Articles

The Caribbean region continued to suffer a major decline in tourist arrivals as a result of the global economic crisis. Figures from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) show a 90 per cent downturn for the region from January to July 2009 with some destinations experiencing double-digit decline over the period when compared to 2008.

Cuba and Jamaica are the only countries that have shown minimal increases of 3.1 per cent and 3.4 per cent growth. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has said that his country must maintain an approximate 70 per cent to stay afloat, requiring a growth of 10-15 per cent annually to meet current standings because of the number of rooms that the island has as a destination.

In the meantime, Bermuda is busy negotiating with International Offshore Team Association to host the 2010 world-class powerboat race. The association is also considering Brazil for a second race in 2010. The international race series is dubbed Formula One on the water. Class 1 Powerboat series features professional race teams racing state-of-the-art boats that can hit speeds of up to 160 miles per hour.

The Formula One race has taken place in Norway, Qatar, Romania, Italy, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, so why not St. Maarten 2011? The event which last three-days featuring two race days, is said to attract a television audience of 500 million and more than 100,000 spectators. As a tourist destination I do believe we are up to it. We have the annual successful Heineken Regatta which is organized in a very professional manner, so why not Formula One Powerboat Racing in 2011?

There are real prospects for travel growth in 2010. It’s being seen in different parts of the world. News coming out of ITB Asia, a tourism and travel conference that recently opened reveals that now is the time to plan for new travel industry growth.

With St. Maarten’s new branding and marketing initiatives coming in for high praise after its launch approximately two weeks ago, attention must be paid to the long-term and also having the necessary marketing/promotional funds available in 2010 and beyond to promote destination St. Maarten which is mainly based on a one-pillar economy – tourism.

In Europe, the European Travel Commission (ETC) warns that there is unlikely to be a strong rebound from this year’s low travel demand following the worst recession since the 1930s.

However, travel is not expected to fall any further in 2010, although significant downside risks remain such as an escalation in the swine flu outbreak. The ETC reports in its third quarterly report on European Tourism 2009 – Trends & Prospects, that the downturn in travel and tourism in 2009 has been especially noticeable for long-haul travel, with a move towards increased short-haul trips and leisure trips of shorter duration. This trend is expected to continue in the short-term or until economic recovery is entrenched.

International arrivals, which fell by seven per cent worldwide and by eight per cent in Europe in the first seven months of the year, are projected to stabilize over the last four months of 2009.

The ETC reports that the rate of decline in travel demand has slowed in the last two to three months, and demand for air transport and hotel accommodation appears to be returning to levels comparable with that of 12 months ago.

With prospects in Europe looking up, the 2009/2010 season for our island nation will be one where we should cautiously see an increase in visitors. The year 2010 and the season of 2010/2011 should also further see an increase in our overall tourism numbers, but we must continue to make great strides in marketing/promotion and look at new avenues that would bring business to the island such as Class 1 World Powerboat Championship racing.

Roddy Heyliger

 

 

Law enforcement organizations comprising of the Police, Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten and the Control Unit, must be commended for carrying out controls on school busses. At the beginning of October more than five dozen school busses were controlled for weapons and illegal substances. Students’ bags were also checked.

The law enforcement agencies discovered an array of weapons and other items that could cause harm. Some of the items found were machetes, scissors, flare gun, butcher knives, a length of chain, a steak knife, brass knuckles, a switch-blade knife, and to top it off some marijuana. The law enforcement initiative was taken in part of renewed efforts to stop crime from entering schools.

The Police have made a serious plea to parents to ensure their children are safe, by warning that adults were underestimating the danger of students fighting and carrying weapons to school. Police are urging adults to be better parents and to get involved in their children’s lives by keeping a closer eye on what their children are doing, who they have as friends, and what they are taking to school.

The Police are of the opinion according to media reports that the community isn’t taking children fighting in and around schools and using weapons seriously enough. “This problem that we are facing here is much more serious than we think it is,” Police spokesperson Inspector Ricardo Henson reported to the media.

He adds, “If this problem is not addressed in due time, it can spiral out of control and many young persons might get hurt.”

However, the Police have promised that these controls will continue after the October mid-term break. They definitely must continue as they act from the premise of being a preventative measure. Sadly, though, a young person was stabbed on Wednesday at one of the islands secondary schools.

One possible option that should be considered by educational officials is the so-called “Deans of Discipline.” Jamaica’s Ministry of Education has just completed training its first batch who will be in charge of developing a sustainable framework for maintaining discipline in schools.

The idea for the position of “Dean of Discipline,” emerged out of concerns about the growing level indiscipline and crime in Jamaica schools, and the need to have persons dedicated to behaviour management. A major component of their work is to boost self-worth of students. Much of what you see expressed as (bad) behaviour is a search for identity.

Persons who have been hired for the position are trained in one of the following areas: education, guidance and counselling, social work, psychology and other behavioural fields.

The “Deans of Discipline” will focus on the safety and security of schools, bearing in mind that safety and security is about enhancing the children’s well-being to become goal-oriented successful young adults. The system would also be associated with sanctions and rewards.

Is it a solution for us? Is it something worth pursuing? A nation’s most precious resource is its young people. Some of our young people have turned to violence to resolve problems, a very disturbing trend within a small developing nation such as ours.

“This problem that we are facing here is much more serious than we think it is,” Police spokesperson Inspector Ricardo Henson reported to the media. As a community we should heed his words very seriously.

 

Roddy Heyliger

 

 

Today, October 1, is International Day of Older Persons. It is a day recognized by the United Nations and across the globe including our island nation St. Maarten. Due to a number of positive interventions, people around the world are living longer and healthier lives. This day affords us all the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions older St. Maarteners have made and are still making to their families and communities on a daily basis.

According to statistics from the Census Office, St. Maarten has some 4971 registered persons, 60 years and older from no less than 91 different countries and islands, as far as South Africa, Syria, Taiwan, Vietnam, Sweden and Switzerland, and from almost every Caribbean island, and across Latin America.

More and more, older persons are remaining active after retirement by engaging in activities such as through lifelong learning, working longer, and exercising which sustains health and capacity.

On behalf of the Executive Council and people of St. Maarten we salute all those organizations and individuals who have paved the way in caring for our Seniors over the past decades and recent years.

We must reflect on this day on the exemplary work carried out for many years by the White and Yellow Cross Foundation, through the St. Maarten Home and before that the Sweet Repose in Philipsburg.

Recently the Home Away from Home Golden Age Foundation celebrated its 5th Anniversary and later this year the Senior Citizens Recreation Foundation will celebrate 20 years of dedicated service by and for the seniors on St. Maarten.

We salute other organizations like the Helping Hands Foundation, the Red Cross and all other groups, organizations and individuals who are giving so much of their own time to help and care for those who have been the architects of today and have laid the cornerstones for the future of St. Maarten.

International Day of Older Persons is also an opportunity to encourage all our seniors to participate in community activities.

Among every nation’s greatest assets is its older persons, and St. Maarten is no exception to this.

Born here, brought here or come here, the almost 5000 persons, 60 years and older, have helped shape modern day St. Maarten and continue to make significant contributions to our nation’s socio-economic development with a lifetime of skills, knowledge and experience.

We also have a generation of older St. Maarteners, our seniors, who have worked to build this nation and who have now retired and are enjoying life. They are our daily source of inspiration and the corner stones and pillars of St. Maarten.

These persons’ tireless dedication to the nation and sense of self-sacrifice is truly inspirational. Ageing is a true milestone of human development and achievement. I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to the nation to congratulate older persons and seniors who have made a difference in your life, your family and others at home or at work. Use this day, October 1 to appreciate older persons and seniors and to say thank you.

On behalf of the Government and people of St. Maarten I salute you, each and every Older Person on St. Maarten. May God continue to bless our nation and in a very special way, our Older Persons from and of St. Maarten.

 

 

The Soualiga Toastmasters Club invites the general public to walk around the pond on Saturday, October 3, 2009. This walk-a-thon exercise morning slated to start at 5:00 am is a fundraising event held in an effort to raise funds for members to attend the Annual Caribbean Conference, which will take place in Barbados, from October 16th to 18th, 2009.

The Soualiga Toastmasters Club was initiated in 2004 by the Island Government as a means to empower its employees, the civil servants. Its mission is to provide a supportive and positive learning environment where members have the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

“As we continue to offer communication and leadership skills to our members, we also think it is important to remind people that healthy lifestyle practices are key for personal development,” says President Leona Marlin. “There’s no doubt that walking is good for you. It is good for your heart; it is good for your lungs. It is good for muscle development and blood circulation. Walking is good for an overall feeling of wellbeing.”

The early morning activity will take the route of the Carnival jouvert. It starts at the Administration Building, goes around the Great Salt Pond and ends at the parking lot of the Government building, where a ‘Fit for Life’ sport instructor will provide stretch exercises.

Breakfast will be provided. Tickets are $ 6,- per person.

 

 

Philipsburg - The Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (W.I.C.L.U.) Met with Central Government Minister of Labour on Thursday. The meeting was the first between the minister and the umbrella organization for unions on St. Maarten, Statia and Saba.

Matters discussed were; the merger of the two Labour Departments here on St. Maarten, the training of the staff of the two Labour Departments in seminars and workshops in order to make them ready for the new country St. Maarten so that, they function in accordance to International Labour Standards and treaties. The Unions also voice their concerns about the readiness of St. Maarten for 10/10/2010. The Unions asked about the appointment of a mediator for St. Maarten. The Chamber of Unions members also questioned the minister as to whether or not he was willing to give full support to establish a proper functioning Labour inspection section at the Labour Office. The minister explained that, he was already working to upgrade the proper functioning of his department and will talk soon to the Island about the merger of the Labour Offices.

The Unions deems the meeting encouraging.

 

 

The Hague, - One of the new objectives of the St. Maarten Student Support Services Foundation (S4) is to significantly improve the exchange of information between not only the organization and its students, but also the organization and its equally important stakeholders. These stakeholders being the Island Governments of St. Maarten, Statia and Saba as well as the general communities of the Dutch Windward Islands including the family and friends of students in the Netherlands.

Entitled “WHAT’S GOING ON…” ; the new quarterly publication has the potential to solve an evident communication shortcoming that has been somewhat unfavourable for the organization up to this point. According to Managing Editor Ludmila Duncan, “The community at large has the right to be kept up-to-date on the progress of S4 and its students in the Netherlands. One of the great things about this newsletter is that it will give our students the opportunity to be recognized publicly for all of their accomplishments.”

With a continuous focus on education, “WHAT’S GOING ON…” will regularly highlight students who are performing well academically. It will announce graduates and aim to provide regular statistics on the progress of S4 students and the programs in which they are based. Articles will be geared toward informing readers on issues that are not only important to current students, for example new housing regulations, but also topics that will be useful to potential scholarship recipients interested in furthering their studies in the Netherlands.

The newsletter’s motto is “Keeping you informed about the challenges and successes of S4 and our students in the Netherlands.” It will be distributed electronically on St. Maarten, Saba, Statia, and the Netherlands. Hard copies will be available at the S4 office and shortly at various locations on the islands.

Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the newsletter by sending in articles and opinions to the Assistant Editor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Want to know what’s going on? Send an e-mail to be added to the “What’s Going On…” mailing list.

 

 

Representatives of the Christian Council of Churches headed by the new chairman the Reverend Mr. Stephane Brooks (3rd)r. and board members Mr. Edgar Lynch (1st)L. and Mr. Wally Havertong paid a courtesy visit to Lt. Gov. Mr. Franklin Richards.

Philipsburg: --- One week after the slaying of David Eustace (Priest) immigration decided to act on a petition Eustace had filed against several adult entertainment clubs. On Friday night immigration officers went to the Japanese Club and closed it after its operators could not provide a business license for the location in which they are currently operating.

Japanese Club is operated by Dickey Molanus brother of island council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus. SMN News understands that the late Eustace had filed several complaints with the island government and the police department against club owners who are operating against the stipulations of their business license. David Eustace had also filed a petition on September 9 with the police and government asking that they close Japanese Club since the operators of the club relocated. However, the island government and police turned a blind eye to the situation. This media house understands the reason the former Democratic Party executive council did not act was the because of the operators relationship to Buncamper Molanus. Sources say Eustace had decided to continue his campaign after he received a heavy fine for having illegal dancers. SMN News has been reliably informed that the businessman was fighting against unfair competition. In the petition of September 9, Eustace stated it had been three and a half years he had been trying to gain government’s attention in the matter and to enforce their policy to no avail.

Police questioned at least two club owners on Friday, namely Toochie Meyers and Mr. Thewet. SMN News has been reliably informed that police is trying to find out how many people Eustace had contacted to sign the petition he submitted on September 9. The investigators it is understood want to know the reason these other businessmen did not sign the petition. Police also want to know how many persons loaned the late businessman monies for the show he promoted during carnival.

Sources say police is waiting to question the owner of Carolina Bar since the petition filed by Eustace was aimed directly at Carolina Bar. Police visited the establishment and removed their camera surveillance system. It said the investigators are looking for someone and want to know if he was a frequent visitor of Carolina Bar.

SMN News learnt the businessman is currently in the Dominican Republic and is scheduled to return to St. Maarten on October 17. SMN News also understands that the owner Carolina Bar lent Eustace some $20,000 to assist Sweet Leroy while he was in prison last year.

While the police department KPSSS has put together a number of detectives to solve the mysterious murder, no arrest has been made to date.

In the meantime, the controls on Adult Entertainment clubs continued on Saturday and Sunday evening.

 

 

A high-ranking official of the government of St. Lucia was on Monday the guest of St. Maarten's Commissioner of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Aviation & Sports, Frans Richardson, when the two met for a lunch meeting.

The official, Elisha Hunte, is special advisor to the Prime Minister of St. Lucia and is attached to the St. Lucia Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, Economic Planning and National Development.

Mr. Hunte is on an orientation visit to St. Maarten and on Monday exchanged ideas with commissioner Richardson, regarding the exploration of a number of co-operation areas. These include agricultural trade and tourism, considering the special relationship already existing between both Caribbean islands.

The St. Lucia government representative and members of his delegation are visiting a number of sites as part of a program marking the fact-finding visit.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Spanish speaking parents of the Oranje School starts with “Padres Activos de Hoy”.

“Padres Activos de Hoy” is the Spanish-language version of the Active Parenting Now program.

The material used for this version is not dubbed or subtitled. The videos with Spanish-speaking parents and children help the parenting lessons to come alive.

The “Padres Activos de Hoy” is divided into three two-hour sessions and provides a variety of culturally and linguistically sensitive options for gathering feedback, such as group discussions, personal one-to-one contacts, family enrichment activities, adult reflective thinking and home activities.

After finalizing the three sessions all participating parents will receive the parent’s guide and parent certificate free of charge.

The sessions are facilitated by an Active Parenting leader, Mr. Duffis.

This program is part of the innovations in education and is funded with Dutch Development funds trough USONA.

 

 

MARIGOT—Some three persons were handed a fine on Wednesday night when the gendarmes and territorial police conducted a joint control in the Agrement area. Commandant of the gendarmerie Stephanne Arrousseau said the gendarmes would the conducting random controls and the helicopter would be used to assist the patrols on the ground. Mostly the use of the helicopter is to provide light in dark and shady areas.

The release states that some 30 gendarmes and an undisclosed amount of territorial police participated in the operation. Fines were issued for driving without a driver’s license, riding without a helmet, and not having a valid insurance.

In an unrelated incident, a 17-year-old girl was is nursing injuries she sustained after being knocked down by one of two vehicles that were involved in an accident in Orient Bay on Thursday.

According to the release, a car was exiting the lower entrance and the driver somehow misjudged the timing of his exit causing him to hit by a truck coming from the left.

Due to the impact, the car was thrown back to the sidewalk, hitting the pedestrian.

 

 

 

Philipsburg:---After almost two and a half months of a search for a new Dean, the Board has selected, Mrs. Joyce Watson, as the Dean of Academic Affairs. Joyce Watson has worked at USM for the past two years as the Accreditation Officer and has started the process of leading the university to its goal to be fully accredited in the near future. As a member of staff, who was seconded by the Island Government, Joyce Watson was able to apply for the Dean’s position through the internal posting of the position. The Dean of Academic Affairs provides leadership for the University of St. Martin’s Academic Programs and its faculty in the implementation of the University’s mission and goals; supervises the administration of all academic programs and support services; guides the development of new curricula and instructional strategies; is generally responsible for the recruitment and evaluation of all faculty and academic staff; and, is responsible for overseeing the process of accreditation for the university.

The hiring policy of the USM is in compliance with the laws, standards, and regulations of the Netherlands Antilles and the Island Ordinances of the government of St. Maarten and USM policies. The Dean Search Committee consisted of the USM Board President, USM Board Vice President, USM Board Faculty, Students, and Staff Liaison, USM President, and USM CFO. In addition, the committee was supported by one faculty representative and one staff representative. These support staff members allowed for transparency in the selection process.

The Dean Search Committee is pleased with the new Dean of USM, Mrs. Joyce Watson. She brings not only experience with the accreditation process to USM; she brings experience in the Island Department of Education and the education system of St. Maarten. The Foundation of the University of St. Martin is confident that USM will be able to make positive strides in the academic programs at USM with Mrs. Watson as the new Dean. Joyce Watson is a graduate from one of the top Education programs in the United States, The Bankstreet Graduate School of Education, in New York. She holds a Master of Science degree in Education and is pursuing further degree work at the Open University where she hopes to complete a Doctorandus degree in Policy and Management. USM congratulates Mrs. Watson and wishes her well in her new challenge as the Dean of Academic Affairs.

 

 

The United States Consulate General and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Curacao are proud to support the visit of Major League Baseball speaker Dr. Raymond Blais October 22-24, 2009.

Blais, a trained psychologist, was hired by MLB as the employee assistance professional to combat the drug abuse problem with presentations and seminars, and by working closely with baseball academy staff.

Educating future Major Leaguers about the dangers of performance-enhancing substances, drug abuse and the healthy alternatives available is also a priority for Curacao.

"In Curacao, steroids are no bigger an issue than in any other place, just like in the States." Speaking in general terms Blais said. "But it's such an underground issue that we won't get a player to say openly what he has or has not used; so there will always be some mystery. We know what positive tests are showing, so we get an idea of what substances are being consumed. The positive tests are decreasing, and we are optimistic that will continue."

Mr. Blais participates in two youth outreach programs organized by the Curacao Baseball City Foundation and other partners. The events are scheduled at the Humanist School in Buena Vista today and Tio Daou Ballpark on Saturday, October 24, 2009 between 9-11am.

We are pleased to cooperate with Major League Baseball and the Curacao Baseball City Foundation in these events that benefit the youth of Curacao.

 

 

Through the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) in Mexico, NAOC gets the opportunity to select coaches together with our member sport federations, to participate in international courses.

These sport technical courses are of a high international level, and consist out of about 56 hours of education. There are 42 participating countries of the Pan American Region.

Mr. Gilbert Snijders is selected to participate in the international Bowling course, which is taking place in Mexico (25-31 October). Additionally Mr. Nazario Martijn is selected to participate in the Swimming course also in Mexico, in the period 25-31 October.

 

 

 

USS NEWPORT NEWS (SSN 750), a Los Angeles-class submarine, arrives in Curacao for a port visit on 30 September 2009 for a few days. USS NEWPORT NEWS is home-ported in Norfolk, VA, and is commanded by CDR David W. Alldridge, of the U.S. Navy. This submarine was commissioned in 1989, is 360 feet in length and has a crew of approximately 105 officers and enlisted personnel

USS Newport News (SSN 750) is the last ship in this class with its diving planes assigned to the sail structure. NEWPORT NEWS is the third ship in the Navy to bear the name.

The crew will be looking forward to enjoying rest and relaxation opportunities in Curaçao.

NEWPORT NEWS sailors will also devote some of their free time to the local community and conduct a landscaping and clean-up project at the Mgr. Verriet Foundation.

The Mgr. Verriet Foundation for rehabilitation care and a foundation for the mentally handicapped and rehabilitation care joined together to form the SGR group in 2003. The Mgr. Verriet Foundation was established over 60 years ago and together with the umbrella organization has various locations for the care of the handicapped on the island.

 

 

PHILIPSBURG - The University of St. Martin (USM) has extended the deadline for applications for the University of the Virgin Islands’(UVI) Bachelor of Arts in Business program to October 27, 2009.

This was announced on Thursday by the USM Admissions Office.

USM has been offering the BA in Business in conjunction with UVI for over two years now. Students in this program attend regular classes and also via a state of the art video-conferencing class room specifically set up for this purpose.

According to Admissions Director Angelique Hazel, several USM graduates have already completed their application to the Bachelor program and their applications will be sent today to the University of the Virgin Islands for timely review and admittance response.

“Other interested applicants, including students who have not attended USM but are in possession of an Associate degree in Business, can still complete their applications at the USM Admissions Office up to October 27, 2009,” Hazel said.

In addition to an Associate degree in Business, applicants for the UVI Bachelor program are required to submit official college transcripts, a US$25 application fee, copy of passport and proof of residency.

“I encourage all interested to take advantage of the extended deadline and complete the application in a timely manner,” Admissions Director Hazel said.

In addition to the abovementioned BA program, enrollment is also open for other USM degree programs.

The Associate of Arts degrees in Business with specializations in Business Management, Accounting and Computer Information Systems, the Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts, and Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education all share the November 6 deadline. The application deadline for both the Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management is July 8, 2010. Applications are currently being accepted for all the degree programs.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner Frans Richardson reacts to media reports concerning the amount of weapons that was confiscated on school buses. The commissioner said he is not only reacting because he is a commissioner or member of government instead, he is doing so as a St. Martiner and member of the community.

The issue he said he wished to address is the ongoing phenomenon whereby children -- our children, children of our community --find it necessary to arm themselves to go to school.

He said he does not intend to lay blame; since he is not interested in reprimanding the youth, nor the parents, nor the schools nor law enforcement authorities.

This is not the time for it and it does no good to do so.

This is the time for us, as a community, to really take stock of what is happening and to collectively decide what we are going to do about it.

Let us not wait until a child is killed during a fight at school for us to really decide that ‘enough is enough’. Our children are our most valuable resources; they are our pride and joy; they are the ones which will guarantee our continuity as a people.

Our children are the ones who will be left behind to inherit all the good as well as all the bad we leave behind for them today. So, the challenge facing us, as a community, is real; it calls for urgent action.

The published reports and photos of the sharp knives, scissors, machetes and other weapons found on our children travelling by bus to school, in past weeks, is reason for alarm.

It is a wake-up call; it tells us that while we may choose to go about our daily lives as usual, this too, is one of the symptoms of a community in trouble.

The commissioner said he believes that this is calling for decisive measures, starting with the forming of a solid partnership between the public, the community, the schools, the churches, the community councils, parents and all other interested parties, including government.

We need to develop approaches and policies as a community effort.

It is vital that there is a sharing and supporting of the idea that it would be better to be engaged in preventive actions, so that not too much manpower and resources would have to be dedicated to merely reacting to incidents, which have already taken place and which could be avoided.

For this, community cooperation and input is necessary, considering that when it comes to one’s children and how they are likely to behave, parents or guardians usually know that child better than anyone else.

We cannot ignore some of the fundamental reasons, the perceived lack of prospects for the youth and a decline in moral standards, contributing to much of what we are now seeing.

Much of what I state is nothing new; you may have already heard some of it in the past.

If this is so, the question then is, why haven’t we resolved the situation?

Violence in and around St. Maarten’s (mainly secondary school) has long been a source of deep concern; now we have the additional component of dangerous weapons carried on school busses by boys and girls alike.

Today, many St. Maarten residents are touched directly or indirectly by violent acts, such as the tragic incident of last Friday, when a well-known St. Martiner lost his life.

Violence being displayed by our children is thus not surprising. And since violence is present in the wider community, our mission should be expanded to include avoiding violence across the life course.

In an effort to establish more complete violence-related policies, programs and practices, it is proposed to work from a multi-disciplinary platform on the subject of school violence and facilitating the building of bridges between the community, young people, parents, teachers, educators, policy makers and law enforcement agencies.

 

It is proposed to embark on a mission, which takes into consideration the following:

1. The collection of material and resources on the causes and prevention of school violence and providing direct information services to the public.

2. Offering assistance for the evaluation and development of school violence prevention programs.

3. Establishing prevention and intervention programs.

This point is of particular concern, since some children would tell you that they carry arms out of fear, for protection against other kids.

Of course, in such an environment children cannot excel; they can’t really learn in a setting where they don’t feel safe.

As a community coming together, we can do more to tackle the problem effectively.

It would be great, for instance, if we could draft some kind of partnership plan including the Insular Education Dept., the federal education dept., Public Prosecutor’s Office, W.I.T.U., School Boards, Parents-Teacher Associations, Christian Community Council, Police department, Court of Justice, St. Maarten Youth Council, community councils etc. etc.

But, any initiative would have to be supported by parents and the community at large.

The goal should be to create and maintain a positive and welcoming school climate, free of drugs, violence, intimidation and fear—an environment strongly supported by the community in which teachers can teach and students can learn.

It should be an environment wherein no child travelling to school by bus has any need to carry a weapon of any sort.

As we continue with our preparations for country status, I would want to propose a ‘safe school plan’, as a framework for action that can be used as a guide for current and future planning.

As I said before, sometimes, we are so busy addressing our personal needs, that we tend to overlook what is happening to our community.

We simply do not have the luxury to continue with that kind of mind-set. As a community, we need to address the behavioral aspects of violence prevention.

 

Establishing a safe school plan is a long-term, systematic and comprehensive process. As with most successful violence prevention interventions, the best safe school plan involves the entire community.

In other words, we need to promote an ongoing relationship with local law enforcement authorities, local businesses and other community organizations.

We need to establish guidelines and procedures for identifying students at risk of violence toward themselves or others.

We need to identify effective violence prevention programs that meet the needs of the school community, including both in-school programs and community programs appropriate for our community.

That is one reason why I continue to champion the benefits of sports programs, as one way to get young children and the youth involved in wholesome activities and off the streets.

We should bear in mind that:

School violence is increasing and the type of violence is also changing. Where it used to be stealing a cellular phone, it has already turned into injury of students.

Why do students commit acts of violence and carry weapons? Some say that it is because of gangs and the lack of supervision by parents.

Studies have also shown that usually violence at school or on the streets is started because of an argument between two young people. So, if we want to avoid violence we need to do more to teach young people how to avoid arguments that grow into violence.

We have a unique opportunity to come up with our own ideas about how our community can start programs to help students work out differences without major arguments that could turn into violence.

A separate remark I would like to make is directed at our youth: stay away from gangs or so-called friends, who tend to use or say they want to use violence!! If you’re already involved in a gang or have any such ‘friends’ ask for help in getting out or get new friends! It is possible!

To the community – particularly to parents – I ask that we consider the five premises that have developed regarding school violence worldwide:

1. Violence in schools begins in the lowest grades. It is not a teenage problem.

2. Violence is not avoided by advertising harsher punishments.

3. Metal detectors and strip searches alone will not stop school violence and children carrying arms.

4. The most effective tools we have to avoid school violence are our ears – let’s try to listen some more.

5. Children who do not like and respect themselves cannot like and respect other children.

In other words: Violence among our youth is not an isolated problem that can be solved at the school or by the school. It is merely a reflection of a way of life of violence and intolerance.

The most important thing that a parent can teach their child is for that child to love and respect himself or herself. A child that is raised to respect himself can respect other people and other things. A child who feels worthless or inferior will seek a way to fill that void in his life- either by belittling other people to whom he or she feels inferior (hating), by aligning himself with a group that will offer him a substitute for self-esteem (such as a gang), or by blinding himself to his feelings of inferiority (such as drugs).

I hope to have contributed somewhat to the public debate of what to do about so many of our youth who need to be guided, protected and cherished.

 

 

Great Bay – St. Maarten’s commissioner in charge of aviation affairs, Frans Richardson, is scheduled to meet with senior officials of Wes Jet airlines this week. The discussions are to be held at West Jet offices in Calgary, Canada.

An inaugural West Jet flight, signaling the commencement of regular scheduled service is to take place on November 1 upcoming.

On Wednesday, Commissioner Richardson will be holding meetings with West Jet officials, Duncan Bureau, vice-president Sales & Airline Partnerships; Chris Avery, vice president Revenue & Planning, Marketing; Gregg Saretsky, vice president WestJet Vacations; Lorne Mackenzie, director, Regulatory and Government Affairs; Robert Palmer, manager, Public Relations; Angela Braun, event Customer Service; Kim Brown, manager, Marketing Communications and John Watts, manager, International Regulatory Compliance.

Accompanying the commissioner is Regina Labega, Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and Fernando William, Advisor to the Office of the Commissioner.

Just recently the Council of Ministers of the Netherlands Antilles decided to honor a request to grant West Jet a permit to operate three scheduled flights per week on the route Toronto - St. Maarten and back.

Ever since taking office, Commissioner Richardson has been diligently pursuing the matter of additional airlift out of North America and progress was made with regards to attracting West Jet, a Canadian carrier to provide scheduled airlift service to St. Maarten.

West Jet is to become the first airline to provide scheduled airlift service out of Canada into St. Maarten.

 

 

Philipsburg;---On Monday October 5 the Rotary District Governor Errol Alberga accompanied by his lovely wife Leonie started a one week visit of our island. It is an annual visit and a compulsory task that the DG is required to accomplish within the first months of his year. In our District, which spans from the Cayman Islands on the west side to St. Maarten, St. Barths and Anguilla at the eastern border and north to Bahamas, there are some 75 clubs to visit. St. Maarten has two "past" district Governors; Aadu Abel and Reinier Heere. District Governor Alberga, who hails from St. Andrew North Jamaica attended the regular luncheon meeting of the St. Maarten Rotary Club at Divi Littlebay on Wednesday where he was also the speaker. He spoke about the global polio eradication program that the Rotary is part of and he brought a message from the Rotary International President John Kenny, that focused around the importance of the Rotary’s 4 way test of things Rotarians think, say or do: 1. Is it the truth, 2.Is it fair to all concerned, 3. will it build good will and better friendship 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned. The Rotary senior executive lamented on the appreciation expressed by governments around the world to Rotary for the role this volunteer organization plays by means of its community service. Equally the recognition given to Rotary by private organizations for the ability of this service club to get the job done as expected. The Lunch meeting was attended by the Assistant district Governor Mr. Louis Wever and his partner in service, as well as members of the Mid-Isle, Sunrise Club, The Roteract Club and Interact Clubs. Many members were joined by spouses and family members. The District Governor’s visit to St. Maarten will be concluded with a dinner at Captain Oliver’s on Friday October 9th during which he will address members and guests from several Rotary Clubs on Dutch and French St. Maarten.

Great Bay – St. Maarten’s commissioner in charge of aviation affairs, Frans Richardson, is very optimistic regarding the prospects for contributions to be made to St. Maarten’s tourism product, as a result of additional airlift offered by West Jet.

Commissioner Richardson met with senior executives of West Jet at the airline’s offices in Calgary, Canada, last week.

West Jet is scheduled to launch regularly scheduled service originating from Canada on November 1 upcoming.

Commissioner Richardson has disclosed that bookings for flights to St. Maarten are doing extremely well with load factors already in excess of 80% for the first 3 months.

As a result and based on the availability of fleet, West Jet may consider expanding its services to a year-round scheduled service instead of the planned initial seasonal scheduled flights.

The airline plans to commence regular service to St. Maarten, with flights via Toronto. Flight time will be approximately 4 hours, on board a Boeing 737-700 aircraft with 136 seat capacity and satellite TV service available at each seat.

West Jet will be expanding its fleet over the next 3 to 4 years and St. Maarten is expected to play a prominent role in these plans, said Commissioner Richardson.

West Jet is additionally expected to hold discussions with WINAIR on transporting passengers to surrounding destinations using St. Maarten as the hub.

The Canadian airline is meanwhile extremely interested in being updated with regards to marketing information and data regarding St. Maarten in order to further promote the destination throughout the Canadian market.

West Jet officials were impressed with the professional approach of Commissioner Frans Richardson, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau head Regina Labega as well all the parties involved in addressing and attending to their issues within such a short time frame.

 

 

MOLINEUX, ST. KITTS—Despite an impressive performance of 65 runs by Montserrat captain Lionel Baker, Montserrat were nowhere in sight of victory against a formidable St. Kitts team. Montserrat could only reply 187 for 9 in response to St. Kitts’ 285 for 5 at the Edgar Gilbert Sporting Complex in Molineux, St. Kitts yesterday in one of the opening games of the Nagico One Day Cricket Tournament. Like the Nevis match played in Cayon, rain shortened play but only by two overs, reducing the match to 48 overs. Within that period, St. Kitts’ Steve Liburd scored 59 runs, but it was the over 110 run partnership between Junie Mitchum and Esroy Powell that cemented St. Kitts’s stamp on the match. Powell was undoubtedly the man of the match after scoring a credible 68 runs not out. St. Kitts got off to a shaky start losing its first wicket at four runs. After Liburd and Shane Jeffers literally gave their wickets away to the bowling of Quinton Boatswain and B. Stephney respectively, Mitchum and Powell stood their grounds and entertained the home crowd with magnificent shot after shot. Powell’s intelligent stroke assured him a spot in future matches in this tournament, which continues today with St. Kitts facing USVI in Molineux. Mitchum on the other end was quite graceful with his strokes and intermittently delivered creative shots that kept the pace of the game before he was out for 56 from the bowling of Lionel Baker.

At the turn of the innings, it was time for the St. Kitts’ bowlers to shine and in the first few minutes, they did. Kevin Hanley showed no mercy to the Montserrat batsmen, easily grabbing two wickets for just 19 runs off four overs. Calvin Williams too had two wickets for 41 runs off 10 overs and Powell, the man of the match also two wickets in eight overs off 39 runs. Montserrat’s top order batsmen failed miserably with Nester Piper bowled by Hanley for four, Damien White gone for four from Williams’ bowling, Dalston Tuitt gone for seven and Shernyl Burns caught at slips for 14 runs from Powell’s ecstatic bowling. Jason Peters who was a fantatic wicket keeper for Montserrat was not good at the bat, going out for four along with Omari Allen who also scored four runs. However, Lionel Baker, in the face of defeat stood tall with a knock of 65 runs despite the heavy offensive bowling attack orchestrated by St. Kitts. He was later joined by the exuberant 17-year-old cricket Tevin Osbourne who meant business the moment he stepped onto the pitch. In 15 minutes, he raced to 20 runs and remained not out on 23. McPherson Meade, the other stalwart on the Montserrat team made 35 runs earlier before being run out. The last ball of the day was met with a hard hitting six boundary shot by Quinton Boatswain who made 10 not out.

Baker’s long stance in the crease was not pleasing to the St. Kitts coach Percy Daniels, who was not completely satisfied with his team’s overall performance. He believed that after starting brilliantly taking the first five wickets in a short time span, the team did not maintain the pressure, which is key in one day cricket. He explained that the game plan against Baker was not implemented. “The general idea is to bowl him outside the off stump, but they were bowling him directly on the wicket,” Daniels said. “If you are bowling him outside of areas he is not familiar with, chances are he will take risks and more risk puts us in a better position to dismiss the individual,” added Daniels.

 

“They are bonus points to be had from these games, and if we had dismissed the team for under 140 runs, we would have had those points,” Daniels lamented. “The team needs to understand that intensity is until the team is dismissed. We don’t want to have too long a lull….we still have to contain. When you contain a batsman or batsmen, it puts them under pressure to do what they are not used to doing and I did not see that today,” Daniels assessed.

He asserted that they will play competitive cricket today against the USVI and if it means sending an example to other opponents “then so be it.”

Lionel baker on the other hand was pleased with his performance, despite the loss. “At the end of the day we need a net run rate so I was thinking about that. We lost six batsmen when I went in so I was trying to get some batting practice, work the ball around and see how close we could get in the top ten. But unfortunately Macky (McPherson Meade) got run out,” Baker said. The Montserrat captain hopes they will bounce back today. He admitted that. St. Kitts played better today and deserved the win. He also noted that his teammates lapsed after 35 overs and they will have to regain their focus to win their matches today. Montserrat will play Nevis today in Cayon.

 

 

GREAT BAY:--– Due to the recent shower activity during the past couple of days, residents are advised to be proactive and take preventative measures against mosquito breeding in order to avoid mosquito-borne diseases developing such as dengue fever, according to the Preventive Health Department.

Contractors on job sites are advised to empty buckets and cover water storage drums and have the site cleaned up at the end of the work day of anything that can hold water even plastic bags.

A special appeal is going out to owners of plots of land to have these checked and cleaned of all overgrown vegetation and debris/old containers that were dumped there and due to the overgrown vegetation cannot be seen. These could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Measures that residents must take to prevent mosquito breeding are:

Debris, old tires, and stagnant water in yards are the source or can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Residents are therefore strongly advised to take action making sure that there is no stagnant water in their yards and roof spouts; and disposing responsibly old tires, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, paint cans, and other items that can collect water around their homes and businesses.

In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these covered. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water.

Persons or businesses making use of the landfill in Philipsburg for the dumping of barrels, buckets or anything that can hold water should cut holes into the items to avoid the accumulation of water.

 

 

 

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – The Civil Registry Department on Pond Island is calling on residents to make sure that the office has their correct physical residential address on file.

This is in preparation for the upcoming Netherlands Antilles Parliamentary elections scheduled for January 22, 2010. In order to receive your voting card, the department has to have the correct address of every eligible voter which would allow them then to participate in the elections by making use of their right to vote.

Persons move from one address to the next and fail to inform the Civil Registry Department of this change. Everybody is required to notify the department of their new address.

Friday, October 23 is the last day that any changes can be made to the voting registry.

In order to facilitate persons who need to update the office as to their current residential address, a special window will be open as of Tuesday, October 20 to Friday, October 23 from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

You are requested to make use of this opportunity. For further information you can call the Civil Registry Department at 542-2457.

 

 

 

Philipsburg: ---On Tuesday, October 20 at approximately 09.25 pm. a police patrol from the Philipsburg District was directed to La Differencia Bar on the L.B. Scot road for a case of ill-treatment. On the scene the patrol encountered the victim in this case with the initials J.O., who had large wound to the left side of his head from which he was bleeding.

The victim stated to the officers that he was beaten by a group of unknown young men for no reason. He further stated that a friend and himself were having some drinks at the establishment in question. After having several drinks he noticed that his friend had become quite intoxicated and he advised his friend to go home. At that same moment he was approached by the young men in question who asked him why he told his friend to go home. These young men seemed not to have been happy with the answer they had received from the victim and for no apparent reason started beating him, which resulted in him having injuries to the to head. The victim was treated on the scene by paramedics and then transported to the SMMC for further treatment. The detective department is investigating this case.

 

 

 

 

GREAT BAY– Due to the first successful information session that Commissioner of Education William Marlin had with St. Maarten students in Holland on Wednesday evening, a follow-up session is now in the planning.

Due to the positive feedback that S4 received from St. Maarten students who attended the session, S4 is now exploring the possibility of having a repeat session with a larger group of students.

The first session that took place involved 25 mostly first and second year students. The two-hour session took place at the Vrije Universiteit (Free University) in Amsterdam.

Commissioner Marlin updated students about constitutional developments and St. Maarten becoming an autonomous country as of October 10, 2010. Other areas of opportunity in the private sector were also discussed.

Marlin pointed out that the island needed its human resources who were now working in Holland to return home and contribute to the national development of country St. Maarten.

The follow-up session will include St. Maarteners who are working and living in Holland as well as students who were not able to attend the initial information session.

This session could be held during Commissioner Marlin’s working visit to Holland which takes place early November.

 

 

GREAT BAY--– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says with October Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming to an end, even after the month has come and gone, women should continue to examine their breast and report anything unusual to their doctors.

PHD commends the women of St. Maarten for maintaining good breast health and stresses that they should teach their daughters, sisters, and female friends about it and to continue to do it on a monthly basis.

PHD says that women need to be more aware and that they should ask their family doctors to teach them how to do breast self-exams. Women need to become aware of their own breast by knowing the normal texture, so if they find something unusual such as a hardened area, then that is a red flag where they should visit their family physician to have it investigated further.

Breast self-exams should be done about a week after a menstruation ends. If you no longer have a period, do a breast self-exam on the same day every month. Watch for any changes from month to month, such as fluid discharge from nipples; a sunken or pulled-in nipple, or a change in nipple angle. Most breast changes are not cancerous but must still be checked by your family physician.

The advice from PHD is the offices contribution to Breast Cancer Awareness and part of PHD’s annual Calendar of Health Observances. The aforementioned is to promote particular health issues or topics during a specific identified time of the year.

There are a number of risk factors for breast cancer. These include smoking and excessive alcohol intake. A woman who drinks two glasses of an alcoholic beverage a day, her risk of breast cancer goes up by 10 per cent, and if she has five drinks per day, it goes up 30 per cent.

Obesity is another risk factor and is related to the fact that obese women produce more estrogen.

Young girls who start their menstruation earlier than age 11 and women who continue to menstruate up to age 55, those who do not breast-feed their babies and those with a family history of breast cancer, are also at risk.

Women age 40 and older are advised to have mammograms done. A mammogram is a low dose x-ray examination of the breasts to look for abnormalities.

Women in mid-life, those 45 to 60 years of age, should have mammograms done every two years and those between the age of 40 and 50 once every year.

The PHD encourages women to do exercise on a regular basis, eat healthy by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and consume products that have antioxidants in them and avoid alcohol. By implementing the aforementioned, you lower your risk of developing breast cancer.

 

 

Philipsburg: -- The MV Karma caught fire on Saturday; the cause of the fire is still unknown stated owner of the boat Robbie Lawrence.

In a statement, Lawrence said they lost a familiar face when the catastrophic fire began on board starting in the engine room, which he said spread quickly throughout the engine room, wheelhouse and accommodations areas, destroying them quickly. Lawrence said they would be able to get on board the boat sometime soon where they would be able to closely inspect the damage.

The crew of the Tug Culpepper and the personnel of the St. Maarten ports authority have his utmost appreciation and respect for the quick response in assisting the vessel and crew. He also thanked the crew of the Cutter Poema and the St. Maarten Fire Brigade.

It is because of these people that the damage was limited to the vessel and did not impact Great Bay harbor.

The M/V Karma has been a staple in the inter-island trade for close to thirty years and was usually the first vessel available to assist St. Maarten and the surrounding island immediately after the passing of major hurricanes.

Many will remember the first delivery of ice and fresh bread to the island immediately after hurricane Luis in 95 and the delivery of ice, bread and water to Saba after Hurricane George.

The loss of the M/V Karma is the end of an era and sadly not the way this grand old lady should have gone out.

It is anticipated that arrangements will be made to allow the weekly service to the U.S and British Virgin Islands to continue, Lawrence said.

 

 

 

Guana Bay:--- The board of the United Federation Union expressed disappointment to the few members that attended the meeting called on Wednesday night. No more that 23 employees of GEBE showed up to meeting, which started over an hour late. President of the UFA Francis Olivacchi expressed his disappointment with the members of GEBE. He said ever since he was elected president of the union he has been trying to encourage the workers of GEBE to form an internal board. Olivachi said to date that board is not formed and he strongly believes that because of the nonchalant attitude of the workers they are in a predicament with their employers.

The UFA board members then proceeded to explain those that attended the meeting the procedures they followed in the hope of resolving the labour conflict they have with management of GEBE.

One of the procedures UFA followed was they sent a letter to the island Lt. Governor requesting that he chair a meeting with the government owned company, supervisory board, the island council member of St. Maarten, Saba and Statia, but to date the Lt. Governor has not responded to the letter.

 

Outcome of the meeting in our subsequent report.

 

 

GREAT BAY:---Commissioner of Finance Xavier Blackman, in his capacity of Sint Maarten’s National Authorization Officer for European Union Funds, and his advisors recently met with Mr. Christian Hiddink, who is a consultant for the European Union.

Hiddink has been commissioned to analyze if and to what extent the Netherlands Antilles are eligible to receive budgetary aid from the European Union starting in 2011.

Currently visiting the Netherlands Antillean islands, Hiddink is conducting research on government finances, reform of the financial management, and the macro-economic situation. He is also meeting with representatives of the Central and Island Governments, as well as the Cft—(College financieel toezicht) or freely translated: Council for financial supervision.

Under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) 24 million Euros have been earmarked for the Netherlands Antilles, preferably in the form of budgetary aid. About 4.75 million Euros of that amount is expected to be earmarked for St. Maarten.

Commissioner Blackman outlined St. Maarten’s financial situation and the plans that are being worked on to improve the financial state of affairs.

What are the different options and procedures for receiving financial disbursements from the EU? According to Hiddink, there are three ways in which the EU disburses funds, namely via direct budgetary aid, program aid, and aid for individual projects.

Hiddink pointed out that the EU has made a shift towards providing direct budgetary aid. This new procedure allows the receiving governments to apply the funds towards the implementation of their policies and result in direct benefits to the communities at large and the citizens. Direct budgetary aid, however, requires government to comply with certain conditions and have clear policy objectives and mechanisms in place.

Mr. Hiddink’s report to the EU is expected to be completed by the end of November. Based on the decision of the European Union, follow-up will take place by the Department of Finance in order to secure the funds that will be allocated to St. Maarten.

 

 

Simpson Bay: --- On Friday evening October 9, police patrols, and detectives were directed to Simpson bay near X-pert hair salon for a shooting incident. On the scene, the investigating officers learnt that the victim had already been transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for treatment.

The Forensic department conducted their investigation on the scene of the crime. At the Sint Maarten Medical Center the victim who was in stable condition stated to the detectives, the while walking towards Mc Donalds restaurant from Soggy Dollar Bar he was unexpectedly attacked by a masked man who was armed with a gun. A struggle between the attacker and the victim who turned out to be the bouncer at Soggy Dollar Bar took place and during the struggle, a gunshot went off. The bullet penetrated the victim's left palm and entered his lower left leg where it remained lodged. The gunman took-off running in the direction of the Simpson Bay Bridge. The victim stated that he walked back to Soggy dollar and informed the manager what had taken place. He was then transported to the hospital for treatment. The detectives are investigating this case.

 

 

 

GREAT BAY, – On Wednesday morning at the Sundial school Commissioner of Public Health Hyacinth Richardson presented Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus bookmarks to Sundial school students and faculty.

The 5000 bookmarks which are part of the Government Information Service (GIS) public awareness campaign, contains preventive information on what measures should be taken to prevent the spread of Pandemic H1N1 influenza. The bookmarks will be distributed to all secondary schools.

During the presentation, students thanked Commissioner Richardson on behalf of the schools student body for the bookmarks. Commissioner of Public Health Hyacinth Richardson told the students that they should pay keen attention to the preventive messages and to inform their friends about the information on the H1N1 bookmarks.

Sundial Principal Mireille Regales-Peterson reminded students that they should walk with the bookmarks all the time and to remember the most important points such as good hygiene.

Preventive Health Department (PHD) Head Maria Henry appealed to students to share the preventive message with other students and family and to keep St. Maarten safe against the Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.

PHD has provided all principals from primary and secondary schools, as well as day care centres with a package of information on how to prevent the spread of Pandemic H1N1 Virus.

The information package included brochures, posters and a booklet.

Preventing the spread of germs is the most single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.

Children should know to wash their hands frequently with soap and water; cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of your elbow/sleeve; dispose of used tissue paper in the trash properly; stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.

The symptoms for children with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus are similar to that of adults. The symptoms include high fever, a runny nose, cough, sore throat and body aches. At times these can be accompanies by, diarrhoea, breathlessness and dizziness.

Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.

 

 

Philipsburg:---The Theme for 2009 is “Achieving food security in times of crisis”.

Every country should strive in one way or the other to encourage agriculture so that in times of crisis we would be able to feed ourselves.

Many years ago the government of St.Maarten was very much involve in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. We had an agricultural station where much was done under the leadership of an Agricultural expert.

During the last 30 -40 years there has been little or no government involvement in the Agriculture sector.

However over the years some people did continue involving themselves in agriculture, but this was not in any organize manner and without help of government.

In view of the aforementioned I have decided to tackle the sector Agriculture head on and various plans are now being prepared to be executed very soon.

St.Maarten has the opportunity to become the trend setter in Agricultural Enovation in the Caribbean.

We have a unique situation where we have over 1.2 Million tourist visiting each year and along with or local population they all have to eat. At the moment we import everything that they consumes.

In our approach to food security we have to bear in mind the limited available agricultural land. So in order for us to achieve any level of food security, we will have to employ all of the feasible innovation in agriculture available to us.

This approach is going to be applied to the sector Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.

Such approach will include Hydroponics, Aqua-ponics, Aqua-culture and the Verty-Grow system.

Animal Husbandry will also be taken to a new level, where quality breeding stock will be made available to animal keepers to up grade there local stock.

In order to achieve these goals we have started to revitalize the Agricultural Foundation, which has been dormant for some years, they will be responsible for the set up and good functioning of the Agricultural Station.

This Agricultural Station will be manned by our own local professional agriculturist.

Several areas are being looked at for this purpose.

 

In order to make this program a success I am counting on all interested persons to get involve by contacting our local Agriculturalist Mr. Joslyn Richardson at 580-5157 or the commissioners office at 542-4672

In Commemoration of World Food Day we encourage the population to

Focus on healthy eating habits.

 

 

GREAT BAY (GIS)—This week, Health Care Affairs are participating in a program called Girl Talk, established by the Pharmaceutical company Johnson and Johnson, which aims to educate and orient preteen girls in the Caribbean about changes during puberty, hygiene and menstruation, sexuality, and other essential phases and issues of their lives.

This program is sponsored by Manrique Capriles and in joint cooperation with the Preventive Health Department visit schools.

Over the last four years, except last year, this program has taken place on St. Maarten. The program consists of talking frankly to young girls about their development as young ladies.

This year is the first that Health Care Affairs is participating in the Girl Talk program, and they regard the program as part of a their comprehensive program, which includes, speaking to young boys and girls about their sexual development, their personal hygiene, and the changes that they are experiencing as a young person.

Nurse Helen Piper was the main speaker. She talked to the preteens about hygiene, body care, their growth and development as a preteen, and the importance of concentrating on school, and not worry about boy-girl relationships.

Nurse Piper, who has been doing this talk for 5 years throughout the Caribbean, speaks directly to the young ladies and impresses upon them the right things to do while growing up.

She explains about the effects and initial changes, which shows that your reproductive system is beginning to work.

At the conclusion of the session, participants received a small bag containing additional information on sexual reproduction and other related topics.

Schools participating in the program are: Oranje, Sister Borgia, St. Joseph, Sister Marie, M. Genevieve de Weever, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Hillside Christian, Sister Magda, St. Dominic Primary, MAC, John A. Gumbs Campus, Ruby Labega, Prins Willem, MAC Browlia Millard Campus, Sister Regina Primary, Leonard Conner, Seventh Day Adventist.

 

 

 

GREAT BAY (GIS)—Commissioner Frans Richardson attended the signing agreement of a Sport Scholarship between The Netherlands Antilles Olympic Committee(NAOC) and Naomi Korstanje.

Commissioner F. Richardson welcomed the signing and the commitment. He also pointed out that besides this agreement, he is committed as well to her athletic development, and that his office is open to her. “I want to congratulate you on this day, and I know that your family supports you 100%. I also want you to know that the community of St. Maarten supports you as well,” Commissioner Richardson said. “I want you to know too that you are an example to other young athletes on St. Maarten. I am here for you. If we don’t take care of our own, who will?” he asked.

The agreement between NAOC and Naomi stipulates the commitment of both parties to each other for the next four years. The agreement is in the areas of financial, athletic, nutritional, and health support, among other areas. The agreement also requires that Naomi has to do well in school and that she participates in Olympic sponsored programs of which there are about 4 or 5 before the Youth Olympic Games 2010.

According to Naomi’s mother, Carina Reyes, Naomi has been in the water since she was 3 months old, and she got her first swimming degree at 6 months old. She has been swimming competitively since the age of 8; since 11, Naomi has been part of the Carib Swim Team. Today, Naomi is 16 years old, and on her way to the Olympics with the assistant of her longtime coach Ian Lee, who has been coaching for 15 years.

The present objective is to go to the Youth Olympic Games 2010 in Singapore, slated for August 14-26. The NAOC has committed to support the young athlete, in conjunction with the local affiliated arm—in this case, the St. Maarten Sports Federation, who will work with Naomi’s coach to develop a program that is supported financially and otherwise by both the Federation and NAOC.

President of the St. Maarten Sports Federation Aartwichgt Bell said that the organization is here to support athletes and to develop them in various aspects throughout their athletic careers. Other aims of the organization, he said, are to bring athletes together, to increase sport participation, and to debate issues in sport, among other aims and objectives.

 

 

A very large gathering was in attendance last night in a meeting called by National Alliance Acting District Leaders, Mr. Steve York, and Mr. Sylvin Flanders in Sucker Garden. The purpose of the meeting was to share information about the upcoming National Alliance Congress and to elect a new district board. The people present at the meeting used the opportunity to share the concerns of the people of Sucker Garden and the issues facing the community. The newly elected president, Mr. Sylvin Flanders, charged his board members to let their voices be heard, to explore all possibilities for the benefit of the community and the island of St. Maarten, and to ensure that the electorate continues to support the National Alliance. Other elected members of the council are Vice President, Jocelyn Arndell; Secretary, Patricia Philips; Asst. Secretary, Elaine Illis; Treasurer, Ricardo Flanders; Asst. Treasurer, Stanley David; Board Member, Antonio Bryan; and Advisor, Steve York. Together, the new district council will submit a list of delegates for the November Congress and nominate names for the party board and honorary awards.

...

Great Bay:---Cornelius De Weever assistant HIV/AIDS Programme Manager recently attended the “Regional Consultation on Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), Transgender and HIV: Partnerships for Universal Access” three day meetings in Panama.

This consultation has been organized by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in cooperation with other UNAIDS co-sponsors as a means of strengthening the national responses to HIV for MSM and transgender persons. By using working documents based on existing documents and ongoing sub regional consultations, the consultation aims to provide the key elements for three products, namely, a guide for minimal national requirements for an effective national response to HIV for MSM and transgender persons; guideline for UNAIDS co-sponsors in supporting national response and a UNDP regional strategy for HIV, MSM and transgender persons.

Results expected out of this three day meeting are: Identification and consensus of the basic elements for key documents; UNDP regional strategy for supporting effective responses to gay and other MSM and transgender in the context of HIV in the Latin American and Caribbean region; Clarity on moving forward and increased commitment of stakeholders.

 

 

Fellow Rotarian from the Sunrise Club, Hendrik-Jan van Ieperen, worked for the cities of Rotterdam and The Hague as a policy advisor prior to taking on the challenge of head associate of spatial planning for the Island Government of St. Maarten in 2007. Mr. van Ieperen gave an over view of the work that VROM does as well as a birds eye view of what the Island Government is working on with respect to zoning. According to Mr. van Ieperen VROM is a part of R.O.B. (Ruimtelijke Ordening en Beheer) which deals with everything that concerns the space that we live in on St. Maarten. Responsibilities of R.O.B. are among others, the maintenance of the infrastructure, Government buildings, Government land, physical development of the island, building permits and inspection. The VROM department deals with 'zoning' regulations. The existing regulations are based on the Zoning Ordinance of 1993, but other than Fort Amsterdam, zoning is rare on St. Maarten, although comprehensive zoning plans are being developed which can take up to 2-5 years. The objective is to have a policy that will guide the overall development of the island while offering economic benefits to it's people. Other regulations which are currently applied are the the Hillside Policy and the Beach policy, while a draft development plan has been prepared for the Lowlands area and approved by the Executive Council. USONA funds have been made available for zoning and the intention is to consult the general population in the development of these plans. Mr. van Ieperen concluded that he is convinced that with these development plans, taking St. Maarten, it's people and it's culture of land ownership into consideration, we will have proper regulations that will guide the growth of our island in a sustainable way.

GREAT BAY,– The Civil Registry Department has identified 16 polling stations for the upcoming Netherlands Antilles Parliamentary elections scheduled for January 22, 2010.

The last federal parliamentary elections were held on January 27, 2006 and there were 14 polling stations at that time.

The total number of persons eligible to cast their vote on January 22 is 19,355.

Of these, 10.006 are persons born in the Netherlands Antilles, which also includes those born on St. Maarten (5.841).

The 16 voting districts are as follows:

 

Stem district 1 John Larmony Center

Stem district 2 Sundial School

Stem Lokaal Huis van Bewaring

Stem district 3 St. Maarten Senior Citizen Recreational Foundation

Stem District 4 Sr. Marie Laurence

Stem District 5 Dutch Quarter Community Center

Stem district 6 Milton Peters College

Stem District 7 Rupert Maynard Center

Stem District 8 St. Maarten Academy

Stem District 9 Celebration Palace

Stem District 10 Raoul Illidge Sports Complex

Stem District 11 Charles Leopold Bell

Stem District 12 Leonard Conner School

Stem District 13 Simpsonbay Sports Community Center

Stem District 14 Belvedere Community Center

Stem District 15 Melford Hazel Recreational

Stem District 16 St. Maarten Home

 

The Civil Registry Department also made a recent appeal to residents to make sure that the office has their correct physical residential address on file. This was necessary prior to closing off the voter’s registry which took place on October 23, 2009.

For further information you can call the Civil Registry Department at 542-2457.

 

 

 

GREAT BAY– Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Governor Franklyn Richards, is reminding residents that the 2009 hurricane season is not yet over, don’t be fooled by the lull in activity, and to continue to be vigilant by monitoring weather reports over the next eight weeks.

Richards added that it was mid-October when major Hurricane Omar, a category three system passed 55 miles from St. Maarten last year causing different types of damage to the island, however due to the quick response of all concerned, the island made a quick recovery and was back in business within a short period of time.

So far for the 2009 hurricane season, there have been six storm systems, namely four tropical storms (Ana, Claudette, Danny and Erika) and two major hurricanes (Bill and Fred). Bill became a category four and Fred a category three hurricane system.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Climate Prediction Center announced recently that the El Nino weather pattern will strengthen this fall and should produce a below average hurricane season for the Atlantic and Caribbean.

The stronger the El Nino, the lesser the impact will be of storm formation.

The US National Weather Service is forecasting between seven to 11 storms in the Atlantic and Caribbean region this year due to the El Nino effect with three to six becoming hurricanes.

“As a nation, we should fare well this hurricane season, however as the theme of our Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness says, ‘It Only Takes One,’ hurricane to ruin the season. Continue to maintain a state of preparedness until the end of the season,” Governor Franklyn Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS).

Governor Richards would like to express his deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and governments who are currently dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake and tsunami.

On Tuesday, an earthquake caused a tsunami that killed more than 100 people in the South Pacific. On Wednesday, an earthquake shook Western Indonesia killing dozens.

The hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

 

 

GREAT BAY,– The Preventive Health Departments (PHD) says ageing is a privilege and a societal achievement. It is also a challenge, which will impact on all aspects of society in the 21st century. It’s a challenge that cannot be addressed by the public and private sectors alone, but requires a joint societal approach.

PHD adds now that International Day of Older Persons, celebrated on October 1, has past and gone, the community still has a responsibility to overall help older people remain healthy and active which is a necessity, and not a luxury.

As part of the Calendar of Health Observances, the PHD said that October 1 was a special day to pay tribute to the nation’s seniors for all they have given and continue to give to our lives. The PHD says seniors should have the opportunity to participate and be healthy, active, and safe and secure no matter where they live.

In 2000, there were 600 million people aged 60 and over. There will be 1.2 billion by 2025 and two billion by 2050. Today, about two thirds of all older people are living in the developing world; by 2025 it will be 75 per cent.

The PHD questions whether services and structures are ready to deal with the increase of an aging population. The Health Survey Study in 1999 revealed that St. Maarten is generally a young population however, 10-years later that young population is aging and the question is, do we have sufficient services, and capacity to deal with the need of the aging population?

In the developed world, the very old (age 80+) is the fastest growing population group. Women outlive men in virtually all societies; consequently in very old age, the ratio of women/men is 2:1.

October 1 also represented Senior Health & Fitness Day. Eating healthy and keeping active will go a long way in contributing and maintaining a healthy life style.

The international theme was “Toward a Society of All Ages,” which signifies social inclusion, respect and dignity, along with the promotion and protection of human rights for all.

 

 

MARIGOT—Residents and visitors of St. Martin would be able to see all the security forces on the French side this Saturday. The Prefecture of St. Martin is organizing the Interior Security Open day a press release from the State Office stated.

Coming together would be the Gendarmes, the Police Aux frontiers, the Territorial Police, Fire Brigade who would all assemble for the second annual interior day of Security.

Each department would be having a stand to expose their materials and equipments on the Marigot Water front. Information would also be provided to the general public.

The public would get a first had view of how the gendarmes and other security forces work together when apprehending dangerous suspects. Also in use would be a trained Alsatian dog that is used to capture someone that is armed and dangerous.

Also on demonstration that day would be the extinguishing of a fire.

 

 

Philipsburg:---The Police Traffic Department is hereby announcing to the public, that in connection with some work that has to be done on the Welgelegen road, the section of that road between the entrance to the Sint Maarten Medical Center and the Sea Breeze Hotel will be closed off to all traffic.

The section of road will be closed from Thursday October 08th at 09.00 p.m. until Friday October 9th 2009 at 06.00 a.m. The public is urged to take notice of this announcement to avoid any un-necessary inconvenience.

 

 

Philipsburg;--- Halloween season is here again. Last year the Police Department received many complaints of youngsters throwing eggs, some of which were rotten at passing buses and private vehicles causing a lot of damage. Since last week, during the midterm school vacation police have received the first complaints of youngsters throwing eggs. Even though this season is considered a festive season, the throwing of eggs at any moving vehicles can be very dangerous to persons in these vehicles and can cause a lot of material damage whether its to the vehicles or to the clothing of the persons in the vehicles. The Police Department. is hereby making serious plea to all parents, to talk to their children to refrain from this type of dangerous and intolerable behavior. The Police Department wants to make known to all parents, that they will be held responsible for any damage that is caused by their child or children as a result of their intolerable behavior. Any youngster caught in this type of behavior will be taken to the police station. The parents of these youngsters will then be called in and they will have to stand responsible for any damages their child has caused.

Marigot: --- Several gendarmes responded to a fight outside of the College Mont de Accords on Monday afternoon... When the officers arrived on the scene, the fighting students had already left the area and proceed to continue the fight in St. James area. A press release from the gendarmes stated by the time they reached there the students had already disappeared.

Please be informed that as of Wednesday October 14th 2009 one lane of the D.A. Peterson street (road on picture adjacent to the Windward Island Bank) will be closed off for a period of 2 to 3 weeks to enable the construction of a drainage gutter for the Cannegieter street that will be connected onto the recently constructed drainage gutter on the E. Camille Richardson street.

Once the drainage gutter alongside the D.A. Peterson street has been completed, works will begin immediately on the Cannegieter street (section from Windward Island Bank up until the Virgon building) which will be closed for vehicular traffic from Monday October 26 up until Friday December 18 2009. This section of road from WIB up until the Virgon building will be completed before the start of the Christmas holidays.

The final section of the Cannegieter Street (from Virgon building up until the Jubilee Library) will commence after the New years holiday in the third week of January 2010 and will be completed by March 2010.

With the execution of the works sewage lines, underground cables, drainage provisions, side walks will be included in the beautification works of the Cannegieter street.

We do apologize for the inconvenience during the execution of the works.

 

 

Philipsburg:---The leader of the Democratic Party in her recent address portrayed herself as one of the women in the story of King Solomon in 1 Kings chapter 3 verses 16 through 28, who were fighting about who a child belonged to. The National Alliance agrees with several persons in the Christian Community that this is an outrageous, shameful, reckless and deliberate political manipulation of sacred scripture by the Democratic Party, and is nothing more than a reduction in absurdity. Everyone knows that the focus of the text is more about Wisdom rather than the maternal capabilities of two harlots. This is yet another example that proves how out of touch the Democratic Party has become. If they can’t quote the Bible correctly, are they really capable of leading SXM? We don’t think so and when you look at what the DP stands for, you’ll come to the same conclusion. This media circus only confirms that the Democratic Party cannot be trusted to make decisions on the general interest of the people. It is clear that the National Alliance is more competent to lead St. Maarten into Country Status. The DP knows that country St. Maarten is a new beginning; they want you to be afraid of a new beginning while they carry on with their old ways in the new St. Maarten.

Nine years of the Democratic Party governance left the St. Maarten constitutional ship adrift, the finances of government in disarray, investors and banks anxious, the people destitute and the image of St. Maarten badly bruised. The people of St. Maarten responded overwhelmingly to call of the National Alliance to rescue St. Maarten from national and international embarrassment, scandals, corruption, nepotism, social strangulation, economic collapse, substandard governmental services, and neglect for our youth.

The National Alliance is more concerned about the issues our people are facing and what we are going to do to make the people of SXM lives better. That is why immediately after assuming office, the NA-led government embraced the enthusiasm of the people of SXM and began to positively set about transforming our island, restoring its respectability, integrity and national confidence and making our people ready for Country St. Maarten. In our first term of office we channeled significant investment and energy into attaining the landmark achievement of phasing in Compulsory Education. We moved from a horrible situation where, every year, hundreds of children were being denied a place in school, to one where every 4, 5 and 6 year old child is now guaranteed a place in school. Education is no longer a privilege of the few, but a reality for all. We went on to reverse the poorly-conceived labor policy of the DP that endangered local small businesses and investor confidence, and we are busy refocusing and rebranding our tourism product to make St. Maarten the region’s number one destination of choice. The National Alliance government is also committed to reducing the economic burdens of all St Martiners, particularly the elderly and poor. We are busy exploring effective possibilities to bring relief to our people. In addition to this, affordable homes are being built, the long awaited Ombudsman law will be heading to the Island Council soon, and our leader will be going to Holland to discuss assistance from the Dutch to help put the necessary infrastructure in place for Country SXM which the Democratic Party failed to do.

But some will do anything to try to destabilize a secure and stable government in order to kill progress and change. Their only priority is scoring cheap political points, not the progress of the island. True “Country Above Self” puts people above party politics and personal gain. It is noteworthy that for Parliamentary elections of January 18, 2002, upon realizing that separate status was at the top of the agenda in the federal elections, the SPA invited all political parties to put country first, to band together and present a unified and inclusive team called the National Alliance, vowing to work together for St. Maarten. The Democratic Party, on the other hand, did what was in the best interest of DP party and ran on its own. While the DP bragged for 9 years, the National Alliance has been working for better days. The National Alliance will always remain committed to Team St. Maarten, for SXM is bigger than anyone of us.

 

 

 

Leader of Government, William Marlin, is in the Netherlands on a working visit. He is being accompanied by Head of Study Financing ,Calvin Mardembrough. The commissioner and Mardembrough paid a customary yearly evaluation visit to S4 offices in Holland, in preparation for the start of the new study financing period.

The commissioner spoke about the critical positions that need to filled within the governmental apparatus of St. Maarten, as the island continues en route to country status. The occasion was used to discuss the vital role that the commissioner envisions the S4 foundation playing in maintaining a proper database, tracking St. Maarten's young professionals in the Netherlands and encouraging them to return home or to undergo additional training in needed areas. The commissioner and head of study financing are scheduled to meet with a group of St. Maarten students in Amsterdam, later this week.

 

 

 

CAY BAY— Tomorrow Wednesday October 21 no major load shedding is expected. At 17.30 on Tuesday, the Power Plant was able to phase out the load shedding. The last area to be brought back online was Pelican.

The power plant is running at a very tight capacity and any breakdowns can lead to some form of load shedding. This critical situation is expected to continue until the two new 11.3 MW generators are up and running sometime in December.

DG#12 is still out of commission; final repairs and assembly is expected to continue throughout Wednesday. If all goes according to plan, it should be available on Thursday morning running at its full output of 8 MW.

GEBE technicians managed to get DG#7 running but only at 60% of its capacity. This engine, which was severely damaged by a fire last year, is still giving some problems. Tests show that there are still some unresolved wiring issues. The technicians worked until late Tuesday night troubleshooting the engine with modest success.

Test runs will be resumed on Wednesday morning and will continue until the engine can run at full capacity without any problems.

GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience caused.

Updates will continue to be posted on www.nvgebe.com to ensure clients have the most accurate and up to date information so they can plan around the load shedding to minimize the inconvenience.

 

 

POINTE BLANCHE:-- – The Port of St. Maarten will be represented at the 16th Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show which starts on Monday, October 26 and runs through the 30th in St. Lucia.

Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger left the island on Friday leading a delegation comprising of members of the supervisory board and other officials.

More than 1000 cruise industry partners and more than 100 cruise executives from the FCCA member lines will be present to discuss a full agenda of doing business with cruise lines and cruise line executives.

The conference has been billed as a perfect opportunity to showcase your destination and/or product to Cruise executives from the FCCA member lines.

The Conference includes a series of round table discussions hosted by executives from the FCCA Member Lines. Topics covered will be marketing, shore excursions and operations. Of particular interest this year, guest speakers will focus on the economic forecast for the cruise industry as it relates to the well-publicized American economy.

The FCCA Conference is the only event that also offers pre-set meetings with select Cruise Executives on a One-on-One basis for pre-registered Delegates. This is the perfect opportunity to meet with key players, analyze industry trends and discuss current issues.

“We will get an update on the cruise industry and expectations for the coming years based on the current global economic situation. The situation today is different when compared to a year ago when we all met in Trinidad & Tobago at the conference.

“Besides getting an update on trends and developments in the cruise sector, the FCCA Conference also offers us an opportunity for the Port of St. Maarten to get an update on current cruise market trends and developments where it concerns cruise passengers; and secondly, it also offers us the opportunity to give a status report of our cruise destination with respect to additional facilities and improvements to island infrastructure.

“Our presence once again at the FCCA Conference is very important especially in these challenging times. We look forward to meeting with our cruise partners and assessing new opportunities for the Port of St. Maarten,” Harbour Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo stated prior to his departure to St. Lucia.

 

 

SIMPSON BAY - Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation Managing Director Russell Voges, says that bridge repair and maintenance works will begin on November 6 until 14.

Vehicular traffic will not be affected, but maritime traffic will have to work with two opening times on a daily basis from Friday, November 6 to Saturday, November 14, namely 6.30am and 6.00pm for outbound and inbound movement of vessels.

During the late evening hours, the bridge will be opened for short periods of time of no more than 15 minutes in order to be able to finalize the conservation of the underlying sides of the bridge deck.

On Sunday, November 8 only, the bridge will open during the three regular opening hours of 9.30am, 11.30am, and 5.30pm for outbound and inbound maritime traffic.

From Sunday, November 15 until Monday, November 30, the bridge will open during the three normal opening hours of 9.30am, 11.30am, and 5.30pm for outbound and inbound maritime traffic.

As of Tuesday, December 1, the opening times will go from three to six per day for the season, which runs from December 2009 to May 2010.

The daily seasonal openings will be: 9.00am outbound, 9.30am inbound, 11.00am outbound, 11.30am inbound, 4.30pm outbound and 5.30pm inbound.

Contractor Hofman Sliedrecht NV will be carrying out the maintenance works.

The maintenance works entails the strengthening of two main girders and subsequent conservation of the structure; the repair of the bridge fenders; the finalization of the electrical circuits and the standardizing of the traffic lights for maritime and vehicular traffic.

Motorists are advised to pay extra attention while crossing the bridge. A bucket truck will be parked on the sidewalks of the bridge deck and motorist should exercise caution when passing.

Considerable investments have been made to the bridge and everyone has a role to play in the longevity and safety of the bridge structure including those who transit in and out of the lagoon. The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority would like to apologize for any inconvenience that the maintenance works will cause during the period of November 6 to 14.

At the conclusion of all repair and maintenance activities, representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Water Management will inspect the works that have been executed and prepare a report for the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority.

 

 

GREAT BAY (GIS)—On Monday, October 26, the President of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) Eugene Holiday held a press conference in the conference room to give the media an overview on the developments at the airport for 2008, and to hand over PJIAE Annual Report 2008 to the Commissioner of Sports, Tourism, and Aviation Frans Richardson.

The commissioner said that he is proud of what the airport has accomplished and it could only have been done through the hardworking people.

“Though we are faced with challenging times, we are still doing well,” Commissioner Richardson said. “We have to continue to forge ahead and be the best that we can be. I look forward to working together with airport management to face the challenges and seek solutions to such. In the area of marketing our island, the airport plays a key role, whether as the main destination or as a transition point to other neighboring islands.”

In addition, Commissioner Richardson said, “Everywhere I go, I am continually reminded by people of the beautiful airport we have and the quality service we provide. Our airport is second to none, and I want to commend you Mr. Holiday and your management team and the personnel at the airport for doing an excellent job.”

About the presentation, Holiday provided an in depth yet brief account of PJIAE Annual Year 2008, and the prospects and challenges for the years 2009 and 2010.

In spite of current economic developments, we have to strive to be competitive, diligent, and consistent in our aims of providing safety, security, and excellent service, for in tough times, while other destinations falter in these areas during declining demand, it is imperative that we continue to keep these factors at a very high standard.

Holiday added that the airport is working together with airlines to continue to improve services, and provide what the customers want. Some of the changes the airport is looking into are increasing the number of gates from 11 to 13 and introducing self-check kiosks.

 

 

Managing Director of WINAIR, Edwin Hodge has rejected claims being made by CEO of Port Services Limited, Makeda Mikeal that he had sought to repossess the check in counters which was on lease.

This, Hodge noted is a continued deliberate attempt by Mikeal to tarnish the very reputable name of WINAIR. “She is aware that we (WINAIR) have done nothing wrong thus her attempts to discredit the company are very unprofessional and unfortunate,” Hodge declared.

He pointed out that there were a number of reasons why the company terminated its contract noting that one of the many reasons was the continued very unprofessional conduct of Mikeal and her company.

“Winair has been in operation for several years now and this is a testimony of the continued faith and confidence that the public have entrusted in us and therefore, we have a moral responsibility to ensure that we can deliver what is expected of us thus we could no longer continue the relationship with Port Services Limited,” Hodge said.

Responding to further allegations that Port Services Limited and Winair have been disagreeing on a number of issues for over a year. Hodge said that it was a case where every time the company sought to urge Port Services Limited to improve their standards and code of operations it was met with great disdain and resentment from its CEO.

He pointed out that while they sought to appraise Port Services Limited about the continued complaints that they were receiving as well as the correcting of various issues no attempts were made to correct their shortcomings.

He pointed out that he and his management team is very confident that the new agent, Caribbean Airport Services will do a much better job thus ensuring that all agents of the airline is managed and operated professionally.

 

 

GREAT BAY,– The Preventative Health Department Section Youth Health Care (YHC) will be starting with a vaccination open house week on Monday October 5 to October 9. The vaccination campaign is not related to Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus or the seasonal flu vaccine.

The vaccination open house week is organized to promote a culture of prevention against vaccine-preventable diseases and it gives parents an opportunity during the one-week school break to bring in their children for vaccinations and updates.

The open house will take place at the offices of Youth Health Care in the Vineyard Building from 8.30am to 4.00pm.

The theme is, "Act of Love, Get on Board, Get Vaccinated."

YHC's aim is to promote general information and stimulate the participation of parents in the vaccination program to get more children on board as an act of love, in addition because of the change in the vaccination schedule that went into effect earlier this year.

All children between four and nine-years of age will now get their second Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at four years of age.

The DTPolio vaccination will continue to be given when the child is nine-years of age.

Other changes in the vaccinations schedule concern children between two and 12 months of age.

Parents are reminded to make sure that their children between the ages of 0-17 are up to date with their vaccinations, which are necessary in order to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Immunization is a way of protecting children against serious disease. Once a person has been fully vaccinated, their bodies can fight those diseases if one comes into contact with them.

Vaccinations have proven to prevent outbreaks and the spread of contagious diseases and as such, every parent is urged to ensure that their child's vaccination is up to date.

The Island Government has its own vaccination program which is provided free of charge for all children on Dutch St. Maarten. A combination vaccine of MMR as well as other vaccines is offered.

Vaccinations are given starting with the first one when the child is two months of age and finalized at age nine when the last series are given unless for whatever reason a child needs a to catch up his/her immunizations.

Vaccines have been proven to be the key factor in preventing childhood diseases, disability, and death.

Parents should bring along with them their child’s vaccination booklet/card. If you are not sure of the status of your child, you should contact either your general practitioner, your pediatrician, the White & Yellow Cross Baby Clinic or YHC.

 

 

GREAT BAY— Commissioner responsible for sports, Frans Richardson, this past Wednesday turned his attention to boxing, meeting with the St. Maarten Boxing Association.

At the meeting, during which the association was represented by Jas Bryan-Labega and Erno Labega, plans and activities of the association were disclosed.

Among the association’s major interests is the obtaining of a training site for boxers on the Dutch side of the island.

The local association, which is also a member of the WBO and WBC federations, briefed the commissioner on the association’s duties and responsibilities.

Commissioner Richardson has taken note of the association’s concerns and interests. He assured the boxing association representatives that he would be looking into the matter – but could not make commitments, at this time, due to government’s precarious financial situation as well as the present economic climate.

Offers have been made by various boxing celebrities and trainers to come to St. Maarten, at no cost to government, to explore a number of possibilities. The idea is one which, in principle, has the support of Commissioner Richardson, who is interested in developing sports tourism.

A follow-up meeting is planned within short to further address ideas and proposals involving the boxing association.

 

 

The informative guest speaker program of the St. Maarten Lions Club will remain intact for this lionistic year, under the leadership of President Richard Panneflek and Marketing & Public Relations Committee Chairperson, Lion Davey Woods. The guest speaker program allows for key influential persons in the community to make presentations to the club on matters that are affecting our social and economic environment as a whole. In most cases the speakers focus on their area of expertise or general community work being carried out under the umbrella of a public or private organization.

Most recently the club had the honor of receiving information from the Director of the White & Yellow Cross, Mrs. Bregje Boetekees, who gave an elaborate and effective presentation on the status of the foundation. She clearly explained the vital role that the White & Yellow plays in the community, in particular care for the elderly, inline with the focus of this Lionistic Year: “Serving the Golden Aged”.

Other past guest speakers include: Public Notary Mrs. Meredith Boekhoudt, former Lt. Governor Dennis Richardson, Fatum Manager for the Windward Islands Amado Marcano, St. Maarten Port Authority Chief Operating Officer Keith Franca, I Can Foundation Director Debby Gibbs, Police Commissioner Alfred Marsdin, former Commissioner and current Island Council Member, Mrs. Maria Buncamper-Molanus, Chamber of Commerce President Mr. Glen Carty, former Director of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation, Mr. Fowler and among others.

 

Lion Davey Woods: “The club’s guest speaker program serves as a platform for all Lions to keep up with changes taking place in our community, while at the same time allowing us to remain active and make contributions in areas which are most important, to continue to make a positive impact on the development of our country. With the full support of the Lions daily board and the general membership, this program is in full swing as we prepare to welcome St. Maarten’s Tourism Director Ms. Regina Labega during the month of October”.

 

Key foundations and other private and public organizations will continue be contacted in the course of the coming weeks to finalize the club’s invitation list for the last quarter of this year and the rest of the Lionistic year which ends in June 2010.

 

 

The Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Franklin Richards was paid a courtesy call by the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Ligang Cen, who was accompanied by members of the Chinese Association on St. Maarten. In the picture, from let to right, are Pak Lam Alan-Wong, Mr. Cen, Governor, Molly Wong, and Yangjie (Steven) Huang. The Ambassador is based in Antigua & Barbuda.

David Candib Canival Corp, Director Strategic Planning (left)

Deanna Austin Senior Vice President Yield management with team, planning and customer services standing to the right of Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger.

This meeting took place on Monday in Los, Angeles U.S.A.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba and all stakeholders including the islands leaders met on Tuesday to discuss and re-work the Brooks Tower Accord which was to be implemented last month. Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba who is on St. Maarten on a follow up visit said the stakeholders met on Tuesday and they are to submit their concerns which would be used to ajust the Brooks Tower Accord which was signed by all the Lt. Governors of the Netherlands Antilles and the Minister of Justice in 2007. One of the things the islands have to say is whether or not they have adequate manpower and finance and other logistics to implement this policy. She said lot of work still has to be done before the policy goes into effect. Another thing she said has to be clear is the vision on each island and their input is needed. Another meeting she said is to be held on Saturday in Curacao where a decision would be taken on how the policy would be implemented.

Jacoba said it is her belief that several persons are confused with the Brooks Tower because they believe it is the one that was signed in 2007 that will be implemented. She said the current brain storming is to see what would be the effects on each of the islands when this policy which is geared at regulating the undocumented is implemented. Jacoba said they would be using some of the conditions of the 2007 policy to form the new policy which she said will be published when it is ready. This new policy she said would be simplified and would be adapted to the current situation on each island.

The Minister could not give a definite date as to when this policy would be implemented however, she said it is clear that both Curacao and St. Maarten wants this policy to be implemented as soon as possible. One of the concerns for the Minister is if the islands has enough manpower and infrastructure to implement this policy. Jacoba said the new Immigration and Naturalisation Building is to handle the processing of residents permits. She made clear that to implement the Brooks Tower a new organization has to be set up.

 

 

Marigot: --- The number five community council headed by Paul Whit has organized a meeting with members of the clergy to discuss the crime situation on the French side of the island. In an interview with SMN News Whit said the community council is looking to see what input the churches on the island can give to fight crime. He said while the initiative was taken by the community council of Marigot and St. James (Quartier number 5 Quartier numbers 6 would also be present and would be participating in the ideas put forward.)

Whit said while his community council organized the event, the crime situation is everybody’s concern. He said right now crime is affecting the entire island and they need to see how everyone can help to find a solution. The topic discussed is crime and violence and it is important to see what contribution the religious circle can provide. Whit said there are issues facing the island that would not be solved unless the clergy or religious circle gets involved and becoming partners in society.

Whit said some ten churches have confirmed that they would attend and participate in the meetings. He said their intention is to make sure a commitment is given by the churches where they would work together in fighting crime and violence.

Another objective was to get the churches to see how they can reestablish family values and other moral values to the communities.

 

 

Ms. Gladys Carter presented a copy of her second Gospel CD recording, to Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson, entitled: Too Busy. The presentation took place in the Dr. Claude Wathey Legislative Hall.

Philipsburg:---The Democratic Party we know today took shape 55 years ago, the same year the watershed Charter of the Kingdom was promulgated. This milestone will be commemorated in grand style by the Party under the theme “55 – A CELEBRATION OF SAINT MARTIN” .

On November 1st 2009, the month long program, will kick off with a church service at the Praise Tabernacle Church in Cole Bay, giving thanks to the Almighty for his guiding hand and blessings in transforming this Island and for the leadership of the Democratic Party during the past 55 years.

On November 7th 2009, the Chapter of Professional Young Persons (CPYP) will be having its finals of the district play off basketball tournament, where the bragging rights for the best 3 man team of St Maarten will be determined. Several prizes are up for grabs with each member of the winning team receiving a lap top computer as the main prize. The venue for this event will be the Great Bay Sports Auditorium.

November 10th 2009, will be our comedy night. That evening we will be hosting a fundraising comedy Jam with the main act by Paul Keen Douglas out of Trinidad & Tobago and also a performance by well known comedian from St. Maarten, Ms Dorothy “Rosa” Richardson. The venue for this event will be the Maho Convention Center and the show will kick off at 9.00 pm.

On November 15th 2009 we will be having our family day at the Emilio Wilson Park in traditional St. Maarten fashion, complete with domino and bellot games, string band music, food, drinks and activities for the kids.

Our month of activities will culminate with a grand fundraising event on November 28th 2009 at the Maho Convention Center, where the renowned Calypsonian and Calypso King of the World, the Mighty Sparrow and his band, will be wooing the audience with classics such such as Salt Fish, Congo Man, Jean and Dina and many more. This will be a show to remember as Sparrow has stood at the cradle of calypso and has bridged decades with his musical style and flair. This we believe is a fitting tribute on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Democratic Party. Also scheduled to perform along side the Mighty Sparrow, are some of our own local calypsonians and musicians. This event will start at 9.00 pm sharp.

Details of venue of ticket sales and other logistics will follow in subsequent press releases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAY BAY—GEBE Power Plant experienced some mechanical problems with three generators that lead to several short power outages in certain districts of St. Maarten on Saturday.

Diesel Generator #16 developed a heavy leak in one of the cylinders heads, which resulted in the engine being taken offline for repairs. In addition, Diesel Generators #15 and #17 tripped resulting in a loss of an additional 13 MW. The power plant technicians worked diligently to bring the machines back online but experienced several technical setbacks that resulted in power interruptions lasting up to half an hour.

Between 4 pm and 8 pm areas such as Saunders, St. Peters, Guana Bay, Oyster Pond, Madame Estate, Belverdere and the Beacon Hill-Cupecoy area experienced short power outages. By approximately 8pm all power was restored and there were no other interruptions during the weekend.

The GEBE power plant is still operating on a very tight production schedule and short power outages continue to be possible until the new machines are online in December. The peak demand measured on Saturday was 49 MW showing an increase of close to 10% compared to the same period in 2008. However, some maneuvering room may become available by the weekend.

GEBE technicians are currently finalizing work on DG#7, which should add another 6 MW of capacity by the end of this week.

The final stages of work on DG#7, which was severely damaged by a fire last year, consist of replacing and refitting the lube oil coolers. The coolers consist of approximately 100 individual plates that need to be meticulously installed and attached in order to avoid water and oil leaks. If all goes well the generator will undergo its first test run by the end of the week and could be in full production by next week.

The increased capacity should reduce the frequency of outages experienced by the public until the new generators are commissioned.

 

 

GREAT BAY:--- – The Preventive Health Department (PHD) says that the business community also has a role to play in minimizing the spread of pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus in the workplace.

Pandemic H1N1 influenza spreads easily from person to person and while it is mild in most cases and people will make a rapid and full recovery, it can be severe in some.

Simple hygiene measures in the workplace can go a long way in minimizing the spread of H1N1 flu. Sanitizers (alcohol-based) should be provided for employees and clients. Hard surfaces used frequently should be disinfected and seek strategies for employees to work from home or flexible hours in the event their child (ren) are sick with flu-like symptoms.

In various countries around the globe, businesses have been advised to prepare a business pandemic plan.

Some of the key points that businesses should be aware of are: Identify your business’ core people and skills; Identify a contact person or coordinator for the plan; Consider the effects of supply shortages on operations; Plan for staff absences; Consider human resource issues; Decide if your business will stay open or close in a pandemic; Encourage good personal hygiene practice; Understand social distancing measures; Communicate your plans to your staff and customers; Look at the financial implications; and test your plan and know when to use it.

Staff with influenza like symptoms who come to work using medicines that mask the infection, are still infectious and may pass the virus to other staff and customers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already indicated that to nations in the Northern Hemisphere to prepare for a second wave of pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

There is uncertainty on what that second wave may bring and everyone must remain on the alert. It is recommended for persons to get their seasonal flu vaccine, and this can be done by consulting your family physician.

The PHD is reminding residents to continue to practice high standards of personal hygiene which entails covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., after sneezing and coughing).

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

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

Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. Do not delay in contacting your family physician.

Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around them, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications of influenza.

Members of the public are advised to exercise caution when traveling. In the event that travel is unavoidable, the public is advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times. Another preventive measure is eating healthy foods, getting a lot of exercise and maintaining an eight hour sleep schedule.

Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.

 

 

CAYON, ST. KITTS—Despite a rain shortened 40 over encounter, Nevis made light-work of the US Virgin Islands in the first day of the Nagico one Day Cricket Tournament at the Cayon cricket field in St. Kitts; crushing the minnows by 152 runs. Nevis racked up 208 runs all out in 37 overs, the only good spark for an obviously weaker USVI team that managed to bowl out a more experienced Nevis team in less than the allotted overs. However, USVI could only manage a measly 56 runs in reply. Intermittent rain in the morning hours caused the game to stop at least three times forcing a reduction in overs according to the Duckworth Lewis system. This saw the game going to 40 overs.

Nevis decorated with its star players Kieron Powell and Runako Morton, both playing for the West Indies, was poised to dismantle the USVI before the end of the day. However, despite a star performance of 53 runs from Powell, Morton failed to score, bowled out by Gary Daniel who picked up two wickers for 48 runs. Powell only got assistance on the batting front from K. Tyson (15 runs), Javier Liburd with 30 and Joel Simmonds with 45 not out. D. Browne could only manage a run after being bowled by Andrew Eusibe; Jason Campbell scored two runs, Trevier Smithen, three, Don Byron, 14 runs, Tonito Willet, nine and Adelvin Philip scored 11 runs after being stumped by Nyra Stewart. Stewart was the beast of the bowlers for USVI picking up four wickets for 35 runs in 5.5 overs. Dale Africa picked up a wicket for 26 runs; Andrew Eusibe had two wickets in 46 runs after eight overs and Gary Daniel two wickets for 34 runs also in eight overs.

However, after a credible bowling performance, USVI fell flat on their faces when it came to batting. Nyra Stewart who was the star bowler for the minnows failed to score a single run caught by Kieron Powell off Adelvin Philip’s bowling. Only Dale Africa scored double figures with 13 runs before he was bowled by Tonito Willet. Andrew Daniel, Andrew Eusibe, Andrew Bernell and Kenly Tidall were all bowled out for ducks. Ray Fredrick and Samuel Jones scored three runs each and Dane Weston scored nine runs not out. Nevis’ coach Stuart Williams was disappointed that his team was bowled out in 37 overs against a team they eventually trampled in the end. “Get bowled out in 37 overs is not good,” Williams said. He commended Kieron Powell and the other players that scored double figures and highlighted that the intensity in the team is evident, which is a good sign for Nevis that challenges an unpredictable Montserrat team today also in Cayon. Coach Williams hopes his batsmen will apply themselves more on the field in today’s match and blames the rain interruption earlier that day for the break in their mental concentration, thus the below par performance among some of them, such as Runako Morton who failed to score. “At the end of the day, its cricket so whatever stoppages you have to keep focused on the game,” the coach said.

Coach Livingston Harris of the USVI was sorely disappointed that after a credible bowling performance reducing Nevis to 208 in 37 overs, his team failed on the batting end. He is confident that the team’s batting performance will improve today against St. Kitts and he is not worried about putting out a good effort in the bowling department as was done Monday. “I don’t think St. Kitts is going to get any big total against us, but we have to go and bat and make the total that St. Kitts would have made,” Harris said.

 

 

The St. Maarten Cricket Association (SMCA) has received a well needed boost from the local electricity and water company GEBE. The platinum sponsorship was made recently to the Association by ir. William Brooks, Managing Director of NV GEBE, receiving on behalf of the SMCA was President Mr. Michael Teixeira.

The GEBE sponsorship will be used for the ST. Maarten Cricket Association’s hosting and participation in the LICA One Day Cricket Tournament that bowled off on Monday, October 12th.

The SMCA Mr. Teixeira commented on the donation: “The SMCA has mounted a rigorous fund-raising drive to offset the expenses of the upcoming tournament. We will be hosting the LICA One day Tournament‘s Zone B matches in the preliminary round as well as the Semi-finals and the Finals, so this is going to be an expensive undertaking. The SMCA is heartened by the response from GEBE which shows their interest in developing local sporting activity.”

Mr. Brooks stated, “We applaud the efforts of the SMCA to bring cricket on the island to a higher level through organized programs and planning. The upcoming LICA Tournament provides the perfect opportunity for us to partner with the SMCA. Most importantly the donation enables us to give a tangible contribution to an activity which is in keeping with our goal of supporting events which nurtures the community; we see the cricket matches as family activity as well as integral to the development of sports on the island. As a Government owned Company we are happy to support events that help to make our Island better”.

 

 

The newly arrived Methodist church superintendent and other members of the methodist church clergy on Wednesday paid a visit to commissioner Frans Richardson. On photo the group (including former commissioner Edgar Lynch - far left) meeting with the commissioner (GIS photo)

Philipsburg:---The folks of the party presently in government never cease to amaze us! They are actually trying to re-write history! In their heavily funded 2007 election campaign, the NA talked about a “new beginning.” Now they claim that “the people of St. Maarten responded OVERWHELMINGLY to call on them to rescue St. Maarten from national and international embarrassment, scandals corruption, and nepotism.” HELLOOOO? Which political party is an embarrassment to St. Maarten? The Democratic Party for not accepting to be blackmailed by a member who got convicted by the court, or our opposition who, to get into office by hook or by crook (pardon the pun), struck a deal with that SAME convicted Councilman and then lured in one other former DP Councilman, who so desperately has a need to stay in power in order not to lose the control he wields, not in the general interest of St. Maarten, but in the interest of HIS selected few. In addition, mind you, the National Alliance criticized these very same two DP Executive Council Members the most! The DP’s opposition has YET to WIN an island election, to get into power. This time around, they had to strike a deal with almost 50% (2 out of 5) of the Democratic Party Executive Council to make their so-called “new beginning.” In addition, what a new beginning! They are STILL working off the DP Program they found when they sneaked into the Building on June 8, 2009. The National Alliance/Heyliger Government after 4 months in office has yet to show the people of St. Maarten ONE thing it has done that was not of the Democratic Party’s making. It is an insult to all of us for them to pretend that they are responsible for all they are claiming. When William got into office, he was going to put every child in school. Instead, he quietly reverted to executing the Democratic Party’s plan of a phased introduction of compulsory education for children aged 4 thru 6. On the issue of constitutional change, it is offensive to especially those technocrats who have worked tirelessly on the constitutional change for the last 9 years, for the NA to now suggest the constitutional ship is adrift, a ship mind you, that William Marlin, the NA leader proudly pronounces he sat on for those 9 years! What was his input during all those years? Did you ever hear him utter an objection to the way things were progressing then? And talking about competence: read the story on page 7 of the Daily Herald of October 15, 2009 headlined:” Alliance corrects errors in release”! A classical case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing!!

 

 

They refer to “THEIR FIRST TERM IN OFFICE.” WHAT first term? A term is 4 years and you can only get that by winning by the ballot at the polls. Democratic Party Leader Sarah Wescot-Williams is correct when she quotes author and poet Maria Robinson, who said:”Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending!”

 

 

 

Commissioner Frans Richardson, on Friday morning, made it possible for a brand new Apple laptop to be donated to St. Maarten's Mix Master DJ Pauly -- who is competing in the Heineken Green Synergy DJ clash finals on Saturday.

Commissioner Richardson said that he was pleased to be able to make the contribution, which he said he hoped DJ Pauly could utilize as part of his equipment for future presentations here as well as abroad.

On photo, Commissioner Richardson, Jasmine Mahtani of Klass Electronics and DJ Pauly at the presentation of the donation. (GIS Photo)

 

 

Philipsburg:---The wife of the late Chief Inspector Alfred R. MARSDIN (better known as "Churchill or Chico") Miss Brigitte Marsdin and the Police Force of Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius in commemoration of the passing of Marsdin will be holding a church service on Wednesday October 21st 2009 at 11.00 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Philipsburg.

The service will be provided by Pastors Stephan Brooks and Charles Seaton. The entire community is invited to attend this Memorial service.

 

 

PHILIPSBURG: ---The son of a police sergeant was stabbed in his testicles by another student who has since surrendered. The incident occurred at the Milton Peters College on Wednesday said police spokesman Ricardo Henson. Henson said the police was called shortly before 1pm and several officers from Zero Tolerance officers that were nearby responded to the scene. Henson said a fight had broken out at the school between two students from the same school. During the fight the suspected student with initials T. W used a unknown pointed object to stab the victim. The victim has been identified as T. L and is the son of a police sergeant whom he said is stationed at the Philipsburg Police Station.

The police Spokesman said when the suspect committed his act he jumped the school fence while the victim was treated by ambulance and later to taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment.

Henson said the suspect has since surrendered to police and is now in police custody as the investigations continue.

 

 

On Saturday October 10, 2009, The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise sponsored a luncheon at the Crystal Home in honor of District Governor Errol Alberga and wife Leonie Alberga courtesy visit to the Home during his official trip to St. Maarten as District 7020 Governor, in commemoration of his visit an award of appreciation was presented to DG Errol.

The District Governor and his wife along with Assistant District Governor Luis Wever and his wife Mandy Wever were introduced to the Director of the facility Miss Eva Williams and the children of the Home.

Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise provides sponsorship to Crystal Home, in the form of fresh bread daily, the Club during the year organizes various events with the children of the home. On Saturday two full size beds, a dresser and side table were donated to Crystal Home on behalf of friends of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise and frequent visitors to St. Maarten, Mr. & Mrs. Cannizzaro.

 

CAY BAY— Four power generators experienced a mechanical failure starting at 8.00am on Friday morning forcing GEBE to introduce load shedding for the rest of the day. By approximately 5.30pm everything was back to normal.

Generators DG#7, 12, 16 and 17 experienced some form of mechanical failure whether it was high cooling temperatures or other related mechanical events. The generators which run 24/7 are bound to develop some form of problem from time to time, but Friday morning everybody was caught by surprise.

The total loss in megawatts was 18. If such a situation was to happen in December when the two new generators come online (combined they have 22.6 megawatts), GEBE customers would not notice anything as the new generators would be able to carry the load and still have a few megawatts to spare.

Over the weekend when the load is less, GEBE technicians will carry out maintenance activities on the generators that experienced the mechanical challenges.

GEBE continues to operate on a very tight electricity production schedule due to the high demand of electricity from customers. The installation of the new generators are on schedule for December, however any reduction in power generation due to the fallout of an engine will result in load shedding.

GEBE apologizes for the inconvenience caused.

 

 

Philipsburg:---National Alliance Senator George Pantophlet said during the week of the October 19 to the October 22, 2009 several central committee meetings of Parliament to discuss the Draft Budget 2009 among others were convened. The policies of the different ministries were presented by the responsible ministers. On November 30, 2009 the Draft Budget2009 will be handled by parliament in a Public meeting. During said meeting it was also mentioned that the Ministry of finance will be the last one to be transferred. Based on the agreement made on November 28, 2008 when the work is transferred the money will follow. This is the same with all ministries. Monies have also been budgeted to support the dismantling process, archives and the Inspectorate of taxes. On Wednesday October 21, 2009 a central committee meeting was convened to discuss the integration of the SVB and the BZV. The faction of the National Alliance thought it better not to continue this process seeing that in the next two months the transfers of authorities have to take place. And the fact that St. Maarten is busy with a National Health Insurance System. Also explained during the meeting was that talks were ongoing between the government and the Island Territory of St. Maarten on this issue. A working agreement between the two future countries on this matter is not excluded. The meeting has been postponed until a future date. Also on Wednesday October21, 2009 a Public meeting was held with the Prime Minister Emily de Jong-Elhage to get a report on her discussions with Minister of Justice of the Netherlands Mr. Hirsch Balin on the Draft Kingdom Law on the Movements of persons and related legislation. It appears that the Minister of Justice still wants to proceed with the Kingdom Law on the movement of persons with some changes. But Parliament had already unanimously rejected the Draft Law. Additionally at the time the then Minister of Justice Mr. David Dick had sent a strongly worded letter expressing government’s rejection of the draft law. A motion was prepared to re-emphasize the feelings of Parliament but did not get the support of all the members as they felt it would be superfluous. On Thursday October 22, 2009 another central committee meeting of Parliament was convened to discuss with SITEK the escalating aggression among school children. Also discussed was the Initiative draft Federal Ordinance t o amend the General Federal Ordinance on Federal Taxes (P.B. 2001, no.89) and the Federal Ordinance on Income Tax 1943 (P.B. 2002, no.63)Session 2008-2009-3422). The Initiative Draft Ordinance to amend the General Federal Ordinance on Federal Taxes intention is to encourage persons that are earning an income locally and abroad to report this to the local authorities. The Draft Federal Ordinance on Income Tax will allow parents to deduct 15000 guilders instead of the present 10,000 guilders that is spent on their children studying abroad. The decision for this has to do with the increase in cost of living and also related to the Euro and also an additional 200 guilders reduction on tax for pensioners who are earning 3000 guilders per month or less. Our faction proposed that parents with children studying within the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba especially from St. Maarten be also included in this draft federal ordinance. A more detailed information on these two ordinances will be forthcoming.

GREAT BAY– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) has received notifications from schools that some parents/guardians are not respecting the measure of keeping children who have flu-like symptoms at home from school or day care centres until they recover.

If sick children are allowed to attend school, and if they have the Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus, they put at risk the teacher as well as the other children at school.

The PHD is requesting parents and guardians to cooperate in minimizing the spread of flu within our community.

Children who display severe flu-like symptoms and those who are admitted into hospital will be tested for the Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

Children and teenagers should continue to practice cough etiquettes and good hygiene all the time even at school.

Children should know to wash their hands frequently with soap and water; cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of your elbow/sleeve; dispose of used tissue paper in the trash properly; stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.

Parents and guardians are role models and should demonstrate these behaviours which are a tool to prevent the spread of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus within our community.

Parents and guardians should make sure your child remains healthy by giving them a lot of fluids, eating healthy and have plenty of rest. Monitor their temperature and symptoms; ensure your child’s health is in good condition.

Give your child medication prescribed by your family physician or ensure that medicines are child age appropriate. Do not give young children medicines for adults or teenagers.

The symptoms for children with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) flu virus are similar to that of adults. The symptoms include high fever, a runny nose, cough, sore throat and body aches. At times these can be accompanies by, diarrhoea, breathlessness and dizziness. If your child displays these symptoms, don’t delay; take them to your family physician.

Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.

 

 

Philipsburg:--Just about 4 months ago, as expected, the Democratic Party Government imploded and the National Alliance spearheaded a stable government to realize country status for St. Maarten. As we face the challenges ahead, the National Alliance wants you to know what we are up against.

Just this week the Democratic Party launched the latest and lowest in a series of misleading attacks against a well-known businessman, which DP Councilwoman Maria Buncamper claims to be a supporter of the National Alliance. In desperation, the Democratic Party is on every media program, distorting the truth. They believe that the same old smears and negative attacks will prevail again. However, what the DP councilwoman did not say is that this same businessman recently supported her foundation; Sky is the Limit “King of Kings calypso show.”

The truth is that this well-known businessman has repeatedly told government that he does not wish to manage St. Maarten’s NHI alone and that he is not interested in underwriting the plan. However, he has always expressed the view that National Health Insurance for all is a good and noble thing to do provided it is managed well and does not significantly increase the cost of doing business or the insured persons and taxpayers. In fact, in a speech on insurance given at the PMIA in January 2009 the same businessman agreed with the NAVV (Neth. Ant. Insurance Association) that no one Insurance Company must have the sole management of the NHI and suggested a system where the insured person decides which insurer should handle their individual or collective (in the case of a group/company) healthcare.

On the subject of the cricket field, the truth is that Mr. David Forsythe who, among others, manages the Raoul Illidge Sports complex, was charged with the responsibility of making a feasibility study of a cricket field on behalf of the then Commissioner of Sports Maria Buncamper-Molanus. Mr. Forsythe apparently met with the same businessman on several occasions, and also with past president of the ST. Maarten Cricket Association, Mr. Derrick Holiday and Mr. Keith Gittens, Chief Selector of the St. Maarten Cricket Association to discuss the necessity of a cricket field. If the cricket field was important to Maria Buncamper-Molanus then when she was Commissioner of Sports, how come not now?

This nasty-gutter-style ploy of the Democratic Party misleads people about the true intentions of a philanthropist who has contributed significantly to this community. The Democratic Party even insults the intelligence of the people and even mocks the ability of St. Maarteners to motivate themselves and inspire others back into the political process. What a nasty turn to the gutter. How low can one get? Even some of DP’s own supporters agree that this is one wild swing at the National Alliance and reflects the Democratic Party’s increasing desperation and bitterness and the lack of any coherent strategy. Do they want to take the low road back to the highest seat of government?

 

This is yet another example that proves how out of touch the Democratic Party has become. If they can’t tell the truth, are they really capable of leading SXM? We don’t think so and when you look at what the DP stands for, you’ll come to the same conclusion. This media circus only confirms that the Democratic Party cannot be trusted to make decisions on the general interest of the people. It is clear again that the National Alliance is more competent to lead St. Maarten into Country Status. The Democratic Party knows that country St. Maarten is a new beginning; they want us to be afraid of a new beginning while they carry on with their old ways in the new St. Maarten.

You watch out, each day will brings a desperate new set of attacks and misrepresentation from the Democratic Party. However, the National Alliance we will not let any attack stand. We will respond quickly, forcefully and respectfully to take their smear tactics head-on. We condemn these attacks because above the difference of politics, we are all St. Maarteners.

 

 

 

This October 5, 2009, the Sector Education joins others around the world in celebrating World Teachers Day. An event like this provides the entire St. Maarten community with the opportunity to thank all teachers for the invaluable work that they do in the education profession to shape the future of countries, but St. Maarten in particular.

A day like this also augurs well for us as a community to realize that the recognition given to persons in the profession has deteriorated over the years. Teachers are not seen through the same eyes as that of societies of the past. Rather than the beacons whose professional and wise counsel was sought in all aspects of societal development, teachers are more seen as the persons whose tasks should be focused on the teaching and learning in the classroom. This is far from the truth.

Teachers help shape the society in which we live not just simply from their instructional role in the classroom, but through their counsel sought by the students; their role in determining and shaping the curriculum of schools; and, the advice and admonition provided to the many students with whom they interact both in and out of the classroom on a daily basis. Teachers are truly the ones who mold the children they teach. However, the task has become more challenging to teachers as the society has become more diverse.

The world in which we live is ever changing. It demands an ever-changing educator to meet the needs of a more developing and demanding society. Teachers therefore have an invaluable role to play in assisting our diverse student population in acquiring the necessary knowledge, skill, and attitude required to survive in a world where the future demands more of everyone.

For St. Maarten the challenge is even graver as we, like many other countries grapple with teacher shortage and fewer persons showing interest in joining this noble profession called teaching. As we strive towards determining our own destiny as Country St. Maarten, there is no greater challenge that can confront us but to build the future by investing in our teachers now! Despite the global economic downturn, an investment in education is definitely not a lost one.

On this your special day, may all of you continue to hold dear to your heart this noble profession and continue to play your valuable role in guiding our future citizens. Make these future citizens come to the realization that education does not end upon their completion of secondary or tertiary learning. Education is life-long learning.

A Happy Teachers Day is wished to all teachers on St. Maarten, public, publicly funded and private schools!

 

 

Members of the Philipsburg Toastmasters Club and Area 6 paid special recognition to Club member and immediate past Area Governor, Rolando Tobias, for receiving the Distinguished Toastmaster Award from Toastmasters International. The award of Distinguished Toastmaster was presented to Tobias during the Club’s monthly meeting held on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.

To receive this award a member is required to ascend the Toastmasters Communication and Leadership ladder and finally attain both the Advanced Communicator Gold and Advance Leadership Silver Awards; complete a High Performance Leadership program; serve successfully as Club sponsor or mentor of a new Club and serve a complete term of one year as District Officer.

DTM Tobias joined the Toastmasters Organization in 1994, as one of the founding members of the Philipsburg Toastmasters Club. Throughout the years Tobias has remained committed to the Club and its membership even at times when membership participation was at an all time low. Presenting manual projects based on criteria set by Toastmasters International; Tobias continued to develop his communication and leadership skills, using his expertise on Club level where he serves as mentor for many Toastmasters and club sponsor for the Disciples Toastmasters Club. As a committed leader Tobias continued to climb the ladder of success within the Toastmasters organization taking up the challenge of presenting trainings and workshops at the various conferences throughout the Caribbean. DTM Tobias is also the only St Maarten Toastmaster who has done regional trainings at District Conferences in Guyana, St Maarten and will again be a presenter at the upcoming October Conference in Barbados.

Because of his commitment and dedication to the organization, Tobias was appointed by the District as Area Governor for Area 5 (the four clubs on St Maarten) for the 2008 – 2009 term, during the Spring Conference held in St. Maarten in May 2008 of which Tobias served as a member of the organizing committee. With the vision of developing better communities by promoting the Toastmasters Organization and sharing his expertise with the St. Maarten community, Tobias took his expertise beyond Club level, applying his Toastmasters skills at his work place and in various levels throughout the community, where he is known for his roles as Advisor, Master of Ceremonies, Moderator, Motivational speaker and Trainer, Radio Personality, TV Host, President of various organizations, Youth Leader and much more.

During the presentation ceremony, current Area Governor Valerie Brazier, read a letter sent to Tobias from Toastmasters International Executive Director, Daniel Rex; congratulating him on his accomplishment. Tobias was also presented with a plaque for outstanding communication and Leadership accomplishments, awarding him the title of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).

In his acceptance speech Tobias mentioned that the road to this milestone is not easy but also not impossible. He encouraged all Toastmasters to take on the challenge on a path that can only lead to success if one remains committed to their goals. He pointed out that he is the second Distinguished Toastmaster on St Maarten and emphasized how important it was for him to actually hone his Communication and Leadership skills in and outside the Club over the years. He concluded by explaining that he gets the most satisfaction now from seeing the level at which Toastmasters ascended on St Maarten, the respect the island clubs receive from the district and the guidance he provides to the Clubs and members. He thanked all for the role they have played in Toastmasters and in his success.

The evening ended with a social gathering of Toastmasters and guest during which Tobias was surprised with a large cake bearing his photo and the words Distinguished Toastmasters.

The Toastmasters Organization is an International Organization with over 1000 Clubs around the World. Members forming part of this organization are offered the opportunity to develop better communication and Leadership skills.

The Philipsburg Toastmasters Club offers members and guest the opportunity to develop in a supportive, learning environment that will help you gain self-confidence in your endeavors to personal and professional accomplishments. Members of Philipsburg Toastmasters Club meets every first, third and fifth Thursday of every month, 7:45pm at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.

 

 

USCGC SPENCER (WMEC 905), a United States Coast Guard medium endurance cutter, arrives in Curaçao for a port visit on 4 October 2009 for a few days. This a routine, long-planned port visit, unrelated to any other events.

USCGC SPENCER is home-ported in Boston, MA, and is commanded by CDR Jeff Thomas, U.S. Coast Guard.

The cutter was commissioned in 1986, is 270 feet in length and has a crew of approximately 100 officers and enlisted personnel.

USCGC SPENCER is the third cutter to serve the United States bearing the name "Spencer".

USCGC SPENCER is currently engaged in the multinational exercise “Caribbean Venture” in which several countries focus on working together to prevent illicit drug trafficking.

USCGC SPENCER sailors will devote some of their free time to the local community and continue a landscaping and clean-up project at the Mgr. Verriet Foundation started today by USS NEWPORT NEWS sailors.

Also, the crew is looking forward to enjoying rest and relaxation opportunities in Curaçao.

The Mgr. Verriet Foundation for rehabilitation care, and a foundation for the mentally handicapped and rehabilitation care, joined together to form the SGR group in 2003. The Mgr. Verriet Foundation was established over 60 years ago. Together with the umbrella organization it has various locations for the care of the handicapped on the island.

 

 

Five new persons that have recently joined the Civil Servants core of St. Maarten took the oath of office or made the promise during a short ceremony that was held on Tuesday, The oath was was read by Ms. Casandra Jansen and administered by Lt. Governor Mr. Franklin Richards.Commissioner Xavier Blackman welcomed them and presented each with a copy of the CS manual.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba confirmed that former Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflek has sent her a letter requesting to return to the management of the Police Organization KPSSS. Jacoba said Panneflek was allowed to assist the island government of St. Maarten with some work and he indicated in his letter that he has completed that work and wished to return to his job.

The Minister said upon receipt of Panneflek’s letter she sent a letter to the island government of St. Maarten to inquire if Panneflek has completed the task he was requested to do. She said so far she has not received any response from the island government and as such she has not taken any decision as to whether Panneflek would return to the police management. She said whenever, she receives that answer she would make a decision if Panneflek could return to the KPSSS.

Jacoba acknowledged that very soon the management team of KPSSS would need reinforcement especially knowing that at least two of the five member team is expected to leave early next year on pension. The Minister explained that she intends to deal with the matter during a meeting on Wednesday. However, she said she did not give the current Assisstant Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran any permission to leave next month. Jacoba said Doran also did not get that permission from the former Minister of Justice David Dick. She did not rule out whether or not Doran would leave as planned but said that is one of the points that will be discussed on Wednesday.

The Minister said she also met with the police unions, namely the N.A.P.B (THE POLICE UNION), THE A.B.V.O. AND W.I.C.S.U to evaluate the Win Win Agreement as well as to deal with some matters pertaining to personnel. The meeting on Monday is mostly a review of the police force and to see in which direction the KPSSS is going.

She said the unions were suppose to send her a list on those brigadier who are due for upgrade but when they did not, she did her own research on the matter. Jacoba said she is currently looking for a solution for the brigadiers on St. Maarten, most likely she would use the same procedure that was used in Curacao and Bonair to deal with the issues on St. Maarten. The Minister is looking at the legality on what is consistent with the other islands compared to St. Maarten.

For applications those that were lying around in the Ministry she already worked on the Landsbesluit.

 

Inquiry to see if Investigation is Needed in Philips Allegations

 

Pressed by members of the media concerning the allegations made by detective Phillps against the management of the police force. Minister Jacoba said an inquiry is currently underway to see if an independent investigation is warranted.

Jacoba said Phillips made certain allegations and he is asked to provide the necessary proof into the allegations made. Asked how can the management team of the police force investigate itself when the allegations that were made was against them. Jacoba said all of that would be determined in the inquiry. She said if Philips has proof of his allegations then the Ministry of Justice would deal with the issue. Jacoba said the person who made the allegations would have to provide that proof, however, she did not say to whom the proof must be provided. Asked if she intends to investigate the procedures used to appoint the current head of CID as requested by Philips lawyer, Jacoba said she did not see the letter that the lawyer sent to the management team.

She said those conducting the inquiry would also consider the request of Philips who requested that an investigation be conducted to clear his name.

Detective Phillips some weeks ago released an open letter to all media houses highlighting some alleged wrong doings by the management team of the police force. The officer and former assistant head of CID said he was accused by Assistant Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran of destroying documents while he was heading the CID some seven years ago. He also stated in his letter that members of the management team was enriching themselves, he asked that an investigation be conducted on the finances of the police force KPSSS. Philips explained the torture he went through when he solved a murder case that involved the son of a former colleague. He said because he solved that case he was practically demoted and subsequently removed as head of the CID. Just recently Phillips applied for that position which was vacant. He said it was then Doran fabricated a story to say he destroyed documents some seven years ago to prevent him from getting that position.

SMN News understood that Doran wanted to remove Geronimo Julliet as head of immigration at the Princess Juliana International Airport and he had intended to appoint Phillips to that position. This media house understands that Doran had even asked Philps to prepare to go to Holland where he would follow training course prior to taking up the position at PJIAE. SMN News further learnt that Doran’s intention backfired on him when Juillet refused to vacate his position at the PJIAE. It was also learnt that Julliet brought forward some serious issues pertaing to immigration and PJIAE, one such issue is the lack of an intransit hall at the Airport. The Assistant Chief Commissioner had intentions to have Julliet head the police commmunications department since its current head Johan Janchi Leonard is leaving on early retirement.

 

 

Philipsburg:---After one month and six district contact meetings, the National Alliance, as a government is in step with realizing the wishes of the Saint Martin. The National Alliance’s manifesto clearly states its principle of inclusion and accountability to the people of Saint Martin. National Alliance, through its leader, William Marlin is steadfast in its dedicated efforts to achieve, without further delay, the formal framework of country Saint Martin.

This vision of becoming Country Saint Martin was conceived and maintained by the SPM/SPA and now being realized by the National Alliance party. The National Alliance leader, who was at the cradle of that vision, has persevered even in the teeth of the DP obstructionist desperate efforts to derail the constitutional train with distortions, double talk and false claims. William Marlin, as leader of the delegation to Curacao, has again set another milestone by negotiating a date for the establishment of the constitutional framework for Country Saint Martin - Saint Martin will become country within the realm of the Netherlands on October 10, 2010. The central government, at the request of constitutional commissioner William Marlin, earlier agreed to support a fortification trajectory to enable the transfer of central government tasks at the latest per January 1, 2010 to Saint Martin. This transfer of central government tasks to the islands of Curacao and Saint Martin will begin in October 2009.

It is was truly amazing to see that a week previous to the 10-10-10 announcement for Country Saint Martin, primarily the youth of the Cay Bay district were impressively vocal and committed to reclaiming their district, based on the values and morals of their heritage. A very well representative group in the Cay Bay district expressed concerns about the rumors they heard of the commercial/industrial development to take place in their district; and the disregard for the air and noise pollution in this district. They felt that Cay Bay was treated like a bastard child by the previous administration; and statements, such as "we are sick and tired of the neglect", "we are frustrated by all these years,” were made and their expectations ran high for redress by the National Alliance.

Commissioner Frans Richardson spoke frankly to the young people in Cay Bay and explained that the National Alliance looks forward to sitting with their youth district committee whose proposals will be taken into serious consideration in the development plans for the Cay Bay/Cole Bay district. It is the people, who live in their district who ought to determine how their district should be developed and together, we must move forward, the Commissioner said. He, also, touched on the high costs of basic food items and utilities, noting that: “The National Alliance government is committed to reducing the economic burdens of Saint Martiners, particularly the elderly and poor. We are busy putting together a team to explore effective possibilities to bring relief to our people.”

In the St. Peters contact meeting, Senator George Pantophlet addressed the issues brought forward again by the youth. Senator Pantophlet stated that, “The National Alliance government recognizes that youth is our most valuable resource and will ensure that our youth play their rightful role in our national development as country. Specific programs were highlighted geared towards the development of our youth to harness their full potential; creating facilities for problematic youth and reducing the incidence of crime, violence and delinquency; and to equip the youth with the necessary skills, training and resources to fully exploit employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Coming in the wake of the 10-10-10- announcement,, there was a rousing applause and dialogue in St. Peters when Commissioner, William Marlin took the floor and shared with us the roll of the National Alliance has played in the Constitutional process. The leader, being his usual self, honestly and quite frankly, encouraged the district members to be proud of St. Martin and make their contribution. We all have to roll up our sleeves and work. It is not up to the elected officials alone to realize all that still has to be done. He noted how some were calling their people out on last Friday night to hear, ‘Who really brought us country status?’ and ‘Why Theo left?’, “but the National Alliance must set the record straight.”

Whereas, the National Alliance government has within the short span of four months, realized crucial agreements and legislation, (a fortification trajectory to enable the transfer of central government tasks at the latest per January 1, 2010 to Saint Martin. It is of paramount importance that everyone who truly has this island’s well-being at heart, move forward together. It means every person, the voter, and the non-voter. The momentum of these district meetings is intensifying as people are becoming more critical of the falsehood being spouted by the DP, not for the love of Saint Martin, but to undermine and obstruct serious and committed efforts for our people.

The congress committee is now inviting all district leaders to a very important meeting on Wednesday October 14, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. with our leader, Commissioner William Marlin. We also ask all District Councils to start submitting names to the Congress Committee for nomination into the party organization ahead of our upcoming Congress, November 15, 2009 at the Dutch Quarter Community Center. All voting will take place at the Congress in accordance with National Alliance Constitution.

 

 

Frans Richardson, St. Maarten's commissioner in charge of tourism, economic affairs, aviation and sports has concluded meetings held at WestJet offices in Calgary, Canada. The discussions, held with leading executives of the airline company, were in preparation for WestJet's regularly scheduled airlift to St. Maarten, as of November 1.

Three non-stop flights will depart weekly from Canada to St. Maarten. WestJet is to open 24 destinations from St. Maarten, as a result of the new airlift service.

 

 

The office at the Civil Registry Department is looking for persons who are interested in volunteering as a member of the polling stations for the January 22, 2010 Netherlands Antilles parliamentary elections. You are therefore requested to submit your request in writing to the aforementioned department to the attention of Amaris Slac on Pond Island. For further information, you can call the Civil Registry Department at 542-2457 ext.483.

GREAT BAY--– The Preventive Health Departments (PHD) says that mental disorders are common. Worldwide, studies according to the World Health Organization (WHO), have shown that between 12 to 48 per cent of people will suffer from mental disorders at some point during their life.

Mental disorders are treatable and people with these disorders will rarely need specialist treatment as most of them can be treated in primary care.

Treatment does not always mean medication. Many mental disorders can be treated using psychosocial methods.

Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

As part of the Calendar of Health Observances, the PHD observes World Mental Health Day on October 10 along with other countries around the world. Health is an important human right. The international emphasis is for all nations to work to resolve this year a reduction in the public health burden and the individual suffering of people with mental health problems.

Locally, the Island Government subsidizes the Mental Health Foundation, which is a key player in providing guidance and services to those who need it.

The foundation plays an important role when it comes to the transfer of persons to mental health institutions in Curacao. The foundation provides counseling and other services to those on the island as well.

Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders are common in all regions of the world.

People with these disorders are often subjected to social isolation, poor quality of life and higher death rates.

Here are 10 suggestions on how to look after your mental health: keeping active; talking about your feelings; eating well; drinking sensibly; keeping in touch; asking for help; taking a break; doing something you’re good at; accepting who you are; and care for others.

 

 

Philipsburg:--Member of the Island Council Maria Buncamper-Molanus, after much persistence and exchange of words on the floor of the Island Council between herself and the Commissioner responsible for Labour affairs, finally received answers to several questions posed on August 20. During the last meeting of the Island Council, October 2, the Council lady expected to receive these answers as they were relevant to the topic being discussed and because she had repeatedly reminded the Executive Council that the answers were still pending. After intervention by the chairman of the Island Council, Mr. Franklyn Richards, the answers were provided.

On August 20 of this year, she said she posed, several questions to the Executive Council to which answer were provided on Friday October 2 2009. These answers revealed the following:

Council lady Maria Buncamper said that for the first 7 months of this year, January to July 201 requests were submitted for dismissals. Of those requests, 140 were because of economic reasons while 61 were for personal reasons. However, of the 201 request for dismissal, 48 were withdrawn by the employer and 51 were not valid based on incomplete information being provided. The bottom line is that 102 valid job dismissals either have been processed or are being processed. This says nothing about the current situation as we are now already in October.

335 persons are registered as unemployed at the labour department up until July 2009, while last year for that same period 256 persons had registered for work. So up until July of this year one can conclude that unemployment has increased, although these are not official unemployment figures. Buncamper-Molanus stated that officially unemployment figures, which also include persons not legally registered on the island, are provided by the Central Bureau of Statistics and are usually available a year later. Nevertheless, the 31% increase in persons registering for work clearly indicates a trend that unemployment is on the rise.

What is peculiar and worthy further investigation is the drop in the amount of persons on the social welfare list to 744 for the period January to July 2009 compared to 812 during the same period last year. This equals an 8.3% decrease.

The amount paid out for social welfare up to and including August 2009 is Fls. 2.613.157,--.

The former Commissioner of Economic Affairs explained, that in order to compare last year’s actual expenditures for social welfare a comparison is made of the period January to July; in 2008 the Government spent Fls 2.502.022, -- on social welfare , while this year for the same period the Government has spent Fls 2.314.597,--.

So while more persons are looking for work, fewer people are registering for financial assistance from Government and the amount for financial assistance being paid to unemployed persons has decreased. It is rather strange, says Council lady Maria Buncamper; perhaps government’s financial situations, in particular it’s liquidity position that the Executive Council has been mute about, is influencing this development. It is important for the Executive Council to be forthcoming with this information, albeit to avoid any speculations, or moreover to ensure that people who in fact need assistance are encouraged to apply for such. After all Government’s 2009 budget has an amount of Fls 4.7 million reserved for social welfare assistance and this amount does not include the Fls 3 million also reserved for supplementary pension.

“Finally we were informed that of the 1773 request received for work permits this year up until July 2009, the top 5 most frequently requested positions to be filled by foreign employees are: Managers, Maids, Security officers, Teachers and Cleaners”: concludes the DP Council lady Maria Buncamper.

It is the hope that the Executive Council will now not just put the information provided to the Island Council as a result of the questions posed, beside them, but use the information as they deal with the current labour situation on St. Maarten.

 

 

The Positive Foundation’s Shelly Alphonso (left) presented the St. Maarten National Cricket Team Captain Lionel Ritchie (center) and Coach Parsram Singh (right) with pink wrist bands. The wrist bands are just one of the ways the Positive Foundation has been bringing the message of early detection to the community.

The momentum of the district meetings of the National Alliance is intensifying; the Haitian community filled and spilled over into the yard of the Salvation Army Auditorium in Cole Bay. The information given and actions being taken by the National Alliance, apparently a forerunner in the Haitian community, where often fear and confusion with regards to their status as citizens reigned, were dramatically evident in their questions and concerns.

More than 90 brothers and sisters of the Haitian community came together Friday evening at Cole Bay to welcome the National Alliance elected officials and Congress committee members and participated in the “from the Districts to the National Alliance Congress” action.

It is out there, big and broad, in the districts and various communities, answering the question what a National Alliance government is all about. Within the short span of four months, dramatic changes and the implementation of essential services have already taken place. Establishing the date for becoming Country Saint Martin was the proper perspective from which to project and realize the necessary infrastructure on our island territory.

Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman shared with the community that a system of direct taxes was something being considered for Country Saint Marten, after serious comparative study of the system in other territories. He went on to further explain the National Alliance government as can be read in its plan of action: “Our intention is to grant full exemption from income tax on all incomes up to NAf.2000 per month” as part of the new tax system of the direct taxes. Labor/Culture Commissioner, Hyacinth Richardson discussed some aspects of the National Alliance adapted labor policy with the enthusiastic audience.

Then, Senator George Pantophlet, obviously very well known in the Haitian community for his seriousness, concern and fairness, regarding immigration policy, was heartily received. Touching on the importance of implementing compulsory education in our public school, the senator, remarked that it had the added beneficial effect of minimizing juvenile delinquency and crime in our communities. Mr. Pantophlet further referred to the National Alliance plan of action, that reads: “A National Alliance Government will introduce a Department of Facilitation charged with the responsibility for ensuring that citizens born in other lands and documented new residents enjoy a hassle-free integration into mainstream Sint Maarten.”

A very important aspect of the contact meeting of the Haitian community was the availability of English/Creole interpreters, who simultaneously related the information in Creole to the audience – credit was given to Mr. Henry Javier and Mr. Jean Baptiste for their facility. When National Alliance Congress committee president, Terry Peterson stood to address the community, the audience already enthused by the information and answers they received, were fired up and ready to go, as he spoke…in Creole and English. In a lively conversation with the community, Mr. Peterson pointed to the National Alliance emblem that shows a coming together of all of the interests of St. Maarten. We envision a new inclusive beginning that offers hope, opportunity and a better quality of life for all St. Maarteners. He then invited the commissioner of labor to present the Revised Labour Policy as approved and ratified by the governor general to the representative of the Haitian community, Mr. Henry Janvier. Janvier expressed his deep appreciation and promised to make sure that the community members will get a copy.

State Secretary of Public Health, Patrick Illidge, informed the Haitian community in the hall about his efforts to help establish a Health Insurance program for all the people of Saint Martin. He made a rousing plea to them to do not see themselves as out of the Saint Martin loop. We are a Party of inclusion and you, who have been living here for so long are part of us, the state secretary impressed upon the audience.

Advisor to the Congress committee, Edgar Lynch, explained how the Haitian community could participate fully in the Party’s affairs at the Congress. The participation of all interests of the communities in our island-territory is based on our pledge to consult with the people on major decisions and to do the right things on behalf of, and in partnership with all of the people in ‘One Sint Maarten’ – country Saint Martin.

The enthusiasm of the Haitian community of this contact meeting at Cole Bay was obvious, even afterwards during refreshments and socializing. It was clear, that they felt a new energy and disposition than was usual for years.

The National Alliance believes that we, who are entrusted with the responsibility to represent the people's interests, should set aside partisan political concerns and seek common ground through which the people's purpose would be best served and their dreams realized. We must put aside our differences and “together, go forward” to realize the necessary infra-structure for country Saint Martin.

It’s A New Day! How’s it that some of us just don’t get it?!

RECTIFICATION

In the press release story of the NA Contact meeting with the Haitian Community it was inadvertently mentioned that Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman stated that "a system of direct taxes was being considered for Country St. Maarten after serious comparative study of the system in other territories". On the contrary, what he said was that the government intends to make a shift from Direct taxes towards INDIRECT taxes as stated previously in other media releases.

He was also misquoted as saying that that “our intention is to grant full exemption from income tax on all incomes up to NAf 2,000 per month as part of the new tax system of their direct taxes”. But what the Commissioner actually said was that in the indirect tax system of Anguilla, there is no income tax, meaning that you take home more income, and that in systems of indirect taxation, measures are put in place to protect those with no or low incomes against the relatively higher costs of living (i.e. higher prices of goods) associated with such a system.

The Congress Committee sincerely apologizes to Commissioner Xavier Blackman and the general public for the unintentional and unfortunate inaccuracies in that publication.

Sincerely,

Congress Committee

 

 

 

Marigot/Agrement:--- Several gendarmes and police territorial using a helicopter performed a major control in the Agrement area on Wednesday night. Gendarmes were seen questioning youngsters who were loitering on street corners.

SMN News understands a team of gendarmes was located in the vicinity where Jean Dany Richardson was shot to death some two weeks ago.

Commandant Stephanne Arrousseau in an invited comment said the operation was mainly to control the status of people living on the island as well as vehicular control. Arrousseau said the control was ordered by the local prosecutor and made clear the operation on Wednesday night was not related to the killing of Jean Dany Richardson.

 

 

GREAT BAY (GIS) — On Wednesday October 14, 2009, the PCCA, Permanent Committee on Constitutional Affairs continued its meeting on “Resignation Chairperson PCCA.” Following a vote by members of the PCCA, Leader of Government William Marlin was elected as the new Chairperson of the PCCA.

St Maarten, - Winair through its Managing Director, Edwin Hodge has announced that effective October 16 a new handling agent has been appointed for its operations in Antigua and Barbuda. Hodge made this disclosure earlier today here he pointed out that on 15th September notice was given to Port Services Limited that their contract would not be renewed and as such their relationship with Winair would come to an end on October 16th, 2009.

As such, Hodge said that he is alarmed, surprised, and disappointed with the allegations that the company’s (Port Service Limited) owner and CEO, Makeida Miekal has been disseminating to the public. “We had informed Miekal a month ago that after her contract would have ended that we were not going to renew it and therefore I see her actions as being unprofessional and a clear case of deliberately misleading the public,” Hodge said.

The Winair MD has admitted that while Miekal has sought to air her grievances and differences in the public he will not take simple actions noting that he still considers the issue a private one. He however admitted that a decision was taken to renew the contract, which was first inked in June 2005 because of a number of unprofessional situations and incidences. He said that he will not divulge the reasons for his company’s decision but stressed that it was a well-informed and supported decision.

He disclosed that Caribbean Airport Services Limited have now secured the new contract in handling the company’s business in Antigua and Barbuda noting that the company will be temporally occupying one of Liat’s counters. “we would be temporally occupying one of Liat’s counters but the public should note that this counter issue will be resolve very quickly as we seek to enhance and strengthen the level of service that we offer here in Antigua and Barbuda,” Hodge declared.

He declared that while the company would be temporally using Liat’s counter they should note that Winair’s sign would be fully visible adding that details regarding contact numbers among other things will be disseminated in a timely and professional manner. “Please note that there is no need to be alarmed as we will ensure that an increased level and standard of service is offered here to you our customers in Antigua and Barbuda,” the MD promised.

He has also sought to dismiss what he termed as a campaign of mischief being orchestrated by Miekal in an attempt to bring the company in disrepute over her failure to continue the contract she once enjoyed.

 

 

Philipsburg: ---Information from a very reliable source indicated to us, that there are a number of prominent Antilleans on the island, who are mulling the idea of setting up a new political party to contest the Federal elections for the last parliament of the Netherlands Antilles in 2009.

The source, who prefers for now to remain anonymous, told us that candidates are being sought for this new party.

Also, according to the source, if the party is actually set up and participates in the elections, it will mean that the voters will have a real choice, because both the DP and the NA are the same, in the sense that both parties have betrayed the Antillean people on each island of the Antilles in their effort to appease the large numbers of immigrants at the expense of the native St. Martiners and other Antilleans.

Therefore, this 'Antillean first party', becomes a reality it will have and focus on a very simple and consistent platform.

According to our source it will be that regardless of any constitutional status for St. Maarten, the new constitution should be based on Antilleans coming first on all islands of the Antilles.

That position is extremely interesting and unique, because it does not favor nor oppose any particular constitutional status, but simply states that Antilleans should come first on all islands of the Antilles.

It is therefore possible that this new party contains candidates whose choice ranges from 'Country status' to Independence, to a Restructured Antilles, to a BES-island, but whose main and single key issue for the election will be, regardless any status..... 'Antilleans must come first '.

Our source, also shared with us that this concept might also be of interest to the voters on all the islands of the Antilles.

It means that even in the event the Antilles would be dissolved as a constitutional entity, the Antillean identity will be preserved on all the islands, including the rights for Antilleans to be first as is now the case on all the islands.

When asked who were the main motors behind setting up this possible new 'Antillean first party' and are looking for serious candidates, names of Mr. Leopold JAMES and Elrige Van Putten was mentioned. Persons interested in joining the new party can call Mr. Vanputten for further information. SMN News contacted James for a comment and he declined to comment, when pressed he did not deny either.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Lawyers representing the Chamber of Commerce has served GEBE Utility Company with a letter on Thursday. The company is asked to respond within seven days or face court procedures. President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty had said he is seeking information from all Stakeholders of GEBE regarding the constant power outages. Carty had said in a previous interview that businesses are suffering and that those that does not have generators are the ones that are being with the constant power outages. The Chamber president confirmed that the company was served with a notice from the Chamber’s legal representatives.

The Chamber wants GEBE to say exactly how they intend to compensate its consumers.

 

 

Philipsburg:-- The Head of the New Immigration and Naturalization Department, Chief Inspector Robert Barby is hereby informing the general public, that the new office which is located at the A.Th. Illidge road (next to NAPA) will finally be opened to the public as of Monday October 26th 2009. The office hours are from Monday to Friday from 08.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m and from 02.00 p.m. to 04.00 pm. Tel 54-30352/54-30353/54-30354/54-30355/54-30365 Fax 54-30386.

Philipsburg:---Last Weekend members of the Rotary Clubs on St. Maarten French and Dutch side including a participant from a new BVI Club participated in a Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training. RLI is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions in various parts of the world.

The Sunshine Division led by incoming district governor Diana White volunteered their entire weekend to training no less than 20 Rotarians in various aspects. RLI seeks to have Rotary Clubs in its member districts identify those Rotarians who appear to have the potential for future club leadership (not necessarily as club presidents) and provide those so identified with a quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills so important in voluntary organizations.

Spearheaded by president Pierre Decelles of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten participating members got an opportunity in a very interactive manner to improve their leadership skills and learn more about the Rotary Foundation, which offers numerous possibilities of funding Rotary projects. Other important issues that formed part of the training where, membership retention, Rotary beyond the club, creating service projects, goal setting, vocational service, membership development, and club analysis.

Part 1 and 2 of the RLI program were held on October 24 and 25th at the Sonesta Great Bay Hotel, while commitments were made by the Rotary Club of St. Maarten to host and the facilitators to return for the 3rd and final part to be held on St. Maarten as well. Rotary Club Nord, Sunrise Rotary club, Mid Island and The Rotary Club of St. Maarten all participated and had the honor of the participation of three club presidents, several past presidents, incoming officers and the Assistant District Governor Louis Weever.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- The investigation that was taking place with investigators from the Police Internal Affairs Department from Curacao has been completed and the officers are scheduled to leave St. Maarten today (Wednesday). SMN News has been reliably informed that the investigation took some turns as it relates to the alleged missing documents from the CID department.

Reliably information reaching SMN News indicates that the investigators are allegedly questioning the circumstances of the disappearance of the CID logbook for the year 2000. It is not clear when the KPSSS realized this log was missing and if action was taken prior to now.

The investigators it is understood questioned a number of persons pertaining to the allegations made against Detective Carlton Philips. Philips in an open letter to the media stated that he was accused of destroying documents while he headed the CID department. Philips in his letter had stated that he requested an investigation be conducted. It is still not clear if the investigation that is currently underway would deal with the allegations made by Philips or if another investigation would have to take place.

The officer had said that members of the management team of the police force were involved in a self-enrichment scheme. So far, no details on the investigation have been released by the Police Department. SMN News understands that the reports from the investigators have been submitted to the prosecutor’s office who would decide how the case would be handled.

Efforts made to contact the lawyer representing officer Philips for a comment proved futile.

 

 

 

GREAT BAY– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) has drafted a plan for capacity and team building, and it’s most recent session, a weekend retreat that took place at the Royal Palm Hotel, was a success.

The retreat was organized allowing 10 staff members from the PHD to interact in an environment outside of the work place setting and at the same time to hone in on their knowledge and skills in their respective function and responsibility.

The objective of the retreat was to strengthen bonds and recognize the importance of each other’s role in PHD and its overall contribution to the goals of Sector Public Health, Social Welfare, and Labour (VSA).

Other invaluable points that were addressed were, how to improve work relationships; management of stress levels; communication skills; release grievances and or exchange words of appreciation and encouragement; reflect and accept what fellow colleagues express; and to resolve differences and misunderstandings that exists or may have occurred.

Capacity and Team Building was included in the 2009-year plan of VSA.

Team-building programs provide realistic experiences that empower individuals to contribute to common goals. The success of most organizations depends on the ability of individuals to build effective teams.

The main goals of team-building are to improve productivity and motivation. Taking employees out of the office helps groups break down political and personal barriers, eliminate distractions, and have fun. The benefits of team-building programs are so significant that many corporations have incorporated teambuilding strategies into their standard training curriculum.

Capacity building is about developing the skills, knowledge, and the capacity of a workplace to respond to employee challenges and conflicts. In capacity, building each person takes a more integrated partnering role, bringing together his or her combined commitment and strengths in order to create a better work environment.

This can involve organizing a workplace social function, or as fundamental as helping a co-worker, dealing with a workplace conflict, to find the help they need. It is about each person doing their part to make a positive impact in the workplace.

 

 

GREAT BAY– The Island Government of St. Maarten is in the process of developing a Care Standard system for the community.

Dr. Javier Asin from Advanced Care Solutions and Insights for Optimization (ACSION), has been contracted by the government to carry out the necessary groundwork with respect to developing a care standard system for the island.

In 2009 the Preventive Health Department continues with the initiative to develop a Diabetes Mellitus Management framework. After consultation the scope was later broadened to cover other cardiovascular diseases and include it into a Cardiovascular Risk Management (CRVM) system.

Cardiovascular diseases rate high in the cause of death in St. Maarten and the number of people with cardiovascular risks is increasing.

The CVRM enables inclusion of patients who need the same treatment and care even though they are not yet diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The CVRM Care Standard is the basis and starting point for the programmatic approach in providing treatment to the patient.

It defines the norms of optimal care in a partnership between physician and patient where two treatment portfolios are decided upon and given. The Care Standard describes the necessary steps in the care continuum on the basis of evidence based medicine, insights from the practice and patients.

The process of establishing the standards consist of various local health care providers in the medical field coming together to discuss the medical and psychological conditions of the patients, identify the risks and the respective treatment describing how optimal care is organized and implemented, how to involve patients in the care process and how policies and reimbursement can facilitate and encourage optimal care.

The St. Maarten Health Survey in 1999 revealed unhealthy lifestyles such as only 24 per cent of the people exercises regularly; a minority, 37 per cent consumes vegetables and 34 per cent fruits every day. This has lead to obesity of not less than 74 per cent of the population.

Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for considerable loss of quality of life. The people who die from cardiovascular diseases are in most cases the principal cost winner of the family. The loss of their love ones has a huge impact on the income of the family and the development of the children and their chances to escape poverty.

Cardiovascular diseases place a major burden on the healthcare budget of a nation. When measures are not taken, health care costs can spiral out of control for a small community such as St. Maarten. Appropriate treatment and monitoring to prevent complications, will reduce the pressures on healthcare and in particular the unnecessary burden of disease.

 

 

GREAT BAY:--- – Fire Commander Winston Salomon is calling on the community to cease from lighting fires in their yards as the smoke is a nuisance to neighbors and also poses a risks to property with respect to possibly leading to a bush fire in the area that could get out of control.

The fire department has received a number of complaints from residents about persons burning leaves, garbage etc in their yards.

In order to reduce the chance of a bush fire near a neighborhood, restrictions are applied to where fires can be lit, and this is done in order to protect lives and property.

Persons who would like to burn bush or rubbish in a built up area or on a hillside for agricultural activities, should first contact the fire department for advice. The inappropriate use of fire can endanger the environment.

“Fires can get out of control. Every homeowner has a responsibility to make sure that they don’t cause any situations that could result in their neighbor suffering damage to his or her property due to a yard fire that gets out of control,” Fire Commander Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday.

Those seeking information can contact the Fire Department at 542-1215, 542-1217, 543-1316, 543-1318 or emergency number 919 which is only to be used for emergencies.

 

 

Great Bay:---HIV/AIDS Programme Manager, Suzette Moses-Burton along with representatives from the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation will be travelling to the Dominican Republic to attend a “Consensus meeting on Access of Most-AT-Risk and Vulnerable Populations to HIV Prevention, Treatment and Health Care Services in the Caribbean” October 7-9, 2009.

Suzette mentioned that this meeting is critical because one of the priorities for action under year two of the EU project is Most-at-Risk Populations and before planning interventions we need to have a clear understanding of the situation that exists with this population, and more importantly include them in the discussions about developing interventions that will best suit their needs.

 

Some of the objectives of this three day meeting are as follows: review what is known about the accessibility, utilization, quality and outcomes of HIV health services for men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender, sex workers, prison inmates, and drug users in the Caribbean; to establish a community of providers of services for MSM, Transgender, sex workers, prison inmates and drug users in the Caribbean as a platform for ongoing information-sharing and capacity building; to design a set of pilot interventions for MSM and sex workers in the Dutch and British overseas territories within the context of the EC/OCT Project.

This consensus meeting is an activity that stems out of the HIV/AIDS European Union Project. Once this meeting is concluded certain results are expected for the region. Such as: Regional consensus on priority actions to reduce barriers and enhance the quality, accessibility, utilization and outcomes of HIV prevention, treatment and care services for MSM, transgender, sex workers, prison inmates and drug users in the Caribbean; A Caribbean Plan of Action to enhance HIV services for MSM, Transgender, sex workers, prison inmates and drug users in the Caribbean; Interventions designed for implementation in the Dutch and British OCTs starting in 2010.

The three days will consist of various panel discussions covering a wide variety of topics. At the end of day three workshop attendees will be split in four groups, namely representing drug users, prison inmates, men who have sex with men/transgender, sex workers. These groups will be the ones that will together with the facilitators develop a plan. Together they will: review key documentation pertaining to the respective group; identify key information gaps; indentify key actions and strategies, and lastly identify key barriers and underlying/contributing factors to provide HIV health services for vulnerable populations in the Caribbean.

 

 

Marigot:-- A 4.4 earthquake occurred on Monday at 12.28pm. A report from the Observatoire Volcanologique et Sismologique de Guadeloupe − IPGP states that the magnitude of the earthquake was 4.4, at 18.6 North and 62.78 West. The earthquake had a debt of 15 kilometers. The measurements are according to the Richter scale. It was identified as a tectonic origin with the epic center located 19 kilometers North Northeast of St. Barths.

Pointe Blanche: --- Workers of the Ambulance Department were with all smiles on Wednesday when they drove away with a brand new ambulance for the department. Head of the Ambulance Department Clyred Richardson said receiving another ambulance in such a short time is history for St. Maarten since only some weeks ago they received the first of the two vehicles that was ordered at Wheelco Deliveries in Miami and cost the island government a whopping $70,000. The vehicle he said is fully equipped with the necessary emergency equipments.

Richardson said the commissioner of public health Hyacinth Richardson was very instrumental in making sure the vehicles arrived here in working order. He said the purchase of both ambulances was part of the island government budget. With the arrival of the new ambulance the department now has four ambulances.

Hopefully the new vehicle should be ready for use within the next two weeks Richardson said. Having the new vehicle Richardson said the department would be able to make proper maintenance plans for all their vehicles as well as to provide a much better service to the community of St. Maarten.

Also addressing the reporters is commissioner of public health Hyacinth Richardson said the island government plans to add on their 2010 budget the purchase of another two ambulances as well as some medical equipments, which includes to mass casualty incident trailers (MCI) trailers for mass casualty. Richardson said these equipments are vital for any ambulance department. The department head said they already sent the advice to the executive council and is hoping that the purchase can take place before the end of this year. Richardson said these trailers are complete with all necessary medical equipments and has a purchase price of about $15,000.

In the meantime, commissioner of Health Care Affairs Hyacinth Richardson confirmed that Sherriff Security is planning to bring in at least two ambulances. Richardson said he was officially informed by the company of their intentions during a meeting on Wednesday of their intentions to bring in ambulances, which would service mainly the tourists. The commissioner said he heard of Sheriffs plans some three years ago but only on Wednesday, he was officially informed. He said the company has to send their plans to the executive council for approval. Commissioner Richardson said the company is looking into having two ambulances one of which is already on island.

The department head said it is of uttermost importance that the ambulance department is a government agency and they should be able to have the necessary equipments including ambulances to guarantee proper services to the community. Richardson said when it comes to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a government responsibility and government has lived up to its responsibility thus far. He said government is now trying to bring the department up to par by making sure they purchase the necessary equipments. Richardson said in the past the department was faced with a number of issues because the ambulances they had were breaking down. He said in the event of any disaster the more ambulances that are available will be the better for the community. He said the same way the department works with other organizations such as the Red Cross they would work with Sherriff if they have ambulances since the department would need extra personnel and equipments.

 

 

Marigot:--- The head of communications for the Collectivity of St. Martin it is understood is not performing her duties. SMN News learnt that members of the president’s cabinet are having constant problems with the employee who was recruited from Guadeloupe. It is also understood that several department heads had huge arguments with Collette Erivan whom they said is always getting in their way.

Several employees of the COM said the woman who once worked at the Chamber of Commerce in Pointe Pitre Guadeloupe would find herself doing everything else except the job she was hired and is paid over Euros 4000 to do.

The historic research committee in France (Comite de Liaison et d’Application des Sources Historiques) once contacted Erivan for information regarding May 28 and she took weeks before responding with incorrect information. Besides that, Erivan withheld information regarding a visit from the Dutch side to the French side.

Sources say members of the president cabinet are at war with Erivan because she presents herself in all meetings and most of the time gets in the way of progress. SMN News also learnt that Erivan had an argument with someone in the communication department and the person went to senator Fleming’s office to lodge a complaint.

Former president of the COM and now Senator Louis Constant Fleming including the current president Frantz Gumbs said on several occasions that they neglected to communicate with the people of St. Martin since they were elected. Both men promised to enhance communication over a year ago.

The COM spent thousands of Euros to prepare a new office over Forum Caraibe for communications, which is of no use to the Collectivity.

They have since hired three new employees in the department of communication, yet communication from the Collectivity is a nightmare. When the UPP took office some two years ago, they eliminated the “Our News”. The political appointees from UPP went as far as taking away the fax machine and other equipments from the department. SMN News learnt that the two hosts of “Our News” had a struggle with the vice president of communication Louis Jeffry who finally agreed to allow the news program back on the air about a month ago. SMN News learnt that even though Erivan is head of communications she has nothing to do with the half hour television program that is produced by staff of the communication department.

During the Victor Schoelcher fete this year, Erivan fought with Grand Case residents over food, she even went as far as telling the locals that she was the one that organized the day’s activity. Sources say Louis Jeffry had given the employee he recruited a warning letter for her actions.

 

 

SABA—GEBE joined up with the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF)on September 26, and organized Saba’s participation in the International Coastal Clean-up, which was termed as a big success.

The SCF endorsed GEBE’s successful Supermarket Challenge and has been working alongside with GEBE to also increase the awareness of the dangers of plastic in the environment.

The SCF has been very active in the education system on Saba for many years. The non-governmental organization’s environmental education program which entails teaching a variety of topics including this year’s environmental calendar takes place at the Sacred Heart and Saba Comprehensive Schools.

After GEBE’s successful Supermarket Challenge on Saba, aimed at eliminating plastic shopping bags from the streets, the SCF in conjunction with Child Focus, challenged Sacred Heart School students from Grade 3-6, to use up all the plastic shopping bags under their mothers kitchen counters in the most creative ways possible.

On October 2, a GEBE team consisting of Mark Zagers, Shaun Johnson and Kevin Johnson had the very difficult task to judge the students efforts of the Sacred Heart School. Each student received A Guide to Saba’s Trails book and each class received a video with Saba’s pristine reefs.

The prize for the best overall class was awarded to Grade 6b, which received a complete collection of Blue Planet DVD series. The second prize was won by Grade 5, a complete collection of the Planet Earth DVD series, and third prize was awarded to Grade 3b. This class received the National Geographic’s Natures Most Amazing Events DVD collection.

The prizes were donated by SCF and Child Focus. After the selection, the GEBE judging team treated the students to pizza and refreshments to show their appreciation for a job well done.

Plastic shopping bags usually end up caught in trees littering the environment and can kill marine life because they are mistaken for food. Instead, GEBE has been promoting the use of reusable shopping bags, which can be used over and over again as part of the company’s environmental program aimed at Saving Some Green.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Friday October 9th was Prison Guard day and for this occasion, the prison guards of the Point Blanche Prison celebrated. The Management of the prison organized a luncheon at the Great Bay/ Sonesta Hotel for their entire staff. The Minister of Justice Mrs. Magali Jakoba who was also present and took some time out of her busy schedule to attend this luncheon, she congratulated the guards and other staff members present.

Minister Jacoba also thanked them for the good work they have been doing on a daily basis and encouraged them to continue doing so. She reminded them that together there are many challenges that they will be confronted with, but together they will overcome all of these challenges. The Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Ademar Doran and senator Rudolph Samuel were also present. They too congratulated the prison guards on their day and expressed many words encouragement to them.

 

 

Marigot: -- Leader of the RRR party Alain Richardson has openly criticized senator Louis Constant Fleming for the amendments he made to the organic law without consulting with the territorial council. Richardson said it is clear that Constant Fleming believes that he is still the president of the COM while Frantz Gumbs is his puppet. Richardson said based on how the senator acted its clear he is still running the show behind the scenes.

He said Fleming is acting more like a dictator when he decided to make the changes regarding the portfolios and to reduce the power of the executive council. Richardson further explained that the senator in his proposal is looking to reduce the power of the vice presidents and to give more power to the president. This he said can be used as weapon against vice presidents who do not agree with the president. The president would also have the power to decide on who gets a building permit.

The opposition leader said doing so is opening the door to corruption since the president can be easily influenced when it comes to granting of building permits. He said in the proposed amendments Fleming wants the president would be the sole person to decide on these permits. He said investors could easily bribe their way in. Richardson said Fleming disrespected both the executive and territorial council and it is hope that the majority would understand what had taken place.

Last week SMN News reported that the Union Pour le Progres met where they discussed the amendments of the organic laws and the decisions the senator has taken regarding the amendments.

Senator Fleming is currently off island and could not be reached for a comment.

 

 

GREAT BAY (GIS)—On Monday, October 12, representatives of Johnson & Johnson visited Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson to have preliminary introductions and to discuss the information sessions to be given by Johnson & Johnson at various schools on the island. The representatives also paid a courtesy call to Commissioner of Education Mr. William Marlin.

The company representatives are presenting "Girl Talk" in elementary schools on St. Maarten.

The program, which is not new to St. Maarten, will take place from Tuesday through Friday of this week.

It is a program with the objective to educate and orient girls and adolescents about changes during puberty, hygiene and menstruation, sexuality, and other crucial phases of their lives.

 

This program is a way that Johnson & Johnson is giving back to the community, not only on St. Maarten but several islands in the Caribbean.

 

Present at the meeting were Stanley Baptist Sales Manager of Manrique Capriles, Helen Piper Registered Nurse with Youth Affairs, a section of the Preventive Health Department, and Elmora Aventurin Pantophlet of Youth Affairs, Socio-Cultural Development Department.

 

 

ANGUILLA/CARIBE LUMBER BALLPARK— Antigua sent a clear message to its competitors—the defending Nagico One Day Cricket Champions mean business. Antigua scuttled Anguilla by six wickets on Monday at the start of the tournament at the James Ronald Webster Park in Anguilla. Anguilla batted first setting 264 for 5; in reply, Antigua scored 265 for 4. Javin Williams was the high scoring batsman for Antigua with 92 runs; Orlando Peters with 69 runs and Wilden Cornwall with 40. For Anguilla, Jamar Hamilton scored 50 runs and Chesny Hughes had 47 runs. Terry Adams and Junior Johnson scored 40 and 42 runs not out respectively. The outstanding performer was Larry Joseph who two wickets for Antigua. Antigua will next do battle today with the British Virgin Islands at the same venue in Anguilla.

 

SXM CRUSH BVI.

John Eugene asserted himself as one of the best in Leeward Islands cricket after being the only player in the Nagico One Day Cricket Tournament so far to score a century plus a five wicket haul from Asa Edwards helped St Maarten to a 134 run win over the BVI in one of the first matches of the 2009 staging of the tournament yesterday at the Caribe Lumber Ball Park in St. Maarten. BVI started inflicting wounds early on St. Maarten taking the wicket of Sherwin Peters, LBW for duck and Romain Doodnauth for 14. Experienced batsman Royston Trocard was caught by Gavin Singh from the bowling of De Freitas on eight; Moreland Le Blanc was gone for four, with the score on 28.

It was left to Anil Persaud and John Eugene to repair the damages and with a spirited 88 run partnership, St. Maarten was on the road to recovery.

St. Maarten captain team Lionel Ritchie helped Eugene when he time came producing a beautiful 81 run partnership, the second highest partnership of the day. Eugene went on to strike a brilliant century before he was caught by Pipe for 116, with the score on 237.

Chasing 270 to win turned out to be an uphill task for the BVI and after 10 overs; they were on 55 for 3. Due to rain, the 50 over match was reduced to 42. The BVI were reeling on 91-6 and at the end of the 22nd over, they had reached 106 for 6. Eventually they reached 136 all out.

 

 

Great Bay, - Gynecologists Dr. Randall Friday and Dr. Tjon Kon-Fat were given a supply of female condoms, which they will distribute free to their clients. The female condoms, the new FC2 were handed over by HIV/AIDS Assistant Programme Manager Cornelius de Weever.

This activity is part of the implementation plan for St. Maarten under a “Comprehensive Condom Programming” project entered into with UNFPA until December 2010. The new FC2 condoms as well as male condoms will be distributed through various outlets, including the gynecologists’ offices and their access and availability will be monitored closely by the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team. Prior to the official start of the project, a workshop facilitated by UNFPA was held here last month to introduce the new FC2 female condom. The main objective of introducing women to the new FC2 female condom is to see its benefits, with the aim of empowering women and increasing their opportunities to make wiser decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- The five students that are scheduled to leave St. Maarten on Tuesday to participate in the Scotia Bank- York University program Emerging Leaders Program (EGLP) was advised by Commissioner of Education William Marlin to make good with the opportunities given to them. Marlin said already the schools has already identified the leadership qualities in them and it is for them to continue on a positive path in making themselves, their schools and most of all the youths of St. Maarten proud.

St. Maarten team has chosen to work on a project focusing on the destruction of the mangroves and its environmental impacts. The students would be making their presentation in St. Kitts next week they are Kristen Sorton, Kelly Velasquez, Girish Motwani, Sherwin Toulon, Yannick Remie, and would be accompanied by Olga Mussington of the Education Department.

Facilitating the trip was Scotia Bank St. Maarten in the person of Ellie Bendally. Also participating in the EGLP are students from Jamaica, BVI, Cayman Islands, Antigua, Montserrat, Anguilla, Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis.

On Wednesday Bendally presented the students with their tickets while commissioner Marlin pinned a St. Maarten Flag on each of the student who would be representing St. Maarten.

 

 

GREAT BAY (GIS) — On Wednesday October 14, 2009, Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards administered the Oath of office upon incoming Police Officer Daryl Addisson Chandler in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall. Officer Chandler took the oath , in the presence of Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran and high ranking Police Officers Antonio Rogers and Hildo Martina.

Marigot: --- Two financial experts visited St. Martin this past week to analyze the financial situation of the Collectivity of St. Martin confirmed senator Louis Constant Fleming. Fleming said the experts departed St. Martin on Friday he said the President of the Collectivity was advised not to take on any additional financial engagements besides the day-to-day expenditures of the COM.

Senator Fleming said that the financial jeopardy the COM is facing is not one the COM is responsible for. He said the COM is lacking some 12 million Euros due to the loss of the Octroi de Mer funds.

The senator said one of the persons that have St. Martin in this situation is the deputy of Guadeloupe Victorin Laurel. Fleming said when this issue arises and the elected officials brought it up with the State, Laurel he said had decided to pay the Octro de Mer funds for 2008 and refused to pay it for 2009.

The senator said he felt that Laurel should have left this matter up to the State and then it would have become a communal income, which was the case of the past. Fleming said when the island got its new status the evaluation commission had to take this into consideration. He said he was informed of this since 2008 when he was told that the Octroi de Mer is a Regional subvention. Fleming said he along with the President of the Collectivity Frans Gumbs have a letter which was signed by Yves Jego and Michelle Alliot Marie stating that the State would advance St. Martin the 12 million Euros that was lost due to the Octroi de Mer funds. He said when this matter was sent to Bercy they said they did not understand how to make an advancement. Due to this, he said both the president and senator made a request for an inspector of finance and administrator to visit the island to analyze the situation, which is what took place.

Fleming stressed that the Collectivity should not be blamed for the financial woes, instead it is the fault of the French Government. He said the government signed a contract with the COM in March 2008 where the COM is paying the State 2 million Euros to collect its taxes. Fleming said in the past the State was not executing its duties by collecting taxes but they were guaranteeing the monies to each commune. Fleming said even though this was happening the French Government was not loosing any monies even though they guaranteeing the monies. He said St. Martin was producing five or six times more than what the island was receiving. He said they were getting these monies through TVA, droit de mutation, and tax immobiler.

 

 

The Lions Club in its ongoing commitment in serving the golden age for this Lionistic year under its President Richard Panneflek gave out thirty baskets to various elderly persons around St. Maarten.

The baskets contained various products that the club the elderly would need such as flour, sugar, rice, butter, milk and tea of which all mentioned that they were very appreciative of the Lions Club gifts and these items would be put to good use.

In addition to giving out the baskets, various members of the club spent time with the elderly reminiscing on stories of the past and listened to any concerns of which the elderly might have. The program is a yearly activity of the St. Maarten’s Lions Club.

 

 

French Quarter:--- Relatives of 21-year old Rene Davy Chance are mourning his sudden death, that occurred on Saturday evening. Chance it is understood from eyewitnesses lost control of Kawasaki Street bike in the vicinity of St. Martin Cable TV on French Quarter main road. Witnesses to the deadly accident said the young man lost control and skidded on the wet road since rain had fallen that afternoon.

Eyewitnesses say the young man hit a concrete wall and suffered severe head and neck injuries and died on the spot.

SMN News learnt that the young man also lost his mother in a motor cycle accident at the same age in the Dominican Republic. His father Rigobert Hodge confirmed that someone hit his son’s mother off her motor cycle in the Dominican Republic when he was almost two years old. Hodge said she also died on the spot.

Rigobert Hodge father of the victim said he was at his home at Round the Pond when a friend of the victim told him that his son died in a road accident. Hodge said he hurried to the scene and saw his son lying on the road. “When I reached the scene the ambulance people was working on him but I knew he had already died. I looked at the machine they hooked up on him and saw it had a straight line,” Hodge said.

He said several people were standing around his son as the ambulance personnel was working on him and he asked the gendarmes to seal off the scene of the crime. The distraught father said he also questioned the reasons why the ambulance took over 25 minutes to reach the scene of the accident. He said he was told that when someone called for an ambulance on weekends the call goes to Guadeloupe and then it is reverted to St. Martin. Hodge further explained that the ambulance attendants told him they called for the doctor at least three times before she reached the scene.

Asked if he knew if his son was doing a wheelie Hodge said he could not say exactly how the accident occurred. He said he learnt from others that his son went to drop a friend home and was on his way back home. Asked if he was wearing a helmet Hodge said when he saw his son on the ground he did not have on a helmet, he said he also learnt a helmet was on the scene. He said someone on the scene removed the motor cycle after the accident occurred and placed it in a nearby yard where it was later recovered.

So far, the gendarmes have not released any information on the accident and death of Rene Davy Chance.

 

 

Former Public Health Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus is concerned is asking what the status of the efforts made to establish a national health insurance system on St. Maarten.

The councilwoman told the media that after having engaged a Dutch Consulting firm which delivered it’s finding in 2007 and having established a NHI committee, steering group, having several stakeholder meetings and the engagement of an actuary to prepare scenario models, the expectation is that Government has information to share with us to share with the Island Council.

Council lady Buncamper-Molanus recalled that just before the Democratic Party left office the Actuary Keesen was preparing a scenario model for the contribution system of the proposed National Health Insurance system.

Issues under consideration were the overall cost of this NHI which, as the name already implies, would ensure that everyone would have health insurance on St. Maarten. The Councilmember stated that the Actuary’s specific task was to develop a scenario model which would indicate how much it would cost to ensure that every insured person would receive the coverage they are entitled to and that the organization would remain financially healthy on the short and long term. Buncamper-Molanus said that whether Government would have to make a contribution towards the NHI for those who could not pay the premiums and whether there would be a need for a nominal contribution by employers, employees or a combination thereof would also be looked at. Simply said, the answer expected from this exercise would tell us how high the premiums and other financial contributions would have to be, to make sure that all medical bills of those insured would be paid for on the short term and long term.

In addition to this aspect a decision would have to be made regarding the operation of the Health Insurance organization. The options under consideration were for the NHI-organization to be run publicly or privately or a combination of both. The option of Government establishing the package of coverage, the tariffs and the contribution while the organization is run by a private company was a discussion which was on the table in June of this year.

Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus questions what is on the table now.

I will be very blunt; we have seen government apparently redirect funds allocated for the improvement of the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex to the building of a cricket field, knowing full well that a large campaign contributor to the NA has been lobbying for a cricket field.

Can we then expect that the operation of the NHI or perhaps the entire health insurance system will be privatized to a (health) insurance company owned and operated by the same financier?

If the result of all the studies, discussions, stakeholder meetings and calculations indicates that we should privatize health insurance then so be it. Then bring it to the Island Council and let’s debate it. It must however be fair game for all insurance companies to participate.

To emphasize the seriousness of this issue I would like to point out the fact that a tremendous amount of work and money has already been invested in this issue:

• The development and approval of the project plan was completed by the project leaders while a steering group was formalized.

• The development of the scenario model started in February and a decision was scheduled to be taken no later than September. Included in this phase would be a final decision by the Executive Council regarding the basic package of coverage, the contribution system, a guarantee fund and the issue of a Public or Private organization.

• According to the planning, a decision by both the Executive Council and the Island Council regarding the operation of the NHI organization would be taken between September and December of this year.

• Terms Of Reference for the following projects should have been taken already:

o Setting up the NHI Organization

o Collection system

o Transition

o Communication

o Health Information System

o Tariffs

o Legislation

• By September 2009 the Executive Council should have made a decision as to the execution of the projects listed above.

• and legislation decides upon by the Island Council by September 2010.

• Between December 2009 and January 2010 the organization is to be established.

• Business plan for the executing organization is scheduled to be approved by January 2010.

• According the schedule prepared when the DP was in office, by July 2010 the projects are to be completed

• Implementation new National Health Insurance St. Maarten was scheduled for July 1st 2010.

• And an evaluation was scheduled for July 1, 2012.

The former Public Health Commissioner Maria Buncamper has understood that the project group is no longer operational; this is of course very worrisome, because the sector cannot handle the going concerns and the preparations necessary for Country status. There are concerns about the investments already made and whether or not we can consider this lost tax payers money. Will the amount about Fls 538.000 allocated to this project still go towards the development of a National Health Insurance for our people.

Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus reviewed the reasons that let to the start of the National Health Insurance Project:

o We have a rather fragmented health insurance system in the Netherlands Antilles of which is St. Maarten thus far forms a part;

o The socio-economic reality on St. Maarten which includes the migration, immigration, demands of the patient, the cost of health care and insufficient correlation between the healthcare system, its financing and the health care needs on St. Maarten; be reminded of the 2001 survey

How Healthy is St. Maarten”.

o The fact that as a result of the Constitutional development on St. Maarten, a decision will have to be made with respect to the health insurance for the people of St. Maarten

o The results of the study done by BMC and Hassink & Roos “Met de Welvaart Stijgen de kosten” – “With Prosperity Cost Increase” which indicated that a Health Insurance System for St. Maarten was a realistic proposition.

 

“ 538.000 guilders was allocated to the National Health Insurance project; under the SEI an amount of 1.6 million guilders has also been allocated for the development of a Health Information System and Fls 250.000 for Medical Care Tariffs. The information provided to you this morning should give you an impression of the work that was being done with respect to Health Insurance for the people of St. Maarten as we move into a new constitutional status by the DP government. Needless to say we hope that the present government is cognizant of the importance of continuing and finalizing the work that we have started” concluded Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Police is busy investigating a shooting incident where a man has been shot in his right hand. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in his police report said police were called to Raspberry Road, St. Peters for a shooting incident around 9 am on Thursday morning. Henson said on the scene the investigating officers found a victim identified as C. M who was bleeding from wounds to his lower arm.

The victim told police that while he was standing next to his car, which was parked, close to his home he was suddenly attacked by a man whom he knows with initials D.B. The suspect was also armed with a handgun. The man told police that a struggle ensued between them and some point he was gun-butted to the back of his head. The suspect who is known by police fired a shot at the victim, which struck him in his right arm. The victim was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center where he remains as a patient. After committing his act, the suspect took-off on foot. The Forensic and Detectives Department are conducting their investigation to determine exactly what happen and why this shooting-incident took place.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Several students were in for one of the greatest surprise on Wednesday morning when police and members of the control unit decided to search the school bags of each student as well as the buses for drugs and weapon. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release said members of the Zero Tolerance was part of the controls. He said the idea is to reduce the amount fights taking place among the young people attending school mostly in St. Peters and Ebenezer area.

Henson said police intends to intensify their controls because several students were found to be carrying weapons and drugs to school.

These controls were carried out based on information that came into the police. Henson said police received information, which stated, that several students traveling on the buses were carrying weapons with them, however they would not take these weapons on the school premises, instead they would hide them in the immediate school surrounding in case they were needed. The goal of this control was to get hands on these weapons and drugs before they reach the school areas and create a sense of safety for the other students traveling on the buses. During the control, which was carried in the parking lot of the John Cooper-Jose Lake senior ball park, all students traveling on the school-bus were asked to cooperate by disembarking the bus and then opening their schoolbags so the officers could take a look at the contents of these schoolbags.

A total of 56 school buses and the student traveling on these buses were controlled. During these controls three machetes, a flair gun, a knife, six pairs of scissors, three lighters, a pornographic magazine and other items that can be used as weapons were found and confiscated.

One student with initials .M.F.W. who was carrying a back-pack with no school books, was taken to the police station because when a search was done in his back-pack a small plastic-bag containing an amount of marijuana and U.S. $ 90, were found. The parents of this student was called to the police station and informed of the situation. The student in question was reprimanded and the parents were advised to pay better attention to their child. The student was then allowed to leave with his parents. The control was a successful while majority of the students and also the bus drivers were quite contented with this control and gave the impression that these types of controls have been "long awaited.” These controls will continue (un-announced) in the future.

The police department, VKS and Controle Unit would like to commend the students and bus drivers for the great cooperation they have given to controlling officers.

 

 

MARIGOT— Gendarmes arrested a 23-year-old man who was wanted for an armed robbery in French Quarter. The suspect it is said fired shots at a grocery store injuring an employee. The suspect has to appear in court on December 17.

Bandits managed to enter a residence in Oyster Pond while the occupant of the home was sleeping and got away with a number of electronic items. The thieves entered the home through a door that remained unlocked. The resident woke up when she heard strange noises in her house. The woman tried to confront the thieves in the hope of getting back her belongings but she was threatened with a machete.

 

 

by Josianne FLEMING-ARTSEN.

Philipsburg:---Many people wonder why teachers do what they do with so much PASSION and LOVE. I always maintain that the TEACHING PROFESSION is an enriched one and is the one profession that sustains a WEALTH that is beyond any paycheck.

Imagine touching and influencing other people’s lives, nourishing their minds so that they can become the person they want to be in life. Imagine guiding students into the right directions so that they can turn their lives around. Imagine being there for students when they cannot approach someone else and helping them to develop new perspectives. Imagine the feeling when students achieve and you know that you had something to do with it. Imagine calling a parent to give the good news that a student is making progress because someone cares.

Just imagine what it is like when students tell their friend, “She or He was my teacher”…That simple sentence says a million words. Those are words of appreciation. That person is saying that “I am proud that she /he was my teacher because I learned from her or him. Isn’t it a great satisfaction when students return to you year after year to say hello and to let you know of their achievements. That tells a story as well. Isn’t it true that the student that gives you the most trouble ends up being the student that loved you the most?

It is for this REASON that the TEACHING PROFESSION must not lose its dynamism and its WEALTH. Dynamism in making each day a day to look forward to, not only by the teacher but the student as well through the inspiration the student gets from the teacher; however, teachers are responsible for making the days, months, and years dynamic and inspirational for students. In terms of wealth, when teachers are engaged in their profession and committed to a higher purpose, the richness in enriching is endless.

Empowering others for a lifetime is powerful and that is what the teaching profession is about. When we recall teachers in our lives the characteristics are similar why we remember those teachers and why we forget others. Be the TEACHER no student FORGETS because of your higher purpose; touching, nourishing, and inspiring others to be the best they can be and becoming a useful citizen of the world. On every occasion, the characteristics that are evident in the Master Teachers are those of CARING for students; being KNOWLEDGEABLE, DISCIPLINED, CONSISTENT, and FAIR…BECOME A TEACHER, COUNTRY ST. MAARTEN NEEDS YOU!!! APPRECIATION is extended to Teachers for all PATIENCE and COMMITMENT in challenging Times with our YOUTH.

CONGRATULATIONS TEACHERS on WORLD TEACHERS DAY!

 

 

Philipsburg:---Let the record show that it was the Democratic Party (DP) that called a press conference ahead of the meetings in Curacao in order to undermine the constitutional talks with the Dutch State Secretary. While the Leader of Government of St. Maarten, the St. Maarten Constitutional Team of Advisors and the Minister of Constitutional Affairs were busy planning their strategy for the meeting in Curacao, the Democratic Party was busy trying to sabotage the process by seeking to influence the Dutch agenda.

Let the record show that on Monday 28th September, 2009, that it was Sarah Wescot Williams in her usual tirades expressed her doubts about finalization of agreements in the meetings in Curacao with the Dutch State Secretary. She said further, “It is not possible that the legislation to dismantle the Netherlands Antilles will be ready by January 1, 2010 and that implementation will not be completed.”

Let the record also show that it was it was Roy Marlin who said on Monday 28th September, 2009 that nothing has been done in the Central Government by the National Alliance to move the constitutional process forward, and that St. Maarten may get a different status than separate status. He also said the constitutional train will be “moving without getting the full details of the several train stations and times we will have to stop at these stations before becoming a country.”

Let the record show that it was Sarah Wescot Williams who, on Monday September 14st 2009, resigned as Chair of the Permanent Committee on Constitutional Affairs (PCCA) and who sought to make a mockery of the process by re-nominating herself.

Let the record show it was Michael Ferrier who said on the 14th of September, 2009 that “the National Alliance government would have to carry the responsibility if the date for country status was pushed back again, as it might be,” and “there is no trust by the Kingdom government in the NA/Heyliger coalition.”

Now, everyone knows that it was the SPA Government that got the constitutional process moving under the leadership of the late Vance James Jr. Under his leadership came the FISA (Full Internal Self Government).

Let the record show also that it was the National Alliance, under the leadership of William Marlin who appointed Richard Gibson Sr. as Minister of Constitutional Affairs which led to the formation of the Jesurun Committee and the Jesurun Report on Constitutional Reform. This report helped to strengthen the foundation of the constitutional process.

Let the record show that it was the National Alliance, under the leadership of William Marlin that signed an agreement with the Government of the Netherlands Antilles in June 23, 2009 to begin the transfer of tasks and the establishment of departments or branches of its ministries, and agencies in St. Maarten, as the Island Territory forges ahead with plans to attain country status. Let the record show that it was the National Alliance who delivered Country Status, while the DP slept, September, 30, 2009, Signed, Sealed and Delivered: St. Maarten will become country within the kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10, 2010.

We now know that ROY MARLIN was left on the wrong platform. Since July the Constitutional Train is an Express Train!

Now we know THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE BROUGHT US COUNTRY STATUS!

 

 

Philipsburg: Island Councilman and former commissioner of labour Louie Laveist is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday where his appeal case would be heard.

Laviest was convicted on April 28th 2009 of fraud, forgery, bribery and hiring of an illegal. His case was tried on April 8th. His lawyer at the time Remko Stomp immediately appealed the case.

The court had found proven back then that Laveist forged the minuites of the Culture Club Foundation to defraud AMFO of Naf 22, 750. It also found proven that Laviest and his exectutive assistant Roberto Richardson accepted a bribe from BEMAL NV in the form of two plane tickets to Canada and $10,000 as the former labour commissioner had intended to use his influence as a commissioner to grant the company the contract to furnish the new and unfinished government administration building.

Also found proven is Laviest accepted $6,000 from Bargains Unlimited to his foundation Culture Club, the judge found that Laveist again used his influence as the commissioner of labor who was responsible for the granting of working permits used his influence to grant the businessman a working permit while there was a moratorium in place. Laviest was also found guilty as an accomplice for a hiring Samuel Boney (Sammy) the barber to work illegally in a barbershop belonging to his sister.

He was condemned to serve 18 months in prison, nine of which are conditional; less time spent behind bars during his pre-trial detention. Laveist was also ordered to pay a fine of Naf.5, 000 or spend 55 days behind bars, with three years probation. The judge also banned Laviest from holding any position in the civil core or any public office even if elected or appointed for the next five years.

In the ruling, the judge had said the suspect did not give the impression that he cared about conflict of interest. It must be concluded that the suspect did not behave himself as a commissioner in a transparent nor with integrity. Judge Smid felt the suspect (Laveist) has misused the power granted to him for personal gain, which made him guilty of corruption.

 

 

Philipsburg:---The amendments made to the revised labour policy by the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laveist executive council have been approved by the Governor General of the Netherlands Antilles confirmed commissioner of labour Hyacinth Richardson.

Richardson said the amendments to the revised labour policy are now in effect. The commissioner also said that the governor general also approved the recommendations of the executive council to uplift the mandate of head of labour Raphael Boasman. Richardson said he is not sure if Boasman were notified that he no longer has the power to sign labour permits, however Boasman would be notified before the end of the week. He said all labour permits have to be approved and signed off by the executive council.

The revised labour policy including the amendments the commissioner said will be published so that all concerned parties including businesses would know the conditions for the application of working permits.

 

The revised labour policy went into effect on January 12 by the Democratic Party executive council. Ever since its implementation several persons including the SBA and the unions said even though a tripartite committee was in place, they were not contacted before the implementation of the policy.

The amendments to the policy includes the removal of the acculturation examination., the housing requirements which had contradicted government standards, the lowering of the processing fees for domestic workers from Naf.1,600 to Naf.800.

A.B. 2009 No. ...

PUBLICATION SHEET OF THE ISLAND TERRITORY OF SINT MAARTEN

ISLAND RESOLUTION entailing general measures dated August ..., 2009, in execution of articles

- 3, part e

- 5, third and fourth paragraph and

- 8, first section, part f and second section

of the Federal Ordinance on Employment of Foreign Labor (Federal Publication Sheet 2001, No. 82)

(“Island Resolution on Employment of Foreign Labor”)

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE ISLAND TERRITORY OF SINT MAARTEN

Considering that for the execution of articles

- 3, part e

- 5, third and fourth paragraph and

- 8, first section, part f and second section

of the Federal Ordinance on Employment of Foreign Labor (Federal Publication Sheet 2001, No. 82) it is necessary to set rules and regulations regarding the employment of foreigners;

RESOLVES:

To establish the following Island Resolution, entailing general measures.

Article 1

(definitions)

In this resolution and the stipulations based thereon, the following is understood by:

- Federal Ordinance: The Federal Ordinance on the Employment of Foreign Labor ;

- The Island Territory: The Island Territory of Sint Maarten ;

- The Executive Council: The Executive Council of the Island Territory of Sint Maarten ;

- The employer: 1º. the person who, by executing his profession or owning a Company has another person in his employ; 2º . a natural person who has another person doing household or personal services ;

- Employment permit: the permit that the employer must request from the Executive Council in order to employ a foreigner ;

- Request: the request for a employment permit ;

- Request for renewal: request for the renewal of a employment permit ;

- Residence permit: the permit for temporary residence or residence as meant in article 6, first section, of the Federal Ordinance on Admittance and Expulsion (P.S. 1966, No. 17, as amended) ;

- Foreigner: a person who, based on the stipulations of the Federal Ordinance on Admission and Expulsion, is either legally entitled to reside in the Netherlands Antilles or who needs a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands Antilles ;

- Counterpart: a local worker, who is put to work alongside the foreign worker by the employer, and who has the potential to be trained by the employer so that within a maximum period of three years, he is capable of taking over the function of the foreign worker ;

- The Department: The Department of Welfare and Labour ;

- The Head: the head of the Department of Welfare and Labour ;

- The Advisory Committee: the Committee instituted by the Executive Council, charged with handling the appeals submitted based on article 12 of the Federal Ordinance ;

- Establishment Regulation: ordinance on the establishing of companies ;

- the Inspectorate: The Inspectorate of Taxes.

Article 2

(submitting a request)

1. A request is submitted by the employer to an official appointed thereto by the Department. The employer can have the request submitted and further handled on his behalf by a representative given power of attorney by him, and who is not the foreigner himself.

2. Upon submitting the request, the employer will be given a written and dated receipt.

3. When an employer files a job vacancy, based on article 5, section 5, sub c of the Federal Ordinance, he will receive a written and dated receipt. When submitting the notice of a job vacancy, or if he so requests at any time before that, the employer will receive a copy of the Federal Ordinance and a copy of this resolution with elucidation. When giving notice of a job vacancy, the employer will also have to sign a written statement, indicating that he has received the relevant rules and regulations and that he has a thorough knowledge of the contents thereof.

Article 3

(providing data, documents and information)

1. When submitting the request, the employer must provide the following information:

a. name, address, telephone number and fax number, or e-mail address, of the employer, and his general registration number with the Inspectorate ;

b. name, given names, birth place and date, nationality and civil state of the foreigner in question ;

c. the address of the foreigner ;

d. nature of the work and the place where the work will be executed by the foreigner ;

e. the qualifications, diplomas, certificates and experience necessary to execute the work ;

f. a justified motivation for the need to attract the foreigner for the work to be executed.

2. Together with the request, the employer must submit the following documents:

a. a copy of the employment agreement that will be signed with the foreigner and a profile sketch of the function ;

b. receipt for the fees owed based on article 4 ;

c. if applicable, a copy of the business license of the company of the employer, as meant in the Establishment Regulation ;

d. a copy of the pages of the passport of the foreigner, which are relevant for establishing his identity ;

e. a passport picture showing a good likeness of the foreigner ;

f. copies of the diplomas and certificates obtained by the foreigner and also proof of his qualifications and experience, as meant in the first section under e ;

g. proof of notification of the availability of the vacancy, meant in article 5, fifth section, sub c of the Federal Ordinance ;

h. proof that the employer, in cooperation with the Department, has made sufficient effort to fill the vacancy with workers available on the local market, all this considering the stipulations in article 9, section of the Federal Ordinance. This proof consists of one or more advertisements regarding the availability of the vacancy, drafted in consultation and cooperation with the Department, and published in one or more local newspapers during the period of the vacancy notice. In the advertisement it must be explicitly stated that letters of application must be submitted directly to the Department and that a copy must be submitted to the employer ;

i. If it is a first request: a written statement by the employer that at the moment of the submission of the request, the foreigner resides outside of the Netherlands Antilles and that said foreigner intends to stay there during the entire processing of the request.

3. If so requested by an official of the Department, the employer will let the official inspect the original copies of the diplomas and certificates meant in the first section, sub e, or if they are copies, they must be authenticated by the competent authorities of the country in which they were issued.

4. If so requested, the employer will provide the additional information deemed necessary by the Department official or the Executive Council for the processing of the request.

5. If the information requested in the above section is not provided, the proof meant in the second section is not submitted, the cooperation mentioned in the third section is not forthcoming or the information meant in section 4 is not given, the request will not be processed.

6. Neither will the request be processed if the employment agreement mentioned in the second section under a. contains one or more stipulations which are in contravention of a Federal Resolution or an Island Resolution entailing general measures.

7. Neither will a request be processed if it concerns a foreigner for whom an employment permit was already requested but rejected, unless a determined period of time has passed after the first request was rejected; that period of time is one year if all the legal appeal possibilities regarding the first request have been exhausted. That period of time is three years if, with regard to the former request, not all legal appeal possibilities have been exhausted.

8. Neither will a request be handled if there is a strong assumption, or proof, that the employer, when making the request, acted against public order or good morals.

Article 4

(the fee)

1. In order for the request to be processed, the employer must pay to the Island Territory:

a. in the event of an employee in a management position: a fee of ANG 3.000,00 if the employment permit is granted for the period of one year or less, ANG 5.400,00 if the employment permit is granted for a maximum of two years but for more than one year, and ANG 7.500,00 if the employment permit is granted for a period of a maximum of three years but for more than two years ;

b. In other cases: a fee of ANG 1.600,00 if the employment permit is granted for the period of one year or less, ANG 2.800,00 if the employment permit is granted for a maximum of two years but for more than one year, and ANG 3.900,00 if the employment permit is granted for a maximum of three years but for more two years ;

c. In the event of domestic personnel: a fee of ANG 800,00 if the employment permit is granted for the period of one year or less, ANG 1.600,00 if the employment permit is granted for a maximum of two years but for more than one year, and ANG 2.400,00 if the employment permit is granted for a maximum of three years but for more two years.

2. When submitting the request, proof of payment as if the permit were granted for one year, must also be submitted. If the employment permit is granted for more than one year, the pertinent decree will only be handed over to the employer after the balance of the required fee has been paid.

3. The fee must be paid by deposit on the bank account of the Island Receiver, or by check or cash paid at the offices of the Island Receiver.

Article 5

(exemption)

1. The prohibition meant in article 2 of the Federal Ordinance is not applicable to a foreigner:

a. who will be employed as a gardener or a housekeeper working less than sixteen (16) hours a week as meant in article 1, section b, sub 2° of the Federal Ordinance ;

b. who performs duties as a board member or as a managing director of a company, while in possession of the relevant permits in the sense of the Establishment Regulations, providing that the foreigner does not intend to actually reside in the Island Territory.

2. Neither is the prohibition meant in article 2 of the Federal Ordinance applicable to a foreigner:

a. who is in possession of an indefinite residence permit for the Netherlands Antilles,

b. who is married to a Dutch citizen,

c. who, before he became an adult, had his main residence on the Island Territory for at least five consecutive years, based on a residence permit with residence by a parent or a guardian, or

d. who is a Dutch citizen but was not born in the Netherlands Antilles.

3. Deviation from article 8, first section, in the heading and section a of the Federal Ordinance, is permitted if the work is being done as part of an internship training:

a. with a maximum duration of three months, or

b. as part of a training program of an institution established in the Island Territory.

Article 6

(specialization, professionalism, moratorium)

1. An employment permit, if pertaining to a first time request, will be denied if it regards a non-specialized occupation, or if it regards work that can be carried out by marginally educated or unskilled workers. The following professions fall within this category:

a. Cleaner ;

b. Dishwasher ;

c. Car washer ;

d. Labourer ;

e. Driver ;

f. Helper ;

g. Kitchen helper ;

h. Busboy / busgirl.

2. Unless exceptional circumstances can be proven, an employment permit will be denied if the work in question regards a specialized occupation for which the supply already exceeds the demand. The following professions fall under this category:

a. Security Officer ;

b. Hairdresser ;

c. Barber ;

d. Shop clerk ;

e. Casino dealer ;

f. Administrative worker ;

g. Accounting assistant ;

h. Receptionist ;

i. Telephone operator ;

j. OPC ;

k. Maintenance man ;

l. Gardener.

3. An employment permit will further be denied if the employer did not prove that the foreigner possesses the qualifications, diplomas, certificates or experience which, according to information given by the employer, are required to perform the work.

4. An employment permit may be denied if, according to information given by the employer, the diplomas, certificates, experience, when offset by the nature and weight of the work, are deemed obviously unreasonable.

Article 7

(maximum duration of the employment permit)

1. In principle, an employment permit is granted for only one year at a time, with the possibility of renewal in principle each time for one year, with the understanding that the total validity of the employment permit, including renewals, may not exceed three years. The maximum period of three years is not applicable to foreigners with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

2. Upon expiration of the employment permit, the employer will not qualify for an employment permit for the foreigner in question, until the latter has again resided outside of the Netherlands Antilles for the period of at least one year. If, upon expiration of the employment permit, the employer is of the opinion that he has to have the position filled consecutively by a foreigner, he will have to request an employment permit for a different foreigner. This clause is not applicable to foreigners with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

3. For special categories of foreigners a short term, one time employment permit is granted, and such as follows:

i) Adult entertainers: for a period of six months, without the possibility of renewal ;

ii) Construction professionals: for the duration of the project in question with the possibility of one renewal.

4. The stipulations of the second section are also valid for the category of foreigners meant in the third section.

Article 8

(age)

An employment permit will be denied if the foreigner, on the date of the submission of the request, has not yet reached the age of 25, or has already reached the age of 57. This clause is not applicable to foreigners with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Article 9

(quota)

1. Per business sector quota can be set regarding the maximum number of foreigners that the employer is allowed to have in his employ.

2. An employment permit will be denied, if granting of the employment permit would lead to the quota for that business sector being exceeded within the establishment of that employer.

Article 10

(counterpart)

1. An employment permit will be denied if the employer refuses to appoint a counterpart deemed suitable by the Department and provided to the employer by the Department.

2. A request for renewal will be denied if it is apparent that the employer dismissed the counterpart in question without prior permission from the Department or if the training of the counterpart was not sufficiently taken in hand by the employer, such according to the discretion of the Department.

3. The training of the counterpart may take at most three years. The costs for the training of the counterpart are for the account of the employer.

Article 11

(payment of social premiums and wage tax; medical insurance)

1. An employment permit will be denied or retracted, if it is evident that the employer did not pay the social premiums, wage and income taxes imposed by Government, based on the salary stated in the request. An employment permit will also be denied or retracted if it is evident that the employer did not provide adequate medical insurance for the foreigner.

2. A request for renewal will be denied if it is evident that the employer did not pay the social premiums and wage taxes mentioned in the first section in the period preceding the submission of the request for renewal, that the foreigner was not registered with the Inspectorate or if the foreigner was not adequately medically insured.

Article 12

(prohibition to change function or employer)

A request for renewal will be denied if it is evident that the foreigner in question is going to fill a different position by the employer. In such a case the employment permit, in as far as it is still valid, will be retracted.

Article 13

(residence permit)

1. When it regards a first request the employment permit will not be handed over to the employer until after the employer has shown proof that he has requested a residence permit for the foreigner.

2. When it concerns a renewal, the employment permit will be denied if it is clear that the foreigner was not in possession of a residence permit in the period preceding the submission of the request.

Article 14

(the decree)

1. The decree by which the employment permit is granted or denied, will be sent to the employer by fax or by e-mail. In exceptional cases, the decree will be sent to the employer by registered mail or will be handed to the employer personally. In the latter case the employer will have to sign for receipt.

2. If the employment permit is granted, the decree will always make mention of the fact that issuance of the employment permit does not mean that the conditions of the Federal Ordinance of Admission and Expulsion have been met, in as far as it concerns obtaining a residence permit for the foreigner. The decree will also always mention the grounds for retraction and the duty of the employer to report any grounds for retraction of the employment permit as meant in article 10 of the Federal Ordinance, to wit: a. knowledge of incorrect or incomplete data that would have possibly lead to a different decision on the request, b. denial or retraction of the residence permit of the foreigner, c. dismissal of the foreigner, or d. bankruptcy of the employer.

3. Further, the decision will be motivated as much as possible. The decision will always contain the legal clause regarding the possibility of submission of an appeal based on article 12 of the Federal Ordinance.

4. A copy of the decree, along with a copy of the Federal Ordinance and a copy of this Island Resolution with Elucidation will also be given to the foreigner, in as far as the latter has already been granted a temporary residence permit for Sint Maarten.

Article 15

(supervision)

Upon the request of the official of the Department, the employer, and also the foreigner, is obligated to cooperate in establishing whether the conditions for the validity of the employment permit have been met, among which:

a. that the business of the employer is actually operating ;

b. that the foreigner is really working for the employer in the position for which the employment permit was granted ;

c. that the employer really appointed a counterpart and that the latter is being adequately trained ;

d. that the employer respects the quota for that particular business ;

e. that the foreigner is not younger than the minimum age or older than the maximum age ;

f. that the employer has paid the social premiums and wage taxes owed on behalf of the foreigner, that he has taken out a medical insurance for the foreigner and that he has made sure that the foreigner is registered with the Inspection ;

g. that the employer has actually requested a residence permit for the foreigner.

Article 16

(mandate decision)

1. The authority to decide on a request can be mandated to the Head. The previously issued mandate to the Head is herewith withdrawn.

2. The authority to decide on an appeal submitted based on article 12 of the Federal Ordinance, is mandated to the Advisory Committee, in as far as the position of the Advisory Committee is to uphold the decision against which an objection has been filed.

3. When carrying out the mandate mentioned in the first and second section, respectively the Head and the Advisory Committee will, within one month of decision making, send a copy of all decisions taken to the Executive Council, accompanied by the relevant advices and the supporting documents.

Article 17

(effectiveness)

This island resolution goes into effect the day after its promulgation. At the same time this island resolution goes into effect, the island resolution entailing general measures, established on June 10th 2008 (P.S. 2008, No.376) will be retracted.

Article 18

(transition)

As of the date that this Island Resolution goes into effect, a request for renewal will be considered as a first request, in as far as the renewal will be granted for no more than three years. If, with regard to a certain foreigner, the employment permit, including renewals, at the time that this Island Resolution goes into effect, had been granted for five or more consecutive years, the Executive Council can decide not to limit the renewal to the maximum of three years.

Artikel 19

(official title)

This Island Resolution will be referred to as: Island Resolution on Employment of Foreign Labor.

Thus established in the meeting of August ..., 2009.

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE ISLAND TERRITORY OF SINT MAARTEN,

The Secretary, The Governor,

This Island Resolution entailing general measures was promulgated by me on this --th day of August / September 2009.

The Governor,

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Attorney at law Ralph Richardson who is currently representing Island Councilman Louis Laviest has requested a postponement in the Court of Appeals on Thursday.

The case was scheduled to call at 10:30 am, which did not happen. Richardson said the case was supposed to be heard at 3pm but somehow on the docket it said 10:30 am. Richardson said his client is currently off island receiving medical treatment and as such, he asked the appeal courts to postpone the case until his client returns to St. Maarten.

Laviest was convicted on April 28 on all counts as charged. The court found proven that Laveist had forged the minutes of the Culture Club Foundation to defraud AMFO of Naf. 22.750. It also found proven that Laveist and his executive assistant Roberto Richardson accepted a bribe from BEMAL NV in the form of two plane tickets to Canada and $10, 000 as he had intended to use his influence as a commissioner to grant the company the contract to furnish the new government administration building.

Also found proven is Laviest accepted $6,000 from Bargains Unlimited to his foundation Culture Club, the judge found that Laveist again used his influence as the commissioner of labor who was responsible for the granting of working permits used his influence to grant the businessman a working permit while there was a moratorium in place. Laviest was also found guilty as an accomplice for a hiring Samuel Boney (Sammy) the barber to work illegally in a barbershop belonging to his sister.

He was condemned to serve 18 months in prison, nine of which are conditional; less time spent behind bars during his pre-trial detention. Laveist must pay a fine of Naf.5, 000 or spend 55 days behind bars, with three years probation. The judge also banned Laviest from holding any position in the civil core or any public office even if elected or appointed for the next five years.

Laveist first appeared in court on April 8 and was represented by attorney at law Remko Stomp.

The judge also ruled that the suspect did not give the impression that he cared about conflict of interest. It must be concluded that the suspect did not behave himself as a commissioner in a transparent nor with integrity. Judge also felt that Laveist had misused the power granted to him for personal gain, which made him guilty of corruption.

Attorney Richardson said the appeal court did not set a new date for the trial on Thursday.

 

 

Marigot: --- While contractors are not being paid, projects that are scheduled to take place are on hold and students of the primary schools are without toilet paper because of the Collectivity’s financial predicament. The COM only has enough monies to pay salaries until the end of the year and a request was made to borrow Euros 20 million, to date the COM has not received any confirmation from the State regarding the requested loan.

Yet elected officials are using taxpayer’s money to rent cars and to buy gasoline for their wives and husbands.

SMN News has seen the wives of at least two vice presidents driving their “voiture de fonction” while they are at work or off island. The wife of first vice president Daniel Gibbs was seen driving the vehicle government provided for Gibbs on Friday. Gibbs is currently off island since Wednesday of this week on business.

This reporter also saw the husband of the head of Social Affairs (DGA Madame Ramasammy) driving her car even on the Dutch side when the foreign employee is on her job. Ramasammy’s husband was seen transporting food for the restaurant he works for. He was also seen a number of times on the Dutch side shopping for the restaurant with a government vehicle. Certain employees of the COM said the DGA would then compel them to clean the vehicle whenever needed. The son of another elected official was also seen on the Dutch side driving the car government provided to his mother even though she is not a vice president.

SMN News managed to retrieve some records from a gas station that supplies government with gasoline for their vehicles.

The records show that several of the elected officials are taking their spouses and even children’s vehicle to the gas station and tanking up. These officials do not pay for the gasoline for their private vehicle instead its tabbed to the Collectivity.

Sources say that senator Louis Constant Fleming brought up this issue with at least two of his vice presidents telling them it is not ethical for their wives to be driving the government vehicle. The source said the senator even raised questions about the vehicle’s insurance, which does not cover spouses and children and he spoke of the gasoline that is taken for private vehicles. It seems however, that the elected officials have not paid heed to the concerns of the senator.

Employees of the COM said just recently they received a “note de service” telling them that human resources would not be honoring any medical certificate submitted by employees. It is said human resources informed the employees that some of them are abusing medical certificates and such no one that is sick would be paid for the days they stayed at home. This of course does not sit well with several of the employees who said that the elected and foreign employees are being paid huge salaries for doing nothing, while their house rents and other expenses are being paid while the locals are penalized.

It is said the employees are in discussion with their union who would be picking up this matter.

 

 

Philipsburg:-- “I am pleased that the media picked up on my inquiries regarding the amendment of the building ordinance which would provide the Island Government with the authority to have owners of severely derelict buildings repair these buildings or demolish them” says Island Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus.

The DP Councilmember is concerned that no clear picture has been provided by the NA/Heyliger government regarding their intensions with respect to this specific proposal of amending the building ordinance. Buncamper-Molanus told the media during the Democratic Party press conference on Monday: “We heard from the NA/Heyliger Executive Council of their concern about the debris that a demolition of the dilapidated buildings at Mullet Bay would cause. It must be clear that the owners would be responsible for disposing of the debris”. The Council lady says that there are suggestions that the Executive Council can look into. One such suggestion is that the metal, especially the zinc roves could probably be taken to the scrap metal recycling plant next to the land fill. The concrete debris on the other hand, can be crushed and reused as currently is done by several contractors on the island. In fact, this crushed concrete is often used in the mixture of road foundation stabilizers. If that is not possible, the crushed concrete can be used to cover the landfill instead of using precious fill material that comes from excavation, which costs the government anywhere between USD 10 to USD 15 per m3.

Buncamper-Molanus says that while the DP faction certainly shares the concern of the NA/Heyliger Executive Council on this debris issue, one can conclude that this was already taken into consideration in the 2009 budget.

In fact chapter 8: Spatial Planning and Housing specifically mentions the issue of urbanization. “821 Stadsvernieuwing” states: To ensure rehabilitation, improvement, reclassification, or reorganization of developed areas on the island from a social economic, cultural, and environmental perspective. An amount of Fls. 22.500 (is reserved for expert advice for Hope Estate, FOGA and other districts. Another Fls 85.000 has also been reserved for legal and professional advice. Our suggestion to the NA/Heyliger Executive Council is to use part of this budget to have the draft amendments to the building ordinance made since the legal affairs department is unable to deal with this matter at the moment.

Councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus emphasized that the DP faction is cognizant of the fact that the legal affairs department is overwhelmed with issues directly related to the constitutional process, but obviously, this was already taken into consideration when the 2009 budget was prepared and approved.

We should as much as possible try to avoid introducing ad-hoc policies. It is evident that the Democratic Party Executive Council recognized this and therefore established in the Social Economic Initiatives (SEI) the project “St. Maarten Zoning”. The objective of this project is to establish spatial development regulations by means of zoning plans. These regulations will contribute toward sustainable economic development and provides a judicial, economic, infrastructural, and social framework for further development of St. Maarten.

However, while the SEI project is being prepared for execution it is important that we give the necessary attention to the required amendments to the building ordinance and not use the excuse that the SEI project is being developed to delay the amendments necessary for us to deal with the current situation of derelict buildings.

Buncamper-Molanus also points out the welcomed economic activity that the implementation of this ordinance can bring with it. This will demonstrate maturity on the part of our representatives. The approach to building this island must be a comprehensive one. While the Executive Council is making efforts to bring more visitors to St. Maarten equal effort must be made to improve the product these visitors are coming to”: concludes councilmember Maria Buncamper-Molanus.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty is sending a strong message to all persons responsible for the utility company GEBE. Carty in an interview with SMN News said he is planning to take GEBE to court since several businesses are suffering because of the constant power outages and the high prices being charged for electricity.

Carty said he plans to use article 16 of the ordinance on Electricity Concessions. Article 16 of the ordinance reads, “The entrepreneur, regardless of the surveillance by the authorities, is responsible for all damages by person or property, due to operation of his business suffered unless he proves that the damage is outside his fault or that of his subordinates they arise.

The chamber president said they are left with no choice when negotiating with businesses to drop their prices because each time the chamber enters into a negotiation they are confronted with GEBE bills. He further explained that business are already suffering from the global economic melt down and when there are constant power outages businesses without generators suffer more. He said he is aware that GEBE would be have their two new generators operational by December but wants to know if the company intends to have businesses suffer until then. “I want to know if there is no other alternative; can’t GEBE get power supply from the French side? Or can’t they bring in a barge and open our ridges to get power supply from elsewhere, these are only some of the questions I have” Carty said. Carty said he plans to wait until Monday to see if the Stakeholders would see each other and find a solution if not he is heading to court on behalf of the businesses. Carty made clear that he is not blaming anyone because he simply does not know who is responsible for the sufferings businesses and residents of St. Maarten are faced with.

In meantime, businesses are not happy with the laidback positions the chairman and commissioner of energy Theo Heyliger are taking. They said Heyliger is not dealing with the matter simply because he does not want his decisions to have political implications on his new party. SMN News has learnt that the National Alliance already indicated to Heyliger to take a decision regarding the managing director William Brooks if he is convinced that these problems arise from bad or irresponsible management.

 

Two Sides Chamber Plans to Address Tourism Office Issues.

 

In an unrelated issue, Carty said he is planning to bring the two sides tourist office together to see if they can resolve their differences and work in the best interest of St. Maarten/ St. Martin.

Carty said just recently he met with the Chamber of Commerce on the French side and the first issue they have decided to tackle is tourist office because of its importance.

Carty said the intention of the two chamber of commerce is to bring officials from both tourist offices together and hope they can resolve their problem and resume working together. He said it is unheard of that the two entities that are dealing with the island’s main source of economy are not able to communicate.

The chamber president said he is also planning to meet with the executive council where they would discuss issues related to the tourist offices outside of St. Maarten because a decision still has to be taken on how and where the stimulus would be used.

SMN News learnt that the person appointed to work at the New York Tourist Office has unearthed some information, which is cause of concern. The source said that their seem to be people who were using government funding to do things outside of marketing the island and an investigation may soon be warranted.

 

 

Philipsburg:-- A student has decided to surrender his pellet gun after D.A.R.E officers lectured at his school. According to a press release from the police. The officers responded to request made by the Sister Magda Primary School and the St. Dominic Primary the school. The lecture was given to students of grade 5 and 6. The officers were asked to speak about the dangers of students taking weapons to school, illegal drug use, gangs and gang related violence. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said after the lecture

A student approached the police officer and told him he wanted nothing to do with violence or gangs and told the officer that he wanted to handover an air rifle (pellet gun) he had hidden at home.

The youngster mother was notified of the situation the officer went along with the student to his home and in the presence of his mother handed over the air rifle to the officer.

 

The main reason for targeting students attending primary school, is that a short while back the police have noticed that the carrying of weapons to school and violent behavior that is taking place in the Secondary schools has also trickled down into the primary schools.

 

 

Philipsburg: ---The Chairman of the Central committee George Pantophlet in a press release said he understands that a request was sent in on Thursday October 15, 2009 by the members of the Democratic Party requesting that a meeting be convened to discuss the Gebe N.V. situation.

The D.P. island council members had in September requested numerous meetings of the central committee to be convened with the following government owned companies; Gebe N.V., St. Maarten Telem Group of Companies, Princess Juliana Airport, and the Harbor Group of Companies, which they wanted to commence on Friday October 2, 2009. However, the chairman of the central committee is well aware that the rules of order required such be convened within one week and taking into consideration that the continuation of the island council meeting on the Financial Economic situation of St. Maarten was scheduled for October 2, 2009, convened the meeting for Thursday October 1, 2009. During said meeting the chairman of the central committee informed the members of the central committee that notices were received from the Managing Directors of Gebe N.V, The Princess Juliana International Airport, and the Harbor Group of Companies that because of other commitments and the time factor they would not be able to do their presentation on said date. The only company that did its presentation so far was St. Maarten Telem Group of Companies. The chairman of the central committee informed the other companies to notify him as soon as they were ready. To date the chairman of the central committee has not received any information as to their readiness.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Police and health officials raided an apartment building in Saunders. The building in question is located in the area of the Metal Factory where they found a makeshift dental clinic.

Police seized several medical equipments and medicine from the illegal clinic while the occupant of the apartment and dental clinic was immediately detained.

Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release said that based on newspaper advertisement and information gathered at the department of public health based in Curacao it was suspected that the clinic was operating illegally on the island.

Based on the suspicions two medical doctors and an inspector from the Public Health Inspection flew over from Curacao to investigate the matter.

On Thursday evening October 15 at approximately 08.00 p.m., the inspectors assisted by two police officers went to an apartment building.

The occupant of the apartment, Henson said the man with initials E.L. from the Philippines was informed of the reason of the visit after which he freely gave them access to his apartment to conduct their investigation. At the rear of the apartment adjacent to his sleeping quarters, a complete dental clinic was set-up from which E.L. was operating from on a daily basis. Many dental tools, equipment, and medication used to administer to patients in treatment were found and confiscated for further investigation.

E.L. was detained on the spot. A further investigation revealed that the suspects documentation to reside on the island had expired and no documents for renewal were filed or in process. He was taken to the Philipsburg Police station. The public prosecutor was informed of the situation and a hefty fine was handed down to the suspect. The suspect will also remain in custody until all arrangements are made for him to travel back to his country.

One other location in Frontstreet was investigated and also found to performing illegal medical practices. The owner of this establishment also received a heavy fine.

A stern warning is going out to all those establishments that are performing illegal medical practices, that if caught in the act, they to will receive a very heavy fine.

 

 

On Monday October 12th & Tuesday October 13th, 2009 the first of a series of trainings in the Dutch language training started for the teachers of Cycle I & II of the Foundation Catholic Education on Sint Maarten. This project “Activation of Teaching Dutch Language in the Catholic Schools”, is an initiative of the Foundation for Catholic Education; DERPI provides the necessary assistance and guidance with the execution of this project, as part of the Program Education & Youth, financed through USONA by Dutch Development Funds. The project will be implemented during the school year 2009-2010.

Earlier this year the Foundation for Catholic Education on Sint Maarten requested assistance from DERPI for funding for the activation of teaching Dutch Language in the Catholic schools as part of the language policy for the schools. After many discussions between DERPI, the representatives of the Foundation for Catholic Education on Sint Maarten and the consultant regarding the content of the program, a request was submitted to USONA for funding of the project.

The consultant contracted to supervise and guide the project is drs. J.H.M. Zielhorst from the ABC Onderwijsadviseurs in Amsterdam. Ms. Zielhorst had worked on Sint Maarten in 2006 with KANS project, an exchange program between the schools in the Netherlands and the Sr. Borgia and Sr. Regina Schools on St. Maarten.

This project is geared towards the further development of the Dutch Language in the schools.

The main objective is to improve the skills of the teachers in their approach to teaching Dutch as a language of instruction for some of the schools and Dutch as a foreign Language for the schools where English is the language of instruction. The project is planned for a period of 10 months with two visits each of a month, to the island by the consultant.

During the first two sessions with all teachers, the consultant focused on teaching strategies such as oral language acquisition, vocabulary, reading comprehension and the basics of writing of the Dutch Language. The consultant will work directly with the two coordinators each school (one for Cycle I and one for Cycle II). The task of the coordinators is to develop plans and activities for the teaching strategies for their respective schools and share this with the class teachers. The consultant while on the island will visit the classrooms of each of the six Catholic schools giving ideas and tips on instruction of the Dutch language.

This project is being financed by the Dutch Development Funds through USONA.

For more information: call Oralie Boirard, project manager FBE at DERPI.

 

 

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Recently the Executive Council presented a document to the established broad based advisory committee for a new National Health Insurance System for Country Sint Maarten.

This national effort should be seen in the light of preparations for country status being set for 101010 and the especially approved project organization to accomplish health financing reform with the objective of improved accessibility to health care services for all residents on the island.

Director of Sector Public health, Social development and Labor Jorien Wuite, said that the new system will be one moving away from the current fragmented system with various packages and a high percentage of the population that is left uninsured.

More emphasis will also be placed on preventive health care services amongst the population since this is expected to benefit the overall health of the population.

The presented document describes the four basic pillars of the new system, being the preferred contribution scenario, a broad based health care package and other matters of the organizational framework such as the role of government and the executing agency in health care financing.

The developed health care coverage package for country Sint Maarten has been broadly defined according to the Dutch system.

Plans have also been developed and terms of reference drafted for an extensive review of medical tariffs, a comprehensive health information system and a communication plan to facilitate and guide the introduction process.

Important steps will be taken in the coming weeks with respect to the abovementioned subjects based on consultation with the advisory committee in which relevant stakeholders such as health care providers, insurance companies, patient organizations, social partners and the private sector are represented.

In order to introduce this system as of the date of obtaining country status, final decision-making of the pillars of this system by the Island Council is critical before the end of 2009.

 

 

 

French Quarter: -- As was reported on this website last week that SMN News was taken to court for libel and defamation by an employee of the Collectivity of St. Martin. Also against us in the same case was the Collectivity of St. Martin who did not allow due process to take its course by making sure they consulted with the Executive Council prior to allowing the foreign employee and her lawyer to use the Collectivity’s name in a court case.

Surprising for us is that the president of the COM President Frantz Gumbs issued an attestation to the employee and her lawyer stating that she is protected under certain article of the organic law. The president in his attestation went on to say the executive council will deliberate on the issue at a future date and that the COM would endure the expenses of the court case.

The employee who is also a legal translator and her lawyer submitted a translation of the article we wrote on October 8 condemning the lack of communication on the part of the COM without the stamp from a legal translator.

When SMN News lawyer presented the facts in its conclusion, a copy of which was given to the plaintiff’s lawyer, the lawyer then made sure another legal translator stamped the document that was presented to us earlier. The plaintiff’s lawyer also requested that the court postpone the hearing for at least 10 days for them to obtain the decree of the executive council. Of course, our lawyer did not allow the postponement and he pleaded our case. A decision will be issued on November 3.

While we were taken to court on the breach of article 9 relating to the publishing of a photograph belonging to the directress of communication, the plaintiff in the court case did not provide the burden of proof. The plaintiff accused us of publishing her photograph without authorization, failing to realize that she is a public figure that holds top public function, most importantly communication. The photograph that was published was taken with the person’s permission in November 2008 at La Voix St. Martin when President Frantz Gumbs invited us to listen and publish what he had to say to the population of St. Martin regarding crime.

Absurd in this entire proceeding is to see someone would file an injunction without having his or her evidence and facts on the law together and then expects the person they are suing to grant them time to do that. More confusing is that the president of our Collectivity gave his employee an attestation to say they would take a deliberation at a later date. He also went as far as promising to pay for the expenses of this case without consulting with the executive council. SMN News legal team would surely take up this part of the proceedings in the administrative and other courts of law.

It is clear that the court case brought against us is to silence us, and to withhold information from the population. This is a clear indication that the COM and those elected under the UPP umbrella does not want the voting population to know what is taking place in their country. Already several reporters who are not able to obtain information from the COM have expressed their frustration but they are not willing to stand up for democracy.

We are the only media house that exposes a great deal of wrong doings by our elected officials. While we agree that these people deserve to be respected, they also deserve to give respect to our youths. Elected officials have to also realize that we did not elect them to misuse public funds and we expect them to be role models to our youths. Right now, our youths are getting the impression that the best get rich policy is to seek public office. Elected officials need to know that this is not the time to mislead our youths instead they need molding and guidance. Below is the full conclusion on the case presented to the judge in Basseterre on Tuesday.

The documents below are in French so we do apologize to our English readers.

 

SHAW c/ ERIVAN & C.O.M. ST-MARTIN

29103128

A MADAME LE PRESIDENT

TRIBUNAL DE GRANDE INSTANCE

DE BASSE-TERRE

 

Audience de référé d’heure à heure du 20 octobre 2009

Rôle n° :

CONCLUSIONS

POUR :

Madame Bibi SHAW HODGE, demeurant 12, impasse Adams Alexandre 97150 ST MARTIN

Ayant pour Avocat Maître Jan-Marc FERLY, Avocat au Barreau de la Guadeloupe, demeurant 3, Quai Ferdinand de LESSEPS 97110 POINTE A PITRE, Tél.: 0590 21.18.18, Fax : 0590.21.18.20

CONTRE :

Madame Colette ERIVAN

LA COLLECTIVITE D'OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN, demeurant Hôtel de la Collectivité Marigot 97150 ST MARTIN

Ayant tous deux pour Avocat Maître Florence DELOUMEAUX – Avocat au Barreau de la Guadeloupe

En présence : Ministère Public

 

 

PLAISE À MADAME LE PRÉSIDENT

Suivant assignation en référé d’heure à heure délivrée par la SCP CAUCHFER – Huissiers de Justice, Madame Colette ERIVAN et la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin ont assigné Madame Bibi SHAW épouse HODGE sur les fondements de l’article 9 du Code Civil, de la loi du 29 juillet 1881, des articles 809 et suivants du Code de Procédure Civile, afin:

 

• de voir constater une prétendue utilisation illicite de la photographie et de l’image de Madame Colette ERIVAN,

• de voir constater des propos à caractère prétendument diffamatoires à l’encontre de Madame Colette ERIVAN et de la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin

• de voir ainsi avéré un prétendu trouble manifestement illicite à l’encontre des noms

• En conséquence, les demandeurs à l’instance sollicitent que Madame Bibi SHAW soit amenée à retirer sous une astreinte de 1.000,00 € par jour de retard l’article et la photographie litigieuse et qu’elle soit condamnée à payer une somme de 15.000,00 € diversement répartie à Madame Colette ERIVAN et à la Collectivité de Saint-Martin.

• Diverses demandes complémentaires sont sollicitées, savoir la publication de l’ordonnance sur la page d’accueil du site internet www.smn-news.com, la condamnation au paiement d’une somme de 2.500,00 € au titre de l’article 700 du Nouveau (sic !!!).Code de Procédure Civile

Il sera démontré que cette demande mal fondée dans les faits l’est tout autant en droit et ce sans préjudice des fins de non-recevoir qui peuvent y être opposées in limine litis.

I- IN LIMINE LITIS :

 

A- De la fin de non-recevoir s’appliquant à la Collectivité Territoriale de Saint-Martin.

 

Aux termes de l’article LO 6352-1 de la loi organique n° 2007-223, le Président du Conseil territorial est institué représentant légal de la COM.

L’article LO 6352-10 dispose :

« En vertu d’une délibération du conseil exécutif, le président du conseil territorial intente les actions et défend devant les juridictions au nom de la collectivité. »

Il en résulte que seul le président du Conseil territorial, non visé par l’assignation, a qualité pour agir au nom de la COM, et qu’il doit en outre justifier à cette fin d’une délibération du Conseil exécutif.

A défaut de justifier d’une décision du président et d’un tel mandat du conseil exécutif, l’assignation doit être déclarée irrecevable.

Toute autre personne, et notamment le vice-président, agissant en lieu et place du président, doit justifier d’une délégation de compétence expresse (Cass. crim. 24 septembre 1996 : Juris-Data n° 003922 ; Bull. crim. n° 330).

Il est également rappelé qu’aux termes de l’article L6313-7 du Code Général des Collectivités Territoriales (CGTC)

« Sans préjudice de l'exercice de ses compétences par la collectivité de Saint-Martin, sont applicables les dispositions suivantes du présent code :

1° Première partie : livres II, III, IV et V ;

2° Deuxième partie : titres Ier, II et V du livre II ;

3° Troisième partie : livre II ;

4° Quatrième partie : livre II ; sections 3 et 4 du chapitre III du titre III du livre IV.

Pour l'application de ces dispositions à Saint-Martin, la référence aux communes, aux départements et aux régions est remplacée par la référence à la collectivité de Saint-Martin. »

Il en résulte que l’article L 2122-22 du même code est applicable à la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin.

Par conséquent, l’application de cet article, lequel est ainsi rédigé

 

« Le maire peut, en outre, par délégation du conseil municipal, être chargé, en tout ou partie, et pour la durée de son mandat :

[ …]

16° D'intenter au nom de la commune les actions en justice ou de défendre la commune dans les actions intentées contre elle, dans les cas définis par le conseil municipal ; »,

est applicable, mutatis mutandis.

Il en résulte une fin de non-recevoir pour défaut de capacité à agir de la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin.

 

B- Sur l’irrecevabilité de l’action, quant à l’application de l’article 55 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881 :

L’assignation vise la loi la loi du 29 juillet 1881, sans autres précisions.

On doit supposer que c’est de l’article 29 qu’il s’agit.

Or, l’action en diffamation soumise à la juridiction des référés ne peut être examinée avant l’expiration du délai de 10 jours visé à l’article 55 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881 (Civ. 2ème, 14 novembre 2002 : Bull. civ. II, n° 253).

il faut constater qu’il ne s’est pas écoulé un délai de 10 jours entre la délivrance de l’assignation et la date de l’audience.

L’action de ce chef est donc irrecevable.

C- Sur la nullité de l’assignation sur la question de la diffamation soulevée

L’article 53 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881 précise que :

« si la citation est à la requête du plaignant, elle contiendra élection de domicile dans la ville où siège la juridiction saisie et sera notifiée tant au prévenu qu’au Ministère Public. Toutes ces formalités seront observées à, peine de nullité de la poursuite. »

Or la jurisprudence précise que l’article 53 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881 « impose que cette élection de domicile soit faite sur le territoire de la ville où siège le tribunal, à l’exclusion de toute autre commune » (Cass. crim. 4 avril 1991 : Bull. crim. n° 163).

L’exigence posée par ce texte s’impose également devant les juridictions civiles (Civ. 2ème, 12 mai 1999 : Bull. civ. II, n° 90).

Or, Madame ERIVAN n’a nullement élu domicile à Basse-Terre, mais à BAIE-MAHAULT.

Il s’agit d’une formalité substantielle entraînant la nullité de l’assignation sans qu’il soit besoin de justifier d’un grief (CA Paris, 31 mars 1998 : Gaz. Pal. 1998, 2, somm. 552 et 556 ; Crim. 10 juin 1959 : Bull. crim. n° 309 : Crim. 17 décembre 1991 : Bull. crim. n° 484 ; TGI Nanterre, 17 mai 1995 : BICC 1995, 718).

D- Sur l’irrecevabilité de l’action à l’encontre de Madame SHAW

Les personnes responsables du délit de diffamation, et l’ordre dans lequel elles doivent être poursuivies (CA Paris, 23 avril 1998 : D. 1988, IR 174) sont déterminées par l’article 42 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881 :

« Seront passibles comme auteurs principaux des peines qui constituent la répression des crimes et délits commis par la voie de la presse, dans l'ordre ci-après, savoir :

1° Les directeurs de publications ou éditeurs, quelles que soient leurs professions ou leurs dénominations, et, dans les cas prévus au deuxième alinéa de l'article 6, les codirecteurs de la publication ;

2° À leur défaut, les auteurs ;

3° À défaut des auteurs, les imprimeurs ;

4° À défaut des imprimeurs, les vendeurs, les distributeurs et afficheurs. »

Cet article s’applique y compris devant les juridictions civiles (CA Paris, 9 juin 2002 : D. 2002, somm. 2763).

 

L’auteur d'un article diffusé sur Internet ne peut être retenu comme auteur principal du délit d'injure et diffamation publiques, dès lors que, n'étant pas propriétaire du site, il n'a pas la qualité de directeur de publication au sens de l'article 42 de la loi du 29 juillet 1881. Il ne peut, en qualité d’auteur des propos incriminés, qu’être déclaré responsable comme complice (Cass. crim., 6 mai 2003 : JurisData n° 2003-019168 ; Bull. crim. 2003, n° 94).

Ainsi, d’une part, en l’absence d’auteur principal poursuivi, il ne saurait y avoir de complice et donc de condamnation de l’auteur de l’article seul.

D’autre part et surtout, le Directeur de la publication, à savoir le propriétaire du site, n’a pas été attrait dans la cause, Madame SHAW n’étant pas attraite en qualité de directrice de la publication et la lecture de l’assignation révélant que sa responsabilité n’est recherchée qu’en qualité d’auteur de l’article litigieux.

Madame ERIVAN n’établit pas, pour autant, l’absence d’un directeur de la publication.

Or ce n’est qu’à défaut de pouvoir poursuivre le directeur de la publication qu’elle pourrait attraire en qualité d’auteur principal l’auteur de l’article, selon l’ordre déterminé par l’article 42 précité (Cass. crim. 17 juillet 1969 : Bull. crim. n° 230).

E- Sur la double incongruité de la citation en la cause du Ministère Public

 

1- On peine à comprendre pourquoi, s’agissant d’une action civile, le procureur de la République est mis en cause.

2- On peine encore plus à comprendre pourquoi c’est celui de Pointe-à-Pitre qui est assigné devant la juridiction de Basse-Terre

3- Et enfin, il y a une incompréhension majeure à comprendre pourquoi les deux parquets sont assignés, par magistrats nommés, au mépris de la rège de du parquet un et indivisible

II- SUR LE FOND

A- Exposé du litige selon le demandeur

L’assignation délivrée à la fois par Madame Colette ERIVAN et par la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin révèle sous sa rubrique « Rappel des faits et de la procédure » un certain nombre de griefs à l’encontre, en réalité, de la seule Madame Colette ERIVAN.

Il est ainsi exposé qu’elle exerce la profession de directrice de communication de Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin, qu’elle est considérée […] comme excellant (sic) en la matière que « cependant, une dénommée Bibi SHAW nourrit à son encontre une certaine animosité du fait de ses origines Guadeloupéennes, que cette animosité s’est manifestée de différente manière et notamment de nombreux articles diffusés par Internet et plus particulièrement sur des sites du net privés (« blog ».

Il est exposé en outre que, dans un article du 8 mai 2009, elle a été mise en cause directement, cet article « constituant une atteinte évidente à sa vie privée et professionnelle ».

Il est ainsi continué que Madame Bibi SHAW a consacré un article complet accompagné d’une photographie non autorisée de la concluante dont les termes sont peu flatteurs, le tout étant la cause de la présente saisine.

Madame Colette ERIVAN se plaint, en droit, de l’utilisation illicite de son image (B) et d’écrits diffamants à son égard et celui de son employeur (C).

Aucun de ces éléments en droit non plus qu’en fait n’est fondé ainsi qu’il sera démontré ci-après.

B- De la prétendue utilisation illicite de l’image de concluante

 

Madame Colette ERIVAN se fonde sur l’article 9 du Code Civil relatif au droit au respect de sa vie privée, lequel dispose en son premier alinéa : « chacun droit au respect de sa vie privée ».

Au visa de cet article, elle cite une jurisprudence ancienne.

Le fait est que l’article 9 du Code Civil est parfaitement inapplicable en l’espèce.

Le Code Civil énonce bien que chacun a droit au respect de sa vie privée, mais ne définit pas la vie privée.

Ce sont donc les juges qui ont déterminé ce qui est du domaine de la vie privée et ce qui ne l’est pas.

Est ainsi, aux termes de la jurisprudence du domaine de la vie privée :

 

- La vie familiale et conjugale

- La vie quotidienne à domicile

- L’état de santé

- La vie intime

- La vie amoureuse

- Les relations amicales

- Les loisirs

- La sépulture

 

Il est bien constant que l’article de Madame Bibi SHAW ne se situe dans aucun de ces cas, bien au contraire.

Ainsi que Madame Colette ERIVAN l’a rappelé elle-même dans son assignation, elle est directrice de la communication de l’organe « gouvernemental » de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin et comme telle, est un personnage public payé par la collectivité et sur l’activité de duquel les citoyens ont un droit de regard et, par conséquent, un droit à l’information.

En se fondant sur l’article 9 du Code Civil, Madame Colette ERIVAN, quand bien-même la photo eut été prise, comme elle l’exprime, de façon litigieuse, ne saurait prétendre qu’une photo d’un personnage public est une atteinte à sa vie privée au regard de l’article 9 du Code Civil.

Les mesures prévues par l’article 9 al. 2 ne peuvent être ordonnées en référé que dans le seul cas d’atteinte à l’intimité de la vie privée.

Il n’en est pas ainsi, par exemple, de la publication de renseignements d’ordre purement patrimonial exclusifs de toute allusion à la vie et à la personnalité des intéressés (Civ. 1ère, 4 octobre 1989 : Bull. civ. I, n° 307).

Mme ERIVAN ne démontre pas l’existence d’une atteinte à l’intimité de sa vie privée, et dès lors ne peut invoquer l’article 9 du Code civil pour justifier la compétence du juge des référés.

L’article incriminé concerne en effet exclusivement son activité professionnelle et publique.

S’agissant de la photographie, la liberté de communication des informations autorise la publication d’images de personnes impliquée dans un événement sous réserve du seul respect de la dignité humaine (Civ. 1ère, 20 février 2001 : Bull. civ. I, n° 42).

Notamment, est admise la publication d’une photographie d’un homme politique pour illustrer un article concernant non sa vie privée mais l’origine de ses revenus (CEDH, sect. III, 26 février 2002, Kone Verlag c/ Austria, req. n° 34315).

Le principe de la liberté de la presse implique le libre choix des illustrations d’un débat général de phénomène de société sous la seule réserve du respect de la dignité humaine (Civ. 2ème, 4 novembre 2004 : Bull. civ. II, n° 486).

Pareillement ici, l’article s’intéresse à la vie professionnelle de Mme ERIVAN, en sa qualité de Directrice de la Communication au sein de la COM, et la photographie n’a d’autre but que d’illustrer ledit article.

Madame Colette ERIVAN ne va pas, dans son assignation, jusqu’à prétendre que cette photo aurait été prise à son insu.

Elle tente d’insinuer qu’elle serait poursuivie des assauts photographiques de la défenderesse, ce que ladite défenderesse conteste absolument.

Mais, il y a mieux : ladite photo a été prise par Madame Bibi SHAW elle-même le 7 novembre 2008 à « La Voix de Saint-Martin », radio publique

Cette photographie a été prise avec le consentement de Madame Colette ERIVAN dans une radio, à un moment où le Président de la Collectivité était interrogé.

Les photos du Président de la Collectivité ont été prises le même jour et un article a été publié à la suite de cet événement.

C’est dans ces conditions et dans le cadre de son activité professionnelle que Madame Colette ERIVAN a été prise en photographie par Madame Bibi SHAW ;

L’attitude sur la photo montre bien qu’il ne s’agit pas d’une photographie volée, Madame Colette ERIVAN ne pouvant ignorer qui est Madame Bibi SHAW, compte tenu de sa notoriété d’une part, mais également parce que c’est bien en sa qualité de journaliste et pour couvrir un évènement qu’elle était présente à cette radio ce jour-là.

Madame Colette ERIVAN sera donc déboutée de toutes demandes relatives à la prétendue utilisation illicite de son image, le juge des référés ne pouvant au surplus qu’observer que cette photo ne fait montre d’aucun cadre privé, n’est pas litigieuse quant au fond, ne révèle aucun élément d’ordre privé et pour cause puisqu’elle a été prise dans un cadre professionnel.

On observera au surplus le caractère cocasse de la prétention d’une directrice de la communication à souhaiter ne pas être prise en photo et ne pas paraître dans un média de quelque ordre qu’il soit.

En tout état de cause, ne caractérisant pas d’atteinte à l’intimité de sa vie privée, Mme ERIVAN ne caractérise pas l’urgence ni la compétence du juge des référés.

C- Sur les prétendus écrits diffamants

Il sera rappelé que l’article 11 de la Déclaration Française des Droits de l’Homme et du Citoyen de 1789 dispose que

« la libre communication des pensées des opinions est un des droits les plus précieux de l’’homme : tout citoyen peut donc parler, écrire, imprimer librement sauf à répondre de l’abus de cette liberté dans les cas déterminés par la loi. »

La restriction posée par l’article 11 est fondée sur la théorie de l’abus de droit prévue dans l’article 4 de la même déclaration de 1789 :

« la liberté consiste à pouvoir faire tout ce qui ne nuit pas à autrui : ainsi l’exercice des droits naturels de chaque homme n’a de bornes que celles qui assurent aux autres membres de la société la jouissance de ces mêmes droits. Ces bornes ne peuvent être déterminées que par la loi ».

Aux termes de l’article 29 de la loi de 1881, est une diffamation :

« toute allégation ou imputation d'un fait qui porte atteinte à l'honneur ou à la considération de la personne ou du corps auquel le fait est imputé ».

En premier lieu Le juge observera que l’article incriminé est en langue anglaise et que la traduction n’est pas faite par personne assermentée.

On ne peut donc que constater que le juge n’est pas saisi d’une quelconque preuve dont on rappelle qu’elle appartient aux demanderesses.

Madame ERIVAN fait ensuite état de ce que les propos tenus à son égard sont « peu flatteurs », ce qui est évidemment insuffisant pour caractériser une diffamation.

Rien dans le contenu de l’article n’est de nature à caractériser une diffamation :

- Est-il diffamatoire de dire que Madame ERIVAN « provoquerait constamment des problèmes collectifs » ou que Mme ERIVAN « se bagarrerait avec plusieurs chefs de département t mettant toujours en travers de leur route » :

Outre l’emploi du conditionnel, il n’y a imputation d’aucun fait précis, mais le rapport d’une ambiance. Madame DATI a-t-elle poursuivi en diffamation à la suite de la démission de trois de ses chefs de cabinet provoquées, dit la presse, par son mauvais caractère ?

- Est-il diffamatoire de dire que Madame ERIVAN « Se retrouverait à faire tout sauf le travail pour laquelle elle a été employée et est payée plus de 4.000 € » :

Pas d’imputation d’un fait précis. Il s’agit au pire d’une accusation d’incompétence, qui n’est ni une diffamation ni une injure, mais l’expression d’une opinion relevant de la liberté d’expression.

Du reste, il y a nécessité à préciser que cette allégation ne met pas spécialement en cause Madame ERIVAN mais peut mettre en cause la façon dont est organisé le service de communication et les demandes hiérarchique qui lui sont faites.

Or Madame ERIVAN vise cela comme étant des faits diffamatoires à son égard.

- Est-il diffamatoire de dire que Madame ERIVAN « Aurait pris des semaines pour donner une information erronée à la Commission pour la recherche historique en France » :

Là encore, on lui impute, en prenant soin d’utiliser le conditionnel, une simple erreur, et en outre à nouveau au conditionnel.

- Est-il diffamatoire de dire que Madame ERIVAN « Se serait disputée avec un membre du service communication » :

Se « disputer » sous réserve que la traduction est exacte, n’est pas un fait attentatoire à l’honneur ou à la considération.

***

L’assignation indique par ailleurs qu’ « Elle serait d’origine guadeloupéenne ce qui est péjoratif aux yeux de l’auteur » :

Une telle affirmation, produite à dessein, tente d’affirmer que l’auteur aurait quelques relents racistes

Une telle affirmation est d’autant plus malodorante que rien dans l’article ne dit cela ; L’article se contentant d’énoncer que Mme ERIVAN a été recrutée en Guadeloupe, ce qui n’est un secret pour personne puisqu’elle était directrice de la communication de la CCI et qu’elle a préféré en partir, en butte avec la nouvelle présidente.

A toutes fins, on rappellera que Madame SHAW est Guyanaise, du GUYANA.

***

L’assignation tente encore d’imputer par un raccourci inadmissible les commentaires des internautes à Madame Bibi SHAW

S’agissant des commentaires de l’article incriminés, qui constituent les réactions des internautes à l’article, Mme SHAW, en sa qualité d’auteur de l’article lui-même, n’est pas l’auteur de ceux-ci ni ne saurait en être tenue pour responsable.

Avec toujours la même précaution s’agissant de propos non traduits par un expert, « This woman is a joke » traduit par « cette femme est un guignol » paraît osé !

L’auteur du commentaire pose la question de savoir si elle n’avait pas été recruté comme secrétaire de presse du Président et ne parle jamais de « mœurs légères », ce qui est une invention apparue au stade de l’assignation ; l’expression « raisons personnelles » employée n’implique pas un tel sens ; Il peut signifier l’ambition ce qui ne saurait être considéré comme diffamatoire.

Mais le plus important est qu’il ne peut être reproché à Madame SHAW ;

Ce qui est remarquable, c’est que dans leur traduction, les demanderesses oublient de dire qu’il y a eu quatre commentaires et que, sur ces quatre, il y en a eu trois positifs pour Madame ERIVAN ! Cela est la preuve évidente du désir de nuire de Madame SHAW qui s’est abstenue de les censurer, sans nul doute pour perturber Madame ERIVAN !

La diffamation, sans préjudice des questions de forme n’est donc pas fondée en fait.

D- Sur Madame SHAW

Il est constant que Madame BiBi SHAW est une personne reconnue à Saint-Martin comme étant une jolie plume.

Elle écrit régulièrement sur ce qui se passe dans la CARAIBES et singulièrement à Saint-Martin.

Si elle a une carte de presse, elle exerce bénévolement et est une des seules plumes indépendantes de Saint-Martin.

Elle accomplit son travail avec rigueur, et a fait plusieurs fois articles et interviewé des personnes comme le sénateur FLEMING, avec des commentaires parfois acerbes sans, pour autant, encourir les foudres de la justice.

Quel est alors le but de l’assignation si peu fondée ?

Tout le monde connaît les conditions dans lesquelles elle exerce et le handicap de son fils atteint d’un cancer.

En cela, l’assignation est une tentative d’intimidation supplémentaire, après quatre vols à son domicile où n’ont disparu que ses ordinateurs et documents.

C’est ce qui justifie au regard du caractère particulièrement hasardeux de la procédure la demande de dommages intérêts, outre les frais irrépétibles incluant : avocat, hôtel, avion…

********

PAR CES MOTIFS

In limine litis,

• Dire que la COLLECTIVITE D’OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN n’a pas capacité à agir dans la présente procédure

• Constater que le délai de dix jours entre la délivrance de l’assignation et la date d’audience n’a pas été respectée

• Constater que les demanderesses ont élu domicile à Baie-Mahault

• Constater l’absence l’auteur principal, en l’espèce le Directeur de Publication, propriétaire du site

En conséquence,

• Constater la fin de non-recevoir opposée à la Collectivité d’Outre-Mer de Saint-Martin

• Déclarer l’assignation nulle et de nul effet

Au fond,

• Mettre hors de cause Madame Bibi SHAW

• Constater qu’il n’y a pas d’atteinte à l’intimité et à la vie privée de Madame Colette ERIVAN

• Constater l’absence de diffamation

En conséquence,

• Débouter Madame Colette ERIVAN et la COLLECTIVITE D’OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN de l’intégralité de leurs demandes

• Condamner solidairement Madame Colette ERIVAN et la COLLECTIVITE D’OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN à payer à Madame Bibi SHAW la somme de 12.000,00 € à titre de dommages intérêts

• Ordonner l'exécution provisoire du jugement à intervenir nonobstant appel et sans caution.

• Condamner solidairement Madame Colette ERIVAN et la COLLECTIVITE D’OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN à payer à Madame Bibi SHAW HODGE la somme de 4.598,84 € en application des dispositions de l'article 700 du Code de Procédure Civile

• Condamner Madame Colette ERIVAN, COLLECTIVITE D’OUTRE MER de ST-MARTIN aux entiers dépens

SOUS TOUTES RESERVES

Fait à Pointe-à-Pitre, le 19 octobre 2009

Jan-Marc FERLY

Avocat à la Cour

 

Conclusions communiquées à Maître DELOUMEAUX, le

Au Ministère Public, le

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Madame le Président du Tribunal de Grande Instance de Basse-Terre

4, rue Félix Eboué

97109 BASSE TERRE

 

Pointe-à-Pitre, le 20 octobre 2009

Lettre de Procédure

 

Affaire : SHAW c/ ERIVAN & C.O.M. ST-MARTIN

Nos Réf. : 29103128 - SHAW001  - JMF/ JMF/LBB/28457

Madame le Président,

Je reçois de retour à mon cabinet une pièce communiquée par Maître DELOUMEAUX dénommée « Attestation de Monsieur GUMBS » en date du 20 octobre 2009.

Bien évidemment, je vous demande le rejet de cette pièce au nom de l’oralité des débats et de ce que cette pièce a été transmise postérieurement à l’audience de référé.

Il appert d’autre part que cette attestation est quand même suspecte en ce que le Président du Conseil Territorial de Saint-Martin certifie que la collectivité de Saint-Martin apporte sa protection fonctionnelle, conformément à l’article 11 de la loi du 13 juillet 1983, sans prouver que Madame ERIVAN est fonctionnaire.

 

On sait qu’elle a été embauchée il y a quelques années et son statut de fonctionnaire n’est absolument pas prouvé.

D’autre part, la formulation selon laquelle la collectivité de Saint-Martin est solidaire de Madame Colette ERIVAN et qu’une délibération sera prise à cet effet ne signifie pas que la collectivité entend être partie dans le dossier, ce qu’elle peut d’autant moins faire qu’aucune délibération n’a été prise, ce que le Président du Conseil Territorial ne nie pas puisqu’il indique « qu’une délibération sera prise à cet effet par le conseil exécutif ».

Il est donc prévu que cette délibération puisse être prise et le Président GUMBS semble s’avancer à prédécider ce que le Conseil Territorial pourrait décider, alors même que l’audience est déjà passée.

Enfin, cette attestation indique que les frais de procédure seront prises en charge par la collectivité dont acte, ce qui prouve que Madame ERIVAN ne saurait faire quelque demande que ce soit au titre de l’article 700 du Code de Procédure Civile.

J’adresse, bien évidemment, copie de la présente à mon contradicteur.

Vous remerciant d’avance de l’attention que vous voudrez bien porter à la présente,

Je vous prie de croire, Madame le Président, à l'expression de mes salutations respectueuses

Jan-Marc FERLY

Avocat à la Cour

Philipsburg: --- A female officer of the Voluntary Korps of St. Maarten has been suspended from active duty confirmed Prosecutor Rienk Mud. Mud said his office was not involved in the case and that the police department has since issued disciplinary measures against the officer. The prosecutor said he do not even know what the officer did and why she has been suspended.

SMN News learnt of this case that involves officer Marina Surante of Dominca almost two months ago, when we contacted authorities on the case it was flatly denied. The officer in question has acquired her Dutch nationality making her eligible to be part of the VKS. Sources told this reporter that the officer borrowed monies from someone that was locked up and that she went as far as lending her personal phone to the suspect to call his boss and requested that his employer released the monies to her. It is said the officer has refused to repay the prisoner who decided to speak out. The officer was suspended since over a month now.

SMN News contacted the Commander of the VKS Jean Illidge with the information we received. Illidge confirmed the information and further stated that the officer is suspended indefinitely. He said the police are presently investigating the case and a decision has to be taken by them to see if they would bring criminal charges against her. Illidge said the only reason he could not confirm the case when SMN News contacted him some two months ago was because he was hospitalized and that he had no knowledge of the case at that time.

 

 

Philipsburg: ---State Secretary of Health, Mr. Patrick Illidge, made a courtesy visit to the Mental Health Foundation on Monday, October 26. Mr. Illidge met with Ms. Eileen Healy, Director of the Mental Health Foundation who introduced him to Ms. Onika Phillips, administrative Assistant; Shineca Carty, Registered Nurse; Aisheline Maduro, Psychologist, and other staff. Ms. Healy gave Mr. Illidge a tour of the outpatient Day Care facility, which included the handicraft, soap-making and candle-making rooms. The State Secretary expressed how delighted he was to see the industriousness of the patients of the Mental Health Foundation. Ms. Healy also took the opportunity to present the State Secretary of Health with a copy of the Ondernemingplan “Stop Exclusion...Dare to Care” 2004, the Multi Annual Plan 2010 to 2012, the Terms of Reference for the Guided Living Project for Psychiatric Care, the MHF Social Year Report 2009, and the MHF Annual Reports of 2006 to 2008. The main objective of the MHF is to encourage the cure of the psychiatric patient, but if there is evidence that cure is not a realistic goal, to at least reduce suffering. The MHF has treated 400 patients, has Day Care Services with 25 clients, helped 20 families at home with their psychiatric relatives, and manages 50 crisis patients per year. The State Secretary noted that he was very impressed with the efforts being made to ensure accountability, continuity, and consistency at the MHF.

Ms Healy also raised various issues as they relate to bottlenecks and shortcomings the institution faced, such as: the treatment meted out to mental care patients at other institutions, the ongoing concerns about the lack of a residential facility for Psychiatric illness, the lack of education for health care workers in mental health, and the lack of professionals who are trained in knowledge of mental health equipment purchasing. Ms Healy also stated that she believes that the role of government in health care should be that of a regulatory nature, providing legislation and control and not the execution of service delivery. The State Secretary concurred and reiterated his concern about the lack of communication, coordination, and collaboration between health care providers and institutions. He also stressed that all health-care stakeholders should continue to consult and collaborate with each other to provide optimum quality care services to the island.

The State Secretary congratulated the center for the great work that they have done over the last 3 years and thanked the Ms. Healy and her team for accommodating him and facilitating such an informative orientation. He expressed that he was very impressed with the quality of service delivery at the MHF. He expressed his willingness to assist MHF wherever he can and to seek dialogue with other stakeholders to make the residential facility a reality. Finally, Mr. Illidge promised to remain in close contact with MHF and to follow-up on its progress.

 

 

French Quarter: --- A second court case has been filed by the Collectivity of St. Martin against SMN News. A bailiff delivered a summons to us on Monday afternoon at 4pm that indicated the reporter of this news website has to appear in courts on Tuesday October 27 in Basseterre. The second court case relates to an article SMN News published on October 9 regarding the use of government vehicles. Due to the untimely notice our lawyers requested that the case be postponed which was granted. The hearing is scheduled for November 10. No details on this second court case will be released until the hearing on November 10.

As said before the COM is doing all they can legally to shut this website down, since we are the only ones who seek to inform the community truthfully. While these attacks are made against SMN News, we are sure these measures would affect press freedom in the future and as such, we urge you to pay keen attention to the developments in these cases.

SMN News wants to thank the media houses on the Dutch side of the island that has highlighted the first case. SMN News would surely update you when we have more information.

We also apologize to our readers for not being able to cover all events and activities these last days as we are busy working on these court cases. As soon as this matter is under control, we would be back to normal.

 

 

Marigot/La Savanne:--- There has been no arrest in the murder of Jean-Dany Theodore Richardson who was shot to death on Sunday night. According to information reaching SMN News the gendarmes are still busy looking for the suspicious jeep that was seen in close proximity of the killing. Jean-Dany Richardson (20) was shot to death on Sunday night not far away from his home. He is the second young man to be killed in recent days. So far the gendarmes have remained tightlipped about the killing.

The students TKL 4 of Milton Peters College attended a day workshop to motivate them to get their diploma at the end of this school year. In order for students to succeed, they need the help of their teachers. The workshops were both educational and inspiring. We were welcomed with a breakfast by our coordinator Mr. Aventurin. The workshops were given by Ms. Berkel and Ms. Berendsen. Our mentors, Ms. Franka and Ms. Fransesca accompanied us. We had a guest speaker, Mr. Rolando Tobias who encouraged us to be like coffee beans, which means when a challenge comes along you can change it. We also learned that it is very important to plan ahead. And we learned how to deal with stress.

I am very proud to say that it takes two hands to clap; one hand belongs to the students and the other to the teachers.

 

 

MARIGOT— The gendarmes managed to capture a notorious thief, the 21 year old man with no fixed address is accused of twenty eight thefts from homes, and thirty three thefts from cars most of which occurred on the French side. The culprit was caught last Thursday and has been transferred to Guadeloupe.

The gendarmes also arrested two other suspects on October 2, they are 21 and 22 years old and suspected of committing burglary. The two would appear in court on December 17.

 

 

Philipsburg: ---As was promised on Wednesday September 30 2009, that the police department would continue their controls and searches on school buses and students traveling on these buses heading for the school districts of South Reward and Sint Peters. In regards to the carrying of weapons and or drugs to the schools, another control was held on Friday morning at the John Cooper-Jose Lake Senior Ball Park. This joint control held by members of the 0-Tolerance team, members of the VKS and members of the Control Unit started at 06.00 a.m. and ended at 08.00 a.m. The control was held in connection with the upcoming mid-term school vacation and information coming into the police department of possible fights that may take place prior to the vacation. This is the second safety control within a three-day period. Hoping that the first control would discourage the youngster from bringing weapons to school turned out not to be that way. A total of 52 school buses were checked and surprisingly one machete, two large butchers knives, a steak knife, one switchblade, one half of a pointy scissors (perfect for stabbing), a length of chain tied with a black string which can be used and a weapon for striking (or a brass knuckle), 26 pairs of scissors and other items that can be used as weapons were found and confiscated. No one was arrested; however, these items were taken of circulation and cannot be used for the purpose they were taken to school.

The police department is once again making a serious plea to the parents of these children, to get involved in their children lives, by keeping a closer eye on what their children are doing, which they have as friends, what they are taking to school.

The parents should contact the school their children attend to and find out what is going on with their children.

The problem that we are facing here is much more serious than we think it is. If this problem is not addressed in due time, it can spiral out of control and many young persons might get hurt.

This is not only a police problem, it is a community problem. Every-one in this community has to give a helping hand. The police department is ready to work with any other organization to come with solutions to combat this problem. It is so much the police with its limited resources can do. There are many other important issues that also needs police attention, but cannot be attended to because of the present issue the police are dealing with. The controls will continue after the vacation and the schools are in operation.

Sint Maarten Academy PSVE controlled by police

Also as part of the controls and on request of the management from the Sint Maarten Academy PSVE a control was held in that school. The students were asked to open their school bags and the contents were checked-out by the police officers.

No weapons or drugs were found during this search. One knife was found hidden under a large rock during a search of the premises. After the search words of caution and encouragement were given by the Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Ricardo Henson to the students of that school, who were gathered by teachers in front of the head office of that school.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Justice Minister Magali Jacoba is on St. Maarten on a working visit. The Minister arrived on St. Maarten on Monday where she met with individual members of the management team. Jacoba would also be meeting with the unions representing the police before holding a general meeting with the police management team. That meeting is scheduled to be held on Thursday.

It is not clear if the Minister’s visit pertains to the issues regarding the police management which came to light after detective Carlton Philips wrote an open letter exposing some of the concerns in the police management.

Just last week the attorney representing Philips indicated to the management team, and the Minister of Justice by letter that they are hoping that an independent investigation be conducted within the police management.

Efforts made to contact the Minister for a statement proved futile up to press time.

 

 

Philipsburg/ Marigot: --- Cooperation is just a myth when it comes to marketing St. Maarten and St. Martin overseas. Ever since the French side obtained its status change and the Union Pour le Progres took office on July 15 2007, cooperation between the two sides almost seized to exist mainly with the two tourist offices. SMN News reported that in 2007 that first vice president Daniel Gibbs had stopped the joint marketing that same year when he refused to renew the rent contract for the New York Office. Gibbs had said back then that the only reason the contract was not renewed is that he had to wait on the COM’s budget. Gibbs had explained that it was costing the French side too much money to advertise in the United States with the Dutch side. The first vice president in his defense said the French side was paying half of the expenses for that office, which was over $300,000. Even though he had considered the joint marketing too expensive at no time did Gibbs say they would discontinue their joint marketing program.

When first vice president Daniel Gibbs vacated his position as president of the tourist office and Ida Zin-Ka Ieu took office she vowed that cooperation between the two sides would continue. Zin Ka Ieu had said she did not have any problem with the Dutch side and they were working together since she recognizes the need to do so. At the launching of the SMART, Zin Ka Ieu made remarks about the good relationship she had with the director of the Dutch side Tourist Office Regina Labega reasons why they would continue working together.

However, SMN News learnt that despite all the talks, smiles, and shake hands the French side is no longer working along with the Dutch side. The source said the French side on September 17 signed an agreement with Atout France (Tourism Development Agency Office) also known as Maison de la France that has an office in New York. This agency it is said is doing all marketing for the French side in the US market. However, Zin Ka Ieu is yet to officially notify her Dutch counterpart about the new arrangements the French side has. The EPIC President neither did first vice president Daniel Gibbs see it fit to discuss this with the commissioner of tourism from the Dutch side Frans Richardson, or tourism director Regina Labega.

During the signing it is said St. Martin would be paying Atout France some $395, 000 for marketing the island in the United States. Additionally St. Martin would be occupying an office at Atout France and would be paying $1000.00 monthly rent. The agreement that was signed mid September has to be renewed annually.

SMN News has been reliably informed that the French side did not pay their rents for the New York Tourist Office for almost eight months. It is also understood that the French side has removed their agent from the New York office. Several politicians and those in the tourism industry have said that both sides are now advertising St. Maarten/St. Martin independently and the French side would have to now increase their marketing budget since they are working on their own. There are questions as to how St. Martin plans to market itself as a Caribbean destination in a European Tourist Office.

One concerned resident, politician, and businessman said he wants to know if this is what article 74 means for the island, since the island is more divided than ever, the businessman is calling on Senator Louis Constant Fleming to say whether or not the status has anything to do with this or if it is a mission of the EPIC president.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- The prosecutor’s office on St. Maarten has filed for the extradition of two citizens of the Netherlands Antilles. The couple Raymond Registe and Madline Registe-Val is wanted in connection with their involvement with human smuggling.

The couple was arrested by Boca Raton police after they were caught shoplifting two Levi jeans in Macy’s department store. The couple is also wanted in the US Virgin Islands for a prior case of human trafficking and manslaughter.

In April this year a vessel, carrying some 25 people capsized killing about a dozen of them. Most of the victims were of Haitian and Sri Lankan decent. The boat had left St. Maarten (Simpson Bay) heading for the US Virgin Islands. Bodies of the victims were found on a reef in the British Virgin Island as the boat (Ajada) capsized after hitting a reef on January 20. A passing fishing boat had rescued 13 of the migrants that were on the fatal boat.

Prosecutor Jan Bart Daveling confirmed that the prosecutor’s office on St. Maarten has requested the extradition of the Antillean couple.

 

Human trafficking husband and wife fugitives nabbed in Boca Raton.

(Sun Sentinel)

BOCA RATON - A husband and wife pair of fugitives from the Netherlands Antilles who were said to be involved in a deadly human smuggling operation were arrested by Boca Raton police and appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Wednesday, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Raymond Registe and Medeline Registe-Val, who were both held without bond, were charged with shoplifting/retail theft Saturday after stealing two pairs of blue Levi's jeans from Macy's at Town Center Mall. The goods were valued at about $120.

The Registes were being sought by the U.S. Marshals in the U.S. Virgin Islands for a prior human smuggling case in which they were charged with criminal conspiracy, human trafficking, and manslaughter.

The two had organized the smuggling of 25 migrants from the Antilles to the U.S. Virgin Islands. A dozen of them died when the vessel hit a reef and capsized in the incident less than a year ago.

 

 

 

Members of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten visited Milton Peters College on Wednesday last for an introductory meeting for the establishment of an Interact Club. About 80 students gathered in the teachers’ lounge where President Pierre DeCelles explained briefly what Interact is all about.

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting.

Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, “Interactors” develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of

• Developing leadership skills and personal integrity

• Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others

• Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work

• Advancing international understanding and goodwill

As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.

Vocation Committee chairperson Bonita Hart together with other committee members Robert Dubourq, Kenny Idniani and Maria Buncamper-Molanus were on hand to assist with this initial introductory meeting. Director of the HAVO/VWO department Mark Soree coordinated the meeting and will function as the faculty advisor.

St. Maarten has Interact clubs at St. Dominique High, Learning Unlimited and St. Maarten Academy.

The Rotary Club of St. Maarten is appreciative of councilors and teachers Maricia Ellis, N. Richardson and Mark Soree who responded very positively, early September, to the club’s requests to explore the possibilities of getting the MPC students involved in this youth club. “We are looking forward to sponsoring the MPC Interact Club” says president Pierre DeCelles. “We encourage young people to participate and the community at large to support our young people in their efforts to serve.”

 

 

Marigot: --- Senator Louis Constant Fleming on Friday reacted to statements made by opposition leader Alain Richardson who called him a dictator for not consulting with the territorial council prior to making the amendments. Fleming said that he did not have to consult with the territorial council on the draft law. He explained that after submitting the law he gave a copy of law to each territorial counselor on October 3.

Fleming said the council would be called upon to give an advice (avis) on the proposed amendments.

The amendments to the organic law are supposed to come up on November 18, said Fleming. He further explained that the power of the executive council will not be reduced instead the amendment will stipulate who is the Chief Executive Officer of the council which would be the president. He said the vice presidents have an obligation to notify the president when they are leaving the island since the president can be held responsible for them in a court of law. Furthermore, the president he said needs to know when and where his vice presidents are going. Fleming explained the president also has to know what his vice presidents are doing for the island and how they are spending government monies. Fleming made clear that he is not a member of the territorial council and for Richardson to call him is a dictator is besides the point.

He said when he held the position of president of the COM he had written a letter to each vice presidents explaining to them that they would need to notify him when they are travelling especially knowing that their tickets are paid for by the COM.

Already he was advised by the reporter that the law on the building permits could not be changed since the law that is applicable on St. Martin is applicable in all the other Collectivities. Fleming said that he would remove that amendment as was advised. As for the reducing of power from the vice presidents, Fleming said the idea was not to reduce or take away any power from the executive council. He said in the past it was the mayor who was signing the building permits, and he did it for one year while sitting as president of the COM. He said right now the vice presidents do not seem to be respecting the laws. He said just recently he was called in by the Prefet who told him that all the elected officials are busy writing letters and sending it to the State and these elected officials are not following basic procedures. Fleming said right now everyone is doing as they please, and there seems to be several chiefs and no Indians, thus they have to clarify this in the organic law.

The senator said it is only recently he was advised by the president’s cabinet that some adjustments are needed in the organic law regarding building permits. He said even though the executive council would review or look over the advice of the building permits and they would vote in favor or against the issuance of the building permit, it is the president that would sign off on the documents on behalf of the executive council. Fleming said one of the reasons he agreed that this should go directly to the president’s office and not to the executive council is to reduce the processing time. Fleming said each time a request is made for a building permit the applicant has to wait until an executive council meeting is called for it to be handled. He lamented that the fine-tuning and the work on granting building permits are done by the service urbanism and the State is always there to monitor the process and to see if the law has been maintained. “When building permits come to the council all they have to do is look at it and agree or disagree on the advice submitted by service urbanism.” He dispelled the insinuation that the amendment would encourage corruption or bribery. Fleming said he is not saying that bribery cannot take place, but surely, it would not be done in the president’s office, instead it may take place in the department that handles and prepare the advice for the executive council. He further explained that if the Collectivity sits on any dossier regarding a building permit then that permit is granted automatically.

Another change to the organic law he said is the five-year grace period for property owners who are not living on St. Martin. He said he knew from the very inception that this law had to be amended and St. Barths is also in the process of amending the same article because it means the Collectivities are loosing a great deal of monies during the five year period.

The senator said while he contacted a deputy from Martinique to intervene in the situation the opposition felt it was good for St. Martin since it would keep the Metropolitans from coming to St. Martin. Fleming said this law is exposing people to corruption since the Metropolitans or non-residents can find people to front for them. While the ministry of finance felt the elected on St. Martin want to create a fiscal paradise or (off shore center) which would permit people not to pay taxes.

 

Fleming said while it might be a good idea to create an offshore center on St. Martin it takes as long as 25 years for this center to become credible. He asked which responsible elected official would put its people through such a long waiting period.

The senator made clear that he intends to speak out against the accusations made against him on the radio stations as early as Monday.

 

 

Philipsburg:---Based on information that came in to the Police Department, about the dealing of drugs and buying of stolen items A search was conducted at an apartment building on the Well road in Cole Bay. This search was carried out by the Zero Tolerance team assisted by members of the VKS and took place on Saturday October 17th at approximately 06.00 p.m. At the arrival of the officers, the tenant of that apartment was not at home. During the search a considerable amount of cocaine (5 small plastic bags), 18 cellular phones, several mens wristwatches, and several mens bracelets were found and confiscated. No arrests were made.

Philipsburg:---On Saturday October 17th three students attending the American Medical University of the Caribbean located in Cupe Coy with the initials S.P., L.A. and A.C. filed an official report with the Special Robbery Unit and stated that on that same day at approximately 12.30 p.m. while walking towards the Mullet Bay Beach, they were suddenly approached by a brown colored car. Two unknown men of dark complexion stepped out of the car and walked towards them. Both men were armed with handguns and threatened to use them if they did not hand over their belongings. Fearing for their safety the victims handed over their belongings which were bath towels, a digital camera, several credit cards and a small amount of cash. After committing the robbery the robbers took-off in the direction of Atlantis Casino. The Special Robbery Unit is investigating this robbery.

Philipsburg: -- Attorney at law Reynold Groeneveldt has sent a letter to the police management informing them that he has been retained by detective Carlton Philips who went public regarding the issues of the police management team. In the letter, which will be published in its entirety, Groeneveldt is asking the police management team to install a committee to investigate the claims made by Philips. Groeneveldt is also asking for an investigation into the allegations management of the police force KPSSS made against Philips some seven years ago where they said he destroyed evidence while working for the CID.

Groeneveldt also wants an investigation into the procedures that was used and an investigation to be carried out to determine if the process and procedures that were followed to the application for the position of the Head CID were executed in

accordance, with the applicable laws and the regulations.

Philips who is presently on vacation wrote two letters after months of waiting on the management team to conduct an investigation to clear his name. The officer also alleges that management of the police force was enriching themselves, while victimizing others that are working in the force for years.

Below is the letter sent to the police management team.

To. The Management of the Police Force

Of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius,

Attn of the acting Police Commissioner

Mr. A.P. Doran and the Minister of Justice,

Police Station, Philipsburg

St.Maarten N.A.

Cole Bay, September 23rd , 2009

Re: Inspector C.C. Philips,

Dear Mr. Doran,

 

I herewith inform you that I have been retained by Inspector C.C. Philips to assist him

with legal advice and represent him in the ongoing matter with the Management of the

Police Force, section Windward Islands. I herewith refer to your letter of September 16th, 2009 that was hand delivered to Mr. Philips and wish to inform you as follows:

The important issue is not whether Mr. Philips can provide you with evidence of his

claims, but rather if these claims are factual or not. It is of paramount importance that an investigation is carried out to determine if the process and procedures that were followed pertaining to his application for the position of the Head CID were executed in accordance with the applicable laws and the regulations. It is furthermore absolutely

necessary to establish if indeed any such allegation against him was brought forward that he destroyed criminal evidence while working at the CID. We have taken note of the intention of the Police management to conduct an investigation into this matter as well as the claims made amongst others by my client and we applaud such a decision.

However taking the seriousness of the claims into consideration and the need for the

community to be able to have full confidence in the Police organization we do not believe that it is appropriate or desirable for the Police organization to conduct an investigation pertaining to it self and its functioning. It goes without saying that the Police must also adhere to the Principles of Good Governance in preparing and taking their decisions.

We therefore strongly recommend and insist that an independent Team be established by the Minister of Justice to conduct these investigations in accordance with the following:

The Investigating team should consist of professionals with a vast knowledge of

police matters and or judicial affairs; The candidates should be selected from Aruba Curacao and or the Netherlands; The members of the team should not be active members of the Police Force; The team should be established by Federal Decree;

The team should be vested with the authority to amongst other: a) demand and obtain all relevant information and documents, b) make copies of all the relevant documents pertaining to the matters being investigated, c) summon and hear persons or witnesses under oath, d) assign others to assist them with the investigation,

e) do whatever is necessary in order to conduct a thorough investigation and

produce a factual and legally substantiated Investigation Report.

The Report and its findings shall be made public.

Any investigation executed or any report that is produced and does not meet the above

mentioned criteria or cannot be published shall be considered not in accordance with the Principles of Openness in Government and also not in conformance with the Principles of Good Governance. Finally I wish to impress upon you that this is a matter of national interest, therefore the vague principle of national security can not be used to mitigate or limit the scope of the investigation and the publication of the findings of the report. I trust that I have informed you adequately herewith and remain.

Yours sincerely,

Reynold Groenveldt

 

 

Great Bay:-- St. Maarten (September 29, 2009) – Dancer Nicole de Weever and artist Maximillian Phelipa were the two St. Maarten cultural workers whose talent and dedication to their art has earned them the recognition of the Executive Council represented by Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson.

At an awards ceremony held at the Dr. A. C. Wathey Legislative Hall on Sunday, September 27, 2009, to mark World Tourism Day, Commissioner Frans Richardson named them “Special Ambassadors” of St. Maarten.

Nicole de Weever, who is currently featured in a Broadway show that will be premiered at the Eugene O’Neil Theatre on November 23, 2009, was unable to attend the ceremony, however, her parents, Rudy and Beatrice de Weever, received the plaque honoring her on her behalf.

A graduate of New York University’s Dance Department and a former Motiance Dance School student, Nicole’s picture already graces the marquee of the Eugene O’Neil Theatre where she will be dancing in the hit musical, Fela!, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner, Bill T. Jones, with the financial backing of mega-stars Jay-Z and Will Smith.

“Listen nuh, I’m a child of the world, yeah, but I from right here; I’m a proud St. Martiner,” Nicole said in an interview in the World Tourism Day newspaper supplement, “Celebrating Diversity”, published by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau on Friday, September 25, 2009.

She added: “I have been blessed to travel the world as an artist/cultural ambassador on various musical tours, performing on world stages that have taken me to numerous countries in Asia and Europe. In many of these places, there were some differences in comparison to my direct environment but they were also so similar. The more you travel, the more you realize how less different we really are as human beings.”

Commissioner Frans Richardson was full of praise for her, adding that she is an example of how talented St. Maarten youth are, and a role model of how far they could reach once they focus on developing their talents.

“Through her dance, Nicole is also promoting St. Maarten. I am very proud of the fact that a St. Maartener is featured in a major hit musical on Broadway. I’m sure that is just the beginning because certainly the success of the show will take it to other world capitals and in each place, we can proudly say our own daughter of the soil is there,” the Commissioner remarked. He added that he would be in attendance at the premiere of the show in November to cheer on Nicole in her Broadway debut and exhorted other St. Maarteners who might be in the New York area to do the same because “she is doing all of us proud.”

Turning to Max Phelipa, he said he was a proud owner of one of the artist’s paintings and stressed that there was a segment of tourists who love art and who could be attracted to the island through the works of artists like Phelipa. Phelipa is the only Netherlands Antillean artist who will be participating in a group exhibition at the Antillen Huis in Holland in October. He was invited to represent the Netherlands Antilles by Prime Minister Emily de Jongh Elhage. The artist received his award in person, accompanied by his wife, Aggie. The St. Maarten Tourist Office also made a contribution towards Phelipa’s impending trip to The Netherlands.

 

 

Oyster Pond:--- St. Maarten has recorded another murder, this time on the Dutch side of the island in the vicinity of Casa Blanca Adult Entertainment club. David Eustace (41) is the son of Carmen Priest and proprietor of Casa Blanca was shot shortly before 4pm at the entrance of the business place. On the scene was his mother who waited until the undertakers removed the body from the scene.

According to information reaching SMN News, Eustace was shot on the right side of his abdomen with a shot gun. He was shot three times at point blank range from the passenger side of the Chevy bus. The shooting it is alleged seems more like a hit and not any type of robbery. Eustace was driving a bus which had one of his close friends Leroy Richardson (Sweet Leroy) inside the bus when they left Casa Blanca. Police found at least four spent shells belonging to a shot gun on the scene.

This media house has been reliably informed that a green Samurai soft top jeep with either two occupants was in the immedate area of the adult entertainment club. The number plate on the vehicle it is understood was covered with a piece of cloth while the shooters remained unmasked.

SMN News further learnt that the occupants of the jeep stopped Eustace as he was leaving the club. Eustace it is said stopped and the shooter approached the driver side then he walked over to the passenger side of the bus, opened the door and told Sweet Leroy to bend down (duck down) and proceed to shoot Eustace in his abdomen. The vehicle continued moving and ended up in a nearby trench. The businessman died on the spot.

Police is baffled with a number of things which to them does not seem right. One of those things is why Sweet Leroy who was accompanying Eustace to see a lawyer was seated in the back of the bus, while the passenger seat remained vacant. The gunman shot Eustace from the passenger side of the bus.

According to several persons on the scene Sweet Leroy got off the bus when it stopped and began running towards the hills, back to Casa Blanca. It is not clear why the shooters did not interfere or hurt Sweet Leroy an eyewitnesses to the broad daylight murder. Leroy Richardson (Sweet Leroy) was invited to the police station where a statement was taken from him as the main eyewitness.

SMN News learnt that Sweet Leroy was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center sometime in the evening as he took in ill due to the shock of witnessing his friend’s murder. It is understood that after Richardson received his treatment after which police went with him to an undisclosed location to further question him.

SMN News has learnt that the victim is indebted to a number of persons. SMN News further learnt that Eustace owed at least one businessman over $20,000 while he has monies for other people. The souce said police is trying to figure out if the killing is linked to Eustace's  financial problems.

On September 9 2009, Eustace filed a petition against Carolina Bar with the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran. In his petition he stated that Carolina Bar was operating illegally as a house of prostitution. The petition filed is based on the sex industry policy of 2003. Eustace also included in his petition that the Seamans Club relocated illegally.

Police is busy investigating the killing and the motive of the execution style murder. David Eustace is also known as David Priest in the community of St. Maarten.

In the meantime, this is the third murder for the week, two of the killings took place on the French side of the island.

SMN News also learnt the gendarmes are busy investigating another shooting which took place on Thursday night in Colombier. It is understood that some Haitians had an argument and gun shots were fired. It is not clear if anyone was injured in this incident.

 

 

PHILIPSBURG - The University of St. Martin (USM), in commemoration with World Teacher’s Day, is paying tribute to its own faculty by applauding them for their work while bestowing three long-time members with the title of Outstanding Faculty.

The three long-time USM faculty members are Rhoda Arrindell, Roberto Arrindell and Maurice Lake.

“As the President for the past 10 years at USM, I have experienced so many talented, and knowledgeable instructors who have been able to deliver over 500 graduates, who are now our alumni. A special word of appreciation is extended to faculty in general who offer their services at USM. We appreciate you in many ways. We believe that USM is so much stronger with you on board and we hope to continue serve this nation and region for a long time to come,” USM President Josianne Fleming Artsen said.

Every year the students at USM select the Faculty Member of the Year both as full-time and part-time. For the past ten years, this selection has consistently been carried out at USM and the faculty member would then be honored with a plaque at the Commencement Ceremonies.

“Today, known throughout the world as World Teachers Day cannot go by without USM paying tribute to our outstanding faculty who have served relentlessly. From the Full-Time Faculty we congratulate Rhoda Arrindell for her contribution throughout the decade to teaching and for being selected as Faculty of the Year in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009,” Fleming - Artsen said

“This performance deserves the title of Faculty of the Decade 2000 -2010.”

“Rhoda has received this award 7 times out of 10. Her students have stated that she is determined, knowledgeable in many fields and always available to students, ensuring that they understand the material that is being taught. As President, I know her as being thorough and fair with her students, and providing them with time even on Saturdays and Sundays,” Fleming-Artsen said.

Among the Part-time Faculty, Roberto Celestino Arrindell and Maurice Lake were also selected as Outstanding Faculty in 2009. Both instructors have a longstanding relationship with USM as part-time faculty members and have served well over the years.

“USM congratulates them as well and wish them much success in their endeavors to maintain high standards of delivery as faculty,” Fleming Artsen said.

USM continues to encourage youngsters to become teachers and the institutions’ Teacher Education Program currently prepares teachers for Cycles 1 and 2. The university also offers a certificate program for persons with a bachelor’s degree and who wish to teach. USM invites all interested persons to come to the university find out about these opportunities.

“Happy Teacher’s Day to all teachers who serve St. Maarten and special congratulations to our outstanding team Rhoda, Roberto and Maurice,” Fleming-Artsen said.

USM is located in Philipsburg, #1 Soualiga Road, and the offices are open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Police is yet to arrest the suspect who shot and killed David Eustace better known and David Priest on Friday. While police remain tightlipped on the investigations sources told this reporter that police is busy trying to find out if the person who shot Eustace to death was some sort of hitman.

Even though the main eyewitness to the brutal murder has said that that the killing was related to a robbery. According to our sources Leroy Richardson better known as Sweet Leroy told police that the rasta looking man who shot Eustace to death asked him prior to shooting where was the money.

Prosecutor Jan Bart Daveling said the investigation into the killing is ongoing, he confirmed that no arrest has been made. Asked if they Sweet Leroy is an eyewitness or a suspect, Daveling said the man is considered as a witness at this point.

Sources say police is planning to take Sweet Leroy back to the scene to conduct a reenactment of the murder, since certain parts of his statements are considered to be shaky. Most questionable is how he got to the back of the bus if in fact he was sitting in the front seat when the gunman attacked.

In the meantime, SMN News has learnt that the two men Leroy Richardson and David Eusatace were busy organizing a show for November 6th. SMN News understands the promoters were working on bringing teen star Hannah Montana to St. Maarten in the hope of clearing some of their financial problems. It said while the two were organizing the show, Eustace was the one who was to finance the show.

The source said Richardson who was released from prison in April 2009 on special conditions is in financial straights since he lost his business license for Players Club. According to information reaching SMN News the Lt. Governor revoked Richardson’s business licence due to the fact he has a criminal record. This media house also learnt that Richardson is fighting an eviction case which the his landlord brough against him.

It is further understood that Eustace borrowed over $20,000 from a certain businessman to assist Richardson while in prison and that money was never paid back.

David Eustace also filed a petion against Carolina Bar, and Japanese Club for having prostitutes instead of dancers. The late businessman had also asked the Lt. Governor to retract the business licence of Seamans Club since they were busy reconstructing.

Sources say police is looking in all directions to see if any of the problems outlined with the two businessmen had anything to do with his execution.

 

 

Oyster Pond: --- The Prosecutor office along with several detectives was at the Casa Blanca Adult Entertainment Club on Thursday busy trying to reconstruct the scene of the crime. One week ago a lone gunman described as a Rasta man fired at least three shots at businessman David Eustace who was driving his white Chevy Bus.

The shooting took place at the entrance of the adult entertainment club as Eustace and his friend Sweet Leroy was leaving the location to meet with a lawyer.

SMN News was reliably informed that one of the dancers at the club saw what took place that fatal afternoon from her bedroom window. At the scene yesterday the dancer along with a police officer inside her room was giving the detectives instructions as to what she saw prior to and after the shooting of David Eustace.

The detectives were busy filming the scene as the victim’s bus left the club, stopped where the shooting took place before it moved over to the final place where the bus stopped after rolling a short distance away. The detectives were seen using the victim’s bus to reconstruct the murder scene.

It is understood that Sweet Leroy was the first person on the scene, explaining the officers what really happened last Friday.

Sources say police are questioning the statements provided by Sweet Leroy who was inside of the bus when the shooting took place. SMN News also learnt that police are closing in on the eyewitness and he can soon be considered as an alleged accomplice to the crime.

It is said that police is baffled with several aspects of the shooting and the occurrences provided by the eyewitness. One of the concerns shared by the both by police and relatives of the deceased man is how did the eyewitness manage to get out of the front seat of the bus and go over to the back seat. Sources say the man never sat in the front seat when he left the adult entertainment club; instead, he sat in the back of the bus and so far he did not provide the reasons as to why he sat in the back of the bus.

SMN News also learnt that police already have a suspect in mind and they may soon make an arrest or would probably question the person they suspected is involved.

In the meantime, Prosecutor Jan Bart Daveling said Leroy Richardson is not a suspect in the murder investigation. He said Richardson is an eyewitness and confirmed he was on the scene of the reconstruction on Thursday.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Police on Wednesday continued with their controls on school buses in connection with students that are taking weapons and drugs to school. The controls started at 06.00 a.m. in the vicinity of the Sundial School. This school was not involved in the previous two school bus searches done before the Mid-term vacation. However during the control no weapons such as machetes and knives were found. A large amount of Afro-combs with metal teeth and scissors, which can definitely be used as weapons, were taken away from several students. However during the search one student was found in the possession two pornographic DVD'S. These DVD'S were confiscated. The parents of this student will be called in and informed of the situation.

GREAT BAY The Commissioner of Economic Affairs, Aviation and Tourism Frans Richardson has indicated that a number of critical functions are needed to be filled to support the Country St. Maarten in the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication.

These functions encompass the following areas: Civil Aviation, Shipping & Maritime, Central Bureau of Statistics, and Meteorological office.

In the Civil Aviation section, Inspectors are needed as well as a Policy advisor, and a Legal advisor. The Civil Aviation Inspectors should have an Academic degree and/or significant experience as a Pilot, Aircraft Engineer/Mechanic and/or experience as an Air Traffic Controller that has served in the function as Supervisor. The Policy Advisor should have a Masters’ degree in Aviation.

In addition, for the Shipping & Maritime section, there is a need for Inspectors, a Policy advisor, and a Legal advisor. The Shipping Inspectors should be experienced captains (<3000GT) or Maritime engineers or Master Mariners (<3000GT) and/or experienced Pilots. The Policy Advisor must have a Masters’ degree preferably in the Maritime Area.

In the area of Meteorological Services, St. Maarten requires Meteorologists. The meteorologists should have at least a Bachelors’ degree.

Regarding the Statistical area (CBS), there is a need for statistical analysts to deal with Economic Statistics (specifically in the areas of National Accounts and Price Statistics), Social Statistics, Demographer, as well as Application Programmer. All functions require applicants to have a Masters’ degree with the exception of the application programmer.

Interested persons should contact Sector Director of Economy and Tourism, Miguel de Weever via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Commissioner Richardson encourages all persons to contact government so that we can obtain a list of persons eligible to fill these functions. To this end, we are trying to find all our people that can help build country St. Maarten with the resources of St. Maarten.

 

 

French Quarter:--- Democracy and freedom of the press is under attack.

An employee responsible for communication in the Collectivity of St. Martin has decided to take SMN News www.smn-news.com to court for libel due to an article that was written on October 8, highlighting the lack of communication from the Collectivity of St. Martin.

The employee that holds the position of Director of communication is taking SMN News to court for having damaged her reputation and honor by publishing her photograph as well as information, provided by our sources that stated that there is a total lack of communication from her office to the general public of St Martin.

While SMN News would not discuss the details of the case in this first article, except to say that an emergency hearing is scheduled for Tuesday October 20 in Basseterre. Definitely, we would be updating our readers and supporters and General Public as the case against us proceeds. |

It is clear that the objective here is to suppress information to the General Public and to take SMN News whose motto is “We Tell it Like it is” to court, while withholding information from you the voting population and taxpayers of this island. To close off this article we would give you an opportunity to learn a little more about “Freedom of the Press” in future articles.

 

Press Freedom

UNESCO promotes freedom of expression and freedom of the press as a basic human right.

UNESCO promotes freedom of expression and freedom of the press and fosters media independence and pluralism by providing advisory services on media legislation and by making governments, parliamentarians and other decision-makers aware of the need to guarantee free expression.

UNESCO promotes freedom of expression and freedom of the press as a basic human right, through lobbying and monitoring activities. It highlights media independence and pluralism as fundamental to the process of democracy by providing advisory services on media legislation and by making governments, parliamentarians and other decision-makers aware of the need to guarantee free expression.

Other major UNESCO activities in this field include the proclamation in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly of a World Press Freedom Day to be celebrated on May 3rd; the establishment of an advisory group on press freedom which includes media professionals from all parts of the world; the establishment in 1997 of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.

 

UNESCO supports independent media in zones of conflict to enable them to play an active role in conflict prevention and resolution and the transition towards a culture of peace.

 

 

 

Philipsburg – The Democratic Party of St. Maarten re-instated its “Youth Wing” which caters primarily to teenagers. The membership of the DP Youth Wing boasts of students coming from several schools on the island. Leader of the DP, Council Lady Sarah Wescot-Williams, DP Vice President Stuart Johnson, and Chapter for Professional Young People (CPYP) President Marinka Gumbs were present at the induction ceremony. “The DP’s inclusion mantra is evident from the various committees which operate under the Party. The participation of young people and the forming of tomorrow’s leaders is an important part of this inclusion.” The DP Youth Wing will serve to inform young people about our local political and social climate as we move towards “Country St. Maarten” as well as to play an active role in our community. The DP Youth Wing has always been a force to reckon with and past members of the Youth Wing are prominent individuals in our society today. Youngsters are encouraged to join the membership of the Youth Wing. Interested persons can contact DP Vice President Stuart Johnson on 522-0509/5534788 or CPYP President Marinka Gumbs on 522-5459.

Philipsburg:--Five persons were honored at the SHTA’s Small Hotels Division’s (SHD) Anniversary luncheon held on Wednesday afternoon at Pineapple Pete restaurant. The luncheon was organized to celebrate the committee’s accomplishment of four years as an organized group within the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA).

First, to receive acknowledgement was Jr. Project Manager of the SHTA, Valya Pantophlet for her hard work and continuous dedication to the SHD.

Secondly, May Ling Chun, SHTA’s 2nd Vice President and Marketing Director was honored for supporting the idea of establishing a Small Hotels Division within the SHTA 4 years ago.

Betty Jean Baptiste of the St. Maarten Tourist Office was acknowledged for assisting the Small Hotels with its marketing efforts regionally (in the form of familiarization trips and trade shows). The Tourist office has been an integral part of the SHD’s marketing by also assisting with the distribution of its brochures throughout the U.S, on the Airport and the Harbor facilities.

Members of the SHD were also honored: Carter Glass of Turquoise Shell Inn for spearheading the committee for the first three years of its establishment. His aggressive efforts resulted in the SHD’s accomplishments over the years. Nadia Gumbs of Joshua Rose Guesthouse also received a token of appreciation from her committee members, as it was her idea to develop the Small Hotels Division.

The Small Hoteliers of the SHD would like to express its sincerest gratitude to every one who has contributed to its success one way or another. The SHD plans to hold a large ceremony for its 5th Anniversary in 2010 to commemorate their continued success.

 

 

 

Airport: --- The constitutional affairs delegation representing St. Maarten along with leader of government and commissioner of constitutional affairs William Marlin told reporters on Thursday that the St. Maarten delegation and those of Curacao managed to sign off an agreement with the federal government and Holland, which states that both St. Maarten and Curacao would receive its separate status by October 10, 2010.

Marlin said that one point he felt that St. Maarten would have had to return without an agreement since the negotiations were extremely difficult. Marlin said St. Maarten and Curacao did not get all they wanted in the agreement but with the help and persistence of Denis Richardson, the delegation managed to strike a deal for the agreement. Marlin said Wednesday was indeed another grueling day like the other days when they negotiated each agreement pertaining to country St. Maarten. He said that through hard work and tough negotiations the team was successful in pinning down a date to when the island would become country, that date will be October 10, 2010. He said this is the first agreement where Holland signed off to date when the Netherlands Antilles will cease to exist.

Marlin made clear that having this agreement is not the end of the road since the island and its delegation has a lot of work and discussions, which has to continue.

He said one of the bottlenecks in the discussions is what would happen if St. Maarten and Curacao did not fulfill the requirements when they are to become country. Marlin said after tough discussions parties were able to come to an agreement midway.

Commissioner of finance Xavier Blackman in his address said this is indeed a milestone in this journey towards country status. Blackman said he read a news article from Holland, which stated that the Netherlands Antilles had agreed on a date for their country status, and that Holland went along with the decision. The commissioner said he wants to stress that the agreement signed on Wednesday was a joint agreement and all parties are onboard.

He said from the financial and economic side this agreement is indeed significant since the federal government would have to provide the necessary resources as well as transferring of the responsibilities to St. Maarten. He said in June this year there were two agreements signed where parties pledged to help St. Maarten with the necessary resources. He said with Wednesday’s agreement the other agreements were further strengthened which would allow St. Maarten to get its financial house in order.

Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams and former constitutional affairs commissioner said this agreement has brought St. Maarten closer to obtaining the status the people voted for some nine years ago. Chanting the date 10.10.10 which could have not be possible without the mandate of the people on June 23 2000. She that said during the past nine years a lot of relentless work was done to bring the island where it is today. She said while nine years is a long time, the work that has been accomplished over those years in her opinion doubles the time. She said had their not been passion and conviction towards obtaining country status they would not have been anywhere close to where the island is at this moment. She said that because of the hard work the island has its constitution and consensus Kingdom Laws on which they would be judged.

Wescot Williams said she is calling on the central government to do all they can and to live up to the agreements and commitments. Most of all she is calling on the central government to meet the deadlines and to truly help St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said even though there is an agreement with a date, there still needs to be a vetting and depending on the outcome, it will determine the areas that would fall under the new Kingdom Resolution.

She said St. Maarten continues to make its case for a joint police service and not a fourth police force. The proposal on this matter must be submitted no later than November 1 2009 with the basis on Kingdom Consensus law on police. She said crime-fighting remains a critical proponent and the proposal is the RST protocol will remain in tact for two years after St. Maarten and Curacao achieve its country status and transitions. Also approved on Wednesday is five of the consensus Kingdom Laws and joint regulations. She said after receiving a report on the police, the force is not what it should be and thus she is calling on the central government once more to follow the guidelines in the draft Kingdom regulations that were approved to upgrade this department. She said the vetting with the St. Maarten’s state of readiness is yet to take place, which confirms that St. Maarten is not yet out of the woods and a lot of work is still ahead. She said in the next political steering group meeting St. Maarten should be presented with the draft resolution which would fall under the general resolution. She said the draft Kingdom Resolution must also be ready by November 15 for handling. Wescot Williams also called on all politicians to be involved in the process in a real way. She said these meetings offer the people’s representatives to critically evaluate the proposals placed before them.

In the meantime, team advisor Richard Gibson Sr. said that St. Maarten is free at last now that a date is fixed for country status. Gibson who was the president of referendum committee and former constitutional affairs Minister said he was pleased to see when the parties signed off a document that would bring an end to a fiction and the iron ball that was on the legs of the people of the Netherlands Antilles. He said with Wednesday’s agreement it brings full meaning to his words “free at last.” He said to the unbelievers and those that had doubt about the achievement of county status, they now have documents signed by all parties that stated 10.10.2010. Gibson said St. Maarten should not get carried away since it has been a long haul for many years which include a lot of sacrifices. He said the work really starts now and a transformation and a changing of thinking where the people must say ‘we can do it ourselves”. Gibson who has the mandate to upgrade the justice system said he is confident that St. Maarten would be able to meet the demands of the agreement. He said the RST was supposed to be eliminated but that had to be postponed. He said they added water in the wine by accepting the postponement of the RST.

Also addressing reporters was Denis Richardson the brains behind the agreements said he appreciated the kind remarks directed toward him, but he made clear that there are number of people who worked behind the scenes fighting for St. Maarten’s status. Those persons include island secretary Joan Dovale Meit and Drs. Eugene Holiday. He said despite the hard work done by the team it was the political leaders who had to carry the ball and come to conclusions.

Richardson said the political leaders had to stand tall and give leadership when defending St. Maarten’s interest. He assured that the politicians really worked and has given the team their full support to battle for St. Maarten. He said there were times when the opposing delegation would call for the heads of St. Maarten advisors but at no time, the political leaders fell for it. Richardson also shared the same sentiments by saying now the real work has begun and while St. Maarten was distracted on negotiating its status instead of building country St. Maarten. He said the biggest challenge would be to build this nation.

 

 

POINTE BLANCHE,– Due to a change in the marketing approach by the Port of St. Maarten, the island as a cruise destination will see an increase in cruise passenger numbers for 2010/2011 cruise season with over 1.5 million cruise passengers expected to visit the island.

Commissioner of Harbour Affairs Theo Heyliger had been in discussions with port management with respect to personal direct marketing efforts with cruise line executives and itinerary planners.

This personal strategic marketing move by Commissioner Heyliger and port management has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in cruise numbers for the island as a cruise destination.

Chief Executive Officer of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies (CEO) Mark Mingo says that cruise executives in the current global recession are busy looking at ways and means to increase business and rely mainly on onboard surveys and market feedback when determining which cruise destinations to add to their itineraries.

Mingo added that the recent meetings with cruise executives coined as the ‘personal executive direct approach’ lead by Commissioner Heyliger’s direct marketing approach was necessary in order to provide information about the latest developments with the port where the expansion is concerned and overall activities on the island including infrastructural improvements and future plans.

“The week of October 5 was very successful, not only the results but the approach towards the cruise lines. This personal approach will be done on a regular basis in order to keep the Port of St. Maarten as the premier destination in the Northeastern Caribbean.

“Itinerary planners are very much interested in learning about the latest tours, shopping, and activities for their guests, infrastructural improvements, and future developments and about passenger distribution.

“Handling and distribution of passengers were a key point in the discussions with the lines and they were very pleased to learn about the infrastructural improvements on the island. They were very pleased to learn about the additional tender jetty that has been constructed near Sea Palace hotel,” CEO Mark Mingo explained on Sunday.

The Port of St. Maarten delegation headed by Commissioner Heyliger, also included Cruise Manager NZinga Lake. The trio which included CEO Mark Mingo visited Princess Cruise Lines, Holland America Line’s and Carnival Cruise Lines.

Princess Cruise Lines will increase their calls in 2010 to 50 when compared to 32 in 2009. Fifty calls are also expected from the line in 2011.

Holland America Line (HAL) will increase its number of visits in 2010 to 28 calls and this number will jump to 35 in 2011. For 2009, HAL will make 23 calls.

“Due to having strategic agreements in place, these results in more business for the island, however, we must continue in our efforts to improve services. Our personal direct marketing approach will continue,” Commissioner Theo Heyliger assured due to its success.

Port calls by Carnival Lines in 2009 will be around 95 and this will jump to 112 in 2010, which means that there will be a vessel year-round, and more calls during the off-season, which is very important for the business community on the island especially those in Philipsburg, Commissioner Heyliger added.

Commissioner Heyliger and Mingo also discussed fuel prices with the cruise lines as this is also a factor when determining itineraries. Cruise lines use IFO 380 fuel. Heyliger and Mingo have promised to look into how this issue can be dealt with which would keep St. Maarten as a premier cruise destination at the top.

 

2009 2010 2011 estimate

Princess Cruise Lines 32 50 50

Holland America Lines 23 28 35

Carnival Cruise Lines 95 112 112

Cruise passengers for 2009 projected at 1.220.000

Cruise passengers for 2010 projected at 1.500.000

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Members of the Democratic Party particularly Sarah Wescot Williams said her faction is rather concerned about the increasing crime rate on St. Maarten. As well as the lack of a clear plan or approach from those responsible for crime fighting. She said they does not believe the people of St. Maarten would get a miracle when it comes to fighting crime, however, they believe that the people need to know what are the plans and suggestions for crime fighting.

Some of the things they need to know are if there is any relief forthcoming and are there plans that residents can look forward to in terms of fighting crime. She said it would not be acceptable to hear that they are working on fighting crime. She said they need concrete answers as to what the central government going to do about crime fighting. She said that since the answers are not readily coming forward they would be calling on the Lt. Governor and chief of police react and give the people some answers as to who would come forward with the necessary financing to fight crime.

 

 

Philipsburg:--On Sunday October 11th, the Head of the Central Police Dispatch in Curacao, Inspector Imbro Zwerver, arrived on St Maarten on a working visit. The purpose of his visit, was to have a look at the ongoing pilot-project in St Maarten, about the public surveillance cameras placed in several locations in the Philipsburg area.

These cameras placed in Philipsburg, are being monitored by police officers working in the Central Police Dispatch located at the Police Head Quarters. Based on a report, which has to be written by Inspector Zwerver, it will be determined whether such a project will be effective in the island of Curacao. Inspector Zwerver left for Curacao on Tuesday afternoon after his job was completed.

 

 

Part 1

Marigot/Philipsburg: --- St. Maarten/ St. Martin (Delightfully Dutch, Fantastically French) a phrase used in the to describe the only island that offers its visitors the opportunity to visit one island while enjoying two nations. Unique in size as well as location and most importantly an island that have people that can accommodate the first time traveler.

Constant information reaching SMN News states that the two sides whose inhabitants have been living in harmony and peace for over 350 years and a nation that depends solely on tourism would no longer be working together. Even though both sides entered into a marriage by agreeing they would work and promote the island jointly, it is clear that the marriage is now over and no one wants to begin the divorce process.

Since the Collectivity of St. Martin was established on July 15 2007, reports claimed that the French side of the island refused to continue marketing with the Dutch side in the United States of America. SMN News reported extensively on this matter but at no time officials on any side confirmed the marriage is finally over. Information has been leaked to reporters concerning the situation, which was published in every media outlet.

Last week members of the media and government officials were invited to view the new branding for the Dutch side, a project the tourist office has been working on for months.

The first thing that was visible in the new branding is that the phrase that everyone is used to hearing, reading or seeing has disappeared. That phrase has been silently replaced with words that were, intentionally misspelled using the “AA” which highlights St. MAARTEN, this shows that the Dutch side has no choice but to market their side alone.

The new branding which is very much eye catching, convincing and extremely professional and sure will achieve the goals that it is intended for which is to market the Dutch side of the island and to put heads in beds in the hotels located on that side of the island.

After viewing this branding, it was clear to us reporters, that the information we were receiving regarding joint promotion and cooperation were true.

SMN News an outlet that tells it like it is did some interviews regarding joint marketing and cooperation, which includes the advantages and disadvantages.

 

Louis Constant Fleming

Speaking to this reporter on Friday was Senator Louis Constant Fleming who said that when he took office as president of the Collectivity of St. Marten the issue of Office du Tourisme escaped from him since the tourist office was set up as an association that was getting a subvention from the commune. He said he does not know how the monies were spent because there was never an audit at the Office du Tourisme.

Fleming said he instructed vice president Daniel Gibbs to phase out the association and to implement the EPIC. Fleming said he also made clear to Gibbs that if anyone has to be recruited from overseas he should make sure he did not recruit a young person, instead he should recruit people based on the policies of the Union Pour le Progres which states that foreign recruits should be over their 50’s and must be able to train a local employee.

Fleming said he does not intend to get into politics with anyone but because the guidelines set down by the UPP group were not respected. Fleming said he does not understand why the guidelines were not respected and more over he cannot understand how a vice president or any other elected official can go against the guidelines and principles of the party under which they were elected.

Fleming said at times he questions himself because he wondered if he was not clear enough and probably that was the reason the issues relating to Office du Tourisme got out of hand. Fleming said everyone knows the outcome of and what happened to the former director Yann Claeysen. He said when the EPIC president was elected he also had a talk with her and made clear to her (Ida Zin Ka Ieu) that the French side cannot compete with the Dutch side. Fleming said he also indicated to the EPIC president that the French side has to be humble recognize the accomplishments of the Dutch side over the years earned them credit. Fleming said credit has to be given to the Dutch side for having an international airport, which is the second largest in the Caribbean and mega- cruise facility, which facilitated the embellishment of the Dutch side.

Fleming said he appealed to his elected officials not to compete with the Dutch side instead; they need to work with what they have and in harmony. Fleming said he went as far as supplying the EPIC president with the curriculum vitae belonging to a local that has dual nationality.

Fleming said since then he basically washed his hands with the affairs of the Office du Tourisme. “The only thing I heard recently is that the Office du Tourisme would be launching a campaign in the subways in France. I am not an expert in tourism neither would I pretend to be one but over the years I have lived I have seen tourist destinations and how these places are promoted. I also belief that if St. Martin is going to promote itself in the subway stations then the island would be receiving a number of beggars as visitors.” Fleming said St. Martin is faced with a deplorable situation and the island is rather fortunate that they can benefit from quality airlifts in the Caribbean and the United States. Notwithstanding that St. Martin/ St. Maarten is one of the richest markets in the world with the easiest route. Fleming said he believes that the French side of the island should be promoting the island in the United States and not in the subway stations in France.

 

Taxis Verses Gypsies

 

Presently the COM has placed at the Taxi Stands in Marigot signs that states tourists should use taxis that bear the logos of the Collectivity. This of course has raised eyebrows among taxi drivers from the Dutch side who already stated that the French side is trying to discriminate against them even though 75% of the French taxis are working on the Dutch side of the island. While the intention of the transportation department might be well intended as their objective is to make sure visitors used taxis and not gypsies, specifying that these visitors use a taxi that bears the COM logo was uncalled for. Hopefully, with the meetings that are being held between the two sides the signboards can be corrected.

 

Bernadette Davis

SMN News also interviewed the former director of the tourist office and the brainchild of joint cooperation Bernadette Davis. Davis’s first words to us when we asked about joint promotion said she was one of the architects of joint promotions.

Davis said she could still remember the day the joint marketing was launched and felt it was the best thing for the island and the reporters that are covering tourism.

She said should the two sides stop working together then they would have to be very creative and must communicate more. Even though not wanting to cast judgment on those now managing the tourist office. She said during her time they began the marketing from the inception but does not know if the tourist office is to a stage where it can move to another level. Davis said in the beginning the French side was doing their marketing in the Office of Tourism of the French West Indies. The former director said when she took office years ago they did not have any marketing in the USA and being in the office of the French West Indies did not benefit the island. “Immediately I saw St. Martin was losing a major clientele since they were marketing the Guadeloupe and Martinique category.” St. Martin was missing the clientele that was going to St. Thomas and the British islands. She said that was St. Martin’s clientele because St. Martin speaks English and it was one that would facilitate the first time traveler, making them at home away from home.

Davis further explained that the travelers that go to Guadeloupe and Martinique are second time travelers or those that are more refined. “Those are travelers that are not afraid to buy a dictionary and go on a trip.” Davis said that St. Martin could easily attract the first time travelers because they would not get a culture shock instead they were going to get the fantastic French experience with people who are speaking their language. She insisted that the first time traveler could go to France in the Caribbean depending on how it is presented. Davis said when she recognized the needed the French side managed to get a representative in the US market and they were branded as the French in the Caribbean.

Davis who clearly did not forget the process said after that the French side merged with the Dutch side and began the doubling marketing strategy. She made clear that the French always had the smallest budget and on many occasion they were benefitting from the joint marketing. Davis further insisted that when the two sides were marketing together each side had to vigilante. She said the French must and should be communicating with the Dutch side since they practically do not have another choice. She felt if the French side is planning to take another direction it should be one that complements the joint marketing.

Davis concluded by saying that since she left the Office du Tourisme the situation is no longer the same. She said the EPIC is now taking shape and hopefully those managing tourism would realize the objective, which is to put heads in beds on either side.

 

 

GREAT BAY: --- – Governor Franklyn Richards wishes the St. Maarten Indian community a most happy and enjoyable Diwali. Diwali celebrations kicked off on Saturday, October 16 and are celebrated for five consecutive days.

Diwali is a very important festival for the Indian Hindu community. Also known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ it is a time of year when families, friends and communities come together in a spirit of celebration and joy. It is intended to embrace and welcome everyone and of all races and cultures.

“We are a nation of many nationalities. Diwali festivities are something to be shared by all. Let this festival and future ones draw us more closely together.

“At the same time, let us reflect on what we have achieved so far for the year and to look towards the future with renewed hope. The global community of nations has gone through a period of economic crisis, which has also made its impact on our island nation.

“Let the celebration of Diwali spread hope and togetherness and may it be a good source for all,” Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS).

Diwali is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals of India. Diwali commemorates the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness. It reminds us that love, concern and respect for others is the way to a brighter day.

The day is marked by prayers, feasts and the lighting of thousands of diyas (small clay pots filled with oil in which a wick is immersed and lit) all over.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Two federal detectives arrived on the island on Wednesday to commence an investigation on the police management team. SMN News has been reliably informed that the officers would also be investigating to see if Detective Carlton Philips is guilty of any crime and if in fact, he destroyed valuable evidence while working at the Criminal Investigation Department.

The source said the management of KPSSS is also planning to use its internal affairs department to sanction Philips because he wrote an open letter to the media highlighting certain irregularities within the police management team.

Philips in his letter some weeks ago said that members of the police management were guilty of enriching themselves. He further stated that several officers and administrative staff of KPSSS are being victimized by the team. The officer also called on the public prosecutor, and chief of police to conduct an investigation to clear his name since the current assistant chief of police has accused him of destroying documents while working as acting head of CID some seven years ago. The officer also claimed that because he solved a double homicide that had involved the son of a former colleague he was victimized, demoted, and lied upon.

Philips also asked the authorities to investigate the finances of the police management, as well as to investigate the procedures used to appoint the current head of CID.

On Tuesday, Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba told reporters an inquiry is presently taking place to see if an investigation is warranted. Pressed as to who would be conducting this investigation the Minister said the investigation would have followed the normal channels.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Members of the National Alliance met with former island council lady Gracita Arrindell on Monday as they try to negotiate what position the National Alliance would give Arrindell should she merge the People Progressive Party with the National Alliance.

Arrindell held meetings with Independent Island Council man Theo Heyliger who plans to launch the Green Party for country election. SMN News understands that the new kid on the block would not be contesting the January parliamentary elections and the meetings with Arrindell did not bear fruit.

Sources say Arrindell has also met with the Democratic Party and that she has a deal with them. Asked about that at the DP press conference leader of the party Sarah Wescot Williams did not indicate if a deal was reached with Arrindell. However, she confirmed they have been speaking with a number of persons within the community.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- The National Alliance/ Heyliger and Laveist Government have appointed Kendall Dupersoy and Reza Amjad to the supervisory board of TELEM. Both Amjad and Dupersoy were appointed some two weeks ago. Newspaper reports stated that the board has appointed the elder Amjad to the board of TELEM, which caused some confusion since several prominent St. Maarteners, said they are not in favor of the appointment made by the NA/Heyliger and Laveist Government.

Some said the only reason the National Alliance has appointed Amjad to the board is because the elder Amjad supports the National Alliance financially.

Reza Amjad holds a degree in communication and is willing to serve St. Maarten. He also manages his own company on the French side of the island.

Dupersoy on the other hand was an employee of TELEM and has served the company for three years some eight years ago. He is currently working at the Princess Juliana International Airport.

Sources say that certain politicians are using reporters to publish false information since Imran Macsood Amjad has no interest in holding any positions in government and he could have been reached by phone if the reporter who wrote the story was interested in clarifying their facts.

In an invited comment, Leader of Government William Marlin said Amjad was appointed to the board of TELEM.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- The traffic department is busy investigating an accident where a 9-year-old child was struck down by a private car as she attempted to cross the road. The child who is currently nursing a fractured leg, came off a school bus and was crossing the road when the incident occurred on Wednesday midday.

Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the driver of the private car told police that he overtook a bus when he noticed no one was crossing the road. The right front fender of the car hit the child causing her fracture her lower leg. She was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment while the traffic department is investigating.

 

 

 

Marigot:--- Several businesspersons within the community are now asking questions as to the purpose of the trip that was made to Monaco. According to information, reaching SMN News, first Vice President Daniel Gibbs along with the Director of the Port Alberic Ellis went to Monaco and no one knows exactly the purpose of the trip.

They said to date no official report was not made and what were the accomplishments of the trip? SMN News also learnt that Gibbs and Ellis went to a boat show, and the expenses were paid for by the St. Martin Ports Services. It is also said the first vice president went to research another business venture that may be profitable to St. Martin.

Most importantly, the business people said they were on board an Air France Flight, which had at least three elected officials, namely Daniel Gibbs, Annette Philips, and Ida Zin-ka Ieu who were all travelling in first class while Alberic Ellis and the business people were all sitting in coach. “one has to wonder how serious are these people since the COM has no monies to pay its bills and the elected is travelling first class with tickets that cost three times more than a ticket in economic class.”

 

It is understood that Zin ka- Ieu was returning from the Top Resa with Phillips, while Gibbs and Ellis were returning from Monaco.

The business people said they have read several newspaper reports, which stated that the Collectivity is in financial predicament, and yet the elected officials are travelling first class.

SMN News learnt that the COM just recently made a request to the State to borrow some 20 million Euros so that they can meet their daily expenses. It is said the COM managed to borrow enough monies to pay the 700+ employees up until the end of the year and there is no guarantee they would get monies to take them through the early months of 2010.

Several questions are also being posed on the Euros 40,000 that was spent in Europe to make a new logo for the Office du Tourisme. The business people wants to know what would the new logo do for the economic crisis facing the French side of the island and if the President of the EPIC could not find someone locally to make this logo for less money if it is so needed. The business people are also asking what is Zin- Ka Ieu priorities, they said they want to know what kind of marketing is done for St. Martin and if the French is going to continue to keep their focus in Europe or if they would enhance their promotions in the US. One businessman said he understood the French side tourist office is not working with the Dutch side. It is said the two offices are at odds since the French side refuse to continue its marketing efforts with the Dutch side.

SMN News also understands that Zin Ka Ieu is already having problems with her new director Corine Picaut. It is said the president is now trying to see if she can dissolve the contract she gave to Picaut. It said Zin ka Ieu believes that the director might be a good person to advertise the island but lacks other managerial skills.

SMN News also learnt that the Union Pour Progres met where they decided they would change the organic law, which would give the President more power while reducing the power of the vice presidents. It is said the leader of the Union Pour le Progres wants the president to decide what portfolios each vice president holds and not the executive council.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Members of the Democratic Party faction raised a number of questions pertaining to GEBE. Leader of the Democratic Party and Island Council lady Sarah Wescot Williams said her faction has taken note of the newspaper reports which stated the company was under investigation. Wescot Williams said she is also concerned with the high prices consumers have to pay for utilities and felt that the island government should address the issue. She said pertaining to the investigation some information has surfaced but it is worrisome on the way the island government is dealing with the matter. Wescot Williams said it seems as if government is throwing up its hands in the sphere and this is not the way to go.

She said already her faction has requested a central committee meeting to deal with issues pertaining to TELEM and the DP faction believes the chairman of the central committee should also call a meeting to discuss the issues surrounding GEBE; if not her faction would have no other choice but to call an island council meeting where the issues would have to be dealt with on the floor of the island council.

Wescot Williams said based on the indications they have gotten the island government has to made some serious decisions when it comes to TELEM. However, the DP is currently reviewing the responses they received and would soon decide on their follow up action for all government owned companies.

Wescot Williams said they are looking at having the supervisory board of GEBE as well as the management team of GEBE at a central committee meeting. She said that answers has to be provided by someone and it is unacceptable for government to throw up their hands and say they don’t know what is going on in the GEBE. Wescot Williams said for government to say St. Maarten cannot take any decision on their own regarding GEBE because Saba and Statia are also involved in the company is not a plausible excuse for the people of St. Maarten.

Another concern for the island council lady is the constant outages that residents of St. Maarten are called to endure, all of which they are expecting to answers from those responsible.

Island Councilman and former commissioner in charge of GEBE in his statements said he has been monitoring the amount residents have to pay on the fuel clause. Marlin said under his watch which was 2004 the fuel clause had risen to high level of 32 cents, which was eventually reduced to 22 cents. Marlin said the same thing happened in January 2006 where the fuel clause began rising and a relief was also given which brought it from 26 cents to 21 cents. He said each time the fuel clause rose they brought it back to an acceptable level so that the community doesn’t feel the brunt of the high fuel bill.

Marlin said in 2007 the managing director reversed the relief unknowing to him and the supervisory board which was also reduced when it was discovered, Marlin said based on the information and figures he provided showed that when he was chairman of the GEBE board and commissioner of energy he was keeping a close eye on what was happening to the consumers. Marlin said that he believes that government can take action and one of those actions is to implement measures where the board of GEBE has to go to the executive council before increases can be made. He said even though legal advice may have to be sought on this he believes government should set this as one of their high priorities and implement this measure so that the residents can get some relief. He said that each month consumers are confronted with an increase of Naf 35 to Naf 50 monthly and this is not workable for those earning minimum wage. Government he said should use its price control regulations, which they use for gasoline, bread, and other items can be used to control the prices of electricity.

 

 

Marigot:--- An immigration officer from the Police Aux Frontiers (PAF) who was pursuing a Haitian Immigrant during one of their controls is now nursing a double broken jaw bone, the loss of four teeth, and other injuries to his face and body after the immigrant physically attacked the officer when he caught up with him. Even though the attacker has been identified, he managed to escape the long arms of the law. A manhunt is currently underway to find the culprit who attacked the immigration officer.

Prefet Jacques Simonnet has called on both sides of the island to renew their efforts to tackle the influx of illegal immigrants to the islands. Simonnet said he believed the attack was intentional.

Giving details to the event was commandant of the Police Aux Frontiers Philippe Vimbelle who said the officers were conducting controls at construction site on a private property in La Savane on Tuesday when the incident occurred. Vimbelle said four Haitian workers who were working at the construction site attempted to escape. He said one of the workers picked up a rock and threw it in the face of the officer causing serious injuries. The officer he said has been hospitalized and is currently on sick leave.

According to information gathered the four Haitians originated from the Dutch side of the island and was working on the site illegally.

Simonnet said the real criminals are the ones who employ these illegal immigrants but felt more cooperation is needed to rid the island of the illegal workers.

 

 

Little Bonaire (Klein Bonaire) : --- Authorities in Bonaire are investigating the circumstances of why a small aircraft fell in the vicinity of Little Bonaire. According to information, reaching SMN News a small aircraft fell in Bonaire sometime after 9 pm on Tuesday night. Officer Junior Lopez in an interview with SMN News said police received several phone calls from residents who said they saw a fireball and heard a loud noise in the area. Lopez said when they received the information they immediately requested help from the coast guard. Lopez said authorities reached the scene about 10:20 pm and they managed to recover a dead body. Lopez further explained they were told that someone was screaming in the area and they continued the search, which revealed two bales of cocaine. The search he said continued on Wednesday morning and police along with the coast guard found another body and 12 other larges packages of cocaine. Lopez said that so far police recovered some 14 packages of cocaine weighing 410 Kilos; police also recovered a very small part of the aircraft.

The officer said that so far police has no clue as to where the aircraft was coming from; neither do they know where it was heading. Police is yet to identify the two bodies that were found.

According to Lopez the investigation is continuing.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Police were called to a home in Belvedere on October 10 to calm down a situation, which this media house understands was getting out of hand.

Information reaching SMN News states that a politician was caught by his wife in the home of his lover. The source said the man’s wife came in from Curacao and went to the Belvedere home where she caught her husband in his underpants. SMN News understands that the politician’s lover is from Suriname and runs a well-established organization on the island.

It is further understood the angry wife entered the home and damaged a number of household items including her husband’s car. Asked for a comment on the family feud Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed the incident, however, the parties involved has decided to handle the matter privately.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Police raided the home of Hans Phfenings as well as his Trust Company on Wednesday. Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed the search. He said documents were seized since there are suspicions of money laundering and the forging of documents.

Mud said the documents that were seized are being studied at the moment.

No further details on the case have been forthcoming.

SMN News will bring you more information when it becomes available.