Articles

We the parents and family of the four youths who were arrested on Monday morning would like to react to the article published on the front page of the Daily Herald on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. In this article it stated that R.L.G (16), K.R (17), D. de B (15), and M v.d.s. (15) were arrested. R.L.G. is 15 not 16. The article states that “Chief of Basic Police Care in Statia explained the police had tried to carry out the operation discretely.” It later states “the police underlined that the arrests had been made according to the rules. The police announced their presence, requested homeowners open the doors”. What the articles do not mention is that at the time of entry the children were asleep. 5 to 7 police officers from Bonaire violently entered the homes by forcing the doors open, screamed “police” through out the homes, violently pulled the children out of their beds, slammed them on the floor, pushed their faces on the floor, handcuffed and blindfolded them, and brought the children to the police station in their boxer draws. The children were screaming and crying that they did nothing wrong. Is this a way to treat a minor child? A grandmother (73) was present and younger children observed the altercation. It was violent, aggressive and NOT within the law.

During the day the children were questioned. The parents waited outside the police station to see their children and were given no information. Some children were questioned prior to speaking to a lawyer and all of their detention’s were extended prior to some parents or children speaking to a lawyer. The police or prosecutor did not explain to the parents what the arrests were made for. Most parents found out the charges through the article appearing in the Daily Herald the next day. Information was not provided in a sufficient manner and there was no transparency.

Even more disturbing is that 2 children were sent to Bonaire and the police did not properly inform the parents. One parent was told by their 10 year old son when she was coming home. This parent was at the police station during the questioning a half hour earlier. Why did the police not inform her properly then? Many people came to support the children as they left Statia to go to Bonaire. Teachers stood on in disbelief because they know these children do not deserve to be criminalized by the police. People were shouting and crying in emotion in a show of protest to the police and support to the children. There was a sense of disbelief. To suppress this emotion after the children left, the police made the situation worse and proceeded to arrest and beat R.L.G.s and K.R.s cousin under the accusation of throwing bottles. As he was on the ground being handcuffed, the officers proceeded to beat him with a baton in his head and kick him in the face.

The article states that Youth and Family was on standby. The parents were told that someone from Youth and Family would go with the minors to Bonaire. They did not go and the children went to Bonaire by themselves. The parents had no information on where their children would be sent and how to contact the children. Once again no information was provided. Two days after being sent to Bonaire, with the assistance of family members in Bonaire and the lawyers, the children were located and the parents were able to speak to the children.

For the 2 children who remained in Statia, a parent was not allowed to see her son even through she had an appointment As minors children are allowed to have visitors two times a day. The police have no right to deny a mother access from seeing her child while incarcerated. After peaceful protest, this parent was allowed to see her son.

We, the parents and family of these minor children would like to reiterate that the article presented in the Daily Herald on October 27 did not provide accurate information. There was a reason why one parent was seen kneeling in prayer on the steps of the police station. There was a reason why one parent’s screams could be heard so loudly. The aggressiveness, hatred and unprofessionalism in which these children and families were handled by the police and the prosecution should not be tolerated in a democratic society where human rights are an inalienable right. Sint Eustatius is not a police state. To this date no evidence has been presented. With such an aggressive and forceful arrest and the seriousness of the charges it would seem that evidence would be available.

In closing we would like to state that the children remain in good spirits. In the words of one of the children “we will be home soon because we did not do anything”. Keep your heads up, we love you, we are proud of you and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Parents and Family of R.L.G., K.R., D. de B, M.v.d.s.

Dr. Teresa E. Leslie
Ms. Cristie van de Sande
Mr. John De Bruin
Ms. Tamara Richardson
Mr. Sean Richardson
Mrs. Lydia Richardson
Mr. Derek Grant
Ms. Ria Van Roest
Ms. Grace Brissett
Mr. Andre Brissett
Ms. Louise van Putten
Mrs. Eoline Brissett
Rev. Ethon Brissett
Mrs. Ebbie Schmidt

With great pleasure we learned of the program ‘I AM KING’ and attended a men’s conference on male empowerment. Men have the obligation towards themselves, their family and their surroundings to ‘make life good’. That is not only today, but also tomorrow. So, how do we raise our young men today? What kind of role models do they have? What kind of values will they be taught?
There were several speakers addressing issues that (young) men are facing today and table discussions were held to propose solutions. The keynote speaker on the congress was Shane “Rizon” Gibson from Trinidad who gave a very inspiring speech and basically told the (young) men to F.I.G.H.T. The simple breakdown of F.I.G.H.T. is as follows:
‘F’: Feed on the right words. Through reading, music, movies, people in our surroundings and wherever you go, you will read and hear things. Negativity creates negativity. Listening to the wrong words over and over again can subconsciously affect our behavior. (Young) men need to filter what they read and listen and ‘Feed on the right words’.
‘I’: Believe In yourself. Especially young men need to challenge the beliefs about themselves. Often our young men are labeled as ‘no good’ and a ‘lost generation’. The young men need to write down achievable goals and step by step improve themselves. When achieving a goal, keep improving.
‘G’: Go after God’s vision. This kind of speaks for itself. God has created King’s from in the biblical days. Kings come in all shapes and fashion. Men need to behave as true Kings.
‘H’: Heart. Men have to have ‘heart’ and never give up. Men have to keep fighting even when things don’t look too bright. Always continue to do what is right for themselves, their family and their surroundings. Reference was made to King David who was a shepherd and a soldier before becoming a King. King David has always shown heart by fighting bears protecting his sheep, fighting the biggest opponents as a soldier and winning many wars as a King.
‘T’: Train in the right habits. Prey, read, speak, visualize and find a mentor. It is important to seek God, read the bible and educate yourself, speak out that what you want to achieve and visualize it. Men need to communicate and support each other. The less young men need to guide the young men in their journey through life.
The above is, of course, a very simple and basic breakdown of the speech, but the message is very clear: Men need to step up to the plate and help each other in a positive way. In closing we would like to leave you with some quotes from the different speakers: ‘You have to learn to earn’; ‘Young men are our priority’; ‘Speak negative in lives of young men then what are you telling them?’; ‘We fail to fill the gaps that others fill’ (on gang relations);’Relationships are a reflection of us’ and our favorite: ’The greatest gift you can give your child’s mother is being faithful to her (in every way)’. I AM KING!
Sjaoel “Shooz” Richardson
Soualiga Social Movement
‘Shoot hoops, not guns’

Dear Editor,

Last week I had the honor of joining colleagues from the World Wildlife Fund, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and from Research Institutes and Nature Management Organizations from around the region on a research expedition to one of the most significant Marine Protected Areas in the Caribbean: the Saba Bank. During the expedition, on which we remained at sea on an expedition ship for six days, we researched fish populations using scuba in waters that are famously deep and rough. We understood the importance of our work considering that it would contribute to the proper management of fisheries on the Saba Bank and the conservation of its resources for generations to come. My fellow scientists and I researched fish ranging from Grouper to Snapper, Damselfish to Butterflyfish. From Barracuda to what was undoubtedly everyone’s favorite animal: sharks. We saw sharks on every dive on healthy reefs, evidence that these animals keep the population of especially commercially important fish species healthy by maintaining a healthy reef.

On the morning of Wednesday the 21st of October I connected my phone to the satellite receiver of the expedition ship and I was first quite upset, then saddened to see what many of my friends and colleagues from St. Maarten, St. Martin, Anguilla and around the world tagged me in: it was a Facebook video allegedly taken in Anguilla of a Tiger Shark caught close to St. Martin. The animal was dragged to shore; a rope tied around its tail and pulled quite unceremoniously up the beach by a truck. It was then left to suffocate, suffer and die.

I was upset and saddened at how, in 2015, with all of the information out there on how sharks are so important to our ocean’s ecosystem, that they are not the mindless killers that they were made out to be by the media, that they are one of the most endangered animals on the planet, how can us island people who have such a close connection to the sea not realize that we have now removed one of the most important animals in the oceanic food chain? I then realized that misconceptions are still a major issue regarding how we perceive sharks.

Sharks are essential to the health of our ocean: they are top-level ocean predators and their essential role in the ecosystem is to keep it in balance, ensuring that the whole food chain remains intact and functioning. If sharks are removed the population of animals that they prey on will become unbalanced and our reefs, and the fisheries which depend on them, will collapse. The recent Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary that was established through the blessing of Dutch State Secretary for Economic Affairs Sharon Dijksma in September, protects all sharks. And the text establishing the Sanctuary specifically mentions their importance to fisheries.

Sharks are also not the mindless predators we have been led to believe by movies and books and television series. I would recommend your readers to consider this the next time they use their telephone cameras to take a picture of themselves and their friends at say, a nightclub: the act of taking a selfie has killed more people in 2015 than in three years by sharks. And New Yorkers have bitten more people than sharks ever can and ever will, often times with more deadly consequences. Think about this the next time a flight arrives from JFK. Yet we are led to believe that these animals are mindless killing machines out to consume unsuspecting bathers. All this while annually humans kill one hundred million sharks a year. 100.000.000. Annually. Some estimates say that some sharks will be extinct by 2030, followed by many other species of fish, followed by the way of life we know as Caribbean people.

Aside from these facts, all of them established in science, the act of tying up a live animal, which from the video looks like a pregnant female, and dragging it up the beach causing it to suffocate is just cruel. Where is our moral compass, our realization that we are part of a whole with all of the creatures of this planet? Where is the realization that we should and must show compassion for all life? I find it difficult to believe that the people who were seen dragging this animal up the beach and seeing it suffocate and die did not feel some type of remorse, did not consider that this is a living thing that had a life, an animal that has seen things in the ocean that we never will, that has evolved much earlier than us and has formed the foundation of our very existence. I find it hard to acknowledge that somewhere, deep down in their hearts, they did not feel some form of negative emotion in doing this to such a magnificent example of God’s creation.

The Nature Foundation, with its other partners in the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, has embarked on a three-year shark conservation program that not only involves research and protection but also has a large educational component. It seems as if we have a long way to go in changing people’s perception of sharks, which luckily, are protected in the territorial waters of St. Maarten.

These animals are some of the most misunderstood, maligned yet most important creatures in our seas. Healthy Reefs Need Sharks. And to do this we should collectively Save our Sharks. Not only for their sake but, ultimately, for ours.

Tadzio Bervoets
Manager Sint Maarten Nature Foundation
Guana Bay Rd 78
Sint Maarten.

As a Board, we are very disappointed with the constant misrepresentations and falsehoods that are coming from especially the Leader and Deputy Leader of the UP Party. Since the valid vote of non-confidence the leadership of the UP has been doing whatever they can to make an unconstitutional call for new elections.
From our point of view, we agree with MP Sarah Wescott Williams in stating that Article 59 should only be used when either there is unwillingness in Parliament to form a coalition of 8 or if the Parliament is making a mockery of our institution by jumping back and forth. Neither of these situations are presently valid and the UP leadership should do the honorable thing and take up their positions in the opposition benches.
It is the highest form of hypocrisy for Deputy Leader of the UP, Franklyn Meyers to be calling for electoral reform now that they are in the opposition when after the election in August 2014 the very same method of ‘ship jumping’ is what had them in Government in the first place. The arrogance of the UP leadership is astounding in insinuating that we only need electoral reform when someone ‘jumps ship’ from the UP but all is well when someone jumps ship to the UP.
The people of St. Maarten have sat through a year of inaction, corruption and nepotism that seems to be the modus operandi of the UP. We, as the board of the NA, would like to ask the UP to state just one thing that was done for the people of St. Maarten. We do however hear of countless deals that are established to enrich the leader of the UP, his family and friends. The UP leader should explain to the people of St. Maarten why he is hell bent on forcing GEBE to take a 700 Million Guilder loan for a Waste to Energy plant and other upgrades, when under former Minister William Marlin a more advanced and environmentally safe Waste to Energy plant was costing GEBE and the people of St. Maarten nothing to construct. The conversion of the GEBE generators to LPG gas also included friends of the UP yet again.
Under this UP led Government, a private company was simply given 10 Million dollars as a payoff to drop a court case. What kind of responsible governing is that? Instructing the harbor to settle a lawsuit, caused by administrative errors of the UP Leader Theo Heyliger. Now the Harbor Group of Companies owes SZV 10 Million dollars. If this continues, SZV will eventually join the Harbor Group of Companies in financial difficulties.
After purchasing the Vorst property for 5.5 Million Guilders, the UP led Government is prepared to lease the land to Algemene Pension St. Maarten (APS) for a symbolic price of one guilder for 60 years. Not one guilder a year for 60 years mind you but just one guilder. Indications are that APS would then contract a construction firm with close ties to the UP leader to construct “social homes”. Another UP plan with self-interest dripping all over it. This land could be leased to young professionals to build their own homes, which would lead to more economic activity for all and not the selected few.
The above are only a small part of what has transpired over the past year. Yet not one project to assist with job creation for the young people. Where is the new hospital the UP promised? Once elected the hospital was put on the back burner for a number of projects with questionable prices, ulterior motives and self-interest.
Additionally, Justice is a mess, safety and security, due to the rise in crime, is a concern to our population. There is a serious lack of proper training and equipment for our police corps. The education system is suffering due to lack of schools, increasing challenges in meeting the needs of learners in a highly technological world, and a lack of qualified teachers while the present government can’t ensure proper continuing vocational education. There is also a lack of promotion of cultural and sports development, coordination with other stakeholders in meeting the needs of our youth, protection of our vulnerable groups, while the UP supports a health ordinance which robs the seniors of basic health care instead of assisting them.
For the UP leader to claim that the new coalition was formed for self-interest is simply not valid. It is a gross attempt to once again fool the people of St. Maarten. It is clear that the year of inaction, negligence, incompetence, secrecy and greed on the part of the UP leadership is what ultimately led to the vote of non-confidence. The ‘ship jumpers’ have taken the first step in taking St. Maarten back from the few and giving it back to the people. They are to be commended for taking such a bold step. We as the board of the NA would like to ask the people of St. Maarten to give this coalition a chance to work in the best interest of the island. This is not an oligarchy controlled by the few wealthy families but a democracy controlled by the people.

TEAM NATIONAL ALLIANCE
#SXMFIRST

I read the PM's "weighing in on the political turmoil" and would like to comment:

In 2013 the UP wanted to come into government and (rightfully so) proclaimed 8 Parliamentary seats to be more than 7. The battle between proponents of Article 33-2 and Article 59 ensued. Article 59 was invoked by the NATIONAL ALLIANCE led WESCOT 2 cabinet, but lost. The UP led WESCOT 3 cabinet was sworn in and William's NA was out.

Fast forward to 2015: The NA wants to come into government and (again rightfully so) proclaims 8 Parliamentary seats are more than 7. Again the battle between proponents of Article 33-2 and Article 59 is raging. This time Article 59 is being invoked by the UP led Gumbs cabinet....except, NOW the UP led Gumbs Cabinet (shoe-on-other-foot) refuses to practice what the then UP led coalition of 8 preached in 2013! So what IS the difference between 2013 and 2015? UP was OUT then and wanted to come IN, while now, UP is IN and refuses to come OUT.

Mind you, IF there were snap elections called now, most, if not (hopefully) ALL the jumpers would see an expedited end to their political career, which, according to me, would be a GOOD thing. Another issue to consider is the fact that in case no snap elections are called, it is NOT nice to have a government supported by a Parliamentary majority of one single seat (which could be ANY of the 8 supporting Parliamentarians), of which one that has a criminal conviction hanging over his head. Which begs the question: What happens with this new 8 seat coalition IF in 2016 the Appellate Court upholds the decision of the Court of First Instance in the Sylvio Matser case and the good gentleman has to vacate his Parliamentary seat? That seat will then be filled by the next UP candidate up and government will fall again, as then also: 8 remains more than 7.

To conclude: 8 is ALWAYS more than 7 and therefore this NON-legal-scholar maintains that AS LONG AS THERE IS A MAJORITY IN PALIAMENT, Article 33-2 MUST be applied before Article 59 can be considered.

The Gumbs UP cabinet must follow the lead of the WESCOT 2 UP cabinet and let go! William is up next!

Michael J. Ferrier

Good morning to my fellow St. Maarteners. Today I awoke thanking the Lord for yet another day on earth and for sparing my life at least to be able to reflect on the different struggles that our country is faced with on a daily basis. Parliament approved a proposal to celebrate the obtaining of our country's separate status through our constitution every second Monday in October. Yesterday October 12, was given as a holiday to celebrate the obtaining of Separate status but rather than celebrating it was a day to reflect whether this Constitution Day made any sense or not after our fifth year anniversary of obtaining Country St. Maarten. In 2010 the people of St. Maarten went to the polls and elected 15 parliamentarians to run our country. Then we did this same exercise last year to elect yet another 15 representatives to act on our behalf. These representatives are the persons that the electorate felt was most capable to represent our country St. Maarten.

However today we see that we are at a crossroad where the Government appointed by these same representatives are depending on the very same people that elected them to represent this country are asking them for their assistance. In one way by calling for early elections and in another way by asking the electorate to go out and demonstrate at the Government building if the Government does not tender their resignation by today, October 13, 2015. I am appealing to my fellow St. Maarteners to please start reading the constitution so that you would know for yourselves who have the last say in a situation like the one that we are now faced with whereby the Government is not prepared to resign unless the Governor signs a National decree to dissolve Parliament. In every country whenever there is a law or regulation that is put in place there are always consequences if persons does not adhere to those laws etc. In this case our Government was given a vote of no confidence and where sent home by the majority of parliament on September 30, 2015 which is possible by using article 33 sub 2 of the Constitution. It clearly states that the minister or ministers shall make their position available but it did not say that those ministers are not allowed to make any National decrees before they leave office. I am not a constitutional expert or does not claim to know the constitution fully but in my humble opinion I believe that even though the Government sent a resolution to the Governor to be signed they still have to vacate their seats to make way for another Government that is now supported by the new majority. This constitution in my opinion has too many loop holes for the Government which was appointed by our elected officials to make use of. Every citizen that does not follow the laws of the land of any country always has to face consequences that are clearly stipulated in the same laws which are made by the Parliament and which a sentence is subsequently handed down by the Judge. In this case I believe that the people needs to know who is the Judge that will hand down the sentence and who are the ones that are responsible to make sure that this sentence is carried out.

This impasse where we do not see an end to must be looked into whereby the representatives that we voted for ensures that a law be passed to avoid such a situation in the future. In this case I would like to know who must act as the Judge that hands down the sentence. Is it the Governor, the Government, the Council of Ministers, the Parliament, the Constitutional court or the people of St. Maarten? According to me the people of St. Maarten did their part by voting for persons who they believe can represent them whenever there is any kind of crisis in our country. If the elected officials are still depending on the people to solve a problem that they were put there to handle then I ask myself the question why do we as the electorate go out and put our trust in representatives who in the end cannot solve a crisis that involves Government themselves. In this case I realize that the people are only important and are used when there is election or when the elected officials cannot find any solutions for their own personal benefit which includes both sides of the fence whether it's the coalition with a majority or the opposition.

Whenever there is a citizen that commits a crime it is handled according to the law with consequences. In this case why can't the elected officials go back to the drawing board and enact a law that would also be able to have consequences when that law is not adhered to. If our Government and elected representatives needs us to solve this impasse while they sit back and do nothing about it but complain to the general public then I feel they are not capable to be occupying the positions that they now hold because when they are busy making their deals the people are never included. We should all follow the rule of law. God bless this nation St. Maarten and continue to believe that we can solve all our problems if we apply the faith and works concept of the bible. So we pray to seek council and then we act according to the answers given by God. This is just food for thought.

C. Jeffrey Richardson

PETITION
NO TO THE P.L.U.
NO TO THE PUBLIC INQUIRY
NO TO THE ABUSIVE AND ARBITRARY REPURCHASE OF THE SO CALLED «50 PAS»

To all the elected representatives of the Territorial Collectivity of Saint-Martin,
All sectors of the population of Saint-Martin, with few exceptions, are negatively impacted by the P.L.U. project that you have been imposing for the last months, without having the courage to satisfactorily explain a certain number of basic inconsistent decisions about the economic future of our island.
Whereas tourism is the first economic activity that is supposed to ensure the livelihood of our population, your P.L.U. has based its decisions on a hypothetic agriculture that, according to you only, is the pillar of our economy. Zones U4 and U5 covering the largest luxury vacation market on the island are directly threatened by the planned urbanization of these zones. Decisions characterized as -agriculture– green or nature- largely concern the more than centenary properties of Saint Martin people, who will not be allowed to build or invest on our ancestral inheritance in order to secure the well-being of our children and our families. This inheritance identifies our local reality and the economic hope of our young generations obliged to stay abroad on account of their exclusion from the development of the last thirty years. In short, your P.L.U. totally disregards our tourism-oriented economy, already represented by a renowned luxury tourism industry in the Lowlands.
In addition, the decision to considerably increase the number of floors in villages as traditional as Marigot and Grand-Case, will disfigure the existing housing environment belonging to the native population and tarnish its touristic attraction, leaving the door open to the expropriation of our properties, to the urbanization of our two major centres of local life, and consequently to the increase of delinquency and criminality. The present density of the population (600+ inhab./km2) is already the highest in the French Caribbean islands. The sewage infrastructure, almost inadequate or inexistent, presently endangers the quality of life in many areas, and no provision for the improvement of this situation is made in you project.
Your P.L.U. reflects two distinct disturbing trends, on the one hand, the protection of the new residential districts and the planned increase of exogenous residents, and on the other hand, the stalled growth of many native landowners whose properties are declassified as non constructible for some, and declared green or natural areas for others, and the demolishing of the luxury tourism industry.
Finally, communications and exchanges are made in the various languages spoken on the island in electoral times, and you boast of the multicultural and multilingual nature of our society, therefore decisions as important as those made in your project should have taken into account our historical, ancestral, cultural and linguistic realities, and preserve the profitability of our luxury tourism zones.
Andrew Baker Jr.

The 2015 Nobel Peace Prize went to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet and it is well deserved. They are a key player in bringing democracy to Tunisia. However, we want to shine the light on a man who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize now three times on a row: Dr. Denis Mukwege.
Dr. Mukwege is a Congolese gynecologist who is the founder of the Panzi hospital in Congo. He himself has operated on over 40.000 thousand victims of rape and gang rape. The female victims of the ever ongoing civil war, that spread from Rwanda to Congo, range from as young as babies and little girls to elderly women. He does sometimes ten operations a day, works more than eighteen hours per day and lives on the compound of the hospital with his wife and two of his children. This is, to say the least, quite impressive.
As a young man Dr. Mukwege went to study in France with the objective to return home and assist the women in his country with childbirth, seeing that there was no specialist health care available to them. In 1998 the Second Congolese War erupted and many victims of rape and gang rape were brought before Dr. Mukwege. These years made him to be the world’s leading expert on how to repair the internal physical damage caused by rape and gang rape.
In 2012 an assassination attempt was made on his life, but he survived. He then fled to Europe. While in Europe, former patients put together money for a ticket for the doctor to return home. Dr. Mukwege’s words: “Those women put each one dollar to buy my ticket. One dollar. This is so much money for them. How can I refuse to go home while they made this great effort?” Upon his return to Congo, there was a crowd besides both sides of the road from the airport to the city where he had to go. This was over a distance of twenty miles where primarily women were cheering and applauding him.
Dr. Mukwege was once asked how he can cope with separating his feelings from his work, seeing so much human tragedy. His response: “I am human, I have feelings. It is impossible to pretend that I don’t have them. I therefore treat each and every patient as if she is my daughter, my wife, my mother.”
Even though Dr. Mukwege’s life is under a continuous threat, he chooses to continue his work and spread awareness on the horrible acts that take place during wars. He strongly believes that women are powerful enough to overcome any tragedy and can lead this world. This man, Dr. Denis Mukwege, is ‘our’ Nobel Peace Prize Winner. If we could only be just a bit like him.
Sjaoel “Shooz” Richardson
Soualiga Social Movement.

Short Letter to the Editor‎:

‎With all the commotion going on...where is Theo? His silence is deafening..
Is he backing the Government's fight for new elections now? Is he READY? Curious to know...

Michael J. Ferrier

As reported in the media, the perception that “amending the Constitution is the only solution to stop “ship-jumping” and the further continuing demise of Government on St. Maarten (4 times in just about 5 years) is utterly absurd and uninformed. Respectfully, Article 47.1 of the Constitution clearly defers such matters as the election and maintenance of Parliament, to be regulated by national ordinance. To this effect, the Election Ordinance (AB 2010, GT no.10) was ratified by the Government of St. Maarten December, 2010.
As such, to avert “ship-jumping”, the focus should be on amending the Election Ordinance which allows for (non-elected) Parliamentarians to indiscriminately break ties with their elected party list and align with another party list consequently causing Government to fall, which has become affectionately known as “ship-jumping”. To avoid such continuing political anomaly, this citizen has written and submitted to the Parliament of Sint Maarten a draft Election Ordinance Amendment Legislation (June 29, 2015). The objective of the Amendment Legislation is to “ensure the sanctity and rightful representation of the election results . . where elected non-elected Members of Parliament (could) declare themselves as “independent, align with a different party list/ political party . . . and render the premature fall of Government.” And yes, “new elections will not solve the “ship-jumping issue”, however, the afore mentioned Election Ordinance Amendment Legislation reform will.
With respect to the constitutionality of new elections or that “calling for early elections is unconstitutional” as also reported in the media, while this might appear to be a gray area to my mind it is quite constitutional. As Article 33.1 of the Constitution clearly states “the Prime Minster and the other Ministers shall be appointed and dismissed by National Decree.” This is further reinforced by Article 59.2, which states that “An order for dissolution shall also require new elections to be held for Parliament which has been dissolved and the newly elected Parliament to meet within three months.” The coming together, after the fall of government, of different parties and/or “independent” members of Parliament to form a new government, which was permissible under the Island Regulation of the Netherlands Antilles this is hardly consistent with ordinary norms of parliamentary government.
For a detailed understanding of St. Maarten governmental structure and parliamentary procedures see Julio R. Romney, St. Maarten: Our Constituent State Constitutional Framework, IAAS Publishers, 2013.

By Julio R. Romney

5 Governments in 5 years; That is Country St. Maarten's CLAIM TO FAME.....and all because we keep trying to work an electoral system that DOES NOT and WILL NOT function on St. Maarten. As long as there are politicians who enter the political arena on our island, who do not mean what they say, do not keep their "word", do not know how to practice "Country above self" and who will do whatever it takes to get into and stay in one of the 15 coveted Parliamentary seats that come with a handsome salary and a gorgeous benefit package, the insanity will continue.

I speak from experience, having run on the DP slate in 2014 and as such, I feel I can comment with authority about the type of people described above. For instance: MP Van Hugh Cornelius de Weever.
This politician hijacked the second DP parliamentary seat earned through party votes, INCLUDING my 129 and started the new 2014/2018 cycle of "I-am-going-to-throw-down-Government-if-I-do-not-get-what-I-want-notwithstanding-the-fact-that-I-am-not-popular-enough-to-get-elected-on-my-own".

To me it is obvious that our system of government, our very democracy, is rapidly becoming the subject of ridicule within the Kingdom, the region and the world. But forget what the rest of the world thinks of us...WHAT DO WE THINK OF OURSELVES? Why is it that, up to now, WE THE PEOPLE accept that a small group of politicians only pay lip-service to the problems of our electoral system, but do NOTHING to give up their lucrative payday as Members of Parliament and Ministers of Government. I challenge any one to show me one single concrete action that has been taken to stop the insanity where a single politician is elevated to Parliament on the coat-tails of a party leader, or combined party votes, to then promptly BOLT (JUMP) across the aisle with "his/her" seat.

Regardless now of how this latest session of political musical chairs plays out, the result will likely be that the usual suspects return in some form or the other. So WHY HAVE NEW ELECTIONS? Just so that the SAME bunch of politicians will be able to make even more promises, while pledging their loyalty to party and party leader as a convenient way to hop on to THAT particular party train to the promised land of a lucrative Parliamentary seat? Or is it to have Christmas come early for those that collect money and favors in return for their vote?

I think it is time to face facts St. Maarten. Our system is broken. Reality is, that we vote for people, not for parties. And only a limited few candidates get the majority of all votes. Their political coat tails are such that other (obscure, little known, or unpopular) political candidates are swept into office. Once in the “seat”, having taken the oath of office, a Member of Parliament, is given a huge amount of authority and power, irrespective of how much PUBLIC SUPPORT they PERSONALLY had. So, where is the democracy in this!?? Why is it that politicians running on a party slate do not actually have to share that party's principles, values and vision? The ease with which members of parties, once elected to office, can switch loyalty is proof that there is no party loyalty or shared party principles or beliefs! It is pretty sad that we have (and keep) a system in which a candidate, who is unable to earn the required PREFERENTIAL votes from the electorate, can hijack an entire government. SUCH A CANDIDATE MUST NOT BE ABLE TO TRADE HIS/HER SEAT.

If a candidate becomes an MP on the popularity of the party, and down the line they cannot, for whatever reason, remain loyal to that party, they should have two options: RESIGN AND VACATE THE SEAT, making it again available to the party, or alternatively, STAY WITH THE PARTY, VOTE THEIR CONSCIENCE and let the chips fall where they may (or as they say in USA Politics: Put on your big-boys' pants!). A Member of Parliament takes an oath of office to represent ALL of the people and not to be obliged to any individual or entity. Not towing the party line is allowed, but it takes GUTS, PRINCIPLES and VALUES. If a politician is sincere in working in the best interest of the people and also wants to stay true to principles of integrity, then he/she should be able to defend his/her view and stand up to his/her party. Trading, or otherwise negotiating deals with a seat in Parliament, for personal gain, is not acceptable. It simply has to stop. Let us eliminate the NOT-EMPOWERED JUMPER!

This means our electoral laws have to change and it will not happen without public pressure. The next government MUST make this change a priority.

For now, just as in 2013, 8 is more than 7 and as long as there is a majority in Parliament (unfortunately, no matter the characters), Ministers (in this case, a majority of whom did not run for office at that) should not be able to cause the dissolution of a Parliament that just gave them (the Ministers) a vote of no confidence (fired them).

Michael J. Ferrier

We are often boasting about our economy and being a leader in the region when it comes to our cruise industry, our cargo distribution facilities and being a hub for travelers by air. There is the ever ongoing search for investors on our island to build our economy and to create jobs. Jobs are needed to guarantee an income to provide for the basic necessities and some (small) luxury items. We get that.
But is this what life is all about? We work (sometimes multiple jobs), pay for food, shelter, clothes and utilities and if we’re lucky we have bit left over to spend on other things. We hope to get quality education and health care for the taxes that we pay, drive on decent roads and basically hope to grow old. The aforementioned examples are some pillars, in which our Standard of Living is measured, but what about the Quality of Life? What about our happiness? Our ‘peace of mind’?
There are some things that can’t be measured in amounts of money, but that are worth investing in to preserve, build or eliminate. We can think of our environment (nature), safety, political stability, divorce rate, equality, freedom of religion, teenage pregnancy, leisure time with friends and family, etc. These are some of the things that can greatly influence our happiness.
Happiness also increases productivity and is a factor that decreases the crime rate. So, instead of only investing in projects that can increase our Standard of Living, we think that it is time to invest in the Quality of Life. Preserve what is left from nature, create leisure spots for families, show some political maturity and create an environment in which the less fortunate among us also can participate in our community.
Sjaoel “Shooz” Richardson
President Soualiga Social Movement.

The Detective Department this evening, October 29 has received several complaints from businesses regarding individuals (still unidentified) paying for their goods they have purchased, with false/ counterfeit Euro bills.

The bills that are mainly used are the 50 Euro bills.

The entire community and mainly the business community should be very alert when receiving Euro currency. anyone who received any false or counterfeit bills should get in contact with the Detective Department.

The Fire Department invites the public to its Open House. Meet the fire fighters, meet safety retailers, see live demonstrations, and tour the fire trucks on display. Make it a family event. This will take place on Sunday, November 1; from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Cay Hill Fire Station.

The PEACE IS Foundation invites the general public to support its 9th annual PEACE IS Paradise breakfast fundraiser on St. Maarten’s Day. As in previous years, Taloula Mango’s on the Board Walk will host this year’s btreakfast. Proceeds from this event will benefit the violence prevention program of the Leonard Connor School.

The breakfast will be from 8:00-11:00am and tickets are available for only $10. Tickets can be purchased at NAGICO, Van Dorp (Madame Estate), Leonard Connor School or from any member of PEACE IS Foundation.

Patrons are invited to come out in your numbers and support this St. Maarten’s Day Breakfast by purchasing tickets for this worthy cause. This will be the perfect way to get your St. Martin’s day started!

STOP A L’ENQUETE PUBLIQUE
STOP AU RACHAT ABUSIF ET ARBITRAIRE DESDITS 50 PAS GEOMETRIQUES

A l’ensemble des Elus de la Collectivité Territoriale de Saint-Martin,

Tous les secteurs de la population de Saint-Martin, à peu d’exceptions près, sont négativement impactés par le projet de P.L.U. que vous imposez depuis ces derniers mois, sans que vous ayez le courage d’expliquer de façon satisfaisante un certain nombre d’incohérences fondamentales sur le devenir économique de notre île.
Alors que le tourisme est la première activité économique qui devrait faire vivre notre population, votre P.L.U. base ses décisions sur une hypothétique agriculture qui, selon vous seuls, est le pilier de notre économie. Les zones U4 et U5 couvrant le plus important marché de location touristique de luxe de l’île sont directement menacées par l’urbanisation prévue de ces zones. Des décisions caractérisées comme –agricole -verte ou nature- concernent en grande partie les propriétés plus que centenaires des Saint-Martinois, qui ne pourront ni construire, ni investir sur notre héritage ancestral pour assurer la prospérité de nos enfants et de nos familles. Cet héritage constitue l‘essentiel de notre terroir et l’espoir économique de nos jeunes générations obligées de s’exiler en raison de leur exclusion du développement des trente dernières années. En somme, votre P.L.U. ne tient nullement compte de la vocation touristique de l’île, déjà représentée par un tourisme de luxe de grande réputation dans les Terres Basses.
Par ailleurs, la décision d’augmenter considérablement le nombre d’étages dans des villages aussi traditionnels que Marigot et Grand-Case, dénature l’habitat existant qui appartient à la population native et porte atteinte à son attractivité touristique, laissant la porte ouverte à l’expropriation de nos biens, à l’urbanisation des deux seuls centres principaux de vie locale, et donc à l’augmentation de la délinquance et de la criminalité. La densité actuelle de la population (600+ hab/km2) est déjà la plus élevée des îles françaises caribéennes. L’infrastructure du tout-à-l’égout, inadéquate ou inexistante, menace déjà la qualité de vie un peu partout sur l’île et aucune provision pour l’amélioration de cette situation n’existe dans votre projet.
En outre, nous proposons l’annulation, d’une part, des procédures de vente de terrains aux familles qui en sont déjà propriétaires et d’autre part, de la délibération incomplète du conseil exécutif numéro CE 100-3-2015 du 14 avril 2015, fixant le prix de vente des parcelles situées en bordure de mer à 33 et 42.90 euros/m2, alors que l’Etat avait cédé ces parcelles aux ressortissants français au franc symbolique. Ces décisions, de toute évidence, sont de nature abusive et arbitraire.
Votre P.L.U. reflète deux orientations inquiétantes distinctes, d’une part, la protection des nouveaux quartiers résidentiels et l’accroissement programmée des résidents exogènes, et d’autre part, le blocage de l’évolution des nombreux propriétaires natifs dont les terres sont déclassées non constructibles pour les uns et déclarées zones vertes ou naturelles pour les autres, et la destruction de l’industrie touristique de luxe.
Enfin, vous multipliez les communications et les échanges dans les langues parlées sur l’île en période électorale et vous vous vantez de la nature multiculturelle et multilingue de notre société, par conséquent, s’agissant de décisions aussi importantes que celles prises dans votre projet, il aurait fallu respecter nos réalités historiques, ancestrales, culturelles et linguistiques et préserver la rentabilité de nos zones de tourisme de luxe.

NOM PRENOM ADRESSE EMAIL TEL SIGNATURE

PETITION
NO TO THE P.L.U.
NO TO THE PUBLIC INQUIRY
NO TO THE ABUSIVE AND ARBITRARY REPURCHASE OF THE SO CALLED «50 PAS»

To all the elected representatives of the Territorial Collectivity of Saint-Martin,

All sectors of the population of Saint-Martin, with few exceptions, are negatively impacted by the P.L.U. project that you have been imposing for the last months, without having the courage to satisfactorily explain a certain number of basic inconsistent decisions about the economic future of our island.
Whereas tourism is the first economic activity that is supposed to ensure the livelihood of our population, your P.L.U. has based its decisions on a hypothetic agriculture that, according to you only, is the pillar of our economy. Zones U4 and U5 covering the largest luxury vacation market on the island are directly threatened by the planned urbanization of these zones. Decisions characterized as -agriculture– green or nature- largely concern the more than centenary properties of Saint Martin people, who will not be allowed to build or invest on our ancestral inheritance in order to secure the well-being of our children and our families. This inheritance identifies our local reality and the economic hope of our young generations obliged to stay abroad on account of their exclusion from the development of the last thirty years. In short, your P.L.U. totally disregards our tourism-oriented economy, already represented by a renowned luxury tourism industry in the Lowlands.
Besides, the decision to considerably increase the number of floors in villages as traditional as Marigot and Grand-Case, will disfigure the existing housing environment belonging to the native population and tarnish its touristic attraction, leaving the door open to the expropriation of our properties, to the urbanization of our two major centres of local life, and consequently to the increase of delinquency and criminality. The present density of the population (600+ inhab./km2) is already the highest in the French Caribbean islands. The sewage infrastructure, almost inadequate or inexistent, presently endangers the quality of life in many areas, and no provision for the improvement of this situation is made in you project.
In addition, we propose to cancel, on the one hand, the procedures of land sale to families who are already owners of their properties, and on the other hand, the incomplete deliberation made by the executive council number CE 100-3-2015 dated April 14, 2015, setting the sale price of seaside parcels at 33 and 42.90 euros/m2, whereas the State had transferred such parcels to French nationals at the symbolic franc. These decisions are, obviously, abusive and arbitrary.
Your P.L.U. reflects two distinct disturbing trends, on the one hand, the protection of the new residential districts and the planned increase of exogenous residents, and on the other hand, the stalled growth of many native landowners whose properties are declassified as non constructible for some, and declared green or natural areas for others, and the demolishing of the luxury tourism industry.
Finally, communications and exchanges are made in the various languages spoken on the island in electoral times, and you boast of the multicultural and multilingual nature of our society, therefore decisions as important as those made in your project should have taken into account our historical, ancestral, cultural and linguistic realities, and preserve the profitability of our luxury tourism zones.

NAME FIRST NAME ADDRESS EMAIL TEL SIGNATURE

The Police Department is making known to the public that permission has been granted to LDW Holding Ltd to carry out delivery of building supplies at Boardwalk Blvd 15. These deliveries are scheduled for the early morning hours on Thursday October 1st and Friday October 2nd 2015 since no cruise ships are scheduled to be in port.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
The “Friendly Island Cycling Association” has been granted a permit to keep a Triathlon on Sunday October 4th 2015. The race will start at 07.30 a.m. on the premises of Port de Plaisance on Union road. The cycling part of this event will leave the Port de Plaisance and turn left on the Union road to the East side round about of the Cause Way Bridge. The race will then continue via the Cause Way Bridge to the round about at the PJIA main building and then return to the East Side round about. Three laps of this route will be done before ending at Port de Plaisance. During the cycling race the Cause Way Bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic until the race is finished. After the race the bridge will again be open immediately allowing all traffic to flow normally. All drivers should take keen note of the information to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience.

Ordre du jour du CT du 05 novembre 2015.

1. Désignation des élus pour le conseil d’administration de la cité scolaire « Robert Weinum ».
2. Demande de changement de la date de commémoration de l’abolition de l’esclavage à Saint-Martin au 28 mai.
3. Création d’un pôle médicosocial des îles du Nord de Saint-Martin.
4. Perception des impôts - barème de l’impôt sur les revenus de l’année 2015 et mesure fiscales diverses.
5. Fixation des taux d’imposition pour l’année 2016.
6. Contravention pour non-paiement de la taxe routière sur les véhicules à moteur – Proposition de modification du code de procédure pénale.
7. Adaptation des dispositions réglementaires relatives à la qualification initiale et à la formation continue des conducteurs de transports routiers et à l’agrément des centres de formation professionnels habilités à dispenser les formations.
8.  Mise en œuvre de l’opération d’aménagement de la baie de Marigot - Modalités de réalisation d’aménagement de la baie de Marigot.
9. -- Mise en œuvre de l’opération d’aménagement de la baie de Marigot – Régime juridique des terres exonérées de la baie de Marigot dans le domaine privé de la Collectivité.
10. Débat - Orientations budgétaires 2016.

Questions diverses

- Présentation du document d’information territorial sur les risques majeurs (DITRIM)

- Compte-rendu des rencontres du CNFPT de Nancy du 1er au 05 juin 2015.

« En réaction aux événements du 22 octobre 2015, qui ont paralysé l’activité de notre territoire pendant plus de 16 heures, je voudrais tout d’abord remercier l’ensemble des Saint-Martinois pour leur comportement exemplaire et leur patience, compte tenu des bouleversements que ces événements ont engendrés sur leur quotidien.

Si je suis particulièrement attachée aux droits que nous confère notre démocratie, en tant que Présidente de ce territoire, je ne peux que regretter qu’une population tout entière ait été prise en otage par quelques-uns, à des fins individuelles et politiciennes. Je déplore que le territoire tout entier ait été bloqué, alors qu’il aurait tout à fait été possible d’ouvrir un axe prioritaire pour préserver la sécurité de la population et faciliter la circulation des secours.

J’estime qu’il faut toujours privilégier le dialogue, et je m’interroge sur les réelles motivations de ce collectif qui n’a fait aucune démarche préalable pour exposer ses doléances à l’exécutif. Une rencontre en amont aurait probablement permis d’engager la discussion sans pour autant en arriver au blocage du territoire et de ses habitants.

Néanmoins, la Collectivité de Saint-Martin a pris la situation en main et je tiens à saluer la détermination et l’engagement sans faille de mes quatre vice-présidents, Guillaume Arnell, Ramona Connor, Wendel Cocks et Rosette Gumbs-Lake, qui ont tout mis en œuvre pour aboutir à une sortie de crise rapide, satisfaisant les deux parties. Nous sommes restés en contact téléphonique toute la durée de la contestation, et je me réjouis qu’un accord ait pu être signé le jour même. Ma seule préoccupation a été de lever les barrages pour le bien de nos concitoyens, et de notre économie qui a considérablement souffert ce jour-là ; sans parler de l’image déplorable que cette action a donné de notre destination touristique.

La négociation a permis d’aboutir à un accord de principe qui annule la phase d’enquête publique du Plan Local d’Urbanisme (PLU) et relance la concertation dans les quartiers ; mais l’objectif désormais est de constituer un plan d’urbanisme concerté et mieux compris par la population. Un arrêté territorial stoppant l’enquête publique a été pris en ce sens le 26 octobre 2015.

Nous ferons tout ce qui est en notre pouvoir pour que notre territoire ait son plan d’urbanisme et qu’il serve au mieux l’intérêt général de Saint-Martin et des Saint-Martinois. Il s’agit de faire avancer notre territoire ; de nombreux projets économiques porteurs d’activités et d’emplois sont en jeu et je compte sur toutes les bonnes volontés pour nous aider dans ce processus. »

Aline Hanson
Présidente du conseil territorial de Saint-Martin

Motorworld a sponsorisé le concours d’épellation de l’émission Talent d’Or organisée par Télé Zekle.
Le 26 septembre 2015, Télé Zecle a tenu une compétition d’épellation de mots pour les jeunes de classe de 6eme.
Motorworld a remis le premier prix, un ordinateur portable, à la gagnante Melle Sophonie Clairin.
Talent d’Or est une émission culturelle dont le but est de promouvoir les jeunes virtuoses du français de Saint-Martin.

Le pôle Solidarité & Familles de la collectivité de Saint-Martin propose trois soirées d’information sur les droits des personnes âgées ; la première de ces rencontres aura lieu pendant la semaine bleue, le mercredi 14 octobre 2015, à Marigot-St James, dans le local du conseil de quartier n°5. Les deux autres soirées d’information seront organisées le 28 octobre et le 18 novembre 2015, à Grand Case et Quartier d’Orléans, dans les locaux des conseils de quartier 1 et 2.
Lors de ces réunions publiques, les services de la Collectivité informeront l’assistance sur les aides sociales existantes en faveur des retraités, mais aussi des personnes en situation de handicap, et répondront aux questions des administrés. Le public est invité à venir nombreux.

• MERCREDI 14 OCTOBRE 2015 DE 18H A 19H30
• Conseil de quartier N°5 St-James de 18h à 19h30
• MERCREDI 28 OCTOBRE 2015 DE 18H A 19H30
• Conseil de quartier N°1 Orléans de 18h à 19h30
• MERCREDI 18 NOVEMBRE 2015 DE 18H A 19H30
• Conseil de quartier N°2 Grand-case

The social Department Solidarity & Families of the Collectivité will offer three information evenings on the rights of senior citizens. The first of these meetings will take place during the Blue Week on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, in St James. The other two information evenings will be held October 28 and November 18, 2015, in Grand Case and French Quarter community councils.

During these public meetings, the Collectivité will communicate on existing social aid to pensioners and to people with disabilities. They will also answer questions from the guest.

The three information meetings will be held:

• Wednesday, October 14, 2015 6:00 P.M.-7:30 P.M. St. James
• Wednesday, October 28, 2015 6:00 P.M.- 7:30 P.M. French Quarter
• Wednesday, November 18, 2015 6:00 P.M.-7:30 P.M. Grand Case

En arrivant, dans la salle des délibérations le collectif demande à nouveau la suppression de la délibération de juin sur le PLU ; Le VP Guillaume Arnell a tout d'abord donné sa position, puis écouté longuement les doléances des membres du collectif. Il a proposé en fin de séance de stopper l'enquête sur le PLU et de repartir à la phase de concertation auprès de la population. Il a également proposé qu'un comparatif POS / PLU soit réalisé en concertation de manière à garder les points positifs des deux documents. Il s'est engagé à remettre les choses à plat pour aboutir à un PLU concerté.
Une traduction anglaise sera faite de tous les documents du PLU. Le PADD a déjà été traduit et disponible au Pôle de dev Durable et sur le site Internet de la COM.

Le 13 octobre 2015, un vol par effraction est commis résidence Sunrise dans la quartier d'Oyster Pond à Saint-Martin. L'auteur s'introduit dans l'habitation en forçant la baie vitrée et dérobe du matériel hi-fi puis efface ses traces à l'aide d'une serviette avant de quitter les lieux. L'individu sera identifié grâce à un travail de recoupement judiciaire et d'exploitation des enregistrements de vidéo surveillance de la victime. Il est interpellé à son domicile le 19 octobre 2015. L'enquête a permis de déterminer que l'individu agissait selon le même mode opératoire depuis plusieurs semaines et serait l'auteur de plus d'une dizaine de cambriolages dans le quartier d'Oyster Pond.

L'intéressé est convoqué devant le Tribunal de Basse Terre courant décembre 2015. Dans l'attente de cette audience et à l'issue de sa garde à vue, l'individu a été incarcéré en Guadeloupe dans le cadre d'une autre affaire pour laquelle il avait été jugé et condamné.

La présidente Aline Hanson salue l’ouverture officielle du Guichet Export de la CCISM. Ce projet commun dont la convention cadre a été signée le 16 décembre 2014 par l’Etat, la collectivité de Saint-Martin, la CCISM et les partenaires publics AFD, BPI France, UBI France et le Conseiller du Commerce Extérieur de la France (CCE), s’inscrit dans la dynamique du pacte national pour la croissance, la compétitivité et l’emploi, du gouvernement. Il s’agit désormais de pérenniser pour les cinq ans à venir l’activité des entreprises saint-martinoises qui travaillent déjà dans le domaine de l’export, tout en permettant à de nouvelles entreprises de s’inscrire dans cette dynamique.

« Je me réjouis que la CCISM ait été désignée par les partenaires comme le Guichet Unique à l’export pour nos entreprises car elle est ainsi pleinement dans son rôle d’accompagnateur et de conseil aux entreprises locales. Pour l’accompagner dans ce processus, la Collectivité a doté la CCISM d’un fonds d’investissement de 50 000 euros pour la première année de convention ; une somme qui va servir à financer les premières actions en faveur de nos entreprises, le guichet étant officiellement ouvert.
Avec ses 40 millions d’habitants, la Caraïbe représente un formidable potentiel de développement pour les entreprises saint-martinoises qui ont de véritables savoir-faire. Ce guichet unique à l’export est donc un atout incontestable pour le développement de nos PME. ».

La vice-présidente Rosette Gumbs-Lake a reçu en collectivité, le vendredi 16 octobre 2015, la Gouverneure du District Antilles Guyane du Lions Club, madame Maryline Houssein-Youssouf, accompagnée de la secrétaire du District madame Gilberte Aron, du trésorier, monsieur Jean-Claude Claveau, de la présidente des relations internationales madame Stéphanie Edouard, du Past Gouverneur local monsieur Félicien Maccow, de la présidente des Iles du Nord, madame Véronique Paul, et du président du Lions Club Fort Louis, monsieur Jean-Pierre Tey.
Cette visite protocolaire à Saint-Martin de la délégation guyanaise a eu pour objet de mettre en lumière les actions du Lions Club sur notre territoire. Le club service a une représentation forte à Saint-Martin, avec les trois Lions, le club Oualichi, le Lions club Doyen et le Lions club Fort Louis, qui réalisent régulièrement des actions en faveur des personnes dans le besoin. Comme l’a précisé la gouverneure Antilles Guyane, 100% des dons au Lions club vont aux bonnes œuvres du club service, le fonctionnement étant uniquement financé par les cotisations des membres qui sont tous des bénévoles. Ils sont 1.4 million dans le monde,630 dans le District Antilles Guyane. Les Chevaliers des aveugles, comme ont les nomme, mettent un point d’honneur à agir en faveur des plus démunis, au travers d’actions phares telles que la vaccination contre la rougeole réalisée tout récemment à Saint-Martin. Le club service fêtera ses 100 ans d’existence en 2017.
La vice-présidente Rosette Gumbs-Lake a salué l’engagement des Lions à Saint-Martin, et félicité la gouverneure et sa délégation pour le travail accompli dans notre zone géographique.

Après le vote de la loi organique en février 2007, un décret du Premier Ministre relatif à l’organisation de l’administration des services de l’éducation a été publié, pour tenir compte des particularismes de Saint Martin dans le domaine de l’enseignement.
Compte tenu de l’existence de ce décret, un arrêté conjoint du Ministre chargé de l’Education Nationale et de la Ministre Chargée de l’Outre-Mer, a nommé à Saint-Martin un représentant du Recteur en remplacement de Monsieur Jespère.
S’il y a lieu de reconnaitre que l’Education Nationale a bien pris conscience de l’urgente nécessité de mettre en place une nouvelle organisation administrative qui prend en compte la problématique spécifique aux particularismes de l’île de Saint-Martin, force est de constater qu’aucune action concrète ni spécifique n’a été mise en œuvre jusqu’à ce jour. En dehors de la nomination d’un représentant du Recteur sur l’île, aucune autre disposition particulière n’a été envisagée pour Saint-Martin afin de faciliter la réussite éducative du plus grand nombre de nos élèves.
Au-delà des discours des uns et des autres, nous sommes obligés de nous poser la question suivante : Existe-t-il aujourd’hui une volonté réelle de prendre en compte nos particularismes afin de dégager des réponses appropriées ?
Aujourd’hui, le nouveau représentant est en poste. Là encore, une question essentielle s’impose : Quelle mission a-t-on confiée à ce nouveau représentant, sachant qu’il est urgent de mettre en application les articles LO 6314-9 et LO 6314-10 de notre Loi Organique, qui se rapportent au bilinguisme ?
A titre d’information et dans un souci de sensibiliser ceux qui ont la charge de la décision, il convient de souligner que le bilinguisme éducatif précoce développe les capacités intellectuelles et cognitives en formant les enfants à un double système de pensée.
L’enseignement bilingue est un moyen de transmettre la langue et la culture régionale : l’enfant acquiert la maitrise de la seconde langue sans pour autant affaiblir la première. Cet enseignement les prépare aussi à l’apprentissage ultérieur d’autres langues.
Eu égard à cette définition sur l’enseignement bilingue, il est permis de s’interroger sur les moyens spécifiques qui ont été attribués à Saint-Martin afin de combattre le fort taux d’échec scolaire et de préparer la mise en œuvre du dispositif législatif cité dans les lignes précédentes. L’arrivée du représentant va- t-elle faciliter la mise en place d’une organisation particulière et appropriée, et en phase avec les réalités territoriales ? Sommes-nous autorisés à penser que l’une des missions du représentant consistera à envisager la création d’un pôle d’excellence en langues et le développement de la formation post-bac à Saint-Martin, conformément au discours prononcé par le Président de la République, de passage à Saint-Martin le 08/05/2015.
Dans une démarche comparative, il importe de souligner que la Collectivité de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, qui est une petite Collectivité, dispose d’une organisation de l’administration des services de l’éducation qui lui est propre et qui répond à ses préoccupations particulières.
La loi organique de Saint Martin dans son article LO 6351-12, précise clairement que le Conseil Territorial de Saint Martin peut adresser au Premier Ministre par l’intermédiaire du représentant de l’Etat, des propositions relatives au fonctionnement des services publics de l’Etat à Saint Martin.
De ce fait, la question fondamentale qui est en droit d’être posée demeure : A quand un véritable service de l’Education Nationale à Saint-Martin ?
Nous espérons recevoir une réponse claire et précise des autorités académiques et aussi de ceux qui ont la charge de la décision politique.

LOUIS Mussington

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin informe le public que les plateaux sportifs de Cul de Sac et Quartier d’Orléans (spring) seront fermés au public pour travaux à compter du lundi 19 octobre 2015. Les travaux de réhabilitation engagés par la Collectivité sur ces deux sites sportifs s’étaleront sur une durée de 8 semaines. Ces travaux sont partie intégrante du projet global de remise aux normes des structures de sports et de loisirs du territoire, impulsé par la Collectivité dans le cadre des politiques publiques qu’elle mène en faveur de la jeunesse.

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin vous remercie de votre compréhension.

L’armée de l’air et l’armée de terre seront présentes à Saint-Martin, du 19 au 22 octobre 2015, dans le cadre des phases de recrutement de nouveaux militaires. Une réunion d’information se tiendra, le lundi 19 octobre de 14h à 15h30, dans les locaux du service IAO de la Collectivité, à l’ancienne Ecole Evelyna Halley.

Il est à préciser que l'Armée de l’Air a reconsidéré les niveaux d'entrée et propose désormais des postes à partir du niveau CAP (agent de restauration, conducteur routier, agent de magasinage, etc.).

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin qui travaille en partenariat avec ces deux corps d’armée invite tous les jeunes gens du territoire intéressés par les postes à pourvoir dans l’Armée de Terre et l’Armée de l’Air à se présenter le 19 octobre à 14h.

Service AIO Tél. : 0590 27 94 81

Dans le cadre du programme de réaménagement des cimetières publics de Saint-Martin lancé par la Collectivité de Saint-Martin, les administrés ayant inhumé des défunts dans les cimetières publics sont invités à prendre contact avec le service des Affaires Funéraires de la Collectivité, afin d’identifier les sépultures.

La Collectivité a entrepris un travail considérable visant à réorganiser l’aménagement de tous les cimetières publics de la partie française. Les administrés ayant inhumé un ou plusieurs défunts dans les cimetières de Marigot, Grand Case, Cul de Sac et Quartier d’Orléans, sont ainsi invités à prendre contact avec la collectivité. L’identification des sépultures se fait sur rendez-vous auprès du service des Affaires funéraires, en contactant le n°0590 87 61 51. Il est également possible d’effectuer cette démarche par email, en demandant un rendez-vous à : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Lors du rendez-vous, les administrés sont priés de se munir d’une pièce d’identité, du certificat de décès, du permis d’inhumer ou de tout document attestant de la date de l’inhumation.

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin souhaite sensibiliser ses administrés sur l’importance de cette procédure, qui vise à terme à libérer des emplacements dans les cimetières publics saturés. Une fois cette première phase d’identification réalisée, la Collectivité pourra alors lancer la procédure de reprise des sépultures qui n’auront pas été identifiées, afin de débuter la deuxième phase qui consiste en la réorganisation des espaces des cimetières.

Le président par Intérim Guillaume Arnell a reçu, mardi 06 octobre 2015, le nouveau représentant du recteur d’Académie dans les collectivités de Saint-Martin et Saint-Barthélemy, monsieur Michel Sanz, qui a pris ses fonctions, le 28 septembre 2015.

Pour sa première prise de contact avec la Collectivité, Michel Sanz a pu rencontrer ses futurs interlocuteurs territoriaux : le 1er vice-président et sénateur du territoire, mais aussi la 4e vice-présidente en charge de la Caisse Territoriale des Œuvres Scolaires, Rosette Gumbs-Lake, le directeur général des services Philippe Million, le DGA du pôle de développement Humain et les directeurs de la Collectivité en charge de l’éducation, de la coopération et des œuvres scolaires.
Michel Sanz était accompagné de ses proches collaborateurs, Evelyne Fleming et Christophe Parisot, tous deux chargés de mission.
Parmi les premiers sujets évoqués lors de cette rencontre : la rentrée des classes et les effectifs comptabilisés dans le premier et le second degrés. Selon les premiers chiffres qui doivent encore être confirmés, le premier degré fait état de 4882 élèves, tandis que 4050 élèves peuplent les trois collèges et le lycée. 68O élèves seront affectés à la nouvelle cité scolaire, en janvier prochain. Michel Sanz sera en mesure de délivrer les effectifs exacts par section en fin de semaine, après sa rencontre programmée avec les chefs d’établissement.

Sur le volet de la coopération à l’école, le directeur de la cellule Europe et Coopération de la collectivité a fait part à Michel Sanz des dispositifs initiés avec son prédécesseur Jean-Marie Jespère : le projet de coopération entre le collège Mont des Accords et Milton Peters de la partie hollandaise, le projet de lutte contre l’absentéisme et la réflexion actuellement menée avec l’université de Guadeloupe sur l’implantation à Saint-Martin de la section Langues Etrangères Appliquées (LEA).
Michel Sanz s’inscrit dans la continuité de son prédécesseur, et compte amplifier ces projets. Des réunions de travail auront lieu prochainement avec la collectivité, pour leur donner une nouvelle impulsion.

Guillaume Arnell a profité de cette rencontre pour demander au représentant du recteur de pérenniser l’enseignement du tourisme au collège et de l’étendre au lycée, tout comme l’enseignement du théâtre, au regard du succès de cette initiative menée conjointement par la Collectivité de Saint-Martin et le rectorat. La Présidente Aline Hanson demande qu’il ne soit plus nécessaire de valider annuellement ces deux enseignements, mais qu’ils soient au contraire renouvelés de façon systématique.

Créer un vivier d’enseignants saint-martinois

La question du recrutement des enseignants contractuels a également été abordée. La Collectivité demande clairement qu’un pilotage local du recrutement soit effectué, afin de créer un vivier plus conséquent d’enseignants originaires du territoire, et de permettre aux contractuels saint-martinois de trouver un poste sur place. Un dossier sur lequel le représentant du recteur s’est engagé à analyser les CV qui lui seront transmis.

La mise en service selon les normes en vigueur de la piscine du Galion pour la natation scolaire a aussi été sujet à discussion ; la collectivité a réceptionné le matériel, les postes de secours seront bientôt opérationnels sur la plage du Galion, et l’association Tous à l’Ô sera en charge de la gestion de la piscine.

Les performances de la Cuisine centrale qui prépare chaque jour 4500 repas, le travail de fond réalisé sur l’équilibre des repas pour les enfants et le bon fonctionnement du périscolaire qui accueille 1000 élèves cette année, ont également été présentés au représentant du recteur. La Collectivité demande qu’un étroit partenariat s’instaure avec l’éducation nationale pour lutter contre les mauvais comportements alimentaires. Michel Sanz s’est engagé à mener des actions avec la collectivité en ce sens.

Le DGS Philippe Millon a profité de cet échange fructueux pour présenter à Michel Sanz le contrat de ville de Saint-Martin, qui sera signé le 03 novembre prochain et dont le recteur est cosignataire avec la présidente Aline Hanson et la préfète Anne Laubiès. Ce contrat décline des axes stratégiques en faveur de la réussite éducative. Le DGS a par ailleurs indiqué à Michel Sanz la priorité de la Présidente de créer à Saint-Martin un pôle d’excellence en langues, un projet en cours de structuration.

Le représentant du recteur et l’exécutif de la collectivité se réuniront sans perdre de temps afin d’engager les travaux sur les dossiers prioritaires.
Avant de lever la séance, Guillaume Arnell a réitéré une chaleureuse bienvenue à Michel Sanz et l’a assuré de tout le soutien de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin et de ses équipes dans la réussite de sa mission en faveur de la jeunesse saint-martinoise.

Le président par Intérim Guillaume Arnell a reçu la presse, vendredi 09 octobre 2015, lors des Journées de la sécurité Intérieure à Marigot, afin de présenter à la population le Document d’Information Territorial sur les Risque Majeurs (DITRIM) réalisé par la Collectivité de Saint-Martin. Ce document de prévention est accompagné d’un petit fascicule regroupant les mesures de prévention et de secours à observer, qui sera distribué à 40 000 exemplaires.

En préambule de son propos, le président Arnell a rappelé que cette initiative de la Collectivité intervenait dans le cadre du respect du droit à l'information préventive du citoyen initié au niveau national. C’est dans cette optique précise que la Cellule de Gestion des risques majeurs de la Collectivité, représentée par le conseiller territorial Louis Fleming, et animée par la responsable de service Charlotte Terrac, a élaboré le Document d’Information Territorial sur les RIsques Majeurs (DITRIM) en français et en anglais, et son fascicule de mesures de prévention et de secours. Une initiative particulièrement soutenue par la Présidente Aline Hanson, soucieuse de prévenir et protéger la population.
Comme monsieur Arnell l’a également mentionné devant les médias, « ce document a pour but d'informer les habitants de Saint-Martin sur les risques naturels et technologiques auxquels ils sont soumis et les mesures de prévention, de protection et de sauvegarde répondant à ces risques ».

Vendredi matin, 265 fascicules ont été distribués, dont 135 à des écoliers. Les fascicules ont été remis aux enseignants des écoles présentes pour un complément pédagogique en classe avant la distribution du support aux élèves.

La sécurité civile, de manière générale est chargée de la prévention des risques de toute nature, l'information et l'alerte des populations ainsi que la protection des personnes, des biens et de l'environnement. Ce rendez-vous annuel des rencontres de la sécurité est donc le parfait endroit pour lancer la distribution des tout premiers fascicules en amont d’une diffusion beaucoup plus large auprès de la population saint-martinoise d’ici le mois de novembre. Il sera alors possible de trouver le fascicule (Fr/An) dans toutes les institutions locales et dans les lieux stratégiques de Saint-Martin.

Le pôle Solidarité & Familles de la collectivité de Saint-Martin propose trois soirées d’information sur les droits des personnes âgées ; la première de ces rencontres aura lieu pendant la semaine bleue, le mercredi 14 octobre 2015, à Marigot-St James, dans le local du conseil de quartier n°5. Les deux autres soirées d’information seront organisées le 28 octobre et le 18 novembre 2015, à Grand Case et Quartier d’Orléans, dans les locaux des conseils de quartier 1 et 2.
Lors de ces réunions publiques, les services de la Collectivité informeront l’assistance sur les aides sociales existantes en faveur des retraités, mais aussi des personnes en situation de handicap, et répondront aux questions des administrés. Le public est invité à venir nombreux.

• MERCREDI 14 OCTOBRE 2015 DE 18H A 19H30
• Conseil de quartier N°5 St-James de 18h à 19h30
• MERCREDI 28 OCTOBRE 2015 DE 18H A 19H30
• Conseil de quartier N°1 Orléans de 18h à 19h30
• MERCREDI 18 NOVEMBRE 2015 DE 18H A 19H30
• Conseil de quartier N°2 Grand-case

Le président par interim, Guillaume Arnell, ainsi que les trois vice-présidents Ramona Connor, Wendel Cocks et Rosette Gumbs-Lake, se sont rendus à Quartier d’Orléans, mardi 06 octobre au soir, après qu’une famille a vu sa maison incendiée dans des circonstances suspectes. Immédiatement, la vice-présidente en charge des affaires sociales, Mme Connor, a mobilisé les services sociaux, afin que cette famille de deux adultes et quatre enfants puisse bénéficier d’un hébergement d’urgence et des besoins de première nécessité, le temps de trouver une solution pérenne de relogement.
Le lendemain matin, le président Arnell, le vice-président Cocks et la conseillère territoriale Rollande Questel se sont rendu sur le terrain, afin de s’entretenir avec les riverains de « Round the Pond » qui ont manifesté leur mécontentement en bloquant la RN7 à la circulation. En coordination avec Madame la préfète, les élus, le commandant de gendarmerie et le représentant du conseil de quartier soutenus par la présence du Député Gibbs se sont concertés pour trouver une issue favorable.
Parmi les solutions arrêtées et annoncées aux manifestants par le représentant de quartier et le président Arnell, la Collectivité s’est engagée en partenariat avec l’Etat à renforcer les patrouilles conjointes gendarmerie et police territoriale sur la zone concernée.
Dans l’attente des résultats de l’enquête et d’une réponse judiciaire appropriée, la collectivité s’est également engagée, dans un souci d’apaisement, à trouver des solutions de relogement hors-zone pour la famille considérée par les manifestants comme étant à l’origine des troubles (une mère et ses 8 enfants).
Afin de faciliter le travail des enquêteurs, le président Arnell a demandé à la population de faire preuve de vigilance et d’informer immédiatement les forces de l’ordre de tout mouvement suspect dans le voisinage. C’est une des conditions d’un retour rapide à la paix et à la tranquillité dans le quartier.

Le 1er vice-président Guillaume Arnell a reçu en Collectivité, mardi 29 septembre 2015, le vice-procureur Michael Ohayon, qui vient de prendre ses fonctions à Saint-Martin.
Cette rencontre de courtoisie a été l’occasion pour le 1er vice-président de présenter au vice-procureur une brève synthèse de l’histoire de notre territoire, de rappeler les nombreuses spécificités de collectivité d’outre-mer et les missions de l’institution territoriale qui cumule plusieurs compétences.
Le vice-procureur a pour sa part évoqué sa passion des territoires ultramarins, et sa volonté de travailler avec toutes les bonnes volontés.
« J’arrive sans aucunes idées préconçues et je suis très heureux de conduire sous l’autorité du procureur de Basse-Terre le projet de chambre détachée. Cette nouvelle chambre fonctionnera pour la population et pour les victimes. Mon objectif est d’exercer l’action publique de façon rigoureuse et précise. », a-t’il indiqué.
Le 1er vice-président n’a pas manqué de souligner l’investissement des élus de la Collectivité en faveur de la mise en place d’une chambre détachée du tribunal à Saint-Martin. Un dossier qu’il a défendu au côté de la Présidente Aline Hanson, avec un seul objectif : donner plus d’autonomie au tribunal de Saint-Martin dans le traitement des dossiers et accentuer l’efficacité de la Justice.
Directrice des Affaires Juridiques et du Contentieux de la Collectivité, Léonie Flanders a également présenté ses missions au vice-procureur, qui s’est montré très attentif au fonctionnement juridique de la Collectivité.
Le 1er vice-président a souhaité la bienvenue au vice-procureur au nom de la Présidente Aline Hanson et en son nom, il l’a assuré de la volonté de la Collectivité d’accompagner le travail du parquet et des magistrats.

Madame la Présidente,

Je n’ai pas pour habitude de m’exprimer par voie de presse, mais je pense que quand il s’agit de défendre le futur de St. Martin et de sa population, je peux m’accorder ce droit. Ne pensez surtout pas que je vous accuse de ne pas avoir à cœur l’intérêt de notre île, toute votre vie professionnelle et publique au service de vos concitoyens prouve le contraire. Acceptez donc, je l’espère, ma petite contribution.
Je voudrais partager avec vous mes observations et mes soucis concernant le PLU. Je fais volontairement abstraction de mes doléances personnelles et vous adresse seulement sur des critiques d’ordre général.

L’enquête publique concernant le PLU n’a pas respecté l’article L123-10 du code de l’urbanisme qui prévoit que soient cités dans l’avis au public le nom et les qualités du commissaire enquêteur, et que soit précisé que cette enquête est réalisée en vue de son adoption. Ceci n’est pas d’une importance capitale, mais méritait d’être signalé. Par contre, ce qui est très important à mon avis, c’est le peu de temps mis à la disposition du public pour rencontrer le commissaire enquêteur, pour l’avoir vécu personnellement, il faut en moyenne attendre 2 heures, car entretemps certaines personnes qui ont eu le privilège d’avoir un rendez-vous (ce qui a été refusé à d’autres) court-circuitent la file d’attente.

Le commissaire enquêteur reçoit environ 6 personnes par heure, n’est disponible que 4:30 heures par jour de permanence et 5 jours pendant l’enquête, soit faites le calcul, seulement
135 personnes pourront être reçues. Je pense que c’est nettement insuffisant, vous en conviendrez. On m’a rétorqué lors de ma visite au service de l’Urbanisme lorsque j’ai soulevé ce point que l’on avait toujours la possibilité d’inscrire ces doléances dans le registre d’enquête mis à disposition.
Vous connaissez très bien, Mme la Présidente, la société saint-martinoise pour savoir que beaucoup de nos compatriotes n’ont pas une maîtrise parfaite de la langue française pour pouvoir s’exprimer clairement sur un sujet d’une telle importance et par écrit dans un environnement où ils ne sont pas à l’aise, ils seront pénalisés dans leur recours s’ils ne peuvent rencontrer personnellement le commissaire enquêteur. Comment est-il possible que le commissaire enquêteur ne soit disponible que 5 fois dans le cadre d’une enquête publique concernant un document administratif d’une telle importance, le PLU ?

Une prolongation exceptionnelle de l’enquête est-elle envisageable ? Considérez, Madame la Présidente, qu’une révision simplifiée du PLU ne peut avoir lieu que dans le cadre d’un projet d’intérêt général, d’où la nécessité d’un projet bien ficelé.
Les plans mis à notre disposition ne sont pas adaptés à une lecture facile. Il aurait dû y avoir des plans de secteur détaillés, avec le numéro des lots comme les plans actuels du POS sur fond blanc qui permettent une lecture et un repérage rapides de sa propriété et non de grosses

taches multicolores qui obscurent tout.

Concernant le PLU, il est à mon avis incomplet, la liste des annexes ne mentionne pas toutes les servitudes publiques. La servitude aéronautique de dégagement de l’aéroport de l’Espérance qui doit être annexée au PLU n’y apparaît pas, ce qui me laisse penser qu’elle n’existe pas. Je n’ai pas vu non plus la servitude publique des réseaux d ‘eau potable et d’assainissement, aucune trace du résumé non technique du rapport de l’impact du PLU sur l’environnement et l’avis de l’autorité administrative de l’Etat compétente en matière d’environnement, le schéma directeur routier et surtout l’avis de l’état.

L’analyse de la mise à disposition de terrain agricole n’est en fait qu’un leurre afin de créer l’impression que la surface réservée à l’agriculture est compatible avec les orientations du PADD, en fait ces terrains sont pour beaucoup sans voies d’accès, sans points d’eau disponibles, et surtout en pleine montagne, ce qui entraînera une déforestation de nos reliefs montagneux. Pour un PADD qui cite l’agriculture comme un pilier de notre économie qu’il faut encourager, avoir investi autant d’argent dans la construction d’un abattoir je trouve cette proposition sur l’agriculture une tromperie.

Avant de conclure, je voudrais réitérer mon inquiétude quant à la qualité des plans mis à notre disposition, qui ne permettent pas d’identifier avec précision la position exacte d’une propriété par rapport au nouveau zonage, et donc pourrait faire perdre à un propriétaire un recours éventuel pendant l’enquête publique.

En conclusion Madame la Présidente, une fois l’enquête publique terminée et après avoir reçu le rapport du commissaire enquêteur, prenez le temps qu’il faut pour revoir le PLU, tenez compte des petits propriétaires qui vont perdre le seul petit lopin de terre qu’ils ont hérité. Je fais référence à un cas bien précis où le propriétaire de 2 lots constructibles actuellement voit son bien dorénavant classé en N2.

Réintroduisez dans le PLU un facteur humain, avec plus de spécificité locale héritée de notre culture et ne restez pas figé sur l’aspect technique des lois encadrant le PLU, qui d’ailleurs n’ont pas été observées à la lettre dans le cas présent.'

N’oubliez pas que derrière ce dossier et tous ces plans, il y a des femmes et des hommes. La préservation de terre pour les générations futures doit aussi tenir compte de la génération présente. Je ne félicite pas votre bureau d’étude qui a produit un dossier incomplet, qui manque de sérieux concernant la surface réservée à l’agriculture, le tourisme, sans connaissance suffisante du terrain, qui a trop ignoré les spécificités locales et ne nous met pas à l’abri d’un barrage de recours auprès du tribunal administratif par ces lacunes.
L’’élaboration d’un PLU est un processus très long, plein d’embûches, une attention particulière doit être exercée sur sa conformité aux exigences de la loi.

En espérant que vous allez prendre en considération mes remarques, je vous prie, Madame la
Présidente, de bien vouloir accepter l’expression de mes sentiments respectueux.

Michel PETIT

Notre territoire a besoin d’assistants familiaux pouvant accueillir des jeunes mineurs en difficulté. Pour obtenir l’autorisation d’exercer la profession d’assistant familial, il est nécessaire de remplir certaines conditions et d’envoyer une demande en bonne et due forme à la Présidente du Conseil Territorial, qui délivre l’agrément. Si vous remplissez les conditions, l’agrément vous est accordé pour une durée de 5 ans renouvelables.

- Quelles sont les conditions pour faire la demande ?

• Présenter les garanties nécessaires pour accueillir des mineurs dans des conditions propres à assurer leur développement physique, intellectuel et affectif.
• Passer un examen médical qui a pour objet de vérifier que votre état de santé vous permet d’accueillir des mineurs.
• Disposer d’un logement dont l’état, les dimensions, les conditions d’accès et l’environnement permettent d’assurer le bien-être et la sécurité des mineurs compte tenu du nombre de jeunes pour lesquels l’agrément est demandé.

- Constituer le dossier de demande d’agrément qui doit être composé :

• Du formulaire de demande,
• D’un extrait du casier judiciaire n°3 de chaque personne majeure vivant au domicile du candidat.
• Du certificat médical assurant que l’état de santé du candidat lui permet d’accueillir des mineurs.

- A qui adresser la demande ?

Le dossier de demande d’agrément doit être adressé à la présidente du conseil Territorial par lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception ou bien être déposé auprès du service Agrément MSF à Sandy-ground, 97150 Saint-Martin, qui vous remettra un récépissé (si le dossier est incomplet, le service vous demandera les pièces complémentaires dans un délai de 15 jours).

- Qui instruit la demande ?

La demande est instruite par le service de la protection maternelle et infantile (PMI).

L’instruction de la demande d’agrément comporte :

• L’examen du dossier de demande.
• Un ou plusieurs entretiens avec le candidat.
• La vérification que le candidat n’a pas fait l’objet de condamnations pénales incompatibles avec l’exercice de cette profession.

Les entretiens avec le candidat et les visites à son domicile ont pour but de vérifier :

• Sa disponibilité, sa capacité d’organisation et d’adaptation.
• Sa maîtrise de la langue française à l’oral et son aptitude à la communication et au dialogue
• Ses capacités d’observation et de prise en compte des besoins particuliers de chaque mineur.
• Sa connaissance de rôle et des responsabilités de l’assistant familial.
• que son logement présente les conditions de confort, d’hygiène et de sécurité permettant d’accueillir des mineurs, et de garantir leur santé, leur bien-être et leur sécurité.
• Qu’il dispose de moyens de communication permettant de faire face aux situations d’urgence.

- Délais et réponse de l’administration

La décision de donner un agrément d’assistant familial (délivré par la présidente du conseil Territorial après avis du service de la protection maternelle et infantile et de l’aide sociale à l’enfance) est notifiée dans un délai de 4 mois à compter de la réception du dossier de demande complet.
En l’absence de réponse dans ce délai de 4 mois, l’agrément est réputé acquis ; toutefois, ce délai de 4 mois peut être prolongé de 2 mois par décision motivée de la présidente du conseil territorial. Dans ce cas, un arrêté est délivré sans délai sur demande du candidat, par le conseil territorial. La décision ou l’arrêté précise le nombre de mineurs et de jeunes majeurs que l’assistant familial est autorisé à accueillir simultanément. Ce nombre est limité à 3 (mineurs et majeurs de moins de 21 ans confondus).
Une dérogation peut autoriser l’accueil de plus de 3 jeunes simultanément, si les conditions d’accueil le permettent et pour répondre à des besoins spécifiques ; l’agrément est accordé pour une durée de 5 ans. Tout refus est motivé.

- Modification, suspension ou retrait de l’agrément.

Si les conditions de l’agrément cessent d’êtres remplies, le Conseil Territorial peut, après avis d’une commission consultative paritaire Territoriale, modifier le contenu de l’agrément ou procéder à son retrait.
En cas d’urgence, il peut suspendre l’agrément.
Durant la période de suspension, aucun jeune ne peut être confié.
Toute décision de retrait ou de suspension de l’agrément ou de modification de son contenu est motivée et transmise sans délai à l’intéressé.

A noter : lorsque l’assistant familial change de résidence, son agrément reste valable sous réserve d’une déclaration préalable adressée au président du conseil général du département de sa nouvelle résidence.

- Comment renouveler son agrément ?

Dans l’année qui précède la date d’échéance de l’agrément, et au plus tard 4 mois avant cette date, la présidente de Conseil Territorial demande à l’assistant familial s’il souhaite renouveler cet agrément.
Si l’assistant familial souhaite renouveler son agrément, il doit en faire la demande au moins 3 mois avant la date d’expiration de son agrément en cours. Le renouvellement de l’agrément est soumis aux mêmes conditions que la 1ère demande.

Dans le cadre de la « Semaine nationale des retraités et personnes âgées 2015 », la Collectivité de Saint-Martin organise en collaboration avec l’EHPAD Bethany Home, la semaine Bleue, du 12 au 18 octobre 2015. Le thème retenu cette année est « La santé est dans l’air, Health is in the air”.

Comme chaque année, des manifestations et activités de loisirs seront organisées pour divertir les personnes âgées du territoire. Messe dominicale, barbecue sur la plage, visite du marché, cours de zumba, journée récréative et déjeuner de groupe, plusieurs activités ludiques seront proposées tout au long de la semaine.
En parallèle de ces activités, le pôle Solidarité & Familles proposera trois soirées d’information sur les droits des personnes âgées ; la première de ces rencontres aura lieu pendant la semaine bleue, le mercredi 14 octobre 2015, à Marigot-St James (conseil de quartier n°5). Les deux autres soirées d’information seront organisées le 28 octobre et le 18 novembre 2015, à Grand Case et Quartier d’Orléans.
Lors de ces réunions publiques, les services de la Collectivité communiqueront sur les aides sociales existantes en faveur des retraités, mais aussi des personnes en situation de handicap, et répondront aux questions des administrés. Le public est invité à venir nombreux.

Les trois réunions d’information auront lieu :

• MERCREDI 14 OCTOBRE 2015 DE 18H A19H30 : Conseil de quartier N°5 à St-James
• MERCREDI 28 OCTOBRE 2015 DE 18H A 19H30 : Conseil de quartier N°1 à Quartier d’Orléans
• MERCREDI 18 NOVEMBRE 2015 DE 18H A 19H30 : Conseil de quartier N°2 à Grand Case

Suspension will take effect early next week

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Supervisory Board of GEBE has taken a decision to suspend the Chief Financial Officer of the company Rene Gartner in order to safeguard the more than 300 employees and their families that depend on the company for their daily living.
According to well-placed sources at GEBE the Supervisory Board held several meetings with Gartner when they learnt of the misuse of the companies funds. One being the American company he is paying on a weekly basis for the SAP program which was not budgeted for in 2015, yet the company is being paid $9,600.00 weekly. Besides that Gartner used the company’s credit card to purchase airline tickets for his personal use and despite being told that he must repay the monies he did not make an effort to do so. Further to that Gartner has been using the bonds for Chippies Café, and Kings Mart on almost a daily basis even though he has his own allowances.
SMN News understands that besides the misspending the Supervisory Board found Rene Gartner is highly incompetent.
SMN News published several articles regarding the problems GEBE has been having with Gartner, starting with the vehicle he purchased without the authorization of the shareholder representatives.
While Gartner will be suspended the appointments of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) William Brooks is still on the desk of the outgoing Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, the supervisory board also put forward the name of a candidate to take up the position of Chief Operations Officer (COO) but to date the appointments were not made. Hopefully, the incoming Council of Ministers will make those appointments as soon as they take office. SMN News understands that the leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger wanted to appoint his friend Jeffry de la Combes a former employee of TELEM who was fired and is now working at Tropical Shipping but the UPP leader could not do as he wish since the supervisory board had submitted the names of the candidate they believe is more capable of handling the position as CEO.
Efforts made to reach members of the supervisory board on Saturday for confirmation proved futile.

MPs and their relatives stand to benefit

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday the Parliament of St. Maarten passed a motion to prohibit the caretaker Council of Ministers from granting any contracts including garbage collection contracts to anyone until the incoming Council of Ministers takes office. On the same day the Governor of St. Maarten cautioned the Council of Ministers in his meeting with them to only work on pending matters and nothing new since they are a caretaker government who eventually made their positions available 28 days after they received a motion of no confidence from the Parliament of St. Maarten.
Despite the motion passed in Parliament on Wednesday October 28th and the advice from the Governor of St. Maarten to the Council of Ministers, the Minister of VROMI Claret Connor seems hell bent on doing what he wants and continues to sign off on contracts. On Friday, October 30th 2015 Minister Connor signed off the approval to extend contracts for four companies, two of which belonged to close relatives of two Members of Parliament from the UPP faction and one for Clean St Maarten, best friend and business partner of the UPP leader Theodore Heyliger.
While the Minister extended the contracts he quoted parts of the advice given by VROMI which stated that the garbage collection should be spread out in order to offer young local entrepreneurs the opportunity to make money. Some eight contractors submitted their request at VROMI but the Minister somehow failed to heed the advice given, further to that he stated that the last time the garbage collection contracts were signed off was for a period of ten years. Based on SMN News archives the contracts were extended for a period of five years and not ten as stated by Minister Claret Connor. Another process that must be followed is bidding but in this case no bidding was held even though the head of VROMI Louis Brown had everything in place for the past seven months for the bidding process to be held.
The advice clearly is misleading and also clearly shows that the Minister does not intend to follow the rule of law.
It would have done the Minister good to not “lie” and state that there are 14 contractors being proposed to do garbage collection when in reality its only eight.
A source at VROMI said 14 contracts where being made available for the young entrepreneurs in the various neighborhoods to do road side cleaning and district cleaning for which no serious investment is needed other than manpower and some equipment. But clearly the selected few (father of an MP, brother of an MP and naturally the leaders drinking buddy company) must be protected.
Also it must be clearly noted that the advice to tender could have been handled a longtime ago to ensure the prospective bidders for garbage collection would have ample time to get proper financing at the bank. By stalling this as the Minister is well aware the governor will not sign this decree he’s only creating an unfavorable position for those prospective bidders for garbage collection.
What’s also very remarkable is the fact that the Minister spoke about protecting the investments the haulers made while they kept upgrading the service. The last time these contracts were extended (fixed) was in 2010 by the UPP leader Theodore Heyliger, the decree was officially signed off by the Governor of St. Maarten for a period of five years in 2011 by the Governor of St. Maarten.
Also what is remarkable the Minister single handedly insinuates that the ministry has no clue on what they are doing but he suddenly became an expert in housing and spatial plannng.
Hopefully, the Minister will explain the people of St. Maarten why he went ahead and approved the extension of contracts for four contractors all of whom are related to Members of Parliament.

They are:-

1.  All Waste in Place
2. Leonard Enterprises N.V
3. Meadowland N.V
4. Clean St. Maarten.

Click here to read LB on the extension of four garbage contracts.

The arrest of 4 minors on St. Eustatius, earlier this week was carried out carefully and according to the rules. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has read reports in which the opposite is claimed and even versions are given which are not in accordance with the truth.
Procedure

It is common in the case of detentions in these types of cases that the suspects are first arrested by order of the Public Prosecutor and then the places and homes are searched for evidence. Think for example of stolen property, clothing or other attributes used in criminal offences and, for example, data carriers such as phones or cameras. Such a house search looking for evidence takes place under the responsibility of the investigating judge and at the request of the Public Prosecutor. That is, of course, the case in this matter.

The action of the police to arrests the suspects, prior to searching the homes, is legal and common. First, the suspect is taken away and then the property is carefully searched.
In the case where an investigation involves minor suspects, the procedures related to the entry of a house to arrest and for the house search; do not deviate from other cases. The procedures in this case were carried out correctly and as described under the responsibility of the investigating judge.
Of course, during the interrogation and detention the minority of the suspects was taken into account. That is what has happened in this case. The suspects, contrary to what was reported in the news, were not interrogated before they had their lawyer's assistance and the parents were also given the opportunity to be present during the interrogations; as prescribed. Naturally, not the whole family could be present.
Transferred to Bonaire

It was decided by the Public Prosecutor that two suspects would be transferred to Bonaire. That was obvious because the possibilities of detaining multiple suspects during the interrogation and investigation on Statia are limited. For example, it is very difficult to prevent suspects who are locked up in adjoining cells from discussing what they will tell the police. As a result, the investigation is seriously hampered and it is difficult for the truth to come to light or not at all.
Of course, the parents of the young people who are transferred to Bonaire were informed. That was done by the Police Chief on Statia.
The young people were transferred to Bonaire under the guidance of police officers. Regular scheduled flights were not used for this.
As applies for all suspects, the reason for, the manner of the arrest and the detention of suspects for more than 6 hours, are controlled by the investigating judge. That has happened with all detained suspects on 29 October. The investigating judge has ruled that there are enough strong suspicions against all suspects for them to be detained. The investigating judge on Statia has also stated explicitly that there were no unnecessary violent arrests.
Investigation
In the reports about the experiences of the family of the suspects it is reported that the families were not informed what evidence was found against the suspects. The Prosecutor understands that this situation brings uncertainty among parents who find it difficult to believe that their children may have been guilty of criminal offences and have questions about what is going on. But at this stage, the interest of the investigation comes first. And therefore the police and the Public Prosecutor's Office do not want not provide all information. That would mean that through the family and parents information may already become available to the suspects, which detectives would still need to use in the interrogations.
The aim of the investigation is to sketch a clear picture of who in which way is involved in which crimes. And that requires investigating techniques in the interrogations. At this stage looking for the truth weighs heavier than the needs of the parents to know exactly what evidence is collected against their children. That the crimes are cleared up is a general interest that weighs heavily for the victims, for the island and of course also for the suspects themselves. Good investigating is in everybody's interest.
Continuing investigation

Now the investigating judge has ruled that the arrest and the detention of longer than 6 hours are lawful, the investigation can be continued. Continually, a comparative assessment will be made if the investigation will require a longer detention; and whether there may be other reasons than the interest of the investigation to detain the minors longer. Those interests will continue to be carefully weighed against the interests of the suspects to be detained as short as possible. That last interest weighs heavily for prosecutors, but very heavy when it concerns minors.
At which time, longer detention is no longer necessary, cannot be said and may vary per suspect.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office concludes that this investigation has taken carefully executed taking into account all legal rules. The Public Prosecutor’s Office also realizes that arrests of minors raises many questions among their family and perhaps misunderstanding; but points out that also the independent investigating judge has deemed sufficient reason exists to proceed with these detentions.
As with all investigations, the results obtained are the fastest and most clear if the police is allowed to carry out the investigation focused, undisturbed and, where possible, with the cooperation of those involved.

De feiten rond de aanhoudingen van 4 minderjarigen op Sint Eustatius

De aanhouding van de 4 minderjarigen op Sint Eustatius, eerder deze week is zorgvuldig en volgens de geldende regels uitgevoerd. Het Openbaar Ministerie heeft berichten gelezen waarin het tegenovergestelde wordt beweerd en zelfs lezingen worden gegeven die niet overeenkomstig de waarheid zijn. Daarom hecht het Openbaar Ministerie eraan de feiten in deze zaak op een rijtje te zetten.
Procedure
Wat gebruikelijk is in geval van aanhoudingen in dit soort zaken is dat de verdachten eerst in opdracht van de officier van justitie worden aangehouden en daarna de verblijfplaatsen en woningen worden doorzocht op zoek naar bewijs. Denk daarbij aan buitgemaakte goederen, bij strafbare feiten gebruikte kleding of andere attributen en bijvoorbeeld informatiedragers zoals telefoons of fototoestellen. Zo’n huiszoeking op zoek naar bewijs vindt plaats onder verantwoordelijkheid van de rechter-commissaris en op verzoek van de officier van justitie. Dat is in deze zaak natuurlijk ook het geval geweest.
Het, voorafgaand aan de huiszoeking door de politie betreden van de woningen om verdachten aan te houden, is wettelijk toegestaan en gebruikelijk. Eerst wordt de verdachte afgevoerd en dan wordt het huis zorgvuldig doorzocht.
In het geval waarin het om een onderzoek tegen minderjarige verdachten gaat, zijn de procedures met betrekking tot het binnentreden van een woning ter aanhouding en van de huiszoeking niet afwijkend van andere zaken. En de procedures zijn in dit geval correct uitgevoerd en waar voorgeschreven ook onder verantwoordelijkheid van de rechter-commissaris gedaan.
Natuurlijk wordt bij het verhoren en het in detentie houden wel rekening gehouden met de minderjarigheid van verdachten. En dat is in deze casus ook gebeurd. De verdachten zijn, anders dan in berichtgeving wordt gemeld, niet verhoord voordat zij bijstand hadden van hun advocaat en de ouders zijn ook in de gelegenheid gesteld bij de verhoren aanwezig te zijn. Zoals voorgeschreven. Vanzelfsprekend kan daar niet de hele familie bij aanwezig zijn.
Overgebracht naar Bonaire
Door de officier van justitie is besloten dat twee verdachten zouden worden overgebracht naar Bonaire. Dat ligt alleen al voor de hand omdat de mogelijkheden om meerdere verdachten tijdens de verhoren en het onderzoek op Sint Eustatius te houden, beperkt zijn. Het is bijvoorbeeld heel moeilijk om bij verdachten die in aan elkaar grenzende cellen zijn opgesloten, te voorkomen dat zij overleggen over wat zij tegen de politie vertellen. Daardoor wordt het onderzoek ernstig belemmerd en komt de waarheid moeilijk of niet aan het licht.
Natuurlijk zijn de ouders van de jongeren die naar Bonaire zijn overgebracht, daarover geïnformeerd. Dat is gebeurd door de politiechef op Sint Eustatius.
De jongeren zijn onder begeleiding van politiemensen overgebracht naar Bonaire. Daarbij is geen gebruik gemaakt van reguliere vluchten.
Zoals voor alle verdachten geldt, moet de aanleiding voor en de manier van aanhouding en het langer dan 6 uur vasthouden van verdachten, worden gecontroleerd door de rechter-commissaris. Dat is bij alle aangehouden verdachten op 29 oktober gebeurd. De rechter-commissaris heeft geoordeeld dat er tegen alle verdachten voldoende sterke vermoedens zijn om te worden vastgehouden. De rechter-commissaris op Sint Eustatius heeft ook expliciet bepaald dat er geen sprake is van onnodig gewelddadige aanhoudingen.
Onderzoek
In de berichten over de ervaringen van familie van verdachten wordt gemeld dat die familie niet is gemeld welk bewijs er tegen de verdachten is gevonden. Het Openbaar Ministerie begrijpt dat die situatie onzekerheid meebrengt bij ouders die moeilijk kunnen geloven dat hun kinderen zich mogelijk hebben schuldig gemaakt aan strafbare feiten en vragen hebben over wat er aan de hand is. Maar in deze fase staat het onderzoeksbelang voorop. En willen de politie en het Openbaar Ministerie niet alle informatie al verstrekken. Dat zou immers betekenen dat via de familie en ouders al bij de verdachten informatie beschikbaar kan komen, die de recherche nog wil gebruiken in de verhoren.
De bedoeling van het onderzoek is immers om zo goed mogelijk in beeld te krijgen wie op welke manier bij welke misdrijven is betrokken. En dat vergt recherchetechniek bij de verhoren. Het zoeken naar de waarheid weegt in deze fase zwaarder dan de behoefte van de ouders om precies te weten welk bewijs er tegen hun kinderen is verzameld. Dat de misdrijven worden opgehelderd is een algemeen belang dat zwaar weegt. Voor de slachtoffers, voor het eiland en natuurlijk ook voor de verdachten zelf. Goed onderzoek is in ieders belang.
Voortzetting onderzoek
Nu de rechter-commissaris heeft geoordeeld dat de aanhouding en het langer dan 6 uur vasthouden rechtmatig is, kan het onderzoek worden voortgezet. Steeds zal de afweging worden gemaakt of het onderzoek het langer vasthouden noodzakelijk maakt. En of er wellicht nog andere redenen dan het onderzoeksbelang zijn om de minderjarigen langer vast te houden. Die belangen zullen steeds zorgvuldig worden afgewogen tegen het belang van de verdachten om zo kort mogelijk vast te zitten. Dat laatste belang weegt voor het Openbaar Ministerie zwaar, maar zeer zwaar als het om minderjarigen gaat.
Op welk moment langere detentie niet meer noodzakelijk is, kan niet gezegd worden en kan per verdachte verschillen.
Het OM concludeert dat in dit onderzoek zorgvuldig en met inachtneming van alle wettelijke regels is opgetreden. Het OM beseft ook dat aanhoudingen van minderjarigen bij hun familie veel vragen oproept en wellicht ook onbegrip. Maar wijst er op dat ook de onafhankelijke rechter-commissaris voldoende reden aanwezig heeft geacht om tot deze aanhoudingen over te gaan.
Zoals voor alle opsporingsonderzoeken geldt ook hier dat de resultaten het snelst en duidelijkst worden verkregen als de politie in staat wordt gesteld het onderzoek gericht, onverstoord en waar mogelijk met medewerking van betrokkenen uit te voeren.

PHILIPSBURG:----  Social and Health Insurances (SZV) announces the upcoming pilot project launch of its Employers web-portal, as part of SZV’s Action Plan 3.0. The development of the web-portal forms part of the core of SZV’s Action Plan, creating a more efficient and customer-centered organization.

The web-portal, Online Employers Mutation, is designed to facilitate Human Resource Departments/Managers in accessing and processing mutations for their companies online. This new development will provide employers with efficient 24/7 access to SZV and in most cases eliminating the requirement to visit the SZV employer desk.

The web-portal will offer employers the opportunity to digitally submit to SZV any changes within their company, including, but not limited to: new staff members, promotions, dismissals, changes in salary, functions and/or occupations. Employers will also have access to an overview of current and former personnel registered under their companies.

A pilot project consisting of 10 selected target groups will commence in the month of November. The pilot project will be an on-site event where SZV staff members will visit each target group to provide an introduction as well as hands-on training for the web-portal. “The importance of an on-site pilot is to be able to directly assist and enhance the user experience within their own business environment.” SZV will be collecting feedback from the employers which will be used to further improve the web-portal for future use by all SZV business users. The selected target groups have expressed great willingness to take part in the pilot project; a much desired collaboration by both SZV and the employers.

The official launch of this new web-portal, Online Employers Mutation, is not yet disclosed but will result in an estimated 70% increase in customer service efficiency and data access. SZV looks forward to the successful introduction of the web-portal to all its business users; which will be supported by a dedicated helpdesk and self-service instructional tools.

.Board calling on Parliament to call APS board in since procedures were not followed --- Reliable Sources.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The board of APS including is investment committee are now seeking to present their case to the Parliament of St. Maarten regarding the VORST land agreement with the caretaker Government of St. Maarten that was published by SMN News.
According to information provided to SMN News the board of APS and its financial committee were not aware of the negotiations APS financial controller George Willems had with the caretaker Minister of VROMI Claret Connor prior to having a Landsbesluit prepared.
The source said that APS board members and its investment committee only found out about the project and agreement when they saw it published on SMN News. While APS is very much interested in investment projects, even those that involves government the board believes that proper procedures must be followed, one being an agreement (greenlight) must be given and signed off by the Governor of St. Maarten prior to the agreement being made, the investment committee must be fully informed and most important when all of the above procedures are followed then the project has to be placed on bidding before its awarded to anyone. The source said none of the above procedures were followed within APS and neither did the caretaker Minister follow Government procedures as he was supposed to get an advice from the Secretary General which according to the source was not done.
SMN News further understands that when the Landsbesluit was published on SMN News only then the board and investment committee confronted Willems and he brought them up to speed with his conversations and or negotiations with the caretaker Minister Claret Connor. SMN News further learnt that the director of APS board Franklin Richards whose name appeared on the LB had no knowledge of what transpired and thus he gave the financial controller a stern warning letter for his actions and even using his name on documents he had no knowledge about.
It is understood that the Parliament of St. Maarten were requested to call for a meeting so that APS could shed light on what transpired.

Click here to view APS agreement

Click here to view incomplete advice

BELVEDERE:--- An early morning shooting took place in the Belvedere area early Friday morning. Several police vehicles were seen heading to the area. SMN News understands that the some man ran through the home of someone that is well known in the Belvedere area as they shot Eddy Zinhagel someone that is well known to police. SMN News understands that the early morning shooting has the female homeowner very traumatized.
Eyewitnesses said that the victim just got released from prison and he is well known to police.
According to the information SMN News received the victim was transported to St. Maarten Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery. SMN News understands that Zinhagel was shot on the left side of his chest and at the time of the shooting he was in critical condition.
Press Prosecutor Karola Van Nie said in an invited comment that she did not know the exact condition of the victim but up to the time she spoke to SMN News the victim was alive.
SMN News understands that the shooter and the victim have been involved is some sort of feud in the past and Friday’s shooting was a matter of settling the past.
Several persons who knows the victim said that Friday morning shooting was more like a “hit”, concerned residents on the island said that the level of crime on St. Maarten has become scary and what seems to be happening now are those from the ‘underworld’ is taking out each other.
On the scene of the shooting several detectives were on the scene for hours as they comb the scene for evidence while they kept the neighbors on guard by telling them they were not allowed to leave their homes or speak to anyone.
SMN News contacted at least one neighbor who had the worst experience of her life when the gun man ran through her home in the presence of her children, the Belvedere resident and mother is an employee of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation. When SMN News contacted the neighbor she said she could not leave her home or speak to anyone as she was instructed by police not to move.

Man shot at his home in Belvedere.

The Police Department is presently investigating a shooting which took place on Friday between 07.30 and 08.00 a.m. in the Housing Project of Belvedere. The Emergency Dispatch had received several calls about the incident and had sent several police patrols, Detectives, Forensic Department and paramedics to investigate the situation.
On the scene the investigating officers were informed that the male victim was already on his way to the hospital in a private vehicle. The officers also learnt that the paramedics met up with the private vehicle on the A. Th. Illidge road and started the treatment of the victim, who was taken to the hospital directly after.
According to information gathered on the crime scene is that, the victim had just stepped into his car and was about to leave his home, when he was attacked by a man with gun who fired several shots at him. The victim tried to flee but was struck at least twice. After committing this act the suspect fled the scene in a small black car with tinted windows.
Who the suspect is and why this shooting took place has not yet been established. The crime scene was closed while and the Forensic Department was collecting evidence and the Detectives questioning witnesses. The victim remains admitted in the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further medical treatment.
The police department is asking anyone who may have any information in connection with this investigation to please inform the department by calling the # 9300 tip line or the direct phone line which 54-22222.
When more information regarding this investigation becomes available the media will be informed.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- Aristotle said: "the only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing and be nothing." When some members of the DP criticize the counterpart law and policy without reviewing the implementation guidelines then they are too quick to criticize and assume that it "is a sure recipe for massive lay-offs. " This once again proves that they were not in support of my vision to provide the much needed opportunity of our youth to take on top positions in our community. The success of any law and/or policy is how it is implemented. Hence the saying: "the proof is in the pudding." It must be understood that the counterpart law and policy was not designed to be used in every situation. During my tenure as Minister of Labor, I signed more MOUs with businesses and formed more partnerships than ever before in the history of St. Maarten. The Employability Through Training Program was just one initiative among many to decrease the unemployment and address the gaps between school and work and on-the-block and/or out-of-school and work. The counterpart issue cannot be seen in isolation since it is only a small part of the overall plan to getting our people hired and to stay employed once the worker applies themselves The fact that some members of the DP criticize me is ok because it reminds me that all I can do is my best, speak the truth, work as I told the voters I would continue to do and surrender the rest. Their criticism is a supreme compliment to me and I will not give up. I will continue to pursue opportunities for our students, our experienced or inexperienced graduates who deserve a fair chance to be employed and showcase themselves. Aruba asked for Arubians to return home when they received separate status. What did St. Maarten do? I believe we cannot build St. Maarten without them- Government should not be the only one employing our people, our students and our graduates. The private sector has an equal role to play instead of requesting work permits when we have equally qualified people. Government cannot afford to continue sending our students away and not expect a return on our investment. Why have these students come back home to live in their parent's house with a diploma and no job? This will only cause frustration and may lead to an exodus of them leaving and for some never to return. The counterpart principle is used for notaries and lawyers, "pairing" is being used by our police force and their Dutch colleagues. We can call it apprentice programs but call a spade a spade. The civil servant who have helped work on the counterpart policy are also a believer that this is a great initiative which compliment the most recent initiative by the Department of Labor Affairs "Start Here" and the inter-ministerial project "Brain Gain". I do hope that the new coalition and incoming Minister for Labor respects the will of the people and takes the time out to read the implementation guidelines to ensure that the counterpart policy and legislation is enforced.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In view of the fact that by virtue of the National Decree No. LB-15/0951 dated October 28, 2015, the parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place on February 9, 2016, and the postulation date is set for December 23, 2015, the Electoral Council would like to inform all prospective political parties that the last day to submit an application to register a new political party with the Electoral Council is November 10, 2015.
Together with the application for registration of the political party, the following documents should be submitted to the Electoral Council:
a) Notarial deed containing the Articles of Association of the party;

• Excerpt from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
• Statement containing the appointment of the party’s authorized representative and authorized deputy representative together with proof of identification and contact information;
• Application for registration of the reference which is to be placed above the list of candidates.

Any existing political party that wishes to change the previously registered reference above the list of candidates is required to do so before the abovementioned deadline.
For more information please contact the Electoral Council on 543-9888, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the Electoral Council website at: www.ecsxm.org.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, who is also Minister of General Affairs and responsible for the Fire Department, invites the general public to the departments Open House on Sunday, November 1 at the Fire Station in Cay Hill.
The Open House is part of the departments Fire Prevention Month of activities that kicked off on October 1st under the theme: ‘Smoke Detectors Saves Lives.’
The month long activities included a fire safety awareness workshop for all primary school third graders; installation of smoke detectors in selected houses in some districts; a lecture/workshop for architects and engineers; and the final event which is the open house and fire safety expo on Sunday.
The Open House is from 9.00am to 5.00pm. The general public will get the opportunity to meet the fire fighters; meet safety retailers; see live demonstrations; and tour the fire trucks on display.
“The Open House and Expo is once again an opportunity and initiative by the Fire Department to promote safety to residents and homeowners about ways to reduce the risk of fire, and also know how to respond in the event of a fire breaking out in your home. There are many things that household owners can do to help keep their families and their possessions safe from fires.
“The campaign has been very much relevant as it teaches the younger generation about fire safety. I encourage our community to take part in the final activity planned and be informed about what you can do to make your home safe from fire,” Minister of General Affairs Marcel Gumbs said on Thursday.

POINTE BLANCHE:----  Port St. Maarten Supervisory Board and Management would like to congratulate Carl John who has been appointed the nation’s top cop to become Chief of Police of the Sint Maarten National Police Force.
Port St. Maarten has a very good working relationship with the Police Force and with Carl John in particular. John was part of a delegation a few months ago that participate in a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) security conference where a strategic security alliance had been formed.
RCCL allowed a team of security and law enforcement professionals from country St. Maarten to speak at a security conference held by Global Security for the company’s security staff. This conference is held twice a year, and this is the first time that a port destination had been included as speaker at the conference.

The St. Maarten team was made up of then Acting Chief Police Commissioner Carl John, Immigration and Border Protection Policy advisor, Erling Hoeve, Customs Department Deputy Chief, Linda Ros, a Liaison Officer for the St. Maarten National Security Service, and Port St. Maarten Safety and Security Manager Roberto Levenstone.

This initiative was championed by Mark Mingo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Port St. Maarten, and supported by Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson of country St. Maarten, and came about as a result of a meeting that Richardson and former Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Hon. Claret Connor, held with President of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Michele M. Paige, and the association’s security advisers in Miami Florida, a few months ago.

Port St. Maarten Safety and Security Manager Roberto Levenstone, who has worked in the past with Carl John had this to say about the new Chief of Police: “Carl John is a humble man who has risen through the ranks of the Police Force. Being born on Anguilla, and grew up on Curacao with a parent from St. Eustatius, he has always had a vested interest in the Windward Islands.

“Carl John has many leadership strength’s; his passion for people, and always fights for the rights of all individuals that he represented. He is about law enforcement, no class justice, and believes in the sovereign right to stand on your own. He is proactive in his planning and meticulous in the execution.

“We at Port St. Maarten look forward towards a continued good working relationship as we have already built in the past. Congratulations once again to Carl John and the Police Force of Sint Maarten.”

C-TEC conference offers dozens of unique workshops

PHILIPSBURG:--- The first Technology and Education Conference (C-TEC) will take place on November 12 and 13 at Milton Peters College. This conference is open to all Sint Maarten teachers and will welcome many school managers and policy makers from our island and the Caribbean region. The goal of the two-day conference is to bring together all educators from primary and secondary schools to exchange ideas and experience on the use of technology in the classroom. In a unique move, the Ministry of Education has granted all Sint Maarten teachers one day off to facilitate their participation in the C-TEC conference.

The C-TEC conference, organized by the Foresee (4C) Foundation and its C-TEC organizing committee, with the aid of Unesco, the government of Sint Maarten and other partners, will offer a wide and unprecedented array of workshops for the participants to attend. The first day is geared specifically towards primary school educators, while the Friday will cater for teachers in secondary education. A total of nearly one hundred different sessions will take place over the course of two days. At any given time, a participant can chose from six to twelve different workshops and activities. Registration is open now on www.ctec-conference.com.

Presenters will cover specific software tools for use in the classroom, like Prezi to make spectacular presentations, Animoto to put together video and other visual work, or a comic strip creator for language students to make their own graphic novels in class. Other workshops will present tools to make class management and teacher-student-parent communication easier like ClassDojo or Edmodo. All presentations are given by educators and other experts who have first hand experience with these digital tools.

It is not just adding computers and software to an existing curriculum however. Twenty-first century learning is about entirely new ways of transferring knowledge and developing skills and comprehension. Therefore, some sessions will deal with the use of ‘Digital Portfolios’ as an additional means of following a student’s attainment and the establishment of ‘makerspaces’ to draw out the creative and constructive side of our students. Interactive websites like Kahoot or Flip Quiz enhance the learning experience as well. Finally of course, the selective and positive use of social media will be a key topic as well.

A parallel program for school boards, managers and policy makers will engage the strategic question of how to implement these twenty-first century tools into our educational system, and of course how to afford them. The buzzword here is Open Educational Resources or OER’s. A wealth of educational tools and systems are available on line and in cooperation with international partners and organizations. Experiences of different Sint Maarten schools and school boards will be mixed and compared with input from other islands in the Caribbean. In this segment of course DigiKidz, our flagship schools when it comes to twentyfirst century learning, will play a key role.

Most workshops will be facilitated by Sint Maarten teachers from our primary and secondary schools, who will present their own experiences and outline the advantages and pitfalls of using modern technology in class. In addition, a number of overseas presenters will join the conference from Anguilla, Antigua, Jamaica, St. Kitts, the US Virgin Islands, the US, Curaçao and the Netherlands.

SIMPSON BAY:---- About 120 travel agents will disembark the Dreamliner 787 aircraft at SXM Airport on Friday, October 30, 2015 at 4:45PM, on a FAM trip organized by TUIfly to mark its inaugural flight to the island, which is supported by SXM Airport.
“We’re thrilled to have TUI begin service to our airport with the state-of-the-art Dreamliner 787 aircraft and thus offer additional seats to The Netherlands,” remarked Regina LaBega, SXM Airport managing director.
“This service will no doubt increase visitor arrivals from the European market, particularly the Dutch, and given the reputation of TUI, will guarantee quality and affordable package deals to vacationers,” LaBega added.
The inaugural TUI flight will be welcomed with the traditional water canon salute by SXM Airport’s Rescue and Fire-Fighting department, followed by a ceremony for invited guests that include government officials, and TUI executives arriving on the inaugural flight.
TUI will operate a twice-weekly scheduled flight to SXM every Wednesday and Sunday.
Earlier this year, SXM’s managing director, Regina LaBega, met with Arke Fly’s Area Manager for Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and St. Maarten, Lara Soetekouw and Sales Manager Marlow de la Fuente. Both parties expressed their commitment to the success of the new service, which officially begins November 1, 2015 under TUI. Prior to October 1, 2015, TUI operated as Arke Fly.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Caribbean Tourism Day (CTD) is observed across the Region annually on November 3rd or the first Tuesday of November.
Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, has planned a number of activities throughout the month of November to profile the importance of the tourism sector to the economy.
On November 2nd the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau will be relaunching its Safety Tip Brochure. This brochure contains various tips that ensures the countries visitors have a safe and memorable vacation on the island with the intention that they return for another holiday.
On November 3rd there will be a check presentation to the winners of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Poster Competition which was coordinated by the Tourist Bureau. The annual poster competition coordination is part of the Tourist Bureau’s Annual Tourism Awareness Program targeting the in-school population.
The FCCA Poster Competition seeks to promote and stimulate environmental awareness among Caribbean students, while effectively educating the country’s younger generation on the importance of environmental protection.
On November 3rd, Live Steel Pan music will be played at both ports of entry, Port St. Maarten and at SXM Airport for arriving guests and passengers. This is to extend a warm welcome to the country’s arriving visitors in commemoration of Caribbean Tourism Day.
Guavaberry Tasting courtesy of Guavaberry Emporium will take place on November 3rd at SXM Airport.
On November 4th, the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau will be participating in the Milton Peters College St. Maarten Career & Study Fair 2015 which takes place at the Belair Community Center in Cay Hill.
An Awards Dinner Ceremony is scheduled for November 14th to recognize and encourage tourism related businesses and industry workers in the hospitality sector and thank them for their outstanding achievements on a daily basis.
A Historical School Tour for secondary school students is scheduled for November 18th to generate greater awareness to the student population about discovering the ‘now and then’ iconic landmarks of St. Maarten, its culture and people.
On November 22nd, walk for Tourism Walk-a-thon is planned with the aim of creating greater public awareness and understanding for the importance of tourism while preserving a healthy society. Local businesses are encouraged to wear their company’s T-shirts in support of this tourism awareness initiative.
A number of young professionals working in the area of tourism will also be profiled during the course of the month of November.
The Tourist Bureau will also carry out ‘Tourism Awareness Presentations’ at primary and secondary schools throughout the month of November. The objective is to educate the student population about the importance of tourism as the main economic driver of the local economy and to enlighten them about possible careers in tourism.
A Public Service Announcement (PSA) competition will be held amongst the secondary schools to develop the best 10 PSAs reminding the public at large about the importance of Tourism i.e. ‘Tourism is Everybody Business.’
Congratulatory banners will be placed at strategic locations throughout the country congratulating visitors and residents on the occasion of Caribbean Tourism Day/Month.

PHILIPSBURG:----  By virtue of Article 22 of the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties, the Electoral Council is required to delete the registered reference to be placed above the list of candidates of a political party if the party failed to submit a list of candidates for the last parliamentary election.
Both the Citizens for Positive Change and the Concordia Political Alliance Association, which have been registered with the Electoral Council, did not participate in the 2014 parliamentary elections.
Consequently, by Decision No. 1/2015 and Decision No. 2/2015 respectively, the Electoral Council has deleted the reference 4 Positive Change of the political party Citizens for Positive Change and the reference C.P.A. of the political party Concordia Political Alliance Association from the register of references. These Decisions will be published in the National Gazette and the local newspapers.
Based on Article 25 of the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties, an interested party may file an appeal against these Decisions with the Court in First Instance no later than the sixth day following the date of publication of these Decisions in the National Gazette.
Both political parties have been informed of the aforementioned Electoral Council Decisions.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- The government of Curaçao has embarked on a path of reducing the costs of the government apparatus and the social insurances while stimulating economic growth, that contributed to a real GDP growth of 0.4% during the second quarter of 2015.” the president of the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten, Dr. Emsley Tromp, said in the Bank’s Quarterly Bulletin. Meanwhile, Sint Maarten recorded an economic contraction of 0.6% in 2015’s second quarter.

“The economic growth of Curaçao in the second quarter of 2015 was supported by a rise in domestic demand, as both private and public spending increased. However, real GDP growth was dampened by a decline in net foreign demand, as exports dropped at a faster pace than imports,” Tromp explained. “The increase in private spending was solely due to higher consumption as investments dropped. Meanwhile, the increase in government investments- in among other things, the construction of the new hospital- caused public demand to increase”.

It was primarily the manufacturing, wholesale & retail trade, and restaurants & hotels sectors that contributed to the expansion of Curaçao’s economy in the second quarter of 2015, Tromp mentioned. “There was a positive contribution of the manufacturing sector to real GDP growth as reflected by increased refining and ship repair activities. The expansion in the wholesale & retail trade sector was driven by an increase in domestic demand and higher tourism spending, mitigated by a decline in activities at the free zone.

“The restaurants & hotels sector continued to perform well as a result of a growth in stay-over tourism. By contrast, the number of cruise tourists dropped, despite an increase in the number of cruise calls,” Tromp explained. The growth in stay-over tourism was mitigated by a decline in the

South American market, particularly Venezuela. “The favorable developments in the transport, storage & communication sector were the result of increased airport-related and harbor activities,” Tromp said. Airport activities increased with the growth in stay-over tourism and total passenger traffic, while the harbor activities rose because of more ships, freight, and oil storage handled.

In contrast, Curaçao recorded a drop in real value added in the financial intermediation, construction, and utilities sectors. Tromp explained that the financial intermediation sector dropped mainly because of the poor performance of the domestic banking sector, while the construction sector contracted because of a decline in private sector investments.

“Following an expansion in the second quarter of 2014, Sint Maarten recorded a real GDP contraction in the second quarter of 2015 because of a decline in domestic demand, moderated by an increase in net foreign demand,” Tromp pointed out. “The decline in domestic demand was caused by a drop in both private and public spending”.

“Sectoral data indicate that output contracted in most sectors of the Sint Maarten economy, with the exception of the utilities and financial intermediation sectors,” Tromp continued. “The contraction in output was most pronounced in the restaurants & hotels sector due to a decline in stay-over tourism combined with fewer cruise visitors”. The drop in the wholesale & retail trade sector was caused by a decline in tourism spending and lower domestic demand. Tromp added “that the decline in airport-related activities, in line with the drop in stay-over tourism, caused the poor performance in the transport, storage & communication sector.

In contrast, real output expanded in the financial intermediation sector as a result of an increase in other fees & income of the domestic commercial banks, while higher electricity and water production supported the growth in the utilities sector.

“On the fiscal front, the deficit on the current budget of the government of Curaçao widened in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014,” Tromp explained, led by a rise in expenditures and a drop in revenues. The rise in expenditures was caused solely by increased social security transfers. Meanwhile, government revenues dropped slightly due to a decline in nontax revenues.

Contrary to Curaçao, Sint Maarten’s government recorded a slightly lower budget deficit in the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014, due to a drop in expenditures partially offset by a slight decline in revenues. Tromp pointed out that “the drop in expenditures was a result of lower outlays on wages & salaries and social security, while the decline in earnings was attributable to a drop in tax proceeds”.

Tromp emphasized that “strengthening economic growth while maintaining sound public finances is for both Curaçao and Sint Maarten a major policy challenge. In Curaçao, public investments, such as the construction of the new public hospital and the improvement of the road infrastructure, seem to have contributed to an increase in economic activities. However, to achieve a higher sustainable growth path in the longer run, the government will have to improve Curaçao’s business climate to

attract more local as well as foreign private investments. Also, further delays in the implementation of the intended measures to reduce public expenditures should be minimized to prevent a deterioration of the public finances in the near future.”

“Sint Maarten,” he concluded, “is going through a political crisis creating uncertainties that hamper economic growth because major deficiencies are not being addressed adequately. Hence, the country is in urgent need of political stability so it can create a climate in which the macroeconomic environment can be strengthened to attain a higher sustainable growth path”.

The complete text of the Report of the President and the Quarterly Bulletin for the second quarter of 2015 can be viewed on the bank’s website http://www.centralbank.cw/quarterly-report-2015-2.

MARIGOT/GREAT BAY:---- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs will be the guest on Talking Point radio program on Friday, October 30, said Jacques “Billy D” Hamlet host and producer of the program.
According to Hamlet “The prime minister confirmed late Wednesday evening he will be my guest on the program Friday at 9am.”
Gumbs will be appearing on SOS Radio for the first since been nominated prime minister of St. Maarten, confirmed Billy D.
“I’m very happy for the opportunity to interview the PM, my line of questioning will be tough and to point, so the people of St. Martin can fully understand the month long political crisis,” said Hamlet.
The Radio listeners need to know if PM Gumbs was acting in his legal capacity when he requested the dissolution of parliament and called for new elections in a September 30, request sent to Governor Holiday.
“Can the request for new elections be halted by the William Marlin newly led cabinet? How can this month long standoff curb the so-called “ship jumping situation in the country, are amount the many need to be answers,” said Hamlet.
The one-hour popular radio program will be on broadcast live on SOS Radio 95.9 FM, MSR Cable TV and online at www.sosradio955.com.

THE CARIBBEAN (Oct. 29, 2015) - Robin Hayes, President & CEO of JetBlue Airways and keynote speaker at the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC), held last week in Curacao, stunned his audience with a message to which few had paid much attention before. Hayes stated: "At JetBlue, we are very much thinking about the relative tax burden on our customers as we allocate capacity."
For countries that rely heavily on the air transportation of visitors for up to 70% of their GDP, few tourism planners in the Caribbean have ever considered examining their relative position within the region concerning taxes on airline tickets. Hayes pointed out that in the region "between U.S. and foreign (Caribbean) taxes and fees, travellers can easily be hit with an extra US$150 on top of their airfare."
According to figures provided by the trade association Airlines For America (A4A), of which JetBlue is a member, the average federal tax on a $300 airline ticket in the United States is $63, meaning that the airline receives only $237 from the ticket price. A cursory examination of Caribbean ticket taxes shows that they range from a low of $55 per ticket in the U.S. affiliated territories, up to $155 per ticket for others. In contrast, a $300 airfare to the Caribbean, depending on the destination, would result in airline yields from a high of $245 to a low of $145 per ticket. If a passenger has a budget of $300 per ticket, according to Hayes' reasoning and other factors being equal, the airline would be more inclined to serve those destinations that deliver far better yields for a given airfare.
It is an open secret in the region that airlines often request revenue guarantees from destinations before they commit to flights. Many of these guarantees come from the promotional budgets of the Tourist Boards which substantially reduce the capacity of those Boards to promote the destination in source markets. Hayes' revelations are prompting some countries to re-examine their air transportation policies as it would appear to be counterproductive to add taxes to airline tickets making the destination less competitive then paying those taxes out again in revenue guarantees to attract airlines. The matter is compounded in the region by a broad range of landing, ground handling and fuel costs that vary widely from country to country. Some conclude that it would be more productive to lower ticket prices and airline handling charges to make their destination more attractive and retain promotional funds to promote those more attractive airfares.
Emil Lee, President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), was in attendance at the regional conference and pointed to the efforts of Airlines For America in working with some jurisdictions in the United States to hold the line on airline taxes after the association pointed out to the U.S. Congress that airline taxes on tickets had increased thirtyfold since 1972, and that further tax increases were threatening the 10 million jobs supported by commercial aviation. A4A was most recently successful in forcing the unbundling of airfares for customers to reveal how much of the airfare was received by the airline and how much was consumed by ticket taxes.
Lee noted: "While there is no Federal Government of the Caribbean, CHTA will do its part to inform Caribbean governments of their relative position concerning their taxes on tickets by publishing the chart below which shows the range of these taxes for a sample set of Caribbean destinations. We now know why there is no correlation between ticket prices and distances flown to and within the Caribbean," Lee added.

Ticket taxes and charges are based on direct flights originating from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, quoted from sample rates found on JetBlue.com with St. Thomas taxes reflecting travel via Puerto Rico.

In fact, one outcome of SOTIC was a commitment from Lee to establish a close working relationship with the Global Governmental Affairs Division of Airlines For America, the airlines and other stakeholders, in addressing the matter of making Caribbean countries more competitive with airfares.
Lee also expressed, "All Caribbean governments should know that CHTA is not a proponent of reducing government income. In fact, we are proponents of increasing government income by finding ways to increase the total number of visitors and increasing total visitor spending that increases total taxes and employment." He continued, "There is now strong evidence that reducing taxes on airline tickets increases the inclination of airlines to serve the destination, increases demand for the destination, increases funds available for promotion, increases taxes collected and most importantly leads to increases in employment. That should be very good news for the Caribbean, the world's most travel and tourism dependent region.
Lee concluded, "Given that Airlines For America has had such success in making their case in the U.S., we will work with them, JetBlue and other carriers, and public and private stakeholders to make the same case for our region."
Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) is a federation of 32 National Hotel Associations with more than 600 member hotels and over 300 allied members. CHTA is the largest representative of the private sector in the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry. We are the voice of the Caribbean hospitality industry for the development of the region in the highly competitive and sophisticated environment of international tourism. Today, tourism is widely recognized as a pivotal industry in the economy of the region - and CHTA functions as the common denominator for this industry in a region of diverse nationalities, languages and styles, identifying mutual problems and marshaling the resources of the active and allied members to devise solutions.
CHTA, including the events staged by the association, is supported by Strategic Partners Cable & Wireless, HVS, Interval International, MasterCard, OBM International, Tambourine and TravelZoo.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Producers of the popular TV Show ‘ Sint Maarten In Retrospect” is again preparing for another exciting live broadcast come Nov 11th St.Maarten’s Day.
Producer and Host Elton Richardson is putting the final touches together for the live broadcast ,which consist of compiling as much information about St.Maarten from Back in the Days.
St.Maarten In Retrospect has been one of the pioneering champions in helping to record and promote the Island history and culture.
The program which is aired on the local cable tv stations and the world wide web features the island history, its culture, and the people of St.Maarten.
S.I.R also features the day’s activities that will be organised by the Culture Department and other organisations that will be hosting events on St.Maaten’s Day.
The program airs on St.Maarten Cable TV and TV Carib, and will also be streamed live on www.sxmsunshine.com. This marks the 16th anniversary of the program
Co Host Valerie Van Putten of Now you know radio show will be back again this year to Co Host with Elton. Some of the guess will include TV producer and writer Laura Bijnsdorp
Who just recently a short story about St.Maarten back in the days, along archaeologist Dr Jay Haviser,and Esther Narcisco and Evita Arrundell of the St.Maarten Arts and Crafts foundation
Who will show case traditional St.Maarten’s dress wear
St.Maarten In Retrospect feature St.Maarten’s past present and future said a proud Elton Richardson, and we look forward to celebrate with everyone even those abroad.
From what we understood there will be so much to do St.Maartens day and folks will be able to be at all the events due to the live coverage.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As much as he tries, MP and former VSA Minister, Mr. Cornelius V. H de Weever, will never be able to convince any-one that the reason for his defection from the Red-White-Blue coalition in 2014 had something to do with opposition he encountered back then to "his" counterpart law.
While this is far from the truth to begin with, the MP has failed up to this day to show any tangible results from enforcing this policy, as he claimed he and his new allies would. The MP seemed hell-bent on forcing through this policy unilaterally, which approach is doomed to fail and rather than get the private sector on board, would have created a rift which the country can ill-afford.
Forcing any business to hire, because "government says so", is a sure recipe for lay-offs and unemployment.
Luckily for all of us, those in the know are quietly, yet effectively approaching the matter of employment in the only manner it will really work and that is through partnership.
The Democratic Party reiterates its position on this matter, namely that only through concerted efforts between labor and business will we see more of our people employed in careers of their choice and for those who seek such, mobility in the labor market, in other words new job opportunities.
In this context, the initiative by the Labor Department via their Start Here program, coupled with their support for the SHTA job fair and business initiatives such as those of the Maho Group of Companies, is the way to go if we are serious about placing more of our people in positions throughout St. Maarten.
We laud these initiatives and look forward to receiving the data collected, showing the results of these endeavors.
We encourage the government departments and organizers of these job fairs to collate their information and provide a true picture of the vacancies on one hand and the employment seekers on the other hand.
Any mismatch between these 2, should be solid indicators for institutions such as USM and NIPA.
And finally, if our students abroad can also be brought into the loop, we would have come full circle.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Statistics (STAT), is collecting data for its Business Cycle Survey starting this Thursday. The survey is geared towards capturing the performance of business establishments throughout the full year 2015, this will help the department assess the economic situation of industries within this period.

The target group includes all businesses with ten employees or more; and a sample of businesses with nine or less employees, the survey-period will continue through mid-December this year.

Entities who received the Business Cycle Survey for the first half of 2015, can now expect to receive a slightly more expanded questionnaire. Participants are asked to provide estimates of their overall activity, including levels and changes in turnover, personnel, costs and investments. Additionally questions will include the opinions of entrepreneurs regarding competitiveness, confidence in business and the economy and their 2016 expectations.

STAT-trained interviewers will be distributing and collecting the Business- Cycle questionnaires and will be available to provide support on filling the forms if this is necessary.

STAT urges all businesses approached to fully cooperate with the Business Cycle survey, as the private-sector input is essential for the department’s work in measuring current economic developments.

PHILIPSBURG/The Hague:--- This coming Friday, October 30th, the TUIfly Dreamliner will land on Sint Maarten for the very first time. TUI Netherlands looks forward to this moment as this defines the official increase in their number of flights to the Dutch Antilles. Sint Maarten is a welcome addition to TUI’s existing portfolio, as the demand in the Netherlands is high for vacationing on the beautiful islands of the Dutch Antilles.

TUIfly ‘s new flight schedule as of November 2015 consists of 9 flights per week to the Dutch Antilles, of which 4 flights per week to Aruba, 3 flights per week to Bonaire and 2 flights per week to Sint Maarten. All flights are triangle flights, and are combined with a stop in Curacao, with the exception of one direct flight to Curacao every Saturday.
With this new schedule, the flight capacity to Bonaire will also increase substantially by appr. 40%.

The fact that the entire flight operation to the Dutch Antilles is executed by Boeing 787 Dreamliners (TUIfly has 3 in the meantime), is an extra advantage for any vacationer and is so appealing that it also attracts new clients. A comfortable flight leads to well-rested passengers who can start enjoying their holiday from the moment they arrive. “Our surveys indicate that overall client satisfaction about the enjoyed holiday actually increases if passengers fly with a Dreamliner” says Arjan Kers, General Manager of TUI Netherlands. Just before his departure to Sint Maarten this coming Friday, he underlines that he is very pleased with the addition of Sint Maarten as a holiday destination to the Dutch Antilles: “Each island has its own charm, style and type of client which will definitely create repeat customers, yet allowing the curious traveler to visit one of the other islands, or a combination of islands during their next holiday. The addition of Sint Maarten with its dual charm (French and Dutch side) is like adding an extra color to an already beautiful painting. We are very proud of the fact that TUI Netherlands can make the Dutch Antilles accessible to a large group of vacationers by offering them affordable holidays to the various destinations”.

With 9 flights weekly by the end of this year, the Dutch Antilles are as a group by far the largest long haul holiday destination for TUI Netherlands. Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao welcome about 280.000 Dutch guests every year which consist of people going on vacation, visiting family or doing business on the islands. About half of them book their holiday packages with TUI, who is also an important employer on the islands, with a total of up to 80 local employees.
TUI is considering opening a sales office on Sint Maarten, where ticket only sales will be promoted. Sint Maarten welcomes 17.000 Dutch vacationers annually. TUI expects that with the 2 extra TUIfly Dreamliner filghts, they can add almost 15.000 Dutch tourists to this number, resulting in double the present number of travelers.

Harbour View:--- On October 28, 2015 His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, received letters from the entire Council of Ministers and the Minister Plenipotentiary stating that they are making their portfolios available. This as a result of the vote of no confidence, passed by Parliament on September 30, 2015, and the ongoing formation of a new interim cabinet by formateur Mr. W. Marlin.

The Governor informed the Prime Minister that he will take the resignation request into consideration pending the installation of the new interim government. He also repeated his call of October 5th, 2015, that the Ministers and the Minister Plenipotentiary only handle the daily operations of government and continue working with him in the interest of Sint Maarten until a decision has been taken concerning the request for resignation.

Governor Holiday also received a revised draft national decree to dissolve Parliament and call for elections from the Prime Minister on Friday, October 23, 2015. This after he had advised the Prime Minister to seek consensus with Parliament and informed him that neither the initial draft of September 30, 2015 nor the adjusted draft of October 14, 2015 were in accordance with the electoral laws as required. The Governor having evaluated the revised national decree signed the national decree which calls for elections on February 9, 2016, and the dissolution of Parliament on March 14, 2016.

To recap the developments. On October 5, 2015, Governor Holiday, following the fall of and vote of no confidence against the current cabinet and extensive consultations with the Prime Minister, the leaders of political parties in Parliament and independent MPs, announced:

• That the ministers had not yet made their positions available;
•  That the Council of Ministers had submitted a national decree to dissolve Parliament and call for new elections;
• That there is no basis not to form a new government; and
• That he was appealing to parties to foster actions in keeping with our constitution based on the rule of law.

Today October 28, 2015, Governor Holiday, following extensive political debate and legal advice requested and received from a panel of three judges, herewith confirms:

• That October 22, 2015 he has appointed a formateur to form a new government;
• That October 28, 2015 the Council of Ministers have made their positions available;
• That October 28, 2015 he has signed the decree to dissolve Parliament and call for new elections; and
• That he continues to appeal to all parties to act in accordance with the rule of law.

Cayhill:---- The St. Maarten Medical Center is opening its doors to the public for its annual Open House on Saturday October 31st, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

During the Open House persons can come in and learn about the hospital, its departments and facilities. Visitors will get the opportunity to interact with the staff of SMMC as well as to inquire about the importance of each department and the services that they offer to the public.

Throughout the day visitors can also inquire about job opportunities offered at SMMC, gather information about asthma, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol; there will also be a dietician present that can provide information on proper nutrition and what foods to eat and avoid depending on your physical health.

In recognition of breast cancer awareness month, during the open house there will be presentations and breast screenings done for the visitors. The presentations will begin at 3:00 PM and will be given by medical professionals and a breast cancer survivor. They will approach such topics as breast cancer imaging, what we need to know about cancer, living with breast cancer and supporting someone who has breast cancer.

After the breast cancer presentations are concluded, visitors are welcomed to have free glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and breast screenings done from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. There will be doctors present to carry out these breast clinical screenings; the doctors are Dr. Henk Wassenaar, Dr. Felix Holiday, Dr. Menno Misset and Dr. Kalkidan Bekele.

If a doctor is concerned about what he/she discovers during the examination, the visitor will be advised to be tested further.

For more information on the Open House visit our Facebook page and/or the St. Maarten Medical Website at www.smmc.sx

Motion to instruct Council of Ministers not to make decision that will affect the country passed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- After some severe resistance from the now minority in Parliament the new majority managed to pass two motions that they presented on Wednesday.
MP William Marlin tabled a motion to annul the Landsbesluit sent by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs to the Governor of St. Maarten to dissolve the parliament of St. Maarten and to call for new elections. Marlin said that the Parliament of St. Maarten invited Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs to Parliament to debate the issue while they also requested that the Prime Minister submit all documentation he has such as the LB he submitted to the Governor to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten, the advices he received from all the Dutch advisors and the correspondence between him and the Governor of St. Maarten. Marlin said that Parliament gave the Prime Minister ample time to appear in Parliament and to present the requested documentation but the Prime Minister refused to attend the meeting and he also refused to submit the documents parliament requested.
Marlin in his presentation describe the Gumbs cabinet as a rogue Council of Ministers whom he said have grossly violated the constitution of St. Maarten since September 30th 2015 when that cabinet received a motion of no confidence from a majority in Parliament. Marlin said Prime Minister Gumbs and his cabinet deliberately created what they call a ‘constitutional crisis’ and have so far trampled on the constitution and pushed the Governor of St. Maarten in corner.
MP Frans Richardson presented a second motion which is the demand that the Council of Ministers submit their resignations and the Gumbs cabinet who should have been a caretaker cabinet should not appoint persons to certain positions on Government owned companies, they should not issue new contracts such as contracts for garbage collection, no more T of B licenses should not be issued.
When the motions were presented an uproar began in Parliament, starting off with MP Cornelius de Weever who decided to ask that the meeting be suspended until he could get all information from the Prime Minister. MP De Weever argued and even interrupted speakers when they were speaking because he was told by the chair of parliament that the Prime Minister was invited to Parliament and they also requested the Prime Minister to submit the same documents he is asking for to Parliament. The chair told MP De Weever that he could put his questions in writing in order for Parliament to send it to the Prime Minister, the answer given to MP De Weever clearly did not appease him so he continued by stating that he is asking that the meeting be suspend based on article 43 of the rules of order all of which was shot down by the new majority as the proposal to suspend the meeting was put to a vote and it was voted down thereby allowing the meeting to continue in order for parliament to vote on the two motions presented.
MP Franklin Meyers requested more speakers time for the meeting but that too was voted down. Independent Member of Parliament Leona Marlin Romeo and MP Tamara Leonard also voted against the extension of the speakers’ time because they voted against it when they had the majority in parliament. It was clear that the now minority in parliament tried everything they know to try and stall the meeting called on Wednesday. MP De Weever called on the chair to follow the rules of order and the constitution, he even questioned how the chair of parliament was appointed because according to him procedures were not followed. At one point the Members of Parliament engaged in back-biting” especially those that lost the majority. While they kept saying that Parliament must respect the constitution of St. Maarten and the rules of order of Parliament they continue to defend the stance of the Gumbs cabinet who refused to tender their resignations.
MP Leona Marlin Romeo took offence of the contents of the second motion since it made mention that persons should not be appointed to any government entity by the caretaker government must be instructed not to issue any Bus and Taxi permits. Marlin Romeo said that the contents of the motion is reflecting on the Minister she appointed Minister Ernest Sams whom she said is a good man and is name should not be destroyed. Emotions run high for MP Tamara Leonard who even said she asked the chair to start the meetings of parliament to pray since the behavior of her colleagues is not what is expected of them. She said that she did not intend to make her discussion with the chair public but what transpired in Parliament on Wednesday is not a good reflection for St. Maarten.
MP Marlin rebutted by calling on the MPs to read the motion properly as Marlin was speaking MP Leona Marlin began speaking back even though she did not have the floor, she was admonished by the chair who told her she is not allowed to interrupt another speaker.
It was clear on Wednesday that some Members of Parliament who gets contracts for their businesses or family businesses were peeved because the two motions clearly will stop them from getting certain contacts, such as garbage collection contracts. The first motion also will give the Governor some power and amunition on Wednesday when he meets with the Council of Ministers who should be tendering their resignations on Wednesday.
When the meeting was over the chair of parliament brought forth clarity on several issues, one being the how Members of Parliament should conduct themselves, she also outlined the articles of the rules of order and the constitution that were mentioned during the meeting. Further to that the chairlady made clear to the Members of Parliament that when there is voting taking place in parliament Members of Parliament cannot use the word “abstain” from voting since that does not exists in parliament. She said it’s either a MP vote for or against whatever is tabled. The reasons for those clarifications came about when MP De Weever sat in his seat and when he was called upon to vote he remain silent while MP Leona Marlin Romeo said she will abstain.

Click here to read motion 2

SIMPSON BAY:---- The managing director of Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, Regina LaBega, has been invited to address the Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE) in Cologne, Germany in March 2016.
“I would like to formally invite you to become a speaker at Passenger Terminal Conference 2016 as part of our prestigious line-up of airport and airline industry experts from around the world,” wrote Conference Director, Janine McEvilly in her invitation to LaBega.
“This is an amazing opportunity to share your ideas, developments, knowledge and experience with a huge international audience of your peers,” she added.
More than 1,350 conference and 4,500 exhibition attendees from over 90 countries are expected at the 2016 gathering.
Cologne Bonn Airport will be the Official Host Airport while IATA will be hosting a conference track and are the Official Industry Endorser for the event. The conference will also feature the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2016 among other events that are yet to be announced.
“This is a great honor and recognition for St. Maarten and what we have been trying to achieve at SXM Airport,” remarked LaBega, who has addressed other similar industry gatherings in recent years.
LaBega pointed out that the Supervisory Board of Directors and Management of PJIAE have been attending the Passenger Terminal Conference for over a decade.
“This conference played a major role in inspiring the management team and making SXM more of an “intelligent” (IT) and progressive airport,” LaBega said, adding that the new body scanner at the airport was bought as a result of attending said conference.
“Even the new technology (kiosks and E-Gates) for smoother processing to be acquired soon, is a result of attending said conference annually,” she said.
Speakers at this year’s edition of Passenger Terminal Expo included several top officials of IATA, airport managers from around the globe, including the Chairman and CEO of Aeroports de Paris, Augustin de Romanet and Gerard Geurtjens, Director of A Pier and Terminal of Schiphol Group.

According to Pieter Charles Van Der Horst, Senior Real Estate and Airport City Developer, Schiphol Real Estate, Netherlands, the 2015 conference was “Well organized, (with) good speakers and very interesting topics ranging from security and ICT to terminal expansion and airport city development.”
In the view of Damian Brooke of Tampa International Airport, USA, “This conference is a great venue for us to really bounce ideas off other airports and see what they’re doing. Talk to the contractors and vendors. The more we meet with other airports, other vendors, it gives us great material for ideas for the future.”

PHILIPSBURG:---- During its review of the donation registrations of political parties, the Electoral Council noted that several parties received an excess of what is legally allowed in donations. Both the donors who exceeded the donation limit and the parties were informed about this matter in the month of June of this year. Three parties were requested to return excess donations as is stipulated by law and to submit evidence thereof to the Electoral Council. These parties are the Democratic Party, the National Alliance and the United People Party. To date, only the United People Party has complied with the request of the Electoral Council and submitted proper proof of refund of the excess donations. The Electoral Council has requested the DP and the NA to submit proof of refund of the excess donations on several occasions.
With respect to the required annual reports of the parties which had to be accompanied by an auditor’s statement, of the six political parties that participated in the last elections, only the United People Party submitted a complete annual report with an accompanying auditor’s statement before the deadline of April 1, 2014.
The Democratic Party and the National Alliance requested an extension to submit the auditor’s statement regarding their financial reports. Despite several reminders the auditor’s statements from the DP and the NA have yet to be received by the Electoral Council.
In the meantime, the Electoral Council has submitted both the annual reports as well as the donation registrations of all political parties and of the candidates to the General Audit Chamber for review and audit, as is stipulated in the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties.
In view of the upcoming intermediate elections, the Electoral Council is calling on all parties to finalize all outstanding matters of the past parliamentary elections of August 2014 before participating in the upcoming elections.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) will commence November 4th with the clean-up of car wrecks in the district of St. Peters. The clean-up will go on throughout the month of November.
Ministry VROMI is working in collaboration with the Community Police.
All vehicles matching the description of unpaid road tax; outdated inspection; abandonment; and hazardous to public safety upon notice from November 4th, 2015, will be removed from the St. Peters district.
All vehicles that are towed will be crushed.
All owners of vehicles matching the aforementioned description mentioned above are advised to remove their vehicles immediately.

MARIGOT/PHILIPSBURG:---- Every day hundreds of people are finding the courage to pursue a potential spouse. Social media has made the search even more thrilling and for the first time ever, St. Martin will harness the power of the internet to bring compatible people together.
After months of hardwork and dedication, Caribbean Christian Dating (CCD) is delighted to announce to its official website launch: www.caribbeanchristiandating.com, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of St. Martin, panorama of fused cultures here and the conviction that the island is the perfect launchpad for unity to come alive in diversity.
CCD is here to connect men and women who are serious about pursuing strong Godly relationships and friendships. This is the fastest growing and only faith based dating network in the Region with anti-scam protection, verified profiles, live chat and 24 hrs customer support.
It’s an exciting project that is attracting the attention of many, who are pleasantly surprised by groovy website layout, privacy options and user friendliness, presenting a powerful tool right at your fingertips, in the comfort of your home, office or cozy space.
CCD, in real time, helps you find God’s match for your life and can be accessed by visiting www.caribbeanchristiandating.com to upload your profile and connect with other like-minded individuals who have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Find us on Facebook at: Caribbean Christian Dating.
Founder, Emalie Questel said that the team at Caribbean Christian Dating is currently working on several projects such as The Dating Show on dating effectively and a Singles Seminar with the hope that every single person can find their God-given spouse or match.
Acting as a soft launch, CCD will host a social movie night on Friday November 20 at 7:30 pm at 127 Rue de Hollande in Marigot. This gathering of singles will feature the movie: I’m In Love with a Church Girl and while admission is free, snack items will be on sale.
Bored out of your wits? Then log on to CCD, its free and its fun! If you know you want a Christian partner; then join this niche site. Having common values is the foundation for a lasting relationship.
“We would encourage everyone to look for partners who have the same cultural and spiritual/religious background. CCD is one of the best ways to do this. God challenges us to seek and find,” Questel added.
Online dating through Caribbean Christian Dating targets its users through a self-selecting experience. This premise is based on the belief that Christianity is central to whom a person is and, therefore, the driving force behind what Christians look for in a potential mate.
Interested individuals can sign up on the website for free. The

PHILIPSBURG:--- During a routine control by the Multi Disciplinary Team conducted on the Coralita Road, two young men were arrested suspected of being in the possession of a stolen car. The suspects were arrested after the investigating officers noticed that the VIN-numbers on the vehicle were falsified and tampered with. The vehicle confiscated for further investigation and the suspect remain in custody for further investigation.

KPSM Police Report.

PHILIPSBURG/FRENCH QUARTER"--- On Tuesday, October 27th at approximately 12.20 a.m. the Emergency Central Dispatch received a call from the Sint Maarten Medical Center informing them, that shortly before a man was brought into the center with two gunshot wounds and that the doctors were busy attending him. Immediately a police patrol was sent to the scene to investigate what had taken place. On the scene the investigating officers spoke to the male victim who had a gunshot wound to his left arm and one in his back.
The victim stated that he was at a bar in French Quarter where he was suddenly and for no reason attacked by a group of unknown men, who began shooting at him. The victim also stated that he ran from the scene and got a ride from a friend who brought him to the Sint Maarten Medical Center.
Detectives went to the medical center and took a statement from the victim. The victim remains in the hospital for observation and further treatment. The French authorities have been informed of the incident and will continue the investigation when the victim is released from the hospital.

KPSM Police Report

Sucker Garden:---- Week 2 of the Ladies Basketball Championship continued with 2 games in the senior division.

The first game between Bush T Remedy and Lightning begun at 3pm and was a very close game in the first half despite Lightning leading 32-24 at the half. Lightning blew the game open in the third quarter by outscoring Bush T Remedy 17-6 and pushed their lead to 49-30 and never looked back. Lightning won 67-44 and was led by player of the game Jamaiah Newton –Herbert with 20 points, 20 rebounds, 8 steals, 3 blocks, 3 assists and Selah Fleming with 16 Points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal. Bush T Remedy was led by 3 players Latoya Lake with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, Jacqueline Hodge with 10 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks and Tamika Grell with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

The second game of the afternoon between Thunderz and Learning Unlimited was competitive as well as Thunderz led 28-21 at the half. They continued to keep the lead in the second half and won the game 50-38.
Thunderz was lead by player of the game Joyette Lloyd with 28 points, 21 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists and 1 block and Chantel Hodge with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists and 1 block. Learning Unlimited was led by Rachael de Groot with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 8 steals and Wendy Jack with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

Games continue this Sunday for the U16 teams as their games are between 2-3pm, all three teams will play during this time. The senior teams will start at 3pm as Thunderz take on Lightning and at 5pm Bush T Remedy take on Learning Unlimited. Entrance fee is $1 and food and drinks are on sale, so see you next Sunday!!

Standings for the U16 Divison are Learning Unlimited, Lightning and Thunderz each at 1-1.The senior division are Thunderz & Lightning at 2-0 and Bush T Remedy and Learning Unlimited at 0-2.

Game Highlights, pictures, game scores and schedule can be viewed on the Facebook page 'Ladies Basketball Championship'. Highlights and full games can be seen on the Youtube page www.youtube.com/walichibasketball and short highlights can be seen on the Instagram page www.instagram.com/ladiesbasketballchampionship.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On the 20th May 2015 the Board of the University of St. Maarten Foundation (BUSMF), assisted by its management team, discussed the developments of the University of St. Martin (USM) with the parliamentary committee of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport Affairs. During that meeting, which was chaired by the Honorable Member of Parliament, Ms. Silveria Jacobs, the Honorable Minister of Education, Mrs. Rita Bourne-Gumbs made two public promises. The Minister pledged that the government of Sint Maarten would officially recognize the USM, and the annual subsidy would be increased to enable the institution to better serve the people of this island.
Last week the first of these promises, in the form of a letter of endorsement, was kept. The BUSMF and management would like to thank the honorable Minister for keeping her promise, as it demonstrates the character of the person the people of Sint Maarten have in office. Additionally, the BUSMF would like to also extend its gratitude to Honorable Minister Claret Connor and the Honorable MPs Mr. Maurice Lake, Ms. Tamara Leonard, Ms. Leona Marlin-Romeo, Ms. Silveria Jacobs, and Mr. Cornelius de Weever for their unwavering support to the USM. Their lobbying and endorsement of the institution (Mr. Lake, Mr. Connor, and Ms. Leonard also as a faculty) were indispensable in getting us this far. The same applies for Mr. Antonio Aventurin and Mr. Calvin Mardembrough of the Department of Study Financing, who have continued to recommend scholarship recipients to the institution.
The BUSMF however is still waiting for the second promise to be kept, namely, that as of next year the USM will receive more government subsidy. Currently the USM receives less than 1% of the budget allocated for education. In such a situation the USM cannot achieve its mission of contributing to a reality whereby every Sint Maarten household is inhabited with a person who holds at least an Associate Degree; in other words an educated population that will enable the people of this island to man managerial positions. Upward mobility ought to nonnegotiable for everyone who cares about Sint Maarten. We trust the second promise will also be kept by the government.

PHILIPSBURG:---- By National Decree of October 22°d, 2015, signed by the Governor of Sint Maarten,drs.Eugene B. Holiday and contra signed by the Minister of Justice,Mr. Dennis L. Richardson, Mr. Carl
Marcuson John has been appointed Chief of the national Police Force of Sint Maarten.

The position became available after the former Chief of Police, Mr.Peter de Witte,voluntarily kept his promise to vacate the position after 5 years in favor of the appointment of a qualified local candidate.The government acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices that he has made for de development of the national police force of Sint Maarten.

An independent selection committee that was put in place to interview and assess the qualifications of the candidates for the position unanimously recommended Mr. Carl John for Chief of the Police Force of Sint Maarten. Based on this recommendation and the advice of the Minister of Justice the Council of Ministers also unanimously agreed to the appointment of Mr. Carl John. The government congratulates Mr. Carl John with this appointment and is convinced that he is capable of taking the police force to its next level of development.

The oath taking and actual transfer of authority ceremony will take place within short.

Mr. Peter de Witte remains in the service of country Sint Maarten and will execute several special assignments for the Ministry of Justice.

For background information on Carl John now Chief Commissioner of Police click here.

ECLAC-ILO calls for implementing productive development policies that foster the creation of more and better jobs.

SANTIAGO (October 27, 2015) The deceleration of economic growth seen during 2015 is affecting labor indicators in the region and will take the urban unemployment rate to 6.6% this year, after marking 6.0% in 2014, according to new estimates released today by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The United Nations organizations unveiled a new edition of their joint publication The Employment Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, in which they review the evolution of the region’s job markets in the first semester of 2015 and indicate that the unfavorable growth prospects for this year—which forecast a -0.3% contraction, according to ECLAC’s latest estimates—will likely be reflected in the persistent weakness of labor demand and salaried job creation.
The report confirms that during the first semester of 2015, the employment rate recorded a new decline with respect to the same period last year. An increase in the number of people looking for work began to negatively affect the unemployment rate, which rose to an average of 6.5% in the first semester, compared with 6.2% in the same period of 2014.
ECLAC and ILO add that in the current macroeconomic and labor context one could expect to see an expansion of informal jobs, and freelance work above all, in many countries to partially make up for the lack of productive and good-quality employment opportunities.
According to the document, the current regional trend towards economic deceleration is worrisome because it reduces room for making gains on the reduction of poverty and inequality, two of the region’s important achievements since the beginning of the last decade.
In the report, ECLAC and ILO call for boosting investment aimed at a structural change that will lead economic growth potential towards a path of growing productivity.
“Only with clear productive development policies will the region be capable of overcoming the adverse context that currently hinders its expansion and of creating more and better jobs for the productive insertion of its labor force,” Alicia Bárcena, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, and José Manuel Salazar, Director of the ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, stated in the publication’s prologue.
In this area, the report analyzes if the progress made in the prior decade was structural enough to prevent the loss of those achievements in a less favorable economic context.
This edition of the report also compares the labor performance of different types of companies. It concludes that the positive evolution of job markets between 2003 and 2013 included both small and large businesses. Specifically, in the first category the proportion of salaried employment and health insurance coverage rose. However, there continue to be marked gaps in terms of productivity and the quality of jobs between companies of different sizes.
ECLAC and ILO say that in the current, less favorable economic context, small companies as well as freelance jobs could once again play the role of creating the employment of last resort. Nevertheless, to prevent these jobs from being low in productivity and quality, the region must intensify efforts to remove hurdles and create an environment conducive to their growth and development, especially in the case of medium-sized companies.
The organizations add that the growth of these companies should be promoted through more incorporation of technology, access to adequate financing, greater innovation, better access to markets, and a more qualified labor force.

After a successful Breakfast meeting in May 2015, CHATA hosted its second breakfast meeting of 2015 at CHATA Member Omundo. The Breakfast meeting at Omundo featured presentations by Media 599’s Wouter Meeuwisse, SoWifi’s Annet Kooistra, and Seconds Minds’ Alex Hollander who took attendees to the meeting on a digital journey in hospitality.

After a delightful breakfast, sponsored by CHATA member & partner, Maduro & Curiel’s Bank; SoWifi, Media 599 and Second Minds provided insight on how the traveler is influenced in the travel-booking phase. The lack of efficient and effective digital tackling in Curaçao was addressed. This led to the identification of opportunities, which businesses can tackle to convince potential bookers. The latest digital trends were addressed, with how to be responsive and adaptive to the requirements of travelers. Furthermore, Second Minds’ Alex Hollander provided tips on how to increase exposure through digital channels. This incorporated strategies on how to create leads to websites, accommodation bookings, social media and overall digital interaction with potential customers.

The attendees were advised by SoWifi’s Annet Kooistra and Media 599’s Wouter Meeuwisse on how to create content for their websites, apps and digital channels to positively influence the traveler’s reactions to digital exposure. The visitors to the MCB Breakfast meeting immersed themselves in an informative and interactive session, after which a question and answer session allowed parties to request clarification on matters which were still unclear to them.

CHATA reminisces on yet another successful and purposeful meeting and extends its gratitude to its member and partner Maduro & Curiel’s Bank for sponsorship of this well attended breakfast meeting at Omundo. These partnerships form the foundation to move forward towards tourism development.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The St. Maarten Zoological & Botanical Garden Foundation is proud to be collaborating with the St Dominic High IB Year 1 students for our annual Boo At The Zoo Halloween party.

Boo At The Zoo will be a spooky but fun-filled evening for children and adults of all ages. Since the St. Maarten Zoo couldn’t host Boo at the Zoo last year due to the damage received from Hurricane Gonzalo, this year’s event will be the biggest and best thus far, especially with the assistance of St. Dominic High School IB Year 1 students!

Adults and children alike can have fun getting freaked out on the scary, haunted walk through the Zoo. Along the way, visitors will be met with surprises of all kinds, including grab boxes in which the contents are unknown until you put your hand inside. We will also be having a small bonfire, for roasting marshmallows while listening to scary stories. Entertainment will be provided by TriologySoundz.

Please come on down and celebrate Halloween with us this Friday, October 30, 2015 at the St. Maarten Zoo in Madame Estate. Gates open at 5:30pm and the party will continue until 9:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 if you are in costume, but $10 if you are not in costume. Adults are encouraged to wear costumes as well!

Should you wish to purchase your tickets in advance or have any questions regarding this event, please contact Public Relations Officer of the Board, Mrs. Caisha Evans at tel. 527-3530 and/or contact us by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Willemstad:---- Atraveo, a German online booking engine continues its global expansion with Curaçao as the third emerging Caribbean destination for German travelers. CHATA and Atraveo initialized a strategic partnership within the context of the growing German market and additional Air Berlin flight commencing this winter.

Atraveo, a TUI Company, is a highly successful German booking engine, specialized in holiday apartments and houses. Atraveo continues its expansion by focusing on Curaçao, which is the third emerging Caribbean destination for the German market. The Caribbean expansion is realized through a Strategic partnership between CHATA & Atraveo. Atraveo is a holiday home market on the Internet, featuring approximately 250,000 apartments and houses scattered in Europe and globally.

The CHATA – Atraveo partnership came into existence since the German market has proven to be performing steadily with a 99% load factor in the first quarter of 2015 and an arrivals' surge of 290% since the introduction of the Düsseldorf - Curaçao itinerary in 2011. The additional flights added on the Itinerary confirms the confidence in Curaçao as a destination; in anticipation of the 2nd Air Berlin flight CHATA’s strategy is to promote the Small Accommodations in the growing German market through Atraveo.

Ever since the successful launch of the Small Accommodation Program in June, CHATA has added 23 CHATA Certified Small Accommodations to its member portfolio. The certification process to become a CHATA Small Accommodation member requires an audit. The audit requires properties to pass minimum requirements for Small Accommodations to comfortably accommodate tourists according to expectations. Upon passing the audit, the Small Accommodation can become a CHATA Member, receive its Small Accommodation Certification Award and benefit from the Atraveo alliance and additional exposure.

CHATA President & CEO, Ms. Lizanne Dindial refers to the partnership as a strategic and logical alliance since the Düsseldorf - Curaçao itinerary operated by Air Berlin has been performing well with very good load factors and an ever increasing arrivals' surge. According to Ms. Dindial, this partnership adds great value to CHATA Membership for Small Accommodations, as the exposure of Small Accommodation CHATA Members will grow considerably thanks to the CHATA - Atraveo Partnership.

CHATA’s partnership with Atraveo is merely the beginning of many more partnerships to come. CHATA strives to have numerous strategic partnerships in place in order to add great value to CHATA Membership and Tourism & Hospitality on our island. CHATA strives to launch the page dedicated to its certified small accommodations online by January 2016, in an effort to maximize the exposure for small accommodation CHATA members.

For more information on CHATA Membership and the Small Accommodations Program, please contact Kyara Wanga – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SIMPSON BAY:---- The management team of Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, will do all within its powers to accommodate St. Maarten Airways, a completely local enterprise that is seeking to offer on-demand charter service from the airport. This was the result of a recent meeting between a delegation of the new airline and SXM management.
SXM Airport will be looking into granting the St. Maarten Airways vehicle access to the baggage and transport areas as well as the Executive Lounge for the VIP services the airline intends to offer.
St. Maarten Airways aims to start operations around Thanksgiving Day with one aircraft and intends to acquire two additional BN-2 aircrafts from the Dominican Republic. It will be offering on-demand chartered VIP services to destinations such as Saba, St. Barth’s, Nevis, Tortola, Anguilla, and Barbados.
“We welcome the initiative of St. Maarten Airways and would be happy to assist the company as much as possible,” said Regina LaBega, SXM Airport managing director.
According to Rolando Brison, Managing Director of St. Maarten Airways, “The airline aims to offer safe and efficient operations for the island of St. Maarten for on-demand travel.”
“We are committed to giving opportunities to locals first to be a part of this airline’s workforce, management and ownership,” said Brison. He added that the airline is a “genuine local initiative” that will offer career opportunities.
St. Maarten Airways discussed ways in which the airline could work closely with the airport and other airlines to service their route. “When other airlines coming to St. Maarten fail to deliver, it reflects poorly not just on the airline but on our airport and overall aviation product. This is why we will offer deeply discounted rates to other local airlines so that our small fleet can assist them wherever the need arises.”
Brison expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to meet with SXM Airport officials. “I think it is a great honor to have been in the same room with people who have so much experience in aviation, and showing their interest in helping me as a young St. Maartener make this dream come true. I have to really thank Ms. LaBega, Mr. Donker, Mr. Hyman, and everyone else who attended the meeting for taking the next big step in getting SXM Airways started in St. Maarten.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The people of St. Maarten many of whom are accusing the media for not doing their jobs and highlighting the things that are going wrong on St. Maarten especially the latest development where the constitution of St. Maarten are being misused.
One of the main questions the people of St. Maarten have now that the Governor has agreed to call new elections after the parliament of St. Maarten gave the Council of Ministers a motion of no confidence, will the Council of Ministers use article 59 each time the Parliament of St. Maarten passes a motion or law they do not like?
Those that emailed SMN News wants to know if the Council of Minister will use article 59 to dissolve parliament and call for new elections each time the parliament of St. Maarten passes something that the Council of Ministers do not like? Clearly, article 59 of the constitution was highly misused by the Gumbs cabinet and even though one of the mandate the incoming government has before election is called is to work on electoral reform to curtail the ship jumping, but what would this new Government (Parliament) do to stop the misuse article 59 when parliament call the Council of Ministers to order?
One of the key persons’ that have remained silent on this entire issue is the Ombudsman of St. Maarten, will the country’s Ombudsman seek to amend the law and or constitution in order to stop Council of Ministers from misusing article 59 of the constitution against their bosses?
What action would the Governor of St. Maarten take against the current Council of Ministers whom he informed that they are only allowed to work on pending matters since they are a caretaker cabinet? SMN News published two Landsbesluit that were written after September 30th, one even have a glaring conflict of interest. Will Ministers be held accountable for their actions and misuse of power?
It is clear that the current Gumbs cabinet is working illegally and while they requested a meeting with the Governor which is to be held on Wednesday it is already known that the Gumbs cabinet will try to grand stand the Governor by demanding that he sign the LB to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten as they submit their resignations. It is left to be seen if the Governor will take action or allow himself be abused by people that are already occupying government offices illegally. Will the new majority in parliament take the bull by its horns and file a criminal complaint against the Gumbs cabinet or will they continue to play friendly politics at the expense of the people.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Every half hour wasted by Members of Parliament costs taxpayers NINE HUNDRED guilders. ( 15 x f.60,00 is NAf. 900,--). This amount is close to what some persons in our community earn monthly after deductions. It equals the school fee for others. For yet others, it equals the monthly cost for day-care.
So on Monday, October 26, 2015, when 14 members of parliament sat around and only 7 members signed the attendees’ list, the only duped ones were the taxpayers, who pay all 15 members a full time salary to defend the very same taxpayers.
Sad to see that this “old-school” practice is still very much alive in some sections of the parliament of St. Maarten.
Yes, parliament is a political body and you will inevitably see some political maneuvering and posturing in this body of politicians.
However, Monday’s meeting was not about political mileage one way or another. It was about ratifying the membership in the different committees of parliament.
A meeting for this same agenda point, scheduled for October 1, also had to be canceled due to the lack of a quorum.
Members of parliament are free to participate in all committees of their choice. The committees then appoint their own chairpersons and vice -chairpersons.
The function of these committees is to investigate matters that are brought to parliament for its consideration, before deliberations take place in the Central Committee or a Public Meeting of Parliament.
It is an opportunity for members to deliberate in a less formal way about these matters and to report to the central committee of parliament.
Due to this old and outdated political practice of “attending” meetings and not signing in for such, the membership of the committees of parliament has not been ratified on October 26th as scheduled and the work of these committees is further frustrated.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Junior Chamber International JCI Dutch Caribbean held its National Convention on 15-17 October, 2015. Leaders, Innovation Vibrant of Equality Soualiga referring back to the rich Heritage of Sint Maarten by coining the name we are recapturing that rich heritage.
JCI LIVE Soualiga is the newest chapter of JCI in Sint Maarten. Our name represents our identity and the impact we wish to see our organisation have in the community. It status as becoming part of the JCI Dutch Caribbean was recognize and got the blessings from the other local organizations of Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba to get a period of 1 year to be fully affiliated with the Dutch Caribbean. The local organization within the Dutch Caribbean has welcome the new chapter the blessing of New Provisional status and the National organization will give all the necessary support and guide in making the chapter a success. The incoming president Delmarie York –Cornelius has present the Plan of action of 2016 during the conference at the General Assembly meeting. As the theme for our plan of Action MYC indicates are focus is creating a mouth piece for our Members, Our Youth and Our Community. An atmosphere of equality must be created and fosters if you want to create a good membership base. Our Youths are in need of programs that help them navigate the obstacles of life, by offering them the right tool so that they can become productive members of society. Our community by tackling social issues that are plaguing our local society. As a new chapter our biggest obstacle is creating a name for ourselves, growing awareness and establishing a positive image of JCI LIVE Soualiga in the Community of Sint Maarten. The new chapter was also represented by VP Anthony Mcclean and JCI LIVE Youth Public Speaking D’Shnay York has enter the JCI Dutch Caribbean Speech contest and did well however winner was from Curacao from the chapter Willemstad.
If anyone want to be a part of JCI LIVE please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You are welcome to be an active citizen of Sint.Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:----  The House of Parliament will meet in an urgent plenary session on October 28 to discuss the dissolution of Parliament.

The public Plenary Session is set for Wednesday, at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda point is the decision of the Council of Ministers to dissolve Parliament.

This meeting of the House was requested by the National Alliance Faction Members of Parliament (MPs) G.C. Pantophlet, MP S.E. Jacobs, and MP C.T. Emmanuel, in a letter dated October 20, 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.

GREAT BAY,(DCOMM):---- Head of the Collective Preventive Service (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, Dr. Virginia Asin, attended the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Regional Meeting of Health Disaster Coordinators of Latin America and the Caribbean in Managua, Nicaragua.

The PAHO Department of Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief, organized the meeting that took place mid-October under the theme: “A Resilient Health Sector: Learning from the past, shaping the future.”

According to Dr. Asin, the regional meeting facilitated disaster coordinators to collectively analyze recent progress; the review of lessons learned and the definition of priority actions that will needed to address present and future challenges and that will forge an increasingly resilient health sector.

Various major initiatives in disaster risk management are currently emerging globally, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 adopted in March 2015; the Agenda for Sustainable Development which will take effect in January 2016; the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Paris in December; the World Humanitarian Summit to be held in May 2016; and the reform of the World Health Organization (WHO) to outbreaks and emergencies.

“All of the above are of great importance to the countries in the Americas including Sint Maarten with respect to their health sectors, and therefore will require the development of strategies and practical tools and mechanisms for their implementation,” CPS Department Head Dr. Virginia Asin explained on Monday.

The Health Disaster Coordinators meeting, which included active participation of the coordinators of the Ministries of Health of the Region together with PAHO/WHO Disaster Focal Points, has provided an important forum for the prioritization and integration of actions to strengthen the Region and its health sector in the area of disaster risk reduction.
The conclusion of the meetings have highlighted a number of priorities and recommendations: to establish essential guidelines for the development of the Plan of Action 2016-2021, a Resilient Health Sector.
Some of the specific objectives of the meeting were: to analyse elements of binding force and challenges of the health sector in the international instruments recently-adopted and in discussion; to present and discuss experiences related to the implementation of Plan of Action on Safe Hospitals 2010-2015, and the Smart Hospitals Strategy.
Two other important points discussed was to conduct a practical analysis of the Plan of Action for Humanitarian Assistance to clarify operational elements of implementation; and to analyse the current situation, forecast, health impacts and measures related to El Nino.
The meeting took place at the Crown Plaza Hotel.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in its recent epidemiological alert, calls on Member States to increase vigilance and establish/maintain the capacity to detect and confirm cases of Zika virus infection.

The Zika virus infection is spread via the vector Aedes mosquito which is also prevalent in the Caribbean and Sint Maarten.

Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), is calling on the population to give the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds their urgent attention especially after the heavy rainfall in order to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika.

Zika virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family and is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. It is related to other pathogenic vector borne flaviviruses including dengue, West-Nile and Japanese encephalitis viruses but produces a comparatively mild disease in humans.

Since 2014, indigenous circulation of Zika has been detected in the Americas. In February 2014, the public health authorities of Chile confirmed the first case of indigenous transmission of Zika virus infection on Easter Island, and cases were reported until June 2014.

In May 2015, the public health authorities of Brazil confirmed autochthonous transmission of Zika virus in the north eastern part of the country. As of October of this year, 14 states had confirmed virus transmission. Recently, Colombia health authorities reported the detection of the first case of Zika virus infection in the state of Bolivar.

Countries endemic with Dengue and Chikungunya through the Aedes Agypti mosquitoes, are at risk for Zika virus. Based on the fact that if an infected Zika case comes to Sint Maarten, and with the presence of the Aedes Agypti mosquito this virus can be transmitted from person to person similar to the transmission mode as Dengue and Chikungunya.

CPS is therefore advising travellers to take necessary preventive measures when abroad (in Brazil, Colombia, Chile) and to report upon their return to their family physician if they experience symptoms.

The main clinical symptoms in patients are fever, conjunctivitis, transient arthritis/arthralgia (mainly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet) and maculo-papular rash (that often starts on the face and then spreads throughout the body).

In general the disease symptoms are mild and short-lasting (2-7 days). There is no vaccine or preventive drug available

To reduce the risk of contracting Zika virus infection - as for the other mosquito-borne infections - travelers should minimize the exposure to mosquito bites by taking the following preventive measures:

1. Use of anti-mosquito devices (insecticide-treated bed nets, coils, smudge pots, spray, repellents) and wearing long sleeves and clothes with long legs, especially during the hours of highest mosquito activity (morning and late afternoon). Mosquito repellent based on a 30% DEET concentration is recommended;
2.  Before using repellents, pregnant women and children under the age of 12 years should consult a physician or pharmacist;

For newborn children under three months, repellents are not recommended; instead, insecticide-treated bed nets should be used.

The community is requested to be on alert for the identified symptoms and to be on high alert and action in eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around their surroundings.

Be vigilant in eliminating mosquito breeding sites and assist your community by minimizing mosquito breeding sites. CPS advises to empty unused swimming pools and cover them properly; turn over any type of containers (even boats) which can hold water and create a breeding source.

For additional information or concerns, contact CPS at 542-2078.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):---- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, strongly advises against any swimming in Great Bay on Tuesday.

This advisory is in relation to water that has been released into Great Bay from the ponds. Pumping of the Great Salt Pond will continue on Tuesday morning as part of a control lowering of the water levels in the ponds.

This water can be contaminated, from amongst others, rainwater runoff into the ponds.

CPS advisory is a precautionary measure to prevent swimmers from coming into contact with any contaminated water that could pose a health risk if ingested or by skin contact, thereby making the person vulnerable to recreational water illnesses.

Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) on Monday opened the Great Bay Channel to allow water from the Fresh Pond to flow into Great Bay.

This measure taken by Ministry VROMI on Monday is of a precautionary nature due to the rainfall over the weekend and on Monday morning, and in the event there is additional heavy rainfall throughout Monday night, the ponds will be able to handle the runoff therefore preventing any flooding in low lying areas.

The Dutch Caribbean Pearls (Pearls DC) event aims to celebrate successes and Dutch Caribbean role models living in the Netherlands. Stichting Ocan, the foundation responsible for organizing the DC Pearls event, wants to represent Dutch Caribbean people for an equal chance to reach their full potential. The 4th edition of the Dutch Caribbean Pearls Gala & Award Show will take place on the 7th of November 2015. The winners will be announced during a spectacular award show at the Party- & Convention Center Doelarie in Rotterdam. The 33 nominees in the seven categories are online at the website of DC Pearls (www.dcpearls.nl).

As with previous years, the show will be held in the city of Rotterdam. The city of Rotterdam is an important financier of the DC Pearls project. Other sponsors this year are Stichting Studiefinanciering Curaçao, Stichting Passaat, and online radio Fruzitime.

DC Connect
Preceding the gala and award show will be the Dutch Caribbean Connect; A networking event where the nominees will be able to connect with other high profile VIP’s from the Dutch & Dutch Caribbean community. In previous years the DC Connect has featured Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Ronald Plasterk, Mayor of Rotterdam Ahmed Aboutaleb and Minister Plenipotentiaries from the various Dutch Caribbean islands.

The Event
The award show kicks off at 8:30pm and there will be various acts and performances filling the night such as; the dance group Afrokiddos and inspirational speaker, Shandrick Elodia. Well know bands NSTYPLY and K’RIBE will be live on stage for an evening of Caribbean fun. St. Maarten’s very own DJ Spy, who is among the nominees this year, will also have a performance as well as DJ Sky from Aruba. A judging panel of well experienced professionals from each category will select the winners based on a predefined criteria. There will be one winner for each of the 7 categories namely: Music & Entertainment, Science, Community, Student, Sport, Entrepreneurship and Art & Literature.

Nominees per island
This year there is one nominee for Bonaire, and one for St. Eustatius, non other than International Reggae artist, Ziggi Ricardo. From Saba there are 2 nominees this year, one each in the Student and Art & Literature categories. St Maarten, with 6 nominees has more than Aruba this year, who has 5 nominees, while Curaçao comes in with 18 nominees. The nominees from Aruba also include 12 year old Lisa Hoeverts in the Sport category. Lisa was born in the Netherlands, and her parents are from Aruba. “Usually there would be exceptions for older nominees. However, this time we were happy to make an exception for this young talent!” said Ramses Petronia, project manager of DC Pearls. Besides the fact that Lisa has had outstanding athletic results in the past year, the DC Pearls team believes it is important to look at the younger generation as well. Mr Petronia also mentioned that “the nominees are not just recognized for their success and input. OCaN sees these ‘pearls’ as role models for others in the community.”

Most Outstanding Pearl
Aside from the winners in the various categories, all the nominees are competing against each other for the additional “Most Outstanding Pearl” award which is selected based on an open poll system. Friends, family, supporters and the general public are invited to vote for their favorite Pearl by visiting the DCPearls website (www.dcpearls.nl/vote). The voting for the Most Outstanding Pearl 2015 is now open.

According to the project manager, Ramses Petronia “This year there is a much broader representation of all the different islands. Not just in terms of nominees, but including the organizing team as well”.

In the early morning hours of Monday October 26th the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (KPCN) arrested four Statian youth in their homes. The arrested were made on the authority of the Public Prosecutors Office following several months of police investigation. The examining Judge further ordered the arresting officers to carry out a house search on two premises to gather more information in this investigation. The scope of this investigation involves among others embezzlement, theft, theft by breaking and entering and destruction of property. The teens arrested are R.L.G (16), K.R (17), D. de B (15) and M.v.d.S (15)

Chief of Basic Police Care, Maurice van Velzen, in a press briefing immediately following the arrests, explained that The Police tried to carry out this operation as discrete as possible recognizing the huge impact this would have. Victim Support and the Centre for Youth and Family are on standby as of 8.00 AM Monday morning to support the families of these youngsters. According to Police more investigations are pending in this case.

The Dutch Caribbean Police Force on Statia was assisted in these arrests by colleagues from Bonaire.

KPCN a detené kuater hóben di Statia

Djaluna 26 di òktober den oranan trempan di mainta Kuerpo Polisial Hulanda Karibense a detené kuater hóben di Sint Eustatius na nan kas. A hasi e detenshon aki na enkargo di Ministerio Públiko despues di algun luna di investigashon di polis. Wes-komisario a duna agentenan polisial ku a hasi e detenshonnan órden pa listra dos diferente kas pa por akumulá mas informashon den e investigashon aki. E investigashon aki ta tratá di entre otro malversashon, ladronisia, ladronisia pa medio di kiebro i entrada den edifisionan i destrukshon di propiedat. E hóbennan detené ta di inisialnan R.L.G (16), K.R (17), D. de B (15) i M.v.d.S (15).

Den oranan trempan di mainta e Hefe di Kuido di Polis básiko, Maurice van Velzen, den un konferensia di prensa, a duna di konosé ku polis a purba traha mas diskreto posibel rekonosiendo e impakto fuerte ku e kaso aki lo ta por tin. Ayudo pa Víktima i Sentro pa Hubentut i Famia ta para kla djaluna mainta for di 8or di mainta pa sostené famia di e hóbennan aki.
Di akuerdo ku polis lo tin mas investigashon pendiente den e kaso aki

Koleganan di Boneiru a asistí Kuerpo Polisial Hulanda Karibense na Sint Eustatius e detenshonnan aki.

KPCN arresteert vier jongeren op Statia
In de vroege ochtenduren van maandag 26 oktober heeft het Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland (KPCN) vier Statiaanse jongeren gearresteerd in hun woning. De arrestaties werden verricht in opdracht van het Openbaar Ministerie en werden gedaan na een politie onderzoek dat enkele maanden in beslag heeft genomen. De rechtercommissaris heeft de agenten die de arrestatie verrichten opdracht gegeven om in twee panden huiszoeking te verrichten, om meer informatie voor dit onderzoek te verzamelen. De reikwijdte van dit onderzoek omvat onder meer verduistering, diefstal, diefstal door inbraak en het

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association’s all-encompassing Job fair hosted at the NIPA institute on October 24th from 10am to 4pm, surpassed the participants and organizers expectations. SHTA and Department of Labor affairs ventured into a Private –Public partnership to create multiple avenues for employment seekers to successfully find employment within all industries on St. Maarten. The fair registered 140 persons seeking employment.
Job Seekers had the opportunity to meet with businesses from a cross section of the industries on St. Maarten. Representatives from Construction companies, Hospitality establishments large and small, job placement agencies, Marine sector industries administrative and financial institutions were present to discuss their vacancies and to give general information regarding the types of Jobs available in each industry and respective company. Organizers and participating businesses noticed a large number of young person’s seeking employment. Many businesses interviewed persons ranging from recently graduated to those who were seeking an additional job and/or new career. The participating businesses commented that they were happy to see the steady stream of people throughout the entire day. When asked if the fair yielded potential candidates for their vacancies, a vast majority replied with a resounding ‘yes’. “Great initiative! We have seen some very good candidates today” –Westin Dawn
The Department of Labor affairs received a large stream of persons, which sometimes resulted in a line, seeking information and employment. Job seekers posed questions regarding the labor laws, their rights and obligations, how to increase their chances of employment through the department and updated info on required documentation. “It was good to have the labor department here, there were question that I wanted to ask but had not had the chance to do so” said one of the many who sat at the department’s desk.
As part of preparing and encouraging job-seekers to be properly prepared for their interviews and/or application procedure, Educational sessions were made available for job seekers. Participants could choose to attend one of 3 sessions held throughout the day in specially allocated classrooms. Course topics were ‘How to prepare for an interview’, ‘How to write a good Resume’ and a LinkedIn Crash course provide by Sintelligence Academy. The latter course provided by, social media marketing certified Ardwell Irion and local photography professional Elvis Harrigan and provided an opportunity for 1 free professional resume photo. Dr. Francio Guadeloupe, Dr. Natasha Gittens of the University of St. Maarten and Ms. Carmen Barran of Simpsonbay resort and Casino were the guest lecturers facilitating the Resume and Interview preparation sessions.
Participants left the classes armed with additional knowledge and a better perspective on how to succeed in today’s job market. “It was important for both the SHTA and the Department of Labor affairs that we were able to provide these sessions to provide information about what employers are looking for. What makes them notice you which in turn increases your chances of you be hired” said organizing committee representatives.
Educational institutions NIPA, USM and ICUC from Curacao, were also on hand to provide information regarding upgrading courses and study possibilities for career advancement. “It was a pleasure so see so much interest in the courses being offered” said ICUC representative. The University of St. Maarten expressed that they were happy to participate and provide information regarding their recently accredited courses. Many of the businesses and job seekers had not been to the NIPA institute and were pleasantly surprised to see the facilities and hear about the opportunities available at the institute. The Hospitality Department of the institute showcased their culinary and service skills by providing food and beverage on sale during the Fair. Business, volunteers and job seekers alike had the opportunity to consume tasty prepared foods while conducting the business of the day, all in one facility.
SHTA would like to thank the Labor Department for being a partner in the Job fair. The Association also extends its gratitude to the NIPA institute staff and volunteers, the Rotary Mid –Isle volunteers, all participating businesses and job seekers, the organizing committee and the staff of the SHTA office for contributing towards a successful job fair. ‘The next step is to create a database for employers to contact the registered job seekers. Based on the reaction of most businesses that were present we are optimistic that job offers will result from this event” said SHTA. The demographics of the event and follow up will be announced in a future press release.
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

Sonesta Maho:---  Approximately 90 leaders converged at the Sonesta Maho Resort recently to further enhance their leadership skills in order to make a greater impact in our community. Despite the technical challenges encountered during the simulcast, the overall sentiment from the attendees was that the event was “awesome,” “worthwhile attending,” and “life transforming.”
The Ministry of Education had the largest contingent of persons in attendance, headed by Minister Rita Bourne Gumbs. This was the first hosting of Live 2 Lead on St. Martin, a half day leader development experience designed to equip leaders from all walks of life with new perspectives, practical tools and key takeaways to take their leadership and vision to a higher dimension. Victorious Living Foundation has been hosting live leadership simulcasts since 2013 and Minister Rita Bourne-Gumbs was commended for being the first Minister of Government to participate in one of these powerful leadership simulcasts.
Live 2 Lead is designed by the internationally renowned leadership expert John C. Maxwell who in 2014 was identified as the #1 leader in business by the American Management Association® and the most influential leadership expert in the world by Business Insider and Inc. magazines.

The event will be re-broadcast at the Philipsburg Cultural Center on November 8th to allow more leaders from both North and South of the island to benefit from its powerful content. The Minister of Education has agreed to include Live 2 Lead as part of the pre-St. Martin day Celebration schedule.
During the recently held Live 2 Lead event, local leaders were given the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the state of our nation. The emotions ran high as persons shared their concern for the state of our nation’s Government, youth, education, families and communities. The visionary of Victorious Living Foundation, Dr. Erna Mae Francis-Cotton, challenged the attendees to take positive action to transform our nation as we continue to build our leadership capacity. The participants all agreed to rise to the challenge.

Registration is open now for the Live 2 Lead re-broadcast scheduled for November 8th at the Cultural Center from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Local leaders will have the opportunity to network and exchange ideas on how we can practically transform the state of affairs on St. Martin. Registration closes on November 5th, 2015.

Participants receive certificates of participation from John Maxwell’s Company. Autographed copies of John Maxwell’s latest book, Intentional Living will also be available for sale at the event. Speakers include Patrick Lencioni who states: “too many leaders are limiting their focus to areas like marketing, strategy, and technology.” He will be addressing the model in his latest book, The Advantage. Lencioni asserts that leaders and organizations need to shift their focus to creating a healthy organization with minimal politics and confusion, high degrees of morale and productivity, and low turnover among good people.”

Victorious Living Foundation thanks all persons who contributed to making the recent event a success. To register for Live 2 Lead, persons may call VLF at 1-721-524-8731/1-721-542-2652; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.victoriouslivingsxm.org.

International speakers to empower students and entrepreneurs in November

Great Bay:----  Inspired by the Global Entrepreneurship Week, INFOBIZZ is hosting its very first Entrepreneurship Week 721 from November 16-21, 2015. This week is aimed at helping entrepreneurs to reach new levels of success in their businesses and lives. International entrepreneurs from the US, Canada, and The Netherlands will be on St. Maarten sharing dynamic cutting-edge information to transform businesses alongside local experts.
INFOBIZZ is specifically designed at developing successful entrepreneurs and has reached approximately 700 entrepreneurs in the past 2 years predominantly through it premier networking activity, the POWER HOUR. This year alone, speakers at the POWER HOUR include Mr. Robert Judd, country manager of First Caribbean International Bank, Mrs. Vincentia Rosen, director of the Bureau for Intellectual Property, Mr. Imran Amjad, chairman of NAGICO Group, and most recently, Mr. Jean Arnell, co-founder and managing partner of COMPUTECH. Each POWER HOUR allows entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to gain tools from experts and notably successful entrepreneurs. Also, it creates a dynamic platform for participants to network and meet like-minded people.
During November 16-21, INFOBIZZ coordinated a variety of activities for those who are serious their success. Entrepreneurship Week 721, has three main components, which are 1) Community Outreach Program, 2) Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, and 3) iDOMINATE 360 Experience.
INFOBIZZ is active in with a few of the secondary schools on the island as part of its community outreach program. Last year, during the Global Entrepreneurship Week, INFOBIZZ and international serial entrepreneurs, Dr. Will Moreland from the US and Kenton Lord from Trinidad, reached close to 200 students at St. Maarten Academy PSVE and at NIPA.
This year INFOBIZZ has added two more schools to its program, included two more international entrepreneurs, and is scheduled to reach double the number of students it did last year. The Community Outreach Program, which will take place from November 16-19, allows the international entrepreneurs to directly give back to the youth. These youth rarely get an opportunity to hear the challenges and success stories of these international entrepreneurs. The schools chosen are all vocational schools which have a unique challenge in motivating and inspiring many of their students, which is what the entrepreneurs do in this program.
In 2014, November 19 was declared Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) by the United Nations. The WED Foundation, which serves 140 countries, has launched a global movement aimed at supporting, empowering, and celebrating women entrepreneurs while inspiring girls to gain financial freedom. WED Ambassadors all over the world, will host simultaneous events on November 19 as a key part of enriching the local communities.
St. Maarten is a part of this global movement, under the leadership of its ambassador, Ife Badejo. To launch WED St. Maarten, there will be an awards ceremony recognize some of the islands most dynamic women entrepreneurs. Also, WED’s Youth Ambassador for St. Maarten will be announced on this evening. This awards ceremony will take place at Blue Mall on November 19, which will start at 7 pm sharp and doors open at 6:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased for this gender inclusive event and are available for $40, including door prizes, finger foods and refreshments. At the door, tickets are available for $50.
For entrepreneurs, who are serious about their business, iDOMINATE 360 is a two –day experience carefully crafted to support them. From November 20-21, entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial professionals can expect innovative and revolutionary trainings and seminars that, if implemented, will transform their business.
International entrepreneurs include: Dr. Will, the #1 Leadership Life Trainer in the US and recently featured in Forbes Magazine; Dr. Vernet Joseph, known as Mr. Productivity, he is America’s #1 P3 Strategist and Consultant; Drs. Monika de Waal, one of Europe’s leading organizational behavior specialist and business coach for KvK Coachpool in the Netherlands; and Shereen Ashman, a serial entrepreneur and creator who is the entrepreneur in residence at Community Empowering Enterprises in Toronto, Canada.
This event is already attracting participants from the neighboring islands, Canada and the US. This provides also an opportunity for locally based entrepreneurs and professionals to connect with others in an international context without having to travel abroad. Registration is required. Tickets for the entire experience are available for $125. Should one want to attend one of the days, tickets are available for $75. Additional information about this event and speakers can be found at www.idominate360.com.
For more information about Entrepreneurship Week 721 and any of the activities during the week, please contact INFOBIZZ at +1-721-523-1842 (whatsapp) or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- Second edition of SXM DOET officially launches Wednesday October 28th, 2015 - Launch geared towards NGOs and business community
The SXM DOET project team is proud to announce the official launching of the second edition of SXM DOET, which will take place on March 11th and 12th, 2016.
SXM DOET is part of the Dutch Kingdom's largest volunteer initiative, hosted by the Oranje Fonds, in the Netherlands, and locally executed by the Be The Change Foundation, partnering with private persons. The goal is for foundations/organisations to get projects executed and finalised within two days that they otherwise would not be able to. This due to a lack of resources, either due to manpower and/or financial constraints.
2015 saw the first ever participation of Sint Maarten, alongside Statia, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire and the Netherlands, and this with great success. During the first ever edition of SXM DOET, 958 persons registered to volunteer while many more attended (over 1000 volunteers participated during the two SXM DOET days), 27 organizations participated with over 30 individual projects. Many with lasting impressions, either through memories (i.e beach days, brunches with musical and artistic entertainment) or through actual material improvements (i.e. doghouses for strays, obstacle courses for rehabilitation clients, fixed playgrounds, planted mangroves, painted murals, greenhouses/ gardens for school going kids and the elderly, amongst many more).
Wednesday October 28th will see the official launch of the second edition of SXM DOET. This launch will be geared towards businesses that are interested in partnering with SXM DOET (volunteering, donating goods, etc.) as well as geared towards NGOs who want to learn more about DOET and setting up a project for 2016. The launch will take place at 6:30pm sharp at the John Larmonie Center (next to the sports auditorium) in Philipsburg. It will be an opportunity to hear from Oranje Fonds representatives and the SXM DOET project team, to gather more information on SXM DOET before solidifying partnerships and projects, share their ideas, ask questions, and learn about funding. The first official viewing of the new website and SXM DOET video will also take place.
RSVP is recommended, please do so by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling +1 721 580 1437. There is no cost to attend and a follow up kick off event will be hosted in early December, geared towards volunteers, NGOs and partners.
The SXM DOET project team is looking forward to another successful edition, with people collaboratively trying to make a difference to their own surroundings, as 'together we achieve more'.

MARIGOT/GREAT BAY:--- The conversation on the political developments of September 30, continues on ‘Talking Point’ this Monday, October 26, at 9am, on SOS Radio, said Jacques “Billy D” Hamlet host and producer of the program.
“This week we will be speaking to prominent businessman Imran McSood Amjad and Former Lt. Governor Ralph Richardson,” confirmed Hamlet.
McSood who is the Chairman of the NAGICO Group will be guest on Monday, October 26, and will addressing the topic, “what impact the political crisis could have on the St. Maarten’s economy,” said Billy D, who recently celebrated 2000 hours of Talking Point.
Former Antillean Minister constitutional affairs Ralph Richardson will bring his expertise to the airwaves of SOS Radio for the first time in order to clarify some of the unanswered questions about crisis, said Hamlet.
Richardson who also served 11years as Lt. Governor in the Island Territory of St. Maarten is scheduled on the program Tuesday, October 27.
“As the political crisis continues to be the hot topic of discussions on the blogs, newspaper columns, radio talk shows and the common persons on the streets our objectives at ‘Talking Point’ is to bring the maximum clarity to the situation,” said Hamlet in Sunday Press release.
“Ever since we announced we will be having these two prominent personalities of the St. Maarten community on our one-hour program, we have been receiving numerous phone calls of enthusiasm and impatience,” concluded Hamlet.

PHILIPSBURGPhilipsburg: In view of recent political developments and the upcoming elections, the Electoral Council hereby informs all existing and prospective political parties desirous of participating in the elections that:

1. According to article 16 of the National Ordinance on registration and finances of political parties: new parties need to submit a written application to register the party with the Electoral Council. Together with the application for registration of the political party, the following documents should be submitted:

•  Notarial deed containing the Articles of Association of the party;
• Excerpt from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
• Statement containing the appointment of the party’s authorized representative and authorized deputy representative;
• Application for registration of the reference which is to be placed above the list of candidates.
• The completion of the party registration must be done no later than the 43rd day before the postulation date. As soon as the postulation and elections dates are officially announced, the Electoral Council will announce the deadline date for registration.

     2. According to article 14 of the aforementioned Ordinance: any existing political party that wishes to change the previously registered reference above the list of candidates, is required to do so before the abovementioned deadline.

Pursuant to the aforementioned National Ordinance, failure to submit party registration or incomplete registration by the deadline, will result in the party not being able to contest the upcoming elections.
The Electoral Council would also like to inform all existing parties that any amendments to their current Articles of Association or any changes of their representatives and/or deputy representatives to the Electoral Council must be submitted to the Electoral Council as soon as possible.
For more information please contact the Electoral Council on 543-9888 or visit the website of the Electoral Council at: www.ecsxm.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- For the last few years many students, bus drivers and other persons have been complaining about youngster/students, who during the end of the month of October when Halloween is celebrated, become victims of egg throwing. The throwing of eggs can destroy your clothing; it can be very dangerous and hazardous to your health. The police department and the public prosecutors office have contacted mainly the secondary schools to inform them of the campaign they have started to prevent and suppress this type of irresponsible behavior. Anyone caught throwing eggs will be arrested and taken to the police station and go through the normal procedures. Those persons could get a fine ranging from 150, - and up to 500, - guilders. Next to that, all damages caused as a result of the throwing of eggs, will also have to be covered by the suspect. Schools were advised to inform their students about this ongoing campaign and parents are hereby urged to have a very serious talk with their kids regarding this very serious issue.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- A suspect in the daylight armed robbery of Helena Jewelers in Philipsburg on July 24th 2015, was arrested on Wednesday October 21 at approximately 07.30 p.m. The arrest took place without incident on the L.B. Scot road. The male suspect in his early twenties was taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where he remains in custody for further investigation.

Police located numerous stolen vehicles --- Five Arrested in ongoing car theft investigation.

Based on a tip, the police department is presently busy investigating a case regarding numerous stolen vehicles. This tip led the investigating officers, on Friday October 23rd at approximately 04.00 p.m., to a garage located on the Bush road. During the investigation 19 vehicles were located which are probably stolen. Several patrols were sent to the scene to assist in this investigation. Thus far five persons have been arrested as suspect in this investigation. All the vehicles in question along with a large amount of vehicle parts were confiscated and taken to a safe location for further investigation. Several towing trucks were called in the to assist in the transporting of these vehicles.

KPSM Police Report.

The non-profit association Caribbean Sail Training announced today that several Tall
Ships / Sail Training vessels will again arrive soon in the Caribbean.
Maritime Experience Day trips for schools and week or several weeks sail training are offered by CST free of costs to youngsters in the Caribbean.
CST offers a one week and a 10 day sail training to two youngsters (age 16-21 years) on board two of the member vessels.
In December there is space for two youngsters on board the 40 meters (120 ft) Eye of the Wind, one of the vessels that came several times already to St.Maarten-St.Martin and which took many school kids and youngsters during a Maritime Experience Day and several weeks sail training.
They will set sail out of Marigot Saint Martin just before X-mas and do a 10 day Virgin
Islands tour.
If youngsters are selected that have to fly to Saint Martin they will be provided with free airline tickets.
The other trip is on board the 50 meter (150 ft) overall 3-mast topsail schooner OOSTERSCHELDE, out of Martinique from February 15th until February 23th , 2016. Youngsters that live on another Island will receive free airline tickets to Martinique and back.

Caribbean Sail Training
is a non-profit organization registered in Saint Martin and the European Community and aims to help in providing education and sail training towards young people of all nationalities, cultures, religions and social backgrounds and especially towards people living in the Caribbean.
Caribbean Sail Training basically receives funds from businesses, private persons and other organizations. Those funds are used to provide youngsters with sponsorship to board ships and yachts as trainees so that they don't need to find the necessary money themselves.

As organization they select cooperating and member sail training vessels and Tall ships,
square riggers, large yachts and even race boats that take youngsters on a sail training trip.
CST provides the funds to participate in the training to the vessels (each sail training vessel need some money from trainees in order to keep working and exist), they do all the paperwork, arrange and pay for transport to and from the ship (and airline tickets if necessary) and pay for food and drinks and most of the other expenses of the trainees. CST accepts requests from schools, yacht clubs and institutions that are interested to place a student on one of the vessels as a trainee.
Private persons, youngsters and parents, are also encouraged to contact the association to participate in a sailing adventure on board one of the ships.

Applicants need to have the minimum age of 15 and be not older than 25 years on most of the ships but sometimes older trainees are accepted as well on board some of the sail training vessels.

The vessel Eye of the Wind
The over 100 years old brigantine “Eye of the Wind”, is owned by the German company
FORUM train & sail GmbH.
Her imposing figure has attracted the attention of the film industry in previous years, so she crossed several times the waters on film sets of major Hollywood productions.
As was the case in her real life a long time ago, the 'Eye of the Wind' faced in front of the camera fierce storms, run aground, burned out and sank.
The ship was featured in several films such as the adventure film "Blue Lagoon" (1980),
the pirate movie "Savage Island" (1983), "Tai-Pan" (1986) and "White Squall" (1996). Well-known Hollywood stars such as Brooke Shields and two Oscar ® winners, Tommy Lee Jones and Jeff Bridges, took the helm of the ship in their hands.
In the epic "Tai-Pan," based on the novel by James Clavell, she was cast in a double role - that of the vessel "Morning Cloud" with white sails and that of "White Witch'" with brown sails which the Eye of the Wind still uses to this day.

After participating in the Tall Ships Race 2000, a Danish businessman bought the ship, mainly for private use.
The new owner completely restored the proud brig and equipped her with the latest technology and electronics for modern navigation and comfort.
The planning and upgrading to preserve her character as a traditional tall ship was done
in a very conscientious manner.
The use of teak, precious woods, brass and other high-quality materials on the inner deck give the ship its distinctive atmosphere.

A sail control system was deliberately omitted.
To this day, the sails with a total area of around 750 square meters are raised and lowered by human muscle power.

The historical vessel became accessible to the public only in 2009 when the Danish owner died.
Soon after, the beloved sailing ship found a new home port at Forum Train & Sail GmbH, a subsidiary of the German Media Group FORUM.
Since then, it is used all year round for group and theme travel as well as for exclusive charters, high-quality management training and sail training with youngsters.
The Eye of the Wind became a CST member vessel several years ago.

The Ship Oosterschelde
The three-masted topsail schooner ‘Oosterschelde’ is the last remaining representative
of the large fleet of schooners that sailed under the Dutch flag at the beginning of the
20th century. As the largest restored Dutch sailing ship the ‘Oosterschelde’ is a
monument for Dutch shipbuilding and maritime navigation under sail.
The Schelde is a river that flows from France through Belgium and the Netherlands to the sea. In the Netherlands the Schelde splits into an eastern (“ooster”) and a western part. The eastern part is called “Oosterschelde” and that name was given to the ship in
1918.

The ‘Oosterschelde’ was built in the Netherlands in 1918 at the order of the Rotterdam shipping company H.A.A.S. As a freighter the ship could carry some hundred tons of cargo. Clay, bricks and wood were among the cargo, as well as salted herring, bran, potatoes, straw and bananas. In 1921 the ship was sold and became property of captain Kramer. Under his command the ‘Oosterschelde’ sailed along the European coast and was regularly found off the coasts of Africa and in the Mediterranean.

In 1939 the ship was sold to a Danish shipping company in Æroskøbing and renamed
‘Fuglen’. She was one of the most advanced ships of the Danish fleet. In 1954 ‘Fuglen’
was sold to Sam Petterson, a Swede from Skärhamn.

Later he sold the ship to another man from Skärhamn, Denis Inberg. In Sweden the ship was converted into a modern motorcoaster; she sailed primarily in the Baltic, under the name ‘Sylvan’.

In 1988 the ship was bought to be restored to her former glory. After thorough historical
research and intensive contact with the last Dutch captain of the ship, Jan Kramer, a restoration plan was drafted. Despite the fact that the hull was still in good shape, the restoration was a costly affair. The Rotterdam Sailing Ship Foundation was instituted to support the restoration through publicity and fund raising. In the spring of 1990 the restoration began. It was carried out in co-operation with three maritime museums and several specialised design offices. This approach guaranteed authenticity as well as safety and a sound construction.

On August 21 1992, the ship was officially launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet. The ‘Oosterschelde’ is now exploited in order to earn her living as an historical sailing ship. Cruises are made to worldwide destinations. Interested parties can participate as passengers. The ‘Oosterschelde’ is also used as a floating embassy representing the city of Rotterdam. In foreign harbours the ship serves as host to interested companies or organisations. With its attractive and authentic geography, the
‘Oosterschelde’ is well suited for presentations, conferences, meetings and receptions.

In 1994 the ‘Oosterschelde’ made a voyage to the Svalbard Archipelago (Arctic). From October 1996 till April 1998 the ship made a voyage around the world, visiting a.o. Indonesia, Hongkong, Japan, New Zealand, Cape Horn and the Antarctic. In 1999/2000 a long voyage was made to South and North America and the Caribbean; during this ‘Tour of the Americas’ the Antarctic was visited three more times. In the austral summer of
2002/2003, the Antarctic was visited again.
The ‘Oosterschelde’ became recently a member of Caribbean Sail Training.

In addition to those vessels many others like the Eendracht, Salomon, Corwith Cramer, and many more are scheduled to arrive before the end of the year and in the beginning of next year.

Sail training embarkation possibilities will be announced in the CST web site www.CaribbeanSailTraining.com and on their Face book page.
Youngsters interested in sailing on the CST member vessels can write an e-mail to the
CST non-profit association: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Private persons and businesses who would like to learn more about the non-profit association CST and become a donor are encouraged to look at the web site www.CaribbeanSailTraining.org

SIMPSON BAY:---- In its latest credit opinion on the Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company, PJIAE NV, Moody’s Investors Service gave the company the same favorable Baa2 rating with a stable outlook it had granted it in 2012, although it noted a number of delays in the execution of the capital improvement program, which could result in cost overruns.
As part of its detailed considerations for the rating, Moody’s analysts pointed to “several unanticipated challenges while securing the new fuel farm location at the current Goddard Catering site.”
“As a consequence, many of the remaining projects are delayed including the fuel farm relocation, Goddard Catering relocation as well as the construction of the fixed based operations (FBO) terminal and the rescue and fire and technical buildings,” Moody’s stated.
And although it said “Management neither expects the program to be delayed further nor to issue debt in order to complete the projects,” the analysts added, that “Our expectation is that some delays and cost overruns are likely to occur due to the projects’ dependency on one another, but this is partially compensated by the improved cash generating capacity.”
Among what could drive the ratings up, Moody’s said was the “completion of the capital programs on time according to the new schedule and within budget.”
Moody’s listed among PJIAE’s credit strengths the fact that it is the “dominant commercial airport on the island ... that also serves as a connecting hub for neighboring islands lacking long-haul air service of their own,” and that the “main terminal, completed in 2006, provides sufficient capacity to accommodate planned growth without the need for extensive capital improvements.”
Other strengths include the “desirable mega-yacht facilities on the island adjacent to the airport (which) drives demand for general aviation,” as well as the fact that “Tourism to the island is driven by high proportion of time share properties and the high end destinations of St. Barths, Anguilla and a proportion of exclusive villas in St. Maarten/St. Martin, resulting in repeat visitors and less passenger volatility than that of other tourist destinations.”

Moody’s also considered as another strength, “a diversified market base of travel origins including the USA, Canada, Europe, Central/South America and the Caribbean (which) helps mitigate single source for business risk.”
The challenges PJIAE faces, according to Moody’s, include exposure to volatility as a result of the “large dependence of the island and the airport on tourism” and the fact that though the debt service reserve has improved from three to six months, it is still “lower than industry norms.”
Other credit challenges identified by Moody’s are the Island’s location in the hurricane belt, which increases event risk to bondholders and the “compensatory nature of airport revenues (which) leaves the airport fully exposed to demand risk.”
“We are pleased with this credit opinion and will continue to work diligently to meet the performance benchmarks set especially for our capital improvement program as mentioned by Moody’s,” said Regina LaBega, managing director of SXM Airport.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on October 27.

The public Central Committee meeting is set for Tuesday, at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is: the establishment of the draft proposal regarding the Double Taxation between the Netherlands and Sint Maarten.
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:---- Sint Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen, recently met with Sint Maarten’s Committee of Financial Supervision Cft representative Maria Sluijs-Plantz.
“Filling the board position within the Cft means a lot for Sint Maarten. There are many challenges ahead, and it is very important for the country to have its own representative on the board.
“The country can expect good representation from Maria Sluijs-Plantz. Much has been said already about her, but there is a great sense of commitment to Sint Maarten.
“The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten wishes her much strength and success in her new position as a member of the Cft for Sint Maarten,” Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Sunday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In keeping with October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, Be the Change Foundation presented a donation to the Positive Foundation in the amount of $1200.00.

The Positive Foundation organizes a month long annual breast cancer awareness campaign in October. They have many activities throughout the month. One activity is holding workshops on breast cancer awareness. The foundation was in need of funds to buy their own projector, portable screen, and sound system for their presentations.
Be the Change was pleased to present funds to help them in this. We fully support the Positive Foundation in their important endeavours to inform the community about breast cancer.

In addition, Be the Change also recently made a donation to the Community Outreach Mentorship & Empowerment (C.O.M.E) Center. Their goal is to provide empowerment and/or mentorship programs for disadvantaged individuals and groups in the community. The organization hopes to be able to help eradicate illiteracy in St. Maarten. Funds raised will go towards acquiring adult literacy reading materials for the literacy program.

Be the Change is proud to support these worthwhile organizations in our community. Please consider becoming a member of Be the Change so that you can help us help the many needy organizations on the island. As little as $1.00 a month can make a difference.
Information can be found on our web page at http://www.bethechangesxm.com

Cupe Coy:--- A lone gun man entered the Starz casino in Cupe Coy Saturday evening with a weapon and tried to demand money from an employee of the casino.
SMN News learnt that when the gunman realized the approached the wrong person he left the casino. The Armed Robbery Team went to the location to investigate attempted armed robbery.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson does not consider armed robberies and broad day light murders to be of importance, especially after hours when he is with his family but collecting a huge salary to provide information to media houses.
Chief of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that at an attempted robbery did take place at Starz and the police robbery team was at the location and are busy investigating.

Attempted armed robbery

The Special Robbery Unit of the Police Department is presently investigating an attempted armed robbery at the Starz Casino located in the Cupe Coy area. The incident took place on Saturday October 24th at approximately 06.20 p.m. The call came in to the Emergency Dispatch who immediately sent several police patrols to investigate what had taken place. On the scene the officers spoke to the victims and several witnesses. According to the information that was gathered is that one young man with a handgun threatened two employees with his weapon and demanded money from them. When the robbers noticed that he was unsuccessful in his attempt he fled the scene. A search of the area was done however the suspect in this case was not located.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:---- In recognition of World Polio Day on 24 October, Marcellia Henry, President Rotary Club St Martin Sunrise, urges all parents on Sint Maarten to join them in the global fight to eradicate polio by taking their children to the Baby Clinic of Collective Prevention Services, Ministry of Public Health Social Development and Labour, to vaccinate against Polio Myelitis.

According the Center for Disease Control, Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease. It is caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis (can’t move parts of the body). This can be prevented by vaccinating children against this viral disease.

Rotary, globally, has contributed more than US$1.4 billion to ending polio, including over US$ 2000.00 contributed by the Rotary club of St Martin Sunrise over the past 4 years. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation triple funds contributed to Rotary thanks to a 2:1 match.

Its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a public-private partnership that also includes the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, join Rotary in the fight to end polio.

In 1985 during a Pan American Health Organization, Directing Council meeting, a resolution was passed declaring to eradicate polio in the Americas by 1990 and in 1994 the International Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication, an independent commission tasked with overseeing regional polio eradication efforts, declared the Americas, including Sint Maarten, to be polio free.

The world followed suit and in 1988 a global resolution passed during the World Health Assembly to eradicate polio by the year 2000. Tremendous progress has been made and 80% of the world’s population now lives in polio free areas according to the World Health Organization. Challenges remain in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

This World Polio Day, there are some incredible achievements to celebrate!

1.  WHO removed Nigeria from the list of polio-endemic countries, September 25, 2015
2.  The Global Certification Commission certified wild poliovirus type 2 (WPV2) as eradicated, September 20, 2015
3. A year without wild polio across the entire African continent.
4.  Progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan
5.  Ending outbreaks in the Middle East and Horn of Africa

SABA:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation recently joined with the World Wildlife Fund, the IMARES Research Institute of Wageningen University, the Dutch Institute for Oceanographic Research NIOZ and other scientific and ocean conservation organizations for a week long expedition to map and monitor one of the world’s largest submerged coral atolls; the Saba Bank.

The Expedition, which took place on the Expedition Vessel Caribbean Explorer, monitored fish populations and densities, coral reefs and sponges, and water quality along various points of the Saba Bank.

“My specific job, together with my colleagues Ingrid Van Beek of IMARES and Steve Piontek of the Statia Fisheries Department, was to conduct underwater fish transacts, which is a fancy word for doing fish counts along a fifty-meter length of tape at various depths and at various locations on the Saba Bank. We looked for various species ranging from conch to grouper, snapper to damsel fish and from chromis to what is undoubtedly everyone’s favourite animal to see: sharks,” commented Tadzio Bervoets of the Nature Foundation.

The presence of sharks is of particular importance considering that the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Shark Conservation Project, of which the Saba Conservation Foundation and the Nature Foundation are part of, has embarked on conserving sharks on all six islands of the Dutch Caribbean.

“On the 1st of September 2015 Dutch State Secretary Sharon Dijksma declared the EEZ of Bonaire and Saba, which includes the Saba Bank, as a shark and marine mammal sanctuary. The area, called the Yarari Sanctuary after the Arawak Indian word for a ‘fine place’, is committed to the effective protection of sharks and rays. During this expedition we have seen no shortage of them. On almost every dive we’ve had sharks come to check out what we were doing. But there is still work to do. During some monitoring dives we noticed nurse sharks caught in lobster and fish traps, reinforcing the need to work with local stakeholders and especially with fishermen, in ensuring that these globally threatened animals are protected,” commented Bervoets.

The Saba Bank, a two-thousand kilometre submerged atoll, is the largest protected area in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and one of the most important fisheries areas for the North Eastern Caribbean, with many of the species caught making their way to restaurants on St. Maarten and other destinations.

The Expedition continues this week with a focus on water quality and hydrological monitoring. The remainder of the expedition as well as previous posts can be followed live via the Expedition Blog http://expeditiesababank.blogspot.nl.

PHILIPSBURG:----This week the Philipsburg Jubilee Library will receive a visit by influential and respected retired former Director of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS), mrs. Satia Marshall Orange. Aside from being a former director of the ALA, Satia Marshall Orange is a motivational speaker and a civil rights activist. The general public is invited to a special information session with Satia Marshall Orange on Thursday October 29th between 7.00 and 9.00 pm in the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
The ALA is a largest and oldest library association in the world. During Satia Marshall Orange’s directorship at the Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) at the ALA, mrs. Orange was a passionate leader and activist. She was instrumental in enhancing the ALA’s support for numerous outreach programmes in various communities in the US.
In addition to visiting the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, during her six-day visit, Satia Marshall Orange will also be meeting with the Governor of Sint Maarten, Mr. Keith Franca, the Director of the SMDF, the acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Jorien Wuite and other influential persons. The purpose of her visit to Sint Maarten will be to motivate and train library staff, to mobilize support for literacy and outreach programmes for socially disadvantaged persons on our island and to provide advice to the Philipsburg Jubilee Library on how to enhance its literacy and outreach activities. Mrs. Orange will also meet with the SXM reads committee consisting of COME Centre, UNESCO and the Rotaract Sunrise club.
On Thursday, October 29th, Mrs. Satia Marshall Orange will be the main speaker at an information session for the general public. This information session will take place between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm at the library.

PHILIPSBURG:----  The House of Parliament will meet in a public plenary session on October 26th.

The plenary session is set for Monday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is: incoming documents; second on the agenda, is an advice regarding the installation and composition of the Permanent and Ad Hoc Committees of Parliament; the third agenda point, is an advice regarding the installation and composition of the Committees of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).

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:---- There will be 11 Permanent/Ad Hoc Committee meetings of Parliament on October 26th.

The Committee meetings are set for Monday, starting at 2.00pm with the last committee scheduled to start at 3.40pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda for all committee meetings of Parliament is the appointment of the Chair person and Vice Chair. Each committee will meet in session for 10 minutes.

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:--- Reliable information reaching SMN News states that the ousted Prime Minister of St. Maarten Marcel Gumbs will be taking in the resignation of his cabinet latest Wednesday next week.
It is not yet known why the Prime Minister and the other Ministers making up his cabinet choose to stay a few more days in office after being notified of the Governor’s final decision on Wednesday.
SMN News could not reach Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs on Friday for a confirmation on whether or not he will submit the resignation of his cabinet or if he will wait for the police to knock on the doors of the Ministers to remove them from office forcefully.
Former Minister of Constitutional Affairs and also former Minister of Justice Roland Duncan told SMN News that the Gumbs cabinet has committed a criminal act and they can be held accountable for their actions. Duncan said members of the present coalition should not waste any more time but they should now file a criminal complaint against the Gumbs cabinet using the “ley Suzy” law.After this article was published the Gumbs cabinet send out a press release confirming that they will meet at the Governor's office on Wednesday. The release reads as follows:
The Government, consisting of the Governor and the Council of Ministers, will meet this coming Wednesday at the Governor’s Cabinet.

At this meeting all the Ministers will make their positions available and the "Landsbesluit" (national decree) to dissolve Parliament will be signed by the Governor and countersigned by the Prime Minister.

The Council of Ministers has advised the Census Office and Electoral Council to prepare for elections.

Yesterday the Governor requested MP William Marlin to form a new Cabinet. The new Cabinet will remain in office until the appointment of a Cabinet based on the result of the elections.
The outgoing Cabinet Gumbs sincerely hopes that this will produce the stability our young country needs.

Naf. 250.000.00 Reserved for Artemia to organize St. Maarten’s Day.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Civil Servants working for the country St. Maarten are up in arms with in caretaker Minister of finance Martin Hassink who did not to pay the civil servants but found Naf.250.000.00 to pay Artemia to organize St. Maarten’s Day celebration a one day event.
Some civil servants contacted SMN News on Friday stating that they were supposed to be paid today Friday 23rd but when they checked their accounts their salaries were not paid. The angry civil servants said that the Ministers ensured they got paid and they alleged that the police got paid but civil servants that working every day so that Ministers can get credit were not paid. Government Security, and the Control Unit officers checked with at least two banks who informed them that the Government of St. Maarten did not make the monies available to the banks in order for them to deposit their salaries on their accounts. One civil servant who checked with the bank said that the bank normally gets the monies from Government on the 22nd of each month.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Scotiabank Bright Future Rotary-Rotaract Spelling Bee 2015 qualification round was held on October 18th at the Belair Community Center. Eleven schools, including two from Anguilla, participated with 26 students in this event. In the qualification round, students were asked to write a total of 30 words. The top ten students with the most correct words, move on to the semi-finals. This year there was a three-way tie for 10th place. Those three students were given five additional words as a tiebreaker to determine the 10 finalist.
The finalists are:
St. Joseph’s Primary School – Saheli Kirpalani and Akarsh Bhatia
St. Dominic’s Primary School – Addiena Whyte, Bhavesh Lakhwan and Diya Agnani
Asha Stevens’ Primary School - Zanzi Brook
Seventh Day Adventists’ Primary School – Varsha Ghanash
The Valley Primary School of Anguila – Frankajha Fleming
Adrian T Hazell Primary School of Anguilla – Saunjae Conner and Reba Stott
The Spelling Bee continues this Sunday October 25 at 1 pm at the Belair Community Center with the semi-finals where 5 finalists will secure a spot for the final Spelling Bee showdown on November 1st at 1 pm in the Belair Community Center.
Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle thanks all the participating schools for making this, our 5th annual Scotia Bank Bright Future Rotary Rotaract Spelling Bee, a success. We thank our main sponsor Scotia Bank Bright Future, our Gold Sponsor Meijburg & Co Caribbean Tax attorneys and our Silver Sponsor Nagico for making this all possible as well as the numerous other corporate sponsors who have contributed to this spelling bee and are featured in our Spelling Bee booklet. Congratulations to the ten semi-finalists and we wish them much success.
The community is invited to come to the Spelling Bee. They can bring their children to see other children excel in an academic competition. There are drinks and snacks available during the event. Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rotarysxmmidisle for more information about our club and upcoming events.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):-----  Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that there will be a partial road closure from Sunday, October 25 at 8.00pm to Monday, October 26 at 5.00am.

No through traffic will be permitted during the aforementioned timeframe on the Little Bay Road and Octavius L. Richardson Street, starting from the Sonesta Great Bay Hotel until Belair Hotel.

The partial road closure is related to milling works and the pouring of asphalt as part of the Government’s road paving program.

Access will only be granted to hotel guests and emergency vehicles.

All motorised traffic heading in the direction of Philipsburg via the Hospital round-a-bout will be re-routed via Welgelegen Road and all traffic with direction Cay Hill or Cole Bay will be re-routed to commute via the Bush Road.

Traffic signs will be in place indicating the temporary detours and therefore, motorists are requested to pay keen attention.
Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen, recently addressed the issue of Women in Leadership at an event organized by the Soualiga Foundation in the Netherlands.
The foundation organized an event that brought together young professional women and students. The Minister Plenipotentiary was one of the invited speakers.
In her address to the audience, Minister Plenipotentiary Fleming-Artsen focused on women from the former Netherlands Antilles, Sint Maarten, the Caribbean, the United States of America and Europe.
“The women that I spoke about have contributed to the development of their countries, communities and organizations. My theme was, ‘Women of Stature, in and out of the Political Arena.’ It was met with great enthusiasm and proved to be uplifting and inspirational to many.
“Drawing on my own experiences in different capacities and along with my current role as Minister Plenipotentiary, I was able to illustrate the fundamental requirements needed to become and to maintain a leadership role,” Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen pointed out.
“The next speaker was a young professional, Schmidt, a starting entrepreneur owning her own business and branching out into other fields of interest. This young lady came to the Netherlands in 2002 after completing Milton Peters College, to study midwifery, and is now the proud owner of three private clinics in The Hague area.

“The third speaker was, Nathalie Lyndsey, a young and dynamic Law student in her final year who addressed the audience as the closing speaker. She spoke about her dreams and aspirations to one day become a leader in her own field of expertise.

“Here she too drew references to what I expounded on in my presentation, which entailed the principles of good leadership, some of the areas touched on being, believing in one’s self, setting achievable goals, endurance, perseverance, showing compassion and having good morals and integrity.

“The Soualiga Foundation must be complimented for their commitment in providing opportunities for young professionals to express and empower themselves,” Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen concluded.

MARIGOT:--- Residents, business owners, school children and visitors to the island were left in a state of disarray on Thursday when they found themselves trapped on the French side of the island. During the morning hours’ protestors and the 15 member committee members that are protesting the PLU law that is to be implemented on St. Martin blocked all entrances leading to Marigot.
The committee members are demanding that elected officials scrap the current PLU law and start over, but first they must properly inform the community of St. Martin about this law since the law will infringe on the rights of locals mostly those that occupied domain land.
Earlier in the day on Thursday the committee members met with elected officials who simply could not grant them their wishes, each time they met with elected officials they did not get the results they wanted thus they extended the blockage throughout the French side. When this happened several visitors to the island that were transported by taxi to the French side were trapped on this side of the island due to the road block. Management of the St. Maarten Harbor Group of Companies and the police department jumped into action by sending a boat over to Marigot to transport some 75 passengers back to the Dutch side by sea. Persons from the French side working on the Dutch side also could not get home after work since all extrances in out of the French side were completly blocked up to late Thursday night.
Senator and First Vice President Guillaume Arnell travelled back to St. Martin on Thursday from France and he immediately met with elected officials including the independents before meeting with the committee members, that meeting lasted until after 6pm before an agreement was reached.
Sofia Carty said that the elected officials agreed to what they are demanding which are the following:-

1.  Annul the deliberation the Territorial Council had on June 25th 2015 on the PLU.
2.  Stop enquiry currently taking place
3.  Review the domain land status.
4.  Conduct an investigation on what is taking place at Grand Case Beach.

Carty told SMN News while waiting at the Collectivity of St. Martin for the signed agreement that as soon as they receive what they agreed upon in writing they will stop the protest action they started on Thursday morning. She said that the same speed they used to block the roadways on Thursday is the same speed they will use to remove the blockage when they get the signed agreement from the Senator and First Vice President Guillaume Arnell.

It was clear Thursday night that the protestors were not going to stop the protest action until they get exactly what they wanted. The COM must annul the decision they took on the PLU law in their next deliberation, they also must stop the enquiry that is presently taking place and grant home owners the title for the domain land they occupied without having them pay for it, while they also have to investigate the activities at Grand Case.

Up to to 10pm Thursday night the committtee and its supporters were still at the Collectivity waiting the sign the document that will guarantee that the Territorial Council will carry out what they have agreed upon during their negotiations.

According to one of the organizers those persons that were drafting the agreement did not include all the points that they agreed upon which caused all parties to go back around the table until the committee and its members got what they wanted on paper. The organizer said they eventually got want they wanted on paper and the agreement was signed just before 10pm Thursday night.

Click here to read the signed agreement between the COM and the Collectif that protested against the PLU.

PHILIPSBURG:---  With less than 24-hours before the all-encompassing Job Fair to be held on October 24th from 10am to 4pm at the NIPA Institute, the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association announces that 100+ vacancies from the various participating businesses have been inventoried. The SHTA, which has partnered with Department of Labor Affairs ‘Start Here’ Campaign, is designed to create multiple avenues for employment seekers to successfully find employment within all industries on St. Maarten.

With actual vacancies from a cross section of the industries on St. Maarten, SHTA and the Department of Labor Affairs would like to encourage job seekers to attend the fair. The vacancies presented by the companies range from line workers in the hospitality industry to Financial Management positions and every level and branch in between. The list of vacancies will be prominently posted in the various areas at the venue for job seekers to efficiently peruse the various participating businesses.

Windward Roads, Divi Resorts, FKG Yacht Rigging & Marine Fabricating, CC1 St. Maarten, Port of St. Maarten, The Mailbox, Sonesta Hotels, Divico, Aquamania, Oyster Bay Resort, Prime distributors, Simpsonbay Resorts, Holland house Beach Resort, The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Casino, Thrifty Car Rental will all be on hand to provide more information on their respective job-openings. In addition businesses will be able to conduct on the spot interviews with potential employees. Pre- Registered job seekers will have the added advantage of being able to meet with potential employers right away. “We are very happy to see so many employers interested in participating and providing their vacancies. This clearly indicates to us as an association that there is a need to bridge the gap between job seekers and the business community” said SHTA.

The Department of Labor Affairs, has also provided an extensive list of vacancies for the job fair. The Department has pre pre-screened and cross referenced persons with the available vacancies throughout the industries. This Private-Public Partnership further expands both the Association and the Department’s desire to assist as many persons as possible in finding gainful employment.

As part of preparing and/or encouraging job-seekers to be properly prepared for their interviews and/or application procedure, Educational Sessions will be available for each job seeker. Don’t have a resume? No problem! There will be the opportunity to create or upgrade resumes on the spot at the fair. “It would be beneficial for each person to attend one of the educational sessions. The useful information that is being provided by the session’s facilitators will assist job seekers in their application procedure. Thus increasing their chance of success” said SHTA Job Fair organizers. Educational institutes such as the University of St. Maarten and the Inter-Continental University of the Caribbean (ICUC/Cruises) and NIPA will also be represented at the fair to provide job Seekers with relevant information regarding upgrading courses and studies.
Registration for both job seekers and businesses can still be done at the SHTA office on the Pondfill, today Friday October 23rd. Job seekers who were not able to pre-register will have the opportunity to do so upon entrance to the Job Fair.

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

CPS advises travellers to Haiti and Dominican Republic to take preventative measures

GREAT BAY:---– 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 especially Haiti, and secondly to the Dominican Republic, to take preventive measures while visiting friends or family in both countries.

Since the beginning of 2015 up to epidemiological week 38, a total of 22,950 cholera cases have been recorded in three countries in the Region of the Americas: Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Haiti alone registered 98 per cent of the cases (22,511) of the total cases.

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. Carry with you at all times hand sanitizer.
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. If not treated, death can occur within hours.
Cholera is diagnosed by means of a stool sample or rectal swab and sent to the laboratory where the lab confirms the presence of cholera bacterium.
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!
Upon your return, if you experience any of the abovementioned symptoms, please contact your family physician immediately and CPS.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported in a recent epidemiological update on cholera that since the beginning of the cholera outbreak in October 2010, to epidemiological week 38 of 2015, there were 747,166 cholera cases in Haiti, of which 428,778 were hospitalized, and 8,840 deaths; and since November 2010, to epidemiological week 36 of 2015, the Dominican Republic had a total of 33,180 suspected cholera cases, including 491 deaths.

PAHO points out that it is emphasized that cholera is an event of public health that can be predicted, prevented, and treated.

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.

POINTE BLANCHE:---– Port St. Maarten Management took a number of measures as a pro-active approach to ensure that the approximately 10,000 cruise passengers in town today-Thursday, enjoyed their stay on the island without any discomfort. The vessels in port today were: Celebrity Summit, Arcadia, Eurodam and Freedom of the Seas.
The action was prompted due to a planned demonstration in Marigot with possible road blocks on the French side of the island.
A number of tours were planned for the French side, and due to the aforementioned, alternative options had to be implemented, and cruise passengers spent most of their time in the Philipsburg area which may have led to additional traffic congestion.
There was also extra entertainment at the cruise port for the visitors to enjoy. Port St. Maarten Management had informed stakeholders, and the cruise vessels were also advised of the aforementioned so that cruise passengers could be informed and were aware of the changes.
Port St. Maarten Management added that cruise destinations must be able to adapt very quickly when you have a changing environment in order to safeguard the visitor experience, but also the safety and security of cruise passengers. The cruise passenger visitor experience is very important for a destination as this determines cruise ship itineraries.
The Caribbean is the largest cruise destination in the world that attracts over 20 million cruise passengers annually. Destination Sint Maarten received over two million cruise passengers last year.
Cruise passenger destination experiences are essential and therefore not only Port St. Maarten, but local stakeholders in the industry also have a role to play in working with port authorities to adapt and create an alternative that offers cruise passengers an excellent stay on the island.
The Great Bay Master Plan 2 includes additional land development initiatives which are essential in developing marque tours for the cruise experience foot print. Besides offering new tours, it also contributes to the evenly disbursement of cruise passengers throughout the town of Philipsburg and its environs.
As a mature cruise destination, all stakeholders have a responsibility to make sure that visitor’s health and safety are priority number one, as this assures long-term sustainability of the destination when it comes to stay-over and cruise tourism.
Port St. Maarten based on 50-years of cruise business experience is well aware of the requirements of the cruise sector and takes the necessary proactive approaches and measures where needed in order to maintain the country’s number one position as a mature destination.
Port St. Maarten Management would like to thank all stakeholders for their understanding and working together to maintain an excellent visitor experience which works in the best interests of all concerned creating a sustainable long-term future for all.
Port St. Maarten Management wished cruise passengers a wonderful stay on the island today-Thursday as they enjoyed the hospitality of the people.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Proudly we take note of the news reports that the Immigration department of St. Maarten conducted successful raids, rounding up undocumented persons for a one-way trip back to their home country. With the Immigration officers many people remark how they (the undocumented persons) scattered, and tried to escape jumping out of busses, climbing fences, doing anything in their power not to get arrested.
That the Immigration department is doing their job we are pleased with, but at no time should we dismiss the fear with which these people live daily, and take pleasure herein. This is no laughing matter for most of these people caught on their way to work or at their place of work even in their place of worship, who place themselves in harms-way trying to get away from the Immigration/or Police. Some have gotten injured and even lost their lives in this process.
Illegal is Illegal one would say and this is what you get when you are living in a place without documents. The question is however: “Can we just place all undocumented persons in one category and remove them without any consideration for their personal circumstance?”
First we must take into consideration that some people became undocumented because they were duped by employers and agencies who took their documents and money and never filed the permit requests, or simply because there was a time when our immigration system was not functioning all that well. There were days when permits were requested, but the persons not notified that the permits could be picked up, so those permits expired and re-filing was done too late causing a gap between permits in which the person became illegal. The Immigration then following the law would deny any further permits on the basis that they were illegal on the Island, they had to be off-Island to reapply for a permit and since they may have failed to do so their illegal status would continue into perpetuity.
A second consideration is that in other cases the at random application of requirements, when considering permit applications, would result in permit rejections, followed by many court procedures at a hefty cost. During this battle the gripping fear of being caught and deported would remain with this person, rightfully fighting to reclaim a legal status in this country. Is it not illegal in these circumstances, to rigidly apply the law and ignore the humanitarian principles part of that law as well, when previously through the improper application of that law persons were forced into an undocumented status?
Yes there are many persons undocumented with circumstances warranting an immediate removal, however one cannot maintain that those who were forced into an illegal status should be removed in the same manner. There are undocumented persons in St. Maarten who have contributed towards our economy and development for decades, who have become undocumented because something simply went wrong with the application process. Do we maintain Illegal is Illegal and deportation is in order? Do we consider their circumstance and determine their status based on actual facts and treat them in a more humane manner than is commonly done? Yes, the Immigration needs to conduct raids, but isn’t the easiest route chosen? Raiding workplaces, churches and busses early in the morning when people are on their way to work, is the easy way out.
Raids should not solely focus on these places and these easy targets. Raids should be conducted in those places where persons gather who evidently have no other occupation than to consume alcohol, cause a nuisance and maybe even participate in committing crimes. If one would consider that most of the working persons undocumented are simply too tired to go out at night and conduct themselves in a non-productive manner, then it is another group of undocumented persons who potentially venture out at night, when raids are not done.
Another consideration is that no employer should have employed an undocumented worker, and the law permits hefty fines on the employer. Is there then not another way to deal with the undocumented persons who are found at work/or on their way to work? Should we not have a more humane approach towards these persons who evidently, whether we want to admit it or not, serve our economy? Do they always take in the jobs that should be reserved for our local labor force? No, often they fill jobs our local labor force is not interested in.
We can all agree that the definition of illegal is clear and fits all categories of persons irrespective of the way they acquired this status. We must in that same breath also agree that our approach to remove undocumented persons must be adjusted and customized to correct previous errors made, to consider personal circumstances and to acknowledge the contribution many have made to the country. A large segment of our economy is still dependent on the labor of an undocumented workforce, so we must address this matter in a proper way once and for all. These persons have families and work hard to maintain their families, who face the risk of deportation daily just wanting to provide for their families, they are not pariahs to be extracted from society.
Recommendations are as follows: Provision that the undocumented persons who have been and are contributing towards the development of the country (for many years) become documented or arrange for their departure in a humane way. A more civil approach through the employer can be undertaken, for those who are employed. Utilize raids as a method intended to extract undocumented persons who in no form or fashion contribute positively towards our economy. Develop methods to remove undocumented persons from society who are unnecessarily occupying employment spots that can be filled through our local labor market. Unemployment in St. Maarten should at no time be caused or driven by undocumented persons flooding a job market. Continue training of Immigration staff for faster and better processing of permit applications, and put those checks and balances in place that prevent random application of rules and regulations (all resulting in litigation at a cost for the country). Consult with employers who through the years have not been able to get local workers for their operations, (due to non-interest within the local labor force) and have so become dependent on a foreign workforce to maintain operations in support of our economy.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry St. Maarten (COCI) supports proper economic development and recognizes that there are many factors that positively or negatively affect such development, and will in subsequent articles highlight all such effects on our economy.
COCI is however of the opinion that a proper multiple pronged approach needs to be developed to address our immigration woes. There is no easy way out and no easy road should be taken.

The Board of Directors Of COCI.

Harbour View:--- On October 22, 2015, His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, requested Mr. William V. Marlin to form a new government as formateur.
As was communicated earlier, the Governor received a letter on September 30, 2015, from three members of Parliament, Mr. F. Richardson, Mr. S. Matser and Mr. M. Lake, in which they informed the Governor that they withdrew their support from the present coalition government. Subsequently the Governor was informed that the Parliament of Sint Maarten passed a motion of no-confidence against the current cabinet of ministers. He also received a separate letter signed by the 4 members of the NA-fraction, the DP-fraction, the USP-fraction, independent MP S. Matser and MP M. Lake in which they informed him of their willingness to form the new government. The letter included a Governing Accord signed by the abovementioned 8 members of Parliament.
Based on these developments and the subsequent political developments the Governor consulted with the Prime Minister, the leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament and the independent members of Parliament, the Chairman of Parliament and the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Advice from September 30 through October 5, 2015. The Governor in view of the constitutional concerns requested legal advice from a panel of three judges on October 16, 2015.
Having reviewed the correspondence that he received, following the consultations, and considering the constitutional advice, the Governor met with Mr. William Marlin today and requested him to form a government based on a majority in Parliament and consisting of dedicated ministers:

1.  who are committed to the promotion of the well-being of Sint Maarten;
2. who will amongst others give priority to the amendment of the 2015 budget and to the preparation of the 2016 budget in line with the recently adopted Kingdom decree;
3.  who will prepare the planned elections;
4. who will take steps to introduce electoral reforms; and
5.  who are dedicated to jointly executing their governing responsibilities.

The Governor further emphasized the importance of the strict observance of the regulatory requirements including the screening criteria, applicable to the appointment for candidate-ministers.
The formateur took the commission into consideration and will inform the Governor regularly during the formation process. The Governor requested Mr. Marlin to present him the final report of the formation process ultimately on November 20, 2015.

CAYHILL:---- Positive Foundation presented 2000 copies of a booklet “Your guide to overcoming side effects of radiation and chemotherapy” to the St. Maarten Medical Center.
The booklet gives helpful guidelines on managing the most common side effects that one may experience when undergoing radiation and/or chemotherapy treatment. The information is very helpful, because while the medical doctor prescribes a treatment plan, the patient has to understand the best ways he or she can cope with the treatment. Patient experiences may defer and the booklet gives several suggestions to deal with possible side effects.
Positive Foundation collaborated with Samenwerkende Fondsen Caribisch deel van het Koninkrijk who provided the funding for the research and development for the content of the booklet by a local professional nursing and consultancy company called "Care for You N.V."
The printing and other related costs for the booklets were sponsored by SMMC and Sun Insurance Brokers and are available at the oncology department for patients who will be receiving radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments. Anyone interested in receiving a copy can make a visit to the outpatient department and request a copy.
Persons can also receive a free copy of the booklet at the workshop “Coping with the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy” organized by Positive Foundation, Friday October 23, 2015 at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library beginning at 6:30pm.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The new coalition in parliament or the governor of St. Maarten should seriously consider filing a criminal complaint against the ministers based on the "ley Suzy" law says former Minister of Constitutional Affairs and former Minister of Justice Roland Duncan.
Duncan said this is an article of the Criminal Code that states if a Minister deliberately acts or omits against better knowledge he/she is acting criminally. Duncan said the “ley Suzy” law which is in the criminal code, is a law he said was proposed by former Minister of Justice of the former Netherlands Antilles Suzy Romer.
Duncan said the advice given by the judges are clear where it states that that the Gumbs cabinet has a legal obligation under article 33 to resign after a motion of no confidence was given.
Duncan further said that while he is no longer a politician and is not on anyone side, he strongly believe that the country St. Maarten is being put to shame by some people that are playing tit for tat or wants to give a last lick. The governor does not need the current ousted Prime Minister to sign any documents for the new prime minister to take office and as such the governor should appoint a formateur to form the next government while taking legal actions against the ousted Gumbs cabinet.
The governor of St. Maarten also has the right to file a criminal complaint against the Gumbs cabinet. As a matter of fact the governor did not need the advice from the judges because the constitution of St. Maarten is crystal clear on these two articles, Duncan said.

The Governor of St. Maarten issued several calls to the Gumbs cabinet to submit their resignations and act in the best interest of the people of St. Maarten since the motion of no confidence was passed on September 30th but despite his personal meetings and public appeal all of his calls and appeals has gone on deaf ears.

Minister Claret Connor still Director of the Chamber of Commerce – Is this a conflict of interest?

PHILIPSBURG:--- The ousted Minister of VROMI Claret Connor is hell bent on getting certain things done before he is forced out of office. The Gumbs cabinet got a motion of no confidence on September 30th 2015 by a majority in Parliament. While the Gumbs cabinet has been engaging in a tit for tat fight with the Governor and has so far refused to abide by the decisions made by Governor Eugene Holiday, they have gone a little bit further by stating that they will not even respect the advice given by three judges that the governor sought advice from on how to interpret some articles in the Country’s Constitution. While it is clear to everyone that when a Minister or cabinet receives a motion of no confidence the best and most honorable thing for them to do is to submit their resignations in order to protect the image of the country and themselves. However, it is clear that the Gumbs cabinet intends to test the constitution and the Governor of St. Maarten.
Minister Claret Connor chose to continue business as usual and instead of dealing with pending matters as a caretaker minister he is busy writing Landsbesluit that still has to be signed off by the governor of St. Maarten. The Governor St. Maarten already informed the Gumbs cabinet that due to the motion of no confidence they are now caretaker Ministers and their only task is to deal with pending matters. Even the LB they submitted to the Governor to dissolve the parliament of St. Maarten is not considered pending matters.
The last LB SMN News published is the one Minister Connor wrote by himself without the advice of the Secretary General and the signature of the SG approving the LB he wants Governor Holiday to sign off. That LB has to do with the transfer of the VORST property to APS.
One would think that all Ministers know that they must follow procedures and the letter of the law whether appointed or elected by the people.
SMN News got a copy of another LB Minister Connor prepared where he intends to transfer the development plan of the Chamber of Commerce to the Chamber of Commerce. While this might look like business as usual it must be noted that Minister Connor did not resign from the Chamber of Commerce where his position as Director is blocked just in case he would need to go back to his old job.
Well after the motion of no confidence was passed the Minister made sure he made up an LB for the Chamber of Commerce to have the development agreement even though the Chamber has enormous back taxes to have to be paid off. That LB and agreement was booked in at DIF on October 14th 2015.
The LB which does not have the signature of the SG and there is no advice from the SG will ultimately benefit the Chamber of Commerce where ousted Minister Claret Connor will return when he is removed from office.
Below is the LB and agreement that SMN News obtained and while it is customary for some newspapers to steal documents from SMN News and pretend that it was sent to them by the Gumbs cabinet, yet they did not use it until SMN News published it. This one is no exception we expect the two newspapers that got a 0 rating from Transparency International to also steal this document and make their own news item out of it.

Click here to view the Landsbesluit for the development plan to be transferred to the Chamber of Commerce.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise was recently honored with Club of the Month for Rotary District 7020 for the month of September. Every month there is a theme that the clubs activities aim to reflect. September’s theme was Basic Education and Literacy. During the month the club solidified partnerships with the literacy committee, SXM Reads, Philipsburg Jubilee Library, C.O.M.E. Center, Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, & Sports, UNESCO, and Rotaract.

Some of the activities the club participated in were the Readers are Leaders (RAL), the brainchild of our current President Marcellia Henry is now in its 6th year, RAL is a literacy program for high school students; a training session for C.O.M.E. Center which is a literacy program for acquiring basic reading competency; assisted in organizing the screening and panel discussion of the movie “The Reading Room”; supported SXM Reads in promoting reading and literacy during their Reading in the Park activity; were part of a human peace chain spearheaded by Rotaract Sunrise Club; organized a Peace Day program where the late Officer Benjamin Gamali was honored with the first ever Rotary Champion of Peace Award; sponsored character strength building program for the Prins Willem Alexander School.

Rotary Sunrise is proud to support programs where basic education and literacy is of high importance. As stated on many teaching websites, “literacy is the single most significant skill needed to function effectively in school, the workplace and in society . . . it is vital to a successful education, career and quality of life.” Rotary Sunrise will continue to stress the significance of literacy and the benefits to St. Maarten. President Marcellia Henry congratulated her members on a job well done. The RAL, SXM Reads and Peace Day Committees were given special mention. President Henry would also like to thank the St. Maarten community to for supporting Rotary Sunrise activities.

The club meets at Belair Beach Hotel 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.

Protest will continue, and spread to other areas _--- Committee calling of Population to come out and join the protest in order to preserve their property

Marigot:--- Demonstrators used garbage bins, and motor vehicles to block all entrances to Marigot early Thursday morning as they start their demonstration action against the PLU. Sofia Carty a member of the organizing committee told SMN News that the protestors blocked all entrances leading to Marigot. Blockage was placed on top of Mount Valois Hill, next to the Agrement Round-a-bout, St. James, Low-town and Sandy Ground.
The only persons that are allowed to enter Marigot are nurses and ambulances. Workers, business owners and school buses cannot enter Marigot due to the blockage. Carty said the committee comprising of 15 persons will be heading towards the Collectivity of St. Martin to meet with elected officials to further discuss the consequences the PLU has on local citizens of St. Martin.
The committee members told SMN News around midday on Thursday that the protest action will continue and they will begin spreading out by blocking all access entrances to the French side of the island until they get what they want from the elected officials of the Collectivity. Carty said that during the meeting with elected officials on Thursday, the elected officials do not want to stop the PLU law they intend to implement on St. Martin. Carty said the committee which consists of members from the various community councils want the PLU stopped immediately, and that the elected officials must start over the process, one of their demands is that elected officials start by fully informing the people about the PLU. Carty made a strong call to the residents on French St. Martin to come out in full forces and join the protest action since the PLU will affect all local citizens especially landowners on St. Martin.

The protestors are busy putting up blockage in Grand Case, and French Quarter as they begin spreading out. Residents of these areas are asked to join the protest action immediately. Carty said that they understand that visitors to the island might suffer because they will be blocked in on the French side and miss their cruise ships, however, she said that at this particular moment  they will leave the Oyster Pond border open in order for taxi drivers to take the tourists they have with them back to the French side. Carty did not say how long they will leave the French Quarter border open but she made clear that the issue affecting St. Martin people is on the front burner and unless the elected officials decide to stop the PLU and go back to the drawing board they will not stop the protest action and the blocking of all entrances to leading to the French side of the island.

Senator Guillaume Arnel has half an hour to grant Committee what they want. Protestors Blocking Grand Case Airport

Residents of French St. Martin and those organizing the protest against the PLU means business as they already spread out to several areas on the French side where they placed huge blockage.
Sofia Carty told SMN News that the committee is now blocking the L’Esperance Airport by 2pm and they will give Senator/ First Vice President Guillaume Arnel half an hour to grant them their wishes before they shut down the entire French side. Arnel she said is on an Air France flight coming back from France to meet with the committee that is protesting the PLU law.

Click here to view more photos of the demonstration taking place in Marigot against the implementation of the PLU on St. Martin

Harbour View:---  Governor Holiday, having considered the political developments of September 30, 2015 involving:

1. The current Council of Ministers losing its majority support in Parliament;
2.  The passing of a vote of no-confidence in Parliament against the current Council of Ministers;
3.  The subsequent decision of the Council of Ministers later the same day to call for new elections and dissolve Parliament;
4.  His consultations with all the parties involved; and
5. The persistent opposing political positions and debate and associate legal concerns regarding the actions taken,

deemed it prudent to seek urgent independent advice regarding the constitutional conformity of the political positions. The issue before us is an issue of national importance for the current as well as the future governance of the interest of our people. It concerns the following fiercely contested positions:

•  the constitutionality of the decision of the Council of Ministers not to make their positions available after a motion of no confidence;
•  the right of the new majority in Parliament based on the constitution to form a government after a vote of no confidence was passed; and
• the right of the Council of Ministers based on the constitution to dissolve Parliament after a motion of no confidence was passed against it.

Decisions that address these issues touch the foundation of our Constitution and as such the interest of our people. No decision regarding the interest of the people should be taken lightly. The Governor therefore emphasizes that the decision to sign a Parliament dissolution national decree, on the one hand, or not to sign and sent it to the Kingdom Council of Ministers, on the other hand, as well as to request a formateur to form a new government should never be taken lightly and even more so considering the potential implications of the developed situation for an orderly constitutional process.

It is the obligation of the Governor to safeguard an orderly constitutional process and thus to encourage all parties to act in keeping with the fundamental principles of our parliamentary democracy based on the rule of law. This obligation follows from the Regulations for the Governor as well as the oath taken by the Governor that he cannot execute, ratify, or mandate, a decision that is in violation with the laws of Sint Maarten.

Based on information gathered during consultations the risks of a disorderly process became evident. As a result the Governor met with and discussed the need to be prudent and to seek independent advice with the Prime-Minister, the leaders of the political parties in Parliament and the independent Members of Parliament on Friday October 16, 2015. Governor Holiday advised this path given that it is imperative to obtain clarity regarding the constitutional conformity of the political positions and to arrive at a balanced and sustainable solution to the differences of opinions. The Governor, based on those discussions and given the urgency requested a special panel of three judges to evaluate the constitutionality of the implementation of the political positions and advise him about it within 5 workings days. The panel consists of the President of the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Mr. E.J. Van der Poel, the President of the Constitutional Court of Sint Maarten, Mr. J.Th. Wit, and a judge serving on both courts recommended by the presidents of both Courts, Mr. J. de Boer. Based on the current situation the independent panel was requested to evaluate the Constitution of Sint Maarten in the context of Sint Maarten’s constitutional law and provide a clear legal position regarding articles 33 paragraph 2, article 40 paragraph 2 and article 59 of the Constitution of Sint Maarten. Specifically the panel was requested to answer the following constitutional questions:

•  Is the (Council of) Minister(s) pursuant to article 33, paragraph 2, of the Constitution required to make their position(s) available when confronted with a motion of no-confidence passed by Parliament against it?
•  If the answer to (a) is yes, when, at which moment or within what timeframe, is the (Council of) Minister(s) required to make their position(s) available?
•  If the answer to (a) is yes, can (the Council of) Minister(s) make any reservations to the requirement to make their positions available? More specifically; can (the Council of) Minister(s) make this requirement dependent or contingent on another action?
•  If the answer to (a) is yes and the (Council of) Minister(s) make their position(s) available, what is the legal status of the (Council of) Ministers(s) at this time? Can the Council of Ministers under these circumstances continue to (legally) govern the country?
•  If the answer to (a) is yes, and the (Council of) Minister(s) do not make their positions available, are there any legal or constitutional impediments to forming a new government and, conclude this process by the dismissal of the Council of Ministers and the appointment of a new government in accordance with article 40 paragraph 2?
•  If the answer to (a) is no, what, if any, effect does the motion of no-confidence by Parliament have on the ability to govern by the (Council of) Minister(s)? Does the motion of no-confidence by Parliament constrain the (Council of) Ministers in their decision making?
• Is the (Council of) Minister(s) pursuant to article 59 paragraph 1 of the Constitution authorized to call new elections and dissolve Parliament after a motion of no-confidence was passed by Parliament against it?
•  Are there any legal or constitutional impediments to forming a new (interim) government after a national decree dissolving Parliament and calling for elections has been ratified?
• Can a national decree regulating the holding of elections and the dissolution of Parliament be changed, adjusted or withdrawn at a later date? Are there any legal impediments, in comparison to other national decrees, to doing so?

Today, October 21, 2015, the Governor received the requested advice of the judges and discussed and shared the content with the Prime-Minister and the leaders of the political parties in Parliament and the independent Members of Parliament that form the new majority. In view of transparency in the constitutional process a copy of the advice has also been provided to the media along with this press release. The key conclusions of the advice are:

1. That the Council of Ministers when faced with a motion of no confidence based on article 33 paragraph 2 of the Constitution must make their positions available as soon as possible and without reservation;
2. That article 40 paragraph 2 of the Constitution, provides the basis, following the motion of no confidence, for the new majority in Parliament to form an interim government and dismiss the existing caretaker Council of Ministers;
3. That the Governor is not obliged to sign a national decree based article 59, paragraph 1, of the Constitution provided by the caretaker Council of Ministers to dissolve Parliament and call for new elections, until they make their positions available in keeping with the Constitution; and
4. That the task of the interim government would then be to, among others, prepare the new elections.

Having discussed the advice of the independent panel of judges with the Prime-Minister and the leaders of the new majority in Parliament the Governor wishes to confirm:

•  That there is no basis not to form a new government and that he shall, should the new majority decide to do so as expressed, take steps to facilitate the formation of an interim government based on the new majority in Parliament;
• That he has repeated his call on the Council of Ministers to make their positions available;
• That he is repeating his call on the Council of Ministers in the interest of Sint Maarten to continue their duties by doing that which is necessary for the day to day operations of government until a decision has been taken concerning their resignation; and
• That once the Council of Ministers make their positions available he shall sign the national decree to call for new elections and dissolve Parliament once it is in compliance with the electoral laws.

In light of the political and constitutional debate of the past 3 weeks the Governor wishes to encourage all parties to study our Constitution and the panel’s advice carefully and reflect. We have a strong and balanced Constitution one that provides us with important democratic freedoms, rights, obligations and safeguards. With regard to the discussions concerning the authorities of Parliament and of the Council of Ministers, it is essential to note that in our dualistic system of government the authorities of both branches of government are separate and independent but limited by the rule of law. It is regrettable that both branches did not meet in Parliament and debate their respective positions. Over the past three weeks a lot has been said and written. Our People, Parliamentarians and Ministers have voiced their opinions. Emotions have ran high and at times certain harsh things were said which will call for us to heal as we move forward. As we do so, we should be reminded that for our parliamentary democracy to function effectively and protect our cherished freedoms and rights, we need people to serve as parliamentarians and ministers. In that regard the Governor wishes to reemphasize that political debate is a prerequisite for growth in any democracy. And the Governor stresses that it goes without saying that for growth to take place it is our obligation to conduct this debate based on facts, peacefully, with mutual respect for each other and the opinions of all sides and with due consideration of the laws governing Sint Maarten.

As already stated, it is not the role of the Governor to dictate the results of differences of political opinions but rather, as he has in the past three weeks, to work with and encourage parties to arrive at a constitutionally sustainable solution. Where there is significant disagreement between the parties in regard to the constitutionality of their actions, the Governor deems it his obligation to encourage parties to arrive at constitutionally sustainable solutions in the interest of a stronger country. It is the Governor’s hope that this constitutional advice will serve to resolve this situation and functions as a guide for the handling of future political differences of this nature. Governor Holiday is herewith appealing to all stakeholders to do all that is necessary to maintain and protect the integrity of our constitutional democracy and to foster actions in accordance with our Constitution to safeguard our common cause: Sint Maarten.

Click here to read the advice given to Governor Holiday by the panel of Judges.

PHILIPSBURG:---- In regard to the ongoing armed robbery investigation at the Rouge et Noire Casino, which took place on October 8th and whereby an amount cash was stolen, the police department is making the following statement:
During this robbery an amount a cash consisting of U.S. currency and Antillean Guilders (bills/notes) were stolen by the robber. A “dye-pack” which was also placed together with the stolen money exploded after discoloring most of the bank notes.
There is serious confusion circulating on how to deal with the situation once you are in possession of this suspect currency. The police department is aware that a meeting by the Associations of Banks on the island will be held tomorrow and they will deliver a statement as soon as possible.
In the meantime businesses and persons who come in contact with partially or completely red stained U.S. currency or Antillean Guilders (bills/notes) should not accept them and should immediately inform the police.
If anyone is the possession of a small amount of bank notes that are stained, they should immediately take them to the bank that will confiscate them and later deliver them to the police department for further investigation.
There are bank notes in circulation that may have a very small discoloration around the edges and most probably are not connected to this investigation. Persons who may have this currency in their possession and are not quite sure that it is legitimate should get in contact with their bank and have the money checked out.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Leona Marlin-Romeo, representing the Sint Maarten Sickle Cell Foundation, donated in time to a worthy cause in honour of October: Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The event was organized by Grisha Marten-Heyliger which consisted of celebrity waitresses serving invited guests who in turn gave generous tips to the waitresses for the cause.

MP Marlin-Romeo was able to make $600 in tips which was donated to the Positive Foundation and Elektralytes. Over 10k was raised for the two organizations.

The MP would like to thank her invited guests for their contributions and gives a special thank you to Debra Abram for her valuable contribution in decorating the table of the MP.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that there will be no through traffic from Dutch Quarter via Madame Estate and vice versa on Saturday, October 24, at the Illidge Road/Nazareth Road intersection near the old Dr. Bryson Clinic.
This will be from 7.30am to 12.00pm on Saturday, and is related to the maintenance of the pit.
Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):---- Representatives from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Environmental Health and Sustainable Development Department (EHS), St. Lucia Campus, recently completed a one-week working visit to Sint Maarten.

The delegation undertook activities related to environmental monitoring and capacity needs assessments in areas including surveys of Water Quality, Food Testing, Air Quality and Chemicals Management.

The CARPHA delegation met with representatives of Collective Preventive Service (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), Inspectorate VSA, Ministry Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, and St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS).

The linkage of environmental monitoring data will provide information support for technical interventions and environmental health policies.

The overall outcome is for EHS to develop a program for strengthening the capacity of countries to carry out environmental monitoring.

The intent of the visit was to evaluate needs with respect to regulatory requirements, human resource capacity, information technology capacity, laboratory facilities and financial allocation available for monitoring environmental quality.

The CARPHA delegation described the meetings as informative. Information was also gathered on the roles of Non-Governmental Organizations in environmental monitoring.

Inspectorate Ministry VSA came in for high praise for ...”doing a very good job as it relates to current monitoring programs in water quality monitoring and food inspection.”

CARPHA added that the Inspectorate Ministry VSA has the support of thorough well thought-out legislation which enables it to carry out their work effectively.

Sint Maarten is a member of CARPHA.

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 protect against diarrheal diseases and pneumonia.

From January 2014 to December 2014, there were a total of 553 suspected gastroenteritis cases that were reported and registered.

From January 2015 to September 2015, there have been a total of 535 cases of suspected gastroenteritis reported and registered.

This week marks international infectious week. Hand hygiene is the most important measure to avoid the transmission of harmful germs and prevent health care associated infections.

Handwashing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrheal disease and pneumonia, which together are responsible for the majority of child deaths, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Every year, more than 3.5 million children do not live to celebrate their fifth birthday because of diarrhea and pneumonia.

Handwashing should become automatic performed in homes, schools, daycare centers etc. Turning handwashing with soap before eating, or preparing food, and after using the toilet into an ingrained habit, could save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention, cutting deaths from diarrhea by almost half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by one-quarter.

Clean your hands by rubbing them with an alcohol-based formulation, as the preferred mean for routine hygienic hand antisepsis if hands are not visibly soiled. It is faster, more effective, and better tolerated by your hands than washing with soap and water.

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:--- The seven members making up the Gumbs cabinet on St. Maarten showed up at a press conference on Wednesday where they each laid out the projects they have been working on since taking office in December 2014. Minister Claret Connor spoke of the road patches, and road repairs that will soon begin while he also shed light on the sea water that is pumped from the sea into the Great Salt Pond.
Minister of Finance Maarten Hassink spoke of the 2016 budget he presented to the Council of Ministers and also sent to the CFT. Minister Hassink said the country is facing some serious challenges with the 2016 budget especially in light of the instructions imposed on St. Maarten. He said the 2016 budgets amounts to NAF.510M, already there is a NAF.70M gap since the country’s income is marked at NAF 440M
The finance Minister indicated he already know what the CFT will say that the government of St. Maarten is too optimistic.
Minister Hassink said that government have to focus on some severe cost cutting measures while they have to try to increase their income.
Minister of TEATT Ernest Sams said he met with several stakeholders including Copa Airlines , Arkfly and his intention is to meet with Delta Airlines. Minister Sams said he was working on getting the gaming board established, while working on marketing the country overseas.
Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson focused on the crime situation on St. Maarten and Minister of VSA Rafael Boasman on several areas related to health, proper and enough water for the residents of St. Maarten.
While it is the first time the Gumbs cabinet decided to inform the people of St. Maarten on Wednesday it appears as though they knew that this was their last shot at letting the people of St. Maarten know something about the things they have worked on because the Governor of St. Maarten will call for the resignation of the Gumbs cabinet in order for the majority in parliament to install their Ministers and prepare for new elections. (more details on the Governor’s decision will be in another article.)

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St Maarten Bankers Association has made an announcement in order to provide clarity and reassure the Business Community and residents on the issue of red marked bills in circulation. The Bankers Association informs that there is a distinct difference between bills marked with a small red marking in the corner and dye-stained bills. In order to ensure all fully understand, the Association has released two samples of bills.
The first sample (A) shows bills which are marked with a small red mark in the corner of the bill, while the second sample is a dye-stained bill. In the case of the first sample, these bills with the small red mark in the corner are good bills and will be accepted and honored by all banks on the island. The second sample (B) of dye stained bills will not be honored by the Banks.
The Bankers Association felt it important to make this public announcement and provide the samples in order to ease the concerns of the Business Community and general public, which has caused quite some unease.
Following the announcement by the Police authorities of dye stained bills last week, local Banks started to exercise precautions with bills marked with red. Residents complained of receiving such bills from local ATM terminals and the Business community refused to accept them for fear of not being able to deposit such bills. Upon further investigation, it was realized that there are many bills in circulation that have small red marks and as such, these bills will be honored by the Banks. “We sincerely hope that by providing the two samples, the business community will begin accepting the bills with a small or an insignificant red mark as the Banks will honor these bills” stated Derek Downes President of the Bankers Association.
Businesses and residents are still being advised to exercise caution in identifying bills that are heavily stained with the red dye, as these are will not be honored by the Banks.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever spoke out on Wednesday for the first time since he left the Democratic Party to form a government with the UPP political party in 2014. De Weever said that during the last term the Democratic Party was in government SWW3 cabinet he was supposed to stay on as the Minister of VSA and to his surprise his name was not submitted by the Prime Minister (leader of the Democratic Party) for vetting but his uncle who was a Member of Parliament at the time did some maneuvering and he managed to stay on as Minister.
MP De Weever said that while forming the (red, white and blue) coalition he had a number of issues, one being he asked the leader of the Democratic Party to give him a letter which would guarantee that if he was ousted as Minister then he could take up back his seat in Parliament but his request was denied. MP De Weever said at the he even asked the leader of the Democratic Party how other members of the party were given that opportunity and his request was denied. He said the party leader never responded. Things he said fell apart when he asked those preparing the governing program to ensure that the counterpart law is added to the governing program because his vision is to provide training and work for the younger people of St. Maarten.
MP De Weever said that in his presence his requested was granted but in his absence it was removed by Roy Marlin, Michael Ferrier in the presence of a USP representative. De Weever said given the stance of older stalwarts of the Democratic Party he had to take a decision on whether or not he should take up a position as Minister only to be ousted after or should he leave and form a government with the UPP. He said he chose the latter that party already had seven seats. He said that a lot was said about ship jumping but he wanted to remind everyone that even their ancestors jumped off the ship in order not to be enslaved and he did the very same thing in order not to be enslaved by the system.
MP De Weever went on to explain why he used the word national ordinance in the last meeting of parliament he chaired and closed. He said the word he used is in the constitution of St. Maarten. Besides that he said the rules of order and constitution has a lot of flaws, spelling and grammatical mistakes that ought to be corrected. He further explained why he sent back the request that was sent to parliament to debate a meeting of was described as “illegal act” MP De Weever said he told those Members of Parliament who now has the majority to either re-word their letter or report him to the relevant authorities if he really did something illegal. As for the last meeting he cancelled the former 2nd vice chair said that the majority of eight did not submit a request for the meeting to be scheduled and since the rules of order was not followed he sent out a press release to say the meeting was cancelled.
The independent member said that what is going on right now is that St. Maarten is busy making history with the current constitutional crisis taking place. However, he believes this process is needed in order to make things better for St. Maarten and the younger generation.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten Management is prepared to assist Government with respect to the process of pumping water from the Great Salt Pond into Great Bay.
Public health authorities on Monday night issued a no swim advisory for the Great Bay area for Tuesday which was lifted at 5.30pm in the afternoon. This impacted business activity along the beach promenade area which is frequented by cruise ship tourists.
Port St. Maarten has included in its Great Bay Master Plan 2 the construction of a pipe that would be hooked up to the storm water pumping system that was put in place to reduce water levels in the pond in the event of heavy rainfall in order to avoid flooding of the Philipsburg area.
The proposed pipe would extend one mile out into Great Bay. In the event the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) has to carry out a control lowering of water in the ponds, this water would then exit one mile out into Great Bay therefore allowing bathing/swimming to still take place at Great Bay beach along the promenade.
The cruise passenger visitor experience is very important for a destination as this determines cruise ship itineraries. Cruise ports in the Caribbean, the largest cruise destination in the world that attracts the largest number of cruise visitors annually – over 20 million cruise passengers visit the Caribbean – have to be cognizant all the time with respect to trends and developments in cruise passenger destination experiences.
Port St. Maarten management fully supports the actions taken by the public health authorities in issuing the advisory regarding no bathing/swimming in Great Bay in the interests of residents and visitors.
The advisory pointed out that the water pumped into Great Bay from the Great Salt Pond could be contaminated, from amongst others, rainwater runoff, which if swimmers came into contact with, could cause recreational water illnesses.
As a mature cruise destination, all stakeholders have a responsibility to make sure that visitor’s health and safety are priority number one, as this assures long-term sustainability of the destination when it comes to stay-over and cruise tourism.
A nearby island reported cruise passenger harassment at their main landing facility, and that cruise lines have requested something to be done or they will shift their cruise ships to another destination.
Port St. Maarten based on 50-years of cruise business experience is well aware of the requirements of the cruise sector and takes the necessary proactive approaches and measures where needed in order to maintain the country’s number one position as a mature cruise destination.
Port St. Maarten Great Bay Master Plan 2 was already presented to Parliament.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On November 12 and 13, 2015 the first Caribbean Technology & Education Conference (C-TEC) will be held on Sint Maarten. The goal of the two-day conference is to bring together the educators of all schools on our island, administrators and education experts and policy makers from our region to exchange experiences on the use of ICT, technology and 21st century learning.
The conference is organized by The Foresee Foundation (4C-Foundation) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Since its start in 2013, the foundation has launched DigKidz@St. Maarten, a program that has since financed the construction of the DigiKidz Media Lab at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library and rocketed the Hillside Christian and Seventh Day Adventist schools’ technical infrastructure into the 21st century. The foundation and its numerous partners have provided the schools with wide wired and wireless network supported by an IT management software program, laptops, charging carts and several hardware items like photo-, video, document- cameras; headphones, LCD projectors and printers.
Now the foundation wants to create a platform that brings together educators region-wide to exchange best practices, expand their networks, learn and create ideas on bringing 21st century learning into more classrooms.
At the C-TEC conference participants will have the choice of dozens of workshops in which they will learn innovative, challenging and student-centered learning activities related to ICT and receive information and acquire skills on the use of technology in classrooms from peer educators, locally and regionally. Plenary sessions headlined by notable keynote speakers, panel discussions on ‘hot topics’ like “Should students bring their own devices to school?” and hands-on tech learning sessions that feature particular apps or devices and networking sessions to connect educators locally and regionally . On both days the conference hours will be from 7:00 am until 4:00 p.m.
The conference, held at Milton Peters College, will also feature an ‘Innovation Lab’ and Technology Expo. The ‘Innovation Lab’ will showcase all the newest technology and software for education facilities. The Expo will be a platform for various businesses to showcase their products and help consumers with finding the right products to incorporate 21st century learning into their lifestyle and classrooms. Businesses interested in being part of this Expo should contact the Foresee Foundation as soon as possible, as space is limited.
José Sommers, John de Vroom, Peter Mazereeuw, John Schaminee, Grace Brissett, Marcus Nicolaas, Georgiane Ariana- Henriquez, Alston Lourens, Kevin ‘Suppa’ Petrona, Patricia Philip-Lourens, Arjen Alberts, Laura Bijnsdorp, Maya Snijders and Marcellia Henry are all part of the motivated C-TEC team. To offer all interested parties the opportunity to attend this important and innovative conference the Minister of Education has ensured that all primary schools will be closed on November 12 and all secondary schools will be closed on November 13. Sponsoring by UNESCO and the Ministry of Education has made this conference possible.
C-TEC members urge educators to attend the conference stating that: “The Caribbean Technology & Education Conference will help you create a better learning experience for your students and a rewarding teaching experience for yourself. It is fair to say technology leads the way to improve teaching and learning in our schools!”
For more information about The Caribbean Technology & Education Conference, including the conference schedule, session descriptions, registration exhibitors, and details about the host country, visit http://www.ctec-conference.com or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The people of St. Maarten needs to prepare for a long haul with the current political crisis the island has been in since September 30th 2015

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs told reporters that St. Maarten is not in a political crisis but instead it is in a constitutional crisis. Gumbs said his cabinet already sent a letter to the Governor of St. Maarten to inform him that they would prefer to have a decision within three days rather than five days. Prime Minister Gumbs said that he is the responsibility of the Governor. He said the Governor is like the King therefore someone has to take the political responsibility of the Governor which happens to be the Prime Minister.
Further to that he said that even if the three judges does not advice in their favor they will not respect the advice given by the judges because judges are not versed on constitutional law. Prime Minister Gumbs further explained that the situation in 2013 when the NA/DP/ Lavelle government was in that government wrote a letter to the Governor of St. Maarten telling him basically the same thing they are saying now to the Governor.
Prime Minister Gumbs said the only difference is that the county could not have held elections in 2013 because there was no electoral council established at the time and St. Maarten needed to have an electoral council place before the country could hold elections. Gumbs said that the electoral council was established early 2014. The Prime Minister said that the Governor has to either sign the Landsbesluit or send it to the Kingdom for them to either ratify it or annul it.
Asked if the Governor should sign the LB if his cabinet would submit their resignation. Prime Minister Gumbs said that the minute the governor signs the Landsbesluit then he will submit the resignation of his cabinet but they will remain in office to organize elections.
Prime Minister Gumbs dissected the press release that was sent out by the governor, and he made clear that the court has nothing with this constitutional crisis. He made clear that the governor only have two choices and if he does not want to sign the LB then he must send it to the Kingdom because St. Maarten is still part of the Kingdom and it’s the Council of State that has to approve or annul the LB and not judges.

KPSM requested assistance from Curacao and Aruba

PHILIPSBURG:---Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson told reporters on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers press conference that crime has not escalated as perceived by many. The Minister of Justice said in the year 2014 there were 10 murders committed while so far this year there has been 7 murders committed excluding the two robbers that were shot to death by PAN American Security Guards. Police considered the shooting death of the two robbers to be that of self-defense. Minister Richardson made clear that while it is seven so far that amount can definitely increase before the year ends.
Of the seven murders that were committed this year, police already arrested the suspects were involved in five of the seven murders. The Minister said those cases that have not yet been solved police has some indications as to who the perpetrators are which will lead to the arresting of more suspects. “I have one message to send to criminals, you are not going to escape prosecution no matter what because the attitude of the police is that they will put an end to the criminal activities on St. Maarten. One thing is that the police can stop the members of these organizations from killing each other but thing they could guarantee is that they pay for the things they have done.”
The Justice Minister said the only two murders that are still to be solved is the one committed recently by Teke Teke bar in Cay Hill and the one in Simpson Bay on Sunday. As for armed robberies the Minister said it is the same amount committed in 2014 which he said was about 155 in 2014.
The Minister further explained that they have seen an increase in violent crimes where criminals are now aiming at police officers, one which led to the slaying of Officer Gamali Benjamin. Further to that the Minister said that law enforcement believes that the spate of murders now committed on the island has some relation to eliminations within the criminal organizations for their own reasons. However, the Minister of Justice made clear that the Ministry of Justice cannot act on perceptions but instead on facts. “Recently, within a short period of time a number of criminal activities have taken place and the most shocking thing is the violence that is involved. The figures do not demonstrate rise in crime but those figures also demonstrate that the use of violence is constantly increasing. This is not something the police should be blamed for but instead it has to do with problems within the society that has to be dealt with in a different way, one that is preventative which includes taking measures to save as much young people as possible from entering into criminality. The Ministries that are involved in youth prevention has my full support because it saves the country monies from having to prosecute youngsters and to keep them behind bars.” Minister Richardson said he has great admiration and respect for the police force of St. Maarten (KPSM) for the work they have been doing at this time with limited means. “At the beginning of 2014 KPSM had 214 full time workers but that amount decreased by 30 due to heavy financial constraints vacancies could not be filled. The Government already announced that those vacancies have to be filled, this is not going to be an easy task especially with the limitations the CFT placed on the country. One thing for sure is that the country St. Maarten has the right to protect its people and its economy, which is the most basic responsibility of any government. I cannot ask the police force to break iron with their hands. Right now a small group of officers have done some tremendous work in tackling the crime on St. Maarten. Minister Richardson said management of KPSM informed him that the actions taken by KPSM after officer Benjamin was gunned down led to a decrease in crime in the Philipsburg area. He said a team was put together which included joint patrols, with that he said that has led to preventing persons from committing violent crimes in the Philipsburg area while police managed to take some weapons off the streets. For me the measures taken by KPSM are working in preventing crimes especially in Philipsburg while police officers are placing their lives on the line to protect the country and its people.” Minister Richardson said a new phenomenon is the attack on police officers with weapons, something police did not anticipate in the past but recently it has been reported how many times criminals are firing shots at police when they approach them. Besides that St. Maarten is confronted with organized crimes from people that are battling over their territories. The Minister assured that the police will continue to perform their duties in the most effective way they possibly could with the limited means they have at their disposal.
Minister Richardson also said that KPSM has made a request through him to request more assistance from Curacao and Aruba while he also made an appeal on the joint detective team that is supposed to be investigating undermining crimes to assist with the current spate of crimes committed on the island. The Minister said this was made possible through the much debated protocol he signed in the Netherlands. Besides that he is sure that the Royal Marechaussee will give their assistance in trying to curb the spate of criminal activities now taking place on the island.
SMN News asked the Minister now that they know that criminals are not afraid of the men in blue what has he done with getting proper insurance for police officers.
Minister Richardson said that the Ministry of General Affairs drafted a terms of reference which will be presented to various insurance companies in order to provide insurance for government workers.
Asked why the appointment for the incoming Chief of Police is delayed since the appointment was delayed twice. The Minister said that there are some technical issues with the national decrees that have to be corrected.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Sint Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen, recently received a courtesy call from Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia, Igor Popov.
“The Ambassador appeared interested in the functioning of country Sint Maarten as an autonomous entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, considering that Holland appears to be an important trade partner of Macedonia representing an annual mutual trade volume of about €800 million.
“Ambassador Popov is seeking to enhance and benefit from this economic opportunity with the Netherlands by extending its commercial relationship with the other members of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, namely the Dutch Caribbean partners.
“The following areas of possible mutual cooperation were discussed during the meeting: maritime cooperation, tourism, trade of food products, information technology, and education.
“The Ambassador was particularly interested in exploring the possibility of using Sint Maarten as a hub to distribute its products to potential recipients in regional markets. This is a great opportunity for our country.
“As a result of this the Ambassador is planning an official visit to the Dutch Caribbean in January/February 2016, and he will be accompanied by the State Secretary for Economic Affairs of Macedonia. This visit should be considered as an in-bound trade mission whereby they would like to have the opportunity to –besides government- meet as well with members of the private sector and Chamber of Commerce.
“In preparation thereof, the Ambassador would consider organizing in Macedonia a special International Trade Conference for the region with participation of the following neighbouring countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Romania and Kosovo, and for which relevant government and private sector representatives from the Dutch Caribbean would be invited to enable business match making.
“It was suggested that a Memorandum of Understanding could be signed with the Dutch Caribbean partners during their intended visit in 2016,” Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Tuesday.
Present at the meeting was from Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming – Artsen, and the Director of the Cabinet, Perry Geerlings.
Macedonia is a former Yugoslav Republic.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday October 19th, a young man suspected of rape was arrested by police. This criminal act took place earlier this year. The suspect was arrested and released due to the lack of evidence. Due to the continuation of the investigation and new technical information surfaced, the suspect was re-arrested. The suspect remains in custody for further investigation

KPSM Police Report

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that there will be an obstruction of the side walk at Pasanggrahan Hotel on Wednesday, October 21 and Saturday, October 24.

The civil works are part of beautification activities taking place in the area of the hotel.

Scaffolding will be erected from 7.00AM on the aforementioned scheduled days and dismantled at the end of each day.

Pedestrians and motorists are advised to pay keep attention when in this particular area of Front Street.
Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.

The consumer price index for Sint Maarten has increased in the month of
August 2015 by 0.2 percent compared to that of June 2015.

When comparing average consumer prices over a twelve month period (Aug.
2014 to Aug. 2015), an increase of 0.9 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 August & June 2015

The consumer price index for Sint Maarten has increased in the month of August 2015 by 0.2 percent compared to that of June 2015. The price index recorded in August 2015
is 126.9.

Expenditure Category
WEIGHT
INDEX JUNE
2015 INDEX AUGUST
2015
% CHANGE
Food 10% 191.2 192.5 0.7
Beverages and tobacco 1% 146.4 145.8 -0.4
Clothing & footwear 7% 114.8 114.1 -0.6
Housing 39% 123.3 123.4 0.1
Household furnishing & appliances 6% 144.9 145.7 0.6
Medical care 3% 115.1 115.4 0.3
Transport & communication 20% 107.2 107.8 0.6
Recreation & education 6% 107.7 106.0 -1.6
Misc. 8% 120.3 120.2 -0.2
TOTAL 100% 126.7 126.9 0.2

Expenditure Categories – increases largely offset by decreases

In August 2015, five of the nine expenditure categories became more expensive, whilst four became cheaper. Amongst the more expensive were the categories; ‘Food’ (+0.7%),
‘Housing’ (+0.1%),‘Household Furnishing & Appliances’ (+0.6%), ‘Medical Care’ (+0.3%),
‘Transport & Communication’ (+0.6%). Whereas decreases were recorded for the expenditure categories ‘Beverages and Tobacco’, ‘Clothing and Footwear’ ‘Recreation & Education’ and ‘Miscellaneous’ of -0.4%, -0.6%, -1.6% and -0.2% respectively.

Police Officer filed several complaints over the weekend

PHILIPSBURG:--- The public prosecutor’s office has decided to refer the case that involves a female police officer who left her children unattended for almost 10 hours early September causing her 7 year old son to suffer from third degree burns when a pot of boiling water fell on him burning most his abdomen, private area and legs.
Press Prosecutor when contacted on Monday said that the mother of the child filed several complaints over the weekend, those complaints she said are being investigated by the police. In the case where the father Loic Artsen filed a complaint with the National Detectives the day after his son was hospitalized. Van Nie said that the prosecutor’s office referred the case back to the Court of Guardianship to investigate the legal custody of the child and also to focus on the best interest of the children involved on the night of the incident. Van Nie said the Court of Guardianship has trained professionals that could deal with situations where parents cannot agree and children are stuck between.
The father, Loic Artsen told SMN News last week that he has been fighting a seven year battle with his child mother and even took her to court to get visitation rights. Artsen said accused the mother of his son of being negligent since his son was a baby, he said ever since his child born he wants to acknowledge his son and to take full responsibility for his child. Artsen said the only reason he went public last weekend is that he managed to acknowledge his child on the French side and got him his French rights. He said the only reason, he obtained a birth certificate of the child and everything he did was done legally. Artsen said he did this recently after his child was severely burnt and he wanted to get him on his medical insurance on the French side.
Artsen said when he got the French birth certificate he went to the Civil Registry with the birth certificate and the employees of the civil registry chose to change his son’s name. Artsen said he did not ask the Civil Registry for any favors, however, he said when the mother found out she went to the Civil Registry and demanded that they change the child name back. Artsen said he secured the services of Attorney to further deal with the case since he cannot get justice from the other department.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A fight between two neighbors left one man with gunshot wounds in Union Farm, Tuesday evening. SMN News understands that two neighbors were fighting and during the scuffle one of them shot the other. It is understood that the victim was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center while the suspect was arrested on the spot and the gun used to shoot the victim was also seized. A Police source said that the victim did not receive any life threatening wounds.

Man shot in Union Farm

Detectives are presently investigating a shooting which took place on Tuesday October 20th at approximately 07.10 p.m. at a home on Monte Video Road in Union farm. The Emergency Central Dispatch who received this call immediately sent several police patrols, Detectives, Forensic Department and paramedics to the scene, to investigate what had taken place.
On the scene the investigating officers learnt that an old and still ongoing feud between neighbors had escalated this evening and gotten out of hand, at which time one neighbor took his rifle and shot the other neighbor in his stomach. The male victim was treated on the scene by paramedics and then taken to the Sint Maarten Medical Centre for further treatment. The suspect, who was still on the scene, was immediately arrested. The rifle which was used in this shooting was confiscated for further investigation.
The crime scene was closed off and the Forensic Department was collecting evidence while the detectives were questioning witnesses to piece together what exactly happened. The male suspect was taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where he remains in custody for further investigation.
The condition of the victim was unavailable up to press time. When this information becomes available the media will be informed.

KPSM Police Report

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---- The Public Health Department (PHD), and the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), both departments within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, in an update on Tuesday, will discontinue its advisory against any swimming in Great Bay at 5.30pm.

The advisory was necessary in relation to water that was pumped into Great Bay from the Great Salt Pond which started on Monday afternoon and was stopped at 5.30am Tuesday morning.

This water can be contaminated, from amongst others, rainwater runoff into the ponds which is then pumped into Great Bay in order to lower the water levels and prevent flooding in the Philipsburg area.

PHD/CPS advisory is a precautionary measure to prevent swimmers from coming into contact with any contaminated water that could pose a health risk if ingested or by skin contact, thereby making the person vulnerable to recreational water illnesses.

The public health authorities and Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), thanks the public and beach-goers for their cooperation and understanding in adhering to the advisory.

PHILIPSBURG:---- SOTIC is an opportunity for Ministries of Tourism and private sector to interact, dialogue and exchange ideas and experiences. According to CHTA President Emil Lee, as a strategic partner of the CTO, CHTA believes it is important that private sector and public sector work together and support each others events. A key part of developing any partnership relationship is to build an understanding of each others challenges and aspirations. Developing understanding and trust is such a critical component of building any healthy relationship.

CHTA is delighted to attend and support SOTIC.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Monday October 19th 2015 the Police Force Sint Maarten made the second arrest in the case of the armed robbery at the Casino at Sonesta Great Bay Hotel. The police are still questioning the suspects regarding this robbery, which took place September18th 2015.
On that day several units of the Police Force were involved in the investigation of that armed robbery which took place in the morning hours at the casino of the Sonesta Great Bay. Two men threatened to use their fire-arms and succeeded in robbing the establishment. The suspects made their escape but due to information gathered by the police regarding both suspects, the investigating officers were successful in identifying one of the suspects. This suspect was chased by the officers who fled on foot in the direction of the “Sint Maarten Zoo” leaving the SUV behind. During a search of the SUV in question considerable amount cash was found and confiscated for further investigation.
Several days later on the 23rd of September 2015, the Police Force arrested the 39-year-old suspect in this case at a home in Middle Region. On the 19th of October 2015 The Prosecutor’s Office has requested sixty-day extension of the pre-trial detention of the first suspect who was arrested in this armed robbery. The investigation continues.

KPSM Press Release.

Sucker Garden:---- The first week of the Ladies Basketball Championship was packed with 5 games to entertain the fans that came out to support their favorite team.
The first 3 games were between 3 U16 Teams namely Learning Unlimited, Lightning and Thunderz. Each team played against the two other teams with a running clock of 15 minutes. In the first game, Learning Unlimited beat Lightning 6-4 with Aesha Gibson leading the way with 4 points. The second game Lightning played Thunderz and won in overtime 10-6 lead by Kayla Robinson with 6 points. The last game in this division was between Learning Unlimited and Thunderz and Thunderz won 14-6 with Aisha Carty leading the way with 10 points.

Later, the Senior Division which consist of Bush T Remedy, Learning Unlimited, Lightning and Thunderz played two entertaining games. The first game of this division was between Learning Unlimited and Lightning. Lightning started off strong and lead 35-18 at the half and while Learning Unlimited got within 10 in the second half Lightning recovered and won 58-43. Lightning was led by Player of the Game Jamaiah Newton-Herbert with 28 points and was supported by Jonelle Richardson with 10 points. Learning Unlimited was led by Jakisha Brooks with 11 points and Wendy Jack with 10 points.

Game 2 was between Bush T Remedy and Thunderz and Thunderz started off strong and lead 34 -17 at the half. Bush T Remedy played the Thunderz pretty evenly in the second half but the first half deficit was too much to recover from. Thunderz won the game 58-35 and was led by player of the game Chantel Hodge with 35 points. Bush T Remedy was led by Jacqueline Hodge with 12 points and Shadella Williams with 9 points.

Games continue this Sunday for the senior teams at 3pm as Lightning take on Bush T Remedy and at 5pm Thunderz VS Learning Unlimited. Entrance fee is $1 and food and drinks are on sale, so see you next Sunday!!

Game Highlights, pictures, game scores and schedule can be viewed on the Facebook page 'Ladies Basketball Championship'. Highlights and full games can be seen on the Youtube page www.youtube.com/walichibasketball and short highlights can be seen on the Instagram page www.instagram.com/ladiesbasketballchampionship.

MULLET BAY:--- Howard Hobgood was able to continue his good form that he showed during the Eastern Caribbean Golf Association Tournament 2 weeks ago, by shooting a round of even par 70, to win the Overall Low Gross prize during the October Medal Play Tournament. Sam Bashir won Overall Low Net with a score of 64 after deduction of his 15 handicap.

A nice group of 27 golfers challenged the heat during this monthly 18 hole tournament that was organized by the SMGA. It was the 1st round qualification opportunity to make the 2016 St. Maarten Team that will participate in next year’s ECGA Tournament.

Hobgood who choose for the new qualification year to change from the Men’s category to the Seniors category for players older than 50 years, won next to the Overall Low Gross also the 1st Low Gross in the this category. Sam Bashir who also played in the Seniors category won 1st Low Net.

In the Men’s category there were 10 players competing for top honors. Eventually a match of cards was needed between Jesus Rivera and the very talented 13 year old Pierre Garcia. Both had a score off 77 Low Gross, after which it was determined that Rivera had won. In the same category Jan Peter Holtland won 1st Low Net with a score of 70 strokes after deduction of his 26 handicap.

In the Super Seniors Category for players over 60 years old, 1st Low Gross was won by Steven Mix with a score of 78, 1st Low Net was won by Francois Anton with a score of 72 after deduction of his 18 handicap. From the same category came another winner, Buzz Adamski won the prize for lowest putts, needing only 27 putts during the 18 holes stretch.

The Ladies Category had a total of 6 participants this time. 1st Low Gross was won by Sidsel Jacobsen with a score of 83 strokes, 1st Low Net was won by Odile Mezière with a Low Net score of 71 strokes.

For more information on tournaments or membership please contact the Golf Shop at the Mullet Bay Golf Course or like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St.MaartenGolfAssociation

PHILIPSBURG:--- A well-known family residing in Cole Bay plans to take all the necessary actions against an RST agent they identified as Andre Van den Berg who only arrived on the island two months ago.
The family told SMN News that on Sunday a vehicle bearing the number plate M- 10823 was parked in the middle of the road leading to their home in Cole Bay and when they asked the driver of the car to remove the vehicle he was driving from where he left it, the RST agent whom they did not know at the time demanded that they show him documents that they are the owners of the property where he was trying to take photographs of aircrafts landing and taking off at the Princess Juliana International (PJIAE).
“My wife went out and her way back home she could not drive up to our home so he asked the Dutch national who was taking photographs from their private lookout point to park his park decently in order for he to enter her home. The driver whom she did not know was an RST agent became aggressive with her and told her that she should show him proof that they are the owners of the property where he parked his vehicle. My brother in law who is also from the Netherlands witnessed the commotion and he went to speak to the driver of the vehicle and basically told him that his attitude gives all Dutch nationals a bad reputation. Instead of the RST agent listening to one of his own he decided to tell off the Dutch national that is related to the Cole Bay family. Shortly, after my wife came upstairs and told me what was happening and I basically told the person to get off my property since he had such an attitude. At the same time I took the number plate of the vehicle that was blocking my driveway and upon investigating it turned out the intruder was an RST agent identified as Andre Van den Berg who was at the time driving a vehicle that was leased from Motorworld to KMPG where this agent wife/girlfriend works. I did my own investigation to find out who this person was because my home was broken into a number of times and personally I don’t like how this man spoke to my wife. Now that I know who the individual is I intend to have my lawyer send a letter to the head of the RST, the Prosecutor’s Office and the Minister of Justice. Someone with this type of attitude cannot be allowed to stay on St. Maarten we are not all thieves and savages to be treated the way my wife and relative were treated last Sunday.” The owner of the property said he has a wonderful view where he lives and almost every day people would go up there to take photographs of the aircrafts taking off from the airport, something the family has no problem with because on most occasions they would go out to greet the people that go up to his lookout point. The property owner said it’s the first time they met with such arrogance and it’s a total shame that the person is working for the Justice Ministry on St. Maarten. “My relative left the island on Tuesday heading back to the Netherlands and his intention is to inform the Dutch Government as soon as he reaches back home.”
SMN News contacted the head of the RST Henry Lightenberg who said he did not hear about the incident prior to being contacted by SMN News but promised to confront Van den Berg. After the meeting Ligtenberg contacted SMN News for the family information saying that his agent was indeed on the people’s property. The RST head said it is wrong to treat people the way his employee treated that family and he wants the family to file a complaint with his office in order for him to take immediate actions.
The owner of the home also stated that was contacted by Lightenberg and he intends to file a complaint against the agent whom he said invaded his property that has signs all over stating it’s a private property and also insulted his wife while being on their property unauthorized.

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 to take action to prevent mosquito breeding as a reminder since current rain showers has the potential to increase the number of mosquitos.

Preventative measures are needed and will go a long way in preventing one getting dengue, zika or chikungunya.

Dengue fever, zika 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 therefore 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, zika and chikungunya prevention measures, you can call CPS at 542-2078 or 542-3003.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---  The Public Health Department (PHD), and the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), both departments within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, are strongly advising against any swimming in Great Bay on Tuesday.

This advisory is in relation to water that is being pumped into Great Bay from the Great Salt Pond which started on Monday afternoon and may continue into Tuesday morning.

This water can be contaminated, from amongst others, rainwater runoff into the ponds which is then pumped into Great Bay in order to lower the water levels and prevent flooding in the Philipsburg area.

PHD/CPS advisory is a precautionary measure to prevent swimmers from coming into contact with any contaminated water that could pose a health risk if ingested or by skin contact, thereby making the person vulnerable to recreational water illnesses.

Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) on Monday afternoon started to control (lower) the water levels in the ponds in connection with inclement weather that the country has been experiencing over the past few days.

This measure taken by Ministry VROMI on Monday is of a precautionary nature in the event there is additional heavy rainfall throughout Monday night, the ponds will be able to handle the runoff therefore preventing any flooding in low lying areas.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---- A new Certificate of Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) form (formerly Police Record) has been introduced on St. Maarten. The new form requests additional information of the applicant, which will help to better facilitate the decision-making process with regard to the issuance of a Certificate of Conduct.

The new form, which went into effect September 19, 2015, has been sanctioned by the Minister of Justice, Dennis Richardson by means of a ministerial decree.
A “Certificate of Conduct” is required for various purposes including: employment, business licenses application, adoption, residency, foreign visa application, or school placement.
A petit committee consisting of representative of the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General’s Office, the Public Service Center and ICT departments of Government has been charged with the redesign of the application process to ensure a smooth implementation.
Citizens requiring a “Certificate of Conduct” (Police Record) will soon have to apply for this document at Public Service Center Department in Simpson Bay.
This new approach, which includes an online component will help reduce lengthy processing delays experienced in the past and will accelerate the application process.
More information about the start date for the new application procedure will be provided to citizens in a subsequent release.

ST. PETERS:---- I have stated time and time again that at some point "somebody has to make a stand somewhere," to raise the bar and stop making decisions in the best interest of politics and self. Instead we need to start MAKING firm decisions in the best interest of our people and St. Maarten.
This was a very challenging three weeks for me personally with my family as my rock, where I ask God for strength and wisdom and his guidance to move St. Maarten forward. What I have learnt within these weeks is if you kneel before God you can stand before any man and speak the truth. It is sad that we have some Leaders and politicians that speaks with two tongues on every issue and can twist the truth to their benefit. We need to be honest and transparent with the people’s business and stop confusing the people and taking bits and pieces of the constitution articles to twist them to our likening and interpretation. Some Leaders like to say one thing in front of the people that sounds good to the masses but do another thing behind the scene as the UP Leader has done on the Billy Dee Program today.
I have known the UP Leader for 25 years as a friend and 15 years working as his Advisor, so if there is anyone who knows him is Maurice Lake. I find it strange that he is saying today that power, position and ministry and others manipulate me to break Government for self-interest. I was brought up with principles and values where power, position and money never got to my head. It is sad that some people don't get to know you as a person but are the first to slander your name in public behind a false name when you take a stand for the poor people. I have three Master's Degrees and work hard for my family for everything I got in life and never asked Theo Heyliger for nothing in life. The main reason I got into politics is not only about party loyalty but to serve the general interest of the people and address the issues affecting the people with a plan of action to move St. Maarten forward.
What really change my way of thinking is going to the Ombudsman anti-corruption conference in Curacao where I realize our need to take a stand and raise the bar and put checks and balances in place within Government and Government Owned Companies. I also would like to publicly thank the Ombudsman for inviting Parliament to the conference because it was an eye opener to me to take a stand and raise the bar within my party in government and Parliament in the general interest of the people. This stand will definite change the way we do politics in the future and work toward electoral reform.
I have never seen anything like this in the history of working as an advisor to the UP Leader of Government who is very active behind the scenes on this issue but tells the public he doesn't tell the PM and other Ministers what to do. I can remember we were the first always to respect the Governor’s decision and let our appointed Ministers do the honorable thing and resign their position as soon as possible. Now there is a passed motion in Parliament of a vote of no confidence where he was present and didn't say a word. I would like to know if we HAVE GOTTEN away from those principles and values now and just let our Prime Minister continue to embarrass himself in public and to the outside world?
I have been very patient for nine months by talking to my Leader and Ministers, sending emails without much feedback and results for the people. Now they accusing me of being among a pack of wolves when they behind the scene wanting to form another coalition behind my back with the same pack of wolves, not being a team player when there was only divided groups. Asking me behind the scene to pull back my support and join back the team and get any Ministry in return. I never ask for nothing other than to help the people and set priorities within our Governing Program. It's very sad to hear from the UP Leader twisting his tongue about the reasons this MP is asking a job here and there for persons or fix this problem or do illegal questionable things for them. Just for the record, I have never asked the UP Leader or any Minister to do illegal questionable things for me. I always tell him to continue to create jobs (legally) for the small man especially for the boys in the different districts as I did when I was Minister.
I have the emails, letters, witnesses and newspaper clippings to show how long I have waited patiently for them to start helping the people by setting priorities within our Governing Program for the Ministers to start executing the work instead of waiting just before elections to start the projects they promised to the people. The only reason I didn't leave before is because of MP Meyers intervention because the Leader was missing in action for a long period of time. Imagine I was on my own and they didn't know me but only now they want to talk and start planning and working for the people with signing off some projects and quick wins behind the scene fast within the last two weeks to fool the people. How fast we forget that proper planning prevents poor performance.
I am not a politician as some of our Leaders who have failed the people by not executing our vision, mission and priorities within our Governing program. St. Maarten don't need more politicians but leaders that going to stand up for the people. Political Office shouldn't be about enriching yourself but to work for the people. I came into office with nothing and I will leave office with nothing other than I have taken a stand for the people. Some of our people need to free their mind from mental slavery of standing behind leaders that don't do nothing for the general interest of the people.
As the book of Ester says if I perish, I perish but I’m going to see the KING. Esther was willing to take a stand for her people even though it could cost her, her life. This weekend I read my psalms, The Book of Jeremiah 1-10 and 2nd Timothy 1-5 and ask God for strength and wisdom on my new journey of standing for the people. We need to start putting St. Maarten first.
My main reasons of principle for not supporting the UP Government were not for personal reasons, self-interest, manipulated by someone or not getting a Ministry but were as follows: lack of leadership within the UP, long delay in the appointment of Council of Ministers, the UP Party failed to execute the Governing Program without setting priorities for projects and the people, delay in the expansion of the Hospital when health care was high priority on the list, lack of employment for the local people, no major projects, lack of improved services for the senior citizens, setting priorities in the Educational System, delay in recognizing the University of St. Martin and its expansion plan, delay in payments for the boys with the 2 years trench cleaning program; no movement in marketing activities for the island, no movement of any economic creation activities & local entrepreneurship programs and I can go on and on based on our Governing Program under the theme "We Ready and serving the people". Maybe the Leader can tell the people what has been done in the past nine months for the people of St. Maarten.
I can tell you what we have done behind the scene for self-interest by giving up power for a stable government: draft MOU for Waste to Energy Plant, complete business agreement between SZV and the Harbor Group of Companies & ZEBEC, give away Emilio Wilson for nothing to Rain Forest, give away the Vorst property, give away the Economic Park to the Chamber of Commerce, getting rid of Ms. Regina Labega for political reasons and the list goes on and on.
We need to "Get Back to Basics" and bring back stability into our economy, improving, marketing and protecting our primary Tourism Industry and most of all creating jobs for our people. Simple things makes a big difference in our community in which we are not doing to uplift our people.
As a Member of Parliament, I worked on abolishing the expat law in the public sector and finalizing the initiative law to amend the processing of the residence permit fees to make it non-refundable and requesting a Central Meeting to review the articles of incorporations for government owned companies and foundations.
The first task we need to do is balance the Budget, Electoral Reform, start the expansion plan of our Hospital, complete the new Government Building, Recognition and expansion plan for the University, build affordable housing with bidding for our people and other major projects and quick win work to create jobs to move St. Maarten forward.
We need to review the articles of incorporation of foundations and government owned companies to better serve the people of St. Maarten on the basis of transparency, openness and accountability. If SZV can invest 10 million dollars of the people money to settle an agreement between the Harbour Group of Companies and Zebec and called it a business deal with a return on investment, then SZV can also invest and upgrade their services, medication, vitamins for the senior citizens and the people of St. Maarten who they are not doing any favours but the people pay for their services.
The same for NV GEBE who sit on millions and other Government Owned Companies which need to start investing into our economy and the local people. We need to review the articles of incorporation for Kadaster, NIPA and other school boards to better serve the people and also hold Board Members accountable for their poor decision making and not providing documentation to the Ombudsman.
I can assure you for one thing, you will see some major changes on boards and better investment plans of Government Owned Companies and Foundations for the people.
We all are professionals elected by the people and I have to live with my stand and decision in the best interest of the people. I respect MP Leona Marlin, MP Tamara Leonard, MP Dr. Lloyd Richardson & MP Janchi Leonard; for their professionalism and work ethics very much in the best interest of the people. It's a pity some of our Leaders try to create confusion by putting other MPs against each other about who got a Ministry but we need to rise above those petty politics and show political maturity.
In closing, I just want to assure the people of St. Maarten, we will get "back to basics" by bringing stability back and set priorities and quick wins in the best interest of the people. MY career changing decision was solely based on my principles and values.

Says crime spree is Minister’s indictment

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the USP and Member of Parliament Frans Richardson on Monday called on Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson to resign immediately in the wake of unprecedented crime on St. Maarten. MP Richardson stressed that the Minister should resign because clearly the crime situation is very much a product of the glaring inability of the Minister. This crime spree is an indictment of any crime-fighting measure that the Minister has taken. They have all failed.
Richardson said in no uncertain terms that the Minister has failed miserably in his efforts to protect the people, visitors and image of St. Maarten and should have already resigned on his own accord. The MP said from the tragic death of officer Gamali Benjamin to the countless other acts of robberies, murders and other random acts of crime, the Minister has presided over a fear-riddled community with no solutions to show.
“You cannot count the amount of crime plaguing our island on both hands. That’s how many incidents of crime our people have to endure,” a stern MP Richardson stated. “It is ongoing every week with criminals starting to get more daring in their crimes. On the flip side, we are no hearing anything from the Minister, whether he has met with police management or if he has any ideas whatsoever. The Minister is sitting back like nothing is happening in St. Maarten and apparently willing to let the problem solve itself,” the MP added.
MP Richardson pointed out that in any law abiding country, the person at the top of such failures to prevent or combat crime, would have already “fallen on his sword.” But not on St. Maarten, he said. “The Minister has spent his time in office talking integrity and lecturing MP’s on what is right and what is wrong. But he has joined the rest of the Gumbs cabinet in selling a lie to the people of St. Maarten. He is not focused on combating crime, he is focused on helping the Gumbs cabinet keep jobs they are failing miserably at. How do you preach integrity and still hold on to your post in the face of this crime spree?”
“People are dead afraid. Confidence is low. Visitors are being warned and our high season is coming up. What is happening will affect bookings to our country. The country is in limbo with the Ministers refusing to resign. And while they do so, they are also not working to protect our people and visitors.
“St. Maarten is fortunate to be left off of the list of crime riddled countries in the Caribbean that cruise lines are warning their clients about. But how long will that last? When our tourism product suffers and people in the hospitality start to lose their jobs because of out-of-control-crime, will the Minister tell the people to come walk in his shoes as he told MPs?”
MP Richardson said it is time for the Minister to tender his resignation and move on so that the new coalition can appoint Ministers who will be focused on St. Maarten and set St. Maarten back on the right track. “Government chaos leads to community chaos. The criminals don’t care. They see what is happening and feel like we are distracted. And in fact it seems like the Minister is distracted because he has no clue how to make St. Maarten safe. Move on so others who do can get to work. Resign now,” the MP said.

Florida/ St. Maarten:--- 15 year old Jade Browne has made her parents and country proud when she copped the third prize in the FWA Youth writers Collection held in Florida. Jade Browne is the daughter of Delma and Gramey Browne from St Maarten now living in Florida. Jade is aspiring to become a journalist. In doing so she began writing book entitled Revisions of Starting over can be found on Amazon. The first page of the book written by Jade Browne.

Me, Myself and Time excerpt
By Jade Browne
I hid behind a tree and used the tech watch given by Arnold as she ran away from me. I
caught up to her and with a flash of lights; I was paralyzed with fear on what I would open my
eyes to see. While between time wrap I thought to myself, how did I get in this predicament? Is it
a sign that I should try starting my life over? Before I could do anything, she ran quickly to ask
for directions to the red door building. Just this morning, I would have never thought that this
would ever happen. I better go and warn them. As I ran the usual route, I thought back to earlier.
"Come on, when have my calculations ever been wrong?" "Well..." I told my twin brother
Isadore. "Oh shut up, that was one time." My brother was across from me at the round cafe table
we shared in the small bakery in New Zealand. "But hear me out Indigo! I found a way to make
copies of ourselves. Imagine! We could be at the mall or the arcade while our copies are doing
our school work at home. They have the same mind capacity and DNA genetics just like us! Just
come into my lab and we can try it out." "If by lab you're referring to Arnold's parents' basement
then no." "Come on! You always drag me out with your friends and do all of these social events,
but you never come to any science expos or Mega Cons with me!" "Fine, I'll go, alright!"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1514642778?keywords=FWA%20revisions&qid=1445222639&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1

Another Successful Breast Cancer Awareness Event for the Positive & Elektralytes Foundation at Kooyman.

Last Saturday, October 17th, The Positive & Elektralytes Foundations, together with Kooyman Megastore hosted 200 + ladies for their “PAINT IT PINK” breast cancer fundraiser event. The main feature for the evening was the MAKITA Power Tools Workshop, where ladies got a chance to work together to make their very own wooden tool box. All participants wore their MAKITA sponsored pink polo shirts got started, as the sound of hard work filled the air. Up for grabs that evening was an exclusive pink Makita Drill Set; 2 lucky winners were chosen and got walk away with great memorabilia of the evening.

The event didn’t stop there as ladies were also treated to free cocktails courtesy of Tequila Rose, distributed by CC1, Makeovers by Penha, Games and prizes by Funmiles and Beauty Info by Manrique Caprilles who also raffled off a beauty basket to one lucky winner.

“The goal of this event is to raise awareness for Breast Cancer and create a venue for ladies to have fun, and bond so that they may feel free to discuss the importance of getting checked, said Kooyman Commercial Officer, Evencia Carty Seabrookes. We have organized various ladies workshops throughout the year, however this was truly a special evening and Kooyman and MAKITA are really happy to have had a chance to show our support for this cause”.

“It was so amazing to see how excited and determined these women were to build their own personalized tool boxes, said Positive and Elektralytes Foundation spokesperson, Mercedes “Elektra” Wyatt-van der Walls. The combination of beauty and fragrance, skin care and cocktails and numerous raffles and a donation was a perfect mixture and the sisterhood among women was what I believe we were going for . When it comes to Breast Cancer many women need that support from their community, family, friends, loved ones to help them go through this tough disease. I believe through this interactive DIY workshop we sent a clear message that together we can accomplish and do many things”.
This event was made possible by Kooyman and MAKITA Power Tools , the Positive Foundation and Elektralytes Foundation as well as, PENHA, FUNMILES, MANRIQUE CAPRILES, TEQUILA ROSE distributed by CC1, KFC/PIZZA HUT.

For more information on events and breast cancer screenings, like the Positive Foundation Facebook page.

On Monday, October 19th the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (KPCN) has started a recruitment campaign for aspiring police officers. The Force is looking for candidates for the two-year training for police officer which starts soon. With the theme: “Do you have the guts? We have the job!” candidates were called upon to apply on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. On all three islands information sessions are going to be held
OnTuesday, October 27th there will be an information session at Jong Bonaire. On the Windward Islands an information session will be held on Monday, October 26th at the Police Office on Saba and on Tuesday, October 27th at the Police Office on St. Eustatius. All three information sessions are from 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM.
Interested persons have till October 31st to react. KPCN hopes that, just like during the recruitment campaign in 2014, a lot of interested persons from Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire and the neighboring islands will react.
After October 31st a committee specially designated for this within KPCN, will start working on the letter selection. Afterwards the first interviews will take place. With the candidates coming out of the first round of talks, various tests and examinations such as the sports test, the language test and the medical examination will then take place.

Applicants will receive notice within two weeks whether or not they have past the first selection round, the letter selection.

Kampaña pa rekrutá polis di Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland

Djaluna 19 di òktober Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland (KPCN) a inisiá ku un kampaña pa rekrutá aspirante pa polis. E kuerpo ta buskando kandidatonan pa un estudio di dos aña pa bira polis, ku ta kuminsá pronto. Ku e tema “Bo tin kurashi? Nos tin e trabou!”, a hasi un yamada na kandidatonan na Boneiru, Sint Eustatius i Saba pa nan solisitá. Riba tur tres e islanan lo tene enkuentronan di informashon.
Riba djamars 27 di òktober lo tin un enkuentro di informashon na Jong Bonaire. Na islariba lo organisá un enkuentro riba djaluna 26 di òktober na e warda di polis na Saba i riba djamars 27 di òktober na e warda di polis na Sint Eustatius. Tur tres e enkuentronan di informashon lo ta di 6.30 pa 8.30 or di anochi.
Interesadónan tin tempu te ku 31 di òktober pa reakshoná. KPCN ta spera, ku meskos ku durante di e kampaña pa rekrutá den 2014, hopi interesadónan di Saba, Sint Eustatius i Boneiru i tambe di e islanan den besindario, lo reakshoná.
Despues di 31 di òktober un komishon spesial di KPCN a keda apuntá pa kuminsá ku e selekshon di kartanan. Despues, e promé kòmbersashonnan lo tuma lugá. Ku e kandidatonan ku sobra despues di e promé buèlta di kòmbersashonnan lo hasi diferente prueba i tèst manera prueba di deporte, prueba di idioma i tambe un eksamen médiko.
Dentro di 2 siman e solisitantenan lo risibí un mensahe pa asina informá nan si nan a pasa e promé ronda di selekshon, ku ta e selekshon di karta.

ST. EUSTATIUS:--- The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program, is an international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. The GLOBE program was initially announced by the United States Government on Earth Day in 1994 and launched worldwide on Earth Day 1995.

GLOBE Netherlands, has appointed Sara Stone as the Assistant Country Coordinator in collaboration with the United States Department of State and NASA Space Agency. The appointment is effective from July 15, 2015. Stone, an administrator, teacher and trainer, and Director of PEECC Foundation (Progressive Educational Experiences in Caribbean Cultures), is based on the Caribbean Netherlands island of St. Eustatius.

Stone will be taking the lead in the Caribbean Netherlands Islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES Islands), with respect to the development of student performance statistics in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Stone will also branch out to the other countries in the Dutch Kingdom and is familiar with the concepts, methods, and strategies of engaging young scientists of all ages in STEM.

GLOBEs vision is a worldwide community of students, teachers, scientists, and citizens working together to better understand, sustain, and improve Earth’s environment at local, regional, and global scales. The mission is to promote the teaching and learning of science, enhance environmental literacy and stewardship, and promote scientific discovery.

The international GLOBE network has grown to include representatives from 112 participating countries coordinating GLOBE activities that are integrated into their local and regional communities.

Matthijs Begheyn, the Netherlands Country Coordinator and Chair of the Board of GLOBE in Europe and Eurasia, welcomes and applauds Sara Stone in her quest to make the small islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands a leader in GLOBE and STEM education throughout the Caribbean. However the responsibilities of the assistant country coordinator are not exclusive to the Caribbean. The Netherlands signed an agreement with GLOBE in 1995 and this agreement is now extended to the BES Islands.

GLOBE anticipates the teamwork of all coordinators and staff involved in Netherlands GLOBE will continue to engage schools from every country, municipality, and island in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The first school in the BES Islands to take part in the GLOBE program is St. Eustatius Terminal School. According to Sara Stone, Assistant Country Coordinator, the aforementioned school was part of a pilot project that started in February 2014 and concluded in May of that same year.
Stone is working on spreading the wings of the GLOBE program to four schools on St. Eustatius, two on Saba and four on Bonaire. Schools interested in participating in the GLOBE program can email Stone at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
“NuStar Energy in St. Eustatius, General Manager Terence Keogh, understood the value of an opportunity and believed in investing in the Pilot project for STEM Education and the GLOBE initiative. St. Eustatius Terminal School has been the first educational entity in the Dutch Caribbean.
“NuStar sponsorship allowed me to attend an international conference in South Dakota, which has allowed me to start the process to implement GLOBE in the Caribbean BES Islands. I have gained the attention of scientist and educators from Sudan, Alaska, Hawaii, and throughout the USA. Todd Toth, NASA educator for GLOBE, envisions an international conference in the Caribbean that would profile and further highlight the GLOBE initiative,” Sara Stone said on Sunday.
GLOBE provides grade level-appropriate, interdisciplinary activities and investigations about the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and soil/pedosphere, which have been developed by the scientific community and validated by teachers. GLOBE connects students, teachers, scientists, and citizens from different parts of the world to conduct real, hands-on science about their local environment and put in a global perspective.
GLOBE is jointly sponsored by U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Department of State.
Internationally, GLOBE is implemented through Government-to-Government agreements with each Country Partner responsible for in-country activities. As the lead agency for GLOBE in the U.S., NASA has the primary responsibility for administering the Government-to-Government agreements, and the management of the GLOBE Implementation Office and the data and information system that support the worldwide implementation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, NV GEBE joined forces with Positive Foundation and Still Beautiful Foundation to promote and educate the women and men of NV GEBE on the early detection and the signs of Breast Cancer. The group was encouraged to do monthly breast screening.

Study Financing meeting Thursday, October 22~

CUL DE SAC:---- The Management of St. Maarten Academy’s academic campus would like to announce that there will be a mid-term meeting for parents of students in Forms 1 - 5 on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 from 6:30pm.

This meeting is mandatory for parents of students who are performing below standard. All other parents can choose to take the opportunity to meet with the various subjects teachers if they so wish.

Parents are being urged to have a discussion that evening with the homeroom teacher first, then connect with the teachers of the subjects their children are failing. Principal drs. Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool, in assessing the performance of the more than 500 students at the CSEC level, said it was encouraging to see that 86 percent of the student population is performing well.

"As a school, we try to intervene early and find ways of helping our students who are struggling in particular subjects. The first step is always getting parents involved to determine what can be done differently at home. Partnership between school and parents is always very important, for together we can achieve more," Baly-Vanterpool stated.

Letters were sent out to this effect and parents who do not show up for this meeting will be called into the school subsequently.

Also on Thursday, October 22, the Department of Study financing will be visiting the school at 6:30pm to meet with parents of students in Forms 4, 5 and 6.

"As a school, we are aware of the need to educate parents and students about certain privileges, rights and responsibilities. As a result, we have invited study financing officers of the Department of Education to furnish parents and students with information regarding Study Financing," the principal stated.

Study financing application begins on October 15, 2015 and ends on January 15, 2015. For further information, visit the website at: study-sxm.org.

Grand Case, St. Martin:---- Over 200 people came out to celebrate St. Martin's spectacular migratory birds at the 2015 Migratory Bird Festival, which was held Saturday at University of St. Martin. The Migratory Bird Festival is a free, annual public Wildlife Discovery Event created by Les Fruits de Mer for residents and visitors to see and learn about the island's many migratory species and their extraordinary journeys.

One of the highlights of the event was the Heritage Salt Presentation and Walk led by Dr. Jay Haviser, Director of the St. Maarten Archaeological Center (SIMARC). Attendees flocked to the standing-room-only presentation about the history and cultural heritage of salt on St. Martin, followed by a walking tour of the salt pans and other historic structures visible in the Great Salt Pond, one of the island's most important heritage sites and bird habitats. An exhibition panel about salt production and history was also on view at the event. “The Great Salt Pond is historically important for both birds and people,” explained Jenn Yerkes, President of Les Fruits de Mer. “These structures that we can still see from the time of salt exploitation–the stone walls, the levees and poles that are tangible traces of a past which is sometimes invisible–also happen to be great places for observing birds and other wildlife. It's a truly unique intersection of natural and cultural heritage. People really want to engage with their history and culture in ways like this. In fact, Dr. Haviser's presentation was so crowded it was clear we'll need a bigger room next time!”

Also extremely popular with eventgoers were the birdwatching tours of the Great Salt Pond, led regularly throughout the Festival by professional birding guide and Nature Foundation Board Member Binkie van Es. Even a sudden heavy cloudburst couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of people of all ages who learned to use binoculars and bird ID cards to spot Laughing Gulls, Spotted Sandpipers, Great Blue Herons, and other migratory bird species as well as year-round residents like Snowy Egrets, Brown Pelicans, and Magnificent Frigatebirds.

The event's assembly room was packed throughout the Festival for a series of fascinating multimedia presentations. Special guest presenters from Anguilla National Trust, Devon Carter and Giovanni Hughes, showcased a conservation technique—rat eradication—that has been a resounding success on Anguilla's Dog Island and could be a solution for threatened populations of birds and other wildlife on St. Martin's islets. EPIC Environmental Educator Laura Bijnsdorp focused on the wetlands that make St. Martin such a crucial spot for thousands of migratory birds every year. Adults and kids alike got to meet the migratory birds of St. Martin, find out about their amazing voyages, and learn where to find them here on the island from naturalist Mark Yokoyama's “Incredible Journeys” presentation.

Free Gaïac seedlings were distributed at the Club Gaïac station, where Festival-goers got to know this beautiful endangered heritage tree by looking at cross-sections of its wood, viewing demonstrations of its amazing density, learning about its life cycle and historical uses, and discovering how restoring the island's native trees like the Gaïac helps birds by restoring their habitats.

Attendees also learned about what happens to St. Martin's birds and bird habitats during drought at the Shadow of a Drought Exhibition, got an up-close look with microscopes and magnifying boxes at the wetland critters that provide food for migratory birds at the Portable Pond Observation Station, and made hundreds of migratory bird-themed cards at the Happy Bird-day Card art workshop.

Les Fruits de Mer partnered with MadTwoz Association to bring a bus of youth from Sandy Ground to enjoy a day of nature, science, art, and fun at the event. Educators and youth organization leaders who are interested in arranging group trips to future Les Fruits de Mer events are encouraged to contact the association.

“We're thrilled that everyone had such a great time at this year's Festival,” said Yerkes. “The experts' presentations were totally packed, new activities like the Happy Bird-day Card workshop, the Shadow of a Drought Exhibition, and the Heritage Salt Presentation and Walk were a real hit, and Les Fruits had more new member sign-ups than any event yet! We couldn't have done it without the best volunteers in the world, and our awesome event sponsors, Hotel L’Esplanade, Calmos Cafe, Delta Petroleum and Aqua Mania Adventures.”

Anyone who missed the event can still download the free photo essay eBook Shadow of a Drought and BirdsCaribbean's free Heritage Plants guide to bird-friendly native Caribbean plants from the Les Fruits de Mer website's resources page at www.lesfruitsdemer.com.

Les Fruits de Mer's next Wildlife Discovery Event will be Birds & Bugs 2015, a free celebration of St. Martin's incredible insects and fantastic forest birds, coming up in early December at Loterie Farm.

Another success in the pursuit of the freedom and liberty of all women

PHILIPSBURG:--- All participants have hailed the 3rd Caribbean Women and Sexual Diversity Conference 2015, hosted by United and Strong Saint Lucia/CariFLAGS Eastern Caribben Hub and Womantra ,with support from the Women's Caucus of Trinidad and Tobago, as a success. The conference, held at the Kapok Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad, from October 5 to 11, 2015, saw over 50 lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LBT) persons, as well as straight allies, from the Caribbean and Latin America, from a variety of feminist, LBT and women's organizations in attendance.
Members of St. Maarten/St. Martin Alliance For Equality (SAFE) on St. Maarten/St. Martin were among those participating and feel, “proud that they were able to attend a regional lbt women’s event of this magnitude. So much was shared and so much was learned. We definitely look forward to sending a delegation again next year and we have to thank the organizers, Body, Mind & Spirit of Saba and COC Netherlands for making our trip possible. We will definitely put the knowledge we acquired to good use.”
Kenita Placide, Executive Director of United and Strong, said it was interesting to see the politics and diversity in action between the groups. "Being able to pull it off and have over 50 persons in the room was a new high for the conference. We were able to also involve persons from Latin America with translation and their involvement brought a wealth of knowledge that was not present in the English-speaking Caribbean. The challenge going forward is how do we continue to improve, including ensuring the agenda reflects the needs of the people attending."
The participants attended several facilitated seminars on a variety of subjects, including community grassroots organizing, negative stereotypes and violence, fundraising, both locally and internationally, media and advocacy, creative activism, self-care, analysis of some of the international law relating to women, security of women's human rights defenders and LBT women's movement building through feminism.
Each year United & Strong partners with an organization from one of the participating territories based on a voting system. The idea behind this is to increase the capacity of organizations throughout the region and build solidarity through sharing resources and knowledge. WOMANTRA Founder and Co Director Stephanie Leitch said that, "co-ordinating a conference for some 50 people was definitely a challenge but at the end of the day you are not planning a one-time event but building a movement. We have to be responsible for the nature and direction of our movement/s toward equality and justice and I am particularly invested in how feminist lessons can be applied to LBT activism and how we are offering support to each other across difference.”
The conference was also an opportunity to gather factual data on the issues affecting LBT women and this was facilitated by the University of the West Indies through the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Cavehill. IGDS Cave Hill researcher, Shari Innis Grant, said "what both last year's and this year's conference provided was the opportunity to fill a gap of documentation of LBT persons' experience throughout the Caribbean. There is a lack of data across various areas in the Caribbean, we rely on anecdotal evidence but we're now getting into a pattern of really firm, consistent, dependable documentation. I think having spaces like these is essential to collect further documentation and be able to put specific narratives to the lone statistics we have and get to see what's causing these issues."
The conference made a decision to host the 4th Caribbean Caribbean Women and Sexual Diversity Conference in St. Croix with the support of Liberty Place and Leitch adds, “I was honoured to have the opportunity to co-host the CWSDC this year and look forward to passing the torch to Liberty Place and my new comrades there, in continuation of a Cari-vision that dares not only to dream but to pursue the freedom and liberty of all women."
Background Information

United & Strong Still the only LGBTQI representative organisation on Saint Lucia, U&S is celebrating 15 years of ex: istence with intensified connection with the LGBTQI community in Saint Lucia under the theme “Year of the Community: Education, Acceptance, Love”. This is driven by a five-member board newly appointed by the community in April 2014. The current board consists of two males and three females. Known for developing a regional structure to its advocacy in the past five years, U&S is the Eastern Caribbean Hub of the Caribbean Forum for Liberation and Acceptance of Genders and Sexualities (CariFLAGS) and the Women’s Secretariat of ILGA.
WOMANTRA is a youth-led, feminist non-profit organisation dedicated to gender justice activism, feminist scholarship and social programmes. WOMANTRA is Caribbean-based and originated as a dynamic and diasporic online community with a shared feminist discourse of social justice, sex and gendered issues.
St. Maarten/St. Martin Alliance For Equality is a foundation created in order that LGBT people and their allies can engage in meaning conversation about the state of affairs of the community/communities on St. Maarten/St. Martin. It’s aims are 1) to promote the social acceptance and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, 2) To promote personal empowerment by encouraging the awareness of one's own (sexual) identity and support LGBT people when needed, 3) to represent the collective interests of LGBT people and 4) To improve awareness, promote equality, as well as educate the LGBT community and general population on matters pertaining to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, especially where they relate (but are not limited) to the LGBT community.
Body, Mind & Spirit is a community-based organization tasked with the creation of public health awareness campaigns. The foundation strives to create awareness about (sexual) health, human rights and general well-being on the island of Saba, Caribbean Netherlands. Several programs maintained that serve the needs of the community of Saba and the wider Caribbean.

FRIDAY. OCTOBER 23, 2015
6:30 PM AT THE HOLLYWOOD CASINO

PHILIPSBURG:--- October 2, 2015 – The Rotary Club of St. Maarten invites you to a wonderful evening of poker, bingo and excitement on Friday, October 23rd at the Hollywood Casino. According to Rotary Club of St. Maarten President Jeffrey Sochrin” For those that remember the event last year, it was a great time and was a new and exciting way to help raise funds for projects supported by the Rotary Club of St. Maarten particularly in the areas of Youth Literacy, Education, After School Programs, and Health/Nourishment.”

Sochrin continued, “Registration for the poker and bingo tournament begins at 6:30 pm, along with poker lessons, light snacks and cocktails. A $100 donation gets you $2,000 in poker chips or 5 bingo cards, along with an Italian buffet dinner during the breaks. The first place winner in poker will win a minimum cash prize of $1,500 and the bingo minimum cash is $2,000, not to mention many other prizes such as Hotel Stays, Airline Tickets, Excursions, etc. We encourage everyone to come out and join the fun”.

According to Rotarian John Caputo, organizer of the tournament, “This Texas Hold ‘Em and Bingo night is such a different fund raiser than the usual gala dinner. You have the opportunity to win cash and other great prizes all for a good cause. Everyone who came last year raved that it was a fantastic time. We are really looking forward to hosting it again this year and thank Hollywood Casino and all the businesses who helped sponsor prizes to help ensure everyone leaves a winner.”

Additional information and ticket (seat reservation) requests can be found by visiting the Rotary Club of St. Maarten on Facebook.

For more information about the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Press Officer at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website www.rotarysxm.org

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prior to the change of the Presidium of Parliament on October 15th, the House of Parliament had already decided several weeks before that President of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson would represent the country at a celebration event marking the 200th anniversary of the Dutch Chamber of Parliament (First and Second Chambers) in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Richardson joined the other Presidents of Parliament from Aruba, Curacao and the Netherlands First and Second Chambers, in The Hague, the Netherlands for activities organized in connection with the First and Second Chambers of the Dutch Parliament that took place in the Ridderzaal at the Binnenhof.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is 200 years old. Celebrations marking the bicentenary were started back in November 2013.

The celebrations to mark the bicentenary were held in the European and Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.

The foundation for the democratic legal order as we know it today was laid in 1813, and it evolved slowly but surely from that point forward.

In 1848 freedom of assembly and association and the freedom of education were added to the fundamental rights enshrined in the Dutch Constitution, and freedom of the press was expanded. However, slavery was not abolished in the Netherlands Antilles and Suriname until 1863.

Since 1815 the Kingdom has become much smaller. Belgium, Luxembourg, Indonesia, Suriname and New Guinea became independent countries.

For a long time, three countries remained: the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. Since the constitutional changes of 2010, there are now four countries in the Kingdom (the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba and St Maarten) and three special municipalities of the Netherlands (Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba).

Several other events were held commemorated in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom in the period 2013-2015, such as the abolition of slavery 150 years ago (1863), the 75th anniversary of the first parliament of the Netherlands Antilles on Curaçao (1938), and the 60th anniversary of the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands (1954). The theme running through all these historical events was the development of the democratic legal order.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Doctors-in-training at American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine and St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation volunteers helped bring the St. Peters Community Garden project closer to reality on Saturday, when they helped prepare the land for the major agricultural project.

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Rita Bourne-Gumbs, who read about the volunteer exercise on Facebook, also came out on her own accord and helped plough the land and encouraged project leader Denicio Wyatte.

A total of 33 volunteers turned out to assist including 13 AUC students, a large number of Tzu Chi volunteers and Wyatte and his family and friends. Volunteers as young as three-years-old and as old as 80, were busy helping in whatever way they can to help the project inch one step closer to reality. AUC students came out as part of their annual Community Action Day volunteer exercise.

The St. Peters Community Garden, which is located next to the Hillside Christian School in St. Peters, is geared towards creating a model version of the first St Maarten Agricultural Station, where members from the surrounding communities can go to get vital information, help and items related to agriculture and community back-yard garden development. The mission is create an umbrella where persons below the poverty line can get the right education and help with whatever is needed for agriculture that will be able to assists with their living situation.

On Saturday, volunteers assisted with the preparation of the farming area by removing rocks and grass from potential crop areas; painted the recycled palette fence; assisted with the general clean up of the premises by removing unwanted grass, weeds and pruning and beautification of the surrounding fruit trees and helped in the construction of the wooden Green house located on the property.

A heavy downpour of rain during the exercise did not deter volunteers, who used the downpour to take a much needed “community break,” and got right back to work when the rain stopped.

Tzu Chi provided vegetarian snacks and lunch for participants. Freshly made bush tea was also available.

President of AUC’s Asian Students Medical Association Elliott Chen said at the end of the exercise that it was a good experience for the students to get out in the community to help. He said he personally enjoyed the activity. He said it is one thing to go into a supermarket to get your fruits and vegetables; but it is quite another to actually experience some of the hard work that actually goes into farming to produce these things.

Student Wade Licup said he too enjoyed the exercise. He said it’s easy for a student to get stuck in academia, but it’s good to go out to help and keep a healthy balance. He said too that it is important to make better use of the land.

Bourne-Gumbs thanked volunteers for backing the agricultural initiative. The minister said the project is a good example of how communities can help to build themselves without the assistance of government and also help build each other. She was happy to see young children amongst the volunteers, as they too are getting a chance to learn about the importance of agriculture as well as a chance to learn about a local tradition.

Wyatte enlightened volunteers about his vision for agriculture and his plans for the project.

Both Wyatte and Tzu Chi Foundation Commissioner Sandra Cheung thanked all the volunteers for coming out to help in the project. Cheung said although everyone was covered in mud, after the rain, the exercise was fun, beneficial and very rewarding for volunteers.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The last session in the Power of Knowledge series will be taking place on Tuesday, October 20th at 6:30 pm. This will be an informative and in-depth lecture on Sint Maarten labor law by Nikima Groeneveldt-Hickinson, Policy Advisor at the Department of Labor.
Are you fully informed about the labor laws that exist on Sint Maarten? If not, then you must not miss the last lecture in the Power of Knowledge series. The session by Nikima Groeneveldt-Hickinson will inform you about all aspects of labour law. The matters that will be discussed are: legislation, the Sint Maarten labor market, worker’s rights and responsibilities, employer’s rights and responsibilities, basic definitions of players, the types of contracts, and much more.
It is important to know and exercise your rights and the Power of Knowledge sessions are being organised to help equip people with knowledge with which they can better manage their lives and take control of any situation they may be facing. The library strives to do this by inviting experts from the business sector and government to speak and share their vast knowledge on the topics at hand.
All are invited to attend this informative and essential lecture on labor law at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library. For any questions please telephone the library at 542 2970.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Paradise Casino was robbed Sunday night around 10:30pm by lone gunman who it is understood walked into the casino and placed a gun towards the cashier who willingly turned over the cash she had in her possession. SMN News understands that when the gunman got what he wanted he walked out of the casino without hurting anyone.
SMN News tried reaching Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson Sunday night but like always Henson did not answer his phone. SMN News reporter made several phone calls to the incoming Chief of Police Carl John who also did not answer his phone. Phone calls were also placed at the police station and the watch commander basically said that they are not permitted to give information to the media and that stronger efforts should be made to reach the Police Spokesman that are being paid to provide services to the media.
It is understandable that the Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson has to rest at night just like everyone else, but with the state of affairs on St. Maarten regarding crime should be a major concern for the police management team, including Henson and Deputy Chief of Police Carl John who will be taking over from Chief of Police Peter de Witte this weekend, they should be the first to say that the crime situation on St. Maarten is no longer acceptable and as members of the management team they now have to join the numbers on the road to combat crime.
While the Dutch and almost everyone on St. Maarten are speaking about integrity and crime one must realize that the police themselves are harboring criminals, especially when it turned out that these criminals are their own relatives and or children.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson has a son who is heavily involved in criminal activities and while this young man is a grown man; where is Henson’s responsibility especially when his grown son lives in his own house, stole his police radio in order to monitor the police and most importantly where was he when his son got convicted as an accomplice in an execution style murder that took place in Cay Hill. After Henson’s son was convicted by the court why did Henson, a Chief Inspector of Police did not turn in his son to the Police and or Prison in order for him to serve his time. Why this so responsible father and lawman allowed his son to remain free while living in his house to continue with his criminal activities until he was caught with a gun and ammunition on the French side where he was arrested and convicted.
This is not an attack on the police spokesman who is extremely arrogant and believes that because he is part of the management team he is above the law and can speak to his colleagues including the one he threatened when he found out that detective was working on a report against his son. Some of the questions that now arises is why did the Chief of Police Peter de Witte did not take full actions against Henson when Henson claimed he lost his police radio that police found in his son’s possession.
What role did Acting Chief of Police Carl John play in ensuring his driver and best friend was not properly reprimanded for his carelessness. Why is outgoing Chief of Police Peter de Witte remained silent in this matter since most of these things happened under his watch?
Some years ago the son of a CID gunned down two gas station attendants in Sucker Garden, many could remember the case of the two Haitian nationals that were killed in cold bold in an armed robbery. The father of the killer was on the team investigating that case but when one of his colleagues got wind that the suspect was the son of his own colleague and he needed to show that no one is above the law, and he arrested the young man and ensure that justice was served that detective up to this day suffered at the hands of the police management who did everything possible to stagnate him, to ensure he did not get any promotions even though he is qualified and even prosecutor’s turned against him for doing what was right back then.
Earlier this year, an officer of the law killed a young man in Belvedere and while everyone on the scene told the National Detectives what they saw, including a detective of the National Detective who received a phone call from his colleague who told him what he was about to do, it took almost five weeks before this rookie officer was arrested. The question remains who is protecting who and why police officers getting preferential treatment. Another case that SMN News recently published after two months is the case involving a female police officer whose child burn himself while they were left alone at home. Why is this case taking so long to be handled? What evidence does the National Detectives need to arrest this officer or to suspend her as they proceed with the investigation?
On Sunday several Members of Parliament took a swipe at Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson for his crime fighting policy and the new plan he was supposed to present to parliament last Wednesday. But so far none of the politicians and government even spoke of the lack of resources KPSM is getting, and tools. It took the life of a police officer before the Ministry of Justice decided to purchase bullet proof vests for the officers patrolling the streets, before that the excuse was there is no money. Why the Attorney General is not called in for his refusal to provide more to St. Maarten for police officers to fight crime? Or does the Attorney General also know that tools are not the only thing needed to fight and combat crime but it also takes the honesty of Police Officers to go after every suspect that commits crime. St. Maarten was labelled with class justice by a judge in the Masbangu (vote buying) case that took five years before it reached the court, and while the court and politicians criticized the leader of the political party that is involved in the case, one of the things that people don’t realize is that the culprits that sold their votes were police officers, and when the fight broke out inside the Police Station what did Acting Chief of Police Carl John did was try to push it under the rug, it took a reporter to question this case before Chief of Police Peter de Witte who was off island at the time did his own investigation before ordering an internal investigation into the incident. With the amount of incidents involving police officers of KPSM it is high time that someone do something to clean up KPSM and ensure that integrity starts with those in blue. Violent crimes committed on St. Maarten are at its highest and if those in blue are part of it then the people of this great country is indeed in trouble.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Sint Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen, attended the closing event celebration of Kingdom of the Netherlands 200 Years, in The Hague, the Netherlands at the Second Chambers of Parliament.

The celebrations marked the bicentenary. Speeches were made by various dignitaries including the Dutch Prime Minister and Chair persons from the First and Second Chambers of the Dutch Parliament.

“Everyone seemed to have enjoyed a very contemporary ceremony of the 200 year celebration of the two Dutch Chambers of Parliament.

“The ceremony was very light and very fresh with lots of beautiful singing. It was an event that highlighted the countries – the Netherlands – main mode of transportation, the bicycle,” Minister Fleming-Artsen said on Sunday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Under the umbrella of the European Union funded COSME Programme, the Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunication (EVT) hosted an interactive workshop for small hotel property owners throughout the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). The workshop, which was held on Thursday October 15, 2015, was one of many initiatives hosted under the COSME Programme which seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium sized enterprises throughout the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories.

As tourism remains the main economic industry throughout the region, organizers thought it appropriate to find ways to support small property owners via the COSME Programme. By bringing together property owners from St. Maarten, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and Montserrat organizers were able to share best practices as well as immediate cost cutting measures that would decrease high energy usage. Energy efficiency was also stressed upon by Minister of VROMI Claret Connor who encouraged the participants to rethink their approach to energy efficiency in their properties. Minister Connor urged the property owners to think of creative ways to encourage all guests and property staff to buy into the notion that saving the environment should be a personal, local and global effort.

Following Minister Connor’s opening words the day continued without a hitch with presentations by Diana Hendrickson-Fleming Team Leader of the COSME Programme, Erika Radjouki and Claire Hooft Graafland, Senior Policy Advisors to EVT and VROMI respectively, Anenda Zaandam, Executive Director of SHTA, Carl Duinkerk and Alberto Bute of Mango Green Renewable Energy and key presenter Ms. Loretto-Duffy, Caribbean Hotel Energy Efficiency Action (CHENACT) Regional Program Manager. Closing the workshop Minister of TEATT Mr. Ernest Sams thanked participants for traveling to St. Maarten for workshop and encouraged them to use the knowledge and strategies shared throughout the day to increase their competitiveness and profit margins.

At the end of the day long workshop, participants thanked EVT as well as the COSME team for a well put together and informative session. One participant stated that he was surprised by how much knowledge he gained in a few hours and was ready to share his new strategy with his staff.

Initiatives under the EU funded COSME Programme will continue throughout 2015 and 2016. For more updates on the COSME Programme as well as other initiatives from EVT, like the Department’s facebook page: facebook.com/evt.sxm

POINTE BLANCHE:--- On October 13th, the newly acquired Terex Gottwald Model 6 Crane from Germany, completed its commissioning process and went into full operation on October 15th completing another mile stone for Port St. Maarten Group of Companies. The crane arrived on the island at the end of August.

The crane offloaded containers from the Motor Vessel CMA CGM Marfret Guyane under the operation of Senior Crane Operator and Crane Supervisor Romeo Gumbs. Port St. Maarten Management, Staff and personnel from SSS Stevedoring Company, were very pleased with the effectiveness and efficiency of the new Terex Gottwald Model 6 Crane.

Port St. Maarten now possesses the largest mobile crane - Terex Gottwald Model 6 – in the North Eastern Caribbean. It is part and parcel of the operations at the cargo section of the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility.

Port St. Maarten Management would like to thank customers and stakeholders for their support during the transitional phase from upgrading from the older version crane to the latest sophisticated Model 6.

RBC Royal Bank provided the financing for the new crane. The cargo section at Port St. Maarten is a 24/7 operation, and provides a large part of the revenues generated by the Port.

After arrival at the end of August, assembly efforts started immediately by Germany Gottwald technicians on-site and Port St. Maarten Gottwald certified crane experts. Gottwald Engineers from Dusseldorf, Germany, remained onsite and have been closely monitoring the operation of the new crane since it commenced on October 15th, and are very pleased with the performance.
The engineers are now working with Port St. Maarten maintenance team conducting tutorial sessions about all crane operations and explaining in detail about the mechanical parts with respect to the upgrade from the older to newer version.

Port St. Maarten sold its 14-year old HMK 260E Gottwald known as Crane 1 to a group in Mexico via broker Pacific Handling Systems Inc.

The acquisition of the Terex Gottwald Model 6 Mobile Harbour Crane and the additional Bromma spreaders will bolster Port St. Maarten’s position and continue to expand its cargo related activities and foot print within the North Eastern Caribbean region.
By trading in the older version Model 4 Gottwald Crane for a newer Model 6 crane with an outreach of 15 across and load capacities of 125t, Port St. Maarten will be able to properly accommodate and continue to grow its foot print within the north eastern Caribbean region.
The Terex Gottwald Model 6 harbour crane is high performance for higher handling rates, and is part of the large crane family from Terex Port Solutions. The crane can be used on ships up to post-Panamax and Capesize Bulker class.
The Model 6 crane is equipped with the technical and ergonomic functions and features required to improve productivity, environmental compatibility and facilitate operation to boost economical and sustainable cargo handling in ports and terminals. Port St. Maarten crane staff is already trained in using this model of crane.
Over the years Port St. Maarten has invested significantly in Cargo, where infrastructure, dredging, and upgrading of Cranes are concerned; training of staff leading to six local certified operators and supervisors.

With increasing cargo volumes especially related to transshipment where enormous growth opportunity exist, brings about a good feeling for port officials.
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.
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.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The voting period for 10th Annual Crystal Pineapple Awards officially opens as of today, October 19th, 2015. This puts YOU in the perfect position to vote for those individuals and organizations you think should be recognized for their outstanding performance in the Hospitality, Tourism and Trade Industry. May it be an excellent employee, an outstanding manager, your favorite chef, bartender or any of the other nominees?
The Crystal Pineapple Award Ceremony, the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association’s largest annual event, will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. To date the Awards Gala is the ONLY event on the island that recognizes Hospitality & Trade personnel, organizations and associations for their contribution towards the tourism industry. During the 2015 “Night of the Industry Stars” themed Gala Awards, individuals who are employed in the Hospitality and Trade industry will receive awards in the categories of Accommodations, Restaurants & Bars, Trade, Timeshare, as well the category Outstanding Community Service Achievement, Best Entertainer of the year and Best Customer Service Representative.
The award ceremony will be held on Friday, November 20th, 2015 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. The gala evening includes a sumptuous dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction, a raffle and much more. This year’s 10 anniversary will also feature some additional surprises to commemorate the Awards Gala Milestone. In addition the SHTA will be commemorating its 45th Anniversary. The festivities have started early with nominees receiving their nomination certificates personally from the Director and Staff of the SHTA. Nominees were surprised at the workplace where they received their certificate, a Pineapple pin to be worn for all to recognize their nomination status, participated in a photoshoot and made a video
“This will be a double celebration for the Association, which should not be missed”, said SHTA. The organizing committee will also be launching a YouTube page to showcase the pictures and videos of the nominees and weekly features of the nominees can be found on the SHTA social pages and the media.
Voting can be done on www.shta.com. Simply click on the ‘Crystal Pineapple Awards’ under the ‘Events’ tab on the left hand side of the page and follow the instructions. A link to the voting page has also been placed on the Crystal Pineapple Awards and SHTA Facebook page. The polls will close on Sunday November 15th, 2015 at 12 noon. Remember that your vote can make someone feel like a star that evening.

Tickets for the will be on sale at the SHTA office as of October 28th, 2015 and can be reserved any time during office hours. Please make sure to reserve your Gala tickets right away, as there is limited seating!
The SHTA, the largest business representative on the island, 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 the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website www.shta.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Today our young island nation is in a constitutional crisis because of the different interpretations of articles #33 and #59 of our constitution. The Council of Ministers has requested the opinions of various Dutch constitutional experts from the Hague. Our governor has taken the high road and requested three judges to provide an advice on this political impasse in five working days. We don’t know if the eight majority in the parliament of St. Maarten has acquired advice from any legal minds locally or from the Hague.
What bothers me is that time after time our elected officials especially those supporting the Council of Ministers have ridiculed the same Dutch for meddling in our internal affairs. But now that it is convenient they are calling on the same Dutch experts to provide them with legal advice.
Our constitution was established by the team that negotiated St. Maarten becoming a country within the Dutch Kingdom. This team if I can remember correctly consisted of the leaders of the National Alliance and the Democratic Party of St. Maarten. Their legal advisors were Attorneys at Law, Mr. Ralph Richardson., Mr. Richardson Gibson Sr., Mr. Gaston Bell, Mr. Reynold Groeneveld and Mr. Roland Duncan for a period of time. Three of those members served as Minister of Constitutional Affairs of the former Netherlands Antilles and must have acquired much knowledge while serving in that position. They were good to advise us in putting the constitution together but they aren’t good enough now to advise us on this political impasse.
Every civilized country has a constitution and while some may remark that ours is a carbon copy of the former Netherlands Antilles our legal advisors while establishing it must have gone over article for article. Therefore, each article in the constitution must have been motivated by those in charge at that moment while putting it together. Some articles may have been straight forward and others required a discussion amongst those legal advisors and the leadership of the country at that time. I want to believe that these two articles #33 and #59 in particular must have raised some type of eyebrows during those discussions.
I am therefore calling on those legal advisors who were part of the Constitution Committee to come forward and explained to the general public and to submit an opinion as a team or individually to our governor regarding the interpretation of those two articles. After all you have put the constitution together and you have lived it over the last five years. Nobody, not even those judges can interpret those articles better than those of you who put them together. Other than those members of the Constitution Committee it is the civic duty of our resident lawyers and law firms to issue an opinion on this impasse. Perhaps you are available to be part of a forum to be organized on short notice to discuss this political impasse that we are experiencing today. At the end of the day you are going to have to live with the opinion that you issue if it is carried unlike those judges who don’t live here and would not be affected one way or the other.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several police patrols, detectives, Forensic Department and Paramedics were sent by the Emergency Central Dispatch to Marigot Hill road 64, in Sint Peters on Sunday October 18th at approximately 02.10 p.m. after receiving a call informing them, that the male resident at that address had committed suicide. On the scene the investigating officers learnt that 37 year old victim with initials J.W.S. had been suffering from depression. On the Sunday the family left for church leaving the victim alone at home resting. When the family arrived back from church they realized that the victim had taken his own life by way of hanging. Doctor Douglas arrived on the scene shortly after and pronounced the death of the victim. The Forensic Department was on the scene collecting evidence and the detectives were questioning witnesses. Thus far no signs of foul play has been detected.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- However, St. Maarten finds itself in a situation which has now become the order of the day. With all the solutions being placed on the table, thus far none have provided the people any plausible guarantee for stability. This for me is the cardinal element that has proved itself to be lacking in all the governing bodies formed thus far since 10-10-10.

It took me three years to come to this conclusion, and once it became a passion, I started my personal little quiet campaign, among the potential candidates across the board, to create a national government. The understanding would have been that parties would agree to work together for this one term to strengthen the island seeing the challenges the island faced with the electoral council, the integrity issues, the CFT and health care. If this could be done, then we would battle together against our challenges so that the island could stabilize and truly build and steel herself to face the future of our island. One four-year term, for the sake of St. Maarten and her people.

I still believe that if we truly want to be mature and disciplined about St. Maarten we would put aside the issues that divide us and work as a country for one term, one four-year term. Beside the above mentioned reasons, a glance at the dump, the vast numbers of members of our community lost while seeking care abroad and not even able to pass their last moments with family members, our desperate need to improve health care, not just the facilities and buildings but the way we CARE for our population, the rapidly growing senior population who are not surviving on the pension provided, demands that we stop and look a little deeper and harder that this possibility. From my observation of the facts since entering politics, no one party can deliver the magic wand, we must work together.

I made the approach before the 2014 elections to all the parties who had an ear, however only one leader, was willing to stop the presses and reach out the olive branch to work towards such an approach. Thus I joined forces with the hope that the concept would take root. As is still evident during the past week, some are still averse to such, and an impasse remains in St. Maarten and the general population along with our international reputation is being weakened with each new government formed.

We need to work harder to regionalize education and ensure that our students and schools are competitive with others in the region and then abroad.

St. Maarten is the smallest country in the Kingdom and has more high councils of state to bear financial responsibility for. These are not only expensive for our government but cumbersome and provide no quick nor effective solutions to any problem the country faces based on the sought outcome stated above (stability).

Another common challenge (across party lines) that the country is (willingly) facing, is the CFT demands which all will agree are necessary but are stifling in the manner in which demands are made, why because, they cannot be met without concurrently making it impossible to solve the pressing needs of the country.

I wish once again, to once request of the political leaders to accept an invitation to, through and attitude of humility and cooperation, engage in talks of strengthening this island by the joining of hands for the remainder of this term and seek points of agreement where parties can work together, at least for one term to solve the pressing needs of the country. Give each party their duties for planning and the execution dependent on a collective decision.

Effect the needed changes in the constitution which would strengthen the electoral process and give our people stability, thus giving our future generation some hope of economic prosperity and stability.

Set a collective priority scale and a timeline towards solving OUR pressing problems. Let us work collectively to create at least one alternative economic pillar. Let us not just tell the Netherlands but let us show them and the rest of the world what St. Maarteners can truly do. Our children are desperate for a sign of hope for their future, let us not disappoint them. We can be men and women of valor and steer this island where we all want to see her go.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The eight Members of Parliament that now has the majority in Parliament told members of the media that the Governor of St. Maarten already made a clear decision on the current political situation. Leader of the National Alliance MP William Marlin said that the Governor Eugene Holiday clearly informed the Council of Ministers situation in 2013 is the same as the current situation because there is a majority in Parliament that are ready to form a government.
Marlin said the Governor told the Council of Ministers that the constitution of St. Maarten especially article 33 is very clear. Marlin said the Governor also indicated to the Gumbs cabinet that they became a caretaker government the moment they got the vote of no confidence on September 30th 2015. Marlin said further indicated that the Governor also informed the Council of Ministers that they do not have the authority to write new Landsbesluit but instead take care of current affairs and he does not consider the dissolution of parliament a current affair. Marlin said that the Gumbs cabinet does not agree with the Governor and thus they have placed him in a corner by acting “pig-headily” by throwing stones at the Governor.
Marlin said had the Gumbs cabinet respected the decision of the Governor and the constitution of Country St. Maarten then the in-coming cabinet could have been sworn in by Monday.
Marlin said because of the stance the Gumbs cabinet has taken the Governor had to ask three judges to clearly define at least three articles of the country’s constitution in order for him to execute the decision he took.
Marlin also attacked statements made by Member of Parliament Franklin Meyers who said that the National Alliance namely “William Marlin” is a hypocrite because just some months ago he wanted to crucify MP Maurice Lake while he was a Minister but today has formed a government with him. Marlin said that almost every politician had their disagreements but when the time comes to serving the people the politicians would normally put their differences aside and work together. Marlin said in 2009 now MP Theodore Heyliger jumped ship from the Democratic Party and formed a government with the National Alliance where they signed their governing accord at Emilio Wilson Park. Marlin said ever since Heyliger took office they did not agree but they managed to work together to bring home the new status for St. Maarten and purchase the Emilio Wilson Estate. Marlin further stated that Heyliger abandoned that Government and formed his own party to contest the 2010 elections. He said just recently after the motion of no confidence was passed in parliament on September 30th the UPP Members of Parliament contacted at least three persons in the new coalition to form a government with them, namely MP Maurice Lake, MP Sarah Wescot Williams and himself the leader of the National Alliance.
The National Alliance leader then further explained that it is ship jumping that placed Marcel Gumbs and others in government and if they were so concerned about the ship jumping then one would have seen it in their governing accord.
Marlin also criticized the Minister of Justice for the spate of shooting that are taking place on St. Maarten. Marlin said that the Minister of Justice had to report to parliament last week to outline his plan on how he intend to combat the crime rate on St. Maarten.

MP Frans Gumbs called on media to properly inform the people --- says judge from the constitutional court advices Gumbs cabinet.

MP Frans Richardson in his address said that a number of legal minds render their opinion on article 33-2 of the country’s constitution. He said even local experts have been giving their opinion on the said article and it is for him very unfortunate that the people of St. Maarten are not given the correct information on the country’s constitution. MP Richardson said upon listening to the people it is clear that they are being misguided by the information they are given, thus he felt that the media has a very important role to play by printing accurate information in order to educate the population.
MP Richardson further stated that he read somewhere in the media that one of the judges of the constitutional court have been advising government. Therefore he in particular will be looking at how this particular judge would tell the governor. MP Richardson said he is aware of the discussions where it is alleged that Judge Bob Wit have been advising the Gumbs cabinet and thus he is bring that information to the people of St. Maarten.
MP Richardson further stated that it’s been 19 days since the motion of no confidence was passed in parliament and semantics are being used to drag on the process.
Leader of Democratic Party and now Chairlady of Parliament also explained what was in the letter that MP Franklin Meyers gave to at least one talk show host. She called on that person to explain the people of St. Maarten what is in that letter because what is in that letter is what the Governor outlined recently. Wescot Williams said that while crime is escalating on St. Maarten the care taker Minister of Justice who had to report to Parliament last week to lay out the plan he has in place to fight crime but the Minister chose not to report to Parliament while his staff did. Wescot Williams said the night before the meeting Members of Parliament got a copy of the plan. Wescot Williams said that the Minister informed Parliament that he could not attend the meeting of parliament due to the silent protest held in front of the Government Building. Wescot Williams made clear that the caretaker Minister does not have his office at the Government Building. She said that the only issue she has with the motion of no confidence given to the Gumbs cabinet is that took too long before it finally happened. “If that could have been done by one Member of Parliament that motion would have been presented a long time. There is too much disrespect shown to the Parliament of St. Maarten.
Wescot Williams said that what MP Cornelius de Weever did last week has placed a blemish on the Parliament of St. Maarten. She said that now she has been appointed as Chairperson of Parliament they majority of Parliament intends to call a meeting sometime next week to debate the dissolution of Parliament.
MP Maurice Lake who was also at the press conference on Sunday afternoon said sometime next week he will call a press conference where he will explain the people of St. Maarten his reasons for pulling his support from the UPP led government.

PHILIPSBURG/Den Haag:--- The Kingdom Council of Ministers approved on October 2nd, 2015 the proposal to appoint Ms. Maria C. van der Sluijs–Plantz LLM as member of the Board of financial supervision Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Cft) upon recommendation of Sint Maarten.

Maria van der Sluijs–Plantz has her roots in Sint Maarten where she is also active in the business world. At present she is living in Netherlands. She has lived for years in Curaçao, after which she completed her academic training in the Netherlands. Maria has an economic and legal background and extensive administrative experience as CEO in international business. She is specialized in international mergers, acquisitions and buy-outs. Maria van der Sluijs-Plantz was Vice Chairman of the first Corporate Governance Council of Sint Maarten. At present she is active as a member of various supervisory boards, non-executive director and supervisory director of various organizations.

The Board of financial supervision Curaçao and Sint Maarten consists besides Chairman Prof. Dr. Age F.P. Bakker, of drs. Alberto Romero upon recommendation of Curaçao and Mrs. Sybil M. Dekker upon recommendation of the Netherlands. The board is complete again with the appointment of Mrs. Maria. C. van der Sluijs-Plantz. Early December the Cft will make its regular visit to Curaçao and Sint Maarten in its new composition. The intention is also to make a work visit to the Netherlands next year to get acquainted with relevant institutions.

Simpson Bay:--- An early Sunday morning shooting has left one person dead. The shooting took place shortly after 9am Sunday morning by Robbie’s Lottery located at La Palapa building in Simpson Bay. Persons on the scene said the victim that was shot dead seems to be an employee working for Robbie’s Lottery and he apparently got shot while trying to open the business place. However, that could not be confirmed by anyone. SMN News further learnt that the victim is of Latino decent.
SMN News contacted Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson for confirmation on the shooting, Henson who was on the scene of the shooting said “I am not giving you any information. I am now gathering information as I am on the scene and hung up his telephone.”
Crime on St. Maarten have been escalating almost every week there are one or two shootings, armed robberies have become rampant on St. Maarten and while all of this is affecting the economy of St. Maarten. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson believes hiding or suppressing  information from media personnel’s would lower the spate of crime occurring on St. Maarten. Henson is paid extra to work and serve as a police spokesman but he is hardly reachable while news of importance is hidden. Several times when Henson is contacted he would say "I am with my family, I need to rest also and I am not giving the media information after 7pm." SMN News informed the management of KPSM several times on the lack of communication from the Police Force on St. Maarten but so far nothing has been done about Henson's performance on the job.

On Sunday afternoon Members of Parliament forming the new coalition took yet another swipe at caretaker Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson on the amount of shootings on St. Maarten, one which claimed the life of a police officer. Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said its clear that the policy the Minister has on crime fighting is not effective. While Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams admonished the caretaker Minister who did not attend a Central Commitee meeting last Wednesday where he was supposed to present the plan he recently created to combat crime on St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said this is not the first time people are being gunned down in broad daylight. She said early Sunday morning persons walking the streets in Simpson Bay had to run for shelter when several gunshots were fired in broad daylight claiming the life of yet another person.

Man shot dead in Simpson Bay
Several police patrols, detectives, forensic department and paramedics were sent to Simpson Bay in the vicinity of Simpson Bay Real Estate and Robbie’s Lottery located in the La Palapa Building Complex for a shooting which took place on Sunday October 18th at approximately 09.10 a.m. The first call came in to the Central Dispatch informing them of several gun shots were fired and one man was shot. The patrols immediately closed off the area and diverted traffic so the Forensic Department could collect evidence and Detectives could speak to witnesses. The victim who had been fatally wounded by gun shots was pronounced dead by Doctor Douglas who came to the scene. The identity of the victim has not yet been officially been released. The reason for this shooting and who is responsible for this act is still very unclear. The detectives are questioning witnesses and gathering other information to try to piece together what actually happened. As more information becomes available the media will be informed. The police department is asking anyone who may have information concerning this case to call the tip line #9300 or tel: 54-22222.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- Utility Company, NV GEBE, reports that vandals severed cables in one of NV GEBE transformer houses which disrupted service to the street lights in the area of Scott’s Gas Station.
In light of the recent acts of vandalism to NV GEBE’s property in particular transformer houses and streetlights, the utility company would like to caution the individuals against this kind of behavior and to desist from such actions.
The company is also urging the community to be vigilant and to report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
NV GEBE would like to inform the community of St. Maarten that tampering with the company’s property is both illegal and dangerous which can result in deadly consequences -- not just for the offenders but also for utility workers.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---The Fire Department which falls under the Ministry of General Affairs, is responsible for issuing licenses that are fireworks related.

Those who would like to import, transport, sell or have a fireworks show at year-end, needs to submit the application for the permit to the Ministry of General Affairs at least six weeks before the activity. Therefore the application deadline to apply for year-end fireworks licenses has been set for November 10th, 2015.

Applications have to contain all the information as required by article 9 of the Fireworks Ordinance. For the fireworks import and transport licenses, there has to be a location where the fireworks will be transported.

If the fireworks are to be transported to a storage location on the Dutch side, a Hindrance Permit from the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), is needed for the storage location.

The Fireworks Ordinance contains the fire safety measures that have to be implemented at a fireworks storage location.

Permit application forms can be obtained at the Fire Department. The Fireworks Ordinance can be read online by searching for “Vuurwerk Besluit Sint Maarten”.

The import, transport, storage, sale and blasting of explosives and fireworks, are regulated by the Fireworks Ordinance: Vuurwerkbesluit AB2013, GT18.

The ordinance contains regulations on what type of fireworks can be imported and sold to the general public. It also contains the days that these fireworks can be used which are from December 29th to January 1st.

Fireworks that are not part of the allowed consumer fireworks are considered professional fireworks, and are to be imported, transported, stored and displayed by certified pyro technicians.

Permits are needed to carry out these fireworks related activities, which can be obtained at the Ministry of General Affairs.

The Fireworks Ordinance falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of General Affairs, Fire Department.

The Fire Department advises the Minister of General Affairs on the applicants’ compliance with the ordinance and on the safety precautions regarding the activities.

These safety measures are needed to prevent incidents during transportation, storage and the sales of fireworks.

The Fire Department also ensures that fireworks that can cause major injuries are lighted by certified professionals so that the lighting and display of fireworks remains an enjoyable experience on Sint Maarten.

For more information on fireworks related permits contact the Fire Prevention Department at 543-1316 or
e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ST. PETERS:---- “With all the political situation on the island, we can't lose focus on some of the issues affecting our economy and neighbourhoods especially with the spate of crime on the island.
“Education is key to fighting crime by starting with the young generation by teaching them morals and values within the school system. We have a lot of houses but few homes in the community, and we need to get back to basics where it concerns fighting crime, but also preventing crime on this island by improving our rehabilitation center where young prisoners when released early from jail, work them slowly back into the community so they can be productive citizens within society again.
“Prison is becoming like a merry go around for a lot of youngsters where they come out and go right back to crime and the back to prison. We need to break that cycle by re-educating these youths to learn a skill through NIPA, and have them wear an ankle bracelet when released early to monitor their whereabouts for a year to see how they adopt back into society. Just look at the statistics and we would see who does most of the armed robberies. They are persons already known in the system.
“I would like to see the VKS more involved with the Police in the fight against crime. The VKS are well experienced and train and know the districts a lot better, and has a master plan for Philipsburg and other prone crime areas to make our environment much safer. As the former Minister of VROMI, I wrote an approval letter to the current Government to issue the VKS a piece of land behind the Vineyard Building to build their offices and training facility. I believe we need to support our law enforcement to better serve and protect the citizens of our island.
“I know funds are an issue, but we need to look for the means to finance this project in the best interest of our people and visitors to make St. Maarten safe again. Parliament already recommended to cut their travel budget in half to fight crime and Government needs to prioritize financing for this to make our island safe again.
“I also would like to commend the former Minister of Justice Roland Duncan with the community police officers program in the different districts which is a huge success to develop better working relations between the police and the community.
“We need police sub stations in key areas in the Cul de Sac Basic, in a central location like St. Johns, to cover the entire area, Cole Bay by the Border and Dutch Quarter by Belvedere Border, and get some more blue on the road to enforce the law.
“We also need to get some of the experienced detectives out in the field with the rookie police officers to share that experience that is much needed in the force. I would rehire back as Advisors some of the senior retired officers like Sir Toddy Peterson, Jean Pierre Romou, Russell Simmons, Hildo Martina, Major Brown and others. Remember these robbers’ look at the weak points of the police force and make these daring robberies in broad day light and in front of anybody. We need to get the security camera system up and running also in key areas of the island. And Community Councils have to get involved and activate their community watch programs. Crime is everybody’s business if we are going to get results, we have to go back to basics.
“We also need to start focussing on our youth unemployment rate and teach them a skill and how to apply for a job. A lot of these youths leave jail and go back to the same thing because of no one giving them an opportunity. We need to try and understand their way of thinking which is different than our way of thinking.
“On Sunday morning last, I had the opportunity to speak to 10 to 15 young men on the block in St. Peters about this situation. They are very upset and feel very useless ON their own island as St. Maarteners because since I left as Minister no one HAS GIVEN them THE OPPORTUNITY FOR a job. They feel like they don't have a life. They told me to come back in the afternoon then I would see about 20 more youngsters just sitting on the block. They also would like to let the Government know that they are not a ‘lost generation’ as mentioned by one of the Ministers.
“It is sad to see our young people just sitting without any job opportunities for our own. We need to encourage them because they really try to change their life style and provide for their family. That’s why before I left office, I started the process for them to get a two year contract on trench cleaning in the different districts which the current Minister of VROMI completed, but the boys still have to get paid for their services.
“There were two in the group who has a family and work for a security company on the island who has not paid them in 6 months in which I called the owner and told him to pay the young men for their services. The owner told me he is still waiting on Government to pay him to pay the young men for their services. This is only St. Peters. Imagine the other districts where our young men ARE just looking for an HONEST job opportunity.
“In closing, the only way to combat crime it must be a collective effort by everyone, especially the parent but we also got to educate our young people to develop a skill and create opportunities for our own to become productive citizens in our society.”

Harbour View:--- In light of the current political environment and the ongoing debate His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday considers it important that the population take stock of the situation based on facts and free from the ongoing political maneuvering. In that regard the Governor wishes to reemphasize that political debate is a prerequisite for growth in any democracy. And the Governor stresses that it goes without saying that for growth such should take place based on facts, peacefully, with mutual respect for the opinions of all sides and with due consideration of the laws governing Sint Maarten.

Considering the political developments of September 30, 2015 involving:

1. the current Council of Ministers losing its majority support in Parliament
2.  the passing of a vote of no-confidence in Parliament against the current Council of Ministers; and
3.  the subsequent decision of the Council of Ministers later the same day to call for new elections and dissolve Parliament,

The Governor has consulted with the parties involved to get clarity regarding the political situation. In doing so he has encouraged and warned parties, always emphasizing that it is imperative that parties adhere to the democratic principles as laid down in our laws, established in and derived from our constitution.

With regard to the discussions concerning the authorities of Parliament and of the Council of Ministers, it is essential to note that in our dualistic system of government the authorities of both bodies are separate and independent but limited by the rule of law. Our parliamentary democracy gives parties the freedom and right to a difference of opinions. This means, that within or between the two bodies differences of opinions can and will arise from time to time.

Since the start of this political situation the Governor has, to safeguard an orderly constitutional process, consulted with the Prime-Minister, the leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament, the independent members of Parliament, the Chairman of Parliament and the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Advice starting September 30. Based on the consultations and the information received on October 5, 2015 the Governor established that:

• the new majority in Parliament provides a basis to form a new government;
• that the (Council of) Minister(s) has not yet made their positions available based on article 33, paragraph 2, of the Constitution of Sint Maarten; and
• that the Council of ministers has put a draft national decree forward to dissolve Parliament and call for elections .

In doing so the Governor also returned the draft decree to dissolve Parliament and call for elections to the Council of Ministers without in anyway making suggestions regarding the content thereof and appealed to both parties to meet with each other and discuss the matter within the pertinent forum aimed at finding common ground for an orderly constitutional process to avoid having a governance vacuum.

The Governor, considering the developments and the importance of an orderly constitutional process and his obligation to uphold and to ensure that the constitution is upheld has and continues to encourage and appeal to all parties to act in keeping with the fundamental principles of our parliamentary democracy based on the rule of law.

The Council of Ministers requested various constitutional experts for advice regarding the ongoing political situation. There is however no consensus among the constitutional experts on the cardinal constitutional questions. Meanwhile both parties have maintained their respective positions:

1. The majority in Parliament continues to call on the Council of Ministers to make their positions available; and
2. On October 15, 2015, the Council of Ministers has resubmitted a revised draft national decree to dissolve Parliament and call for elections.

Our country is, as a result, faced with two opposing political positions. With the motion of Parliament stating that it no longer supports and has confidence in the current government and that it wishes to form a new government, a political position was taken to form a new government supported by a new majority in Parliament. On the other hand the Council of Ministers has decided not to make its positions available before a new Parliament is elected and a new government is formed based on a new majority in Parliament. In doing so a political position has also been taken.

It is evident that this political situation must in the interest of the country be resolved urgently. Although politics will always play a role in that process, it is imperative that all parties observe the rule of law as established in our Constitution. The current political situation has however given rise to concerns in that regard.

Where there are concerns in regard to political maneuvering, it is not the role of the Governor to dictate what should or what should not be done politically. The Governor is, based on the law and the oath he took to uphold and ensure that the Constitution is upheld, obligated to act in accordance with the law. To the extent that political actions result in constitutional concerns, the Governor must and has therefore warned against such, emphasizing that it is imperative to only execute decisions that are in keeping with the democratic principles as anchored in our Constitution.

To arrive at a balanced and sustainable resolution to the current differences of opinions, the Governor considers it vital to obtain clarity regarding the constitutional conformity of the political positions. Today, he therefore met with and informed parties that he deems it prudent to request a special panel of three judges consisting of judges from the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba and the Constitutional Court of Sint Maarten, to evaluate the constitutionality of the implementation of the political positions and inform him about it. Based on the current situation the independent panel is requested to evaluate the Constitution of Sint Maarten in the context of Sint Maarten Constitutional Law and provide a clear legal position regarding articles 33 paragraph 2, article 40 paragraph 2 and article 59 of the Constitution of Sint Maarten. Based on the urgency the panel has been requested to provide an advice within 5 working days.

In conclusion, it is not the role of the Governor to dictate the results of differences of political opinions. When political actions result in concerns in regard to their constitutionality, the Governor’s role is to warn and emphasize that it is imperative to only execute decisions that are in keeping with the democratic principles as anchored in Sint Maarten’s Constitution. Where there is significant disagreement between the parties in regard to the constitutionality, the Governor deems it prudent to encourage parties to arrive at a constitutionally sustainable solution. Parties have been informed that the Governor will take further steps once he receives the judicial position.

The Governor, to encourage actions that will foster the resolution of the political differences within the limits of our Constitution, is requesting all parties to subject their positions to the common good for the people of Sint Maarten. The general interest should prevail in the interest of a stronger country. Governor Holiday is herewith appealing to all stakeholders to do all that is necessary to maintain and protect the integrity of our constitutional democracy and to foster actions in keeping with our constitution based on the rule of law.

Child was hospitalized from burns he sustained through trying to make food for himself.

Cay Hill: --- Loic Artsen the father of a seven year old boy who received severe burns on his abdomen, both legs and genitals is calling on the National Detectives to do their jobs in order for him to protect his son. Artsen identified the mother of his child as KPSM Officer Fabiola Brown whom he said is a very negligent mother that has not been taking care of her children. Artsen said early September he received a phone call from his child mother after 10pm in the night where she informed him that his son got two small burns and was admitted to St. Maarten Medical Center. Artsen said when his child mother told him that he rushed to the hospital to see his son but by the time he got there the doctors had already sedated his son and covered his body. “The following day I went back to see my son and at that point I questioned my son as to how he got burn so badly. My son told me that his mother picked him from school and dropped him home and he was at home with his teenage brother. He said at around 9pm he was hungry and he and his brother decided to make hotdogs and at some point he tried to lift up a pot of boiling water that fell on him.” When my son told me that I confronted the mother and asked her where was she when the child got burn and she told me she was in the bathroom, but my son said she was not at home and when he got burn he and his brother ran over to the neighbor’s house to seek help and instead of the neighbors calling the ambulance they called the mother who came and took the child to the hospital. “When I see my son condition I went the very next day and filed a complaint with the police, they stopped me from going public with this story because they said they are investigating. I have been fighting a seven year battle because I want to acknowledge my son from the time he was born but the mother refuses to let me acknowledge my son and because of that she is the sole guardian for the child while I support my son and have bi-weekly visitation rights. I even went to court to be able to acknowledge my son and filed several complaints with the Court of Guardianship but the Court of Guardianship does not give men any rights. I believe because she is a female and a police officer the law is working in her favor at the expense of the child.”
Artsen said while his son was at SMMC the doctors proposed skin grafting because of the severity of the burns but he wanted to take his son to the French side to get a second opinion but because the mother does not want him to acknowledge his son he is not able to get his son French medical coverage and again she refused for him to be taken to the French side or even overseas for a second opinion.
The father said that he has been checking with the National Detectives very often and all he is hearing is that they are investigating. He said the child spent two and half weeks in the hospital before he was released and since then he only saw the child once. “As a father I want to be able to take up my responsibility I am not a dead beat father but the system and the mother of my son refuses to let me take care of my child and give him the care he needs. While the wound are healing this incident has taken a mental toll on my child he needs physiological help and I want to still take him abroad to see what I can do for him his entire genitals was burnt and this could affect him when he is older.”
The father said while the process on the Dutch side is slow and refuses to give him joint custody of his son he said he managed to acknowledge his son last week on the French side. Artsen said when that was done he took the French birth certificate of his son to the Civil Registry so they can now change his name and that was done earlier this week but now the mother is busy these past two days to change back his name because she does not want his son to carry his name. I believe if this child was left neglected by a man or any ordinary citizen they would have been arrested, but since she is a police officer and woman on the Dutch side the law is working in her favor. I am pleading with those at the Civil Registry to follow the law because I will be going back to court with this case. I am fighting this battle for seven years and after this ordeal I am going to the very end to ensure that I get joint custody of my son and take care of him because I am his father no one can replace me.”
When asked why he did not speak out earlier Artsen said he knew SMN News had information on the case but he wanted to give the police a chance to investigate, they even promised me that they will assist me in getting me to get custody of my son but so far nothing has happened. Instead the mother is getting civil servants at the Civil Registry to do what she wants.”
SMN News did contact press prosecutor Karola Van Nie early September when the child was in hospital and Van Nie said the case was a very sensitive case and its under investigation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation is giving presentations to various church groups, starting with the Anglican Church last Wednesday. Nature Foundation office manager Marisa Dyer-Brandy gave the congregation at the Anglican Church a presentation on the role of the Nature Foundation and its tasks, on Sea Turtle Conservation, and on the importance of recycling in the community.

“Including church groups and other organizations in Nature Conservation is an essential task of the Nature Foundation. Considering the recent comments by religious leaders around the globe, including urgent warnings from Pope Francis about our responsibility to protect and conserve Nature it is essential that we bring the message to the community on a grass roots level,” commented Tadzio Bervoets, Manager of the Nature Foundation.

Should any organization wish to have a presentation centered on the environment and conservation they are more than welcome to contact the Nature Foundation. “We are often asked how much the Nature Foundation charges for presentations. We only ask to help protect and conserve the environment and St. Maarten to help ensure that Nature is our Future,” concluded Bervoets.

APS got VORST land for a symbolic Guilder for housing development.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Gumbs cabinet proclaim they are doing all they can to stop ship jumping and to control the instability of government on St. Maarten by calling for new elections and not working on election reform which will be the only tool to curb the ship jumping. Certain Ministers told SMN News that what they are doing is not for their own interest instead they are protecting St. Maarten’s image.
SMN News is well known for exposing what takes place in government and while politicians are focusing on the bridge loan the Harbor obtained from SZV to settle the ZEBEC deal SMN News got something better. Some months ago SMN News released the agreement Rainforest Adventure got from the Gumbs cabinet and who the key players are. The low price these investors have to pay for leasing acres of land at St. Maarten’s historical site.
This time around the Gumbs cabinet chose to give APS whom they owed millions of guilders the VORST property that almost cost former Minister Maurice Lake his seat as a Minister. The government of St. Maarten paid some $5.5M for the Vorst property and what did the Minister of VROMI Claret Connor did he wrote his own advice without the advice or signature of the secretary general and an development agreement to lease the VORST property for one symbolic guilder. APS will develop the property with what they describe as affordable housing. The Landsbesluit which still has to be signed off by the Governor of St. Maarten and the advice prepared by Minister Connor was booked in after the Minister got a motion of no confidence, to be exact on October 10th 2015.
The high light of this agreement is the following more deal making. On the board of APS is someone known as Michel Soons who also has shares with the contractor that will get the project LICCOM Soons is also the best friend of Prime MInister Marcel Gumbs and is allegedly the Prime Minister personal advisor. Conflict of interest at its best, the owner of LICCOM is Henk van den Heuvel close friends of the UPP leader Theodore Heyliger. Readers of this site will remember the infamous video showing former MP Patrick Illidge on tape taking what seems like money from Jaap van den Heuvel. Several emails exchange between Van den Huevel and Illidge shows that the night club owner said he was asked to set up the MP in order to keep him in check so that the UPP government stays in power. Van den Heuvel was convicted for his actions and offering bribes to politicians. The verdict of that case can also be found in the archive of this website. The question one has for the UPP led government is this a pay back to the Van den Heuvel family for the coviction and scandal?
The next contract that is now being worked on and will not go on a bid is from the Ministry of Justice for the expansion of the Prison. Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson told parliament that they have decided to award the contract to LICCOM through Ministerial decree but what the parliament of St. Maarten did not know is one of LICCOM former employees is working as an advisor to the Minister of Justice. SMN News will bring that contract out too if the Minister of Justice signs it after having a motion of no confidence on his head.
The Gumbs cabinet said those that left the UPP led coalition did it for their personal gain because they could not get the contracts they want awarded to their people. They said there are a few MPs that are creating instability in Parliament for their own self-enrichment and personal gain. Now that the agreement and advice made up by Minister Claret Connor is in public domain it will be nice for the Gumbs cabinet to tell the people of St. Maarten why are they giving away the people’s patronage to certain groups of people for pittance and who stands to gain in all of this? Is this the corruption the Dutch MPs are talking about? Elections without election reform will not solve the problem of ship jumping. People such as Ministers that are working for certain MPs interest should be prosecuted. This is a clear violation of St. Maarten's constitution and it is another disgrace to the country and its people that politicians said they know are suffering.
Click here to read the agreement between APS and the Government of St. Maarten
Click here to read the incomplete advice done by Minister Claret Connor.

Says Governor must sign decree dissolving Parliament ~

PHILIPSBURG:---- United People (UP) party fraction leader MP Franklin Meyers on Thursday night stressed that at some point “somebody has to make a stand somewhere” to stem the tide of constant government instability and address a flawed constitution. Appearing on Oral Gibbes Live, Meyers said the UP has decided to take that stand now in support of government dissolving parliament and calling new elections.
MP Meyers used his opportunity on air to address various issues but repeatedly return to what he called the “crux of the matter”: a flawed constitution. This flawed constitution, which he reminded was authored by Sarah Wescott-Williams and William Marlin, contradicts itself on many fronts, though the language in the separate articles in contention, seem to be very clear.
He said while it looked good on paper, practical execution remains a problem. “There is something fundamentally wrong with the system when you can get five governments in five years,” he said. He also stressed that Governor Eugene Holiday does not have a choice but to sign the National Decree to dissolve Parliament as submitted to him by the Marcel Gumbs cabinet.
In fact, Meyers presented Gibbes with a letter from Governor Holiday in 2013 to the then Prime Minister Sarah Wescott-Williams, informing her that dissolving Parliament is the sole discretion of government. In that light, Meyers said the decision to dissolve Parliament has already been made by government and the Governor by law and by his own words, has to sign the decree.
“And when elections come, the United People party will contest the elections. A lot of them (other MPs) don’t want to go to an election. But government calling elections after years of instability can serve as a deterrent to those who feel they can destabilize government for personal reasons,” Meyers said.
MP Meyers also agreed that in five years Parliament could have enacted electoral reform to stop the practice of ship-jumping, “but many didn’t want to do it because today it benefits me, tomorrow it doesn’t. But we have started the process now.” He also made it clear that Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs is not “some rogue” Prime Minister acting on his own. The prime Minister, Meyers said, governs on behalf of the UP and its coalition partners and as such has our support. “There is nothing wrong with the people going back to the polls now.”
He said “not one single member” that drew their support from the UP can tell the people of St. Maarten what their reasons of principle was for doing so. “It was all for personal reasons. Their reasoning did not make sense. They continue to do this to St. Maarten for personal reasons. For example, giving MP Leona Marlin-Romeo responsibility for a Ministry as a coalition partner apparently upset some who felt they had more votes.
“But I received over 600 votes, I wasn’t demanding a Minister of my own. I didn’t feel like because a coalition partner was responsible for a Minister meant that I couldn’t call upon that Minister for information. We were a coalition and apparently that was just an example of personal reasons members used to throw the country into chaos again. I spoke to Maurice and I spoke to William and I told them we cannot keep doing this to St. Maarten,” Meyers said.
“And while some people might want to blame the party leader (Theo Heyliger) I take it upon myself as fraction leader. It was my job to “corale” so to speak our members, which I did. But in the end you cannot control people’s minds,” he said.
Meyers also pointed at hypocrisy of the National Alliance. He reminded viewers that when MP Maurice Lake was Minister of VROMI, the National Alliance tried to fire him as Minister on three different occasions. “It was the leader of the National Alliance who went in the media and called Maurice a pathological liar. But today he is great.”
UP Leader MP Theo Heyliger will address the current political situation in the coming days.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association’s all-encompassing Job fair, to be held on October 24th at the NIPA Institute, has partnered with Department of Labor Affairs ‘Start Here’ Campaign. This Private-Public Partnership further expands the SHTA’s desire to assist as many persons as possible in finding gainful employment.
The job fair is an initiative designed to create multiple avenues for employment seekers to successfully find employment within all industries on St. Maarten. In an effort to broaden the range of jobs available the Association invited the Department of Labor Affairs to participate. SHTA hopes that this partnership will give an added boost to the launched ‘Start Here’ Campaign of the Department of Labor Affairs. Both the SHTA and the Department of Labor Affairs will join forces in marketing this very lucrative Private-Public partnership.
During the preparatory meetings with the Department of Labor Affairs the initiative and the partnership was met with enthusiasm. The ‘Start Here’ Campaign is designed to effectively match employment seekers with the relevant vacancies within the department, and with vacancies sourced thru the membership of SHTA. The goal is to create a database of employment seekers for efficient reference. In partnering with the SHTA Job Fair, the Department of Labor Affairs will pre-screen persons out of the 319 registered at the campaign on Thursday September 3rd, 2015. The pre-screening will be beneficial for matching persons to vacancies presented at the SHTA Job Fair.
SHTA will match the efforts of the Department of Labor Affairs by providing a preliminary list of vacancies to be presented at the fair. In addition, the list of registered Business participants will be provided to further assist the Department of Labor Affairs with their efforts. “SHTA and its members fully endorse and support the Start Here Campaign. We hope that our endorsement by way of having the department participate at the fair, will attract a wider range of employment seekers” said SHTA
Registration for both job seekers and businesses can be done via the website www.shta.com / Events. You will be directed to the ‘Job fair’ tab where you can select the appropriate form. Or can be picked up at the SHTA Office on Pond fill.
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

PHILIPSBURG:--- The SHTA is very concerned about the existing political situation and vacuum in Government. The Association conducted a survey among its 193 members of which 147 responded. The survey contained the following question:
“SHTA would like to share with our governmental leaders and the community at large how our membership feels regarding the current political dilemma, please choose one from the following options below that best describes your sentiment”
Within less than 48-hours 50% of the responses had been received. The results are as follows:

It is evident that the business sector of St. Maarten overwhelmingly supports the adjustment of our present electoral laws that allow individual members who have become Parliamentarians on the strength of the party on which list they ran, to declare themselves independent and start supporting another coalition. Five different governments in 5 years is very concerning.
It is also evident that 85% of the members surveyed feel that the present parliament is not capable of designing and implementing those changes. Country St. Maarten cannot afford this stalemate and uncertainty. We therefore call on our Governor to act, within the boundaries created by law and in accordance with the majority of opinions provided by the constitutional law experts. It is high time that he either signs the Federal Decree (Landsbesluit) presented to him by the Gumbs Cabinet or, send it for annulment to the Crown or Kingdom Counsel of Ministers, if he is of that opinion. We sincerely hope that our politicians will listen to the business community.
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

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PHILIPSBURG:---, Sint Maarten – The second Vice President of Parliament Hon. Cornelius de Weever, extends an invitation to schools, young people, and the public at large, to visit the ‘Information Village’ that is being hosted by the High Councils of State of Sint Maarten on Friday, 16th October, from 2pm to 8pm at the Festival Village.

The House of Parliament will be located in booth #79. Information will be available to the public with respect to the functioning of the highest legislative body in the country.

The ‘Information Village’ is an initiative of the High Councils of State (Council of Advice, General Audit Chamber and Ombudsman).

The initiative is in connection with celebrating Constitution Day which was observed on October 12. The High Councils of State would like to increase awareness and understanding of good governance and propriety with respect to the various institutions that exist and supports the governance of the country.

“I think this is a great initiative by the High Councils of State, and an opportunity once again for students, young people and the general public to receive information about our country’s institutions which are part and parcel of our democracy.

“I encourage all to take a moment on Friday to visit the ‘Information Village’ and be informed, and also be able to ask questions and engage the different representatives who will be present. I also call on MPs to visit the ‘Information Village,” second Vice President of Parliament Hon. Cornelius de Weever said on Thursday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The meeting called by the majority on Thursday afternoon to elect the Chairman and vice chair persons of parliament went ahead even though the former vice chairman Cornelius de Weever cancelled on Thursday morning. The opening of meeting was chaired by Member of Parliament George Pantophlet to elect the Chairman. The chairman then elected MP Maurice Lake and MP Frans Richardson as committee members to conduct the elections of the chair and vice chairs of parliament.
The majority which comprised of eight members cast eight ballots all of which was in favor of Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams. The meeting was then adjourned for one minute then it was reopened by the newly elected chairlady Sarah Wescot Williams who continued the election of the two vice chairs. The eight Members of Parliament then elected MP George Pantophlet as first vice chairman and Member of Parliament Frans Richardson as the second vice chairman of Parliament.
The newly elected chairlady of Parliament then closed the meeting.

PHILIPSBURG:--- HBN Law, one of the largest and oldest law firms in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, opened the doors of its new Dutch Caribbean Desk in Amsterdam, in perfect Caribbean style.

The colorful opening ceremony was held – quite appropriately – in the West-Indisch Huis in Amsterdam, the former headquarters of the Dutch West India Company. Among the more than one hundred people who attended the event were numerous businesspeople, attorneys, notaries, and tax specialists the law firm regularly does business with.

HBN Law, which has been active since 1938, currently has 32 attorneys spread over offices in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and now also Amsterdam. In addition, the firm provides its services in Surinam, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Since 1993, HBN Law has been working together with Pels Rijcken & Drooglever Fortuijn, and since 2013, the firm has been part of the Meritas network, which boasts a worldwide membership of approximately 7,000 attorneys.

"Thanks in part to our international contacts and in-depth local knowledge in the Caribbean, over the past years we have seen a sharp increase in demand for specialist advice on Dutch Caribbean law in a wide sense," says Managing Partner Eric de Vries. "This is certainly enhanced by the fact that our firm consists of a multidisciplinary team of experienced lawyers, part of whom gained experience at various large international law firms like Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, and Baker & McKenzie."

His Partner in the firm Chris van Amersfoort, who is heading the Dutch Caribbean Desk, adds that "Most of our activities consist of referral work from Dutch legal and tax advisers involved in various large transactions ranging from take-overs and joint ventures to financing operations structured via the Dutch Caribbean." Van Amersfoort continues, "We likewise provide regular assistance to companies running project development operations on the islands from the Netherlands. Such operations may include the construction of telecommunication networks, resort development, and the construction of wind turbines and waste management plants."

Jeroen Eichhorn, Senior Partner at the firm and closely involved in the day-to-day operations of the Dutch Caribbean Desk, says, "With our Dutch Caribbean Desk we are meeting the wishes of our clients, in that there is no more time difference and we now have an office in Amsterdam where they can reach us." The HBN Law firm is located in the World Trade Center in the business district known as the Zuidas. "The Zuidas was an obvious choice: that's where most of our clients are and that's where it all happens," concludes Van Amersfoort.

For more information about the law firm, please visit www.hbnlaw.com.

The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority’s (HSA), Merren Dental Center welcomes Caymanian dentist, Dr. Megan Griffith, to the practice.

"Dr. Griffith brings a wealth of international experience to our dental centre,” said Dr. John Vlitos, Chief Dental Officer. “Dr. Griffith has quickly established a rapport with our patients and is a great asset to the dental office. The HSA encourages young Caymanians to return home after finishing professional training abroad, so we are delighted to have Dr. Griffith on our team.”

Most recently, Dr. Griffith served as a Dentist for Dental Directions, a NHS and private dental surgery based in Sheffield, UK. This practice has been praised for the high quality of its people development and team work skills, something which Dr Griffith is looking forward to continuing in Cayman.

“I am thrilled to join the HSA dental team and will leverage my experience in private dental care to continue building and evolving the practice,” Dr. Griffith said. “After studying abroad, I am happy to be home and look forward to working with all of our patients.”

Dr. Griffith holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from The School of Clinical Dentistry at Sheffield University, UK and has recently qualified to perform aesthetic dentistry such as Botox and fillers.

An active member of her community, Dr. Griffith has performed in the Cayman National Orchestra, where she has taught budding musicians both piano and trumpet.

The Merren Dental Center has an ongoing commitment to the development of dentists and focuses on delivering excellent dental care and customer service to every patient. “With the addition of another dentist, we are better positioned to accommodate our growing clientele,” Dr. Vlitos said.

For more information on The Merren Dental Center, visit www.hsa.ky or call 949-2554 to schedule an appointment.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The second Vice President of Parliament Hon. Cornelius de Weever, on Thursday, 15th October, has sent a letter to the Members of Parliament (MPs) requesting additional information with respect to a convocation for an urgent meeting of the House of Parliament.

The letter reads as follows:

“I have taken note of your Convocation for an urgent meeting of Parliament and hereby request that you provide the Chairman of Parliament with further information regarding the urgency of and reason for the meeting.

“Notice is also taken of the fact that the meeting is scheduled for 6.00pm. Please explain the reason why the meeting is scheduled for such an uncommon and late hour. Given the current safety and security challenges I am cancelling this meeting.

“I herewith request you to submit your request for an urgent meeting within our normal working hours and it will be convened within 4x24 hours, according to the Rules of Order. Awaiting your soonest response.”

Prosecutor refused to release information to Labega’s attorney --- no search warrant for PJIAE.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The police from the national detectives conducted an early morning raid at the home of well know former newspaper editor and reporter Fabian Badejoe and a second raid is also being conducted at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE).

According to information reaching SMN News is that Badejoe passed out when scores of law enforcement officers arrived at his home and began searching. SMN News further learnt that the seach team consists of customs officers and all other law enforcement officers. An employee of Princess Juliana International Airport states that the office of the Airport Director Regina Labega has been cordoned and police are currently searching her office as well.

It appears as though the searches that are currently taking place has to do with the years of investigation being conducted against the Airport director Regina Labega and the owners of DMC. DMC is the company owned by Badejoe that were being used to conduct marketing services for the Tourist Office. Some years ago investigators stumbled on a bank account in the name of DMC registered as a company, that account was in Anguilla. SMN News learnt back then that the investigators had traces of money tranfers that were being made from Chase Manhattan Bank from an account belonging to the New York Tourist Office.  Based on the information SMN News recieved the New York Tourist Office was making transfers up to $1.2M per year to DMC. The company DMC is registered in the name of Fabian Badejoe, and Erica Fortuno, while Regina Labega was also a shareholder of the company. Some years ago when the detectives stumbled on this information they had invited Regina Labega to the office of the National Detectives but she refused to cooperate.It appears as though the investigation against Regina Labega has now taken the high road and detectives are now closing in on the suspects.

Acting press prosecutor Gonda Van der Wulp confirmed that there are two raids that are presently ongoing. Van der Wulp said the raid has to do with an ongoing investigation that is being conducted by the National Detectives. The acting press prosecutor decline to say which case the raid is related to and she also decline to confirm whose homes were being searched by police. When asked if anyone was arrested during the raids Van der Wulp said no one was arrested and she could not say if anyone fainted simply because she was not there.

Attorney at Law Cor Merx contacted SMN News shortly after midday and said in an interview that he is the lawyer representing Regina Labega and up to midday on Thursday he was not informed of the searches. Merx said he sent emails to the Prosecutors’s office and he got return mails stating that the Prosecutor’s will not be working until after October 13th. Merx said after that he sent an email to the secretary and informed her that if by midday he did not get information on what is taking place he will go public. “Right now as I see it there is no democracy on St. Maarten, prosecutors are refusing to speak and share information with the attorneys of clients and the island is becoming like Russia. As far as I can see the Prosecution is mixing up the fraud allegations against Labega from five years ago and the screening committee that screens people for top positions. I got a document from my client that was issued by a judge to search three homes, the home of Regina Labega, the home of Fabian Badejoe and the home of Erica Fortuno but there is no document or mention of a search at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) and the reasons for the search.” Merx said since he did not get any information on the search at PJIAE that involves 15 people he is obliged to go public.

Investigation “Colade”
House searches on October 15

On Thursday October 15th 2015 the National Detectives have performed house searches in five locations. These house searches were led by the judge of investigation at the request of the public prosecutor. All five searches were performed in an ongoing criminal investigation that is related to irregularities found at the Sint Maarten Tourism Office. Subjects of the investigation “Colade” are the suspects R.L., F.A.A.B. and E.F.
No arrests were made. No further information can be disclosed.

Onderzoek “Colade”
Huiszoekingen op 15 oktober

Op donderdag 15 oktober 2015 zijn er door de Landsrecherche op vijf locaties huiszoekingen verricht. Deze huiszoekingen hebben plaatsgevonden onder leiding van de rechter-commissaris en op vordering van het Openbaar Ministerie (OM). Alle 5 huiszoekingen zijn verricht in een lopend strafrechtelijk onderzoek naar aanleiding van geconstateerde ongeregeldheden bij het Sint Maarten Toeristen Bureau. Het onderzoek “Colade” is gericht tegen de verdachten R.L. , F.A.A.B en E.F.

Er zijn geen aanhoudingen verricht. Over het onderzoek worden op dit moment geen nadere mededelingen gedaan.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prepare the family for what will be another exciting event from the funtopia group. Scartopia 2014 Theme was Pirates of the Caribbean shipwrecked. The group recreated scenes from the movie, pirates of the Caribbean and decorated the entire building of kid’s world. The stage show of the production was themed around the revolt of the Jack sparrow.

Each year Scaretopia has a different theme. This year the theme is Willy Wonka & the attack of the Oompa lumpas. Organizers say because of the venue, Emilio Wilson park this is three times the size of the Kids world building. There will be a two part event, the beginning will be a Scare Fair with lots of food and creepy treats from different vendors and other activities for the kids to enjoy bouncing castle games and lots more which will lead to the production. This year Funtopia will have prizes for the best Willy Wonka themed costume with a creative twist. Categories are for kids, adults and families. When the park gets dark, the stage show begins. The team wants you to save the date of October 31, for this thrilling experience.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The eight seat majority in the Parliament of St. Maarten has called for an urgent meeting of Parliament to be held on Thursday October 15th 2015 at 6pm in the legislative hall of Parliament.
The agenda point for the meeting called on Thursday is to appoint the new chairperson of parliament along with the vice chairpersons.
A letter which is signed by the majority states that in view of the meetings held the past two days the current majority have agreed to have the meeting chaired by Member of Parliament George Pantophlet.

A majority of 8 in parliament has convened a public meeting of parliament for Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 6 pm.
This invitation has been sent to all members of parliament with the appointment of a chairperson and vice chairpersons being the main agenda point.
In an elucidation to the invitation, the members constituting the majority outline the reasons for this extraordinary meeting, going from the premise of the "majority-rule".
While the Rules of Order of Parliament provide for a change in chairmanship at any time, no further procedures are in place in the event the sitting presidium members take on a hostile attitude and refuse to accommodate the change-over.
This could make a lame duck of the parliament.
Below is the motivation as provided.

Ref: urgent meeting of Parliament on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 18.00 hours.

Agenda point: Appointment of a chairperson, a first deputy chairperson and a second deputy chairperson.

Motivation:
On September 30, 2015, a majority in Parliament informed H. E. the Governor of St. Maarten of its agreement to work together and form a new coalition, consisting of 8 members of Parliament.

On said date, a motion of no confidence was passed by the Parliament of St. Maarten against the 7 ministers of government;

On October 1, 2015, during a parliamentary meeting, duly convened, the chairperson, MP Dr. Lloyd Richardson at the last moment excused himself and passed the duties of chairing the meeting to the 2nd deputy chairperson, in the absence of the 1st deputy chairperson.

The 2nd deputy chairperson, MP V.H. C. de Weever abrogated this responsibility by refusing to take up the chairmanship duties, citing having "made his position available". This was done by letter dated September 30th, 2015. The next in line to fulfill the duties of chairperson would be amongst the longest serving, the oldest member. This duty therefore befell MP Johan Leonard, who also declined. At the last moment, MP George Pantophlet was the designated chairperson, based on the same ranking mentioned above. However the MP could only establish that there was no quorum present and called off the meeting.

By letter dated October 12th, the chairperson of parliament, the honorable MP Dr. Lloyd Richardson, made his position available and subsequently left the country as parliament president, which in itself is an anomaly.

A legally constituted public meeting was convened for October 13, 2015 at 09.00 hrs.

Misusing his authority, the 2nd vice chairperson of Parliament unlawfully closed this meeting of parliament under the mum of "requesting legal clarification" on the decision of government to dissolve parliament. This closure has been done indefinitely.

With the mentioned actions by aforementioned members of the presidium of Parliament, the functioning of Parliament is in serious jeopardy.

Therefore the undersigned members of parliament, have agreed to call a meeting of Parliament and making use of article 6, sub 4 of the Rules of Order of Parliament, relieve MP Dr. Lloyd Richardson, MP Leona Marlin-Romeo and MP Van Hugh C. De Weever, respectively chairperson, 1st deputy chairperson and 2nd deputy chairperson of the parliament of St. Maarten of their aforementioned positions as per immediate.

And further in accordance with article 6, sub 4 of the Rules of Order appoint a new chairperson and 2 deputy chairpersons.

MARIGOT:--- The Collectivite assumed responsibility to restructure all public cemeteries in St. Martin (Marigot, Grand Case, Cul de Sac and French Quarter). Those responsible for one or more gravesites in the cemeteries are requested to contact the Department of Funeral Affairs at 0590-87-61-51 to make an appointment to identify the graves. You may also request your appointment via email at : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
At the time of your appointment, you’re requested to bring an id, the death certificate of the burial permit or any document certifying the date of burial.

As of this work of identification will be finished, the restructure phase of the cemeteries will begin by establishing the unidentified plots. The Collectivite of St. Martin wants to warn its citizens on the importance of this procedure, which aims to properly restructure the congestion at the public cemeteries and identify free plots.

On Tuesday, October 13th, around 3.00 AM the police received central reporting of a fire in a vehicle parked on the De Windtweg. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. Cause of the fire is not yet known and is being investigated.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Constitution of St. Maarten states that if a Minister(s) received a Motion of no confidence he/she/they must make his/her/their position available to the Governor in order for the process to continue with the formation of a new government.
As such the current government of St. Maarten is functioning without a mandate from Parliament nor as a caretaker government on the request of His Excellency Governor E.B. Holiday. Their decisions therefor can not bind government and have long reaching consequences for the budget etc. As a matter of fact they can be held individually and collectively liable if any decisions taken during this time are found to have been done incorrectly.
Their decision to send a national decree to the governor to dissolve Parliament has been executed and the governor has stated Publicly that as long as there are parties willing to work together in Parliament that no new elections are needed. It is also proven that new elections will just yield the same result. The new coalition in Parliament has a governing program translated into strategic objectives, programs and actions that are ready to be executed. We have also prioritised Electoral Reform to bring the necessary changes to avoid instability in government and governing.
So, the decision of the Acting Vice Chair to further stall the functioning of Parliament by sitting in the Chairman seat which he the previous week vacated and refused to sit in as he'd made his function available is cute, but just more game playing to stall the inevitable and further irritate and annoy the people St . Maarten.
Knowing that ship jumping created this situation in the first place 1 year ago when a traitorous act was commited by the very same MP at the 11th hour of the formation after the last elections, the people of St. Maarten see through these manipulations and want this issue laid to rest.
What is good for the goose apparently isn't good for the gander.
Question is, Why are we stalling?
Isn't there a budget that urgently needs to be passed?
Will parliament be able to meet before the end of October to meet the requirements pertaining to the budget?
Do they really want the Dutch to intervene?
Do they have interest of the Sxm ppl at heart?
Are we (all of us) prepared to accept the people's level of disgruntlement with these shenanigans?
Another very important question: Where is the leader of the former coalition in all this?
Why would you concede that there is a new majority but "allow" your appointed COM to go rogue?
Why is MP Heyliger willing to hold on to government at all costs while staying in the background?
Why hasn't the media said anything about his apparent lack of visible Leadership?

Vaccine for the seasonal flu will be available at the Cayman Islands Hospital, District Health Centres in Grand Cayman, Faith Hospital, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman clinic from Wednesday October 21st 2015.

Acting Director of Primary Health Care, Dr Samuel Williams Rodriguez explains this year’s flu vaccine will also protect against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu.

The flu vaccine will be available at:

• The General Practice Clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital, Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac and all District Health Centres, from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 The Little Cayman Clinic: Residents of Little Cayman should contact the clinic to make arrangements.

 To meet the demand in the initial period, the flu shot will also be available at the Cayman Islands Hospital Atrium (next to the Pharmacy) from October 15th to October -28th 2015 from 10am – noon on weekdays. Flu Shots will also be available at CayShop 2015, October 29-31 at the Arc Cayman Bay.

The flu vaccine is FREE to all residents. No appointments are necessary, however persons should indicate to the registration officer at the clinic that they need to have the flu shot.

“We recommend that people get vaccinated as soon as possible and definitely before the peak of the flu season which ranges between December and January,” Dr Williams-Rodriguez says.

Dr Williams-Rodriguez further advises that the vaccine is only effective for one season. All persons, 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. It is especially important for people at high risk for complications from influenza and those who live with or care for them, be vaccinated early each year. High-risk persons include the following:

• Young children 6 months to four years of age, but especially those under two years.
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• Persons of any age with weakened immune systems and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart, kidney and lung diseases, diabetes and persons who are obese.
• People living in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

“To minimize workplace disruption and ensure that as many persons as possible get vaccinated, I am also pleased to announce that our Public Health Department will continue our program of the onsite workplace vaccination initiative for companies with twenty or more employees wishing to have the vaccine, I wish that the companies will take up this offer”, says Dr. Williams- Rodriguez “As we have to schedule the visits to worksites with current staff that have regular duties, the visits cannot be done immediately. While we offer the vaccine at no cost, we are proposing to utilize off duty staff or retired nurses to participate in the flu vaccine programme at workplaces to administer the vaccine as soon as possible for companies willing to contribute $200 per session. Companies that do not wish to make arrangements for immediate flu vaccine coverage for their employees may get it in late November or December as the visits will be scheduled when employed staff time is available” he added.

Companies interested in the program should contact the Public Health Department at 244-2621 to register.

Flu Q & A

Why should people get vaccinated against the Flu?
Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious disease. It is caused by the influenza virus, which can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. Anyone can get influenza, but rates of infection are highest among children. For most people, symptoms last only a few days. They include: • Fever • sore throat• chills• fatigue• cough• headache• muscle aches. Other illnesses can have the same symptoms and are often mistaken for influenza. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get flu and lessen the chance that you will transmit to others.

Will the 2015-2016 seasonal flu vaccine protect against 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu?
The 2015-2016 flu vaccine includes protection against 2009 H1N1 flu virus, Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B.

Who should get vaccinated?
All persons, 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. It is especially important for people who are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or people who live with or care for them. High risk persons include:
1. Young children 6 months to 4 years of age, but especially those under 2 years.
2. Pregnant women
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. Persons of any age over 6 months with weakened immune systems and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart, kidney and lung diseases, diabetes and morbidly obese people with a BMI of 40 or greater.
5. People living in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, include:
a. Health care workers
b. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
c. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Who should not get vaccinated or wait?
The following persons should not be vaccinated without first consulting their physician:

• Children less than 6 months of age
• People who have severe allergy to chicken or chicken eggs (the flu vaccine virus is grown on hens’ eggs)
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
• People who developed Guillian-Barre’ syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting a vaccine previously.
• People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated.
• Nursing mothers should inform their doctor or nurse that they are breastfeeding before taking the flu shot.

What kind of flu vaccine is available?
The "flu vaccine” is administered in the Cayman Islands is by injection, usually in the arm. The vaccine is approved for use among people 6 months of age or older, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease

How does flu vaccine work?
Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. It takes up to 2 weeks for the protection to develop after the shot. Protection lasts about a year.

When should I get a flu vaccination?
The H.S.A recommends that people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest.
Once you get vaccinated, your body makes protective antibodies in about two weeks. However, children aged 6 months to 8 years who are being vaccinated for the first time need a second dose 4 weeks later in order to be protected.

Does flu vaccine work right away?
No. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. . However, children aged 6 months to 8 years who are being vaccinated for the first time, need a second dose 4 weeks later in order to be protected. In the meantime, you are still at risk for getting the flu. That's why it's better to get vaccinated early in the fall, before the flu season really gets under way.

Can I get the flu even though I got a flu vaccine?
Yes.
1. People may be exposed to an influenza virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period that it takes the body to gain protection after getting vaccinated. This exposure may result in a person becoming ill with flu before the vaccine begins to protect them.
2. People may become ill from other (non-flu) viruses that circulate during the flu season, which can also cause flu-like symptoms (such as rhinovirus).
3. A person may be exposed to an influenza virus that is not included in the seasonal flu vaccine as there are many different influenza viruses.
4. Unfortunately, some people can remain unprotected from flu despite getting the vaccine. This is more likely to occur among people that have weakened immune systems. However, even among people with weakened immune systems, the flu vaccine can still help prevent influenza complications.

Why do I need to get vaccinated against the flu every year?
The immunity (natural protection that develops against a disease after a person has had that disease) that is built up from having the flu caused by one virus strain doesn't always provide protection when a new strain is circulating. Secondly, a vaccine made against flu viruses circulating last year may not protect against the newer viruses. That is why the influenza vaccine is updated to include current viruses every year.

Can the flu shot give me the flu?
No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The viruses contained in flu shots are inactivated (killed), which means they cannot cause infection.

What are the risks from getting a flu shot?
The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The risk of a flu shot causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, may rarely cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. Almost all people who get influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it.

What are the side effects that could occur?
Common problems: • soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, hoarseness, sore, red or itchy eyes, cough, fever , aches If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.
Uncommon and Rare problems: Itching, hives, rash, convulsions, encephalomyelitis (inflammation of brain & spinal cord and Guillian –Barre syndrome (1-2 cases per million people vaccinated). Life-threatening allergic reactions from vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.

What should I do if I have an uncommon or rare side effect to influenza vaccine?
• Seek medical attention right away.
• Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when you got the flu shot.

For more information please contact:
Public Health Clinic - 244-2648
The General Practice Unit - 244-2800
Faith Hospital - 948-2243
Little Cayman Clinic - 948-0114
The District Health Centres -

 East End...................................... 947-7440

 North Side.................................... 947-9525

West Bay...................................... 949-3439

 Bodden Town................................ 947-2299

“I was thrown under the roller by the UPP”

PHILIPSBURG:---- Member of Parliament Silvio Matser who left the United Peoples Party also showed up in front of the Government Administration Building on Wednesday to show his support to the people whom he said elected him. MP Master said he is not concerned about the amount of people that protested on Wednesday because for him when one person speak it’s enough for him to act. The Member of Parliament said the buzz word today is integrity and he wants those that are talking about integrity to look within themselves. The Independent MP said that if he was in the position as the Gumbs cabinet he would have left office the very first day he is fired. He said those people that are speaking about integrity and self-consciousness are afraid to give up the position they hold even after they are fired. He said he does not know why the ousted Ministers don’t want to leave office but whatever it is that is keeping them in office has to be something sweet.
Asked what is the next step for the majority? Matser said that they asked for an urgent meeting pf parliament and hopefully they will get to do what have to be done. He said the crowd might be small now but he is convinced that the people will move in the near future and the new coalition would get the opportunity to take office and work for the people of St. Maarten.

“I was thrown under the roller not the bus”

When asked why he left the UPP and what took him so long Master said that while he was member of the UPP he has been expressing his concerns that the government were not doing anything for the people and even though he spoke it fell on deaf ears. He said that he was elected to represent the people and he had to do what was best for those that elected him when he realize that his concerns were falling on deaf ears.
Asked why he took this long to move even though he was thown under the bus by the UPP leader Master said he thrown under the roller and not the bus but everything in life takes time. He said he had plans to leave a long time ago because he could not remain in a coalition where he did not have a say in how the country is governed. “I had no clue as to what was happening in the UPP/De Weever/ LRM coalition so I had no choice but to walk away. I must say I gave the UPP coalition the benefit of the doubt and chances for them to prove themselves. However, when I see that my concerns were going on deaf ears I had to leave even if this causes me my political career. I had to make a choice to work in the interest of the people that voted for me. I also want to make a difference for the island.”
Matser said the people of St. Maarten are very passive people but when one enter their living room or kitchen that is when you would see how these people are hurting.
As Matser was speaking to the media the protestors decided to approach the building where they wanted to chain the doors of the building. That caused an outburst with the head of security.
The protestors said that the Council of Ministers must step down, these government officials are not following the law therefore the people do not have to follow the law.
One of the protestors made clear that they will not use violence as they are not savages. He said that the Gumbs cabinet must leave because they are no longer Ministers.

Uninsured Police Officers called to protect Ousted Council of Ministers

PHILIPSBURG:--- Heavy equipment’s were used early Wednesday morning to block the entrance of the Government Administration Building. The drivers of three heavy equipment arrived in the area of the Government Administration Building shortly before 5am where they parked their vehicles blocking the entrance towards the Government Administration Building and left.
Around 6:30 am the night watch- commander Officer Gomes along with some police officers walked towards the Government Administration and began questioning bystanders and the security guards as to who parked the heavy equipment’s that were blocking the streets. It should be noted that when the heavy equipment’s arrived at the Government Administration Building the night watch commander and his officers were on duty some of whom saw when the vehicles parked up and the drivers left the area, yet they chose to wait until daylight to come outside to ask persons in the area who parked the vehicles in the middle of the road blocking the traffic in that immediate area.
The silent and peaceful protest was organized by citizens that are upset and even disgusted that the Council of Ministers who got a motion of no confidence but refused to make their positions available and are not respecting the country’s constitution. The protesters said they wanted to send a clear message to the Gumbs cabinet and to personally inform the Prime Minister that he ought to respect the country’s constitution.
During the early morning hours the gathering was rather small as most people did not know exactly when the protest would have started. As the day progressed some more persons joined the group of people that stood across the street from the government building waiting for the Prime Minister and other Ministers in order to personally inform them that they need to respect the country’s constitution and the governor of St. Maarten. Among those that gathered in front of the Government Administration Building is the Deputy Leader of the National Alliance and Member of Parliament Silveria Jacobs. MP Jacobs told SMN News that it is a sad day for St. Maarten when its people have to protest in order for democracy to prevail. She said the Gumbs cabinet got a motion of no confidence and they need to respect the laws of the country and the Governor of St. Maarten. MP Jacobs made clear that whatever deals or decisions taken by the ousted cabinet after September 30th 2015 each Minister will be held personally liable for their actions.
Member of Parliament Frans Richardson who also showed up to show his support to the protestors said that he is not at all disappointed in the amount of people that came out on Wednesday. He said as far he is concerned when one person protest it already give reason for them to stand by that person. MP Frans Richardson that those that came out are fed up with the group of rogue Ministers that are holding the country hostage.
Toddy Peterson, a former Police Officer said that the Gumbs cabinet should pack up and go home because they got a motion of no confidence, besides that he said the laws of the country (constitution) is clear and the Prime Minister and his cabinet ought to respect it. “What we are seeing today is a group of people that are trampling on the constitution, they are holding the country hostage, and they are insulting the integrity of the Governor of St. Maarten which is a very sad thing.” When asked what advice he has for the ousted Prime Minister, Peterson said that Gumbs should go home because no one voted for him in 2014. “Marcel Gumbs had his days in politics years ago and what he need to do is to respect and live up to the constitution and not trample on it, Be a person of respect because with his actions right now he is killing whatever he achieved as a politician when he was elected. What Gumbs is doing now will go down in history as a Prime Minister who trampled on his country’s constitution. As for the Minister Justice Dennis Richardson he should know better, he is the Minister of Justice and he should know much better, he should resign and go home allow the country to rebuild itself with a new government. Let’s give William Marlin a chance to govern the country we do not need one family to continue running the country.”
Peterson said that in 2013 when the Government fell through ship jumping the National Alliance led government left and he believes that this time the UPP led government should pack up and go home and give the leader of the National Alliance a chance to lead the country.
Another elderly citizen endorsed the statements made by Peterson she said since the Gumbs cabinet took office they did nothing for the people of St. Maarten and chance should be given to this new coalition. The elderly woman who is strong supporter of the Democratic Party especially its leader said that those in office does not want electoral reform. “When Marcel had to speak he did not. Why is this cabinet bringing St. Maarten down with them?”
Another protestor said that Gumbs should get out and allow this new coalition to do something for the country. “Since the Gumbs cabinet took office they have not done anything for the people and while I don’t expect the world from anyone I expect some changes. Ever since I am 15 years old I hearing them talking about change today I am 43 and still there is no change so I want to know if the change they are talking about will come when my children die.”
Priest a well-known taxi driver said that the Governor should send the police to remove the Gumbs cabinet. Priest said he believes that there is some game being played. He said whatever he said to Marcel Gumbs should be enforced. Priest said that as long as the people don’t react the right way then nothing will happen. He said he believes some sort of violence has to be used which he said is blocking the entire Philipsburg that will shake the economy.
Other protestors said no one voted for those that make up the Gumbs cabinet and now that they got a motion of no confidence they should get up and run.
Civil Servants ran out of building as protestors attempted to lock the front door of the Government Building with chain.
After hours of waiting in the hot sun for Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and other Members of the Council of Ministers to come out of the building to address the people some of the protestors walked towards the door of the Government Building to place a heavy chain on the front door. The protestors said since the Gumbs cabinet do not want to leave the building then they should be locked inside of it. As the protestors approached the door head of security Tony Arnell pleaded with them to give him time to evacuate the building and to see if he could get the Prime Minister to come out and address them. As soon as Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs who sneaked into the building through the back door heard that the protestors were demanding that he get out of the building or they would place chains on the door he called on the police to rescue the Ministers that were in office, namely the Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, Minister Rita Bourne Gumbs and Minister Claret Connor. Minister of Finance Martin Hassink reported to work at 6:30am but when he saw the blockage he went inside the building grabbed his bag and left.
The police hurried over to the building to protect the ousted government while they themselves do not have basic insurance to protect their own lives.
SMN News asked some of the officers if they were not concerned about their own safety especially knowing that they do not have any insurance and not long ago they lost one of their colleagues in the line of duty. The officers said they were not the ones to answer the question but instead those questions should be posed to the Minister of Justice or the management team of KPSM.
SMN News contacted Chief of Police Peter de Witte who is currently off island for a comment on how it is possible for him to put his subordinates at risk knowing that they do not have insurance. De Witte said that the police management submitted an advice for insurance for police officers since 2012 and government namely the Minister of Justice did not act on it. De Witte said the Minister of Justice took responsibility for the lack of insurance for the officers of KPSM in Parliament and they have installed a committee to work on getting insurance for police officers, he further stated that the committee is supposed submit an advice to the Prime Minister within short.
As the protestors continue with their peaceful protest they made a second attempt to get Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs to speak with them this time having Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel leading them towards the building. As the protestors reached the door security guards grabbed the door and told MP Emmanuel that the building was closed and that they will call the Prime Minister. Again instead of addressing the people the Prime Minister called over police. Those in charge in the absence of the Chief Commissioner and Deputy Chief then rushed over to the building where they secured the building with a number of Police Officers. The senior officers that rushed over to the Government Building were Commissioner Denise Jacobs, Randolf Bloieman, Benjamin Gout and CPO Felix Richards along with some other Bavpolers.
While most of the officers went inside the building Richards remained outside and spoke to the protesters until he convinced the owner of the heavy equipment’s to remove his vehicles.
Those that protested on Wednesday said that the actions they took on Wednesday is just the beginning and they intend to continue the protest until the ousted Ministers leave office.

Click here to view photos of the protest action on Wednesday.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Vice President of Parliament Hon. Cornelius de Weever on Tuesday morning during a plenary session of the House of Parliament, closed the meeting based on Article 37 of the Rules of Order in order to seek legal advice regarding the Council of Ministers decision to dissolve Parliament and hold new elections.
The plenary session was related to the appointment of the President and two Vice Presidents of Parliament.

This meeting of the House was initially requested by the National Alliance Faction Members of Parliament (MPs) W.V. Marlin, S.E. Jacobs, Democratic Party Faction S.A. Wescot-Williams, United St. Maarten Party Faction F.G. Richardson, and MP M.A. Lake.

In the meantime, on Tuesday 13th October, the aforementioned MPs along with three other members of the House, namely, MP G. Pantophlet, MP C. Emmanuel and MP S. Matser, sent a new request for an urgent meeting of the House.

The agenda point noted in the letter is: “The illegal act by the vice-chair of Parliament on October 13th, the consequences for the functioning of parliament and for the representation of the people of St. Maarten.”

The Vice President of Parliament MP De Weever, stated that he will not entertain such a letter and is of the opinion that he did not perform an illegal act as noted in the letter, and that the letter should be resubmitted with different wording.

The Vice President says he also stands by his decision to seek legal advice with respect to the Council of Ministers decision to dissolve Parliament.

PHIILIPSBURG:--- The faction leaders of Parliament namely leader of the National Alliance William Marlin, leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams, leader of the USP Frans Richardson and Independent Members Silvio Matser and Maurice Lake dispatched a letter to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Marcel Gumbs who invited them to a meeting to be held on Wednesday October 14th with one agenda point which is to find a solution to the current political crisis on St. Maarten.
The letter sent to Prime Minister Gumbs clearly outlined the events that took place on September 30th 2015 when a motion of no confidence was passed in parliament against the entire Council of Ministers. The Faction leaders informed the Prime Minister that based on article 33-2 of the country’s constitution when a motion of no confidence is given against a Minister or Government they are supposed to make their positions available immediately. The letter further states that instead of the Council of Ministers making their positions available they chose to invoke article 59 of the constitution which is to dissolve the parliament of St. Maarten. The letter further stated that the solution to the current crisis is for all Ministers to make their positions available which is in accordance to article 33-2 of the country’s constitution.
They letter continued to state that as soon as they are informed that the Council of Ministers complies with article 33-2 of the constitution they will avail themselves for discussion to ensure a smooth and rapid transition.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten Management will be pursuing the promotion of employment opportunities onboard cruise ships for Sint Maarteners. Many Caribbean nationals throughout the Region including Sint Maarten, work onboard cruise ships.
Those working on cruise ships around the world are very much instrumental in delivering memorable vacation experiences to over 20 million cruise passengers annually.
Working on a cruise ship provides experience in various areas. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) fully supports the cruise industry’s extensive efforts to provide those who work onboard cruise ships with safe, enjoyable and rewarding careers.
Port St. Maarten Management pointed out that a program for employment opportunities onboard cruise ships has been a topic of discussion, but was never formally pursued. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has made use of an employment program on cruise ships and it has been very successful, and with the practical information received, Port St. Maarten is ready to pursue such a program for Sint Maarten.
“Small nations do contribute a considerable number of employees to the cruise industry, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a clear example. Don’t under estimate the opportunities. We will approach the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) and Sundial for example, to start the recruitment drive. This has become a priority for Port St. Maarten in collaboration with the Government,” Port St. Maarten Management said on Tuesday.
Port St. Maarten Management added that working experience gained on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Carnival Corporation, can only further enhance the employment opportunities for an individual.
A cruise ship employee works approximately six days a week and up to at times 10 hours per day. Contracts are between four to six months with an option to renew. Wages are between US$2000-$6000 or more per month. This is dependent on the cruise line that hires the person, the position that you apply for and previous work experience.
Some of the positions that are available but not limited to are: Able Seaman Entry Level; Activity Coordinator; Administrative Assistant; Aerobic/Fitness Instructor; Casino Dealer; Slot Technician; Cabin Steward/Stewardess; Sous Chef; Housekeeping; Food and Beverage; Laundry; Pastry; Salon; Shore Excursion; Waiter/Waitress; Bell Boy; Busboy; Cashier; Cleaner; Computer Technician; Cruise Staff; Dishwasher; Electrician; Cook; Florist; Guest Entertainer; Hostess; Nail Technician; Massage Therapist; Plumber; Photographer; Prep Cook; Receptionist; Security Officer; Pool Attendant; Restaurant Manager; Sales Person; Singers/Band; along with various management and middle management positions throughout the various areas.
Accommodations and food are paid for onboard the vessel for the crew member. The cruise line makes the travel arrangements for travel to and from the ship. Cruise line employment is considered the most sought after employment in the tourism industry.
As a cruise ship employee, you get to visit various countries and experience life in other cultures. Cruise lines frequent the following destinations: Alaska, Caribbean, Bahamas, Hawaii, Bermuda, Mexico, Panama Canal, Canada, Mediterranean, Europe, South America, China, Australia, Indonesia and much more.
CLIA and its member cruise lines strongly support the International Labour Organization’s 2006 Maritime Labour Convention which provides comprehensive protections for the rights of crew members on cruise ships. Under the Convention, crew members enjoy specific rights related to all facets of employment, including wages, hours, medical care, annual and shore leave, and room and board. The Convention ensures compliance through strict enforcement mechanisms that apply to both ship owners and governments.
CLIA member lines have also implemented a Shipboard Workplace Code of Conduct Policy that addresses the aforementioned.
CLIA was established in 1975, and is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community.

The world’s largest cruise sector association represents the interests of 60+ member cruise lines that represent more than 90 per cent of the global cruise capacity and serve more than 22 million passengers; 275 executive partners; and 13,500 global travel agency members that include the largest agencies, hosts, franchises and consortia and represent more than 50,000 individual travel agents.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, announced on Tuesday that he has extended an invitation to all parliamentary faction leaders for Wednesday, October 14th at the Government Administration Building.
The agenda point for the meeting is seeking support for solutions for stability in Government.
The first meeting between the Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, along with his advisors from his Cabinet is slated for 9.00am. Subsequent thereto, meetings will continue with the faction leaders throughout the day.
As indicated in his first meeting with the Parliament of Sint Maarten, the Prime Minister stressed the need for stability, civility and tranquillity in the country. Prime Minister Gumbs has requested the various faction leaders to meet in order to discuss solutions for stability in Government.
Invitations from Prime Minister Gumbs to faction leaders were issued on Tuesday, October 13.
The members of the Council of Ministers decided on Tuesday to explore this avenue in seeking a solution to the current impasse that would be in the long-term interests of the country and its people.
“This approach being offered brings Parliament and Government together to work in the interests of the people. I am looking forward to meeting with the various faction leaders as we discuss possible solutions for stability in future Governments of this country,” Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said on Tuesday afternoon.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Members of Parliament that makes up the new coalition has submitted another request to parliament to call an urgent meeting to deal with what they describe as the illegal act by Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever. Shortly after the meeting of Parliament was closed by MP Cornelius de Weever on Tuesday morning, the three political leaders namely William Marlin, Sarah Wescot Williams and Frans Richardson spoke to members of the media that were present in parliament. MP Wescot Williams said that MP Cornelius de Weever made his position as vice chair of parliament available because he did not want to chair a meeting. She said on Tuesday morning all members of parliament including those making up the new coalition learnt that the chairman of parliament along with the two vice chairs made their positions available to the parliament of St. Maarten.
Wescot Williams further explained MP Cornelius de Weever  used the excuse to making his position available last week was because he did not want to chair a meeting prior to Tuesday’s meeting. She said when the chair and vice chairs are not present then the next person that had to chair the meeting would have been MP Johan Janchi Leonard since he has the longest time of service and the oldest, however, MP Leonard did not attend that meeting. Wescot Williams said at that moment the next person that had to take the chair was MP George Pantophlet who opened the meeting but it could not take place due to a lack of quorum.
Wescot Williams said on Tuesday morning the second vice chair who already made his position available took the chair opened the meeting and then closed it citing article 37 of the rules of order." MP Cornelius de Weever referred to a decision taken by the Government as a national ordinance which is not a national ordinance, MP De Weever said that he has taken note of a draft national ordinance to dissolve the parliament of St. Maarten, thus he is seeking legal clarification. The question I have now is from whom the MP is seeking legal clarification, another question that has to be answered the decision sent to the governor to dessolve parliament was not ratified by the Governor of St. Maarten."
Wescot Williams said that the Parliament of St. Maarten did not give any mandate to MP De Weever to seek clarification. Wescot Williams further explained that the use of article 37 of the rules of order can only be used in the interest of the order of the meeting or in the interest of the proceedings. She said on Tuesday morning the meeting did not start. Wescot Williams said that the chair is not an independent person but one that represents the parliament and instead of giving the Members of Parliament a chance to react on what he was about to do he closed the meeting until further notice. The leader of the Democratic Party and Member of Parliament said what transpired on Tuesday morning was an illegal act that is hindering the functioning of parliament. She further stated that what the second vice chair did was he brought what the government has been doing by not tendering their resignation and brought it to parliament one she described as a misuse of power and authority.
Member of Parliament and Leader of National Alliance in his address endorsed the statements made by MP Wescot Williams. Marlin said on one end the chairs of parliament are acknowledging there is a new majority in parliament but on the other hand they rise above the decision of the Council of Minsters that are not upholding the constitution.
Marlin said before the meeting started on Tuesday he spoke to MP Cornelius de Weever where he informed him that MP Lloyd Richardson had tendered his resignation but also agreed to cooperate with the meeting in order not to hold up the process. “MP Lloyd Richardson even agreed to convene the meeting at 9am because he and his spouse were leaving the island to go to the Netherlands to represent the Parliament of St. Maarten on Tuesday afternoon. When I heard that he was tendering his resignation on Tuesday morning and later that same day boarding a plane to represent the Parliament of St. Maarten as the chairman. The majority in Parliament had agreed that they would not have created any embarrassing situation for MP Lloyd Richardson and they were willing to table a motion in order of MP Richardson to represent the Parliament of St. Maarten even though he was no longer the chairman of Parliament.” Marlin said it is clear that the current Member of Parliament are playing some sort of tit for tat game. He said that present Council of Ministers are creating a constitutional crisis while ignoring the decision taken by the Governor of St. Maarten. Marlin said he heard that the Prime Minister told others that he is not a politician and he will hold on to his seat in order for the Dutch to come in and take over. He said that if the Prime Minister made these statements then they are to be considered as  reckless statements. “The Prime Minister must be reminded that he became Prime Minister due to ship jumping. The two first two Members of Parliament that jumped ship were MP Cornelius de Weever and Leona Marlin Romeo. As it stands now I believe that these persons are willing to sink the island,  they even want the Dutch to come in and take over because they do not want to leave office. I will take this even further because I believe the current Council of Ministers are buying time in order to sign off on major contracts and or projects. One of the projects is the expansion of the prison that will not be put on bid but handed to a contractor.”
Marlin said the country is held hostage by a rogue Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs who refused to even uphold the constitution.
MP Frans Richardson considered what transpired on Tuesday as unfortunate since there is use and abuse of power. MP Richardson said that those persons holding the seats as chairpersons are using nice legal words to their benefit. He reminded the Council of Ministers that they got a motion of confidence and they should have resigned by now.
MP Richardson said that the situation has aggravated the people and for him it is clear that those holding public office have no shame who are sitting with dignitaries overseas. When they were asked if there will be any kind of protest marches.nMP Frans Richardson and MP Wescot Williams  stated that the people of St. Maarten have a right to protest but they are appealing with the people to conduct a peaceful protest if they will protest at all. She said their main message to the people is ensure they get their message their across peacefully.
Both the leader of the National Alliance and Democratic Party said they met with the member of the council of state Piet Hein Donner who is currently on the island holding consultation meetintgs.  Wescot Williams said she used her time during the meeting to bring the Dutch representative up to speed with information he might have regarding the current political crisis. While MP Marlin said he spoke mostly about the ‘raw deal’ St. Maarten got with the debt relief. Marlin said he met with Donner on Tuesday morning but he managed to explain Dutch representative that St. Maarten really got a raw deal in 2010 and no government would be able to balance their budgets annually since the island had to start off from scratch as country. Marlin said he also informed Donner that St. Maarten now has a rogue Council of Ministers who have refused to uphold the country's constitution and respect the decison taken by the Governor of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, October 13th at approximately 10.15 a.m. several police patrols and detectives were sent to McDonalds located in Bellevedere for an armed robbery. When the investigating officers arrived on the scene they learnt that two gunmen dressed completely in black and their faces covered had forced themselves into the establishment and while threatening the employees with their guns robbed by taking one of the cash registers. After committing this act the suspects fled in a small white vehicle. A search of the entire area did not lead to any arrests. This case will be investigated by the Special Robbery Unit.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:---The Police Department is investigating a shooting which took place on Monday October 12th at approximately 10.55 p.m. at a house located on Flamboyant road in Saunders. This incident left two victims slightly injured from gun shots fired by the suspect. The report came into the Emergency Central Dispatch who immediately sent several patrols, detectives, forensic department and paramedics to the scene. On the scene the investigating officers learnt, that the shooting took place after a heated argument between the victims who are brothers and the suspect. The reason for the shooting is still unclear and is being investigated. The Forensic Department was on the scene collecting evidence while detectives were interviewing potential witnesses. The victims were both treated on the scene by paramedics for their non life threatening wounds. One of the victims had to be taken to the Sint Maarten medical center for further medical treatment. The suspect in this case has not yet been arrested. The investigation is ongoing.

KPSM Police Report.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The NIACA Festival is a platform to celebrate the Culture and Arts of St.Maarten. The Story as told by the individuals who live and work here as artist. The showcase celebrates both our traditional cultural heritage, as well as the modern contemporary works created by the artist of now. The National Institute of Arts has selected October 10th for the NIACA Festival, as we feel that the transition to Country Status is the appropriate occasion to celebrate all things St.Maarten. Our past, our present, and visions of our future. During the NIACA Festival we also award and honor the creative works of those who have paved the way so that we could be here today. The highlight of the evening will be an Award ceremony honoring St.Maarten artist of 3 generations, and a showcase featuring a wide range of performers. This years performers included the Choir Charlie Par Choeur, Dancers representing Temps Dans, Lucie Corbinien, Alyzee Jouvenet, Author LaToya Lake, Poet Rene Violenus, Tamara Groeneveldt, Dancers from the National Institute of Arts, and Acoustics guitar performance by Carlson Velasquez, John Ferdinand Hyman and Jan Beaujon.
This year Accolade of Excellence in Culture and Arts 2015 Awards recipients are:

 1. The Griot Award recipients are The Seniors /The Older-Heads. The pioneers who have paved so that we may do what we do today.

Irene Hodge
Ruby Bute
Carlson Velasquez
John Ferdinand Hyman
Felix Felix

2. The Vanguard Award. This is the generation that has forged on, creating works in a myriad of genres. They are the contemporary generation. Artists of now that are doing creative expressive works in all discipline.

Evelyne Fleming
Isidore York

3. The Young Emerging Artist Award speaks for it self. These are the artists of the future. Those now embarking on their artistic path.
Keila Michelle Gumbs
David Colas better known as D.Kullus

The National Institute of Arts recognizes that Arts and Culture play vital roles in celebrating the story of our humanity. The artist that we honor are a treasure throve of information and have created a library of work that helps tell Sweet S’Maatin Story.

These artists have devoted themselves to living an exemplary life as an Artist, despite of all the obstacles faced in the process of creating and developing their art here on this island.
Through their hard work, perseverance, dedication, and commitment to excellence,
St. Maarten/St. Martin now has a library of tangible works, which celebrates all “Our-Story”.

NIA knows that the Sweet S’Maatin Story lives in the body of our artists, poets, dancers, cultural workers, storytellers and others engaged in Culture & Arts. The Griots of our Island are a true testament and example of Artistry embodied.

Cozumel / PHILIPSBURG:---  On behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunications the Honorable Ernest Sams, Mr. Denicio Richardson, Traffic and Telecommunications Advisor, attended the 22nd Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference, which was held in Cozumel, Mexico. The conference was held from Monday, 4th to Friday the 9th October.
The conference was attended by wide range of participants, covering the Caribbean and Central America, including the southern USA. During the conference a number of one on one meeting were held as well as roundtable sessions, to discuss the bigger and pressing issues, we are being faced with and affecting the Cruise industry regionally and globally, identifying the potential threats and opportunities. Key developments worth noting, is that of security and safety, which are key to keeping any destination an attractive option, and equally important is the experience that the destination can offer that would make its passengers wanting to come back and experience again and again.
Clearly and evident St. Maarten is a beacon of the region for the industry, with what it has been able to achieve to date and when measured using key performance indicators (KPIs). St. Maarten stands on top in the region in most of KPIs, and is looked up to by many. The harbor group in its press release has already indicated such and shared some numbers.
As a nation we have come far in this perspective over the years, thanks to the developments of one of our ports of entry, namely the Harbor. Despite this we are facing and so is the region increasing pressure and competition for our ships of the region, especially the larger newer ships, from the Chinese and Asian markets. Ships are being relocated to tap into the exponential fast growth that is taken place in that part of the world, as the production of ships will take some time to catch up and balance out to meet all the needs across the globe. What does this mean for the Caribbean and St. Maarten? It does not mean all is lost or will be, as a matter of fact with Cuba coming more and more on stream this will help to boost the attractiveness for the region, and helping to boost the yields and average spend of persons visiting our shores further. Also to date only 20% of the American population has taken a cruise, offering a great potential for continued demand to our region, and the Chinese as more and more get use to Cruises, will look to travel further and further away from home, bringing them to our shores. Key is for Government and industry players, to start preparing for the coming of the Chinese. Europe is another up and coming market to our region and shores, especially the German market. The harbor has already started to prepare for this by placing someone that can speak mandarin and German at its ports, and this development needs to be further spread into the different service sectors.
With such said, what is clear is that the market dynamics are changing, a number of new ports are opening up in the region offering more choices for ships to cruise to in the region, further enhancing the experience, but as a region we will have to seek working more together, to ensure the overall product is up to par, and understanding that as combined product we will be able to offer something that cannot be easily copied or experienced any other part of the world, as other parties and regions are competing for the business. The key buzz words during the conference were safety and security as well as the experience. The experience needs to be such that is different, unique and keep people coming back. St. Maarten already has one such being the end of the runway experience that is far becoming a popular and sought out activity by the guest coming to our shores that is unique. We need to seek to find and develop others. Government has taken note of these developments, and in its role of establishing policy will take this all into consideration.
The next conference will be held next year in Puerto Rico, and the chairperson of FCCA, Mrs. Michel Page, has already made a pitch at St. Maarten to be the host their after, as they were very happy and impressed with how St. Maarten hosted the event, which broke records, and kept persons talking about the experience beyond including even during this year’s conference. Persons could not stop speaking about their experience in St. Maarten. This was welcoming news, and the Ministry hereby acknowledges and thanks the Harbor group of companies, its leadership and staff, for a job well done and we as a people need to feel proud of what we are able to do on such a grand scale.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Saturday October 10th 2015 Ms Dshnay Mathew York from Charlotte Brookson performance of Art Academy captured the first JCI LIVE Soualiga speech contest held at the University Of St Maarten,the participating schools had to prepare a speech on the following topic"The Relevance of Youth Participation in Social Responsibility Projects.The contest was very tight and challenging and showed how great youth speakers we have on the island. The contestants are Hanaya Merlet 3rd place from Learning Unlimited Preparatory School,Serenity Martinus 2nd place from Charlotte Brookson performance of Art Academy. D'shnay York will now fly to Curaçao and represent St Maarten in the JCI Dutch Caribbean Youth Speech contest schedule for this coming week national convention.Ms York is very excited to be representing her island once more and said she will be performing to the best of her ability not only representing herself and school Charlotte Brookson school of performing arts but also the people of the island.Winning this show her prize was all expense paid for her to fly to curaçao and to represent the island Ms york will be flying with incoming JCI LIVE president Delmarie York-Cornelius and VP Mr. Anthony Mc Clean. The JCI LIVE Youth Public Speaking Competition was sponsored by Nagico Insurances, University of St. Martin, Obersi group of companies and DHL/western Union and Vid solutions. Special thank you to the sponsors that make this event successful.

Any more information please feel free to contact me at 5881833/5204516. Please see attachment, From left to the right Delmarie York-Cornelius Incoming President 3rd place winner Hanaya Merlet 1st place winner D'shnay York and 2nd place winner Serenity Martinus

Grand Case:--- This Saturday, the Migratory Bird Festival returns to St. Martin with new activities and an all-star roster of presenters. The free, family-friendly Festival celebrates the amazing migratory birds that arrive on this island each fall after incredible expeditions across the globe. This year it will be held at University of St. Martin from 9am to 1pm on October 17th.

University of St. Martin’s location on the Great Salt Pond provides the perfect setting for the Festival's guided walks, where guests get to learn on the go from experts. Avid birder and Nature Foundation board member Binkie van Es will be leading guided bird walks regularly throughout the morning, and launching the Nature Foundation Birding Club. At 9:30am, St. Maarten Archaeological Center (SIMARC) Director Jay Haviser will lead a special Heritage Salt Walk.

“The Great Salt Pond plays a dual role as a key bird habitat and as a cornerstone of the island’s heritage and identity–we're excited to spotlight both aspects at this event!” explained Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes. “We’ve wanted to do this for a long time, and Dr. Haviser is not only an expert, but also has an extraordinary ability to make history come alive. The Heritage Walk will be a really unique opportunity for St. Martiners to engage with their history and culture.”

Festival-goers will meet St. Martin's migratory birds and learn about their marvelous journeys during a multimedia presentation by naturalist Mark Yokoyama, author of The Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of Saint Martin. Kids and adults alike will love discovering the stories of these different migrants, from tiny warblers and gregarious shorebirds to the majestic Osprey.

This Migratory Bird Festival is part of an international program including hundreds of events that share the same 2015 theme: Restore Habitat, Restore Birds. This theme will be addressed at the Festival by a series of special presentations and activities. Environmental Educator Laura Bijnsdorp will give audiences a taste of EPIC’s environmental education program with a presentation on the importance of wetlands. Devon Carter and Giovanni Hughes of the Anguilla National Trust will present on island restoration and its benefits to birds and entire ecosystems, showcasing the recent rat eradication program on Dog Island and plans for Prickly Pear Cays.

Visitors will learn more about local habitats by enjoying the exhibition of selections from the Shadow of a Drought photo essay, highlighting the impact of drought on key St. Martin wetlands. The photo essay is also downloadable as a free ebook from the Les Fruits de Mer website.

Attendees can participate in bird habitat restoration themselves at the Club Gaïac table at Saturday's event. The Club Gaïac project promotes the planting of Gaïac (also known as Lignum Vitae), an endangered native tree. Guests will learn about the history and ecology of this beautiful heritage tree, and can bring home a free seedling to plant in their backyard or neighborhood.

Another interactive activity at the event will be the Portable Pond Discovery Station, which will give participants a chance to see a whole world of life that lives in St. Martin’s ponds and provides food for our migratory birds, but often goes unnoticed.

Artistically-minded guests of all ages are invited to make “Happy Bird-day” and other bird-themed cards for friends and loved ones at the art activity station.

The 2015 Festival is hosted by Les Fruits de Mer and University of St. Martin, and made possible by the hard work of many volunteers and the generous sponsorship of Aqua Mania Adventures, Calmos Cafe, Delta Petroleum and Hotel L’Esplanade. Visit http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com or find Les Fruits de Mer on Facebook for more information. With covered areas for all the activities, the event will take place rain or shine.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday October 11th, 2015 the official opening ceremony was held at the Melford Hazel Sports Complex in Sucker Garden.

The opening ceremony started off with a wonderful march around the building lead by the Generation New Status Drum Band with all 4 clubs which are Bush Tea Remedy, Learning Unlimited, Lightning and Thunderz alongside the referees and table officials of LBC.

The program then started with a beautiful opening prayer by Pastor Brown, St. Maarten Anthem by Ms. Francia Adamus followed by speeches by our Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Mrs. Rita Bourne-Gumbs, Honorable Members of Parliament Ms. Silveria Jacobs, Ms. Tamara Leonard, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams. These speeches were followed by Ms. Marcellina Loblack with her powerful speech about Breast Cancer awareness, speech by Ms. Mhakeda Shillingford of PEP (Patrol to Eradicate Pedophilia) and lastly a speech by President of Walichi Basketball Association Ms. Silvia Monte.

This year MP Hon. Silveria Jacobs took up the challenge to make a free throw shot to open the season alongside Walichi Basketball Association president & former basketball player Ms. Silvia Monte. They were both good sports and both made a shot to open the season while the crowd cheered them on.

Female artist SoloKween and a dance group lead by Tristan Defoe entertained with an energy packed performance which was well received by the crowd. Music was provided by DJ Guilder and DJ Alexandra. The MC for the event was reigning Ms. Mature Carnival Queen Norisa Richards.

The event ended with an exhibition game between the senior teams of Learning Unlimited and Lightning. The crowd was really into it which made for a very positive atmosphere for supporters and players alike. The halftime performance was a entertaining dance choreography by Dashaun Prince and Clifford Henry of NIA.

All in all, it was a great fun filled day and it wouldn't have been possible without our sponsors the Kadaster, Leonard Enterprises NV, Sentinel Accountants & Consulting, Hvack Solutions, Heavenly Water, Twin Island Excursions NV, I Love SXM / Sign Triple 9, Cash 4 Gold & Silver, PSB Bank, Orco Bank and SXM Daily News.

Thank you to all who came out to the opening ceremony and we look forward to seeing everyone at the games every weekend at Melford Hazel on Sundays from 3-7pm (Senior) and every other Sunday the U13 games will be from 2-3pm followed by senior games (3-7pm). Entrance fee is $1, so see you next Sunday!!

Great Bay:---- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, Rafael Boasman on Wednesday October 7, 2015 received from SOAB, Mr. Lieuwe Hiemstra, the Audit Report of the cost of the Seawater Intake Facilities at Pointe Blanche, built by the water production company Seven Seas Water on the cargo premises of the Sint Maarten Harbour Holding, which was represented at the event by Mr. John Curtis of Seven Seas Water.

The sea water intake installation supplies sea water, taken from the open sea at the end of the cargo cay, as feed water to the reverse osmosis water plant at Pointe Blanche. The full installation consists of a number of secured intake lines, a hurricane withstanding concrete pump house that includes a transformer station, electrical switching and control panels in separate rooms and outside the properly covered and protected underground polyethylene water line with the high voltage GEBE cables laid next to the line in the same (deep)trench.

The Seawater Intake became necessary as an additional investment when the original plan to have feed water wells drilled was not a feasible option as the tests wells showed that sea water is available but not to the volume required to adequately feed and operate the two RO units of Pointe Blanche. The financing of the additional investment was provided by Seven Seas Water and the intake facility was built simultaneously with the construction of the first RO production unit. Both installations were taken into service in March 2014.

Government and Seven Seas Water agreed to have an independent auditor establish the actual cost of the facilities. These will be added to the amount to be paid for taking over the ownership of the production plant of Pointe Blanche at the end of the water supply agreement with Seven Seas in 2022.

The Audit Report from the independent auditor SOAB, after having executed an audit based on an approved Bench Mark, confirms the correctness of the cost of construction of USD 1.8 million. With the reduction for the well installations of USD 0.5 million the total amount to be added to the Buy Out amount is USD 1.3 million.

Minister Boasman thanked SOAB, the auditor Mr. Lieuwe Hiemstra for a job well done and expressed his appreciation to Seven Seas Water for the quality of the reverse osmosis plant installations at Pointe Blanche including the Sea Water Intake and the reliable daily production of quality drinking water.

The Minister is looking forward to the completion of the second modular RO unit of Pointe Blanche which is scheduled for completion in February 2016 as required by the water supply agreement.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The University of St. Martin’s (USM) School of Continuing Education & Life Long Learning, (SCELL) held its second successful Brain Bytes Series this past Saturday, October 10, 2015. The workshops were held at USM. The sessions offered were: Customer Service versus Customer Care, Becoming Organized at Home or Work, and Learn Basic Office and Administrative Skills. Participants who attended the workshops raved about its content and the difference it made in their lives.

Ms. Benjamin stated: “The course/presentation was effective and invigorating. Much was learned in the time slot that was given.”

Dr. Gittens, SCELL’s Director, indicated, “Our purpose is to provide knowledge to the St. Maarten Community to enhance their day to day lives. Our workshops are specifically designed to meet every learner at their level of learning. We do not have a prerequisite for community persons to attend. Brain Bytes are open to anyone who wants to gain knowledge and advance their personal skills. Brain Bytes is the perfect, simple solution to making a measurable difference among members of the community who want lean and its working.”
Mrs. William-Thomas another participant raved about the good work USM is doing by offering Brain Bytes and stated: “Education is a continuous process. Keep up the good work at USM!”

For more information, Contact SCELL at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 554-2437.

Vice chairperson De Weever used article 37 of the rules of order to close meeting due to the resolution submitted to Governor to dissolve Parliament.

PHILIPSBURG:---The meeting called on Tuesday to appoint a new chairperson and vice chairpersons was close abruptly by the second vice chairperson Cornelius de Weever who chaired the meeting Tuesday morning. The meeting was opened shortly after 9am by the second vice chair. After a moment of silence MP De Weever then announced that two Members of Parliament submitted their notification of absence. The chair then stated that everyone knows that the Prime Minister of St. Maarten has submitted a resolution to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten and based on article 37 he closed the meeting.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Monday, 12th October, President of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson, made his position to Parliament by informing the Secretariat of the House of Parliament.

“Given the present and still ongoing political developments, I hereby inform you that I have made the seat of President of the Parliament of Sint Maarten available to whomsoever the Parliament sees fit to assume said post.

“I would also like to thank the members of the Presidium for their untiring cooperation, the secretariat for their unrelenting support, the employees and other related staff for the manner in which they all performed their duties during this period of transition.

“The seat of President of Parliament was not an aspiration of mine, nonetheless my willingness to serve where my country's need of me was the greatest has been and continues to be my passion.

“That being said, I would like to take this moment in our country's history to say to all primarily responsible, that our people, our collective reputation, our country's stability and future are riding perilously on the outcome of these talks. I want to rest on your conscience the full weight of your behavior and your decisions.

“Think about our infant nation first and act with sober maturity and not from a position of personal gain, so that we can emerge with a stronger parliament, council of ministers, taller as politicians resulting eventually in a more peaceful, wiser and more prosperous nation for all our people. May God Almighty place His guiding hand on us all.

“Last but not least, I thank my staff and colleagues for their cooperation and respect shown, I look forward to working with you all until such time that this chapter of my political career would have come to an end. Best Wishes to you and this entire country,” President of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson stated in his notice to the Secretariat of Parliament.

Copies were also sent to the Governor of Sint Maarten and the Council of Ministers.

The House of Parliament will meet in a plenary session on October 13 to appoint the President and two Vice Presidents.

The public Plenary Session is set for Tuesday, at 9.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is the appointment of the President and Vice Presidents of Parliament.

This meeting of the House was requested by the National Alliance Faction Members of Parliament (MPs) W.V. Marlin, S.E. Jacobs, Democratic Party Faction S.A. Wescot-Williams, United St. Maarten Party Faction F.G. Richardson, and MP M.A. Lake.

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:--- At least one of the eight Ministers that are part of the Gumbs cabinet has agreed to submit his resignation on Tuesday to the Governor of St. Maarten. SMN News learnt that Minister Claret Connor who was removed from the Ministry of TEATT and placed at the Ministry of VROMI has agreed to break the stand-off in order to avoid an unrest by the people of St. Maarten. The source said Connor has given the majority in Parliament full guarantee that he will not go along any longer with the Prime Minister who has so far refused to respect the constitution of St. Maarten and hold the Governor of St. Maarten hostage. SMN News tried contacting Minister Connor by telephone Monday night but he could not be reached for an official comment.
SMN News further learnt that a second Minister will also submit his resignation shortly since the Member of Parliament who appointed him publicly acknowledged that there is a new majority in Parliament and has made her position as vice chair of parliament available.
The source said that Minister Ernest Sams will also submit his resignation to the Governor but the date and time when he will do that was not made known to anyone.
SMN News also learnt that Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever also submitted his resignation as second vice chair of parliament on Friday but he did not make it public. It is not yet known if MP Cornelius de Weever informed the Minister he appointed and if that Minister will also do the honorable thing and resign. MP Cornelius de Weever appointed the Minister of VSA Raphael Boasman who has been in office close to one month but received a motion of no confidence two weeks after taking office.

Civil Servants may start go-slow on Tuesday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Questions are now being asked as to where is the government owned vehicle with license plate PAR 1 that is assigned to the chairman of Parliament MP Lloyd Richardson. SMN News understands that ever since MP Richardson was appointed chairman of Parliament he was given the vehicle a black Viracruz that was special ordered by former chairlady of Parliament Gracita Arrindell.
SMN News further learned that the chairman of Parliament was allowed to hire his own driver which he did but that person never drove the Chairman of Parliament or even report to work.
That driver Frank Bruney who is on Parliament’s payroll never showed up to Parliament and does not drive around with MP Lloyd Richardson. It is understood that the chairman of Parliament drives around in his own personal vehicle but used the privilege given to him to hire someone to do his personal errands with government vehicle and gasoline.
A source within Parliament said that Bruney is using the government owned vehicle to transport cement to construct a building for the MP while he also uses the vehicle for his personal use even transporting his children to school.
Some concerned persons said that PAR 1 is seen parked up all over the island at all hours of the night and the last time it was seen used for Parliament was on the official opening of Parliament early September 2015.
A press release issued by Parliament stated that the chairman of Parliament will convene a meeting on Tuesday to appoint a new chair and vice chair but there is no guarantee that the chairman of parliament will show up to chair the meeting since he is scheduled to travel to the Netherlands later this week to represent the Parliament of St. Maarten. Already the vice chair of Parliament MP Leona Marlin Romeo has made her position available to the chair of parliament.
With the current political crisis SMN News learnt that civil servants are planning to start a go-slow action on Tuesday in order to squeeze the Gumbs cabinet to respect the constitution of St. Maarten. However, the latter could not be confirmed since no one wants to speak on behalf of the civil servants.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, headed the Council of Ministers delegation that attended an Ecumenical Church Service in commemoration of Constitution Day, 12 October, which took place at St. Simon & St. Jude Anglican Church on Back Street, Philipsburg, on Monday.
Also in attendance was His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday and Mrs. Holiday.
Members of the Council of Ministers present were: Minister Claret Connor, Minister Rafael Boasman, Minister Martin Hassink, Minister Ernest Sams, and Minister Rita Bourne-Gumbs, who was the host of the church service.
The sermon was delivered by Father Terrence Rawlins.
Also in attendance were Members of Parliament, Collectivite of St. Martin Vice President Rosette Lake Gumbs, High Council of State representatives, high ranking civil servants and members of the congregation.

PHILIPSBURG:----- Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Leona Marlin-Romeo, has notified the current President of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson and Secretary Generals, that effective immediately, the position held as Vice Chair is made available.

MP Marlin-Romeo duly notes that there is a new majority in Parliament and therefore, the appointment of the new chairmanship must transpire.

In order to facilitate the process, notice was given to the respective persons in order for the new appointment to continue.

Press Release MP Leona Marlin Romeo

Editors note:- Now that the Independent Member of Parliament who jumped ship from the USP to support the UPP/ De Weever coalition has made her position as vice chair available citing that there is a new majority in Parliament, the Member of Parliament did not say if she will continue doing the honorable thing by having the Minister she appointed tender his resignation. MP Leona Marlin Romeo appoined her uncle in law  Ernest Sams as the Minister of TEATT who forms part of the Gumbs cabinet. The entire Gumbs cabinet including Minister Sams received a motion of no confidence on September 30th 2015 but to date none of the Ministers has seen it fit to tender their resignation. While the Prime Minister has refused to tender the resignation of his cabinet unless the governor signs the LB to dessolve Parliament each of the Ministers could tender their own resignation knowing that they each got a motion of no confidence and no longer enjoys the confidence and support of Parliament. SMN News tried reaching MP Romeo Marlin by telephone to see if she will continue on this same path but she could not be reached by telephone.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The House of Parliament is open to the general public. Visitors to the House must first report to the Reception Desk in order to be assisted.
For persons visiting the House of Parliament which is not related to the attendance of a Plenary or Central Committee meeting, who either have an appointment with a Member of Parliament (MP) or not, must present themselves at the Reception Desk in the building of the Parliament, Wilhelmina Street # 1, Philipsburg.

Here they are asked to identify themselves by means of a valid Identification Card (ID, Driver’s License, Passport). Using the identification, the personal data of visitor(s), the time of the visit as well as the departure time are recorded by the desk attendant.

The identification document will be held by the attendant until the person completes their visit. This measure is to ensure that at all times it is known who at a certain point in time is in the Parliament building.

The faction staff of the MP concerned is informed by the desk attendant that there is a visitor in the reception hall.

Visitors are allowed to wait in the lobby for up to 30 minutes for an MP. If the MP has not arrived after the 30 minutes, then the visitor is requested to make a new appointment with the MP concerned through the faction staff. An MP may receive visitors in his own office or faction room.

CAYHILL:--- 100 free mammograms are once again made available for women through the sponsoring by St. Maarten Medical Center, Positive Foundation and Elektraleyets Foundation.
For the month of October, women are encouraged to take advantage of free clinical breast exams (CBE) at the various participating clinics. The medical doctor carefully feels the woman’s breasts and underarm for any changes or abnormalities (such as a lump).
Based on the findings of the clinical breast exam and medical history, the woman may be recommended for a mammogram.
This is the fifth year since the participating organizations have teamed up to offer 100 free mammograms. Yet many women do not take advantage of the opportunity.
Some women are afraid of mammograms because of the anxiety and fear of pain during the procedure. Quite a few skip the procedure in between years and some avoid it altogether.
“We want to encourage persons to take responsibility for their health. While we may not be able to dissipate all fears we are willing to support persons to take that step, even doing so financially,” says SMMC communications officer Kimasha Williams.
At the St. Maarten Medical Center’s Open House on October 31st, 2015 women can take the first step by getting a free clinical breast exam. “If you are uninsured and are over the age of 40, ask the attending medical doctor if you qualify for a free mammogram,” she says. The Open House begins at 3:00pm with presentations and the clinic opens at 4:30pm until 7:00pm.
100 mammogram vouchers are distributed at the various participating clinics. Visit the Positive Foundation Facebook page for the schedule.
“Early detection is your best protection, we want to see more women taking charge of their health,” says president of Positive foundation, Shelly Alphonso.

My fellow St. Maarteners,
I hereby, in observance and celebration of the fifth anniversary of the birth of Sint Maarten as a country extend warmest greetings to you.
Five years ago on October 10, 2010, during my acceptance speech as Governor of Sint Maarten I said: “Today we stand at the portal of our new Country Sint Maarten. From personal experience I can inform you that the road to this moment was not smooth. But we made it. With the knowledge I acquired during that journey I can equally inform you that the challenges ahead are immense. ..... We will have to build critical institutions for the functioning of our parliamentary democracy, institutions like this Parliament,” the Council of Ministers, “the Council of Advice, the General Audit Chamber, the Ombudsman and others from the ground up. We will have to improve our financial management and strengthen our judicial organizations. These institutions and their proper functioning are intended to maintain and safeguard the basic rights of the people of Sint Maarten as embedded in our Constitution. Building these institutions will not be easy, .... In that regard, there rest on us a great responsibility; a responsibility to build and nurture a stronger Sint Maarten for future generations. With that great responsibility we also have a great opportunity. Effective today, we like no generation before us have the opportunity and constitutional authority, to shape the socio-economic, cultural and environmental construct of our beloved island. How we address this challenge and approach this opportunity, will determine our success in the discharge of our responsibilities?” As we commemorate our fifth anniversary I believe that it is important that we reflect on these words and take stock of how far we have come in the discharge of our responsibilities.
My fellow Sint Maarteners,
Today five years later we have the benefit of five years of governance experience. All of our public, corporate and civic governance experiences – good and bad – hold within them significant lessons. As a result I call on each of you to evaluate your experiences of the past five years and establish your lessons learned. In doing so, we will find lessons regarding the importance of fostering the common good that provide relevant pointers as to how to move forward in the discharge of our responsibilities. Lessons that should prepare us for our journey in the further building of our nation during the next five years and beyond.
By identifying and building on the valuable lessons of the past five years, it is my conviction, now as it was five years ago, that a bright and positive future lies ahead through a united rally around our common cause: Sint Maarten. By doing so I am convinced that that we will secure a stronger, more safe, fair, healthy, friendly and happy Sint Maarten.
Thus as we observe and celebrate the fifth anniversary of the birth of Sint Maarten as a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I hereby congratulate you and wish you a most pleasant and safe Constitution Day Celebration.
Thank you, God Bless You and may God Bless Sint Maarten and protect its coast.

By: His Excellency drs. Eugene Bernard Holiday
Governor of Sint Maarten

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in an urgent closed door Central Committee meeting on October 14.

The closed door 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 point is a discussion on a comprehensive approach of Government to accomplish short term results with regards to the recent spate of crime on Sint Maarten.

Pembroke Pines, FL:--- Last week Cozumel, Mexico hosted nearly 1,000 delegates, exhibitors and executives for the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show-the largest cruise conference in the Caribbean and Mexico and one of the best ways to target the cruise industry and maximize its benefits.

"The FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show put cruise tourism stakeholders in the middle of the action," said Micky Arison, chairman of Carnival Corporation & plc and the FCCA. "It offered unique and invaluable opportunities to gain insight and develop relationships and business with some of the industry's most influential players."

The four-day event offered meetings, workshops and networking functions with more than 100 cruise line executives who influence where ships call, what sells onboard and how to invest in destination products and infrastructure.

The Conference's business sessions targeted these executives during one-on-one meetings pre-selected by attendees to allow for private promotions and presentations, along with personalized input.

"The one-on-one meetings allowed for us to learn about new developments and products and help fine-tune them to best fit the cruise lines," told Federico Gonzalez-Denton, associate vice president, government relations for Latin America and the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited (RCCL).

A schedule of workshops also shared the prestigious audience's insight. Cruise line CEOs hosted a roundtable discussion to directly answer attendees' questions, and cruise line leaders also discussed topics including creating and maintaining a successful tour product; developing infrastructure and destination products; and increasing cruise tourism through a unified vision, collaboration between private and public sectors, and continual product development and innovation.

The Trade Show captured the attention of the prominent audience with Conference delegates and cruise executives entering and traveling through to access their meetings, workshops, business sessions and registration. It also featured designated viewings for cruise executives, as well as special events like the FCCA Table Tennis Challenge hosted by Adam Goldstein, president and COO of RCCL.

Plus these key players interacted with Conference delegates and Trade Show exhibitors during nightly social functions geared to promote networking while displaying Mexico's culture, gastronomy and destination product.

"The FCCA appreciates Cozumel's and the entire country's efforts and commitment to making the 22nd annual FCCA Conference & Trade Shows one of the best events yet," said Michele Paige, president of the FCCA. "It pulled out all the stops to woo the cruise executives and attendees, allowing all to see the offerings of and dedication to cruise tourism that have led it to resurging as one of the world's leading cruise destinations."

About the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association
Created in 1972, the FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that provides a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issue and builds bilateral relationships with destinations' private and public sectors. By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors. For more information, visit F-CCA.com, the FCCA on Facebook, and @FCCAupdates on Twitter.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Public Prosecutor’s Office in St. Maarten does not deal with high officials differently than with other citizens. That is the main conclusion of the Law Enforcement Council (hereinafter the Council) following the investigation concerning possible class justice by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in St. Maarten.

The reason for the investigation was the ruling of the Court of First Instance in the so-called “Masbangu” case, in which the court ruled that the Public Prosecutor’s Office, because of the decisions made, had created the semblance of class justice. On appeal the Joint Court already concluded that this judgment is erroneous and revoked the judgment of the Court of First Instance. Now the Council comes to the same conclusion.

The Council notes that there are several factors that contribute to forced selectivity in dealing with criminal cases. A very notable factor is the National Ordinance “Prosecution of Political Authorities in St. Maarten”. This ordinance puts restrictions on the Prosecution whereby ministers and members of parliament are placed in a different legal and thus in a privileged position compared to the ordinary ‘man in the streets’, says the Council.

The Council notes that this form of selectivity and inequality can not be invoked against the Public Prosecutor’s Office and that the Public Prosecutor’s Office is doing everything within the framework of the law and it acts in an inventive manner to gather proof in criminal cases against high profile suspects.

An equally important reason for selectivity in investigation and prosecution is the limited capability of the law enforcement chain in St. Maarten, according to the Council. Due to lack of capacity in the Police Force of St. Maarten, the Landsrecherche and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, priorities need to be set in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses. Factors such as the severity and provability of the case and the duration and complexity of the investigation are important factors to prioritize. Only a limited number of cases can be taken up because of the current level of the law enforcement chain in St. Maarten. According to the Council this causes societal dissatisfaction and contributes to the perception that the Public Prosecutor’s Office in St. Maarten acts selectively and not resolutely.

The Council also advises the Public Prosecutor’s Office to continue to communicate and educate the public. The Public Prosecutor’s Office acknowledges this need and will continue to work to achieve his goal . The Public Prosecutor’s Office agrees with the conclusions of the Council and endorses the recommendations given by the Council to the Minister of Justice.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On September 25th and 26th a conference on elderly care was held for medical professionals. The conference was organized by a collaboration platform of the Ministry, Health Care institutions, the AUC and the NASKHO and hosted by the AUC in Cupecoy.
With an attendance of about 150 health care professionals, including participants from Statia and Saba, the conference was very successful. Subjects as challenges faced by the elderly, how we can age actively, the possibilities of palliative care in the elderly, optimizing nutrition and exercise in the elderly, dealing with dementia in the elderly and special caution when prescribing medication in the elderly were very interesting and provided good interaction with the participants. The need for reliable data on matters concerning the elderly on Sint Maarten such as disease prevalence and socio-economic status became apparent.
Medicine is an ever evolving science due to new and updated treatment modalities and strategies, new diagnostic possibilities and advancements in technology. The collaboration platform is looking forward into joining forces with the Windward Island Medical Association (WIMA) and aims at organizing four accredited continuous medical education (CME) events annually in order to continue promote and optimize quality of care. Sint Maarten, Statia and Saba medical professionals will be able to update their knowledge and skills locally, obtain necessary CME credits and stay in compliance with (future) legal professional requirements.
The conference was funded through sponsoring by AUC, Sint Maarten Laboratory Services, Rotary Sint Maarten, The Guardian Group, Sint Maarten Medical Center, White Yellow Cross Foundation, Boehringer, The Indian Merchant Association, the Pharmacy Association Sint Maarten, SZV, Blue Point and Nature Discount. A word of gratitude to all of them. It is hoped these sponsors and more will continue to contribute to these efforts in optimizing and improving quality of health care on Sint Maarten, Statia and Saba.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Council of Ministers got advices from four legal and constitutional experts. All of which SMN News managed to obtain. However, no one is speaking about the letter Governor Eugene Holiday sent to Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Minister of Interior and Overseas Affairs Ronald Plasterk where he informed both parties that he cannot honor the Landsbesluit sent to him by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs asking that the Parliament of St. Maarten be dissolved. The four advices can be found beneath this article for everyone’s perusal. The letter that Governor Eugene Holiday dispatched is mentioned in one of the advice, the one written by Kortmann, so while SMN News did not see this letter one of the advisors the Council of Ministers sought said in his advice that he saw the letter. In breaking down the advices one would see that Kortmann agrees with Professor Van Rijn but he further states that the government does not have to resign, this advisor based his claim on a passage in article 39 of the constitution which according to him states that when a council of ministers get a motion of no confidence, they only resign when the parliament is dissolved.
However, the statements or passage Kortmann refers to cannot be found in article 39 of the country’s constitution unless there is another constitution existing that most people are not aware of.
In the advice given by Professor Van Rijn he stated that the government has the right to issue an LB even after receiving a motion of no confidence. According to the professor this is an inherent and independent right given by the constitution. He also states that the Governor of St. Maarten must sign the LB submitted by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs. One of the things this professor did not touch on in his lengthy advice is when and if the Council of Ministers must resign.
The advice issued by Hirsch Ballin clearly states that the dissolution of Parliament is only allowed if it is supported by a majority in Parliament. When a Government receives a motion of no confidence they must resign and it is within the rights of the governor to ask them to remain in office until the majority decides whether or not to dissolve the parliament and call for new election or to form a government.
While we saw and heard of the four recent advices one of the advices everyone seems to forget is the one issued in 2012 by the Governor of Curacao during the Schotte stand-off. This advice was written by Ronald Koeijers and Gruning. In that advice it states that when a parliament wants to make it clear that a government must go home, the method that has to be used is a motion of no confidence, that advice further states that when a motion of no confidence is passed the Ministers must resign immediately, and if they are asked to stay on then their duty is to only handle pending matters. They do not have the authority to issue any new LB or enter into any long term agreements that would hinder the incoming government or the country’s budget.
One of the things that no one seems to be addressing, including the Governor of St. Maarten.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten submitted an LB to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten and to call elections within three months to be exact on December 8th 2015. However, while this LB was submitted the leader of the United Peoples Party and their supporters have been contacting other Members of Parliament to form a government. Just last week Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams who is also the leader of the Democratic Party admitted that she was contacted the day after the motion of no confidence was passed. SMN News learnt that the person that contacted Wescot Williams asked her “what is it she wants to join the UPP.” Another MP that was also contacted and met with the faction leader of the UPP is MP Maurice Lake who forms part of the new majority. SMN News also learnt that MP William Marlin was also contacted to see if he is willing to form a broad based government.
It is clear that this stand-off  is aimed at buying time for the UPP in order for them to see if they could convince any of the eight Members of Parliament that formed the new majority to cross over back to them in order to remain in power.
Now that it is a known fact that the UPP is still seeking to get back a majority in order for them to remain in office, the question that arises is the reasons given by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs for submitting the LB to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten. The Prime Minister said he wants to stop the ship jumping, or stop the carnival. If any of the eight MPs decides to go back to the UPP the question then would be what would Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson do, are they going to go to the Governor to withdraw the LB they submitted to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten? These are pertinent questions that have to be answered and the only person that can give those answers is the leader of the United Peoples Party since he is the captain steering the ship that has dropped its anchor since the motion of no confidence was passed on September 30th 2015.

It is clear that even if new elections is called the way the constitution is right now ship jumping will not stop. One of the things that must be done forthwith is ‘electoral reform’ and rectifying the incomplete constitution.
St. Maarten is at the crossroad it is clear that this change of government has affected the island tremendously as no one wants to invest in St. Maarten, stores and other businesses are closing their doors and moving to other islands, while Cuba will be getting all the cruise passengers that comes to St. Maarten.
Crime has escalated, young people are jobless. St. Maarten professionals abroad refuses to return to their homeland simply because of the instability and lack of guarantee of finding work.
The police over the past five years had to go back to the drawing board at least three times to change their year plan because of the change in government. Needless to say that that Ministry of Justice has no monies and yet they have so much to do to preserve the sanity of this country.

Click here to read the four advices given to the Council of Ministers since the Motion of No Confidence was passed against them on September 30th.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several political parties met with their membership during the end of last week and even on Saturday evening to discuss a way forward in this political crisis facing St. Maarten. According to leader of the National Alliance who was on PJD-2 radio on Sunday said that the people of St. Maarten have decided to give the current Council of Ministers until Tuesday to tender their resignation and submit it to the governor of St. Maarten. Marlin said based on the people if the Gumbs cabinet does not comply by Tuesday 5pm then they must be prepared to face the nation.
Marlin addressed statements made by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs during his national address, where he stated that they are doing what is necessary to stop the carnival. The National Alliance leader said that it seems as though the Prime Minister forgot that it’s the same carnival or ship jumping got him a job as Prime Minister of St. Maarten. He said it is because of MP Cornelius de Weever and Leona Romeo Marlin that jumped from the first coalition (red, white and blue)  DP and USP that was formed hours after the 2014 Parliamentary elections that allowed Marcel Gumbs to be appointed as Prime Minister, same he says goes for Minister Dennis Richardson whom he got appointed while in office at the high Council of State.
Marlin in his interview with Fernando Clark again called on the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson to act responsibly and respect the constitution of St. Maarten. He said that the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson told Parliament that if the majority in Parliament gives him a motion of no confidence he will pack his bags and leave. “It’s been 11 days now since that motion came down and the Minister of Justice is still in office acting as if nothing happens and is doing business as usual. I personally called the Minister of Justice because I worked with him for years, dating back  to 1995 when hurricane Luis devastated the island and I also worked with him during the constitutional process. Dennis Richardson and Eugene Holiday were my right hand men during the negotiations. Because of that I took it upon myself to call the Dennis Richardson and I personally told him to do the honorable thing and resign. I made the same call when I held a press conference last week and when I was on Oral Gibbs show now I am doing the same thing again today. The people of St. Maarten have spoken and they are prepared. As a leader I made it clear to the people we do not want anything like what happened on May 30th 1969 in Curacao. While we know they have a right to demonstrate and act we are telling them to do so peacefully. However, I still believe that the Council of Ministers can prevent all of this by just respecting the constitution and not hold the Governor of St. Maarten hostage.” Marlin said the Governor cannot appoint a formateur or allow the new coalition to proceed unless he gets the resignation from the Gumbs cabinet.
Marlin then went on to read an article that was published by all media houses in 2013 when the National Alliance led coalition had what was described as the Mexican stand-off (link to the article can be found beneath is article). Back then the UPP leader said the laws on St. Maarten are clear and there should be democracy on St. Maarten. Marlin asked where is the leader of the UPP who know what the constitution states in 2013. He said whatever happens in the coming days will fall on the shoulders of the UPP leader.

http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/12208-up-leader-heyliger-says-the-political-reality-a-majority-in-parliament-exists-respect-democracy.html

PHILIPSBURG:---- Healing time has come. We can no longer continue to run this small island as a province of France and an autonomous territory of the Netherlands. Saint Martin North was integrated into Guadeloupe some 300 km away under the 1946 Law of Departmentalization without the consent of the people. Saint Martin South was given the opportunity to be a territory of the Netherlands Antilles under the 1954 Kingdom Charter. Although the people have been grateful for these evolutions, they felt throughout the years that they were integrated into administrative or governing systems unsuitable for the sustainable development of the island, At this stage, the people of both parts are suffering from serious setbacks, incessant neglects, to say the least, that are affecting all sectors of our society, paradoxically except for all those who came from everywhere and are benefiting from the unheard-of opportunities offered by two European systems.
We need to rethink the type of governance to save the people and the total island. This responsibility lies in the hands of the most advanced and autonomous entity: the Parliament in Saint Martin South. The role of parliamentarians is to make laws to ensure the good functioning and survival of the nation. And whether we like it or not, we shall sink together or we shall rise together. The island is one, the people or nation is one. We sing it. We talk about it in our official speeches and informal addresses, but do we really mean it? On both parts of the island the same cries of the people are heard. Who pays heed to these cries? We are losing the soul of our nation. We can no longer pay lip service to the people or nation, to the resources and to the uniqueness of this island. It is the smallest bi-national island in the world (37 square miles). The solution of our problems can be found nowhere else on this planet, but in our history. Our ignorance of who we are, of the uniqueness of our little world, is a source of exploitation of our economy, and of depletion of our human and natural resources, for any outsider coming to our shores.
The 1648 Partition Treaty
We have forgotten that we lived in peaceful cohabitation for almost 300 years under the 1648 Partition treaty before constitutionally turning our backs to each other some 50/60 years ago. However, it is obvious today that this constitutional separation is not working in the interest of either side of the island. This dissatisfaction gave rise to an Overseas Collectivity on July 15, 2007 and to Country Sint Maarten on 10.10.10. These are statuses detaching both sides from their regional centers, but bringing them closer to their European anchors, who are comfortably putting in place their cooperation for the island in matters of joint defense, joint police activities (drugs circulation, money laundering, criminal arrest, etc.) which are necessary, and securing their borders. But what about the daily cohabitation on the island? Who is taking care of that? I am quite sure that we are realizing that these new constitutional developments are not working in many areas of this cohabitation, because cohabitation is not the competence of the Dutch or the French – although European nationals are benefiting from numerous opportunities on account of our open border. In reality, we need a joint governing body to handle the common issues of the total island.

The new settlements of the last sixty years have created new situations, which the separate island governments handled quite inadequately with Dutch and French laws, stalling as we can see the continuous progress of the total island. Referring to the 1648 Agreement, there is no form of physical separation but a concept of oneness shared by two governing entities engaged in jointly ruling over all the economic and natural resources of the island (Article 5). Our political leaders have never dealt seriously with this concept in terms of governance, which, we can fairly say, is unique in the world. It was easier, obviously, to allow European legislations to control each part separately with their already existing laws.

The other basic element is the free movement of people, goods, commodities and money (Article 6), which worked well for approximately 300 years, a time when the 1648 Agreement was the guide-post of decisions made on the island. But since, French and Dutch laws regulating each part separately have not been implemented in the common interest of the island nor its people. It is obvious that an element of governance is missing in our present constitutional statuses, which is the joint governance of the common situations affecting the daily lives of the people of this island. The present governing bodies have sworn allegiance to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and to the Republic of France and not to St Martin and its people.
Joint governance
Joint governance as implied in the 1648 Agreement: both Governors were Governors of the island, and the border was not a line of separation since the natural resources were used for the needs of all the island inhabitants. These aspects have been totally discarded from the recent constitutional documents and the European nations are more preoccupied in defining a precise physical separation on the island than worrying with the plight of the people, which is not their competence. We live in a democracy and the cries of the people need to be heard and addressed. The Dutch and French laws deal with their areas of competence, and it is left to the Parliament and the various administrations on both parts to be creative about finding solutions for the common situations of the total island and its people. European laws need to be harmonized for the well being of the people circulating freely on both parts.

There is a parliament. Let us take advantage of this possibility - which will not be contested by the Kingdom - to make and execute laws in the interest of the total island, and also harmonize any European law to benefit the people of the island. The Parliament of St. Martin is the supreme authority here. It is just a matter of political will and vision with respect to the uniqueness of this island. A unique island calls for unique governance. However, it will not be done unless the people of Saint Martin exert the necessary pressure, because they are the ones who are suffering from this deficit of governance.

The Parliament of St. Martin has to take up the task right now - coordinating and harmonizing - for the benefit of the total island and its people. The Parliament of St. Martin has to define the priorities to handle, as they become urgent and crucial. We all know what those priorities are, so I will not go in any details here. That is the part that is lacking. Our uniqueness where governance is concerned is that governance should not concern only the French part on one hand and the Dutch part on the other hand, but also most essentially the total island and the free movement of its people in its oneness and uniqueness.

In so doing, that is rethinking the governance of the total island, which many of you in administration, in politics, in everyday life, in private organizations are already doing, we shall attain our true destiny, exemplified by the spirit of the 1648 Agreement, and revolutionized to suit our contemporary needs as a people, the concept of a three-part governance, Dutch, French and St. Martin, with the island people represented in a Parliament playing a fully dignified role in this Unique Island in the world. This is the concept that will save the people and the island’s economy.

Daniella JEFFRY
Copyright © 2015

CAY HILL:--- An unidentified man was shot at former Teke Teke bar in Cay Hill around 10:30pm Friday night. The victim died on the scene. According to information reaching SMN News numerous other shots were also fired. According to  eye witnesses the victim received a number of gunshot wounds.  So far police does not seem to know who committed such a gruesome crime.Police and Forensic detectives are busy gathering evidence at the scene of the crime. This is the third person killed this week due to gunshot wounds.The killing Friday night have officers of KPSM somewhat devastated as two men were shot dead when they ambushed Pan American Amored truck in Cay Hill on Monday and by Friday night another killing occurred in the same area.On the scene Friday night were several top ranking officers and the prosecutor. It is clear that gun crime on St. Maarten has escalated and police seemingly have too much on their hands to deal with. the latest victim has been identified by some as Shafien Dungeon Mauricia who hails from Curacao. SMN News learnt that the victim is well known to police.
Chief of Police Peter de Witte confirmed the shooting that leaves one man dead. De Witte said that the investigation just begun and he does not have any details at this moment.

Man shot dead

The Police Department is presently investigating the fatal shooting of a twenty-eight year old male, which took place on Friday evening October 9th 2015 between 09.30 and 10.30 p.m. The shooting took place at the former Teke Teke snack bar located at the Welgelegen Road in Cay Hill. According to information received, a gunman entered the premises and started firing several shots and fatally injuring one man. After committing this act he fled in an unknown vehicle. Police, Detectives and Forensic department arrived shortly after the incident to conduct an investigation. Police closed off the area and diverted traffic to allow the forensic department to collect evidence while the detectives spoke to witnesses. Dr. Mercuur pronounced the death of the victim and the body was confiscated for further investigation. It is still unclear what exactly happened on the scene and who is responsible for this criminal act. The investigation is in its preliminary stages and additional information will be provided to the media as is becomes available. Persons with information regarding this fatal shooting are asked to contact the Police Department via their tip-line 9300.

KPSM Police Report

POINTE BLANCHE:---– St. Martin Sea Rescue boat “Notre Dame de la Garoupe,” SNS129, will be shipped to France onboard the CMA CGM Fort St. Louis Cargo Motor Vessel (MV) on October 12 where it will undergo repairs.

The French side Sea Rescue boat suffered severe damage in October 2014 with the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo.

Port St. Maarten management is very pleased that it could contribute towards making this on-going effort as the Sea Rescue Services of both sides of the island play a very important role to mariners.

Several companies have contributed to the covering of transportation and other logistical costs of the vessel via inland/coastal waters and across the Atlantic Ocean, namely, St. Maarten Crane Company, SSS Intermar Stevedoring Company, and CMA CGM Container Shipping Group.

The Sea Rescue boat was lifted on top of a barge in the Simpson Bay Lagoon and transported to Port St. Maarten cargo facilities where it was lifted onboard the CMA CGM Midas Motor Vessel by the ports Mobile Gottwald Crane to be transported to Guadeloupe.

Port St. Maarten management is looking forward to seeing SNS129 return to the waters of Sint Maarten/St. Martin where it will be on 24-hour standby to assist any mariners in distress.

PHILIPSBURG:---  On this Constitution Day, we mark five years of St. Maarten having obtained country status within the Kingdom. As we reflect on the experiences that have helped to shape the country we are today, it is important that we all acknowledge our continued role in building a St. Maarten we can be proud of, a nation that is an example to the region. Building a nation is no simple task; there are countless factors to consider. There is a path that we travel on as our little country continues to grow. Along the way, we have and will continue to encounter specific challenges and enticing opportunities that will serve to either move our country forward or set it back. These are not bound by their definitions; they are interwoven with one another in that our challenges can double as opportunities.
Political instability, for example, is a long-standing issue plaguing our country, yet it represents a specific opportunity for government to improve the country’s record on integrity and accountability. Our financial situation, indeed a priority concern for Government, gives us the chance to be fiscally responsible and prosperous if properly and responsibly addressed. With these tackled, we unlock key opportunities afforded to us by our country status. We have the power to improve our presence on the international plane, with the benefit of a rebounding world and national economy behind us. However, opportunities that cross our path can be hidden obstacles that challenge us to do the right thing when presented with an opportunity that in reality is not in the interest of the people. How do we achieve all this? By recognising and working together to fix what is in my view our greatest challenge: a culture of not truly making positive change. As I have said since inauguration day, our progress towards greatness begins and ends with us; there is no other way forward. And we will get there, through tranquility, civility and stability.
Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs

Our Culture plays a Key Role in Nation Building

As citizens of St. Maarten, it is of utmost importance to preserve our tangible and intangible heritage, which would help us to identify clearly who we are as a people, St. Maarteners!, which can inspire positive change, stability and unity during a time of crisis. If we do not bring awareness to our community about our history and culture, we are all missing out on an accurate view of our society and successfully building our Nation. We also need to continuously educate our young and old, why we as a people can celebrate Constitution Day and ensure it becomes a part of the curriculum in all schools.
Significant positive change in St. Maarten; has become a burning desire in the hearts and minds of our people. In order to bring about that significant change, it is essential for the strong leaders in our different districts, to see past party lines, assemble the people in each district together in large numbers, assume leadership seriously and form groups that will work together to start building powerful beneficial principles, on which that district will exist. We will eventually have a wider range of ideas, customs, and wisdom to solve problems and enrich community life, and that way of living, will certainly affect the quality life. Each group, whether cultural or not, will have unique strengths and perspectives, that the larger community, St. Maarten, can benefit from. I encourage all of us to work towards building St. Maarten, because we are a people of perseverance and courage.
I wish all the citizens of St. Maarten a Happy Constitution Day.
May God Continue to bless St. Maarten.

Mrs. Rita Bourne-Gumbs
Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports

PHILIPSBURG/PORT OF SPAIN:--- St. Maarten/St. Martin Alliance For Equality (SAFE) Foundation President, Lysanne Charles-Arrindell and Treasurer, Nadjesca Gumbs are currently in Trinidad attending the 3rd annual Caribbean Women & Sexual Diversity Conference.
The conference, which runs from October 5 – October 11, 2015, brings together lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered (LBT) women from across the region and western hemisphere for advocacy training and networking.
This year the conference covers topics such as community grassroots organizing, negative stereotypes and violence, media and advocacy, creative activism, grassroots fundraising, self-care/financial health, UN mechanisms (CEDAW/Commission on the Status of Women), LBT Sisterhood, Women’s Sexual & Mental Health, Security for Human Rights Defenders, Afro-centric Activism, Presentation Skills, LBT Women’s Movement Building/Feminism, Focus Groups on Activism Against Gender-based Violence. The participants are also taking part in health and relaxation sessions such as yoga and masala bhangra.
For Charles-Arrindell, who is also representing Body, Mind & Spirit (BMS) from Saba and the Pink Orange Alliance (POA), which is a kingdom effort between lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) organizations, this is her second year at the regional LBT conference and this year she will also facilitate and present a session on Creative Activism looking at the use of the arts for advocacy, confrontation and resistance.
“I am really pleased that I had an opportunity, chiefly via funding from BMS , COC & United & Strong, to participate in this conference again. This is a venture which really leads to lbt empowerment and networking and speaks to the idea that, both regionally and locally, we are stronger together. I’m also happy to be presenting on my two main passions arts and activism and I hope that the presentation stimulates good conversation and leads to tangible projects and activities for lbt women as it pertains to the arts. I can’t wait to come back and apply what I have learnt to our context,” Charles – Arrindell said.
This is Gumbs’ first year at the conference and she said that she is eager to learn from other organizations and individuals about their efforts on their islands and in their countries. She said that this knowledge would be applied to SAFE and the St. Maarten/St. Martin LBT reality.
“SAFE works for everyone in the LGBT community and we will continue to do this. This conference focuses on women’s issues and I think that this is also very important, because there are specific issues that impact us and that we need more strategies to tackle these. So far I had a great time and learned a lot and I like that there are different kinds of women at this conference, because it allows us to hear different stories and voices,” Gumbs said.
Gumbs said that SAFE may organize a lbt mini-conference on St. Maarten soon and perhaps even a gbt conference. She said that it is important for the diverse experiences of the St. Maarten/St. Martin LGBT community to share their reality. Gumbs is expected to return to the conference next year with another representative of SAFE.
SAFE’s president, Charles – Arrindell, said that it is important that all LBT persons who are interested in activism and advocacy on the islands of St. Maarten/St. Martin, Saba & St. Eustatius have the opportunities to attend such conferences to learn and share with others. She encourages all persons interested in activism to contact SAFE, BMS or POA.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The next generation of Artist are The Vanguards. This award honors those artist that preserver against all the odds creating and maintaing their craft in country that is still in its infancy, and no clear infra structure to support those artists creating their artistry in St.Maarten.

The Vanguard Award recipients are:
Evelyne Fleming
Isidore York

Every year new artists are born and embark on their artistic journey. There those that stand out for their level of excellence, dedication, and commitment to their craft.

This year Emerging Artist Award recipients are:
Keila Michelle Gumbs
David Colas better known as D.Kullus

The National Institute of Arts recognizes that Arts and Culture play vital roles in celebrating the story of our humanity. The artist that we honor are a treasure throve of information and have created a library of work that helps tell Sweet S’Maatin Story. NIA knows that the Sweet S’Maatin Story lives in the body of our artists, poets, dancers, cultural workers, storytellers and others engaged in Culture & Arts. The Griots of our Island are a true testament and example of Artistry embodied.
NIACA Festival Excellence in the Arts Awardees 2014 were as follows:
Griot Awards: Harold Jack, Cynric Griffith, Evelyn Roberts Ann Meyers
Vanguard Awards: Musician and Band leader Jules Carty & Dancer, Cynthia Roberts
Emerging Artist Award: Visual Artist and Fashion Designer Akeem Adams & Vocalist Chantal Richardson

GEBE not paying for Minister’s ticket.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of VROMI who is also responsible for Government owned company GEBE Claret Connor is expected to travel to the Dominican Republic this weekend with a delegation from GEBE. According to information provided to SMN News GEBE was invited by Watsilla to travel to the Dominican Republic on a fact-finding mission on the waste to energy plant. The source said that the last time the Minister of VROMI travelled to Miami with GEBE the government owned company paid his expenses with the intention that government will reimburse them for all expenses the company endured for the Minister. However, GEBE supervisory board made clear that the government owned company will not be footing any bills and or travel expenses for a Minister who got a motion of no confidence and should not have been in office today.
It is not clear if the Gumbs cabinet will use tax payer’s monies to send the Minister abroad while there is political debacle on the island. “One political pundit said if anyone in government chose to use the tax payers monies to send Ministers that got a motion of no confidence on trips then these persons including civil servants and the Minister himself should be prepared to pay back the monies or face the court of law.”
Besides that some well-known persons on St. Maarten including friends of the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson contacted SMN News stating that they are extremely disappointed in their friend’s behavior especially since they know that he knows better and worked on the constitution of St. Maarten.
“We are his friends, we expect better from him, we know he knows better, but it comes to the point where we will have to take his skeletons out of the closets in order for him to respect the country he is supposed to represent then we will do just that. Friends should be able to tell their friends where they are going wrong and we personally spoke to our friend Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson who neglected the Ministry of Justice to fill in for the Prime Minister when fighting the Dutch and today the people of St. Maarten are suffering because of the escalating crime rate.” Recently we told the Minister of Justice that he is arrogance is putting St. Maarten on the world map, we also told him that at his age he needs to go home and spend time with his family instead of trying to strong arm the governor or anyone else just to be able to stay in office. “We are sending a sound warning to the present Council of Ministers to take heed, do what they need to do now and do not allow the people of this country to take the law in their own hands because of eight greedy and selfish people.”

My fellow St. Maarteners,

I want to address you now directly, after a week of political turmoil which has culminated in a constitutional crisis. The outcome of this crisis will determine the democratic future of St. Maarten. So it is extremely important that everyone, young and old, understand what it constitutes.

The legal nature of this crisis however is very complicated, although for some of us it seems to be so simple. You may have followed the discussions in the press. Maybe you have even seen copies of the various advices received which have reached the public.
Unfortunately, these advices are all in legal-technical Dutch. So let me try to explain what is going on in plain St. Maarten English.

Let me try to do this step by step:

1. In the Parliament meeting of Wednesday, September 30, there were two items on the agenda.

•  One item dealt with the prosecutor Guus Schram for which the Minister of Justice was requested to be present and which apparently drew all MP’s to the meeting.
• The second item was vague, said to be on the situation of government owned companies. None of the ministers was requested to attend the meeting on this second item and this was brought to the table after the Minister of Justice had left Parliament.

2. After statements were made in very general terms about the dissatisfaction of certain MPs with this Council of Ministers, MP Wescott-Williams tabled a motion of no confidence against the entire Cabinet, again in very general terms.

3. The National Alliance and Democratic Party opposition voted in favor of the motion as well as three members of the now-former coalition: MP Richardson, MP Lake and MP Matser. This meant that a majority withdrew its confidence in my Cabinet.
So we had:

1. •  MPs who jumped ship from the UP faction;
2. • MPs who jumped ship from the coalition.

4. None of the Cabinet members was given the opportunity to address Parliament before the vote was taken. I feel this defies the rules of propriety and common decency which Parliament should observe.

5. Shortly after the vote was taken, a letter was delivered to the Governor advising him of the vote of no confidence and of the pretended new coalition, claiming to have a basis for a new government that can rely on the confidence of the majority of Parliament.

6. All this was taking place while I was travelling. I heard of the vote of no confidence while in transit in Puerto Rico, on my way back to Sint Maarten. After my arrival, I consulted with several constitutional lawyers to consider the options and called a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

7. The options available centered around the interpretation of two very important articles of the Sint Maarten Constitution:

• Article 33-2 states that a minister, who no longer can count on the confidence of Parliament, should vacate his or her function. This article and its explanatory notes do not say when exactly this has to take place, which is connected to the second article.
•  Article 59 states that Parliament can be dissolved by Landsbesluit (Resolution), so new elections can take place. This requires a decision by the Government, which means that the Cabinet prepares the decision which is signed by the Governor and then co-signed by the responsible minister, in this case yours truly.

8. The Governor represents the King as the head of Government, but these types of decisions must and can only be taken under the political responsibility of the Cabinet. If the Governor has his doubts about the wisdom of a decision, the Constitution allows him to warn or advise the Cabinet. Unless he takes the decision to the Kingdom Government, ultimately the Governor has no choice but to sign the decision as deemed necessary by the Cabinet. Only then can the Governor function above all parties.

9. Given the legal complexity of the situation, I am the first to acknowledge that the Governor found himself in a difficult position. However, the fact remains that he up to this moment:

• he has not signed the decision to dissolve Parliament and to call elections;
• gnored the political responsibility of my Cabinet;
• chose to prepare the formation of another Cabinet, without having the authority to do that.

10. When this became clear, we sought the advice of some of the most important scholars in constitutional law in the Kingdom, four in total. One of the four professors supported the view of the Governor. Three of the four supported the view of the Cabinet. They explained the fundamental importance of the combination of article 33-2 and article 59, since this presents the balance of powers in our Constitution. This means that Government, struck by a Parliament that withdraws its confidence, has the power to strike back by calling for elections. Then solving the conflict is brought back to the people, the roots to this great tree called democracy.

11. When I was sworn in as Prime Minister, like all members of the Cabinet, I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of our small country, so help me God almighty. That and that alone is what we are trying to do and what I have been fighting for this past week. If the highest levels of Government do not comply with and respect our Constitution, then God help us all!

12. With the entire Council of Ministers, I stand firm in my resolve to protect the Constitution of St. Maarten. Contrary to popular belief, this is not being done because I want to remain prime minister, but because that is what I undertook and swore to do when I accepted to come back from the calm life of retirement, with the blessing of my family, to take up the honorable challenge of becoming your Prime Minister.

13. Knowing what options were open to us, the Cabinet weighed the facts and considered the possible consequences. The facts we discussed were:

a. There is a motion of no-confidence against the entire Cabinet. This motion is motivated in general terms only and none of the Ministers was given the chance to address these terms before the vote. And the motion was signed by some of the very same people who created some of our biggest problems!

b. This Cabinet has been in office now for about 10 months and was forced to spend most of its time putting out fires and navigating serious legislative and operational problems that were left to us by our predecessors. There are, to put it mildly, an awful lot of lingering issues to be dealt with. Expecting this Cabinet to solve all legacy issues in ten months, when they were not addressed for four years, is expecting us to walk on water or change water into wine. Still, it seems that in St. Maarten even Jesus Christ himself could be sent home with a motion of no-confidence.

c. This Cabinet is the fourth since the start of our Country status in 2010 and the first since the 2014 elections. If my Cabinet would have bowed for the majority in Parliament as of September 30, that would mean the start of a 5th Cabinet since 2010. While you, the people, were only allowed to vote once. Going on in the same rate, by 2018, the next year for regular elections, St. Maarten could have 10 Cabinets ............. which will achieve nothing and leave us economically and constitutionally stagnated.

d. It would be the third time since our new Country Status that the Cabinet would change after some MPs, between elections, “jumped ship” from the coalition and others from their own party. Some see the Caribbean as the place where the Carnival never stops. That may be so, but in St. Maarten we must stop the Carnival Coups! They only serve to hinder our country’s progress and damage its international image.
e. There seem to be no real political motives, let alone political principles, behind all this “ship jumping”. Therefore rumors are rampant in our community that the motives would be self-interest or even plain money. I cannot make a substantiated judgment about such rumors. All I can say is that I put my trust in you, the people, to now vote from your conscience and your conscience alone for representatives who, in turn, really deserve your trust.

f. Our small country had the dubious honor to be the subject of no less than three integrity reports, of Wit-Samson, of PriceWaterhouse Coopers and of Transparency International. All three reports highlight “ship-jumping” as an issue that damages the reputation of St. Maarten and undermines integrity of our Government and other institutions.

g. Due to all the fire-fighting we were forced to do these past 10 months, we have not been able – yet – to come up with proposals for electoral reform to curb “ship jumping”. But such proposals only have a chance with the support of Parliament. Such a change needs a clear mandate from the people to deal with this once and for all. As it is now, true electoral reform is as feasible as expecting turkeys to vote for Thanksgiving.

14. Having weighed all these facts, we have considered the options:

• Either, we take the path of least resistance offered by article 33-2 of our Constitution by resigning immediately. Then, a 5th government would take our place without the intervention of the voters.
• Or, use the countervailing power of Government laid down in article 59 of our Constitution and let the people of Sint Maarten decide who, in their opinion, deserves their trust.

15. The choice was not easy, because of the deep controversy that has developed and that you all are now a witness to. My Cabinet consists of seven members who are not out for themselves. For the love of our Country, we are committed to ensure and improve:

• Stability;
• Integrity;
• sound financial management.
• accountability.

16. These may seem empty words to you in light of the activities of previous ministers and Parliament, but I can assure you, for us they are not. For this agenda we need a sound majority from MP’s who can be trusted, not by us, the Cabinet, but by you, the People.

17. Not much more than a year ago, the second or third “generation” of “ship jumpers” was voted into Parliament. We may have our suspicions or doubts what this has brought them. But we cannot have doubts where this has brought the Country. Are the people of St. Maarten now prepared to cast their votes for candidates who really stand for “Country and not for self”? If it is up to my Cabinet, that is the question that will now be brought to you. I thank you for your attention.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):---  The Public Health Department (PHD), and the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), both departments within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, are strongly advising against any swimming in Great Bay on Friday morning.

This advisory is in relation to water that is being pumped into Great Bay from the Great Salt Pond. This water can be contaminated, from amongst others, rainwater runoff into the ponds which is then pumped into Great Bay in order to lower the water levels and prevent flooding in the Philipsburg area.

PHD/CPS advisory is a precautionary measure to prevent swimmers from coming into contact with any contaminated water that could pose a health risk if ingested or by skin contact, thereby making the person vulnerable to recreational water illnesses.

Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) on Thursday evening started to control (lower) the water levels in the ponds in connection with inclement weather that the country started to experience from Thursday morning.

This measure taken by Ministry VROMI on Thursday is of a precautionary nature in the event there is additional heavy rainfall throughout Thursday night, the ponds will be able to handle the runoff therefore preventing any flooding in low lying areas.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Director of the Immigration and Border Protection Service (IBP) is announcing to visitors and residents that the organization is implementing an increase in controls and stricter enforcement of its regulations in 2015, onward. With an array of different issues affecting the country, a number of projects have been created over the last two years to curb the flow of illegal immigration to St. Maarten and now inform citizens about their roles in the process as well.
Duration of Stay
The IATA Travel Information Manual (TIM), used by all service providers in the travel industry, has recently been updated to reflect current policies and regulations. In particular, the most important changes include the clarification of the duration of stay for all tourists. For visa-restricted visitors and nationals not from the EU, USA or Canada, the maximum duration of stay allowed at entry is 30 days. These nationals are warned not to purchase tickets beyond 30 days prior to arriving on the island. An official request for extension of stay, if a stay beyond 30 days is required, must be submitted to IBP Headquarters.
Visitors who overstay their allotted time without an extension will be pursued and penalized accordingly. This may include deportation or refusal of entry for a specified period of time. For those persons who have obtained a visa to enter St. Maarten, the visa will be cancelled and the relevant embassies will be informed in addition to the sanctions mentioned above.
Guarantors
Residents who invite visitors to the island through visa applications or a statement of guarantee, are now being held liable in the case that the visitor does not return to their home country within the allotted time. It is the norm for residents to invite family members or friends to the island for vacation and declare that they will be responsible for them however, in many instances, the intentions are for the visitors to stay illegally on the island. This will no longer be tolerated.
Guarantors who have residence permits are warned that their permits may be revoked for the harboring of an illegal person. For persons who are Dutch, fines may be issued. Guarantors will also be blacklisted and disallowed from inviting persons to the island in the future. Criminal investigations may also be instigated if evidence exists that human smuggling/trafficking has occurred.
Minors
All foreign minors visiting the island for vacation are expected to fill out a yellow card in addition to the arrival card at the Airport and report to Immigration Headquarters at least 2 days before their scheduled departure. Parents or guardians are warned that bringing children to the island and enrolling them into school without a residence permit is punishable by law. Parents can be fined or have their residence revoked if found to be breaking the law.
Controls
Joint and random controls will be increased throughout the year. The public is reminded that all residents should have valid St. Maarten ID cards in their possession when in public. Visitors should have their passports on them at all times and if found to have overstayed will be taken into immigration custody to be processed.
For more information on the TIM updates and travel information for tourists or visa information, please visit www.sintmaartengov.org.

Airport:--- Several passengers that were supposed to depart St. Maarten on flight AA 2219 bound for the Miami are being held hostage while stranded at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
Some of the passengers contacted SMN News around 10pm Thursday night after a manager of American Airlines threatened them by telling them if they leave the airport they will not get back their ticket monies. Some of the stranded passengers includes pregnant women and young children. A passenger who preferred not to have her name in the news said that she has been at PJIAE since 12 noon since her flight was supposed to depart at 3pm. The woman said at 3pm all passengers were informed that there were some maintenance issues with the aircraft and that the flight would have been delayed until 5pm, she said when that time came they were told it would depart at 7pm. “Up to that time the passengers were still patient even though they were not fed. We got a $12.00 bond to find something to eat. But then the matter got out of hand when airline officials told them that the flight cannot leave St. Maarten due to weather conditions, one being the rain.” The woman said at that time they (passengers) began losing their cool because they are hungry, tired and frustrated and they are not even allowed to leave the airport because they were threatened by one of the managers who told them if they leave they will not be refunded. The passenger said that when the passengers demanded answers and started to create some confusion they were told that the airline is trying their best to get an airline from St. Croix to come to St. Maarten to take the passengers to their destinations. The passenger said they may leave by 11pm if the aircraft that is on the runway in St. Croix managed to take off and they in turn would reach Miami by 3 am Friday morning. At 10:50pm after this article have been published  a group of passengers contacted SMN News to say that 10:45pm Americal Airlines announced that flight AA 2219 has been canceled and all passengers will be housed for the night at Maho Hotel, while they will have to be on the airport for 7am as they are now scheduled to depart St. Maarten at 10am Friday morning. The passengers stressed that American Airlines offers the worst customer service to its passengers. They said they feel very badly for the pregant women, elderly and children who spent over 11 hours at the airport before being informed that the flight has been cancelled.

Several phone calls to American Airline Office at the Princess Juliana International Airport went unanswered Thursday night when SMN News called for a comment.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tuesday evening, October 13th, the library will be hosting another interesting and informative Power of Knowledge information session. The topic of the evening will be the services provided by the Ombudsman. Gwendolien Mossel, Legal Advisor at the Ombudsman, will be presenting this latest session which will start at 6:30 pm.
The government has certain tasks and responsibilities towards its citizens. However, sometimes the boundaries get overstepped or a public entity does not act the way it should. If you have informed the government about your grievance and nothing is done, the next possible step is to go to the Ombudsman.
It is important to know your rights and this latest Power of Knowledge session will set out to inform you of the rights and responsibilities that you have when dealing with public entities. This is in line with the goal of the Power of Knowledge sessions, which is to help inform and equip people with knowledge with which they can take control of their lives and make positive changes.
The following week there will be a lecture on the labor laws of Sint Maarten, on October 20th, also at 6:30 pm.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel has issued a strong call on the leader of the United Peoples Party Theodore Heyliger whom he said should practice what he preached in 2013 when the National Alliance led government wanted to call for new elections. Emmanuel said that Heyliger issued a statement in 2013 when he formed a government with eight Members of Parliament, which at the time he said was a majority in Parliament and that the National Alliance who had lost the support of Parliament should go home and not hold on to power while stagnating the progress of the country. Emmanuel further explained that Heyliger should now order his Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs to respect the decision taken by the governor and to order him to submit the resignations of all the Ministers. “Let it be known that in 2013 the National Alliance led government lost the support of parliament, they did not get a motion of no confidence like the Gumbs cabinet.” In 2013 Heyliger told members of the media that the National Alliance government were hell bent on holding on to power and further stagnating the progress of the country and they were trying to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten unconstitutionally. Heyliger said the rules and laws are clear citing that when a Minister loses its majority in parliament the next step is for that Minister to resign. Emmanuel said it seems as though the UPP leader Theodore Heyliger forgets that the laws that existed in 2013 are the same ones that existed today, therefore he should respect the laws which he himself said are clear. Back then Heyliger said the National Alliance led government were trying to manipulate the people. Emmanuel asked what the Heyliger coaltion is trying to do now. He said would like to know if they are buying time to sign off of their huge projects or still trying to fish to see who will cross over to them. Those are the people who told the people of St. Maarten in 2014 that they were READY? Emmanuel asked what they were ready to do hold the Governor of St. Maarten hostage. The National Alliance MP said back then Heyliger accused the National Alliance government of shamelessly playing with the people’s emotions.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Walichi Basketball Association will be having the official opening ceremony of the second season of the successful Ladies Basketball Championship this upcoming Sunday October 11th 2015 from 3:30pm-7pm at the Melford Hazel Sports Complex in Sucker Garden.

The opening ceremony will start off with a small march along with teams lead by Generation New Status Band followed by various speeches such as by Ms. Marcellina Loblack (Breast Cancer) and Ms. Mhakeda Shillingford (P.E.P) and performances by Tristan Defoe (Dance), Dashaun Prince & Clifford Henry (Dance) and SoloKween (Rap).

The day will also have exhibition games by the U13 and senior female teams. Everyone is invited to bring out their family to enjoy a nice afternoon by supporting the youth. The season will continue every Sunday from 3-7pm for senior teams and every other Sunday the U13 team will play from 2-3pm followed by the senior teams from 3-7pm.

For all things about the Ladies Basketball Championship and from the Walichi Basketball Association make sure to like the Facebook pages @ladiesbasketballchampionship and @walichibasketball. Instagram Page @ladiesbasketballchampionship. Game Highlights, pictures, game scores and schedule will be viewable on the Facebook page ‘Ladies Basketball Championship’. Highlights and full games will be seen on the Youtube page www.youtube.com/walichibasketball.

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.

For the third quarter of 2015, an increase in cases have been observed. In the epidemiological week 36, there were nine reported cases affecting the age category of children under five-years of age. This is the second peak for 2015, with the first peak reported in the first quarter of the year.

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 that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Fluid loss is sometimes severe especially in infants, and intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary.

Based on the observed peak, CPS is advising day care centers and all other sectors within the economy that are in the food preparation business to take additional measures with respect to food safety and handling and hygienic practices.

Viral gastroenteritis can comprise of one of the following viruses, 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. This could not be established for either observed peaks as no samples with typing requests were submitted to the laboratory.

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 proper food safety, handling 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 such as play toys used as part of an education or recreation program of a young child. 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 or handling feces as a caretaker or assistant, 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, cleaning feces/vomit, 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, hand and cough hygiene will help you to 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 sales date, therefore check food labels. Recalling your last food intake and the time line before the onset of your symptoms will help to identify the source.

Consult your family doctor for additional information and accurate diagnosis, your 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.

POINTE BLANCHE:---  Port St. Maarten Management the Board of Supervisory Directors, are elated with the news that cruise destination St. Maarten is number one in cruise passenger spending in Latin America/Caribbean based on a study that was carried out on behalf of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).
The information was revealed at the 22nd annual FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show that is currently taking place in Cozumel, Mexico from October 5-9.
Sint Maarten led all destinations with nearly US$423 million in cruise passenger spending, followed by the Bahamas with US$373 million, Cozumel with US$365 million, the U.S. Virgin Islands with US$344 million, the Cayman Islands with US$208 million, Jamaica with US$199 million, and Puerto Rico with US$198 million.

Combined, these seven destinations with US$2.11 billion in direct expenditures, accounted for 67 per cent of the total cruise tourism expenditures among the 35 destinations.

The BREA (Business Research & Economic Advisors) Report, is the latest survey-based analysis of the impacts of passenger, crew and cruise line spending, which was prepared for the FCCA and Participating Destinations, October 2015 edition. The last one was back in 2012.

35 destinations took part in the study. They were located in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central and South America.

During the 2014/2015 cruise year, cruise tourism generated US$3.16 billion in direct expenditures, 75,050 jobs and US$976 million in employee wages among the aforementioned destinations.

23.6 million cruise passengers disembarked cruise ships and visited the participating destinations or embarked on their cruise at one of the six homeports. These passengers spent $2.45 billion for shore excursions and other goods and services during the 2014/2015 cruise year. Average per passenger expenditures ranged from a low of $42.58 in Trinidad to a high of $191.26 in St. Maarten and averaged $103.83 per passenger visit across the 35 destinations.

St. Maarten with $355 million in total passenger expenditures led all destinations and accounted for 14 percent of total passenger spending among the 35 destinations. Six additional destinations had passenger expenditures in excess of $100 million. Passengers spent $304 million in Cozumel, $276 million in the U.S. Virgin Islands, $244 million in the Bahamas, $167 million in the Cayman Islands, $161 million in Jamaica and $124 million in Puerto Rico. Combined, passenger onshore expenditures in these seven destinations accounted for 66 percent of the onshore passenger expenditures among the 35 destinations and totaled $1.63 billion.

An estimated 4.5 million crew members that visited the 35 participating destinations spent an estimated $302 million for goods and services during the 2014/2015 cruise year. Average expenditures per crew ranged from a low of $21.50 in Trinidad to a high of $149.44 in Puerto Rico and averaged $67.10 across all destinations. Unlike passengers, shore excursions are not a focus of crew spending; rather, crew expenditures are more heavily weighted toward food and beverages, jewelry, and electronic goods. These were followed by spending for clothing and entertainment.

Sint Maarten had the second highest average expenditure of $119.13 per crew visit and the third highest number of crew onshore visits (377,400), St. Maarten had the second highest total expenditure among the 35 participating destinations, $45.0 million. In St. Maarten crew expenditures were also concentrated on retail purchases of electronics and jewelry. These were followed by spending for food and beverages and clothing. These four categories accounted for 70 percent of total crew spending in St. Maarten.

Sint Maarten also led ranked third in passenger and crew onshore visits with 2.23 million visits. These visits generated an average total expenditure of $189 per visit (The average total expenditure is calculated by dividing total direct expenditures by total passenger and crew onshore visits.) across all passenger and crew visits, the highest average in the Caribbean. The $423 million in direct expenditures, in turn, generated an estimated 9,259 jobs paying $189 million in wage income during the 2014/2015 cruise year. This placed St. Maarten with the highest income impact and the second highest employment impact.
In its continuous efforts to promote the destination to the cruise industry, a delegation from Port St. Maarten left the country over the past weekend to attend the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show.
Port Management said on Thursday that it was essential for the destination to continue to be promoted abroad in various markets and to specific industries in order to continue to attract business. Port St. Maarten has been attending and having a presence at various cruise and boat related conferences over the past few years which has translated into an increase in the number of cruise ships and visitors to the destination.
The FCCA Conference & Trade Show offers one of the best opportunities to interact face-to-face with cruise line executives, presidents and Chief Executive Officers, and Port St. Maarten management and Supervisory Board representatives have been meeting with industry players in Cozumel.
The five-day event will offer meetings, workshops, social functions, a trade show and more focused on gaining insight from and developing business and relationships with some of the industry's most influential players.
The FCCA represents 19 member cruise lines operating more than 100 vessels in Floridian, Caribbean and Latin American waters. It was created in 1972, and the mandate of the FCCA is to provide a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues.
By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA seeks to build cooperative relationships with its partner destinations and to develop productive bilateral partnerships with every sector. The FCCA works with governments, ports and all private/public sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, cruise line and cruise line employee spending, as well as enhancing the destination experience and the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors.
Back in early September it was revealed at Seatrade Europe Cruise & River Convention, that Port St. Maarten is ranked number five (5) in the World as a Cruise Transit Port. In 2014, the country’s national port received 2,001.996 cruise passengers for the first time ever. 2014 also marked 50 years St. Maarten as a cruise destination under the theme “Reinventing Cruise St. Maarten.
“Reinventing Cruise St. Maarten,” is about the port continuing to strategically invest and work with local stakeholders and cruise partners to keep the destination in this leading position.

Despite a mild recovery in the 2012-2014 period, the youth unemployment rate remains well above its pre-crisis level. For millions of young people around the world finding a decent job is still a drawn-out uphill struggle.

GENEVA (ILO News):--- The global youth unemployment rate has stabilized at 13 per cent following a period of rapid increase between 2007 and 2010 but it is still well above the pre-crisis level of 11.7 per cent, according to the ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Youth 2015 report released today.

The report highlights a drop in the number of unemployed youth to 73.3 million in 2014. That is 3.3 million less than the crisis peak of 76.6 million in 2009.

Compared to 2012, the youth unemployment rate has decreased by 1.4 percentage points in Developed Economies and the European Union and by half a percentage point or less in Central and South-Eastern Europe (non-EU) and CIS, Latin America and the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa. The remaining regions – East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa – saw an increase in the youth unemployment rate between 2012 and 2014, or no change in the case of South Asia.

Because of a shrinking youth labour force, the youth unemployment rate remains stubbornly high despite a decline in the number of unemployed youth. In fact, the rate is expected to creep up to 13.1 per cent in 2015, according to the report’s projections.

“It is encouraging to see an improvement in the youth employment trends compared to the GET for Youth 2013,” says Sara Elder, the report’s lead author.

“But we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that recovery is not universal and that almost 43 per cent of the global youth labour force is still either unemployed or working yet living in poverty. It’s still not easy to be young and starting out in today’s labour market.”

More young women and men in education but still facing a difficult labour market transition

Global shares of youth in the total labour force, whether employed or unemployed, are decreasing over time. One reason is that more young people (although still not enough) are participating in education.

However, millions of young people in low-income countries continue to leave school to take up jobs when they are too young. According to the report, 31 per cent of youth in low-income countries have no educational qualifications at all, compared to 6 per cent in lower middle-income countries and 2 per cent in upper middle-income countries.

The report also highlights a persistent gender gap with the rates of young women’s participation in the labour market being significantly lower than those of young men in most regions. They continue to be also more exposed to unemployment than their male counterpart.

More young people in developed economies are now finding work but the quality of jobs is below their expectations. And still too many remain stuck in long-term unemployment. In the European Union, more than one in three unemployed youth has been looking for work for more than one year.

Meanwhile, developing economies continue to be plagued by structural underemployment, informal employment and working poverty. While working poverty (living on less than US$2 per day) has decreased over the past 20 years, it still affects 169 million (one in three) young workers in the developing world. The number increases to 286 million if the near poor are included (living on less than US$4 a day).

The report offers new evidence on how young people move into the labour market based on data from recent school-to-work transition surveys (SWTS)* . For young people who aspire to a stable job, the transition period takes an average of 19 months. A young person with university education is able to move to a stable job in one-third of the time needed for a youth with primary education. In most cases the transition takes longer for young women than men.

Time to scale up action: Investing in skills and in quality job creation

Rapid changes in technology, in patterns of work and employment relationship, as well as new forms of start-ups, require constant adjustment to new labour market conditions and addressing skills mismatches.

Providing youth the best opportunity to transition to a decent job calls for investing in education and training of the highest possible quality, providing youth with skills that match labour market demands, giving them access to social protection and basic services regardless of their contract type, as well as levelling the playing field so that all aspiring youth can attain productive employment regardless of their gender, income level or socio-economic background.

“We know that today’s youth do not face an easy labour market transition and with the continued global economic slowdown, this is likely to continue, but we also know that greater investment in targeted action to boost youth employment pays off. It is time to scale up action in support of youth employment,” says Azita Berar Awad, Director of the ILO’s Employment Policy Department.

A combination of efforts that place priority on job creation and target the specific disadvantages of young people are required to reap the benefits of public and private investments and of other measures to restore economic growth.

“The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda,” Berar Awad continues, “and its emphasis on youth employment in Goal 8, provides a new opportunity to mobilize broad global partnerships to support action on a more significant scale. Increased investment is needed to alleviate the scars of the crisis on the present generation as well as to ensure more inclusive labour markets and societies.”

* The Global Employment Trends for Youth 2015 report includes data from 30 school-to-work transition surveys (SWTS) from the Work4Youth project, a global partnership between the ILO and The MasterCard Foundation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Scotia Bank ‘Bright Future’ and Rotary-Rotract Spelling Bee 2015 is set to begin on Sunday, October 18, 2015. The semi-finals are to follow on October 25 and the finals on November 1.
The event will be held at the Belair Community Center, with food and drinks available during the breaks.
‘This year we’ve decided to hold the event on a Sunday in order to accommodate all primary schools,’ Rotarian Wayne Wilkie stated. In the past, the Seven Day Adventist School was unable to participate due to the event being held on a Saturday.
Similar to past years, schools participating will benefit from the proceeds of the Spelling Bee by being able to submit a ‘wish list’ for items needed by their school. All participating schools receive items from their wish list ranging from water coolers, to computers or even fridges and stoves to assist with their breakfast programs. Individual winners and the winning school receive additional prizes.
‘This year we look forward to seeing the children excel with the words and also with their sportsmanship, as we’ve seen in the past years,” Wilkie said.
Currently there are 14 schools signed up to participate in the spelling bee, including two from Anguilla.
Scotiabank is the main sponsor of the event. Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle and Rotaract Sunrise have the task of organizers.
Both clubs encourage the general public to come out and support these schools on October 18, 25 and November 1. There will be a prize for the school with the most supporters, so come on out to support the students. You will be amazed by the level of performance of our children.
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rotarysxmmidisle for more information and updates on this project.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle will be hosting their 2nd annual ‘End Polio Now’ walkathon, on October 24. The walkathon was started last year by Ramesh Manek, who was involved in a fatal hit and run. This year, the walkathon is held to honor the memory of Ramesh Manek and the contributions he made.
Over the weekend Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle participated in the Tropical Shipping Duathlon to create awareness for the Rotary End Polio Now cause. Peter Mazereeuw, Matthijs Mazereeuw and Veronica Jansen-Webster took part in the 5k run, cycling, and 2.5k run respectively.
The team was supported by members of Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle as well as family and friends, including the family of Ramesh Manek.
Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle invites the general public to its Ramesh Manek End Polio
Walkathon on October 24. Tickets cost only $15, includes an ‘End Polio Now’ shirt and breakfast, and can be had from any mid Isle Rotarian. Call 5204945 to have your tickets delivered.
Rotary has dedicated resources and energy toward the eradication of polio worldwide since 1978. Recently Nigeria has been deemed polio free leaving only two more endemic countries in the world, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Our District has contributed significantly towards this international project and this effort was led by Rotarian Ramesh who encouraged all clubs in the Caribbean and America to contribute. His efforts did not go unnoticed as the District named the polio collection posthumously after him and he was also given an award by the District Governor.
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rotarysxmmidisle for more information and updates on this project.

PHILIPSBURG:--- JCI LIVE Soualiga which is a new Chapter on St. Maarten, will be holding its first annual Youth Public Speaking Competition with the participants being students of the various High Schools of St. Maarten.

The topic for this year is: “The Relevance of Youth participation in Social Responsibility projects”
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The students has been busy putting their speeches together for the past few weeks and are very enthusiastic to let their audience know what their taught are on this very important topic..

The winner will receive attractive prizes and will represent St. Maarten in the JCI Dutch Caribbean Youth Public Speaking Competition to be held during the National Convention to be held in Curacao on October, 15th - 17th 2015.

St. Maarten has been capturing the grand prize for many years now so we are looking forward to bringing back that prize home.

The objective of this project is to empower students by developing their public speaking skills. This will enable students to be eloquent speakers thus boosting their confidence whenever they have to address the public, school meetings /sessions, debating competitions and orientation. This event will be an annual one since there is need in the community for such trainings to be done in order for our students to grow and develop leadership skills and to become good leaders.

MP Maurice Lake was also contacted and met with the Deputy Leader of the UPP last week ----DP has proposal ready in the event the Governor decides to call for new elections.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams admitted on Thursday when she was asked by SMN News if someone contacted her on October 1st 2015, one day after the motion of no confidence was passed in parliament against the Gumbs cabinet where the person who called her made her an offer to join the UPP party in order for them to remain in government. Wescot Williams admitted that someone called her but she decline to say who it was that called her and what they offered her. Member of Parliament William Marlin said on Wednesday that while the Government sent a resolution to the Governor to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten some members of the United Peoples Party is still fishing to get other Members of Parliament to cross over to join them in order for them to stay in government.
SMN News also learnt earlier this week that MP  Maurice Lake was contacted and he indeed met with the deputy leader of the United Peoples Party Franklin Meyers but declined their offer, however, MP Lake has remained mum and has not been answering his telephone when he was called for a comment on the meeting.
The Democratic Party called another press conference on Thursday to further inform members of the media of their vision and goals. Leader of the Democratic Party said that while they remain hopeful that the new coalition would be able to take office at some point she is still preparing for the other option which is new elections if called by the Governor of St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said the resolution submitted to the Governor of St. Maarten to dissolve parliament is not correct since the Governor has no legal basis to call an election now. However, she said should the Governor decide to call for new elections the Democratic Party has a proposal which they will further discuss with their coalition partners. That new proposal she said "Snap elections will not bring stability. Electoral reform critical" as perceived by the government of St. Maarten.
The Democratic Party has two choices on the table, one being they are in full support of the new coalition however they do recognize that the Governor is faced with two basic decisions. The first option was the formation of a new government by the new coalition. The DP agrees with the Governor that nothing stands in the way of this new formation. In the interests of the people, the DP believes that the objective screening of ministerial candidates for their skills and experience should be an equally important part of the approval process for new ministers. To this end, the resumes of the candidates for minister should be made public.

While the DP believes that as a political party it would benefit from a “snap election,” they also believe that without electoral reform, new elections will not solve any of the fundamental issues that handicap parliament’s performance. However, in the unlikely event a decision for new elections is still pursued, then the DP would recommend the following:

1. Annulment of current motion to dissolve parliament.

2. Majority coalition in Parliament chooses a capable Council of Ministers

3. Chose an election date of one year from appointment of new council of ministers.

4. Mandate to Parliament that electoral reforms must be completed within that year and that reforms are incorporated into the next election process.

5. Supervision by impartial inspectors to monitor next election to maintain integrity.

Electoral Reform

The DP has for many years recognized that changes to St Maarten’s electoral law is critical to the future success of our country. However, the DP under the leadership of former Prime Minister and current Member of Parliament, Sarah Wescot Williams has taken the lead on the process of electoral reform. Proposals have been made by the DP to reform the Electoral Ordinance, Ordinance on Party Registration and Finances, and the Rules of Order of Parliament.

The DP shares the concerns of the general public on the current political crisis that faces our nation. Clearly the country needs to see fundamental changes. However, new elections will only result in a shuffling of the cast of characters in Parliament, but without changes to the electoral laws, we will only be treating the symptoms of our political instability but will fail to address the root causes of seat jumping, leveraging of parliamentary seats for personal gain, buying and selling of votes, and political cronyism.

While a certain amount of growing pains are to be expected, clearly there has been more pain than growth in the first few years of the young country. There is a saying...”if you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.” The country needs real change, fundamental changes. The DP has not shied away from making necessary change.

Why is the DP part of the New Coalition?

The DP has consistently maintained its position on Electoral reform, Open government, improved transparency and accountability of government and government owned entities. The fact that MPs Lake, Matser and Richardson have joined with the opposition to form a new majority is testament that confidence in the UP/DeWeever/USP/Marlin coalition has expired and that a new government based on subscription to certain principles, amongst which those previously outlined, is what is most needed at this time.

The lack of direction and leadership from the UP-lead coalition is sufficient grounds for the formation of a new government. What period of inactivity is sufficient to justify a change? How much stagnation can the country endure? St Maarten is a few days shy of the country's fifth anniversary. The lack of action in the most critical areas for our people surely justifies a change of government.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Information reaching SMN News states that three masked men entered the Rouge et Noir Casino Wednesday night and robbed the casino at gun point before making their escape by foot.
SMN News learnt that the three masked ordered the patrons of the casino to lay down as they marched towards the cashier and fired two shots in the air demanding that they hand over all the monies they had. The masked gunmen managed to get away with one bag full of monies. The robbers it is understood fled the scene by foot. Chief of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that the casino was robbed but said he did not have much details.

CASINO ROBBED BY A LONE GUNMAN

Several police patrols, detectives and Forensic Department were directed to the “Rouge et Noir Casino” on Front Street on Wednesday October 8th 2015 at approximately 08.55 p.m., to investigate an armed robbery which had taken place shortly before. Several calls came into the Central dispatch informing them of the incident and that possibly someone had been shot during the robbery.
On the scene the investigating officers were informed that no one was injured. According to witnesses in the casino a lone gunman dresses completely in black or very dark clothing with his face covered entered the casino and walked directly to the cashier’s booth. The gunman then fired at least three shots at the glass of the booth. The suspect then robbed the establishment of an unknown amount of cash and then fled the scene on foot.
It is still unclear which direction the suspect fled into. The Forensic Department was on the scene to collect evidence while the detectives were questioning witnesses to piece together how the robbery exactly took place. This case is under investigation by the Special Robbery Unit. As more information becomes available the media will be informed.

KPSM Police Report

The Department of Statistics (STAT), informs the business community that its 2015 National Accounts Survey is underway. The data-collection phase began a few weeks ago on September 16th 2015. STAT has shifted the start-date of the survey to later in the year, to better coincide with the period that enterprises usually have their financial statements ready. The survey is geared towards collecting financial data across all industries operating within the local economy and amongst foundations. It is the main instrument used for measuring economic performance in the Non-Financial
& Financial sectors on an annual basis.

All companies and institutions with 10 or more employees, can expect to receive the Annual Report questionnaire which gathers data over the 2014 fiscal year. Entities with 9 or fewer employees, may form part of a random sample-selection and can also be approached to participate.

STAT has a total of 5 trained freelance-interviewers, tasked with delivery

and return of the completed questionnaires to the department. STAT- interviewers are capable to assist with completion of questionnaires but can also be provided with a copy of the company’s annual report to facilitate this process.
Some entities have indicated their preference to complete the survey digitally, in these instances, the survey-form is provided via email.

The business community is reminded that once included in the sample, participation in the survey is mandatory by law. STAT is therefore urging all relevant establishments to give their full cooperation during the survey period, which runs until January 2016.

The National Accounts survey is critically important to enable STAT to provide regular statistics on economic developments on St. Maarten. STAT has organized a Business Information Session for respondents & other stakeholders, on Wednesday October 14th 2015, at Belair Community Centre from 2 – 5pm. The department intends to share more information on this survey and other research activities as well as present some recent statistical facts. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Real Growth 1.7% in 2014

Philipsburg, October 5th 2015

The Department of Statistics (STAT) released today its preliminary Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates of 2014, at 1.7% growth in real terms. This represents a slight improvement in the overall economy relative to the year before (2013), when final estimates put economic growth at
1.3%.

Although the Non-Financial sector had less intense growth in 2014 as a whole, the Financial Intermediation & Government sectors recorded an increase of approximately 1 and 3 percentage points respectively, above
2013.

In nominal terms, economic activities expanded from Ang. 1,831 million in 2013 to 1,895 in 2014. The main industries that contributed to growth in gross value added, were Real Estate & other business services (4.4%), Trade (2.8%), Construction (4.3%) and Hotel & Restaurants (2.2%).

When looking at GDP by expenditure (constant prices), growth was driven primarily by household final consumption expenditure, while Gross capital formation and net exports saw declines of 3% and 2% respectively.

For detailed tables visit www.stat.gov.sx

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Wednesday October 7th at approximately 12.45 p.m., while on the L.B. Scot road, a patrol from the Multi Disciplinary Team attempted to stop a white Mitsubishi Galant with heavily tinted windows, with license plate P-389 in order to conduct a routine control. The driver of the vehicle sped off at very high speed in the direction of the Church Hill round-a-bout when the officers approached the vehicle. The officers chased after the vehicle and reaching the intersection of L.B. Scot road and Isis road the driver of the vehicle made an abrupt left turn into Isis road causing a collision with the oncoming traffic, which was a silver colored vehicle with license plate M-7706, causing this vehicle to impact a concrete wall and a light pole. The P-389 then hit a parked car with license plate M-8209 and came to a stop. The driver of the P-389 then jumped out of the car and took of running in the attempt to get away from the police. Police officers chased the suspect on foot and apprehended him shortly after.
The driver of the M-7706 complained of severe pain in his chest and was transported by ambulance to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment, after treatment by paramedics on the scene. The suspect who injured his leg while fleeing from police was also taken to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for treatment and then release in police custody.
Traffic on the L.B. Scot road was partially closed of and traffic was diverted to other roads to get in and out of the Sint Peters area. The Police Traffic Department and detectives are conducting their investigation to find out what caused the suspect-driver to conduct himself that way.

PJIAE:---  Martial artists from St. Maarten take to the international stage today at the start of a three-day Festival tournament featuring martial artists from around the world.

Some 16 athletes of the King Yen Tae Kwon Do School in St. Maarten, left from the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) Wednesday, along with five coaches, to compete in the international meet following months of preparation.

Joining the team is Tae Kwon Do Master Lui, who says the athletes are looking forward to their participation in the event at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports @ Walt Disney World, where they hope to win many medals in the various categories of competition.

The tournament is from October 8 to October 11 where the athletes will contest with other international athletes in forms, breakings and sparring competitions.

Proud parents, friends and well-wishers turned out Wednesday to wish the team much success and a safe return home from the tournament.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a plenary session on October 13 to appoint the President and two Vice Presidents.

The public Plenary Session is set for Tuesday, at 9.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is the appointment of the President and Vice Presidents of Parliament.

This meeting of the House was requested by the National Alliance Faction Members of Parliament (MPs) W.V. Marlin, S.E. Jacobs, Democratic Party Faction S.A. Wescot-Williams, United St. Maarten Party Faction F.G. Richardson, and MP M.A. Lake.

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:--- Leader of the National Alliance and Member of Parliament William Marlin made a public call to Deputy Prime Minister Dennis Richardson at a press conference he called on Wednesday afternoon. Marlin said that Minister Richardson should lead by example especially since he has held several positions in government and knows much better. Marlin said that Minister Richardson held the position as Lt. Governor for two terms, he was a member of the council of advice and then later went to the Netherlands as St. Maarten’s representative on the Council of State. Besides holding those positions Minister Richardson worked closely with him along with Governor Eugene Holiday in preparing St. Maarten’s constitution when the islands were working on their constitutional status.
Marlin said at no point the Deputy Prime Minister should hold the Governor of St. Maarten hostage and since he is the only one in the Council of Ministers with so much experience then he should have been the first to submit his resignation to the governor after the Gumbs cabinet received a motion of no confidence on September 30th 2015.
Marlin said he personally called the Deputy Prime Minister on Wednesday afternoon prior to holding the press conference and expressed his sentiments to him and he expects Deputy Prime Minister to do the honorable thing and submit his resignation. Marlin said when MP Frans Richardson asked Minister Richardson to make his position available he said no one Member of Parliament could not send home a Minister and he also said if the majority in Parliament should vote on a motion of no confidence then he will pack up and leave. Marlin said it’s been over a week now since that motion was passed and what the Council of Ministers did was send a resolution to the Governor to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten. Marlin said the constitution of St. Maarten is very clear in its explanatory notes where it stated that the when a Minister receives a motion of no confidence the very next thing he has to do is resign.
Marlin said that Minister Richardson told him that they are not refusing to resign but would only do so when the Governor of St. Maarten signs the resolution to call new elections or he should send it to the Netherlands for annulment. Marlin further explained that Minister Richardson would ridicule the Dutch when it’s convenient to him when these very Dutch people are meddling in the affairs of St. Maarten but today the Deputy Prime Minister is seeking advice from those very Dutch politicians as to how they should move forward.
Marlin said he was contacted during the past days for a reaction and he did not because he wanted the system to work on its own. He said two days ago the Governor issued a press release outlining his decision after conducting consultations, yet the Council of Ministers have not tendered their resignation.
Marlin further stated that the Deputy Prime Minister said on the floor of parliament and said that the people should manage their own affairs and they should not allow the Dutch to meddle in St. Maarten affairs, one being when they wanted to establish an integrity chamber.
Marlin said that the Deputy Prime Minister told him that they want to ensure that no one gets into government and begin doing their own thing. However, he said that calling new elections will not solve the problem of ship jumping. The National Alliance leader said shortly after the 2014 Parliamentary Elections a coalition was put in place and several persons worked tirelessly to have a governing program when one of the eight jumped ship at the night hour to form the UPP/De Weever/ LRM coalition. “When that happened it was all good and today those very people decided to leave that coalition and to form a new government, but that is not good enough for the Gumbs cabinet because they believe calling elections now under the same conditions would solve the problem of “ship jumping.” Marlin said while the deputy prime minister is saying they don’t want people in government who would do their own thing he (Minister Richardson) is part of a government that peddled off the Emilio Wilson park, he is part of a government that signed a mysterious MOU with someone from the Dominican Republic and GEBE. This very Minister is also part of a government that is wheeling and dealing and signing off of some huge projects as they hold the governor of St. Maarten hostage. Marlin said while the Council of Ministers sent a resolution to the governor to dissolve the parliament of St. Maarten those from the now minority government has been calling all Members of Parliament making offers to them to cross over back so they could hold on to power.
He concluded his press conference by issuing a strong call to the Deputy Prime Minister who is now acting as the Prime Minister of St. Maarten to do the honorable thing and save the country from more shame and disgrace.

Council report submitted to Minister of Justice

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Law Enforcement Council has made a total of ten recommendations regarding the public prosecutor’s office, the national detectives service and St. Maarten’s police department. The recommendations are listed in a report submitted by the council’s chairman, Franklyn Richards to minister of justice of St. Maarten, Dennis Richardson.

With regards to the three entities, the Council recommends looking into the specific capabilities within both the country of St. Maarten and in the Kingdom, to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement by the prosecutor’s office, the National Detectives and the Police Force of St. Maarten.

A total of four recommendations pertain to the National Detectives, for which the Council advises the minister to formulate a general political and administrative policy, to implement measures entailing that the National Detectives capacity is in accordance with the staffing plan, to implement measures for its own process monitoring system as well as to implement the improvement plan of the National Detectives.

Five recommendations regard the public prosecutor’s office, where the Council advises the minister to encourage the prosecutor’s office to treat criminal cases within a reasonable period of time, and as soon as possible, take a decision to prosecute. Additional recommendations are to maintain the course taken towards a more proactive communication practice and to formulate a clear communication policy.
The council recommends the development of a human resource policy in cooperation with the prosecutor’s office in the Netherlands that suits specifically for St. Maarten and focuses on the benefits of efficiency, continuity and expertise. The last recommendations are to modernize the process monitoring system (PRIEM) and pursue meeting the applicable conditions for the granting of outgoing requests for assistance in law enforcement within the Kingdom.

The recommendations were reached at as a result of recent investigations conducted by the Law Enforcement Council. The minister of justice of St. Maarten, in September of 2014 had requested the Council, to conduct an inspection into how the Public Prosecutor’s office in Sint Maarten, generally prosecutes cases and how content is given to the related discretionary principle of expediency.

The minister was prompted to have this investigation conducted after a judgment of the Court of First Instance on electoral fraud, also known as the Masbangu-case, in which the words “semblance of class justice” were used as a motivation to declare the prosecutor inadmissible. In May 2015, the Court of Appeal had already overturned the judgment. For clarity sake it's worth mentioning that the Council in its report has taken aforementioned judgment into consideration.

A comprehensive version of the report is available online at www.raadrechtshandhaving.com

French Quarter:--- A number of residents from French Quarter have decided to block the road in the vicinity of the French Quarter Gendarmerie hoping that the Gendarmes will act on what they consider arson. Andrew Baker Jr. told SMN News that this incident have been going on for the past two weeks and the gendarmes has failed to act thus far. Baker Jr. said the incident started by the burning of a garage which ended up to the burning down of his sister’s house and three vehicles in the past two days. At the scene where the residents blocked with a number of garbage bins are a number of Gendarmes.
Earlier when the fire started several Gendarmes and forensic officers went to the scene and gathered evidence to send to France for analysis to see if the fire was intentional. A relative at the home told SMN News at the time that the Gendarmes did tell them that it will take some time before they get the results back and unless they get those results they cannot arrest anyone for arson without proof even though the case looks suspicious.
SMN News understands that the family and their tenant are at odds and they have given the tenants notice to move out but instead of moving they chose to set the house and vehicles on fire. Residents and relatives said that this is not the first time the house is set on fire but the last time which was Monday and Tuesday the home was burnt flat while three vehicles were also burnt.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Information reaching SMN News states that the two Members of Parliament that are supporting the UPP/ De Weever/ LRM coalition allegedly wants their Ministers to resign and does not want new elections to be called now since they know that they have lost credibility within the community and will not be re-elected if new elections is called now.
A source close to the minority coalition that is holding the island (government) hostage wants their Ministers to resign and to respect the decision given by the Governor of St. Maarten. The source said an UPP MP is also supporting the two Independents but they are held up by their party leader and Prime Minister who are busy signing off of on some big projects.
SMN News learnt that MP Cornelius de Weever, MP Leona Marlin and MP Johan Janchi Leonard believes that the Council of Ministers should resign and not continue to hold the government hostage. One of their main arguments is that if elections are held now they will surely not get re-elected since none of the three got enough votes to elect themselves in the 2014 elections. The source said that the three MPs feel that respect must be given to the Governor of St. Maarten who already issued his ruling.
However, their party/coalition leader and the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Marcel Gumbs is not of the same opinion and they have decided to ignore the Governor’s ruling and have been seeking legal advice from various persons. One of those persons SMN News learnt is a member of the constitutional court who have been advising the Minister of Justice. While it has been confirmed that the member of the constitutional court is advising the Minister of Justice on other matters it is not known if the person in question put his advice on this matter in writing to the Gumbs cabinet.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---  Head of the Collective Preventive Service (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, Dr. Virginia Asin and Public Health Department representative Margje Troost, attended the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) 54th Directing Council meeting, Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization, that was held in Washington, D.C.

Delegates came from PAHO’s 35 Member States, representatives of its four Associate Members, three Participating States, and two Observer States. The Sint Maarten delegation made two presentations during the week long meeting about immunizations and dementia.

The PAHO Directing Council meets yearly – except for every fifth year – to set the organization’s policies and priorities. In addition to setting mandates for PAHO’s technical cooperation programs, the meeting also provides a forum for technical experts and government representatives to exchange information and debate regional health priorities.

Building on decades of increases in vaccination rates and recent advances in introducing new vaccines, the health officials pledged to extend the full benefits of immunization to all people in the Americas by 2020.
The strategy adopted by the health ministers aims to protect the historic achievements of eliminating smallpox, polio and rubella in the region by strengthening immunization programs. And it addresses a recent rise in vaccine coverage gaps among some of the region's most marginalized peoples while tackling new immunization goals. Towards that end, the ministers agreed to identify and quantify factors that contribute to low vaccination coverage and to supply continuous training and support to the region's thousands of public health workers, who have been on the front lines of the region's hard-won immunization gains.

Health leaders pledged to take new action to mitigate the impact of a dramatic increase over the next 20 years in dementias in older people in the region.
Currently, some 6.5% to 8.5% of adults over 60 in the Americas have dementias of one kind or another, and if the trends continue the number of people with these conditions is expected to nearly double in the region over the next 20 years, from 7.8 million in 2010 to 14.8 million in 2030.
Most people with dementias in the Americas are cared for at home, leading to higher death rates among not just the older persons but also their overstrained caregivers. Many countries in the region do not have adequate long-term care facilities for the elderly, nor the resources to build more.
The new strategy and plan for tackling dementias calls for greater investments in long-term care, more research on the needs of people suffering from dementias, and new evidence-based models for improving treatment and care.
At the conclusion of the meeting, various strategies and plans to guide public health action were approved.

The areas that health officials from countries of the Americas pledged to take collection action on were violence against women; dementia; work-related illness and injuries; strategies aimed at expanding the benefits of immunization; reducing deaths and illness from viral hepatitis; accelerating the fight against tuberculosis; strengthening health-related laws; and antimicrobial resistance.
PAHO’s next Directing Council meeting is scheduled for September-October 2016.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- A storytelling session called ‘Toddler Time,’ which was part of the commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week 2015 back in August, will be organized next year because it was a huge success this year.

‘Toddler Time’ was organized by the section Youth Health Care (YHC) from the Department of Collective Prevention Service (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, and was held at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library toddler room.

A total of 28 toddlers and kids attended while 17 adults took part. The storytelling was done by Gini van Duivenvoorde who read six stories.

The goal through storytelling was to get the parents involved with the kids learning abilities. Studies have shown that kids that breastfeed tend to be smarter. The focus was not only on the breastfeeding kids, but about different facets of child development.

The objective was to work hand in hand with parents in order to get all children where they should be. ‘Toddler Time’ wasn’t only about storytelling and learning abilities, it was also about bonding time between the parents and their children.

YHC presented the library with books that gives information about breastfeeding to be added to the library’s wide array of books. Parents are encouraged to visit the library and make use of the literature that is available providing factual information about the importance of breastfeeding.

YHC also encourages parents to visit the library for their regular reading programs for toddlers and school-going children which takes place throughout the year.

PHILIPSBURG:---- An international workshop on satellite communications recently hosted by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) will strengthen the region’s ability to stay connected to the rest of the world after an extreme weather event or natural disaster.

The workshop came just two weeks after Tropical Storm Erika devastated the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica in late August, killing at least 20 people and setting the nation back decades. Erika's heavy rains set off floods and mudslides, and the island's airports remain closed, leaving local and international agencies unable to contact remote communities in urgent need of assistance.

Communication links are vital in such rescue and relief operations, and satellite technology, with its wide coverage and rapid deployment, is ideally suited for response to emergency communications needs. By enhancing their capacity in satellite communications, Caribbean nations are becoming better positioned to remain in communication with the outside world, even in the face of devastating natural events.

Facilitated by a slate of international experts, the weeklong workshop was the first fruits of a recent agreement among the CTU, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO).

The three organisations formalised their collaboration after a partnership agreement was signed by CTU Secretary General Bernadette Lewis and ITSO Director General Jose Toscano in February 2015. The agreement paved the way for the ITSO to work with the CTU to deliver satellite communications training and training resources to CTU’s diverse membership, which includes CARICOM and non-CARICOM states, private sector organisations, industry regulators and non-governmental agencies.

The CTU and the ITSO also signed a letter of intent with the ITU to enable the region to develop satellite technology systems and services as an emergency communications tool.

“The CTU remains committed to working with multiple stakeholders in order to develop the region’s ICT capacity. We were pleased to work with the ITSO and the ITU, and we continue to look forward to relevant projects in the provision of satellite communications capacity and emergency communications,” said acting CTU Secretary General Nigel Cassimire.

The workshop, which was held in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad from September 14 to 18, drew participants from seven Caribbean countries. About 20 telecommunications professionals took part and gained deeper understanding of how broadband satellite systems and services work.

Led by facilitators from ITSO, the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau and IntelSat, the workshop also covered issues to be addressed at the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) in Geneva next month.

PHILPSBURG:--- Elektralytes & Positive Foundation has teamed up with Kooyman to host a “Paint It Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness Event on Saturday October 17th. Kooyman will open late from 5-9pm to accommodate 200 lucky ladies for a special evening of fun. The event features a special MAKITA workshop, where customers will get the opportunity to make their very own “Pink” Wooden Tool Box and one lucky participant will get the opportunity to WIN an exclusive PINK Makita Hammer Drill Set.

After some hard work, ladies can unwind with some Tequila Rose cocktails in the Rose Lounge provided by CC1; or get pampered with Beauty treatments and skin analysis consults by the wonderful staff at Manrique Caprilles. The team at Penha will also be on board offering makeovers at the Pink Beauty Corner.

“Kooyman invites all ladies to be hands on and Paint It Pink in the hopes of raising breast cancer awareness to all, said Kooyman Commercial Officer, Evencia Carty-Seabrookes. Kooyman commends the Elektralytes & Positive foundation for their continued efforts to raise awareness for this illness that affects so many. And we are happy to show our support through the organization of this fundraising event.”

The event also features some Kooyman signature activities such as “Revamp Your Junk”; where participants can bring in old picture frames, candleholders and other decorative items that they can paint pink, add glitter and turn from shabby to chic. Or the Paint it Pink booth where participants can turn glass bottles into pink crafty vases.

Adding an extra touch to the event will be MAKITA power tools who are offering 200 FREE Pink Polo Shirts to all participants. Ladies are encouraged to register NOW via www.kooymanbv.com to guarantee their Free Pink Polo Shirt and their spot at this special fundraising event.

The proceeds from the event activities will be donated to the Elektralytes & Positive Foundation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The NIACA Festival is a platform to celebrate the St.Maarten Story as told by the people who live and work here as artist. The showcase celebrates both our traditional cultural heritage, as well as the contemporary works created by the artist of now. The National Institute of Arts has selected October 10th for the NIACA Festival, as we feel that the transition to Country Status is the appropriate occasion to celebrate all things St.Maarten. Our past, our present, and visions of our future. In addition, we at NIA see this as a time to honor the creative works of those who have paved the way so that NIA could be here today.
The highlight of the evening will be an Award ceremony honoring St.Maarten artist of 3 generations.

1. The Griot Award we bestow on The Seniors /The Older-Heads The pioneers who have paved so that we may do what we do today.

2. The Vanguard Award. This is the generation that has forged on, creating works in a myriad of genres. They are the contemporary generation. Artists of now that are doing creative expressive works in all discipline.

3. The Young Emerging Artist Award speaks for it self. These are the artists of the future. Those now embarking on their artistic path.

The National Institute of Arts recognizes that Arts and Culture play vital roles in celebrating the story of our humanity. The artist that we honor are a treasure throve of information and have created a library of work that helps tell Sweet S’Maatin Story.

These artists have devoted themselves to living an exemplary life as an Artist, despite of all the obstacles faced in the process of creating and developing their art here on this island.
Through their hard work, perseverance, dedication, and commitment to excellence,
St. Maarten/St. Martin now has tangible works, which celebrates all “Our-Story”.

NIA knows that the Sweet S’Maatin Story lives in the body of our artists, poets, dancers, cultural workers, storytellers and others engaged in Culture & Arts. The Griots of our Island are a true testament and example of Artistry embodied.
NIACA Festival 2014 Awardees were as follows:
Griot Awards: Harold Jack, Cynric Griffith, Evelyn Roberts Ann Meyers
Vanguard Awards: Musician and Band leader Jules Carty & Dancer, Cynthia Roberts
Emerging Artist Award: Visual Artist and Fashion Designer Akeem Adams & Vocalist Chantal Richardson

The NIACA festival of Arts and Culture takes place every year on October 10. This will be our third annual event. Performers include artist from St.Maarten and takes place at the John Larmonie Center.

Tickets are $10 at the gate. Show time 7pm promptly, seating is limited. We recommend you call and reserve or come early.

PHILIPSBURG:--– As the Positive Foundation continues to actively fight breast cancer with their annual awareness activities, St. Maarten reigning Carnival Queens and Runner Ups are especially honored to have taken part in this year’s parade. A heartfelt “Thank you” is extended to the Foundation for the invitation and to First Caribbean International Bank – CIBC for donating their very stylish “walk for the cure” shirts.

CAY HILL: --- Security guards at the PANAM head office in Cay Hill managed to shoot two of three robbers who tried to rob the money courier service shortly after 8am Tuesday morning.
According to information provided to SMN News two of the culprits were shot dead and was on the ground in the vicinity of PANAM head office in Cay Hill while the third suspect managed to escape in a  red unmarked vehicle that heavily tinted.
Chief of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that two men were shot dead by PANAM office while one of the suspects escaped.The top cop said police were busy combing the island in search of the getaway car and suspect.

Eyewitnesses identified one of the dead men as Elton  Richardson aka "Salti" whom they said committed several gruesome robberies, including a bank robbery. Residents identified the second suspect as Denzil Jefferson from the Cole Bay area. Some persons who knew the dead young man said that he just recently got out of prison. In the meantime, one guard was also shot and is now nursing gunshot wounds at the St. Maarten Medical Center. De Witte said that the investigation just begun and he could not say who shot first but confirmed the two that are dead are known to the police while the wounded security guard is in stable condition.
In an update Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said that just around 8am Tuesday morning police recieved information on an incident that took place on the premises of Pan American Amored Services. The Police Spokesman said when police reached the scene they found the two bodies laying on the ground while a security guard was injured with gunshot wounds. Henson said based on the information he gathered is that three young men ambushed one of the Pan American Amored vehicle when it got out of the building located in Cay Hill. He said at someone point a gun fight started which left the two unidentified men dead, while a security guard was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment and was later released. Henson further explained that the detectives and forensic department are busy gathering information and evidence and they continue the investigation. He said the bodies of the two suspects have been confiscated for autopsies while police is still busy looking for the getaway car and the third suspect who managed to escape unharmed.

Harbour View--- On October 5, 2015, His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, concluded consultations regarding recent political developments.
As was communicated earlier, the Governor received a letter on September 30th, 2015, from three members of Parliament, Mr. F. Richardson, Mr. S. Matser and Mr. M. Lake, in which they informed the Governor that they withdrew their support from the present coalition government. Subsequently the Governor was informed that on September 30th, 2015, just after noon Parliament of Sint Maarten passed a motion of no-confidence against the current cabinet of ministers. According to article 33, second paragraph, of the Constitution of Sint Maarten, if a minister no longer has the confidence of the Parliament, he shall make his position available. It is noted that thus far the ministers have not made their positions available to the Governor.
The Governor also received a separate letter signed by the 4 members of the NA-fraction, the DP-fraction, the USP-fraction and members of Parliament S. Matser and M. Lake in which they informed him of their willingness to form the next government of Sint Maarten. The letter included an attached Governing Accord signed by the abovementioned 8 members of Parliament.
Moreover, following the motion of no-confidence the Council of Ministers invoked article 59 of the Constitution of Sint Maarten and submitted a national decree to call for new elections and dissolve Parliament to the Governor.
Considering these political developments and the importance of an orderly political and constitutional process for our country the Governor held consultations with the Prime-Minister, the leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament, the independent members of Parliament, the Chairman of Parliament and the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Advice between September 30th and October 5th, 2015.
Having reviewed the correspondence that he received and following completion of the consultations regarding the current political developments the Governor has informed parties that there is no basis not to form a new government based on the new majority in Parliament. Governor Holiday is herewith appealing to all stakeholders to do all that is necessary to maintain and protect the integrity of our constitutional democracy and to foster actions in keeping with our constitution based on the rule of law.

Press Release Governor's Cabinet

PHILIPSBURG:---- In order to have a good functioning parliament, there must be a good functioning organizational secretariat of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, which is a department within Parliament that provides legal, administrative, and logistic support to the Members of Parliament (MPs) as a whole.
Back in June 2015, the Central Committee of Parliament discussed the “Function Book” of the Parliament Secretariat, and agreed to the content. A Plenary session of the House was held on August 6 and in that session the “Function Book” for the secretariat was approved.
Effective September 1st, 2015, the “Function Book” is being used to guide the daily running of the secretariat of the House of Parliament, and the previous document from October 10, 2010 is no longer in use.
Prior to Sint Maarten becoming a country in 2010, a number of organizational resolutions for different sectors within Government were established based on the Organizational Ordinance Island Territory Sint Maarten.
As of October 10, 2010, the legal basis was turned into a National Ordinance and sectors became ministries. Each ministry had a “Function Book” that listed the tasks for each department or section within the ministry.
Since the inception of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, the function book secretariat has been in existence. The presidium throughout the years discussed on several occasions the revision of this “Function Book” for the secretariat.
The Presidium of Parliament comprising of the President and the two Vice Presidents, requested a human resources assessment of the “Function Book” for the Parliamentary Secretariat in early 2015 to start up the process to revise the aforementioned book.
The Presidium of Parliament comprises of the President of Parliament Dr. Lloyd Richardson, 1st Vice President MP Leona Marlin-Romeo, and 2nd Vice President MP Cornelius de Weever.
The objective of the human resources assessment was to gain insight into which functions were necessary for the proper functioning of the secretariat, and based on the outcome, some adjustments were made to the “Function Book.”
A separate “Function Book” for the Cabinet of the President of Parliament was also established on August 6. This function book contains the functions of Secretary and Driver, and the positions are defined in the aforementioned document.
The Secretariat of Parliament calls for 14 staff members. The positions within the secretariat formation plan are: Secretary General; 1st Secretary General/Legislative Lawyer; 2nd Secretary General; Section Head Operational Support; Section Head Administration and Facility Services; Management Assistant; Communication Worker/Media Interaction Designer; Information and Communication Technology Worker; Records and Information Management Worker; Public Relations Worker/Assistant to the Secretary Generals; Administrative Worker A; Messenger/Concierge; Administrative Worker C/Receptionist; and a Restauratief Worker.
The Management Team comprises of the three Secretary Generals.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, telecommunication & Transportation, Honorable Mr. Ernest Sams, was advised by the Tourist Bureau and his Tourism Adviser Bernard Hunt to attend the ABAV and FIT trade shows in Brazil and Argentina. This was done with the assistance of Inter-American Network, which has been our representative in South America for the past twenty years and has offices in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador.
The goal of the trip was to boost occupancy from South America for the destination, now and for the upcoming season.
ABAV represents a formidable distribution of networks formed by travel agents, who are spread all over the domestic territory. It has more than three thousand associated companies, which are in charge of eighty percent of the national market and has the main objective of congregating and representing the interests of the companies. The ABAV Expo is held in Brazil every year during the month of September for a period of three days
The FIT International Tourism Fair of Latin America is held annually at the La Rural in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the most important sample of travel market in South America. Federation partners are especially invited to participate as exhibitors or distributors and receive preferential treatment to facilitate their work during the days of the event. This fair offers different tools to develop your business through international business meetings rounded with a pre scheduled agenda, with two days dedicated to the consumers. Attendance to this event was estimated at forty thousand people. The Minister was able to sit with key players in the industry and conducted several interviews with radio stations, television stations and magazines. This was a great way of getting free publicity for St. Maarten
According to the Minister “our joint promotion with French St Maarten and Anguilla demonstrated our close relationship with our sister islands and the fostering of a great relationships, which allow us to get more for our buck”. He continued that this was just the beginning and that further dialogue was scheduled.
The Minister is of the opinion that St Maarten has a great product, which is very much in demand. However, we are lagging behind our competitors in terms of visibility due to the lack of funds.
The Minister and his team had the opportunity to sit with the South American regional manager of Copa Airlines Mr. Gustavo Esusy and hear his vision for our destination but more important, his love for the island. According to him, we are venturing into a new market – Colombia that needs our support.
On the final leg of his trip, a courtesy visit was made to our PR firm in the United States – Tambourine. There he was updated on specific matters pertaining to St. Maarten and how the island is positioned statistically amongst our competitors. He was also enlightened on all the possibilities of moving forward in the digital age with a new online marketing strategy.
The Minister would like to thank his team Mr. William Bell and especially Mr. Bernard Hunt, who according to him, is “a beacon for St. Maarten in the tourism industry”. He was amazed as to the number of people he met in South America that knew Mr. Hunt and said that they felt comfortable working with the island because of him
In concluding, the Minister believes St. Maarten should continue the relationship with Anguilla and French St Maarten in terms of joint marketing. He thinks that we need to support our partners financially in the various markets and expressed that his vision is to see the establishment of the St Maarten Tourism Authority Board.

TORTOLA, BVI:--- An agreement between the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) promises to deepen collaboration between the institutions in leveraging information and communications technology to support development in the sub-region.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Tortola, British Virgin Islands on September 30, representatives from both organizations expressed confidence that the formalization of their collaborative relationship would redound to the benefit of their member states.

“This agreement will allow us to converge our efforts and expertise and multiply the output of our shared objectives,” said Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission.

“The CTU has an unrivaled track record as an actioned-oriented organization and as the region’s premiere telecommunications body. We are looking forward to collaborating more closely with them to develop strategies and practical initiatives to promote the interest and advancement of OECS member states through the effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT),” Jules added.

Nigel Cassimire, speaking on behalf of the CTU Secretary General, Bernadette Lewis stated “The CTU has a long history of supporting the sub-region in areas that include telecommunications policy formulation, spectrum management, internet exchange point proliferation, technical capacity building and public education on the development opportunities ICTs presents. We fully expect our work in the sub-region to be strengthened by this agreement.”

The OECS is an international treaty organisation whose membership comprises Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Martinique are associate members of the OECS.

The CTU is an inter-governmental organization, established by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads, with a mandate to facilitate development and the formulation of policies for the region’s information and communication technologies (ICT) sector. It has twenty regional state members, including all the OECS countries, as well as private sector and civil society members.

Boyce, who serves as Minister in the Government of Barbados with responsibility for Energy, Telecommunications, Immigration and Investment, was elected by unanimous vote at the 18th General Conference of Ministers Meeting held in Tortola, British Virgin Islands on 29th September 2015. The BVI, represented by Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Mark Vanterpool, was appointed Vice President, also by unanimous vote.

On the previous day, 28th September, new appointments were also announced for the positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the CTU’s Executive Council following elections conducted as part of the 31st Executive Council Meeting also held in the BVI. St. Lucia, represented by Mr. Philip Dalsou, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Information and Broadcasting, was elected as Chairman, with the BVI, represented by Mr. Anthony Mc Master, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works as Vice-Chairman.

The outgoing CTU president Hon. Philip Paulwell, Minister of Science and Energy of Jamaica wished his successor well. The CTU ministers also thanked Mr. Reginald Bourne of Barbados, outgoing chair of the Executive Council for his contribution to the organization.

The appointments came as part of a series of high-level meetings, dubbed “ICT Week”, hosted by the BVI Government and the CTU from September 28 to October 1.

Activities included the meetings of the CTU’s Executive Council and General Conference of Ministers, a strategic ICT seminar, and the second annual Caribbean Regulators’ Forum.

PHILIPSBURG:----- Today, Monday, October 5, 2015, the General Audit Chamber submitted its report on the “Audit on Governance at Bureau Telecommunication & Post (BTP)”, to Parliament. The purpose of the audit is to provide insight into the organization and the functioning of the governance at BTP, as well as to examine the causes for the arrears in financial transfers to Government. The investigation also looks into the uncertainties related to these transfers. Governance relates to management, control, monitoring and accountability. The report includes findings, conclusions and recommendations related to internal governance, external governance as well as the effectiveness (performance) of BTP.
BTP is the telecommunication regulator for Sint Maarten and is also responsible for, among others, the development of policy frameworks, the performance of activities and advising the Minister of Telecommunication, Economic Affairs, Tourism, and Transport (TEATT) regarding telecommunication and postal issues.
The impetus for an audit at BTP was the growth in arrears of the financial transfers from BTP to Government. BTP collects concession and spectrum fees from telecommunication operators and other telecommunication vendors in the local market. During the investigation, governance kept emerging as a concern, and the discoveries support the conduct of a governance audit at BTP.
A number of the findings are significant, some are considered alarming. The findings are such that the General Audit Chamber feels that significant action is needed from the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication, the Director of BTP as well as Parliament. Each must take their respective responsibility to ensure compliance with the law. The argument that “the Country is still engaged in a buildup phase”, has to come to an end, and those responsible have to take action, in the opinion of the General Audit Chamber.
The General Audit Chamber concludes that the most important, elementary forms of external and internal governance, are absent at BTP. The National Ordinance BTP that governs the institution, for the most part, is not complied with and important documents such as the legally required performance contract, the employment regulation and the regulation governing the operations of the Supervisory Board, are still not viewed as priorities. The General Audit Chamber further concludes that the governance within BTP, or better stated, the lack thereof, impacts the effective functioning of BTP and is, one of the causes for the lower than projected financial transfers to Government.
This is an undesirable situation in an organization with significant financial interests.
In the course of five years, inadequate responsibility has been exercised regarding BTP. The result of which are a myriad of significant and worrisome circumstances, most still persist to this day.
The Minister has failed to properly fulfill his role. No vision has been provided for BTP. Legally required actions, for example approving annual budgets, and formalizing regulations/procedures for operations, either do not occur, and if they do, happen very late.
In fact, the investigation shows that despite a succession of Ministers, there has been and continues to be, little or no oversight of BTP. The General Audit Chamber concludes that the failure by the Minister(s) to properly and sufficiently exercise legal authority, is a primary cause for the arrears in transfers from BTP to Government. Additionally, the General Audit Chamber was unable to establish that action was taken to comply with the National Ordinance in terms of the regulation of financial transfers. A “temporary arrangement” has existed since 2011 to handle the financial transfers, however, it is not in accordance with the National Ordinance.
The General Audit Chamber was not able to determine whether during the Parliamentary debate related to the Country’s budget and that of the financial statements, questions were posed regarding BTP. In keeping with good governance, it is desirable that members of Parliament are informed and can pose questions to the responsible Minister regarding an organization with an arrears in required contributions.
The situation in terms of oversight exercised by the Supervisory Board is also worrisome. Because of the absence of the legally required procedural regulations, procedures for management, employment regulations and the performance contract for the Director, the Council is not sufficiently equipped to effectively supervise. In addition, the General Audit Chamber discovered instances of actions by the Board, that are not unequivocally legitimate.
BTP does not operate optimally. The efficiency and effectiveness of BTP is hampered by an organizational structure that is not in proportion to the staffing. Specifically, one in four persons at BTP is a high level manager. One would expect an equally high level of expertise from such a structure, yet most project and activities are outsourced. The General Audit Chamber could not find any evidence that outsourcing is conducted on the basis of a public procurement system. In a number of cases, the audit indicates that there are insufficient guarantees in place, and that the perception of possible conflicts of interest is present at BTP. Furthermore, formal job descriptions, a performance evaluation system and other basic organizational tools necessary for proper governance, are not yet in place five years after the start of operations.
Operational costs for BTP’s 2015 budget are approximately half of income. Budgets are U.S. Dollar denominated, while annual accounting documents are drafted using Guilders. Comparative analysis is therefore complicated because the budget must first be restated in Guilders. In terms of effectiveness and efficiency, a U.S. Dollar denominated financial administration carries high banking costs. The General Audit Chamber did not receive a reasonable explanation for the choice of the U.S. Dollar.
A number of specific recommendations are presented to the Minister, the Director and the Supervisory Board, respectively. The objective is improving internal and external governance so that BTP can meet Government’s expectations in terms of financial transfers.
The report “Audit on Governance Bureau Telecommunication & Post” is published in both English and Dutch and is available on the website of the General Audit Chamber (www.arsxm.og).

Click here to view the reports on BTP.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The successful Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) education program that has been running since 2001 has started again. EPIC is a local non-profit foundation that carries out environmental conservation, research and education projects.

The foundation will be continuing it’s annual environmental education program by offering FREE educational presentations and various excursions for schools, clubs, businesses, and community groups starting September 30th 2015. In the past the foundation’s environmental education program has reached thousands of primary as well as secondary school students and other community groups over the years.

This term EPIC is offering presentations on the following topics: Effects of Global Warming, The Importance of Wetlands, Birding on St.Maarten, Hurricanes and their Environmental Impact, Island Biodiversity & Environmental Challenges.

Participants can also choose from various fun excursions including bird watching, kayaking, interacting with animals, beach or wetland cleanups and hiking. The foundation also is willing to work together with participants on requests for specific topics, excursions and projects.

Learning more about the environment helps people see how social, ecological, economic, cultural, and political issues are all connected. It raises awareness of issues impacting the environment upon which we all depend, as well as actions we can take to improve and sustain it. The educational activities that EPIC offers get participants outside and active. Excursions in nature foster sensitivity, appreciation, and respect for the environment. It is also a great team-building experience.

Schools, clubs, businesses and community groups that are interested in participating in the education program including the presentations and/or excursions can contact the foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 5881510. The presentations are flexible suitable for children and adults ages 8 and up and are about 45 minutes long. The foundation urges schools to sign up soon to secure a spot. The foundation would like to thank Binkie van Es, TriSport and The Seaside Nature Park for their help and collaboration.

PHILIPSBURG:--- One of the electricity production units at the NV GEBE Cay Bay Power Plant is down. Due to the aforementioned, the company has released a load shedding schedule for Monday, 5th October.

The areas under the tentative load shedding schedule are:

1:30AM to 3:00AM PDP and part of Union Road
2:15PM to 3:45PM Saunders, Cay Hill, AJC Brouwers Road and part of LB Scott Road
3:45PM to 5:15PM Cole Bay and Almond Grove
5:15PM t0 6:45PM Airport Road

This is a TENTATIVE SCHEDULE and is subject to change. You can keep posted of any immediate changes by visiting the NV GEBE Facebook Page.

Technicians at the NV GEBE Cay Bay Power Plant are working diligently to resolve the technical issues with the generator.

NV GEBE has attempted to limit load shedding in the various districts to a minimum.

NV GEBE Managing Board apologizes to customers for the inconvenience that this interruption in service is causing.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten recently attended the annual meeting of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) Board of Directors held in Windhoek from 21 to 23 September 2015.
At the annual meeting of the IOI Board of Directors, held in Windhoek (Namibia) and generously hosted by the office of Namibia Ombudsman and IOI President John R. Walters, the Board looked at developments and achievements made in the past membership year and discussed projects and priorities for the year to come.
It was unanimously agreed that the IOI’s successful program of regional subsidies will again be made available to members for the membership year 2015/2016. Another focus of this year’s Board meeting were training initiatives for the upcoming membership year as well as a workshop to discuss the problem of Ombudsman facing difficult circumstances, reprisals or even threats and to establish ways for the IOI to support colleagues facing such times of crisis.
While earlier this year together with the Regional President of the Caribbean and Latin American region, Ms. Lynette Stephenson, the Ombudsman of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Arduin secured an Anti-corruption training for the region, a training sponsored by IOI for regional Ombudsmen and their staff to enhance case handling is in the planning for 2016.
The Board furthermore confirmed the Office of the Ombudsman of Thailand as the host of the 11th IOI World Conference, which will be held in Bangkok in November 2016. Despite some concern about the current political situation in Thailand, the Board reiterated its full support for the Office of the Ombudsman as it is seen as a fundamental building block in rebuilding democracy.
Attendance to the IOI Board meeting afforded Dr. Arduin the opportunity to directly consult with her colleagues from Belgium and Sweden, and discuss her concerns brought forward to the Constitutional Court regarding the National Ordinance on Integrity. Both the Ombudsman of Belgium and Sweden are charged with the mandate to investigate integrity breaches by public officials. The mandate of the Ombudsman of Sweden includes the authority to prosecute integrity breaches, which are deemed criminal offenses. Dr. Arduin recognizes that drawing on the expertise and experience of colleagues has been an added value in attending international Board meetings and conferences, while at the same time saving on high consultancy fees from the budget of the Ombudsman.

SIMPSON BAY:----- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is showing keen interest in partnering with the Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, with its Aviation Training Academy. This was revealed at a recent meeting held between a delegation of SXM led by managing director Regina LaBega and representatives of IATA’s Training and Development Institute (ITDI) upon the latter’s invitation, at their regional office in Miami.
ITDI expressed great interest in exploring SXM’s needs, but more importantly wanted to determine how it could be part of SXM aviation training plans through a possible partnership. ITDI offers training in all areas related to the aviation industry except for the training of pilots.
According to LaBega, SXM Airport is interested in identifying training areas that would set it aside from the rest of the pack. The discussions therefore focused primarily on the excellent opportunity that presents itself due to the fact that the entire region is in need of an aviation training academy, especially in filling the void in training for the French Caribbean.
“As a multi-lingual destination, SXM can fill this void,” LaBega said.
The possible partnership with IATA in establishing the Aviation Training Academy would result in SXM Airport being fully endorsed by IATA and Airport Council International (ACI) as an IATA Regional Training Host. This in turn would mean that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) would certify SXM Aviation Training Academy.
As an IATA Regional Training Host, the SXM Aviation Training Academy would be authorized to host IATA classroom courses on its premises, and thus be included in the global IATA classroom schedule.
The Academy would also create high-skilled jobs for potential trainers and enhance business in a number of sectors, such as accommodation, car rentals, restaurants, supermarkets, etc. It would similarly attract business from the region, as trainees from all across the Caribbean would be able to make use of it.
“Some European countries have also indicated that they would consider training their staff at our Academy when established instead of having to do so in Miami and other areas that may be more expensive,” LaBega disclosed.
For all of this to happen, however, support and cooperation from the Civil Aviation Authority of St. Maarten would be critical, as would be the full cooperation of government.
“St. Maarten’s Civil Aviation Authority are completely on board with regards to this plan,” LaBega said.
ITDI, in its vision of becoming the global aviation-training provider of choice, offers top quality training solutions to aviation and travel professionals worldwide. Its approach is to offer practical and relevant training for professional development in areas such as Air Navigation Services, Ground Operations, Airport Planning, Management and Operations, Cargo, Safety, Dangerous Goods Regulations, and Aviation Law amongst others.
With over 430 Global Training Partners in over 90 countries, ITDI has trained more than 95,000 students through its highly sought after Classroom, Distance Learning, Virtual Classroom and Online training courses.

St. Maarten team wins Overall Low Net and many more category and individual prizes

MULLET BAY: The title for the Overall Team Gross score of this year’s ECGA tournament hosted by the St. Maarten Golf Association SMGA at the Mullet Bay Golf Course, was won by the island of St. Kitts with a total combined score of 1,281 Low Gross. Martinique ended up in second place with a combined score of 1,307. The Overall Team Net score was won by St. Maarten with a score of 1,122 after deduction of the team combined handicap.

Due to good preparation, team spirit and home field advantage, the St. Maarten team was able to keep pace with the top teams and perform in an exceptional way. Winning top honors in the Overall Team Net score meant that all members in their specific category excelled during the weekend.

The overall Low Gross score in the Men’s category where each team consisted of 4 men was won by Antigua with a combined Low Gross score of 444. In second place came St. Kitts with a combined Low Gross score of 447. The Overall Low Net score in the Men’s category was won by team St. Maarten consisting of Howard Hobgood, Kit Lee, Jesus Rivera and Stanley Samuel with a combined score of 417, followed by St. Thomas who shot a combined Low Net score of 436.

The Overall Low Gross score in the Ladies team category consisting of 3 ladies per team was won by Martinique with a combined score of 334 Low Gross, followed by Guadeloupe who had a combined score of 348 Low Gross. The Overall Net Score in the Ladies team category was won by our own St. Maarten team consisting of Anne-Marie Bouillé, Sidsel Jacobsen and Gitte Poulsen who had a combined Low Net score of 283 beating the tournament favorites from St. Kitts by only 2 shots.

The Overall Low Gross score in the Seniors team for players between 50 and 60 years old was won by the team of St. Kitts Nevis with an overall 302. In 2nd place came the island of Montserrat with a total combined score of 306. Again the St. Maarten Seniors team, consisting of Sam Bashir, Steven Mix and Philippe Thévènet showed their team spirit and blew away the field with a combined score of 279 Low Net after deduction of their combined handicap. In Second place with a 10 shot difference came in the island of Martinique with a combined score of 289 Low Net.

The Overall Low Gross score in the Super Seniors team for players older than 60 years old was won St. Thomas with an overall Low Gross score of 158, followed by Antigua with an overall Low Gross Score of 161. Overall Low Net score was won by St. Kitts with a score of 140, followed by St. Croix with a 141.

In the Ladies category, Maëva Vanoverschelde from Martinique won the individual Low Gross prize with a score of 155. Individual Low Net was won by Joann Delay from St. Kitts with a score of 142 Low Net.

In the category Men’s, Paul Michael from Antigua won the individual Low Gross prize with a score of 143, followed by our own Howard Hobgood from St. Maarten who won second individual Low Gross by a difference of only 3 strokes. Stanley Samuel also from team St. Maarten took individual first Low Net with a score of 137.

Canice Louis from St. Kitts shot a total score of 147 to win the Individual Low Gross in the category Senior’s for players over 50 years old, while Sam Bashir of St. Maarten won individual 1st Low Net in this category with a score of 134 Low Net after deduction of his handicap.

In the category Super Seniors for golfers over 60 years old, Sam Topp from St. Thomas won individual Low Gross with a score of 158 and individual Low Net was won by Rick van Heckman from St. Croix with a score of 141. The team captain and president of the SMGA, Keith Graham won second place Low Net with a score of 143.

After the first day of this two day 36 hole tournament, St. Kitts was leading with an overall combined score of 646 gross, followed by Martinique with 653 and Guadeloupe was in third place with a score of 660 gross. St. Maarten was in 4th place after the first round with a combined gross score of 662 gross.

After deduction of team and individual handicaps, the St. Maarten Team was leading after day one in the Overall Low Net Team category, the Men’s Team Net category and the Ladies Team Net category. In the Senior’s Team category, St Maarten was trailing leaders Martinique by just one stroke.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Leona Marlin-Romeo treated the country’s senior citizens so they could attend an event for International Day of the Older Persons which was recognized and celebrated globally on October 1st.

Senior citizens on Dutch Sint Maarten were able to be transported to a celebration through the giving back to the community program of Independent MP Leona Marlin-Romeo.

The sponsorship of a coaster bus was given after Meals on Wheels founder Mary Bryson indicated the areas that needed assistance in order for them to make this event a success.

MP Marlin-Romeo attended the event and thanked the elderly for their contribution to Sint Maarten/St. Martin and Anguilla, and encouraged all leaders to remember the elderly as they have paved the way for all of us.

On 14 December, 1990, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated 1st October, as International Day of Older Persons. This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing – which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing – and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.

The population of over 60 is expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Seniors along with representatives from Meals on Wheels on the coaster bus with MP Marlin-Romeo (back of the bus 2nd from right) on their way to an event to celebrate International Day of Older Persons, October 1st.

Several Candidates selected to be screened for Ministerial Posts.

PHILIPSBURG:--- According to information provided to SMN News the Governor of St. Maarten drs. Eugene Holiday convoked Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs to his office on Friday where he informed him that he will not be signing the resolution for new elections since there is a majority in Parliament. SMN News further learnt that the Prime Minister refused the verbal advice given to him by Governor Holiday and he now chooses to use the people’s money to start a court procedure.
On Saturday evening SMN News managed to obtain the advice the Gumbs cabinet received from Professor Ajen Van Rijn who tells the Council of Ministers that they are in their rights to invoke article 59 of the Country’s Constitution after they were fired by a majority in Parliament. While the good professor has the rights on how he interpret the law, or the articles of the country’s constitution there is one thing the professor cannot do is to determine or say what was the intention of the legislators when they insert that article in the country’s constitution. What is even more disturbing is Prime Minister Gumbs an appointed Minister who was already on pension told the people of St. Maarten that there will not be any local or Mexican stand-off should the Governor refuse to sign the resolution to call for new elections. If what the Prime Minister told the people last Thursday is his true intentions then one would beg to know why is he trying to “buy time” and head to court. Certainly, the Prime Minister and his entire cabinet knows what the outcome of that court case would be. It is very important for the Parliament of St. Maarten to pass a motion to block all new decisions taken by the Gumbs cabinet even by Ministerial decree in order to stop the wheeling and dealing. Another option for this young country to ensure that those persons that formed the Gumbs cabinet be taken out by the hook or the crook and a business cabinet be installed immediately. Persons that should be appointed are those that do not have any type of political affiliation. Parliament must then convene a meeting to deal with the country’s constitution that will address the ship jumping and or seat selling and buying. Only after such measures are taken then a new election must be called in order to get rid of the rotten apples and those persons in Parliament that have taken the mandate given to them by the people to conduct their private businesses or to enrich themselves at the expense of the working class.
SMN News  got a lot of information where members of the community are ready to take the law in their own hands in the form of a revolution. One must know that chaos and public disorder will not benefit St. Maarten and its people and while there are number of people calling for this type of thing on the social networks, residents and citizens of this country need to begin thinking for themselves and have some faith in the judicial system even if it is not functioning the way the country would have liked it to function. Public disorder and or misconduct will not be tolerated and those thinking about it should know that it is a criminal offence to form a plot that will cause distruction or even public disobedience.
While all of the above is taking place to stagnate and or delay the process of having a new government several key persons within the community have been contacted to become Ministers. Some of the names SMN News managed to obtain are the following.

1. William Marlin --- Prime Minister
2. Silveria Jacobs --- Minister of Education, Youths and Sports
3. Richard Gibson Sr.--- Minister of Finance
4. Emil Lee --- Minister of VSA (Labor, Health and Social Affairs)
5. Ingrid Arrindell --- Minister of TEATT
6. Angel Meyers --- Minister of VROMI
7. Glenn Daniels --- Minister of Justice

Besides having candidates in place the new coalition consisting of eight already have a governing program which they intend to use to hit the road running if they are given the chance to take office as early as possible.

In an invited comment Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams said she respects Professor dr. Ajen van Rijn opinion on the matter but alsorespectfully disagree. MP Wescot Williams further explained that it must first be noted that this advice came on request of the Government of St. Maarten and (officially) AFTER the government had taken its stand.
There is no disagreement about the fact that the government has the constitutional possibility to dissolve parliament.
This constitutional fact however does not make parliament subordinate to government. The position of parliament as the highest political body of the land remains intact. Furthermore, the legal references used by Prof. van Rijn are in line with and taken from developments and the political evolution of the Netherlands. We are not even remotely close to that type of evolution and political growth.
It must be noted though that in the political evolution of the Netherlands, the part of dissolving parliament due to a conflict between government and parliament lost its importance.
The impetus for such dissolution nowadays is more for parliament to have the opportunity to get(appoint) a government it approves of.
In the case of St. Maarten, the declaration by the 8 members already establishes this support for a (new) government.
The government's first mistake was to defy the constitution and not resign following the motion of no confidence.
"If he fails to do so, then he is breaching the constitutional legal system". (St. Maarten Constitution).
The attributed right to dissolve parliament is not a measure to express the government's displeasure with parliament at whim.
The argument to dissolve parliament as expressed by the Gumbs cabinet is weak and erroneous. Elections will NOT bring stability!
The government is therefore in my opinion misusing a constitutional instrument and it is a slap in the face of parliament and the people of St. Maarten.
And an extenuating factor is of course that the majority of members of government, with the exception of 1, are/were not elected, did not even run for office. And they are challenging those persons elected by the people.
I reiterate that 1) electoral reform is pivotal, 2) the matter of a no confidence motion must be further regulated (this is provided for in the constitution) and 3) we need to localize (St. Martinize) our laws, including our constitution.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---- The Fire Department on October 1st started its campaign to highlight and promote, "Smoke Detectors Save Lives."

On October 1st the department hooked up a smoke detector in a house of a resident in Union Farm. The family received instructions on how they can protect their home better against fires and how to set up an emergency plan so that every family member knows what to do in case of a fire.

The 15 minute session was closed off with the installation of a smoke detector. Two other families in the Dutch Quarter area also received a session and had a smoke detector installed by fire fighters.

The smoke detectors are part of the Fire Departments Fire Prevention Month activities for the month of October which are being sponsored by Nagico Insurances.

Other companies already have committed to sponsor a month of installation of smoke detectors, and firefighters will continue to have a limited amount of sessions and installations of smoke detectors in the coming months.

The Fire Department has as a main task the prevention of loss of life, injuries and property damage due to fire and other type of incidents.

The Fire Department doesn’t only respond to incidents like fires, car accidents and gas leaks, but is also committed on advising and educating the general public on how to prevent such incidents.

Any resident that would like to make their home safer and have a smoke detector installed by the firefighters are invited to call 543-1318 for an appointment with the Fire Department.

The Government of St. Maarten regulates the prices of petroleum products by imposing a maximum price at which wholesalers and retailers can sell these products on St. Maarten. Due to the ongoing
developments on the international level, the prices of crude oil have experienced adjustments. Given

the aforementioned, the general public is hereby informed that as of Tuesday 61

October 2015,

6:00am the maximum consumer prices of ULG and Diesel (gasoil) are adjusted as follows:

UGL Diesel

Current Price
1.826 Naf/liter
1.430 Naf/liter

New Price
1.769 Naf/liter
1.373 Naf/liter

PHILIPSBURG:---Below is the complete price buildup showing al l components that result in the new prices. All numbers are rounded to three decimal places.
Price buildup

Effective date
Petrotrin Posted Price USc/AG

6-0ct-15
169
ULG

6-0ct-15
159
Gasoi l

Components Nafper liter
Petrotin Posted Price 0.804
Freight 0.063
insurance 0.000
Import Duty 0.290
Liquid throughput fee (THRX) 0.080
Wholesaler margin 0.230
Max. wholesale price 1.467
Tumovertax (5%) 0.073
Max. wholesale price incl. tax 1.540
Retailer margin 0.145
Consumer price 1.684
Tumovertax (5%) 0.084
Max. Consumer price incl. tax 1.769

ULG Gasoi l

PHILIPSBURG:---- World Teacher’s Day (WTD) 2015 which is observed internationally on October 5, will be held under the theme “Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies.”
WTD 2015 is about highlighting the importance of empowering teachers to achieve inclusive and sustainable global development. This year’s WTD highlights the need to empower all teachers through the provision of decent, safe and healthy working conditions, trust, professional autonomy and academic freedom.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), despite the global recognition of the importance of teachers in changing children’s lives and building sustainable and prosperous societies, they are all too often undervalued and under-empowered, particular in the area of Early Childhood Education.
Worldwide there is a growing shortage of quality teachers and inadequate professional training. According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, estimates that to achieve universal primary education by 2020, countries will need to recruit a total of 12.6 million primary school teachers.
Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (Ministry CYS) Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs, says that it is recognized that teachers are not only a means to implementing education goals; they are also key to sustainability and national capacity in achieving learning and creating societies based on knowledge, values and ethics.
“World Teacher’s Day is a special time to show appreciation to our teachers for their dedicated service to our school-going youth. Our teachers are the foundation of our society where it concerns the advancement of our children who are the future of this country. They are the future business leaders and politicians who will chart the way forward for generations to come.
“The role played by teachers is essential to our national development as a nation and society. As a country we are confronted with challenges and changes where educators have to adapt due to changing times. As teachers we must stand firm, work together, and help each other grow professionally and support one another so can continue to move our nation forward with confidence in building a sustainable Sint Maarten society.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every teacher and educator for their hard work. Let this day be a reflection upon what has been achieved over the years, and let us support each other as we continue to grow our teaching fraternity from strength to strength as we equip our young pupils and students with the skills for the future. I wish you all Happy Teacher’s Day!,” Minister of Education Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs said on Sunday on the eve of World Teacher’s Day.
The Incheon Declaration at the World Education Forum in May 2015, clearly recognized the importance of empowerment. At the forum, 1600 participants from 160 countries committed to ‘ensure that teachers and educators are empowered, adequately recruited, well-trained, professionally qualified, motivated and supported within well-resourced, efficient and effectively governed systems.’
The Oslo Summit, ‘Education for Development,’ held in July 2015, highlighted the need for further investment in teacher educatio

PHILIPSBURG:--- For first time since being renamed after a St. Maarten Lions Club legend, the “Lion Wally Havertong Christmas Bingo Spectacular 2015” is scheduled for Saturday December 5th at the Festival Village in Philipsburg.

The St. Maarten Lions Club 1st Vice President, Lion Davey Woods of the Bingo Organizing Committee stated: “Planning and preparations for the annual Lions Christmas Bingo are well underway and we are happy to announce this to the general public exactly two months ahead of the date of the event. Bingo tickets will be available in a few weeks and can be purchased from any of our St. Maarten Lions Club members or at the Lions Civic Centre in Suckergarden”.

He further stated, ”The price per ticket has remained the same: US$10.- or ANG 20.- and it entitles you to one(1) bingo card. There will be numerous chances to win prizes, including: Overloaded Christmas Baskets, Electronics, dinners at participating restaurants, travel vouchers to various destinations and a grand prize of Santa Bag which is US$ 1,000 cash money. The business community will be asked to assist the Christmas Bingo by donating baskets and other prizes. For all those who enjoy hearing Lion Wally Havertong sound-off the numbers while asking if “anybody bingo?”, we encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance and arrive on time as we are slated to begin at 8pm sharp at the Festival Village.”

The Lions Club of St. Maarten admits that this is one of the most loved signature projects that the club holds on annual basis and also it’s biggest fundraiser. The Lions Christmas Bingo is not only a fun game for the entire family and friends, it also offers opportunities to win prizes which are in tune with what a winner would need during the Christmas Season, and even more so, it is the most important project to the club because the proceeds are used to touch so many in our community that require assistance throughout the Lionistic year. The community at large is welcome and the St. Maarten Lions Club is in full gear to ensure that the “Lion Wally Havertong Christmas Bingo Spectacular 2015” is enjoyed by all.

Brussels:---- Anguilla and the Falklands are geographically apart but their representatives are among 15 from the European Union’s Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) gathering in Sint Maarten 5-7 October to brainstorm the same challenge: diversifying economies with innovation. Prime Minister of St Maarten, Marcel F.A. Gumbs, will open the event along with Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications Ernest Sams.
The three-day workshop is part of the European Union- funded project, ‘Territorial Strategies for Innovation’ (April 2014-April 2018). It is finding innovative solutions for economic diversification and improved regional and global competitiveness in 20 of the EU’s inhabited OCTs.*
Innovation Managers appointed by the governments in Anguilla, Aruba, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Falkland Islands, Greenland, Montserrat, Saba, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Helena, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and Turks and Caicos Islands will lead discussions with the project’s Brussels-based Team Leader, Milan Jezic von Gesseneck. Emil Lee President of the Caribbean Hospitallity and Trade Assocation is one of key speakers.
“The process of enhancement of the innovation for sustainable islands’ growth is led in each OCT by the OCT’s Innovation Manager. It is starting the process with the assessment of the innovation situation, and in developing a vision for growth, identifying competitive advantages and setting strategic priorities. OCTA Innovation brings all stakeholders together, both from public and from the private sector to develop economies of the EU Overseas Countries and Territories,” says Milan Jezic von Gesseneck.
The scope for innovation in both the green and blue economies will be a major focus of discussion. An expert from Trinidad & Tobago in the development of small and medium-sized enterprises will share best practices in the Caribbean’s green economy.
Further development of the renewable energy sector: solar, wind, geothermal, biofuels and hydropower is also on the agenda as well as the expanding niche market sectors in the Caribbean: marine/yachting, medical tourism, sports, boutique hotels, gastronomy and entertainment. Emil Lee President of the Caribbean Hospitallity and Trade Assocation is one of key speakers.
“We take a broad view on innovation. It is not only about high-tech, it is the ability of a system and society as a whole to bring and apply new ideas. And, more importantly, bring them into market, translating them into economic growth and prosperity,” says Milan von Gesseneck.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tuesday evening, October 6th, the library is continuing its Power of Knowledge series with an information session on financial planning and insurance by Neil Henderson of Henderson Insurances.
The Power of knowledge series started last week with the first part of the “Know your finances” sessions, which continue with Tuesday’s lecture. The Power of Knowledge sessions are being organised to help equip people with knowledge with which they can better manage their lives and take control of any difficult situation they may be facing. The library strives to do this by inviting experts from the business sector and government to speak and share their vast knowledge on the topics at hand.
Tuesday night, Neil Henderson, Managing Director at Henderson Insurances, will shed light on insurance and financial planning from 6:30 pm. The week after, the first part of the “Know your rights” lectures will commence on October 13th at 6:30 pm, when Gwendolien Mossel, Legal Advisor at the Ombudsman, will discuss the services offered by the Ombudsman. On Tuesday October 20th at 6:30 pm, Nikima Groeneveldt-Hickinson, Policy Advisor at the Department of Labor, will provide a lecture on labour law. All are invited to attend these important and interesting lectures which are completely free of charge.

PHILIPSBURG:---- After recent successful car raffle fundraiser event, Rotary Club St. Maarten has pledged US$ 15,000 towards the DigiKidz Project of Foresee Foundation. The amount will be used to equip a classroom at Helmich Snijders Christian School with technology devices and contribute in the installation of a full wireless network infrastructure with WIFI in all classrooms and offices.
In addition to that teachers will be trained in the use of Skoolcontrol, the school’s new management platform, and the use of the Promethean digital boards.
Mr. Danny Ramchandani, Past President of the Rotary St. Maarten, said that he was impressed by the project and likes the fact that the effect of these monetary donations can be seen physically in the school. The DigiKidz project so far has been successful because everybody can see immediately where the money goes and how it is being used by students and teachers.
The donation is part of a comprehensive IT/Technology project to equip St. Maarten schools not only with hardware and software, but also train teachers on how to integrate Technology in the teaching of the FBE curriculum. The first two DigiKidz schools, Asha Stevens Christian School and Seventh Day Adventist School were fully funded by Anguilla based Windsong Foundation. The 3rd DigiKidz School will be fully funded by local St. Maarten organizations and businesses, who have shown great commitment so far.
Foresee Foundation expressed its sincere thanks to President Jeffrey "Soc” Sochrin and Mr. Ramchandani. Jose Sommers, Coordinator of the DigiKidz Project said that she felt very impressed to see how Rotarians, next to their busy jobs, make time to voluntarily contribute to educational and social projects in the local community. She promised the Rotarian attendees that both the school and the DigiKidz team will ensure that the money is well spent.
Currently the school is busy with the installation of all the network equipment and is in the process of buying the different technology devices. At the end of October the Rotary International District Governor will visit St. Maarten and Foresee Foundation in collaboration with the Hillside School will do its utmost to have several classrooms fully prepared for this event.
In addition management, staff, PTA and students are planning on a large fundraiser to also give their contribution to this exciting project.
Persons or organizations who are interested in the DigiKidz project can visit the website or facebook page www.digikidzsxm.com. Foresee Foundation is continuing its drive to expand its projects and welcomes additional donations and input from the local community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- It appears as though the people of St. Maarten has to endure another stand off until they hear from the Governor of St. Maarten or the Court of First Instance. SMN News managed to obtain an advice given to the Gumbs cabinet from Professor Arjen van Rijn who said that the Gumbs cabinet are in their full rights to demand the dissolution of parliament and call for new elections. The advice is dated October 2nd 2015. The full advice can be viewed beneath this article.
However, SMN News learnt that the Governor of St. Maarten refused to sign off on the resolution and has already given a verbally advice the council of ministers to submit their resignations. A source close to the Gumbs cabinet said that while the governor gave his verbal advice there is nothing in writing to the Prime Minister as yet and the Kingdom has so far remained mum on this issue pubicly. But the Prime Minister of the Netherlands publicly stated that he regrets that the Gumbs cabinet is being sent home. SMN News also learnt that the Governor of St. Maarten dispatched the resolution to the Netherlands for annulment.
While Prime Minister Gumbs told members of the media on Thursday that there will not be any local or Mexican standoff. SMN News has learnt that the Gumbs cabinet is now preparing to head to court in order for a judge to decide on whether or not they (the council of ministers) must resign or if early elections must be called based on the country’s constitution especially article 59.

It appears that the only quick solution to this predicament is that the people of St. Maarten should demand that a business cabinet consisting of professionals with no political affiliation be installed until the Parliament of St. Maarten amends the constituion regarding voting procedures that will eliminate ship jumping and instability for the young country and its people. Once this has been achieved then new elections would make sense and solve the problem of instability. Calling new elections now with the constitution as is will not solve the problems of instability like Prime MInister Gumbs told members of media on Thursday.

Several professionals in this field are confident that this process can be finalized within a few weeks which would end the decades of instability in the country.

Click here to view the advice given to the Gumbs cabinet.

MARIGOT/PHILIPSBURG:---  80 persons have finalized their participation in the training as interviewers for the ‘How Healthy is Sint Maarten/Saint Martin?’ public health survey.
The training was facilitated by the University of the U.S. Virgin Islands (UVI) through their collaboration with the University of St. Martin (USM) (UVI @ USM), as well as the Department of Statistics (STAT) and three Health Care Professionals volunteering their time and skills for the initiative.
The training, a part of the ‘How Healthy is Sint Maarten/Saint Martin?’ project, was hosted by representatives from both the Dutch and French Governments, under the auspices of the Observatory of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin.
The Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), Rafael Boasman, Acting Secretary General Ministry VSA Joy Arnell, the Head of the Public Health Department, Fenna Arnell, the Honorable 2nd Vice President of the Collectivite of Saint-Martin, in charge of Health and Social Affairs, Mrs. Connor, and 4th Vice President of the Collectivite of Saint-Martin, Mrs. Gumbs, along with the President of the Observatory, Dr. Louis Jeffry recognized the participants for their contribution to the study and the importance of their participation.
Together with the President of the Board and Director of USM, Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet and the Dr. Francio Guadeloupe, the participants were congratulated on a job well done.
The training consisted of five evenings, which were intense, knowledgeable, at times confrontational, but foremost enlightening.
Dedicated and knowledgeable trainers from UVI, STAT and the Health Care Sector did a great contribution to the success of the training of the individuals.
The tremendous interest and dedication shown by the trainees in assisting the Observatory in getting the information that is needed to improve health care and general health situation on the entire island was motivational and shows that the project must indeed become a success.
A follow-up summary training will ensue where a selection will be made of the persons going out into the field to execute the survey.
Persons can expect to see the recognizable interviewers going door-to-door to randomly selected households within a short matter of time. The participation of the selected individuals is vital to ensuring a better health for all.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that road repair works will commence on Sunday, October 4.

The road works will commence at 8.00PM Sunday evening and continue to 5.00AM in the morning.

Areas where road milling activities will take place between the aforementioned timeline are Lowlands, Beacon Hill, Airport Boulevard, Simpson Bay, Welfare Road, Union Road, and Well Road.

Asphalt works will commence on the following Monday. The aforementioned scheduled is tentative and subject to change with respect to weather conditions at the time.

Motorists are advised to pay keen attention to road crews who will be using heavy machinery to carry out the work.
Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on October 5th.

The public Central Committee meeting is set for Monday, at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda: is the establishment of the draft proposal regarding Double Taxation between the Netherlands and Sint Maarten.

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.

A development agreement has been signed between the Cayman Islands Government and Beach Bay Land Limited (BBLL) for the construction of St James Point, a $200 million, mixed-use luxury resort in the district of Bodden Town, Grand Cayman.
Set to become a Caribbean icon, St James Point will provide a unique experience with service levels unprecedented within the region.
Mr John David Layton, Principal and Managing Director of Beach Bay Land Limited, said the development team envisioned a 200 room hotel, with 75 residential units at St James Point, managed by a constellation of world renowned brands offering multiple signature restaurants, innovative retail and spa experiences as well as new frontiers for water sports activities.
“Our vision, implemented on a site with a spectacular beach, secluded location, superior infrastructure, airlift and natural beauty, provides everything necessary from a location to compete successfully.”
St James Point shall create over 1,000 jobs, including 750 during construction, supported by local suppliers and partners. Over 325 permanent hospitality jobs will be created as the project opens. The developer is committed to providing training and internship opportunities for Caymanians. Many more jobs will be created through increased demand from allied vendors and businesses.
“We are committed to providing employment for Caymanians and ensuring the project provides real financial benefit to the Cayman economy and Caymanian owned businesses,” Mr Layton said.
Premier of the Cayman Islands, Hon. Alden McLaughlin spoke of the economic benefit from jobs that will be created directly and indirectly by this project.
“It is estimated to increase the islands’ gross domestic product by nearly 2%.”
Hon. Moses Kirkconnell, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism, said he was pleased to be marking another important milestone for Cayman’s tourism industry.
“The signing of this agreement signals the start of Phase One of a new tourism development that will greatly enhance our tourism product.”
Minister Kirkconnell said the Eastern districts and Bodden Town would derive great benefits from having a luxury resort in its midst, by providing sustainable employment and a broadening of the tourism offering.
“Once opened, this development will add to the 5,200 rooms currently available across our Islands for the enjoyment of guests who vacation with us.”
Designs for the project will be unveiled in the coming months, with the hotel scheduled to open in late 2018.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams told members of the media at the Democratic Party bi-monthly press conference on Friday that calling for early elections is unconstitutional and that members of the current cabinet that got a motion of no confidence from the majority in parliament should have tendered their resignation already. Wescot Williams said that twice she was faced with the same situation when she was the Prime Minister of the country, in 2012 and 2013 and on both occasions she stood her ground by refusing to call for early elections even though the majority in the Council of Ministers wanted that.
The former Prime Minister and now Member of Parliament said that article 59 can only be invoked if there is some sort of disarray in Parliament and there is no majority. “On both occasions there was a majority in place and I could not invoke article 59.” Wescot Williams further explained that the motion passed on Wednesday is very clear because the reasons for the motion has been clearly outlined in the motion. Further to that she said that the new coalition already dispatched a letter to the Governor informing him of the motion and the majority in parliament consisting of eight members. Wescot Williams made clear that Ministers are not elected officials, she said the 15 members of parliament are the ones that were elected at the polls and they are the people’s representatives. Wescot Williams said the Gumbs cabinet did not show respect to Parliament and when they were called to Parliament to provide answers to the house they did not so instead they endured Parliament and when the speaking time was over they left and went back to business as usual. Another concern Wescot Williams raised was the lack of openness in government, the lack of dialogue with the social partners. She said that the Democratic Party has some issues that are high on their agenda, one being health care and the St. Maarten Medical Center, Electoral Reform, Climate Change, Independence, and to begin dialogue with the social partners and create a form of openness. The latter she said is very critical. The Leader of the Democratic Party further explained that the current coalition already decided that they will use the governing program they worked on in 2014 to form the basis of this government. “There might be some tweaking needed and some projects may have to be dropped because of the lack of funds but we will not be going back to the drawing board to prepare a new governing program because three political parties that is part of the new coalition worked on that governing program.”
As for early elections Wescot Williams said it will definitely not solve the problems the Prime Minister said it will solve, she said one of the things St. Maarten has to work on is election reform, something she has been championing for years now. Wescot Williams said that even if there is early election on December 8th no one could guarantee a stable government even if one political party is elected.
Wescot Williams further explained that what transpired on Wednesday should not be something new or unexpected because it has been months now that it was rumored on the island that something has been going on with the three members of the former coalition who are now part of the current coalition. She said that she was in not involved in the very beginning but when contacted she joined the group that had seven members to form a government since there could have been three separate groups and no majority in parliament which would have indeed created a problem for St. Maarten.
Ever since the motion was passed on Wednesday Members of Parliament especially the chairman and two vice chairpersons are not showing up to parliament and all meetings of parliament had to be cancelled. Wescot Williams said that very soon the new coalition partners will meet and they will appoint a new chair and vice chair in order to continue the people’s business. Asked if that could be done even though they have not gotten a response from the governor Wescot Williams said there is a new majority in parliament and they could definitely appoint the chair and vice chair in order to continue the work of parliament.
Wescot Williams also admitted on Friday that she will be assuming the positon of chairperson of parliament when she was asked. She said that the way things are at this moment she will be assuming that role and her intention is to get her colleagues in parliament to understand the role of parliament and to get the parliament of St. Maarten to function the way it should.
Wescot Williams also confirmed that the person that will become the next Minister of VSA is someone that is within the Democratic Party, she said that person was already contacted but she preferred not to release the name due to the screening process that has to take place.

Amending the constitution is the only solution, something government and parliamentarians will not do because its serves them best as is.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The notion that Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and the other members of the council of ministers gave reporters on Thursday is nothing but farce when he said that the only thing that would bring the stability to the country is new elections. Calling for new elections now after the Gumbs cabinet was fired by motion of no confidence is just fighting fire with fire because there is no guarantee that new elections will solve the problems of instability in government which country has been facing for years now.
How can anyone assure the people of St. Maarten that new elections will curb this problem when politicians in parliament and government chose not to amend the constitution of St. Maarten, the only weapon which would stop politicians from jumping left, right and center when their personal needs cannot be met by their party leaders? History has shown that politicians would leave their party and drop the government even when the island was part of the Netherlands Antilles, yet no one saw it fit to plug the hole when they were writing the constitution for country St. Maarten. The way it is right now even if new elections is held and one political party manage to get ten seats there is no guarantee three or more of them will not jump ship when they are not happy, so to stand boldly and tell the people that new elections will solve the problem is nothing but farce from a Prime Minister who wants to fight fire with fire after his cabinet has been fired.
The statements above might be harsh but it’s time for the voters and the people of St. Maarten be told the truth since most of them do not read their own laws and tend to believe what they are told by politicians and or elected officials that are earning a huge salary while building their pensions on the backs of the people who could hardly survive or pay their bills at the end of each month.
One must realize that St. Maarten owed millions of guilders to SZV and APS thus causing the Kingdom Council of Ministers to issue an instruction to the government of St. Maarten to settle its arrears within a specific time frame. It is known that both APS and SZV are working with government towards finding a solution for the debts owed to them, one being “selling the government building” on Pond Island to either of the insurance entities. Doing so will only offset government’ debts by 40M guilders because that is the market value of the building as is right now. However, government still have to find other ways to settle its debts, maybe by giving these entities much needed land for them to build their own buildings for both SZV and APS.
Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said new elections or new government will cost the country monies. Well the current cabinet consisting of eight Ministers have six Ministers that are already on pension. This cabinet does not have one year in office as yet, so sending them home will not cost the country one red cent since those six Ministers will not be entitled to a salary or extra pension monies. Of the two other Ministers one is a civil servant who could return to her job at any moment while the other is from the private sector. His job is still reserved at the Chamber of Commerce. So based on that information the only thing that will cost St. Maarten extra monies is the new elections the Gumbs cabinet wants in a year that is not an election year with no monies is in the 2015 budget for new elections.
The move by the eight Members of Parliament came as a surprise to everyone, however, most of us know that these MPs were not at all happy and they were working on moving away. When SMN News wrote that negotiations were taking place we were accused of “yellow journalism” seemly the yellow journalism has become real investigative journalism because what we said was happening finally materialized on Wednesday on the floor of parliament. As a warning to those that are now forming a new government it is imperative that the new government if given the chance, should put their own interest aside and work in the interest of the people, provide jobs for the youths that they so often talk about and create a safer environment with safety and security.
The move on Wednesday by the Members of Parliament already hit the Chief of the National Police of the Netherlands who resigned on Thursday morning. Hopefully, the Attorney General of Curacao, St. Maarten and BES Guus Schram will follow his friend Bouman.
Hopefully, the incoming Members of Parliament would consider filing a case with the United Nations against the Netherlands for arbitration in order for the United Nations to intervene and mediate in the disputes St. Maarten has with the Netherlands, since there is no dispute committee in place to settle the disputes St. Maarten has with the Netherlands then the only place left to deal with these matters is the United Nations.
For those that those that does not understand the meaning of the word arbitration then below is the definition from dictionary.com
noun
1.
the hearing and determining of a dispute or the settling of differences between parties by a person or persons chosen or agreed to by them:
Rather than risk a long strike, the union and management agreed to arbitration.
2.
International Law. the application of judicial methods to the settlement of international disputes.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, who is also Minister of General Affairs and responsible for the Fire Department, commends the fire services for their Fire Prevention Month of activities that kicked off on October 1st under the theme: ‘Smoke Detectors Saves Lives.’
The month long activities includes a fire safety awareness workshop for all primary school third graders; installation of smoke detectors in selected houses in some districts; a lecture/workshop for architects and engineers; an open house and fire safety expo.
“Residents and homeowners should be familiar with ways to reduce the risk of fire, and also know how to respond in the event of a fire breaking out in your home. There are many things that household owners can do to help keep their families and their possessions safe from fires.
“The smoke detector that is being promoted during this one month period is one device to alert homeowners to a possible fire within the home. During the one-month awareness campaign, the fire department will explain where smoke alarms should be installed in the home and how they should be maintained to ensure their effectiveness.
“The campaign is relevant and teaches the younger generation about fire safety and at the same time addresses professionals working in various areas when it comes to building. There are also activities for every individual in our community. I encourage our community to take part in the activities and be informed about what you can do to make your home safe from fire.
“I take this opportunity to commend the fire services for their courageous and dedicated service to our community on a daily basis 365 days a year, which is outstanding and appreciated by all,” Minister of General Affairs Marcel Gumbs said on Thursday.
Data from the U.S. where smoke alarms have been widely used for about 20-years, shows a reduction in house death fires of more than 50 per cent in those homes that have working smoke alarms installed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), will kick off a very needed project in October in collaboration with the Community police officers, geared at removing all car wrecks and illegally placed cars from public roads and spaces.

This project comes after thorough communication with community councils and careful observation of the increasing number of car wrecks and illegally placed cars that cause a nuisance, health hazardous and often dangerous circumstance for communities, which become infested with rodents and waste.

The project is proposed to commence October 7, 2015 through May 2016 starting every Wednesday from 8:00 am to 12 noon. Each month a district will be scheduled for cleaning in sequence with the CPO schedules. The schedule for the removal of car wrecks and illegally placed vehicles for your area will be placed on the Government Information Page one week prior the commencement of the actions. The proposed schedule is as follows:

• October – Colebay
• November – Cul de Sac Basin (northern area)
• December – Cul de Sac Basin (Southern area)
• January –Dutch Quarter/Belvedere
• February – Simpsonbay/Pelican/Cay Bay/Indigo Bay
• March – Lower Princess Quarter
• April – Great Bay/Upper Princess Quarter
• May – Lowlands/Beacon Hill/Maho

Vehicles belonging to persons matching the criteria of unpaid road tax, outdated inspection, abandonment, and hazardous to public safety, will be advised with official warning to remove their vehicles. Failure to do will result in the vehicle being towed or even crushed.

Further attention will also be invested in illegal garages.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Information reaching SMN News states that the eight members of parliament who voted a motion of no confidence against the current Gumbs cabinet already have candidates that will fill the Ministries.
SMN News learnt that Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin will become the next Prime Minister of St. Maarten, deputy leader of the National Alliance Silveria Jacobs will become the Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports.
SMN News further learnt that the National Alliance leader has contacted former Minister of Finance Roland Tuitt who is currently working in Aruba and offered him the position as Minister of Finance it is not yet known if Tuitt accepted the offer and if he will return to St. Maarten to take on the position as Minister of Finance; while the Democratic Party will appoint Emil Lee as the Minister of Labor, Health and Social Affairs (VSA), USP Frans Richardson will appoint Ruben Thomson as Minister of Justice. MP Silvio Matser is currently interviewing several persons to see which one will be suitable for the Ministry of TEATT and will easily pass the screening process, while MP Maurice Lake will appoint Veronica Jenson Webster as Minister of VROMI.
While the National Alliance also got the Minister of Plenipotentiary it is not yet known who will be the candidate for that position.
SMN News tried to confirm the information provided but the politicians that are forming the current coalition are very tightlipped on the process they began months ago.
According to the information provided to SMN News states that Rodolphe Samuel and Hyacinth Richardson are the two persons in line to become Members of Parliament that will be replacing the leader and deputy leader of the National Alliance who will be moving over to the executive branch of government.
Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams will be the chairlady of Parliament, whose main mission is to get the Parliament of St. Maarten to function as a Parliament. The source said that Wescot Williams intend to straighten a number of things that are not in line with the rules and regulation of Parliament while she intends to stop the victimization against civil servants that are being sent home at age 60 while it is already mandatory for St. Maarten to increase its pension age to 62.
SMN News will bring you more information on the formation process which still has to be finalized. One of the objective of the coalition partners that has a very slim majority in parliament is to get their Ministers in place in record time and they are also focusing on persons they know will pass the screening process.

PHILIPSBURG:---- St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation volunteers took time out of their weekend schedules to pamper St. Martin’s Home clients during their regular monthly visit on Sunday, September 27.

A total of seven volunteers visited the Home from around 4:30pm and remained there until 6:00pm pampering clients.

The volunteers spent quality time engaging in conversations with clients. They also did mild relaxing exercises with the clients in an effort to help keep them moving and active, which is good for their health.

A number of clients also received a nice “royal treatment” from volunteers which included hand, back and foot massages and polishing of their nails.

Volunteers also visited patients who were in their rooms to see how they were doing, to share a kind word of encouragement with them and to engage in conversations with them.

Tzu Chi volunteers try to visit the St. Martin’s Home the last Sunday of every month. Because of their regular visits, many of the clients are familiar with the volunteers and look forward to their regular visits each month.

Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung thanked all the volunteers who sacrificed part of their weekend give of themselves to the elderly. She also thanked the St. Martin’s Home and its clients for accommodating the foundation’s volunteers and said Tzu Chi is grateful for the opportunity to serve them.

PHILIPSBURG:--- World Renowned Shark Experts Jillian and Duncan Brake of the Sharks4Kids Foundation are on Sint Maarten as part of the educational campaign by the Nature Foundation introducing school children to sharks and the importance of preserving and protecting these important animals. The first presentation was at the Charlotte Brookson Academy.

Sharks play a critical role in the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems. Yet despite their importance, shark populations are being decimated globally. The rapid decline in populations teamed with the man-eating monster stereotypes sharks have garnered over the years, have left sharks fighting for their survival.

The goal of the Sharks4Kids presentations is to create a new generation of shark advocates through access to a dynamic range of educational materials. Students who have received the presentations have access games, activities and info sheets to satisfy their own curiosity about sharks. Photos and videos from scientists and conservationists bring an exciting element into the classroom and show students the beauty of the ocean.

“The goal of the presentations is to engage students and get them excited about sharks. We want to dispel some of the myths surrounding these amazing animals while encouraging kids be good junior scientists and global citizens; what they do matters and they can make a difference for sharks no matter who they are or where they live. Presentations include Let’s Investigate Sharks: An Introduction to Sharks, Shark Conservation, Shark Tagging and Science, Life as Marine Biologist, Shark Diving & Underwater Filming,” commented the presenters.

The presentations were a part of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance/ Nature Foundation Shark Education Project combining science, education and outreach to protect some of the planet’s most endangered species. The presentations were made possible through the support of the Pew Charitable Trusts.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Emergency Dispatch on Thursday, October 1st at approximately 12.30 p.m. received a unanimous call informing them of an ongoing break-in at an apartment on the Umbrella Cactus Drive in Sucker Garden. The caller also gave a good description of the suspects. Immediately several police patrols and detectives were sent to the location to investigate. A police patrol in the area saw a small white in which two men were driving who fit the description of the suspects in this case. The vehicle with the possible suspects were chased and stopped by the patrol. During a search of the vehicle a bag containing several electronic items and tools were found. Neither suspects could give an acceptable explanation where the items came from or who the owners of the items were. Both male suspects 19 and 21 years old were arrested on the spot and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where they remain in custody for further investigation. The electronic items and the white vehicle were confiscated for further investigation.

KPSM Press Release.

At the SXM Hospitality Educational Institute October 20 2015

PHILIPSBURG:--- The SXM Hospitality Educational Institute (SXMHEI) is offering Hospitality Management Certificate courses through its further education (FE) certificate program starting October 20, 2015.
“Hospitality is a key driver in St. Maarten,” said Yeung, SXMHEI’s executive director, whose professional background includes hospitality education and instruction as well as management in the tourism industry. Yeung is the former Dean of Academics, Hospitality Division Head and veteran instructor at the University of St. Martin. He holds a Bachelor degree in Hotel &Tourism Management and a Masters degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University (FIU) and in 2013 he became St. Maarten’s first AHLEI Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE).
Students who enrol in these courses will benefit from strong local industry support for and participation in class. Professionals are invited to make classroom presentations, mentor students. Participants will earn an academic course certificate of completion from SXMHEI as well as an EI certificate. The program is targeted primarily to supervisors and professionals who are in hospitality, hospitality marketing, management and the service industry in general.
The hospitality industry in St. Maarten continues to grow and with that, according to Yeung, there is a definite need for a dedicated and focused approach to hospitality education and training which will provide St. Maarten’s professionals with a wide range of career pathways that are available in the tourism industry. This focused approach, said Yeung, is being provided through the respective courses in the Hospitality Management Certificate program at the SXM Hospitality Educational Institute-SXMHEI an institute totally dedicated to specifically Hospitality & Tourism education and training.
For additional information please contact Ms. Glenda York, the program director of the SXM Hospitality Educational Institute-SXMHEI via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 721.554.4242.

Cayman Finance has just concluded the first year of its Student Education & Work Experience Pilot Programme partnering with the Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs and the Ministry of Financial Services, Commerce and Environment to provide additional pathways into and experience in the financial services industry to young Caymanian students.

This 12 week programme was offered to Year-12 students in the government dual-enrollment programme working on their A-levels or completing their first year at UCCI.

Mr. Bryan Hunter, Chairman of the Cayman Finance Public Awareness Committee which was responsible for organizing the programme, said that he is pleased with the outcome of the programme.

“The response and support that we have received from Cayman Finance member firms to ensure we have a comprehensive programme for the participants has been tremendous,” Mr Hunter said. “That support enabled us to move quickly from concept to reality and Cayman Finance has many things of which to be proud in relation to the programme’s first year.”

The student programme consisted of eight in-classroom workshops, one-on-one weekly meetings with mentors for two months and a one month long paid work experience placement within the industry. The workshops highlighted key information about the financial services industry and its various sectors, including the available employment opportunities within the industry. They were also geared to providing the students with training on the soft skills that they will need to excel in their careers. The work experience placements also provided the students with training on interviewing skills, which should stand them in good stead when seeking employment in the future.

All mentors were professionals or senior managers within the industry and they all participated in mentorship training which was provided with the assistance of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Hon. Tara Rivers, Minister of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs said the ministry fully supported the programme developed as a public-private partnership. “This is a very exciting pilot programme geared at getting students interested in the financial services industry. It allows students to interact one-on-one with senior professionals in the industry, making invaluable connections and getting that hands on experience to ensure students know what the industry demands and if it is the right career choice for them . I would like to thank our partners and the industry professionals in giving their time to provide this wonderful opportunity for our students,” Minister Rivers said.

The Hon. Wayne Panton, Minister for Financial Services said his ministry was eager to get involved with this programme. “We need to ensure there are, and continue to be, opportunities for young Caymanians in financial services, which is the largest industry in our country” Minister Panton said. “We understand the importance of exposing these students to these careers at a young age, in order to let them know more about the wide-ranging employment opportunities that exist within the industry.”

Mr Hunter said the programme would not have been possible without the tremendous support from Cayman Finance member firms. “We also had work experience placements provided by the Ministry of Financial Services, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority and the Cayman Islands Society of Professional Accountants,” Mr Hunter said. “Cayman Finance would like to thank all of the mentors, workshop facilitators, HR professionals, teachers and organisations that came together to make our vision a reality.”

Mr. Jude Scott, Cayman Finance CEO, expressed his gratitude for the efforts of everyone involved in making the programme a success and especially thanked Mr Hunter for chairing the committee that lead the programme. He commented that his favourite quote from a student was ‘This experience was like opening up a door to a whole new world’.

“It was an enormous success and we look forward to running a similar programme again next year,” Mr. Scott said.

Elections or New Government will cost money! Six of eight Ministers are pensioners that will not be entitled to extra pension.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Council of Ministers from the Gumbs cabinet that got a motion of no-confidence on Wednesday from eight members of parliament dispatched a resolution to the Governor of St. Maarten Wednesday night informing him that they are utilizing their rights to article 59 in the country’s constitution to dissolve the parliament of St. Maarten and call for new elections which should be held by December 8th 2015.
Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs told members of the media on Thursday that the Council of Ministers met Wednesday night after he returned from the United States and they took a decision to utilize article 59 of the country’s constitution which gives the Council of Ministers the right to dissolve the Parliament of St. Maarten and call for new elections.
Prime Minister Gumbs said that his cabinet took that decision after receiving extensive legal advice. He said that he believes the people of St. Maarten deserves stability and the only way to give them that stability is to go back to the people (polls) so that they could elect a government. “How can we be sure that something like this will not happen in the next six months or a year? Where in the world you have seen a country with three governments in a four year governing period? I represented St. Maarten three times internationally and each time I was asked about the stability of St. Maarten’s government. When I went to Tortola the question popped up, then in Washington and most recently when I attended the UN meetings in the United States earlier this week.”
When questioned how is it possible for his cabinet that were fired on the spot by a majority in Parliament to write resolutions or make demands? Prime Minister Gumbs said that article 59 was placed in the constitution to be used by them. SMN News further questioned if St. Maarten has monies for new elections knowing that the country got an instruction from the Kingdom Council because St. Maarten is not paying its debts. Prime Minister Gumbs said new elections or new government will cost the people money. However, it must be noted that six of the eight Ministers in the Gumbs cabinet are already on pension and they did not spend one year in government therefore they will not be entitled to a salary or extra pension. The other two Ministers, namely Minister Rita Bourne Gumbs is a school manager who could return to her post while Minister Claret Connor could also return to the private sector.
Prime Minister Gumbs said when he read the motion that was passed in parliament on Wednesday he made a few observations. He said the agenda point was to discuss the problems of government owned companies but none of the Ministers in his cabinet was invited to debate the issues of the government owned companies. As for the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation, Prime Minister Gumbs laid the blame on former Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams and former Minister Maurice Lake whom he said decided not to appoint board members while they were caretaker Ministers. He said those two Ministers are the ones responsible because they chose to leave it for the incoming government to do but by the time the Gumbs cabinet took office on December 19th 2014 the time for government to appoint board members had expired.
As for the governing program Prime Minister Gumbs said he already explained that the governing program delayed but it was presented and the one presented was signed by three members of Parliament who voted in favor of the motion of no confidence.
Prime MInsiter Gumbs could not say when his cabinet will get a response from the Governor but he assured that there will not be any Mexican Stand off or St. Maarten stand- off. Asked what other plans his cabinet has in case they get a negative answer from the governor Prime Minister Gumbs said that his cabinet will be meeting again Thursday afternoon to further discuss the situation they are in now.

SIMPSON BAY:--- The Management of the Princess Juliana International Airport, SXM, is scheduled to meet with the Council of Ministers on Thursday, October 1, 2015 to make a presentation to government about developments at the airport.
Among the topics to be dealt with in the presentation is a progress report on the projects that form part of the Capital Improvement Program, which was part of the loan covenant entered into with the floating of the US$130 million bond issue on the international financial market.
Similarly, SXM Management will seize the opportunity to present to the Council of Ministers a printed copy of the airport’s 2014 Annual Report. The report is already available online at the SXM Airport website: www.sxmairport.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on October 2nd. This session of the House is a continuation from the initial meeting.

The public Central Committee meeting is set for Friday, at 11.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is a draft National Ordinance related to Public Health Care.

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 communities of Ebenezer and South Reward are invited to the last NV GEBE information session on Thursday, October 01.

The information session is being organized as part of NV GEBEs efforts to continue to improve services to its customers by engaging them in the aforementioned customer communication process where the customer receives information regarding the company.

The information session is being held at the Milton Peters College in South Reward from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

Residents will get the opportunity to learn from department heads about new projects and what the company is doing to continue to improve services to the customer and the community at large.

The information session also allows those in attendance to ask various questions to the NV GEBE Managers and department heads.

Managers and Department heads will give presentations about current services such as billing cycles; payment of bills; important information for seniors 62+; the reading of electricity bills with respect to kilowatt hours and the fuel clause; the new electrical and digital water meters; street lights; the electrical production facility; trenching and much more.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament (MP) Maurice Lake said on after the parliamentary session that as a “...representative of the people and as an educator, I am very concerned with what is happening at the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA).

“The school needs an intermediate intervention by Government to dismiss the Board based on the National Ordinance establishing a regime for secondary and vocational education and the Government subsidy agreement.

“The Board seems to continue to be keep making the same mistakes over and over again with the current students. Based on the National Ordinance articles, establishing a regime for secondary and vocational education, states "The Minister has to dissolve in case of serious neglect of duties by the Board or is in operate in violation of the laws and regulation authorized to provide for the administration of the institution and, if necessary, the public body.

“Another article states that the Board shall report annually to the Minister on the work. The report shall be made public. To date, the Board has not met the Minister or any of the deadlines, articles of the National Ordinance, and they validate the programs at NIPA. Imagine after 18 months, zero students graduate with a valid diploma from the school.

“The Department of Education is still in the process of validating the programs at NIPA. This only demotivates the students who have high dreams and goals of getting their degree from NIPA. This is simply amazing. NIPA started in 2014 with 288 students enrolled in the different programs and by 2015 the school only has currently 64 students in which 127 had originally registered. Within the six weeks since school started the number keeps dipping where some students don't show up or don't come on a regular basis.

“The Board has six law suits against them whereby two persons already won their court cases which includes the former Managing Director of NIPA which they fired because he invited dignitaries to an Open House. I would like to know where the Board is getting this money to pay for these unnecessary law suits? Is this money coming from the Government Subsidy which is ear marked for NIPA educational programs? If yes, this is financial mismanagement by the Board.

“What happened to the evening nursing classes where the majority of the students stopped attending classes which also I think the Board should do the honorable thing and compensate these students for false expectation by the school. After a year attending classes they were informed by the school that they should be working in the field and to take the course in the evening.

“This only creates false hope and expectations for the students and that’s why it is high time these Foundations and Government Owned Companies start following the rules and the laws based on good governance and go through the corporate governance council by presenting a profile of each board member.

“I fully agree that most of these articles of incorporation of these institutions need to be reviewed based on integrity, transparency and accountability. We have to start holding Ministers and Board members accountable for these type of situations. Government and the Education Inspectors have to step up to the plate and use their powers and enforce the law on these institutions before it reaches so far, and start putting the right qualified people in the right positions instead of putting friends on these boards.

“The Minister has to enforce the law and can't go by signing Memorandums of Understanding with the current NIPA Board, who has failed miserably in providing quality education and a sense of direction for management, staff and students.

“In closing, as WITU President stated, we shall not let the institute fail but structure it correctly with the right vision, mission and purpose of the school. ‘Prior planning prevents poor performance.’

“We have to establish a strategic plan for NIPA and create opportunities for students from the neighbouring islands such as Saba, Statia and Anguilla can also attend classes. The NIPA school has a lot of potential for the future and we should dissolve the current Board and put new Board members with a vision to bring back hope for the students attending NIPA,” MP Maurice Lake pointed out.

Harbour View---  Today, September 30th, 2015, His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, received a letter from three members of Parliament, Mr. F. Richardson, Mr. S. Matser and Mr. M. Lake, in which they informed the Governor that they withdrew their support from the present coalition government consisting of the UP/USM and independent members of Parliament Mr. C. de Weever and Mrs. L. Marlin-Romeo.
The Governor was informed that on September 30th, 2015, early in the afternoon, the Parliament of Sint Maarten passed a motion of no-confidence against the current cabinet of ministers. He also received a separate letter today signed by the 4 members of the NA-fraction, the DP-fraction, the USP-fraction and members of Parliament S. Matser and M. Lake in which they informed him of their willingness to form the next government of Sint Maarten. The letter included an attached Governing Accord signed by the abovementioned 8 members of Parliament.
Governor Holiday has taken the abovementioned correspondence and events regarding the current political situation into consideration.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten is in solidarity with the nation for World Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October. Flags has been placed on the Causeway to profile and increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease.
There are about 1.38 million new cases and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer each year, according to the World Health Organization (IARC Globocan, 2008). Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and developing countries.

Breast cancer can be detected early and treated effectively.

Port St. Maarten expresses its support to local St. Maarten organizations and other entities who create awareness within the community and commend them for their efforts.

It is well understood that raising awareness and understanding about breast cancer risks, early signs and symptoms and overall breast health awareness is an important part of a public health approach for breast cancer.

In the Americas, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. An estimated 408,000 women were newly diagnosed and more than 92,000 women died from breast cancer in the Americas in 2012 according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This is expected to increase by 46 per cent in the Americas by 2030, if current trends continue.

Currently there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer, therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control.

When breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured. If detected late, however, curative treatment is often no longer an option. In such cases, palliative care to relieve the suffering of patients and their families is needed.

The majority of deaths (269 000) occur in low- and middle-income countries, where most women with breast cancer are diagnosed in late stages due mainly to lack of awareness on early detection and barriers to health services.