dutch sat back and did nothing in defense of their own people instead they acted more like cowards towards Ukraine while trying to enforce their will on St. Maarten because they believe they are the bosses.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Foresee Foundation, the leader in bringing 21st century ICT education to St. Maarten, is pleased to announce that both Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Mrs. Bourne-Gumbs, and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications, Mr. Connor, have officially endorsed the DigiKidz Project founded and operated by Foresee.
In her letter to Foresee, Minister Rita Bourne-Gumbs explains that "[w]ith the ever-changing innovations in technology and learning, we value the initiatives of the Foresee Foundation and its DigiKidz project. With that said the Minister officially endorses the DigiKidz project for the advancement of Technology in Education on St. Maarten." The Minister also encouraged the formation of educational partnerships and called upon private business and community organiations to additionally endorse and further support the DigiKidz project.
Minister Claret Connor, responsible for Telecommunication, also acknowledged the important need to bring Technology into the nation's educational system and expressed his support to the DigiKidz project in "its effort to bring 21st century learning through ICT to the students of St. Maarten." He reiterated that the "Government of St. Maarten recognizes that the ICT education initiative is one that all students can and will benefit from."
Foresee Foundation and the DigiKidz Project Team are excited and encouraged with the support they have received from both Ministers. According to the President of Foresee, these endorsements support the core concept of Foresee (4C), setting up innovative projects through Communication, Collaboration, Creative and Critical thinking. These four core aptitudes are the way forward for 21st century learning.
Foresee Foundation was founded and the DigiKidz Project launched in 2013. As the result of an amazing grant provided by Windsong International Foundation, a total of US$500,000.00 was invested in three DigiKidz projects: 2 schools (Asha Stevens' Hillside Christian School and Seventh Day Adventist School) and the DigiKidz Medialab at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library. To date, over 2,000 children have participated and profited from these initial DigiKidz projects and the DigiKidz Project Team is looking forward to bring this experience to all the children of St. Maarten.
All three projects have been very well received. The 'secret' formula for success lays in the comprehensive approach taken by the DigiKidz Project Team. In addition to bringing IT devices into the schools, strong emphasis is put on the network structure, training of staff, close collaboration with school boards and management, and the creation of ownership among all stakeholders, including students (the "Digi kids"), teachers, parents, management, school boards and the larger community.
The endorsements from both Ministers in collaboration with Foresee's current plans to fundraise for its next projects is fully in line with the modern vision that in strong communities, government, the business sector and other organizations/NGOs jointly work together on achieving the ambitious goal of bringing ICT into all classrooms on St. Maarten.
As evidence of this vision becoming a reality, as a result of the recent fundraising event at Moomba Restaurant, Foresee has received cash and in-kind funding of nearly US$100,000.00 for use in future projects. In the upcoming months, Foresee will continue to 'walk the talk' with its fundraising drive, following up on a number of scheduled meetings and commitments with the private and public sector. UTS, who gave an early endorsement in October 2013, is currently in talks with Foresee to provide additonal wireless internet and network infrastructure support. Tel-Em offers free internet connectivity to all DigiKidz projects and was mentioned by Minister Connor in his endorsement for the DigiKidz projects. In addition to these premier Sponsors, Rotary Club St. Maarten Mid Isle and the Indian Merchants Association have also pledged their premier support by sponsoring the next DigiKidz School.
More information about the DigiKidz@ St. Maarten project can be found on their website and Facebook page: "digikidzsxm.com". Interested persons/businesses who like to join and support DigiKidz can contact the DigiKidz Team at (721) 581-5050 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- Be the Change continues its important work of spotlighting a new project monthly. The latest Spotlight Project is the Beyond Writing Foundation.

Be The Change Foundation is proud to congratulate Beyond Writing Foundation with a donation of USD $900.00 to go towards Beyond Writing Foundation's yearly Kids Night Out event.
Be the Change wishes the Beyond Writing Foundations much success with this project.
Beyond Writing Foundation has organised storytelling events for the past 11 years. The foundation also publishes children's books and is the organiser of the Caribbean Living Statues Festival.

ASL Ambassadors selling bumper stickers as part of their 2015 fundraising drive

PHILIPSBURG:--- Art Saves Lives Foundation was honored to receive bumper stickers from RM Concept for use in their 2015 fundraising drive. Mr. Raymond Mazzola made the donation on behalf of RM Concept. Art Saves Lives is a proud customer of Print N Go, And Print Tees part of the RM Concept Company for the past two years. Ms. De Weever expressed her thanks to Mr. Mazzola for the generous donation and was especially grateful for the work Print N Go's Jay Echteld, and Print Tees' Angela Mazzola have done and continues to do for the organization. ASLP has raised funds for almost a year in order to bring the event to fruition to serve local youth who are interested in a career in the arts and strengthen the performing arts on St. Maarten. The week long program begins June 29, 2015. Bumper stickers are on sale for $5 from ASL ambassadors or from any ASL staff member. About Art Saves Lives
Art Saves Lives Program (ASLP) is a cross-cultural exchange between youth in need and experienced practicing artists who seek to use their talents for positive change. This collaborative project will select renowned artists from around the world who use the arts to introduce participants to global and local traditions and empower them with the life skills necessary to effectively deal with the demands and challenges of everyday life. The program will also provide guidance for young artists with aspirations in pursuing a career in the arts. ASL 2015, an intensive week long workshop program will be held June 29-July 4 on St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, April 10, Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs attended the grand opening of Caribbean Auto's Audi Center St. Maarten, a new state-of-the-art dealership, the first of its kind on the island.

Prime Minister Gumbs described Caribbean Auto investment in Sint Maarten as bringing recognition, economic progress and success.

"When preparing for this event, I asked my eldest daughter, who is a big fan, what about the brand stuck out for her. In typical fashion, she cited the brand's 2002 theme-line campaign as point of inspiration, which consisted of two words: 'Never Follow.' These are fitting words for a brand that has grown, adapted and evolved into a corporate force that counts seven World Car of the Year awards, including 2014, among its many accolades.

"They are words that I believe we can apply to not just this one moment in this partnership, but to its future growth...and, if I may borrow that brilliant marketing campaign for a moment, they are words that speak volumes about what this investment can bring St. Maarten in terms of recognition, economic progress and success. I believe that at our core, we're a country that should and can set high standards for ourselves that we then strive to achieve, leaving others in our wake; much like the Audi brand," Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs said on Friday.

The new showroom floor accommodates four new cars, and features dramatic, 20-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows. The Audi Center showroom provides a visual that highlights the brands identified and features performance, luxury and environmental themes that the brand has become known for in its vehicles.
"First, congratulations are indeed in order for Caribbean Auto and Audi Latin America, whose vision and commitment to their brand has made this new dealership, which reiterates our country's position as a luxury brand destination, a reality.

"The economic partnership that comes with such a project is one that holds short and long-term benefits for all involved. It is encouraging to see that Sint Maarten continues to attract this type of investment, and we look forward to seeing what the Audi brand accomplishes in this corner of the region," Prime Minister Gumbs told the invited guests present.

Prime Minister Gumbs concluded by congratulating Caribbean Auto and Audi for their commitment to Sint Maarten and wished them success in their new partnership.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Five of the eight registered political parties submitted their annual reports and accompanying financial reports to the Electoral Council before the deadline on March 31, 2015. The Electoral Council received the annual reports and financial reports from two parties a day after the deadline and is currently awaiting the hard copies and accountant's signed financial statements to the reports submitted.
Only one party has fully complied with all requirements stipulated in Article 27 and 28 of the National Ordinance of Registration and Finances of Political Parties.
To date, despite being reminded, one party did not submit its annual report to the Electoral Council. The party in question received a letter from the Electoral Council with the urgent request to submit its report within a certain time frame.
The Electoral Council is currently in the final phase of its review on the donation registration of political parties and will soon embark on the review of the annual and financial reports submitted by the political parties. After this review, the Electoral Council will send the reports together with its own observations to the General Audit Chamber to verify the accuracy of the information submitted.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of the ongoing training for the personnel that will be working in the Joint Emergency Central Dispatch, a workshop in "Customer Service" was held on Saturday April 10th and provided and given by NAGICO N.V.
This workshop was held in the Philipsburg Police head Quarters and presented by Mrs. Lisa Brown and Mr. Terrance Dublin. The workshop entailed many subjects and mainly how to deal the communities, which are the customers, with the highest level of professionalism.
All participants actively took part in the workshop and gathered and shared as much information possible. (See pic attached)
In addition and in order to make the communication between the community and the 911 Emergency Dispatch as pleasant and effective as possible the following tips are provided to the community when and if an emergency call is placed:
When to call 911:
An emergency is a situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. This emergency can include:

•  A fire
•  A crime, especially in progress
•  A car crash, especially if some one is injured
• A medical emergency, such as someone is unconscious, gasping for air on not breathing, or any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

IMPORTANT: If you are not sure whether the situation is a true emergency, it is recommended to still call 911 and let the call-taker whether you need emergency help.

When you call 911, be prepared to answer the call-taker's questions, which may include:

• The location of the emergency, including the street address.
• The phone number you are calling from.
• The nature of the emergency.
•  Details about the emergency, such as physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person.
• Remember, the call-taker's questions are important to get the right kind of help to you quickly. Be prepared to follow all instructions the call-takers gives you. Follow the step by step.

DO NOT hang up the phone until the call-taker instructs you to. If you dial 911 by mistake when no emergency exists, do no hang up. Instead simply explain the call-taker what happened.

KPSM Police Report.

St. Peters:--- Homeowners and residents of the Sint Peters, Reward, Weymouth Hill and Prima Vista areas were all invited by the Community Police Officer Inspector Felix Richards who is responsible for those districts, to attend a town hall meeting on Thursday April 9th at 07 p.m. and held at the Sint Dominic High School in South Reward. The reason for this meeting was to discuss the increase in criminal activity and mainly home invasions and break-ins in those areas. Approximately 25 persons attended the meeting. A Power Point presentation was given by Inspector Richardson regarding these topics and also the comparison of criminal activity in those areas in 2015 to 2014.
As a topic of discussion was also, how to best tackle this situation. All the attendees shared their views and ideas and showed their willingness to come together as a community and put in extra effort to bring a permanent solution to this problem.
The attendees also took the opportunity the meet a get acquainted with their neighbors for the first time. Then shared telephone numbers and E-mail addresses and will be in contact with each other on a regular basis to exchange information. The meeting was a success and a follow-up meeting will be scheduled for the near future
Also present during the meeting was Acting Chief of Police Carl John and Head of the Philipsburg District Chief Inspector Rudolph Bloeiman.

KPSM Police Report.

Game 1: Category 11+U
Leonald Connor vs Learning Unlimited Goal Machines: result 3 – 9 (at halftime 0 - 4)
Goal scorers L.U. Goal Machines: Oliver Hobgood with 5 goals and 1 assist, Jan Lucas van der Plas with 2 goals. Noah Ledee scored 1 goal and made 3 assists. Devin Liao helped the effort with 2 assists.
Goal scorers Leonald Connor: Tyrese Whyte with 2 goals, Philando Parchment with 1 goal.

Game 2: Category 11+U
Sr. Regina Goal Getters vs Hillside Christian: result 14 – 3 (at halftime 9 - 1)
Top scorers Sr. Regina Goal Getters: Reshawn Eustase with 7 goals and 2 assists, William Mulder with 3 goals and 1 assist.
Goal scorers Hillside Christian: Ty Farguhrson, Desreena Boston and Rovais Panka each scored one goal.

Game 3: Category 11+U
Learning Unlimited Legends vs Dr. Martin Luther King: result 0 – 2 (forfeit)
A friendly game was played instead.

Game 4: Category Girls 13+U
Leonald Connor vs Sr. Magda: result 6 – 2 (at halftime 3 - 1)
Goal scorers Leonald Connor: Karoline Quispe de los Santos with 4 goals. Stephanie Medina-Bran and Dorothy James each scored one goal.
Goal scorer Sr. Magda: Rawlisha Busby with 2 goals with an assist by Ashley Lake.

Game 5: Category Girls 13+U
Dr. Martin Luther King vs Hillside Christian Angels: result 5 – 0 (at halftime 4 - 0)
Goal scorers Dr. Martin Luther King: Kaleisha Davis with 4 goals and Shaney Joachim with 1 goal.

Game 6: Category 13+U
Leonald Connor vs Genevieve de Weever: result 10 – 2 (at halftime 7 - 0)
Goal scorers Leonald Connor: Durvane Solomon, Gamy Charles and Isael Medina-Bran each scored 3 goals. Hemproy Williams scored one goal.
Goal scorer Genevieve de Weever: Jean Louis Mendoza with 2 goals. He was assisted by Steven Prince and Kyron Mussen.

Game 7: Category 13+U
Ruby Labega vs Dr. Martin Luther King: result 8 – 5 (at halftime 3 - 1)
Goal scorers Ruby Labega: Ricardo Somers with 5 goals, Jariel Gabriel with 2 goals and Jamal Taylor with 1 goal.
Goal scorer Dr. Martin Luther King: D'Angelo Thompson with 5 goals. He was assisted by Kuzari Simmons and Khalishah Davis.

Game 8: Category 13+U
SXM Schools United vs Sr. Magda United Stars: result 10 – 2 (at halftime 1 - 2)
Goal scorers SXM Schools United: Jean Jaques Craane with 5 goals and 3 assists, Amadeus Aventurin and Michelle Palella both with 2 goals. Gilmar Blackman scored one goal.
Goal scorer Sr. Magda United Stars: Paul Speetjens with 2 goals.

Game 9: Category 13+U
Oranje Combine vs Charles Leopold Bell: result 0 – 16 (at halftime 0 - 8)
Top scorers Charles Leopold Bell: Paul Attyl with 8 goals and 6 assists and Abijah Adamson with 6 goals and 6 assists.

Game 10: Category 7+U
Learning Unlimited Hotshots vs Dr. Martin Luther King: result 2 – 0 (forfeit)
A friendly game was played.

Game 11: Category 7+U
Learning Unlimited Strikers vs Sr. Magda Greenboys: result 0 - 2 (forefeit)
A friendly game was played.

The last games in the competition will be played on Saturday, May 9, 2015. These games will determine the finalists of SMSEF Interscholastic Soccer Tournament 2015. On May 23 the Champions League competition is played, as well as the finals in the 7+Under and 9+Under categories. On May 30 all the other finals will be played followed by the award ceremony.

Cay Hill:--- Lead Ambassador Alicia Liverpool and Kingdom Alliance Reaching Everyone organization (KARE) presented a check to the Rotaract District 7020 conference steering committee to assist with the preparations for the annual Rotaract District 7020 Conference 2015. The steering committee would like to thank Ambassador Liverpool and KARE for supporting the vision of this conference and for sharing inspirational words to the team as they prepare for this epic event. The Rotaract District 7020 Conference will be held from May 27th-31st 2015 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino. The steering committee is encouraging other organizations, companies or individuals to contribute to this event.

Cole Bay:--- St. Maarten along with its visitors have lost a familiar face who has served the community in many ways. Harold Jack (75) passed away peacefully at the St. Maarten Medical Center early Friday morning after being ill for about a month. Jack as he is familiarly known as was a casino controller who retired about 16 years ago, he also served drinks and snacks at the Lookout Point for over 40 years said his son Alex Jack.
Alex said his father became ill about a month ago but died peacefully without suffering from any pain. He said even though his father was ill not one day he had or complained of having pains.
Besides being a government worker, Jack was an electrician he also did upholstery, and was a musician, the late Harold Jack made three CDs namely "It's that time of the year" -(Christmas CD)
WWW L-O-V-E.com Love and Intimacy, Eternally which is normally used by several radio stations during the Christmas holidays. As the saying goes that some people are jack of all trades well Harold Jack was indeed a "Jack of all Trade" as he was also the host  of the television show Caribbean Express many years ago. He sang several Christmas songs and even welcomed Queen Beatrix at the Lookout Point with fresh coconut water when she visited the island during the mid 1970's on a working visit.
And if that was not enough Jack knew how to do construction. His friends always got a helping hand from him when they needed it especially after the passing of hurricanes.
The late Harold Jack used his place of business on the Cole Bay Hill to worship with some of his believers and friends.
He has left to mourn his wife Orris Jack, his two children Alex and Deborah and two grandchildren. Several siblings, in laws and friends. Funeral arrangements is set tentatively for some time next week said his son Alex.

Cole Bay: --- Caribbean Auto Sales owned and operated by the Amjad family has added another top of the line brand of vehicles to their fleet as they are one of St. Maarten's biggest auto dealer on the island. When one hears the name MacSood, the first thing they think about is insurance as he is the architect that built NAGICO Insurances from scratch.
However, the Amjad's "Mac and Rena" are dedicated business people that are not afraid to take chances, while working endless hours to build the businesses they own. On Friday night a large number of dignitaries and other members of the community attended the launching of the Audi brand of vehicles that are now available on St. Maarten. Imran MacSood Amjad told the gathering that acquiring Audi brand took them three years, he said for them to be able to become an Audi dealer they had to do every single thing that Audi required of them including building a beautiful showroom on Union Road Cole Bay, train their staff and ensure that everything was done the way Audi wants it. Macsood gave a lot of credit to his son Tariq Amjad whom he said sometimes spent all night at the location to ensure everything was done perfectly. He said people have to work hard to get where they want besides that they must not take shortcuts because shortcuts leads to shortfalls. Macsood also credited his wife Rena for being on top of everything and also being a perfectionist to get things done the way it ought to be done for them as a family to be successful. His son who is the Managing Director of Caribbean Auto Sales gave detail information as how tedious it was for him to get everything in order to acquire the Audi dealership, he said it took them three long years, with hard work but the dedication, hard work and investment paid off because St. Maarten now has one of the leading brand of vehicles that can be purchased on the island. The younger Amjad said that clients will be treated will receive the best care and treatment when they shop at Audi St. Maarten, besides the vehicles, Audi St. Maarten also has a line of other products such as bags, pants and other items that can be given as gifts. Audi sales manager Martin Port said that Audi's sales have been increasing and so far they are the number one car dealer around the world. Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs also gave a short speech at the launching ceremony, Minister of TEATT (Economic Affairs) Claret Connor also addressed the gathering. The most important part of the evening was when the line-up of Audi vehicles were displayed inside and outside of the showroom. Indeed the vehicles are custom made, even ones name can be carved inside or wherever they want it, any customer can sit with an Audi agent on Union Road Cole Bay and literally build their own vehicle. They have the opportunity to choose the color of leather and even the color thread they want on their seats. Macsood treated himself to one of the first vehicles that bore his name on the inside of the door. At the launching the Amjad's and their staff were delighted to finally be able to open up their business in order to service St. Maarten.
Farina Amjad thanked a number of people, including Dilion Smith, the one they said suggested to Tariq to go after the Audi and to bring to St. Maarten. She thanked her son Tariq several times for his hard work and dedication also her staff and even the media for publicizing their businesses.

Click here to view some of the Audi vehicles now available at Audi St. Maarten on Union Road Cole Bay.

PHILIPSBURG – United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Maurice Lake would like Government to commend NV GEBE for starting the second program bringing relief to the senior citizens of the country by reducing their electricity bills.

"I applaud NV GEBE Board of Directors and Management to continuing the relief program for seniors citizens age 62 and older for another six months.

"The first pilot senior relief program in 2014 was started when I was the Minister of Energy Affairs, and it was considered a success, and I applaud the Managing Board for continuing with the programme through the end of 2015.

"Our seniors have until May 1 to apply for the relief according to information NV GEBE submitted to the media. Application forms can be picked up at GEBE's main office on Walter Nisbeth road (Pondfill).

"The seniors who were in the program last year have to reapply in order to participate again this year. I encourage all seniors 62 and over to apply as this will help reduce costs.

"For those who missed the opportunity the last time because of listening to others misguiding them with the wrong information, I encourage you to visit the NV GEBE office in town and get the necessary documentation together that are required to request this assistance that is being offered.

"This initiative is a good step until a more structural solution is implemented by GEBE across the board for everyone and we work towards alternative energy to lower the cost of living for all our people," MP Hon. Maurice Lake said on Friday.

Entire Streets Will Win In Fun Street Lottery

PHILIPSBURG – Fun Miles and its partners are going all-out these coming months, with a free lottery as it has never before been seen on our island. The monthly drawings will not merely produce individual winners, but an entire winning street. All Fun Miles cardholders living there will share the street prize of no less than 150,000 Fun Miles. In addition, there are several great partner prizes, which include a BBQ Grill from Kooyman, a WIB gift card, and a gift certificate from ENNIA. The monthly drawings will continue thru June 2015. For a chance to win, Fun Miles cardholders must go to funmiles.net to request a digital lottery ticket, which they will receive via e-mail.

NEW ON OUR ISLAND
The street lottery concept has not been introduced here before, but is perfectly suited to Fun Miles, since our island has so many cardholders; they can be found in each and every street. It is important to emphasize once more that just having a Fun Miles card is not enough to participate in this lottery. It requires going to funmiles.net and requesting a digital lottery ticket. This process is quick, easy and completely free, but nonetheless crucial, because cardholders will only be able to win the gigantic prize package with the ticket.

STAY UP TO DATE
How do the participants know if their street has won? The winners will be contacted. Furthermore, Fun Miles promises 'a surprise' when it comes to giving out the prizes. Anyone who wants to stay well-informed about the lottery (and about Fun Miles in general) can visit facebook.com/funmiles. There, the exciting Fun Miles campaigns can be shared with family and friends. Also highly recommended for Fun Miles fans is the new mobile app for smart phones, which can be downloaded for free on the Apple App Store and on Google Play. This app allows cardholders to instantly check their balance and find information about the Funpartners and their locations.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (Ministry TEATT) Honorable Claret Connor was present for the oath-taking ceremony of civil servants from the Ministry TEATT that took place recently.
"I am very proud to be able to work with these professional women and men who have taken an oath to serve the people of this country.
"I have a great team to work with. Some of them are new and many have been working for Government for many years. Those who did not take the oath after Sint Maarten became a country back in October 20, 2010, have had the opportunity now to do so.
"Civil servants play an essential role in the functioning of Government and society overall. Their role and responsibility are great. I also take this opportunity to congratulate the other civil servants who have taken the oath," Minister Hon. Claret Connor said on Friday.
The civil servants oath taking is part of the integrity process for the government structure of the country, one aspect being that all civil servants should have taken the oath when they were employed.
Civil servants who took the oath over the past weeks came from the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure, Ministry of General Affairs, Civil Registry Department, Ministry of Finance and Facility Management.
The oath taking is part of the integrity compliance within the Personnel & Organization Department. The law acknowledges that and as a result requires that all public servants upon employment, upon changing of function or when acting in another function must take an oath.

Cay Hill:--– The Director of the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association – Ms. Zaandam - visited the NIPA Hospitality Sector on Thursday April 9th, 2015 during their practical lunch. The lunch was prepared and served by the students under the expert guidance of Mr. Alex Adoptie, Culinary instructor and Ms. Renate De Weever, Cullinary Coordinator.
The visit of Ms. Zaandam is part of the SHTA's initiative to highlight educational institutions and programs related to the Hospitality industry. "Hospitality is not an industry and profession to be taken lightly. It is also not a profession that is suitable for everyone. In order to be able to provide the best service to our guest visiting and residents of our island, it is imperative that personnel is educated accordingly. Institutions such as the NIPA can greatly contribute towards elevating and maintaining the standard of service on St. Maarten", said Ms. Zaandam. Earlier this year the SHTA signed an MOU with USM, where the pledge was made to continue to support Hospitality Education.
During the lunch the director received a tour of the facilities and was able to speak with the students. As a former Restaurant Techniques teacher Ms. Zaandam provided feedback on the service and offered words of encouragement to the students. The Director and the SHTA would like to thank the NIPA Hospitality department for a very enjoyable lunch experience. "I look forward to seeing these students excel. I commend their teachers for their patience and dedication towards education the future of Hospitality in Country St. Maarten', said Zaandam.
The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners, and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website at www.shta.com and www.visitstmaarten.com.

Polices, Legislations and Guidelines needed to strengthen the Purpose of the Integrity Chamber.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Members of Parliament mostly from the governing coalition requested that the chairman of Parliament adjourn the central committee meeting that was supposed to continue on Friday morning to discuss the draft ordinance to establish an Integrity Chamber on St. Maarten. The Members of Parliament from the governing coalition wanted more time to study the additional documents that were presented to them on Friday morning. During the debate as to whether or not the meeting should continue, Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams made clear that having an integrity chamber established on St. Maarten will not address the issues of corruption and integrity (morals) on St. Maarten. MP Wescot Williams said that government has to have more polices, legislations and guidelines that would strengthen the integrity chamber when it is established. Member of Parliament William Marlin echoed the same sentiments on Wednesday and on Friday saying that there must be policies, legislations and guidelines to ensure that there is no more free for all especially when issuing taxis and bus licenses or when government is distributing long lease land. Marlin said on Friday morning that government lacks transparency, he said that it is not normal for Parliament to ask the acting Minister of VROMI for the MOU they signed with a foreign company and parliament is denied that document. Marlin further explained that is incomprehensible for a Member of Parliament to say on the airwaves that Parliament should not try to look into the dealings of the St. Maarten Harbor Group of Companies and Checkmate Security because that Member of Parliament feels that Checkmate Security is owned by a local and for him the matter is internal. Marlin said that the SMHGC is a Government owned company and if the management of that company chose to amend a valid contract and increase the payments to that company by 300% then it warrants an investigation by parliament.
Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson in his address to Parliament on Friday said that it is government intention to have more policies and legislations but that will take time to prepare and be presented to parliament. The Minister of Justice further explained that those polices and legislations are the tools that will back up the integrity chamber. He said that one of the things that must be looked at is that there are policies and legislations in place at this moment but compliance is something that is lacking and he believes that having the integrity chamber in place will definitely block the loopholes.
The chair of parliament adjourned the meeting to Monday morning, in order to give the 15 members of parliament enough time to caucus and to further study the added documents they were given on Friday. The meeting will reconvene on Monday morning at 10am.

Central Committee Meeting reconvened for Monday regarding Draft National Ordinance to Establish Integrity Chamber

PHILIPSBURG:---The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on April 13.

The public Central Committee meeting was adjourned on April 10 and has been reconvened for Monday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The three point agenda is: the draft National Ordinance for the establishment of a Integrity Chamber; second agenda point is approval of the travel schedule for the year 2015 in connection with Committee and Board of Directors meetings of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino); and the third agenda point is approval of the composition of the delegation and provisions for General Assembly of Parlatino from May 15-16.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

On March 24, 2015, 11 volunteers from the U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) visited Curaҫao's Animal Shelter (Dierenasiel) to assist with grooming 21 dogs and five puppies. The volunteers devoted two-and-a-half hours grooming and socializing the animals. Dierenasiel Curaҫao provides dogs and cats a safe home until a forever home is found.
The FOL involvement with organizations such as this demonstrates their eagerness for community involvement and their long standing appreciation for the hospitality received from the citizens of Curaҫao.

Community Notice
The St. Maarten Diabetes foundation will be offering free glucose testing and blood pressure measuring on the following dates and areas from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon.
Saturday, April 11th Sunny Foods Super market
Saturday, April 18th Cake House in Cul-de-Sac
Saturday, April 25th Le Grand Marche Supermarket on the Bush Road
Saturday, May 2nd NO TESTING

As always, the Diabetes Foundation is here to assist you...all you need to do is come and be tested.
DIABETES... it is serious...it is common...it is costly...but it is CONTROLLABLE
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diabetes-Foundation-of-St-Maarten/237508709705785

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Council of Ministers approved the long lease that is to be granted to Rainforest Adventure on March 18th 2015.
According to documents SMN News obtained showed that an advice prepared by Domain Affairs which was signed off by the head of VROMI Louis Brown on March 9th 2015 and booked in at the Department of General Affairs under Div. number 3921 showed that Domain Affairs in its advice to government proposed that Rainforest Adventure will get 357,910 square meters of land at the Emilio Wilson Estate in long lease. The developer should pay the government of St. Maarten Naf.2.00 per square meter annually, while they will pay a head tax of $1.25 on each passenger that disembark at the harbor. Based on the calculations in the advice sent to government by domain affairs the developer would end up paying Naf. 715.000.00 annually instead of the Naf.2.3380.10M if government followed the advice sent to them by domain affairs. However, the government of St. Maarten will lose over Naf.1.6M every year from this long lease because they were supposed to charge Naf.6.65 per square meter when properly calculated based on the purchase price of the property.
However, when the advice was treated on March 18th 2015, the Council of Ministers agreed to drop the price to Naf.1.20 per square meter. This means for the 357,910 square meters of land that Rainforest Adventures will obtain from government at the Emilio Wilson Estate they will only pay Naf.429.492.000.00 per year. This however, shows that government stands to lose much more than the Naf.1.6M.
In accessing the deal that was given to Rainforest Adventure for the purpose of development it is clear that a number of things transpired from 2003 when former Minister William Marlin made the purchase agreement. Former Minister Maurice Lake accused former Minister William Marlin for not following proper procedures and doing things illegally. The former Minister was caught lying on the floor of parliament when he made his statements. It must be clear that the purchase of Emilio Wilson Estate was approved by the CFT through a loan agreement.
It is understood that Domain Affairs wanted Rainforest Adventures to pay Naf.25 based on the value of the land but that had to be dropped to Naf.2.00 per square meter, but that was not good enough for the acting Minister of VROMI and the Council of Ministers that are preaching integrity and now wants to install an integrity chamber, this very council decided to further drop the lease price to Naf.1.20, this will now allow the investor to save Naf. 1.950.609,50 annually or one could say government will lose Naf. 117.036.570 for 60 years.
Breaking down the figures show show that NAf.6.65 is the legal amount that is to be charged based on the law, 8% of the purchase price per square meter. The acting Minister of VROMI Marcel Gumbs claimed that Rainforest Adventures will 'help' the Nature Foundation and Emilio Wilson Estate therefore it is acceptable for him to allow government to lose Naf 5,45 X 357.910 m2 = Naf 1.950.609,50
If one looks at the yearly loss alone they will conclude that had government placed that amount in is budget and then provide the two entities with reasonable subsidies they both would have been better off because so far everything is based on a promise made by Rainforest Adventures.
Another issue this entire affair has raised is the building permit that was granted to Rainforest Adventures because the building permit has not yet been adjusted. According to information SMN News obtained government intends to change the entire policy which would have to be discussed again since this was already done adopted. So far no one know exaclty what Rainforest Adventures would build inside the Emilio Wilson Estate, no plans was submitted thus far even though their building permit has to be fully adjusted. One must conclude that based on the agreement below, the acting Minister of VROMI will have to explain the people of St. Maarten how would government get a return on its investments for the purchase of Emilio Wilson Estate.

Click here to view the decision taken by the Council of Ministers on March 18th 2015 on the Longlease for Rainforest Adventures.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday April 9th a presentation of the "House Rules" for the Joint Emergency Dispatch Center was given at the Philipsburg Police Station by Chief Inspector Benjamin Gout Head of the Traffic and Police Support Department. The presentation was given to the team leaders and personnel of the Ambulance Department and police department who will be working in the Joint Emergency Dispatch Center. These rules and regulations were jointly put together to bring clarity in the working relation among colleagues from both emergency departments. In other words "The rules of the game" so that everyone involved can work together in a pleasant environment and professional manner.
To clearly formulate the guidelines all misunderstandings in the communication can be prevented and we can then move forward to make this emergency dispatch center exactly what it is intended to be, which is, to share information and offer support in a friendly and professional manner.
As of Saturday April 11th through Monday April 27th 2015 several works shops and presentations will be given to the team leaders and personnel. A so called "wet start" will be conducted on Friday April 16th allowing the personnel to work and get familiar with the equipment. As of Monday April 27th the entire system will go on line.
During this presentation the Ambulance Department was represented by Mr. Cyl Richardson and the Police Department by the Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Carl John.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
In connection with the upcoming Rio Productions Lighting Parade which will be held on Saturday April 11th from 08 p.m. to 02 a.m. the Police Department is informing the public that Front Street will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic on that date from 05 p.m. until the parade has cleared the area. Hotels, motels and businesses are advised to inform their clients about this traffic measure and that NO PARKING will be allowed in Front Street as of 05 p.m. Residents of Front Street should also take keen note of this information. Any vehicles parked in Front Street during this time will be towed at the owner's expense.

KPSM Police Report.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Once again, PJ Library and USM are teaming up to provide an entertaining puppet show for our little ones. This spectacular puppet show will take place on Tuesday, April 14th, at your library. The puppet show will start at 5:45 pm sharp and will feature the story of Rapunzel and some Anansi folk tales. The puppeteers will be USM students fulfilling course requirements in their curriculum, along with hosts Rita Carty and Leontine Joseph. Don't miss out on this wonderful puppet show which will be completely free of charge for children of all ages!

PHILIPSBURG:--- Chairlady of the petitions committee of Parliament MP Leona Marlin-Romeo opened a pandora box on Thursday when she asked the Members of Parliament to establish how they will handle petitions sent to Parliament. While the debate on how the committee will handle petitions, the three residents of Simson Bay were sitting in Parliament to be heard. Former Minister Maurice Lake who began the Simpson Bay saga wanted the committee to refer the residents to seek a meeting with the Acting Minister of VROMI. MP Tamara Leonard also supported her colleague's proposal but that was shot down by Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams who said that Parliament will postpone first agenda point for another time which was seconded by MP Christopher Emmanuel. MP Christopher Emmanuel informed the chair they were out of order because the people of St. Maarten elected the Members of Parliament to represent them and not Ministers.
Head of the committee, Yvette Halley said that the court did not grant the Simpson Bay residents especially her brother Marlon Halley justice when they rendered a verdict in favor of the Gioa's who paid off one of the heirs Naf.1M for a property even though he is not the sole heir to the property and does not live on St. Maarten.
Halley said that the property belongs to the Lejuez while her brother Marlon Halley occupied the land ever since he was a youngster. She said that her brother (Marlon Halley) submitted a requested to obtain the land in long-lease in 2011 and 2012. She said that they are asking Parliament to revoke the Ministerial Beschikking (MB- decree) because it has an error, secondly her brother (Marlon Halley) occupied the property for years besides that her brother invested $210,000.00 to fill in the property. Halley made clear that her brother will not move from the property, she said her brother business is severely hindered. She made clear that government created a mess and her objective is for them to revoke the MB and grant her brother the piece of land he filled in as well as access to the property. She said only in February 2015 her brother submitted a third request to the department of VROMI for the piece of land he filled in and again VROMI inspector visited Marlon Halley to get off the property. Yvette Halley said when government revoked the MB- decree they issued to Gioa they must return the property to the Lejuez family because there is proof that the land does not belong to government because her great grandparents purchased it. Yvette Halley presented Parliament with a document dating back to 1954 that even outline the exact location of the property.
MP Tamara Leonard who is not a member of the committee asked questions even though she felt she knew the answers to them , one being that they loss the court case, and if the family took the matter to the Ombudsman. Halley informed MP Leonard that she did follow every chain of law and the books, she said that the Ombudsman informed them that she could not handle the case because it was in court. She further informed MP Leonard that the Lejuez took government to court because the property belong to them and not government as indicated by MP Leonard. Furthermore, she informed the MP that the Lejuez did not lose the court case, the case was pulled back and the law firm that was used in the case represented both government and the developer.
MP Leonard asked Halley what kind of solution she is looking for because it's clear that they were wronged because the property belong to their family. Halley said when she spoke about compensation she is speaking about the land that her brother filled in with access to the property. She said that she wants MB be revoked and given back to its rightful owner the Lejuez while the excess piece of land that her brother is now occupying must be granted to her brother in long lease.
MP Maurice Lake who is also not a member of the committee in his address that he is very familiar with the case, because he tried to mediate and to find a solution to the problem, he also said that the Lejuez lost the court case. He asked why the Halley's did not attend the court case when it was being handled. He said he knows the family and his only objective is to find a solution to the problem. MP Lake said he met with the Halley's to find a solution however, Halley said that the family met with the former Minister and MP Maurice Lake in August 2014 prior the 2014 elections. She said that the Halley's especially her brother Marlon Halley were not informed of the case. Yvette Halley said at no time her family were informed of the court case but the developer who paid off one of the heirs and who also requested the land from government through long lease had all the information. Halley said government and the developer knew exactly what they were doing.
Halley said that the Lejuez did not lost the court case instead they withdrew the case because the law firm that represented the Gioa's also represented government. She asked MP Lake if there is justice on St. Maarten and further informed him that family is seeking is justice if its exists.
MP Christoper Emmanuel asked Halley which Minister granted the long least to EFB, he also asked if the land belong to government or if it belonged to the Lejuez because he needs to understand how someone can paid an heir and not the others and also requested that same parcel of land in long lease from government? MP Emmanuel said based on the information he is getting from Halley and the documents he saw shows him that something is 'smelling like a rat" he said that in his view something went wrong with the transaction he said he as an MP has to deal with the peoples' business then and to find a solution then he must have all the information.
In responding to the questions posed by MP Emmanuel, Yvette Halley said that the entire case smells fishy because the family Lejuez and Halley family have a number of questions themselves. She said the MB and all other documents was signed by former Minister of VROMI Maurice Lake. Halley said she wants to know how the Gioa's knew of the court case and the outcome of that court case. She said that the Gioa's even referred to the court case prior to them even having a meetbrief. She said that the same day the MB was signed it was picked up by the Gioa himself. Halley said that the family were not aware of the court case, neither the outcome until after the appeals time passed. Halley said that publication was made for one day in the newspapers and one day in the national gazette.
MP Silveria Jacobs who is also not a member of the petitions committee also lamented that something definitely smells fishy, she said that Parliament has every right to call government to Parliament so that they can answer questions as to what really transpired with the granting of the long lease to the Gioa's . She said what she sees in the documents presented to parliament borders on integrity within government. MP Jacobs said based on the documents presented to parliament it is clear to her that government knew what they were doing when they had Gioa submit a letter to the department of VROMI three months before he got the MB, moreso, Gioa asked for more water rights for a property that he did not yet received. She said in her view there was a major breach of integrity by the Minister who was in office at the time the MB was signed off and given to the Gioa's MP Jacobs informed the chairlady that if the committee do not take a decision to call government to parliament then the National Alliance will do just that.
MP William Marlin describe the entire situation as a 'sad story" against the Halley's. MP Marlin said when he was the Minister of VROMI he had to go court to represent Lee Halley whose property was given to a notary. MP Marlin said instead of government giving Lee Halley the property he was occupying and running a successful business in Simpson Bay, they gave it to a notary and then told Lee Halley to contact the notary and lease the property from him. MP Marlin said now again another family member of the Halley's were dealt with unjustly even though Marlon Halley was occupying the land for over 28 years. "A local man cannot get a slice of their property but developers could get what they want if the price is right. Let's fast forward to the debate on establishing an integrity chamber shows why an integrity chamber is indeed need on St. Maarten, because certain politicians calls all of this on themselves. I want to know when all of this is going to stop." MP Marlin said if mistakes were made or if it was done intentionally then government should rectify the problem and also compensate the family that suffered losses. MP Marlin insisted government should implement proper policies and ensure they are followed. Marlin made clear that something has to be done to rectify the problem, he said that if it means calling for a Parliamentary enquiry then that will be done to ensure that justice is granted to the small men and women that are being trampled upon. Marlin further stated that its time that government s start doing things right because in his opinion no integrity chamber could do it for the country and its people.
MP Sarah Wescot Williams in her presentation read out a number of questions she sent to Government via a letter on February 12th she said to this day government did not respond to her questions. MP Wescot Williams said that on March 12th she addressed the acting Minister of VROMI and asked to take note of the petition that was submitted to parliament and even posed more questions to the acting Minister. She said she even asked if government was willing to grant Marlon Halley his request to obtain the parcel of land he requested in long lease, and again she did not get a response from the acting Minister of VROMI. MP Wescot Williams said she want the committee to ask government if they never issued land to persons that lost court cases in long lease and if that is the case why they cannot do the same for Marlon Halley.
MP Silvio Matser also who is not a member of the committee made clear that his role in parliament is to represent the people. He said he is very puzzled because he cannot understand how can a "developer requested land from government and at the same time he purchase from one of the heirs. MP Matser also indicated that anytime someone does something with land VROMI inspectors would show up on the property and issue a stop order. He asked Marlon Halley when he was filling in the property to remove the dry dock if VROMI inspectors ever showed up to stop him or if the only time he saw VROMI inspectors was when they went to evicted him after issuing the long lease to a developer. Matser asked if the land was measured a second time as indicated by MP Lake then there should be a second meetbrief and if that is case then the best solution would be to grant that piece of land to Marlon Halley a known businessman in the Simpson Bay area. MP Johan Janchi Leonard a member of the committee proposed that the committee members and other MPs meet after the meeting in order to find a peaceful solution. He said that he will look for a peaceful solution that will benefit the Halley family.
MP Tamara Leonard felt that the one Lejuez family basically hustled the developer Gioa when he accepted a NAF.1M while there are documents showing that there are several heirs to the property. She felt that there is no need to go back to court to find a solution to the problem. MP Tamara Leonard said she believed that the suggested by MP Matser was ideal.
Yvette Halley in responding to the questions said she does not share the sentiments of MP Tamara Leonard who said that the developer was hustled because why would any developer pay someone NAF1M when he know he was going to obtain the land in long lease. "I believe both the developer and the former Minister knew exactly what they were doing when they handled this case."
Yvette Halley said that everyone in Simpson Bay are being hindered. She said they have not seen the development plan for the Simpson Bay area. She said that the Gioa's want to build a hotel and pier in a residential area which will not happen. She made clear that no one will go into their house and tell them how to furnish their house. She also clarified that there is no second meetbrief even though MP Lake said the land was measured twice, however she felt that one should be issued to her brother Marlon Halley. Halley said part of the area is considered dead-sea because of the amount of cement that is in it, however, she made clear that if that area has to be filled in then it must be filled in by someone from Simpson Bay and that Simpson Bay person should get it. She also questioned why Lexwell law firm was used by government in the court case because that law firm represents the developer and in her view that is a conflict of interest. She ended her statements by stating that since Gioa got the property in long lease he must pay her brother the monies he invested in filling in the property. Furthermore, she informed parliament that the family contacted the prosecutor's office to deal with the heir who was paid for the property. Not only Halley wants the land given back to the Lejuez family she is also asking that her brother be fully compensated financially.

Benjamin & Parker announces that due to unforeseen circumstances the Tax Event will take place now April 18+April 19, 2015. The members of the panel (www.ciara-sxm.com) have been overwhelmed by phone calls and emails regarding the Tax Express Clinic that promises to become an historic event in regards of community financial outreach.

The panel will assist the taxpayer by giving practical guidelines on how to address your tax matters efficiently and effectively. This event has been carefully prepared by selecting the right professionals for the event, the accessibility and the price for the consultation. The objective of this event is to guide the tax payer not on what he has to do, but how he has to do it, which is a new approach.
The necessary documentation for the assessment are:
Receivers office listing (Tax Debt)
Your protest letters and Inspectorate ruling
The panel will help you with the following taxes:
Income tax problems (Not filing of tax returns)
Business taxes
Tax Refunds appeals development(Online)

Next week the flyers will be shared at strategic places in St.Maarten in which the phone numbers of the panel are available. Please note for Tax Refunds you can email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a pre-assessment.

• Date: Friday, April 10th 7:00 p.m.
• Dealership features a 4 car showroom and innovative design focused on improved customer experience
• State-of-the-art 2,690 square-foot dealership

Cole Bay:---  Caribbean Auto, announces the grand opening of their Audi Center St. Maarten, a new state-of-the-art dealership and the first of its kind in the island. The grand opening will take place on Friday, April 10th at 7 p.m. at the Audi Center St. Maarten and is reserved for special invitees.
Located at 153 Union Road Cole Bay, St. Maarten next to Caribbean Auto, the 2,400 square foot facility has been designed and constructed to precise Audi corporate architectural standards. It is sleek, contemporary, efficient and thoroughly user-friendly. Most importantly, it reflects the Audi and Caribbean Auto commitment to an owner experience and best customer service.
Local Audi Brand Manager Tariq Amjad, "The opening of Audi Center St. Maarten indicates considerable progress toward our goal of becoming the island's top premium brand. This new dealership exemplifies the growing investment of Caribbean Auto and will lead by example by providing benchmark levels of customer and ownership experience. Today we not only sell a car but we offer a shopping experience, we deliver emotions to our customers, and these emotions are what drive us."
The showroom floor will accommodate 4 new cars, and feature dramatic, 20-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows. The Audi Center showroom provides a visual framework that highlights the brand's identity and features performance, luxury and environmental themes that the brand has become known for in its vehicles.
"AUDI AG's commitment to its customers around the world and now in St. Maarten is to provide the most progressive premium automobiles. The new Audi Centre in Cole Bay will provide customers in St. Maarten the latest Audi models with the most advanced technology from the German manufacturer, and deliver the excellent service that all Audi customers expect," said Martin Port sales manager for Audi Latin America and the Caribbean, "from this moment, St. Maarten Audi customers will enjoy exactly the same experience of care and service that our customers live in Frankfurt, London, Tokyo or any other international metropolis."
Dynamism, asymmetry and transparency are central to the design of the new dealership. It is a building of consistent shapes formed by simple lines that allow easily related to the urban environment. Outside the windows stand oblique lines that reflect the inner shape, coating aluminum present in all Audi Center of the world and called 'skin', has a set of folds and perforations that give a semitransparent character, while providing a high standard and completion technology that can recognize at a glance. This 'skin' was imported directly from Germany and was specially developed for Audi.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on April 10. The Minister of General Affairs Hon. Marcel Gumbs will be present for the House session.

The public Central Committee meeting is was adjourned on April 8 is now being reconvened for Friday at 9.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The three point agenda is: the draft National Ordinance for the establishment of a Integrity Chamber; second agenda point is approval of the travel schedule for the year 2015 in connection with Committee and Board of Directors meetings of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino); and the third agenda point is approval of the composition of the delegation and provisions for General Assembly of Parlatino from May 15-16.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURGG:--- For the second consecutive year, the Journey for Education Foundation will partner with Pineapple Pete and host the annual over the causewalk walkathon.
The walkathon takes place this Saturday April 11th from 5.00am starting at Le Grand Marche parking lot, via Link 1 Phase 2, over the Colebay Hill, down Union road, across the Causeway Bridge, back along the Simpsonbay road and ending at Pineapple Pete.
At the end of the walkathon, patrons will be treated to breakfast of saltfish and journey cakes and bus shuttle service will be provided to take participants back to Le Grand Marche.
President of JFE, Rolando Tobias extended appreciation to the various companies and individuals who purchased tickets and donated in support of the work being done by JFE. The Foundation is also very pleased to have Pineapple Pete on board as the main sponsor for the second year. He also applauded the great work being done by the members of the Foundation.
Journey for Education Foundation raises funds and provides supplementary scholarships to students pursuing tertiary education. The organization has been in existence close to 30 years and raises funds mainly with the annual walkathon and fundraising dinner.

Parliament voted on a motion for Government to establish the recommendations in Integrity Reports --- PM

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs made clear to Parliament on Wednesday that the draft ordinance to establish the integrity chamber on St. Maarten is not to please the Dutch Government. Prime Minister Gumbs reminded the members of parliament that the parliament of St. Maarten voted on a motion unanimously for the government to implement the recommendations made in the various integrity reports. Prime Minister Gumbs further explained that St. Maarten held several discussions with the Netherlands who wanted to force their way by imposing higher supervision on St. Maarten, he said that the government of St. Maarten fought against this measure. He said the Dutch sent a draft law to the council of state to impose article 51. The council of state he said now has to consult with St. Maarten, "despite that I want to make clear that the draft ordinance is not what the Dutch wants."
The debate on the draft ordinance started off with a heated debate with Member of Parliament Tamara Leonard who made clear that while she is not against the integrity chamber, she has several questions about the draft law that was presented to parliament for their approval.
MP Leonard wants to know if government wants parliament to just rubber stamp the draft ordinance or if the parliament of St. Maarten will have the opportunity to make suggestions for changes to be made to the draft ordinance. She said that she is fully in favor of integrity and supports the idea that an entity must be in place to overlook the workings of government to ensure things goes right. MP Leonard said that if the draft ordinance and the establishment of this integrity chamber will hamper the lives of St. Maarteners then she does have a problem with it. MP Leonard also questioned the cost this additional entity will cost St. Maarten.
MP Cornelius de Weever also attacked the issues St. Maarten is facing with the Dutch Government. He said that the current government are not able to govern the country because they are being plagued by the Dutch government. MP De Weever said that the Dutch should establish their own integrity chamber because they are plagued with corruption. He felt that the Dutch is trying to take the splinter out of St. Maarten's eye yet they are leaving the sheet of plywood in their own eyes. He made clear that St. Maarten should not be used as scapegoat to establish an integrity chamber while the Dutch do not have one in their country even though they have the hammer (article 51) which they constantly wants to use against St. Maarten. He said based on the draft ordinance the integrity chamber will be given carte blanche to initiate any investigation against whom they choose to investigate. He asked who will be controlling the "witch-hunt". Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever said in his opinion the role of the Ombudsman will be duplicated and the office of the Public Prosecutor's Office. He felt that this is a measure to "divide and conquer", he felt that the integrity chamber will not be in the interest of St. Maarten but against the country and its people, also he want to know who will pay for this new entity even though entities such as the Tourism Authority cannot get the much needed monies they need to function. "The integrity chamber is meant to create jobs for others and not St. Maarteners, and this will be the next CFT."
Member of Parliament Silvio Matser asked several questions on the draft ordinance, he said based on what he saw St. Maarten is creating a "gestapo" situation on the island where people will be snitching on each other. MP Master wants to know if there is any Integrity Chamber on any other of the Dutch islands and or countries and if there is he wants to know how those chambers function, Matser also wants to know why would there be three members and not a five member board where three will be appointed by St. Maarten and the others by the Netherlands. He asked what consequences this chamber would have on the lives on the people of St. Maarten. Matser further asked who wrote the articles in the draft ordinance, or was it duplicated from somewhere, he further asked if the articles of the draft ordinance was written by people on St. Maarten if they thought of the consequences it will have on their own lives. He also asked why the integrity chamber when established would have the right to go back to 2010 when conducting investigations.
MP Leona Marlin Romeo said that it's the right of every county to tackle corruption, code of ethics, as well as integrity. Marlin- Romeo, said that while she agrees with the concerns of her colleagues she do believe that St. Maarten needs such a chamber in place and therefore supports the Prime Minister.
Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams fired several questions to the Prime Minister in reference to the governing accord and asked that it be presented to parliament. MP Wescot Williams asked several questions on the draft ordinance which was fully modified after government received an advice from the council of advice. She also made clear that a document that is so important should have been made available in the English Language in order for every citizen on St. Maarten to read. MP Wescot Williams pointed out conflicts where its states that the integrity chamber has to submit its advices to the Council of Ministers who will have the task to execute them. She said that what if these advices has to do with Ministers or the entire Council of Ministers.
MP Christopher Emmanuel did not go light on the Prime Minister, Emmanuel made it clear to the Prime Minister that he does not believe him when he told parliament that the draft ordinance was not to please the Dutch. MP Emmanuel then went on to say that government is violating the country's constitution when they present a draft law in Dutch, he said he has to smile when his colleagues asked that the law be presented in the English Language.
MP Emmanuel hammered Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs who said in his inauguration ceremony that the government would be open, transparent and with integrity yet the same Prime Minister stopped the weekly press briefings. The press secretariat is no longer there MP Emmanuel said. Prime Minister Gumbs had the gall to walk into parliament saying it's an integrity issue. He said that if there is transparency and openness, government would have provided the information parliament requested, such as the $3M contract between the St. Maarten Harbor Group of Companies and Checkmate Security, the Rainforest Adventure long lease deal, the MOU signed with a foreign company and GEBE. MP Emmanuel said that it must be made clear that Dutch government has no problem with the people of St. Maarten but instead they have a huge problem with the current government. Emmanuel made clear he does not believe the Prime Minister when he said that the integrity ordinance is not about the Dutch, he asked for the governing program that is referred to in the draft ordinance.
He said the Prime Minister is talking about integrity yet he is not complying with the requests of parliament. Emmanuel quoted several media articles that were published on SMN News. He asked who really is the Minister of VROMI, is it MP Theodore Heyliger or is Acting Minister of VROMI Marcel Gumbs. "He asked the Prime Minister if he already signed off on the Long lease for Rainforest Adventure which was booked in at General Affairs under div number 3921. He asked how it is possible for the Prime Minister to be a Prime Minister of one country yet he lives in another country. It should be noted that Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs resides on the French side of island specifically in French Quarter.
MP Emmanuel calls on the Prime Minister to inform Parliament where he is living because all of that are issues of integrity. MP Emmanuel ordered the Prime Minister to go and fix the draft ordinance by naming the persons who will be targeted by the integrity chamber. He said that nobody will bind him in such a law. MP Emmanuel insisted that he wanted to know who drafted the law, where is the Prime Minister living and most of all he wants to know if the long lease for Rainforest Adventure was signed off. He mentioned the issues currently circulating at GEBE where the CFO has misused his credit card and even bought a vehicle for $45,000.00. All of this happened under the Prime Minister's watch since GEBE falls directly under him.
MP Silveria Jacobs also pointed several discrepancies, and gave examples as to what could happen if the draft law is passed the way it is. She said several persons could be affected for minor matters.
MP William Marlin shared the sentiments where he said that the integrity chamber is being forced on St. Maarten and the current government succumbed to the Dutch government. MP Marlin said St. Maarten had the Pourier report and the Bakkers report and nothing was done by St. Maarten and thus brought higher supervision to the island.
MP Marlin mentioned the issuance of several bus and taxi licenses and government land when government is changing. He said this happens with all governments. MP Marlin said he understand the statements made by his colleagues who said that this chamber will infringe on the lives of locals but also felt that something has to be done. That something he said is government has to make proper polices that must be followed. Marlin said St. Maarten has an Ombudsman who takes cares of complaints by the people. He said because of the higher supervision that was imposed on the island St. Maarten had to establish several policies to regulate the issuance of bus and taxi licenses, issuance of long lease land. He said government has to upgrade the policies and putting proper policies in place and that will eliminate the need for the integrity chamber. Even the bidding process he said has to be properly controlled as well as the government owned companies. MP Marlin said the integrity reports pointed out the integrity breaches that even borders on criminal procedures. He asked what government did to ensure that these breaches does not take place in the future.
Marlin said that what is amazing is that the draft ordinance states that there will be three members, two appointed by the Dutch and one by St. Maarten, yet the Prime Minister told Parliament that the draft ordinance to establish is one from St. Maarten and not from the Dutch even though they have two thirds majority and sole control over the secretariat. "We need to do it ourselves, we need to clean up our own mess we cannot invite the Dutch here and allow them to invade every community to witch-hunt. It would have been better if the Dutch forced themselves on us and when they do that St. Maarten and its people could 'stone/ or throw rocks' at them when it is needed. We have to stop the practice where Ministers are using government owned companies as their personal piggy banks to finance their personal pet projects." Marlin said when the Prime Minister reported to parliament some weeks ago he was asked about the MOU that GEBE signed for the waste management plant and instead of providing parliament with the information the Prime Minister told Parliament that he could not share that information with Parliament.
MP Theodore Heyliger was very brief, he asked what the consequences are if persons' names are tainted by this chamber, he also asked if the Parliament of St. Maarten does not pass the draft law what would be the consequences to St. Maarten.
Responding to questions posed in the first round, Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson said after listening to the Members of Parliament left him somewhat confused. He said when you listen from the outside you hear Members of Parliament accusing each other of integrity breaches. Minister Richardson said that the Members of Parliament forget that the integrity chamber came from an advice from a committee that was established by St. Maarten. Furthermore, the Parliament of St. Maarten should decide if they want to continue with the establishing of an integrity chamber, and while thinking about that Minister Richardson said Parliament should know the consequences of their decisions. One which is that the Kingdom will use its force and impose an integrity chamber on St. Maarten with only Dutch civil servants. The Minister of Justice went on to inform Parliament of the consequences of their decisions and they should be prepared to take the responsibility of their decisions when voting. He said that some of the concerns shared by the Members of Parliament are indeed serious and warrants concerns. Minister Richardson said when he listened to the Members of Parliament the first thing that came to his mind is to quote a scripture from the Bible that says "he who is without sin should cast the first stone." Minister Richardson further explained to Parliament some of the problems government encountered while negotiating with the Dutch government. He said the draft ordinance had a committee in place to overlook the 'witch hunting" but the Dutch wanted that out but they agreed to have to accept two other suggestions St. Maarten made. He said so far there is still one issue that he personally has with the Dutch is the protection of people who might be subjected to an integrity investigation but the Dutch will not budge.
The Minister of Justice then went into explaining to Parliament some of the problems his Ministry is facing and how difficult it is for him to function.
Minister Richardson suggested to Parliament to take a decision as to what they will do prior to them answering the questions. With that MP Cornelius de Weever asked for the proposals from the Dutch so that they can compare, while MP Tamara Leonard responded by saying that they should continue if they are able to work together to work on the draft law. While MP Heyliger made the same suggestions however, he said that this discussion should take place across the board and involves everyone in Parliament. MP Sarah Wescot Williams in her response said that in no way she contributed to the feeling that Parliament should not continue with the debate on the draft law. She said that she asked pertinent questions and she expects the answers and documents. Furthermore, she said he believe that Parliament should continue with the discussion on the draft law on the establishing the integrity chamber. MP George Pantoplet and MP Silveria Jacobs said that they do not know where the Minister got the impression that they do not want to continue. They said the draft law raises concern to everyone, and therefore they are doing their jobs by asking questions on the law, both National Alliance MPs said that want the discussion to continue.
MP Christopher Emmanuel said he asked questions and he wants the answers to the questions he posed because when Ministers escape from the house of parliament the answers never gets to them. With the decision taken by several Members of Parliament government have decided that they will prepare the answers in writing and present it to Parliament on Friday morning when the meeting reconvenes.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Claret Connor along with members of his Cabinet and representatives from the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, were informed recently about the Sint Maarten National Consultation on Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Minister received a presentation from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Secretary General for Sint Maarten Marcellia Henry.

The Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO vision is to contribute to the building of peace, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.
The Commission has undertaken to catalog St. Maarten's Intangible Cultural Heritage. Tangible cultural heritage comprises of built environment, natural environment and artifacts. Intangible cultural heritage pertains to oral traditions and expressions; performing arts; festive events; knowledge and practices; and traditional craftsmanship.

The Minister and those invited were appraised about the information that has been collected so far from the National Consultation on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) that was held in July, 2014, and the many meetings that have been held with seniors and various groups in the community that practice and safeguard aspects of the country's cultural heritage.

"I was very pleased with the presentation. It was very informative and I am looking forward to the end result/product once the commission has completed its cataloguing process," Minister Connor stated on Wednesday.

It is the intention of the UNESCO Office to continue meeting with other groups / stakeholders in the community from January throughout May, 2015 and to create and disseminate a survey to assist with the inventorying process, which will be distributed digitally and manually.

After this first inventorying phase, another National ICH Consultation will be held in September 2015 to review the data gathered and to update the draft St. Maarten's Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory List.

Sint Maarten has been an associate member of UNESCO since October 2011.

POINT BLANCHE:--  Port St. Maarten – Port St. Maarten would like to inform its clients and customers that due to a general staff meeting on Thursday, 9 April, the clearance office windows at the port in Point Blanche and at Simpson Bay Police Sub-Station will be temporarily closed.
The windows will be closed from 9.30am to 1.00pm.
Port St. Maarten regrets any inconvenience that this may cause. The objective of the meeting is to further enhance and improve services to clientele.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In connection with the upcoming cycling race which is organized by Soualiga Riders and scheduled to take place on Sunday April 12th the police department is announcing the following:
The race will start at 01 p.m. on the Welfare road in the vicinity of Willy's Restaurant and Mini Mart and head towards the Kruythoff round about and turning right on to A.J.C. Brouwers road, round about on the top of the hill, A.J.C. Brouwers road, Church hill round about, Bush road, Zagergut road, The Cottage round about, A. Th. Illidge road, Arch road, Suckergarden road, Freedom Fighter round about, Walter Nisbet road, Saltpickers round about, Walter Nisbet road,A.Th. Illidge road and then making ten laps around the Great Salt Pond and finishing at Air Lekkerbek on the Walter Nisbet road. Approximately 50 riders will be taking place in this race.
Directly after this "senior" race a race for the "juniors" will take place. This race will be held on the Walter Nisbet road between Air Lekkerbek and Plaza China Supermarket.The entire event will end at approximately 03.00 p.m.
At the intersections along the route of the races there will a police officer or a volunteer who will be assisting in giving direction to other traffic. These volunteers will all be wearing a safety vest. All alleys and street leading to the Walter Nisbet road will be closed during these races.
The police department and race organizers are asking the general public to take note of this event and to give all cooperation necessary to make this event a safe and successful one.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The St. Maarten Table Tennis Federation (STTF) is extending an invitation to the general public to come out on Saturday, 11 April to the World Table Tennis FORALL Day event.

The activity will be held at the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

It will be a fun day for all abilities and ages including teaching basic skills, fun competitions, professional exhibitions and a chance to play against a table tennis robot.

Make it a family day out.

Carnival 2015 has arrived. There are many youngster and teenagers who will definitely be taking part in the upcoming carnival festivities. The Carnival season is a period in which a lot of alcohol is consumed and the Police Force of St. Maarten is making appeal to the parents of these youngsters and teenagers with the following:

• Take time out, before your son or daughter takes part in the celebration and talk to them about the use and abuse of alcohol; it just may save a life.
•  A teenager's brain is developing until the early twenties and is very sensitive to alcohol's affects on judgment and decision-making.
•  If youngster and teenagers drink, they may temporarily feel elated and happy, but they should not be fooled. The next day isn't elated and happy at all.
•  Their inhibition and memory soon become affected, so they may say and do things that they will regret and possibly not remember doing it at all.
• Their decision making skills will be affected and may become restless and aggressive.
•  They may be more at risk getting into fights, destruction or making unwise decisions about sex.
• They have no physical control and suffer loss of balance, slurred speech and blurred vision. Their normal activities can become truly dangerous.
•  Don't drink and drive, it's dangerous for yourself and others.

Excessive drinking can mean trips to the emergency room (because of injuries you might suffer as a cause of alcohol abuse), arrests (because of aggressive behavior) and sexual attacks (because of the state of mind you're in). These youngsters and teenagers can put themselves in real danger.
Parents talking to their children about the use and abuse of alcohol could prevent serious problems. Tell them to play it safe and party right during the Carnival Season.

Our advice to youngsters and teenagers: it's better not to drink alcohol at all, because you might damage your brain permanently. For more information you can check www.drinksmarter.org or www.ehow.com/teen-substance-abuse
The Police Force of Sint Maarten. (K.P.S.M.)

Value of Coral Increase Since Establishment of the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation has over the last months been conducting an Economic Valuation Study on St. Maarten's coral reef ecosystems, the report of which has recently been made available. The report highlights the economic contribution of healthy coral to the economy of Sint Maarten, which was found to be USD$66,606,042. This study is an update of the 2010 study which found that coral reefs contribute $57,742,997 to the economy, and reflects the increase in coral reef associated values since the establishment of the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area.

Based on the research conducted by the Nature Foundation, with the assistance of the United Nation's Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Resources Institute (WRI), St. Maarten's Coral Reefs are estimated to be worth a total of USD$66,606,042 in contributions to the economy of St. Maarten. The results of this study shows that Coral Reefs are one of the island's most valuable resources and provide livelihoods through coral reef associated tourism as well as protection from large, damaging waves caused by hurricanes.

In order to complete the study various questionnaires were distributed which dealt specifically with fisheries, hotel accommodations, and reef oriented recreation. Data was also provided through independent research and stakeholder analysis. Coral reefs have direct and indirect influences on a wide range of economic factors, and the generation of data was crucial to the successful completion of this study. Data was inputted into a computer program created by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Resource Institute (WRI) and which was adjusted by the St. Maarten Nature Foundation to reflect St. Maarten's unique ecological and economic situation.

The marine environment of St Maarten includes more than 16km2 of globally threatened coral reef as well as seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. St Maarten's marine environment is a home and migratory stop over or breeding site for various endangered species and the beaches and waters attract approximately 2 million visitors a year, creating employment for 85% of the islands population both directly and indirectly. Tourism and the marine industry contribute significantly to the economy and both sectors depend on the health of St Maarten's marine resources.

The establishment of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park through the combination of economic and scientific research has been highlighted as one of the few examples of success in the Caribbean Region, according to a report from the World Resources Institute (WRI).

PHILIPSBURG: --- The Supervisory Board of GEBE has decided to conduct an investigation on the usage of credit cards given to their management team. The decision was taken after the supervisory board discovered that the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Rene Gardener allegedly abused the use of his credit card when he purchased at least five airline tickets for his personal use.
A source within GEBE supervisory board states that just recently Gardener allegedly purchased an airline ticket to travel to the Netherlands just prior to the Easter Holidays, the source said that the trip to the Netherlands had nothing to do with Gardener's job at GEBE. SMN News further understands that Gardener also purchased at least three tickets to travel to the United States. SMN News further understands that Gardener did not get to use the tickets because the board found out prior to Gardener's trip, however, GEBE still lost the monies that were used to purchase the airline tickets.
This is not the first time the CFO got himself into trouble with alleged abuse of his power and GEBE's finances, the last time being when he ordered a brand new vehicle from a dealer for $45,000.00. GEBE's policy states that members of the management team could purchase a vehicle for a maximum of $30,000.00. However, Gardener it is alleged paid off the dealer the first $30,000.00 and made an arrangement with the dealership to pay the other $15,000.00 within a six month period from GEBE accounts. The purchase of the vehicle caused a fracas with GEBE management when the supervisory board made the discovery. Gardener was ordered to pay back the $15,000.00 or face court actions.
Efforts made to reach the chairman of the supervisory board of GEBE proved futile on Wednesday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco N.V. presented a check to the Rotaract District 7020 Conference 2015 steering committee to assist with the expenses for this conference. The steering committee would like to thank CLT for their continued support towards the Rotaract organization. The Rotaract District 7020 Conference will be held from May 27th-31st 2015 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino. The steering committee is encouraging other organizations, companies or individuals to contribute to this event.

WiILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- According to Olivier Arrindell, Chairman of AVA Airways, the Airbus' latest Global Market Forecast (GMF) states that Latin American and Caribbean airlines will require 2,294 new passenger and freighter aircraft between 2014 and 2033, including 1,784 single-aisle, 481 twin-aisle and 29 very large aircraft (VLA) worth an estimated US$292 billion. AVA Airways to be part of this forecast and shall remain focus on the path of developing Curacao as its regional hub, still has not receive its Economic permit after 16 months. AVA Airways Chairman Olivier Arrindell states according to the Airbus GMF by 2033 some 31,358 new passenger and freighter aircraft valued at nearly US$4.6 trillion will be required to satisfy future robust market demand in our area.

Latin America and the Caribbean has become one of the most urbanized regions in the world. The region's GDP is currently growing at 3.9 percent per year, a growth rate above the world average of 3.2 percent per year. In the next 10 years, the economy in Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to outperform the world average, while the middle class population is forecast to grow more than 40 percent by 2033, from 278 million to 398 million people. Where Curacao does fits into this?

A strong economy and growing middle class has set the stage for the region's traffic to grow at an average of 4.9 percent annually in the next 20 years, outperforming the world average of 4.7 percent. As a result, traffic flows within Brazil, within the Caribbean, between the United States and South America and between Western Europe and South America will grow to be among the top 20 in the world by 2033. The Curacao Government at this moment has no Aviation policy to or Economic plan to take advantage of these opportunities. Curacao Hato International Airport is position in his view as a perfect transshipment to move people south and east.

Moreover, while nearly all of the 20 largest cities in North America and Europe connect passengers with at least one flight per day, only 40 percent of Latin America's top 20 cities do so. Today, North Americans and Europeans are the most willing to fly, taking 1.6 and 1.0 trips per capita, respectively, but in the next 20 years, Latin America and Caribbean travelers will travel twice as much to reach the levels in Europe today.

As a result, intra-regional and domestic traffic within Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to triple by 2033, growing at an impressive rate of 5.6 percent and becoming the biggest market for Latin American carriers. AVA Airways Chairman believe that Curacao Future economy depends on these numbers and the Government needs to focus on developing the Aviation Sector to stabilized the economy and move it from 1% growth a year to 3%

Precisely the region's impressive traffic growth is fueling the expansion and success of the region's low cost carriers (LCC). While most LCC traffic is currently concentrated in Brazil and Mexico, existing and future intra-regional and domestic traffic demand is already driving further LCC growth in Colombia and other markets throughout the region. If Curacao want to survive the next 10 years of economic growth it needs to changes its policy towards Aviation on a general on the island. The Airbus GMF also shows that Latin American airlines continue to invest in new aircraft to maintain one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in the world. With a current average aircraft age of 9.5 years, aircraft operating in Latin America are 40 percent younger today than they were in 2000. On the other hand, the average aircraft age in the Caribbean and Curacao remains at 20 years - - more than five years older than the Latin America and world average

Curacao Chronicle

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library will be re-opening the Digikidz Medialab this week. The Media lab was launched in 2014 and since then has hosted courses on a variety of topics in the area of multimedia.
Children and adults alike can come to the Medialab to learn about how to use computers and harness their creativity. The courses that will be taught in the upcoming months are a basic course on the workings of the computer, a course for beginners on Facebook, programming basics, and many more.
The Medialab sessions are open to people of all ages and will be held twice a month on Friday afternoons in the library from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The courses are free for children and teachers. Persons age 18 and over pay a contribution of $ 5 at the start of the workshop. For more information about the courses and to enroll in any of the classes, visit the medialab website on www.medialabsintmaarten.com or call the library at 542 2970.
The Medialab project is an initiative from Foundation Kultuurkameleon and is a part of the larger Digikidz project of the Foresee Foundation. Digikidz was made possible through funding from the Windsong Foundation and the Kultura fund.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The 14th St. Maarten Annual Regional Trade Show (SMART)/St. Martin is slated for May 13-15, 2015 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino where the region comes together once again to support, interact and promote tourism to the Eastern Caribbean, has opened their online Registration. Attendees are now able to register online via the SHTA website www.shta.com/smart.
Attendees at last year's event concurred that it was the best SMART so far and organizers are set on surpassing everyone's expectations with the upcoming event.
St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association and L'Association des Hoteliers de St. Martin in conjunction with L'Office du Tourisme de St. Martin, and the and the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau are expecting numerous Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Travel Writers, and Event Planners from the US, Canada, Europe, and Latin America to return to the island for this important event. The tradeshow provides a unique opportunity for local and regional hoteliers and activities providers to present their tourism product, network and negotiate prospective business opportunities.
After years of success and progress, in addition to St. Maarten/St. Martin, other islands attending this event now include Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Saba, United States, and Puerto Rico thus far. It has become a very significant event for the entire region in recent years, one that should not be missed.
SMART 2015 kicks off on Wednesday May 13 when delegates have the opportunity to meet and mingle with their peers at the Welcome Reception hosted at the newly built Ocean Point at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, before a full day of business where participants have set up appointments with travel partners and wholesalers as well as hotel and excursion operations for one-on-one discussions on potential business ventures. In addition to the pre-organized appointments, throughout the trade show, participants may also set up additional appointments.

Registration forms and details will be available on the SHTA website www.shta.com or by contacting the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 542-0108, Monday to Friday.

PHILIPSBURG:---  United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Maurice Lake addressed on Tuesday in the House of Parliament social media rumours that he was involved in a plot to throw down government and send home the Cabinet of Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs.

"It's good to be back in the House of the People. There were a lot of rumours that was going around about my person while I was off island on a family matter. I heard that some close source (unknown to me) had stated that Maurice Lake had thrown down the Government, resigned from the UP Party; that he is poisoned by greed and money; doesn't have patience; don't understand the budget situation; and the latest now is that he wants to become again Minister of VROMI which is all nonsense to me.

I heard it was the buzz word for the social media readers with all kinds of hearsay and close sources here and there, but of course with no facts. The only close source to me is God and my family.

"Imagine social media becomes the news of the day. Incredible! Social Media becomes facts; a bunch of nonsense for those who use Social Media as a source for factual information. This is becoming a scary trend here in St. Maarten where we listen to others "here say" than getting the real facts.

"This is my first public meeting since back on the island, and I want to set the record straight that, Maurice Lake has not met with anyone or had discussions of this nature related to all the rumours, because they are very far from the facts. This is not within my character. I am very disappointed with my own who should know me better and would only would voice my opinion and is not afraid to address the people frustrations within the community. I will discuss this issue in an internal meeting with Government.

"The people didn't elect me to break Governments but to work to bring stability and make change to empower our people to become or continue to be leaders within their own Country. I am here for the people of Sint Maarten and about getting things done for our people.

"As I always stated in the House of the people, we need to raise the bar in Parliament. Some political leaders need to show political maturity for the next three and a half years to move this Country forward.

"Some of our leaders like to throw rocks and then hide their hands in which the people are getting tired of these political games. We got to be very responsible what we are saying. We are doing a lot of speculations and confusing the general public.

"People are watching and as elected officials we got to be more responsible in the people's house. The people just want to know they can have a stable government that is looking out for them. Some of our leaders cannot relate to some of our Sint Maarten people going hungry on a daily basis. We need to move forward and deal with the people's issues.

"The local business people just want to know that their investments are safe and we are serious about building our nation; about governing this country; and about making decisions that will develop the economy to create jobs and grow as a people," UP MP Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Permanent Committee of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication of the House will meet in session on April 9.

The Permanent Committee meeting is set for Thursday at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is the moratorium policy on taxi, bus and tour licences and the recommendation from the PricewaterhouseCoppers report on the policy.

Minister of Transportation Hon. Claret Connor is scheduled to be present for the committee House session.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Parliament's Committee of Petitions will meet in a House session on April 9.

The permanent Committee meeting is set for Thursday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is the committee's work method; the second agenda point is a letter from residents of Simpson Bay Village containing a petition to investigate the developments surrounding the land next to the former BBW in Simpson Bay; to halt actions of government in this areas concerned and grant additional parcel of land to Mr. M.K. Halley.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) informs the general public that on April 9th 2015 it shall be closed to the general public from 12 noon. This partial closure is due to a scheduled staff training. COCI shall on that date be opened from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to serve the public.
This staff training is undertaken as part of the Chamber's overall objective to enhance services to the general public. The cooperation of the public is appreciated.

PHILIPSBURG:--– Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), Project Manager, Raymond Chittick supervised the installation of the first two floodgates yesterday by Windward Roads and HCW, which is the firm that designed and developed the floodgates in the Netherlands.
The grills were also installed, which will operate as a preventative mechanism for large debris and other materials from streaming through the gates. The remaining gates will be installed during the course of the week and completed by Friday.
Floodgates
The complete structure of the floodgate project exists out of 4 gates, each measuring 2.5 meters in width, totaling a structure of approximately 10 meters wide and approximately 4 meters high. Each gate is capable of lifting 1.5 meters high, which will allow a total of 15 square meters of water passage (10 square meters more than previously), in accordance to IHE UNESCO standards. The existing gates were demolished on December 9, 2014.
The gates are fully mechanically controlled and will be tied into the electrical grid of GEBE and backed up by the generator of the sewage plant, Which is brand new and fully capable of carrying the gates and the sewage plants very easily. The gates are also capable of being manually controlled in worst case scenario.
Water Management
The floodgates will allow some easement in water management from the fresh pond to the salt pond in cases of torrential rain. The ponds are natural basins for water which stream down from the Cul De Sac basin and surrounding hills. Water flows from the fresh pond into the Great Salt Pond, and in the instance of flooding, is pumped out through the Rolandus Kanaal and out to the sea through the passage in the area of Vineyard vicinity.
The floodgates can also allow movement from the Great Salt Pond to the fresh pond under the circumstances of massive flooding as experienced during Hurricane Gonzalo. In such circumstance water would flow reversely and out through the Great Bay Passage until average levels of discharge are reached to the sea and the pond. This will cause waters to settle and not move anymore

IHE UNESCO
The project of floodgate expansion was derived out of the report of IHE UNESCO (International Institute for Hydraulic Environmental Engineering) that was created a few years back as an indication to the Government of St. Maarten for proper water Management that should be initiated at different stages of torrential rain and/or calamities.
Water Management Component 1
The floodgate expansion is one of three components that carries the complete water management proposal of the greater Philipsburg and Cul de Sac basin. The first components were the storm water pumping facilities. Three new pumps were placed in the Great Salt Pond in the span of three years.
The pumps carry a capacity of approximately worst case scenario 87,000 gallons per minute, and at highest capacity, which would be at a maximum of two hours of pumping at high speed, they can carry approximately 140 thousand gallons of water per minute. Each pump carries an amount of water capacity over a sustained period of 1 hour or more.
Water Management Component 2
The second phase of the water management proposal was the expansion of the floodgates, which is the current project under execution. The expansion in accordance to IHE UNESCO will now create a 10 square meters of water passage, which is in accordance to the standards the requirements for a 100 year storm. (storms of particular severity averaged at 100 year turn around according to recorded historic data).
All of the water that travels down in the Zagersgut channel behind the ball field under the Zagursgut bridge will be directly directed to the floodgate. The project is constructed in such a way that the water speed will not exceed the danger limits of more than 3 meters per second. The accumulated water from the hills through that channel is controlled by this new system not to surpass the danger limit.
Water Management Component 3
The third phase is the extension of the Zagersgut trench all the way under the Zagersgut Bridge behind the bird lookout. The trench will make a 90 degree turn towards the floodgate. This phase will be tendered within short, and proposed for construction during 2015, budget permitting.

The completion of all three phases, will present a fully functioning water management system in compliance of IHE UNESCO criteria for the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond.
Supportive information
Commencement of the floodgate expansion project began in November 2014, which consisted of two stages, allocation of all utilities and commencement of work. The total estimated time frame of execution was set at approximately 3.5 months and was extended with about 2 months to include the extension of the discharge trench with some 40 meters. Now that the floodgates have arrived and are being installed, the balance of the project is predicted to be completed by end of April, which still falls within the proposed timeframe.
The project area has not raised any environmental concerns or served any environmental hazards. The project has tag price of approximately 2.1 million guilders including the extension.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, April 6th at approximately 02.00 p.m., a police patrol saw a white Suzuki vehicle with license plate P-3977 parked suspiciously in front of a home on the in the area of Fort Willem. The officers saw two persons sitting in the car but could not identify them because the windows of the vehicle were tinted very dark. The officers approached the vehicle and asked both occupants to identify themselves and also to handover the documents for the vehicle but could not comply. As the investigation continued the officers noticed that the door jamb for the passenger side door had been forced and the housing of the steering wheel was destroyed, raising the suspicion of the officers that the vehicle in question might be stolen. Both suspects were immediately arrested on the spot and when the officers searched the suspects a total of 51 small plastic bags, each containing an amount of marihuana, were found on the passenger. The vehicle and marihuana were confiscated. The suspects were taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where they remain in custody pending further investigation.

Oranjestad Aruba:--On April 6, 2015, volunteers from the crew of the USS Kauffman (FFG 59) volunteered with the Foundation for the Elderly and Nursing Home Care on Aruba (Stichting Algemene Bejaardenzorg Aruba or S.A.B.A.) to revitalize two buildings that are home to many of the senior citizens living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia in Aruba. The volunteers spent the morning painting the nursing home in Oranjestad and supporting the remodeling of the nursing home in Maris Stella. The volunteers enjoyed meeting with local Arubans and lending a helping hand to the community that has warmly welcomed the ship and its crew to Aruba.
The United States Navy guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman has been in port in Aruba since April 3, 2015 and will depart on April 7, 2015. The USS Kauffman departed Naval Station Norfolk in January for the ship's final deployment and operates in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. During the USS Kauffman's final deployment, the crew will support the United States Southern Command and the Joint Interagency Task Force South's Operation Martillo. The operation's goal is to suppress the illegal drug trade in the Caribbean, Central America and South America by conducting drug trafficking interdiction operations. The USS Kauffman is named after Vice Admiral James L. Kauffman (1887–1963) and his son, Rear Admiral Draper L. Kauffman (1911–1979), both experts in sub-surface naval missions.
She is scheduled to be decommissioned on September 21, 2015, the last Oliver Hazard Perry-class ship in American service to be deactivated, ending the type of vessel's 40-year history in the United States Navy.
S.A.B.A. was founded in 1972 as a retirement home and grew over the years as a nursing care facility. The foundation current manages three homes: a nursing home Oranjestad in the San Pedro and St. Michael pavilions, a nursing home Maris Stella at Savaneta, and a nursing home in San Nicolas. S.A.B.A. is Aruba's largest provider of care for the elderly and provides care to 255 residents.

Several Financial Statements still not available Corporate Governance Council Rejects candidates proposed by government.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs informed Parliament on Tuesday that the government of St. Maarten is currently working on taking the supervisory board of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) to court in order to obtain two audit reports. Prime Minister Gumbs said that based on the information he received he understands that two investigations were conducted; one by BDO and one by KPMG, therefore he requested the audit reports that were submitted both by BDO and KMPG but SMHDF refused to turn over the information (audit reports) to government.
Prime Minister Gumbs said he made several requests to the supervisory board to turn over copies of the report in order for him to comply with Parliament request while government also need the reports.
The Prime Minister said only on Thursday the SMHDF informed him that they have decided not to turn over the information he is asking for. Prime Minister Gumbs further informed Parliament that so far government only got the 2012 financial statements from SMHDF. He said so far the financial reports for 2011, 2013 and 2014 is not ready therefore government could not obtain them.
Prime Minister Gumbs confirmed to Parliament that three members of the management team were suspended in December 2014 and on February 4th 2015 the Director Henry Lynch's contract was terminated with immediate effect. He said the other two workers were suspended indefinitely with pay.
Prime Minister Gumbs made clear that the actions taken by the then two-member board were legal and binding since provisions are made for that in the articles of incorporation of SMHDF. Gumbs pointed out two articles which allowed the two member board to take the actions they took in December 2014.
He also confirmed that the former Minister of VROMI Maurice Lake did contact SOAB by email when he learnt that the supervisory board commissioned SOAB to conduct a forensic investigation. He said that while the supervisory board has the right to commission such investigation the Minister did advise SOAB not to conduct the investigation because the decision was not taken by a full board consisting of five to seven members.
Prime Minister Gumbs said that the former Minister was in his right to offer an advice to SOAB which is what he did when he contacted SOAB by email.
Prime Minister Gumbs further explained that government has the right to appoint three of the five members of the supervisory board and since he took office the government of St. Maarten selected three candidates and sent their names to the Corporate Governance Council for vetting and all three of them were rejected. "The Corporate Governance Council sent back the names to government requesting more information." Prime Minister Gumbs further explained to Parliament that since there is a time frame for government to make the appointment and they did not make it the supervisory board of SMHDF then appointed three members to the board, they are Antonio Brown, Jason Peterson and Elmrio Jensen.
Member of Parliament William Marlin said when he was contacted and asked to agree to postpone the meeting he disagreed because if the Minister did his utmost to obtain the information and did not get it then he should inform parliament what government intend to do. Marlin said based on the information parliament was given on Tuesday it is clear that several issues were cleared up even though are some issues are still  pending.
Marlin said he is happy to learn from the  Prime Minister that the two member board acted legally when they took the decisions late last year, he said that this was necessary because the former Minister of VROMI made conflicting statements while in office. Marlin said it is now clear that the board was legal and they acted within their authority, and the measures taken by the former Minister does not hold any ground. Marlin said that he hope that the Minister will continue with the court case to obtain the information they requested because he wants to make clear that parliament does not want to sit on the seats of the SMHDF board but government invest millions in SMHDF and government has a right to know what is happening with its monies.
MP Christopher Emmanuel also expressed frustration with the current situation where government cannot obtain information from a foundation. He said it appears as though these foundations are runaway train. He said that he wants to know who is really responsible for housing in St. Maarten and at this point he wants to know if the Prime Minister does not think something is really wrong with the system. He also asked the Minister to provide the resignation letters that Keith Franca and  Leo Chance submitted to SMHDF when they vacated their posts. He said based on media reports the former director is accused of things and he is of the opinion that someone on the board has to know. Emmanuel said that the former Minister Maurice Lake was also on the supervisory board of SMHDF  and he also seems to know what was happening thus he stopped the forensic investigation. Emmanuel said he wants to know if the Minister does not think that the current board should be dissolved since they are not working with government. Prime Minister Gumbs when responding to the questions said that government simply cannot force any foundation to comply because of the agreement government made with these foundations years ago.
Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams read out the statements made by the former Minister of VROMI when he stopped the forensic investigation. She said she believes that SOAB should also answer to government because they too made statements saying they were about to start the forensic investigation when they were stopped. MP Wescot Williams also asked the Minister if anyone from government met with the management of SMHDF to further discuss the matter at hand.
MP Leona Marlin Romeo in her statements said that she wants to know what the Minister could do to avoid the media from publishing certain documents. Marlin-Romeo said that based on the information that were published have tarnished the lives of at least three persons and that cannot be repaired. She asked the Minister to question the current management how a certain person who operates as a media outlet got into the manager's office and obtained the information. In her opening remarks MP Romeo Marlin said that she wished that she had the jobs the suspended workers have because they are not working and having a full salary. In the second round MP Romeo Marlin said she wanted to retract her statements because she knows how the media could twist things, especially the statements she made on the floor of parliament. Marlin Romeo said that she is waiting for the day to come when this case could be heard in court and all media houses would attend the court sessions and then bring out the facts regarding SMDHF. Prime Minister Gumbs in response to MP Marlin Romeo said that St. Maarten is not the only place where information is leaked. He said St. Maarten is now catching up with what is happening around the world. Furthermore, the Prime Minister said that he believes that the Government Building is bugged and he is even afaid to even speak to himself. " Sometimes I make statements and before I know it its on Facebook and other social media. What is happening right now is like people have crab mentality because they are pulling down each other everyday."

MP Maurice Lake used his time to say he does not have sources and when he has problems he discussed them internally, he further stated that he distributed the email correspondence he had with SOAB in December 2014. MP Lake said that people should not "lie" in the house of parliament but somehow he forgot to mention the lesson he learnt for lying to parliament while being a Minister and he was faced with a motion of non-confidence.

MP Sarah Wescot WIlliams at the end of the meeting as the chair of parliament to withdraw the document MP Maurice Lake had booked in and even distributed to Members of Parliament. However, no other Member of Parliament supported MP Wescot Williams request to withdraw the document that Parliament booked in twice.

PHILIPSBURG:--- "I feel inspired today to encourage all of our Group 8 students (formerly Grade 6 students) who have prepared themselves for their Exit Exams of elementary school. Most of us have experienced being a 6th grader at this crucial time; we also know that preparation for these exams is quite a challenge. As we look back at how rewarding the many tests, quizzes, term papers, late nights of studying, encouragement from parents, teachers, principals and the fatigue of it all, we can say "Thank God for seeing us through those exams!

Through prayers and studying, God helped us back then, and he will do the same for all of our Group 8 students now.

You all have studied hard, so all you need to remember, is to pray before every exam and ask God to guide you through your exams, especially during the times when you feel uncertain. His compassion will enlighten you when you feel like you cannot find the answer.

Quitting or staying home is not a choice at this point. You must not give up, regardless of how tough it feels. I am most certain that your parents, guardians and teachers have explained the word "FAITH" to you before: Faith is believing strongly, that what you pray for will come through.
Your parents, guardians, teachers and all of St. Maarten know it's not easy. Never mind the pressure and the stress you may feel at this point, that is normal and almost everyone had that experience before.

This is only the beginning of a life time journey in academics. A journey towards your personal professional, patriotic success and wellbeing. St. Maarten has the confidence in all of you and continue to depend on you.
There is a bright future ahead of you and your success at the FBE Group 8 Exit Exams is one road you will take towards that bright future. Continue to strive towards becoming the best that you can be and achieve all that your little hearts desire!"

All of St. Maarten and I, are praying for all of you and will continue to do so throughout your exams and your precious little lives.
God bless the youth of St. Maarten and God Bless us all.

Marigot / Philipsburg:---  As part of its effort to promote St. Martin as one of the top Destination Wedding locations in the Caribbean, the French Tourism Office and Sint Maarten Marry-Me attended the very well known Martha Stewart's Wedding Party in Chicago recently. The Martha Stewart's Wedding Party is a luxury bridal show produced in New York for nine years and in partnership with Meghan Andalman of Lovebird Events, they introduced a show in Chicago; this was the third year presenting the show in the Windy City which was a total success. This year's event show cased a Destination & Honeymoon Lounge that was geared to inspire as well as inform. The St. Martin/ Marry-Me booth was one of the most visited booths under the Destination & Honeymoon section. "Thanks to the generosity of Belmond La Samanna, Riu Palace, Karibuni, La Source Guest House and Eagle Tours, the French Tourism Office and Marry-Me were able to host various raffles and collect valuable contacts throughout the show. Our booth distributed hundreds of promotional items from brochures to hats, bags, maps and pens etc." said Milagros de Windt, Marketing Manager at Artemia Events Group. "We are extremely happy with our partnership with the French Tourism Office and will continue to co-op with them on future endeavors. We have many Destination Wedding competitors like Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica and the DR, so being proactive is the way to go. Our island is a unique and diverse destination and we have to take advantage and showcase it as often as possible" added de Windt. Sint Maarten Marry-Me by Artemia has been in the wedding industry since 2003 providing complete consulting and planning services for civil weddings, holy matrimonies, symbolic unions, bachelor/ bachelorette parties as well as renewal of vows. The main marketing tool is the Sint Maarten Marry-Me Magazine, which is the only Bridal Guide from St. Maarten/St. Martin and it is distributed in numerous bridal shows throughout North America, Puerto Rico, Europe as well as local hotels, resorts, villas, timeshares etc. According to an article published by Solimar International "destination weddings, honeymoons and romantic tourism comprise a $28 billion industry worldwide. Inspired by luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime trip opportunities, couples are willing to spend significantly more for their weddings and honeymoons than for any other holiday. U.S. couples spend an average of $4,466 on their honeymoon, which is three times as much than the average traveler spends on vacation! The top 15% of the market, the luxury honeymooners, spend more than twice as much as the average couple. Capitalizing on this willingness to splurge on luxurious and unusual experiences could greatly increase the tourism potential of a destination. Weddings take place year-round, without seasonal limitations and the majority of couples take their honeymoons immediately following their weddings. Although the peak season for weddings is May through October, many couples choose to wed and honeymoon in the off-season as well. While most demand is still focused on beach-based, relaxing, luxury holidays, newer honeymoon segments are emerging. Some couples are seeking out adventure travel honeymoons, abbreviated honeymoons due to strenuous work commitments, "family moons", in which children from earlier marriages accompany the couple.

MP Christopher Emmanuel wants to know how would the change be implemented, says KPSM understaffed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Members of the Lions Club presented the project they launch late last year to curb under-age drinking on St. Maarten. The members of the Lions Club called on Members of Parliament to amend the legislation to increase drinking age from 16 to 18. Lion Melinda Hoever said that there is a discrepancy in the law that has to be corrected. She said that just recently the Netherlands amended their law making the legal age of drinking alcohol 18 years or older.
Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel made clear that he felt that Parliament will be used a rubber stamp to change the laws. MP Emmanuel said he is fully in favor of amending the legislation and make the necessary changes because he personally knows the effects of underage drinking. However, MP Emmanuel said that when these laws are being amended how does the LIONS Club or others implement the law. "Right now the legal age is 16 but when I walk into businesses I never see a sign posted in these establishments to say that alcohol will not be sold to persons' underage. Further he said the roadside bars sell beers and other alcoholic beverages to youngsters."
Emmanuel also explained that he personally witnessed where parents would sit in their vehicles and they would send their underage children in the supermarkets to buy cigarettes and it is sold to them with no question asked. Emmanuel said that he wants to know if government have to set up another entity that will enforce the law when it is amended. He said one of the things he will have to hear from the Minister of Justice how they will handle this matter because he knows that KPSM is currently understaffed.
MP Sarah Wescot Williams also agreed with the initiative taken by the LIONS Club to curb underage drinking. Wescot Williams asked the LIONS Club how they plan to measure the results of their campaign. She asked if they have any plans in place to gather information on how effective was the LIONS campaign against underage drinking.
MP George Pantophlet touched on the role of parents because some families feeding their young children alcohol. MP Pantophelt said that the fines can be increased but he is also concerned as to the enforcement of the laws when it is in place. He do believe that alcohol abuse is everybody's business.
MP Tamara Leonard also congratulated the LIONS Club for the initiative they have taken on, however, she said that while her colleagues wants to know who will implement the changes she want to make clear that the police have established the CPOs in every district on St. Maarten and these CPOs are given a hard time. She said in her view a lot has to start at home. MP Leonard said on the French side when persons' even adults go out to have a good time they have to constantly think about the consequences when driving under the influence because the Gendarmes are always on the road conducting controls with breathalyzers. MP Leona Marlin- Romeo also shared the same sentiments saying that this is not about the police alone or any one person problem but it is everybody's problem that has to be tackled by the entire community.
MP Silveria Jacobs also agreed with the amendments that must take place, however, she felt that this must be done across the board meaning that something has to be added in the legislation with regards to families and what they do inside their homes with alcohol and underage children.
MP De Weever wanted to know what the LIONS have planned for the upcoming Carnival season. The members of the LIONS club said that they met with government and now parliament to get their assistance in conducting more controls during the carnival season. Controls should be conducted with booth holders and revelers have to show their identification cards.
At the closing of the meeting on Tuesday morning chairlady of the Education committee informed the LIONS Club that all MPs that attended the meeting on Tuesday are in favor of amending the legislation to increase the age of alcohol drinking.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Chippie and WheretheFlex.com officially announce their strategic marketing alliance in presenting the International Reggae Show, Fully Loaded 2 – the Ultimate Reggae Experience on Saturday, May 2nd, 2015.
In this, the 2nd edition of Fully Loaded, WhereTheFlex.com and Chippie promises carnival revellers a star studded show that they will not soon forget. The event features a number of very talented dancehall and reggae stars that 'includes something for everyone' guaranteeing a true and unique 'Reggae Experience'.
The artists performing on the show include the 'Rising Star' Christopher Martin, the soulful Gyptian, the poignant and hard hitting Tanya Stephens and the headlining the show for the night, Sizzla Kalonji. Sizzla Kalonji is one of the most commercially and critically successful contemporary reggae artists, noted for his high number of releases. In additional to the stellar dancehall and reggae line-up, social media sensation Majah Hype will be host Reggae Night 2015.
If that is not enough, WhereTheFlex's very own Deej SPeeD, the undefeated Heineken Green Synergy Deejay Champion, Mixmaster Pauly, and the finest in local reggae sounds, Percy Rankin and the Bonfire Band will also be performing to ensure that each and every moment allotted for Fully Loaded 2 will be bursting with entertainment redefining the concept of bang for buck!
Chippie representative Ivy Lambert states "We are ecstatic to be involved in the partnership with WhereTheFlex to bring you Fully Loaded 2 – The Ultimate Reggae Experience powered by Chippie! We were very impressed by several promoters we worked with during the 2014 carnival season. Our first time experience with Where The Flex was exceptional in terms of promotion and the execution of Fully Loaded 1. Chippie was convinced this is the calibre of event to partner with a second time around and my colleague, Michanou Arrundell, ran with the event concept to develop the great, creative promotional offerings around the event. We look forward to bringing St. Maarten this powerhouse of a show and to continue to bring our customers the best performances and promotions this carnival season".
As collaborator for this event, Chippie is making it easier for the general public to attend Fully Loaded 2 – the Ultimate Reggae Experience, by offering a number of ways to obtain tickets; by winning tickets or receiving tickets as part of a package, combined with Chippie products and services.
Fully Loaded 2 – the Ultimate Reggae Experience powered by Chippie will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2015, 8 pm at the St. Maarten Festival Village. Tickets are on sale for $30 at all three UTS store locations in Philipsburg, Cole Bay and Marigot, both Van Dorp locations, and the Happy Shop in Marigot. The door price is $40.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Leona Marlin-Romeo said on Monday since December 2014, the airports of Jamaica has introduced kiosks to better accommodate and manage the flow of passengers entering the country.

Independent Member of Parliament Leona Marlin-Romeo (on a private visit to Jamaica) met with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency Jennifer MacDonald and the IT team to discuss the advanced technology Jamaica immigration is using to not only better manage the flow of passengers but to also identify persons that has been placed on a watch list. This technology surpasses that of what is being used in the USA as it allows for Non-Nationals to use the Kiosks.

MacDonald, Steven Vernon the Deputy Director of Immigration and the IT team explained that the passenger flow of both Arrivals and Departures are managed through three supporting systems, Border Management System, Advance Passenger Information System and the newly introduced kiosks with Facial Recognition Software.

In light of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJAIE or SXM Airport) presentation and the indication that a new E-Gate will be introduced, queries were asked as to why Jamaica choose the kiosk options over E-Gates, it was explained that cost and the large footprints were the major factors.

"Perhaps Sint Maarten should pay attention to what technology is being introduced in the region and enhance its current Immigration and Border Management System.

"The people that I spoke with warned about the ineffectiveness about E-gates without a proper Border Management System, facial recognition system and APIS technologies.

"It was suggested that our government and airport officials look at the entire process holistically before purchasing costly machinery such as E-gates, and to really study the current border management system and enhance that technology before seeking other ventures," concluded Independent MP Hon. Leona Marlin-Romeo.

MP Marlin-Romeo will be addressing issues regarding the technology being used to monitor persons entering and exiting the island of Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  World Health Day is marked annually on April 7. This year the focus is on food safety. New data on the harm caused by foodborne illnesses underscore the global threats posed by unsafe foods. World Health Day highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with food safety under the slogan "From farm to plate, make food safe."
Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Claret Connor would like to congratulate all those working in the food sector on the eve of World Health Day, for the very important role that they play on a daily basis in restaurants, supermarkets, food trucks, small grocers, road side food tables, food kiosks, soup kitchens, home-made for sale food, etc.
"We are in the tourism business. It's the main pillar of our economy which we all stand on and support on a daily basis. The food that is prepared has to be safe for consumers and our visitors to eat.
"This has to be done on a daily basis several times a day, and therefore everybody who prepares food has a very important role to play in making sure that the food we eat, that our guests consume at hotels, or while in restaurants is always safe to eat. I commend all those for keeping our country's food preparation safe," Minister Hon. Claret Connor said on Monday.
Unsafe food can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances, and cause more than 200 diseases – ranging from diarrhea to cancers.
Examples of unsafe food include undercooked foods of animal origin, fruits and vegetables contaminated with faeces, and shellfish containing marine biotoxins, as well as how the ingredients are stored, handled, or prepared.
Points of sale should be well lit, clean, and cooled, and their personnel should follow basic hygiene habits and behaviors. As consumers we have the right to demand products that offer full safety guarantees and to request truthful, understandable, and detailed information about food.
Minister Connor pointed out with annual Carnival festivities gearing up to kick off in full swing just days from now: "I am encouraging all street market vendors and booth holders to keep their stands and booths clean and organized.
"Food items should be stored properly – off the floor surface – on shelves and tables with clean and dry surfaces. This area should be kept free of domesticated animals and insects.
"To the consumers, where it concerns the purchasing of food for sale on our streets; when purchasing food items choose places where the food is protected and stored in tight lid containers. Confirm that food is correctly refrigerated and that cooked food is served at high temperatures," Minister Connor pointed out.
Food should not be exposed to room temperature. Food that is served raw should be completely clean, with no soil residue. Food prepared with fresh fish should be displayed on refrigerated stainless steel trays.
Any kind of sandwich, meat, pate, fish cake, meatball, etc. should be displayed in refrigerated display cases and should be consumed immediately because these are not frozen dishes; rather they are refrigerated and ready-to-eat.
Vendors should use gloves and clean utensils to handle food, and meets basic standards of hygiene. Vendor's personal hygiene is very important, because dirt from hands and clothes comes into contact with the food that is prepared. Hair should be pulled back and covered with a cap. Nails should be short, clean, and free of nail polish.
"The aforementioned tips serves to ensure that the overall experience of preparing, storing, selling and consuming of foods are done in the safest of environments, as our mothers always thought us, 'an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.' Once again, I wish the community of Sint Maarten a safe World Health Day," Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Hon. Claret Connor concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs would like to wish all residents happy World Health Day 2015 which will be celebrated across the globe on Tuesday, April 7. In many countries in the Region of the Americas, diseases caused by contaminated food are a serious health problem for the population.

The theme for World Health Day is – "Food Safety, Uncontaminated food that is safe to eat."

Every day, cases are reported of people who contract disease from the food or water that they consume and that is contaminated with microorganisms, dangerous germs, and/or toxic chemicals that can even cause death.
These diseases are a serious health threat, affecting mainly children, pregnant women, immuno suppressed people, and the elderly.

"It is good to remember that most foodborne diseases occur at home because of poor food handling. Therefore we need to be very cognizant of the importance of properly food handling and preparation in the home. We want to protect our family members from getting unnecessarily ill. Make food preparation and handling a top priority every day in your home so we may have strong and healthy St. Maarten families," Acting Minister of Public Health Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs said on Monday on the eve of World Health Day 2015.

Water and food are safe when they do not contain dangerous microbes (bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi), chemicals (allergens, waste from veterinary drugs, agrochemicals, or toxins), or foreign bodies (soil, hair, insects, etc.) that are a danger to our health.

Foodborne diseases reduce society's productivity, cause considerable stress for health care systems, and decrease economic output because of loss of confidence in safe tourism, food production, and the food marketing system.

Minister Bourne-Gumbs in conclusion says: the five keys to keeping food safe are, use water and food that are safe for consumption; practice cleanliness; separate raw meat, chicken, and fish from other foods; cook food completely; and store food at safe temperatures (very cold or very hot).

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise presented a check to the Rotaract District 7020 Conference steering committee to assist with the expenses for the RD7020 conference. The steering committee would like to thank the RC of St. Martin Sunrise which is also the sponsoring club for the Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise for their unrelenting support. The Rotaract District 7020 Conference will be held from May 27th-31st 2015 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino. The steering committee is encouraging other organizations, companies or individuals to contribute to this momentous event.

wins Area Speech Contest

CUL DE SAC:--- Sharon Layne, Competent Communicator of the Disciples Toastmasters Club, opened up about an addiction she battled for years, wowing her audience once again to smoothly win Area 26 Toastmasters Speech Contest Wednesday night (April 1, 2015).
Toastmasters from the various clubs turned out to witness the Area 26 contest, which took place at St. Maarten Academy's academic campus. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the contestant from Soualiga Corporate Club was unable to participate, leaving Layne and Glendon Wilson of Philipsburg Club in the race.
Wilson, speaking first, took the audience on a scenic journey he and a friend had experienced while hiking, adeptly using a myriad of figurative devices to help listeners visualize the eventful trip. With a speech entitled "And then something happened" the unexpected twist at the end caused ripples of laughter from his peers.
Up next, Layne, a teacher of English by profession, presented a hotbed of analogies and puns in her speech, "TMAR – anonymous". Her effective use of dry wit and props underscored her addiction to procrastination, forcing her to join the Disciples Toastmasters Club, which she likened to a rehabilitation centre.
"With just a few of my cherished belongings - my keys, reluctant mind, [and] stubborn mindset...I reluctantly walked into Disciples rehabilitation centre one Sunday, pessimistic that this place could cure me, but was surprised to see addicts of all kinds. Some were addicted to speech presentations, evaluations, and role playing. The more I sat and observed, the more I was drawn into the peculiar mannerisms of these addicts," Layne stated.
The audience was enlightened of her struggles to conform to the regiment of the Toastmasters organization, which forced her to follow a 10-step programme "to get clean", otherwise known as the 10 speech project presentations needed to achieve the level of Competent Communication (CC).
"I left with my CC dosage of legal drugs...I opened the pill [the manual] and much to my amazement, saw my first project was 'Icebreaker'. No one has to teach me to break any white stuff. I am an expert. I should tell them a thing or two about that white stuff. And sure I did liquefy that ice in less than six minutes. For the next four months I went through my pills [speech presentations] in record time. There was no stopping me and in February, I was given the final dose of my 10-step programme and graduated, expecting to return to normal life."
Cured of one addiction, Layne said she started to experience withdrawal symptoms for another addiction - the TM drug on which she got hooked. "Jitter bugs, glossophobia, pause-filling accidents, Ah-Counteraction and ultimately time lapses," said Layne, parodying the various roles of Toastmasters. During her journey, she had concluded that "TM rehab is really hard". Nonetheless, she persevered with a drug called "mentorship".
Although Layne is cured of procrastination and she no longer puts off what can be done today for tomorrow, she is now battling her addiction to Toastmasters, and is steadfastly pursuing her goal to become a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).
"The high I got from this drug [Toastmasters] will help me to become clean in the near future and I would boast that I am a DTM...I am still an addict. I just can't get enough of my addiction for Toastmasters."
There are five Toastmasters clubs on St. Martin, of which three – Disciples, Philipsburg, and Soualiga Corporate – make up Area 26. The other two – Evolutions and Achievers – along with the Anguilla Club, fall under Area 27.
Should there be an Area 27 contest, Layne would then have to compete with the winner of that contest for the right to represent territory Sint. Maarten at the Toastmasters International District 81 Contest, which will be held in Port-au-Prince, Haiti from May 15 – 17.

 PHILIPSBURGL---- The Minister of Defensie, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, will visit Curacao, St. Maarten, Statia and Saba during 6 -10 of april. The minister will visit the Dutch military forces that conduct defense and police duties in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. She will talk to different military and civilian authorities.

The minister will be guest of the Commander Netherlands Forces in the Caribbean on Tuesday and Wednesday. He is the commander of the military units that are ready to conduct duties to protect our territories, bring stability and maintain the law within the Dutch Caribbean and provide the ability to assist in multiple civil and nation requirements. As director of the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard, he is responsible for the maritime law enforcement and Search and Rescue at sea. In Willemstad, the minister will speak with the governor, the deputy prime-minister, the minister of Justice and the voorzitter van de Staten.

On Wednesday, she will visit Statia and Saba, where she will speak with the lieutenant-governors and the personnel of the Koninklijke Marechaussee. She will conclude the visit at Sint Maarten. There she will meet the governor, the prime-minister and the minister of Justice.

Minister Hennis brengt werkbezoek aan Curaçao en de Bovenwinden

Minister van Defensie, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, brengt van 6 tot 10 april 2015 een werkbezoek aan Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius en Saba. De minister gaat daar op bezoek bij de Nederlandse militairen die defensie- en politietaken voor het Caribisch deel van het Koninkrijk verrichten. Ook spreekt zij met verschillende autoriteiten.

De minister is dinsdag en woensdag te gast bij de Commandant Zeemacht in het Caribisch Gebied (CZMCARIB) op Curaçao. Hij voert het bevel over de eenheden die kunnen worden ingezet bij de verdediging van het grondgebied, de handhaving van de internationale rechtsorde en de ondersteuning van de civiele autoriteiten in de Caribische delen van het Koninkrijk. Daarnaast is hij in zijn hoedanigheid van Directeur Kustwacht CARIB belast met de maritieme rechtshandhaving in het Caribisch gebied en Seach and Rescue op zee. De minister spreekt in Willemstand met de Gouverneur, de plaatsvervangend Minister-President, de minister van Justitie en de Statenvoorzitter.

Op woensdag bezoekt zij Sint Eustatius en Saba, waar gesprekken plaatsvinden met de Gezaghebbers en personeel van de Koninklijke Marechaussee. Het werkbezoek wordt donderdag afgesloten op Sint Maarten. Daar ontmoet de minister eveneens de Gouverneur, de Minister-President en de minister van Justitie.

Naast het waken voor de integriteit van het Koninkrijk, strijdt de Koninklijke Marine in het Caribisch gebied samen met de Kustwacht CARIB tegen drugstransporten, mensenhandel en -smokkel en andere delicten. Samen met een compagnie van de Koninklijke Landmacht wordt bovendien regelmatig ondersteuning geleverd aan civiele autoriteiten in de vorm van noodhulp bij orkanen en andere calamiteiten.
Naast de militaire politiediensttaak en de grensbewaking voor Caribisch Nederland , ondersteunt de Koninklijke Marechaussee de lokale rechtshandhavingsorganisaties in het Caribisch gebied. Daartoe behoort het bestrijden van zware geweldsmisdrijven en drugs- en migratiecriminaliteit. Ook helpen ze Curaçao en Sint Maarten bij de grensbewaking en het vreemdelingentoezicht. Op Saba en Sint Eustatius verzorgen ze samen met de politie de ook de basispolitiezorg.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on April 8. The Minister of General Affairs Hon. Marcel Gumbs will be present for the House session.

The public Central Committee meeting is set for Wednesday at 3.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The three point agenda is: the draft National Ordinance for the establishment of a Integrity Chamber; second agenda point is approval of the travel schedule for the year 2015 in connection with Committee and Board of Directors meetings of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino); and the third agenda point is approval of the composition of the delegation and provisions for General Assembly of Parlatino from May 15-16.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a Central Committee session on April 8.

The committee meeting is set for Wednesday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

This meeting was requested by Members of Parliament (MP) Hon. Leona Marlin-Romeo (Independent), MP Hon. Tamara Leonard (United People's (UP) party) and MP Hon. Cornelius de Weever (Independent) back in 2014 in correspondence dated November 6 and 7.

The agenda point is a discussion with the Main Voting Bureau and the Civil Registry Department concerning alleged discrepancies that occurred during and in preparation of the August 29th parliamentary elections. The Minister of General Affairs Hon. Marcel Gumbs will also be present for this sitting of the House.

The discrepancies noted are: at the Prison polling station; usage of foreign identification for voting purposes; discrepancies at specific polling stations in ballot counting; discrepancies of the lack of privacy during the supporting of the candidate list; discrepancies in the information given to political parties as it related to placement of campaign material.

Other points to be brought forward in the Central Committee meeting are: changes in the Electoral Law as it relates to having a structured chronological order; Increase of polling stations in 2014 in comparison to 2010; Implementation of electronic voting; If there any articles that are conflicting with each other?; and if there any articles wrongfully written?

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

Pond Island:---  A recent visit by the Ministry of Health's mobile health bus to the TelEm Group parking lot on Pond Island has been hailed an overall success by those involved.

The visit, just before the Easter holiday break last Thursday, provided free health screening tests for TelEm Group personnel under the government's community health outreach program.

It was also the first time that the program has visited a major company such as TelEm Group, to provide the free health checks.

According to Ministry of Health official, Nirmala Vlaun, TelEm Group is the first company to officially invite coordinators of the program to do a "house call" at the TelEm Group location on Pond Island.

"This shows how proactive TelEm Group staff are when it comes to making their colleagues aware of good health practices," said Ms. Vlaun.

She noted that joining in the TelEm Group visit were some medical students who are carrying out their own research into bacterial traces and spread in the St. Maarten community.

Ms. Vlaun said the results of the environment tests will be collated and presented once completed, however the tests carried out on TelEm Group personnel was for their personal use only and for referral to a doctor if necessary.

The visit was organized by invitation of the TelEm Group Change Champions Team

Team members, Carmita Brooks said the mobile health bus visit was not only about testing and screening, but also about getting important information about good health practices.

She said health awareness pamphlets were handed out and staff were encouraged to ask questions of the numerous health officials who were available Thursday, including the mobile bus doctor, Dr. Daphne.

"The Change Champions are very pleased with the visit and would like to thank the Ministry of Health and especially Ms. Vlaun, Ms. Swinda Richardson and their team for accepting our invitation to provide free health screen for our colleagues," said Carmita, who also thanked all members of staff who turned out for screening and to receive important information.

The Change Champions have also thanked Management of TelEm Group for supporting the staff-based initiative.

Keep Beaches Free of Trash

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation is urging the community to be responsible and sustainable with regards to their Easter Activities over the weekend. Easter Monday and Easter Sunday are two of the most popular beach days of the calendar, with many families enjoying the island's beaches. The Nature Foundation is therefore urging the community to be responsible when it comes to their beach-going activities. "We in particular are urging the community to pick up after themselves and keep our beautiful beaches free of garbage and debris. Particular plastic and Styrofoam containers can be very harmful to the environment and leaving food behind on the beaches can result in rat and ant infestation on the beaches," commented Tadzio Bervoets of the Nature Foundation.
The Foundation is also urging the community to be respectful to any wildlife they might encounter on the beaches; "We share our beaches with any animals, including birds and sea turtles for example and we urge the community to be respectful of the 'other beachgoers'".
"Plastic pollution is one of the major concerns with regards to the environment and we urge everyone to take their garbage and food-leftovers with them. If we all contribute and play our part we can ensure that while we enjoy nature through going to the beach, camping, swimming or however you choose to spend your Easter we have as little impact on the environment as possible," according to a Nature Foundation release.
Various school groups assisted the Nature Foundation in cleaning Guana Bay, Kim-Sha Beach and Mullet Bay over the last few weeks in preparation for Easter and the Sea Turtle Nesting Season.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Acting Minister of Public Health Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs on behalf of the Council of Ministers and Government of Sint Maarten, expresses her deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Foeken.
"I would like to express my condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Foeken. It was sad to learn of his passing on Thursday. May the Almighty God give his family strength as they mourn his passing," Minister Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs said on Thursday.
Dr. Foeken had a long career as a medical practitioner serving the people of the country. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Keep Beaches Free of Trash

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation is urging the community to be responsible and sustainable with regards to their Easter Activities over the weekend. Easter Monday and Easter Sunday are two of the most popular beach days of the calendar, with many families enjoying the island's beaches. The Nature Foundation is therefore urging the community to be responsible when it comes to their beach-going activities. "We in particular are urging the community to pick up after themselves and keep our beautiful beaches free of garbage and debris. Particular plastic and Styrofoam containers can be very harmful to the environment and leaving food behind on the beaches can result in rat and ant infestation on the beaches," commented Tadzio Bervoets of the Nature Foundation.
The Foundation is also urging the community to be respectful to any wildlife they might encounter on the beaches; "We share our beaches with any animals, including birds and sea turtles for example and we urge the community to be respectful of the 'other beachgoers'".
"Plastic pollution is one of the major concerns with regards to the environment and we urge everyone to take their garbage and food-leftovers with them. If we all contribute and play our part we can ensure that while we enjoy nature through going to the beach, camping, swimming or however you choose to spend your Easter we have as little impact on the environment as possible," according to a Nature Foundation release.
Various school groups assisted the Nature Foundation in cleaning Guana Bay, Kim-Sha Beach and Mullet Bay over the last few weeks in preparation for Easter and the Sea Turtle Nesting Season.

Netherlands/ Philipsburg:--- Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever got a partial victory from the courts in the Netherlands where the judge ruled that MP Andre Bosman made unfounded statements against MP Cornelius de Weever whom he said was bought when he joined the United Peoples Party to form a coalition government. The judge said in her verdict that Bosman acted illegal and committed a tortious act when he made his allegations which are unfounded. The statements Bosman made are also defamatory.
MP De Weever made the following statements through his attorney Jairo Bloem on Friday.

"I am glad with the outcome that I consider a victory for righteousness and principles. The Court established that Bosman acted illegal and committed a tortious act by making in short unfounded and defamatory statements against me. Statements that are factually not supported by, and also not within the context of, his allegations about integrity on Sint Maarten, Heyliger and forming a certain coalition. Moreover, that Bosman, who suddenly alleges that the media misquoted him, cannot hide behind his parliamentary immunity to make baseless public claims.

lthough I did not get the desired direct rectification by Bosman, the mere publicity that this ruling will get sets the record straight that Bosman's allegations were unfounded, tortious that he should have known better. Since Bosman refused, although given ample opportunity, to do the responsible thing and rectify voluntarily, I had to resort to the Court that rightfully established that Bosman acted wrongful and illegal.

I believe that this ruling will further help to pave the way to -more- civilized, respectful, objective dialogue between the government representatives within our Dutch Kingdom, based on concrete facts instead of innuendo, rumors and make say. This is ultimately the only way that we can resolve the many issues that face our communities. Gone should be the days of making unfounded sensational accusations, obviously for local political gain in the homeland, at the expense of the character and integrity of others.

Bosman will be granted the opportunity to voluntarily compensate the damages that I suffered because of his tortious acts, as determined by the Court. Just like I granted him the chance to rectify, instead of having a Court determine that he acted illegally. Further legal procedures to collect the damages will be initiated, if he again fails to do the honorable thing.

I thank my lawyers Bloem, Huisman, Ludwig Bonapart, my family, friends and many supporters for their continued support."

Click here to view verdict rendered on Friday in Den Haag in the De Weever against Bosman injunction.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs (CECYSA) of Parliament, will be meeting with the St. Maarten Lions Club on April 7.

The Permanent Committee meeting is set for Tuesday at 9.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is a presentation by the St. Maarten Lions Club regarding under-age drinking and parental responsibility. The second agenda point is approval of the decision lists CECYSA Parliamentary Year 2014-2015, no. 1-6.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Three staff members of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL) were awarded with certificates for the completion of the Advanced e-course in Cataloging from the San Jose State University School of Information.
Each year the Philipsburg Jubilee Library adds approximately 2000 to 3000 books to its collection. The books on offer meet the needs of the general public, whether they are searching for books to read in their leisure time or want to do research for school projects. In order to make it easier for the general public to find the books they need, library staff must catalog each book according to certain cataloging guidelines set forth by the American Library Association (ALA).
The certificates which were awarded were received by library staff members Irmin Hughes, Maryland Powell and Joy Lambert, after following a six-month course. The library staff members would like to thank Mrs. Ans Koolen, who assisted them during their course.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will meet in a public plenary session on April 7. This session is the continuation of the initial session that was held on December 22, 2014. On March 24, the meeting was called, but was adjourned and is now being reconvened.

The plenary session is set for Tuesday at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is the request to the Governments Accountants Bureau SOAB to carry out a forensic investigation into the operations of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF); the decision of the board of the SMHDF to suspend several members of the management team and the request of the Honourable Minister of VROMI, Maurice Lake to the SOAB to withdraw the current process with immediate effect.

This meeting was requested by the following parliamentary factions: National Alliance (NA) Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. William Marlin, Democratic Party (DP) MP Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams, United St. Maarten (US) Party MP Hon. Frans Richardson, and NA MP Hon. Christophe Emmanuel.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

Enhancing COCI services to the Public

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) has commenced the migration to a new data registry (COCI Registry). Decisions taken by previous Boards in an effort to enhance the quality of services offered by COCI resulted in the acquisition of a new data registry program last year. Having completed the implementation of the system with a commencement of data transfer in the latter part of last year, COCI now has commenced with the final migration to the new system.
In this phase COCI staff will be trained to use the new COCI registry and service offering through the new system commences. The migration process is targeted to be concluded by June 1st, at which time the new COCI registry will be in full use.
During this migration process, registry information will be reviewed and business owners and official legal representatives are urged to make the required updates thus far omitted and pay related fees to ensure proper information is maintained in the registry.
COCI staff will undergo extensive training in the next two months and additional notifications will be issued to inform the general public of partial closures due to training. The new registry is of vital importance for the online services that COCI aims to launch later this year; all undertakings to provide better, faster and more accessible service to the general public.

 PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday March 2nd at approximately 07.20 a.m. police was sent to the home of the well known Dr. Foeken in Cole Bay where he was found lying on the floor at the entrance to his home and was not showing any signs of life. On the scene the investigating officers did indeed encounter the lifeless body of Dr. Foeken. The paramedics were on the scene however they could not do anything to revive the victim. Doctor Mercuur arrived on the scene and pronounced the death of the victim. The investigation that was done by the detectives and Forensic Department indicated that there was no foul play in this case. The body of the victim was transported to the morgue.
 Also on Thursday March 2nd at approximately 08.00 a.m. police was sent to Porto Cupe Coy to investigate a case involving a young man who was not showing any signs of life. On the scene the investigating officers encountered the lifeless body of a young man who had lost his life by hanging. His parents stated that they had no idea why the victim would take his own life. The Forensic Department and Detective Department are investigating this case to determine what exactly happened however thus far the investigation does not show any signs of foul play.
The police department extends condolences to the family and friends of the deceases.

 KPSM Police Report.

SMN News managed to indentify the second victim as 18 year old Brian Smith, American national. The deceased is the son of Steve Smith the developer of Indigo Bay.

 Ebenezer:-- St. Maarten Academy P.S.V.E student Care Department decided to have a Motivational Day on April 1, 2015 at The Sonesta Maho Beach Hotel and Casino to inspire and motivate the Form 4 students. The theme of this motivational day was, "Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude".

The day started out with a heartfelt welcome and encouraging words by Mrs. Duncan the schools principal who officially opened the Motivational day.

Mr. Duncan Van Heyningen who is the supervisor at the air traffic control department of SXM airport had a very motivational presentation with the students. He gave them practical information and advice on how to make the mental switch from transitioning from high school to furthering their education. He also gave the students guidelines on budgeting their money, taking responsibility and how to make the right decisions. They were also given tips on achieving whatever they want in life.

Mrs. Kerry Laurence explained the grading system and she also gave them study tips. Mrs. Marisha Olivacee- Carty gave them test taking tips and explained to them methods on how to reduce anxiety during test.

The Business Community also took part in this event in Break out session that was conducted by Mrs. Amanda Bedminister from Chi Foundation who did 'Resume Writing'. Ms. Ifelola Badejo from Foundation Info Biz who did 'Cover Letter Writing'. Ms. Nzinga Lake and Mrs. Shareen Alambi from the Chamber of Commerce who did 'Interview Etiquette'. Ms. Carmen Barran and Veronica Roach Gumbs who did Personal Presence during a job interview.

This would not have been possible if it was not for the Sonest Maho Beach Hotel Resort and Casino who sponsored the entire event, The Ministry of Education for the buses, the teachers and most of all the Students of The St. Maarten Academy PSVE School who is busy changing the world by changing themselves. At the end of this event students were inspired to do their utmost

PHILIPSBURG:--- The 18-year-old woman, J. B. R., who is suspected of assaulting a 14-year-old girl, is released from her pre-trial detention yesterday March 31, 2015. The woman was arrested on Friday, March 27th, 2015, after the victim pressed charges of mistreatment against her the previous day. The assault has caused commotion since this was filmed and posted on social media.
The Prosecution considers the assault as a serious offense, but the personal circumstances of the suspect have been decisive for the suspension of the pre-trial detention. The suspect is of a young age, she has no criminal record and has not been involved in fights or aggression at school before. Also is taken into account that the suspect, already on Monday after the brawl, reported herself to the police. She has fully cooperated with the investigation.
Given those circumstances, the prosecutor advised the judge of instruction to suspend the pre-trial detention under certain special conditions. The accused must visit the probation service and cooperate in the creation of a psychological and/or psychiatric report. The judge followed this and also imposed a prohibition on contact with the victim. The school will make it possible for the suspect to make her exams. The suspect will be under the supervision of the "reclassering" (probation), at least until the court hearing. It is not yet known when the court hearing will take place.
In anticipation of its future role as an office of victim care, the prosecution asked the Court of Guardianship to start a conversation with the young victim and her family. They shall look in to the possibility of mediation.
In the meantime, the police will continue to investigate the brawl. They will investigate who has filmed the fight and who encouraged it. The prosecution emphasizes that the filming a fight under circumstances is punishable ("happy slapping"). Also encouraging a fight may be punishable. It is always better to try to stop a brawl or to get help.

Voorlopige hechtenis van 18-jarig meisje is opgeschort

De 18-jarige vrouw, J.B. R., die verdacht wordt van de mishandeling van een 14-jarig meisje, is gisteren 31 maart 2015 vrijgelaten uit haar voorlopige hechtenis. De vrouw was op vrijdag 27 maart 2015, nadat de dag ervoor aangifte was gedaan van mishandeling, aangehouden. De mishandeling heeft voor ophef gezorgd nu deze is gefilmd en op social media is geplaatst.
Het Openbaar Ministerie meent dat er sprake is van een ernstig feit, maar de persoonlijke omstandigheden van de verdachte hebben de doorslag gegeven voor haar schorsing. De verdachte is van jonge leeftijd, zij heeft geen strafblad en zij heeft niet eerder agressiviteitsproblemen op school vertoond. Belangrijk is ook dat zij, op maandag na de vechtpartij, zichzelf reeds had gemeld bij de politie. Zij heeft volledige medewerking aan het onderzoek verleend.
Gelet op die omstandigheden heeft het OM de rechter-commissaris geadviseerd de voorlopige hechtenis te schorsen onder bepaalde bijzondere voorwaarden. De verdachte moet zich melden bij de reclassering en meewerken aan de totstandkoming van een psychologisch en/of psychiatrisch rapport. De rechter-commissaris heeft dit standpunt gevolgd en daarnaast een contactverbod met het slachtoffer opgelegd. De verdachte zal door haar school in de gelegenheid worden gesteld om haar examens te maken. Zij zal voorts tot aan de zitting onder toezicht blijven staan van de reclassering (SJIB). Het is nog niet bekend wanneer de zitting zal plaatsvinden.
Vooruitlopend op haar toekomstige taak als Bureau Slachtofferzorg is de Voogdijraad door het OM verzocht om in gesprek te gaan met het minderjarige slachtoffer en haar familie. Onderzocht wordt of een vorm van herstelbemiddeling mogelijk is.
In de tussentijd zal de politie verder gaan met het onderzoek naar de vechtpartij. Zo zal onderzocht worden wie de vechtpartij heeft gefilmd en wie de vechtpartij heeft aangemoedigd. Het OM benadrukt dat het filmen van een vechtpartij onder omstandigheden strafbaar is ("happy slapping"). Ook het aanmoedigen van een vechtpartij kan strafbaar zijn onder de bepalingen van openlijk geweld. Het is altijd beter om de vechtpartij te proberen te stoppen of om hulp te halen.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Following some minor adjustments to the 11-form questionnaire, as well as to some back-end processes, coming out of the PILOT last February, STAT and its interviewers are fully prepared to start the Household Budget Survey on April 1st 2015.

STAT recently concluded a 3-day 'refresher' training for the 14 interviewers who are tasked with the confidential gathering of data from households, concerning their income and expenditure patterns. The survey aims to capture a recent picture of the total budget of an average household on St. Maarten, and determine what portion of a households' income is spent on various categories of goods & services.
The UN recommends carrying out such a national survey atleast once in the 5 to 7 years. Results from this sample-based survey, will enable STAT to make updated calculations of inflation and cost-of-living over the next 5-year period; it will also provide input to determine a poverty-line on the island.
Approximately 1,000 households have been randomly selected across Dutch St. Maarten to participate. For those selected, your participation is mandatory according to the Statistics National Ordinance (AB 2013, GT no.450).

The data-collection will be spread over a period of 9 months until December 2015. During this time, selected households will be required to participate for a specific period, either the first or final 14 days within a particular month.

Households will be asked to make note of every expenditure made during this14-day period and to save receipts of their purchases. They will also be asked about purchases made in previous months, and this data will be collected with the help of the STAT interviewer via tablets.

STAT has already made contact with many of the selected households, to give extra information about the survey, in addition to confirming a convenient period for the household, obtaining a household contact and informing on which STAT interviewer can be expected.

Given the level of details and sometimes sensitivity involved with this survey, STAT has partnered with Cost-U-Less, Le Grand Marche, Sunny Foods, United Telecommunication Services and the TelEm Group, to offer all households who have successfully completed their participation a redeemable voucher, as a token of appreciation.

STAT looks forward to the continued support from the St. Maarten community on this initiative and reminds households to 'Box that Receipt!'

PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen met with representatives from the Oranje Fonds, namely Director Ronald van der Giessen and the Deputy Director/Head of Project Advice Drs. Anne Maljers.

The visit to the Sint Maarten House was of a courtesy nature. Minister Fleming-Artsen said on Tuesday that a follow-up meeting is planned where the various possibilities will be discussed regarding how the Oranje Fonds can assist Sint Maarten foundations in the Netherlands.

Last month Minister Fleming-Artsen organized her first meeting at the Sint Maarten House for all foundations known up to that point in time that caters to the interests of Sint Maarteners residing in the Netherlands.

"The goal was to meet with as many civil society volunteers as possible from Sint Maarten who reside in the Netherlands. The objective is to learn more about the volunteers and the work that they have been involved with and about their views and initiatives.

"The Sint Maarten House is here to give guidance and look at new avenues of assistance for these foundations that will benefit the Sint Maarten community residing in the Netherlands," Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Tuesday.

A follow-up meeting is being planned with the Sint Maarten foundation stakeholders that will include the Board of the Oranje Fonds in order to see where support and assistance can be provided.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is calling on the community to take preventive measures to prevent getting gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestine, which is usually due to acute infection by viruses or bacteria or to food-poisoning toxins and causes vomiting and diarrhea. Fluid loss is sometimes severe especially in infants and intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary.

CPS via its surveillance has observed an increase in the number of cases, and is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Inspection Department, and is calling on all sectors within the economy that are in the food preparation business to take additional measures with respect to handling and how food is prepared.

The numbers observed by the surveillance team of CPS with the assistance of the Caribbean Public health Agency (CARPHA) review for the period of January to March 21st, 2015 (Epidemiological Week 1 to 11) is 179 suspected cases (81 in the age category 0 to 4 years of age and 98 in the age category 5 years old and above).

Viral gastroenteritis presents in children and adults several viruses such as rotavirus, enteric adenoviruses, astroviruses and caliciviruses including Norwalk-like viruses.

Viral agents such as Norwalk-like viruses are also common causes of epidemics of gastroenteritis among children and adults. The epidemiology, natural history and clinical expression of enteric viral infections are best understood for type A rotavirus in infants and Norwalk agent in adults and this is only known or confirmed with laboratory testing.

The associated symptoms are diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever and headache. The most common symptoms are vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours).

The causes and treatment of gastroenteritis can differ between children and adults. The latter is a preventive measure to ensure food safety and public health.

The most common causes of gastroenteritis in adults are the norovirus and food poisoning and it is self-limiting.

The infection can spread when bacteria found in faeces or vomit is transferred to other objects. Bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene. It is spread through contamination of hands, objects or food infected with the aforementioned. The virus enters your body via your mouth. Viral gastroenteritis may also be spread through coughing and sneezing.

For example, if someone does not wash their hands after going to the toilet, any viruses or bacteria on their hands will be transferred to whatever they touch, such as glass, kitchen utensil or food.

To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food; clean the toilet, including the seat and handle, with disinfectant after each bout of vomiting or diarrhea; don't share towels, cutlery and utensils with other household members; and don't return to work until 48 hours have passed since your last bout of vomiting or diarrhea.

Consult your family physician if you have the vomiting/diarrhea so you can be referred to the lab to get a confirmation on the diagnosis and the virus type.

Practicing good food hygiene will help you avoid getting gastroenteritis from food poisoning. You should regularly wash your hands, surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water; never store raw food and cooked foods together; avoid cross contamination of foods; make sure that food is properly refrigerated; always cook your food thoroughly; and never eat food that is past its sell by date.

If symptoms persist for a prolonged period of time, the family doctor may consider blood and stool tests to determine the cause of the vomiting and diarrhea.

For more information call CPS at 542-2078, 542-3003 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MARIGOT:--- April 1, 2015—Grand Case, St. Martin—Three new colors are brightening skies—and flagpoles—all over the island for the launch of the new logo of the Les Fruits de Mer association. The updated icon is being celebrated with an exciting large-scale publicity campaign: flags showcasing the redesigned logo are flying all over St. Martin and even around the world.

The non-profit association Les Fruits de Mer, dedicated to wildlife and heritage education, spent the last few months developing the new look. Countless creative designs were considered before the team decided on the new logo, chosen for its visual appeal, originality and symbolic meaning. The logo features a unique "trilogy" of equal-sized color blocks: red representing the red hat worn by Commandant Jacques-Yves Cousteau, white symbolizing the blank page upon which the future is written, and blue for the boundless depths of the sea, the cradle of all life.

"Creating the final design, I felt an electricity coursing through me," explained designer Stephen Winkel. "The logo was so unique, but also so simple, as if a mystical force had revealed to me a design that had existed since the dawn of time, waiting to be discovered."

Rather than simply unveil the new logo online, the association decided to promote the launch with flags featuring the novel design. "We felt the flag concept was a great way to introduce the new logo, but we had no idea how popular it would be," said association President Jenn Yerkes. "It seems like overnight the Les Fruits de Mer flag is everywhere, from businesses and schools to public buildings. You really can't miss it!"

With the success of the new logo, Les Fruits de Mer is considering updating other aspects of the association. According to co-founder Mark Yokoyama, "We may rework the official motto of the association to focus more on our core values of freedom, equal rights and the spirit of brotherhood."

MULLET BAY:---  Over the weekend 24 avid golfers split up in 6 teams and headed out to a softly moon lit Mullet Bay Golf Course to show off their skills in the dark.

Geared up with glowing golf balls and a pair of flashlights each team was trying to score as low as possible. After a fierce battle, lost balls and near hits the surprising winner of this year's Moonlight Scramble was 'The Flying Dutchmen' consisting of Edu Denkelaar, Jan Hendrik Boekhaar, Jan Peter Holtland and Thomas Zorn who ended the 9 holes stroke play event with a total score of 31 net.

With a combined handicap of 109 Team 'The Flying Dutchmen' was on a mission to proof that you don't need to be a pro to have fun playing golf or to win a tournament.

Second prize was won by the team of Ricardo Perez, Lee Hallam, Mr. Fred and Mr. Bep with a total score of 32 net. Third prize was taken by team of Geoff Heilman, Ian Gurr, Leslie Struthers and Jean de Lasalle with a total net score of 33.

After the golf a wonderful prize giving ceremony was hosted at the Crazy Cow Bar and Restaurant across the airport where all teams enjoyed snacks and drinks until late at night.

The next tournament organized by the SMGA and open for non-members as well, is the annual two day St. Maarten Open Golf Tournament that takes place in the weekend of April 18 and 19. For more information on this this tournament or membership please contact the Golf Shop at the Mullet Bay Golf Course or check out the SMGA Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/St.MaartenGolfAssociation

TORONTO:--- Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) or ("RBC") today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell RBC Royal Bank (Suriname) N.V. ("RBC Suriname") to Republic Bank Limited, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

"As we continue to focus our Caribbean operations on markets in which we can be a leading competitor for the long-term, we have made the decision to sell RBC Suriname to Republic Bank Limited." said Kirk Dudtschak, Executive Vice President and Head, RBC Caribbean Banking. "This transaction supports the successful repositioning of our Caribbean business for the future and allows us to focus on markets where we can strengthen our operational capabilities and where we see opportunities for growth."
While financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the purchase price approximately reflects the book value of RBC Suriname.
RBC expects the transaction to result in a loss of C$23 million (before and after-tax) under International Financial Reporting Standards, largely related to an estimated write-down for the proportionate share of RBC Suriname goodwill and other intangibles. The transaction is not expected to have a material impact on RBC's Basel III Common Equity Tier 1 ratio.

RBC verkoopt de Surinaamse onderneming

TORONTO:--- Royal Bank of Canada (RY op TSX en NYSE) of ("RBC") heeft vandaag aangekondigd tot een definitieve overeenkomst tot verkoop van RBC Royal Bank (Suriname) N.V. ("RBC Suriname") te zijn aangegaan met Republic Bank Limited, onderworpen aan de gebruikelijke opschortende voorwaarden, inclusief wettelijke goedkeuringen.

"Terwijl wij de focus van onze Caribische operaties blijven richten op markten waar we als toonaangevende concurrent voor de lange termijn kunnen zijn, hebben wij het besluit genomen om RBC Suriname te verkopen aan Republic Bank Limited", zegt Kirk Dudtschak, Executive Vice President en Head, RBC Caribbean Banking. "Deze transactie ondersteund de succesvolle herpositionering van onze Caribische tak van de bank voor de toekomst en stelt ons in staat onze aandacht te vestigen op markten waar we onze operationele capaciteiten kunnen versterken, en waar we groei mogelijkheden zien."
Hoewel de financiële voorwaarden van de transactie niet bekendgemaakt zijn, zal de aankoopprijs ongeveer de boekwaarde van RBC Suriname weerspiegelen.
RBC verwacht dat deze transactie tot een verlies van 23 miljoen Canadese Dollars zal resulteren (voor-en-na-belastingen) op grond van de Internationale Rapportage Standaarden. Dit verlies is grotendeels gerelateerd aan een geschatte afschrijving/waardevermindering voor het evenredige aandeel van RBC Suriname "goodwill" en overige immateriële activa. Naar verwachting heeft deze transactie geen materiële invloed op RBC's base III Common Equity tier 1-ratio. Het verlies is gebaseerd op huidige schattingen en is onderhevig aan veranderingen, welke worden weergegeven in de resultaten van het tweede kwartaal eindigend op 30 april, 2015. RBC zal haar resultaten over het tweede kwartaal van 2015 vrijgeven en tegelijkertijd een conference call organiseren op 28 mei, 2015.

Maho:--- The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise and The Rotaract Club of Saint Martin Nord are the proud hosts for this year's Rotaract District 7020 annual Conference. This conference will be held in St. Maarten from May 27th to May 31st, 2015 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. The steering committee is proud to be organizing such a significant event as they will be welcoming over 200 Rotaractors to St. Maarten from islands in District 7020. The District consists of 54 clubs from the Caribbean territories, namely: St. Maarten, Saint Martin, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Anguilla.

In the press release, District 7020 Rotaract Representative (DRR), Ms. Elisia L. Lake from St. Maarten stated her excitement of being the representative of all 54 clubs, and is even more ecstatic of overseeing this massive event. The steering committee has put together an amazing agenda which will offer training programs for young professionals based on the topics of leadership development, community service, self-development, networking, fellowship gatherings, shopping, island tours and much more. This will not only aspire and benefit future leaders for their local communities, but the Caribbean on a whole and the extension thereof.

DRR Elisia stated that the steering committee has been on a vigorous campaign seeking sponsors to contribute to this event. In addition to that, they extend a heartfelt thanks to the sponsors of this conference thus far: N.V. GEBE, Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco, Sarl Samagest, Computech SXM, Leonard Enterprise N.V., Photo Gumbs N.V., the Rotaract Club of Tortola and the Rotary Club of Saint Martin Sunrise. The committee is also encouraging any company, organization or individual that would like to contribute to the Rotaract District 7020 Conference to contact DRR Ms. Elisia Lake at #721-5874193 or email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For further information on this event please visit our website at www.rotaractdistrict7020.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The police traffic department and the Ambulance department had their hands filled Tuesday evening when three separate motor vehicle accidents  left nine persons injured. The three accidents took place within a short period of time. The first in Cole Bay, one in Fort Willem and the third on Link One Road.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the three accidents took place within a 15 minutes time frame. Henson said the first accident took place in the vicinity of La Bamba in Cole Bay where a pedestrian was hit down by a vehicle. Henson said while the ambulance and traffic department was busy dealing with that accident and transporting the victim to the St. Maarten Medical Center, they received a second call where a Coaster bus and another vehicle had a head on collision in Fort Willem. Henson said that the fire department had to go to that scene to save the two passengers in the car that were trapped in the vehicle. The police spokesman said inside the Coaster Bus there were five persons including the driver all of whom were injured when the accident occurred. Henson said all the passengers in the bus and the two from the car had to be transported to SMMC for medical treatment. Henson said while police and the ambulance department were dealing with the second accident police received a third call for an accident on Link One (Belair Road) Henson said two other vehicle collided and hit head on, he said the driver of one of the vehicle seems to have lost control due to the wet roads, Henson said one of the vehicles in the third accident overturned and both drivers also had to be transported to the SMMC for medical treatment.